Embracing Culture

If you want change in our communities, it's imperative that we start with the young people. Many of our viewpoints and negative feelings originated from our childhood. If we encourage positive culturally awareness in the children, I'm convinced that our world will be a better place.

This story about a black woman named Teresa Tracy teaching a historically black art form to kids in Loudoun County is the change that will only make our communities better. For those of you that may not know, Loudoun County is a rural county in the state of Virginia. The county is made up of about 96% white and 4% minorities. You certainly feel DIFFERENT when you drive through or live in Loudoun County.

Not only is Teresa Tracy teaching this middle and high school kids the arts of "steppin", but she also is teaching courses on historic black events and people.

Good job Teresa!

Read the article for yourself: STEPPING

Keeping Things In Perspective

Just like everyone, I have been upset by the continually rise in gasoline prices. I have began to plot how I was going to walk to the store, use public transportation, or implement other cost-cutting moves. After reading today's Washington Post article on gas prices in Europe, I come to realize that maybe, just maybe, I'm overreacting.

London's average gas price is $6.62 per gallon. $6.62 per gallon! I don't think you heard me, $6.62 per gallon. That's double the amount that we pay in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Let me break it down for you! If it takes $55 to fill up your Lexus, Acura, Ford, Chevrolet, or Toyota in DC, it will take you around $110 to fill it up in London or other European countries. The way gas prices are now, I can at least splurge once and awhile at Macy's or some other shopping outlet. IF I HAD TO PAY $110 EVERY TIME I FILLED UP MY GAS TANK, I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO SHOP AT GOODWILL.

Read this interesting article yourself by clicking on the attached link: GAS PRICES

Written by COWBOY4EVER

NYourWill Gospel Music Reviews

Hello! Below I have listed some of the hottests gospel CDs out at this time. Keep in mind that this is based on my OPINION. I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to gospel music. Check it out:

1. Victory (Single) - Tye Tribbett & GA (This song is only available as a single at this moment. Tye Tribbett's new CD will be available on May 23, 2006.)

2. An Invitation to Worship - Bryon Cage (This CD features the hit "I Will Bless the Lord" which was written and originally recorded by Washington DC's own Isaiah Thomas. Another song to look out for is "We Love You" which features J. Moss. Overall, you should really enjoy this CD).

3. Hero - Kirk Franklin (What more can I say? I think this one of Kirk's most powerful CD's to date. It apparent that God has a assignment TAILORED-MADE for Kirk. From the powerful track entitled "Let It Go" to "Imagine Me." Kirk is touching subjects that many churches attempted to steer away from. From the collaboration with Stevie Wonder on the track entitled "Why" to the new musical anthem "Looking For You," Kirk is spreading God's message within and beyond the 4 walls of the church.

4. More - Mary Alessi (My vanilla sister is giving God true praise & worship with this musical offering. The title cut reminds us all that we should continue to "thirst" for God's presence in our lives. This CD features Israel Houghton. Mary sings a few of with Israel and New Breed. Overall, this project is worth buying.)

5. Faith - Da' T.R.U.T.H (This brother delivers the good news of Christ with effortless hip-hop flow. Unlike some other Christian hip-hop artists, Da T.R.U.T.H can flow with any of top secular artists. Don't get it twisted though, this brother loves Christ. It's evident from the lyrics of his songs.

6. Mary Mary - Mary Mary (Talk about "party with a purpose." These ladies are going to party until they get to "Heaven", as their hit song states. This CD is one of my favorites. Another powerful track is called "Yesterday." This song encourages the listeners to leave those hurts and problems behind and PRESS TOWARD THE MARK. Mary Mary is currently on tour with Kirk Franklin and Da' Truth. Be sure to buy your tickets when it comes to your city.)

Keep checking back weekly for more hot reviews on some of the hottest gospel CDs currently available.

Written by COWBOY4EVER

Interesting Concept with Powerful Results

Marc Fisher of the Washington Post wrote an article about a DC charter school called Youthbuild. This school pays the students to attend classes regularly. Though that may sound weird, I encourage you to read the article. Let me know what you think.

Click on attached link: Youthbuild

Written by COWBOY4EVER

Catholic Priest Draws Fire For Speaking Out

Today's Washington Post featured an article about a Catholic priest who revealed that he was sexually abused when he was young. He recently told his story about the abuse. The leaders of the Catholic church immediately took his credentials from him. Also, the Washington Hospital Center fired him.

This article further proves that the Catholic church stills wants to keep their sexual abuse problems quiet. They are giving millions of dollars to victims in exchange for silence.

The fact that this priest was fired further gives credence to those victims that are fearful of telling their story. Sadly, many victims are PUNISHED for coming out (rather than the abuser themselves).

Truth be told, the Catholic church is probably not the only organization having these issues. I'm sure there are many white and black Christian churches that have the same problem. Hopefully, those abusers will be exposed at some point.

Click on the attached article: "Catholic Priest Draws Fire For Speaking Out"

Written by COWBOY4EVER

12 Year Old Charged in Deaths

This is sad! I don't know what drove this young child to committ this crimes, but it's apparent he's a trouble young man. I can't even write anything more on this subject. Read it for yourself.

12 Year old Charged

COWBOY4EVER

Church Double Parking

Okay! The DC government issued memorandums to all the churches located in Washington DC that informed them about the new parking restrictions that will take place beginning this spring.

The government has been allowing the District of Columbia churchgoers to double park for years, but now they want to change their policy.

The local clergy have assembled to protest this new policy on the basis that it's infringes on their right to worship freely.

GIVE ME A BREAK!

The District of Columbia public schools have been below standard for years. Many of the schools are falling apart. The homicide rate in the District is horrible. Many of our area residents are fighting a war that makes no sense. But these clergy members feel it's better to hold a protest march and demostration because of PARKING? Lawd!!!!!!!

In terms of the parking, let me say if I was a resident of these neighborhoods where the church members double park or block the residents in, I WOULD BE UPSET ALSO. There is plenty of parking on DC streets. This all boils down to many of the church members are too lazy to walk their behind a few blocks. They want to double park so they can have a shorter walk. Now the other churches in DC have to suffer (parking).

In terms of the protesting and demostrations, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. Where are you when tile fall from the ceiling in Eastern High School? Where are you when there's a double shooting in SE? Where are you when their are demostrations for the fabricated WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION? Give me a break. I'm not going to call out the churches that are causing these problems, but you know who you are.

DEMOSTRATIONS OVER PARKING? PLEASE!

Clergy Demostration Article

COWBOY4EVER

Learning On Their Own Terms

What is this about? This is a must read.

Between Rollerblade aerials and rail slides, Justin Reed described how he landed at a school that lets him do whatever he wants all day long.
He burned out on high-powered Eleanor Roosevelt High School in his home town of Greenbelt. Lost interest in the college track. Despised cafeteria food. By 11th grade, he was ready to drop out.

"I just really hated school, and Roosevelt brought that out of me," the 19-year-old said one spring afternoon next to an iron handrail that doubled as a launching slope. "Being told what to do and what to learn. Having to do homework. Grades. Grade levels. Everything that this school stands against."
Justin will graduate in June from the highly unconventional Fairhaven School with a diploma that may require explanation to a college or future boss. He took no tests in his three years at the private school, received no grades and had no course requirements. But he played electric guitar, read and wrote poetry, made friends and got the last laugh on lunch. "No more tater tots!" he said.

Read the rest of this article: Learning On Their Own Terms

KIRK FRANKLIN'S HERO TOUR

Being strong and not letting people break me down, you won't get that joy this time around. Can you imagine me?

In a world, in a world nobody has to live afraid, because of your love, it's gone away, can you imagine me.

Letting go of my past and glad I have another chance and not hard to dance cause I don't have to read that page again.

Imagine me, being free, trusting you totally, finally I can.. Imagine me. I admit it was hard to see.. You being in love with someone like me... Finally, I can.... Imagine Me. (Words from Kirk Franklin's song called "Imagine Me")

Last night I had the privilege of attending Kirk Franklin's Hero concert. I must tell you, it was DA BOMB (I know that's an old saying - LOL). It was worth the cost of admission.

The show opened up with Christian hip-hop/poet Da' Truth. This brother broke down God's word (as he sees it) like no other. If you don't have his CD, please purchase it. Instead of buying 50, Dem Franchize Boyz, and others for our kids, expose them to a Christian brother that can really flow.

Mary Mary bought down the house with their "Praize Party" style. It was apparent that Mary Mary has become a crowd favorite. They sang the hits like, "In The Morning", "Shackles", and "Heaven", but it was the songs like "Yesterday" and James Cleveland's classic "I Just Can't Give Up Now" that brought the house down.

Finally, there was Kirk. What can I say? The boy is BADDD!

From hits like "Brighter Day", "He Reigns", "Now Behold The Lamb", "Silver and Gold", "Hosanna", and "Couldve' Been Me." The audience was on their feet the entire performance. The show went to a whole new level when Kirk ministered the song entitled, "Let It Go." This song encourages the listener to "Let Go" of the past hurts, issues, and unforgiveness because it holds you prisoner. Some of the lyrics are:

Jesus please, on my knees can’t You hear me crying
You said to put it in Your hands and Lord I’m really trying
You wasn’t lying when You said You reap what you sow
Like that night momma died, it’s hard to let it go
You adopted me, cared for me, changed my name
But I cursed at you, lied to you and left you pain
It’s not strange I can still see it in my head
To know for hours you were lying there in that bed

If you’re listening to this record
If it’s day or night
If your momma is still living treat your momma right
Don’t be like me and let that moment slip away
And be careful ‘cause you can’t take back what you say
To my real momma if you’re listening I’m letting it go
To my father, I forgive you, ‘cause you didn’t know that the pain was the preparation for my destiny
And one more thing Lord let my son be a better man than me

Whew! Many of these past problems create future self-esteem issues. This is when Kirk (and em') ministered the song entitled, "Imagine Me." This song encourages the listener to TRUST God totally because people can bring your self-esteem down.

Kirk brought Jamaal Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, on stage to exhort the crowd in praise. There was jumping and shouting throughout the building.

Kirk closed the show with the new classic "Looking 4 U."

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. Please purchase these artists music.

COWBOY4EVER

Web Site Led Killer to Sex Offenders

Okay, I'm a little torn on this issue. I feel that no one deserves to die at the hands of another human being. The person that committed these crimes was wrong. Now the mental (something probably happened to him to go on this type of crime spree) lapse of this man is about to prevent the general public from identifying the molestors and rapists that live in our communities. This type of incident was all the lawyers (for these type of criminals) needed to overturn this wonderful tool. I think it's important to know who lurks in your neighborhood.

Officials: Web Site Led Killer to Sex Offenders
CORINTH, Maine -- A man who fatally shot two sex offenders in Maine got their names from the state's online sex offender registry, authorities said Monday, renewing fears that such lists expose ex-convicts to vigilante violence.

The gunman, Stephen A. Marshall, a 20-year-old from Canada, committed suicide Sunday night in Boston after being cornered aboard a bus by police.

Joseph Gray, 57, of Milo, and William Elliott, 24, of Corinth, were among 34 names Marshall had looked up on the state Web site, said Stephen McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety. Investigators said they discovered that he visited the Web site because he typed in his name to receive extra information online, including street addresses.

Campaigning From The Pulpit.......

Government officials would rather for us to keep silent (unless we are voting for them), but it's time for the CHURCH to make a political statement. During the Civil Rights movement, Dr. King and others used the church as their headquarters and meeting place. Many of the leaders of the protest and marchers were pastors, ministers and revenrends. Unfortunately, we live in a day when many of the popular pastors only care about speaking to the people within their church. IT'S TIME TO STAND UP AND CHANGE. Don't just assemble the people for a "feel good" summer convention. Use that time to for voter registration. Allow some of the political leaders a opportunity to explain their platform.

I have a great conference idea. Let's call it the "VOTER-FEST." Signing up to vote in the upcoming elections will pay for your registration to the religious conference. NO MONEY.... JUST FILL OUT THE VOTER REGISTRATION CARD.

Crazy me! What am I thinking? That would never work. HMMMMM???????

CAMPAIGNING FROM THE PULPIT

Written by COWBOY4EVER

Montgomery County Schools .vs. Everyone Else....

What? How can it be? Today's Washington Post revealed that one of the richest school systems in Maryland will receive an additional $20 million (or more) annually at the expense of other Maryland school systems (i.e. Prince George's and Baltimore County). While Montgomery County will receive this newfound federal funding, Prince George's County school system will LOSE $20 million annually. Yes, that's the same Prince Georges school system that still are using the same books from my years in the system (a little while ago).

Where are you at "Seven On Your Side?" Where are you at Fox 5 News? Where are you at WUSA 9 in HD?

Are you being selective on what you report? If it was a shooting at the school, you would be all over the place. This is a crime that you should be covering. Maybe it's because most of the local news anchors and employees probably live in Montgomery County themselves.

This robbery should be HEADLINE news but once again Prince Georges County school system (just like the DC school system), continues to get the short end of the stick.

Send this article to everyone you know:

Montgomery County School System Robbery

The Back In The Day Bug. Sickness or Normal Day Medication

It's been a long time, I shouldn't left you, without a dope rhymn step to....

Have you ever had one of those days when old songs lyrics stayed in your head. You could be doing work on the job but your mind would shift to.......

Excuse me Doug E. Fresh! Yes! Have you ever seen a show with fellas on the mike with 1 minute rhymns that don't come out right........

LOL! It can happen anywhere. On the elevator.....

Well it's POPCORN LOVE and that's more than love to me. POPCORN LOVE, just wait, they will see...........

In the conference room during a meeting.....

Ev'rrrrr morning, about a quarter to four.... SARDINES. The people are asking for more, SARDINES. I asked my mother oh what should I do, SARDINES. (You know the rest - LOL).

On your way to the cafertia for lunch.....

Look at those rumors, around me everyday. I just need some time, some time to get away. From all those rumors, I can't take it no more.........

Walking past all the post-9/11 security guards in the office buildings....

Jack ran in and Joe ran out. Brother Moe, he began to shout...RUN JOE..RUN JOE...The police man is at the door. RUN JOE........

So if you are singing these type of songs throughout the course of your workday, it's safe to say that you have the "BACK IN THE DAY BUG."

FRIENDS......HOW MANY OF US HAVE THEM....FRIENDS....ONE'S WE CAN DEPEND ON...

Written by COWBOY4EVER

Three Police Officers Indicted In Videotaped Beating

We all can remember the vivid images of the elder black man being beaten by New Orleans police officers a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina. Even though the videotape showed the vicious beating, the police officers maintained their innoence. Well, a jury of your peers didn't believe you. On March 29th, the officers were charged with battery and other offenses. Also, two of the officers were fired. One was suspended but is now back on the force.

Even though these FORMER officers have not been convicted yet, it feels good to know that this incident wasn't swept under the rug.

INDICTMENT ARTICLE

Written by COWBOY4EVER

The Power of Prayer

Yesterday, the Washington Post reported on a study completed by Harvard Medical School that was published in the American Heart Journal. The researchers of this study set out to prove that praying for people to recover from illness is INEFFECTIVE. The study of more than 1,800 heart-bypass patients supposely found that those who had people praying for them had as many complications as those who did not.

What the researchers failed to study was the relationship, that those who were praying, had with Jesus Christ. I can go to anyone and tell them the right thing to do, but if I don't have a relationship with them, my words will be useless. Once I develop that relationship with that person, they will LISTEN to my words.

Also, the authors of this study apparently fail to understand the POWER OF MY OMNIPOTENT GOD. I could provide numerous testimonials of God's healing hand, including my own personal testimony.

I mentioned in one of my previous post that there is an attack on the Christian lifestyle. This article is just another illustration of my point.

Please click on the attached link for the full story in the Washington Post.

Written by COWBOY4EVER

PRAYER DOESN'T AID RECOVERY