THE CONSORTIUM of GENTLEMEN FARMERS

The Tweed Suit

2009-10-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

It would seem that I get the jump on things rather late. I've been wanting a tweed suit such as the one in the photo by Ralph Lauren for sometime. However, I can't seem to find one in my area. Last year I visited the local bespoke and asked about tweeds, which they had none.

Today I visited Walker Brothers, who have expanded beyond belief, and asked again about tweeds and there is hope. My contact is getting in touch with one of their vendors, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm not like others in the blog world who are big on MTM, but in the case I'm willing to make the sacrifice.

Photo's courtesy of Shop Housing Works.

My Father's Day Gift / A Discovery Flight?

2009-07-25T07:57:00.001-07:00

OK, if you've never done this, you have to try it at least once.

For father's day my wife got me the coolest gift. She got me a Discovery flight at the local flight school.

I had been telling her that I wanted to learn to fly helicopters for sometime. I'm almost middle aged, and I guess I'm going through my crises. Some men look for that younger woman, some a Porsche, me I want to buy aircraft go figure.

Before you can fly, you have to take a tutorial on the basic components of the aircraft. They had a sports plane that you can take up, but that wasn't really my speed. After taking the tutorial, it was off to the aircraft. Mine was a Cessna 172SP.

Here, my instructor and I are going over a few more basics before we kick the props. He is showing me the where the breaks are, no really that wasn't a joke, he is showing me where the breaks are. The funny thing is, when just looking at a photo of the gages, and wheel of an aircraft one would think that it would be like driving a car, boy was I wrong. While on the ground, you move the aircraft with your feet. And I have to tell you, it was a task to keep it on that little line on the runway.

Me, talking to the tower. I'm letting them know that I am new at this, and they need to be patient. No, I was doing my preflight check with the tower. When doing this, you are checking the traffic on the tarmac, and the air, and you are also checking the Echo, or weather. Why they call it Echo, I do not know. I was new, so all other flight were able to go before me, I wonder why.

OK, now I'm ready, or was I. Yes there is a smile on my face, but I'm asking myself, "what in the hell are you doing here?"

I'm now ready to taxi to the runway. Here, and you can't see it, but I am all over the place on the runway. My wife said that she didn't notice the plain swaying back and forth on the runway, but she wasn't in the cockpit either. You also can't see the yellow and black line either, but you want to keep the nose of the plane in the middle of the line. This is done so that you don't run into any of the lights or other planes that may be on the runway. Yeah, I failed that one. I didn't hit anything, but I didn't keep her steady either.

Yes, I actually made it back, and walked away from it alive. My instructor said that I did a great job. Well of course he did, I'm paying him.

OK, things we couldn't get pictures of.. We made it to the runway, and were ready for take off. The tower gave us the go ahead, so we rived up the engine, and off we went. Now remember you steer with your feet while on the ground. I no longer have to keep her straight, she's on her way. The instructor tells me to start pulling back on the wheeling. I pull, and I start to see the ground getting smaller, and smaller. The long gray runway soon looks like a abstract painting as we pick up more and more speed. And with in seconds we are off the ground completely.

My feet are still on the controls, and my wife tells me that it looked as though the plane was a teador toter. Reason being, is because I was concentrating so much on keep it straight on the ground, that I didn't remember my training and forgot that once in the air, you take over with the wheel. Each peddle controls the wings pitch. The instructor tells me that we will level her out at 500K feet. I'm watching the computer screen, and its climbing, and climbing, we hit it. Roll the trim wheel, and now its all on me.

Oh, and lets not forget that it was windy day. We hit some turbulence and I have to be honest with you, it scared the shit out of me. But once we were in the air, I was fine. I tried to pick a spot to concentrate on to keep my wings level. I found a cloud and used it as a reference point. Once that was complete, We changed up our mixture. Unlike in a car where you have a gas peddle. The plane had two knobs on the dash if you will. One black, and one red. The black knob was to give you speed or acceleration. The red is your fuel mixture. While we were on the tarmac we had the red knob pulled as far out as possible. Once we were in the air the red knob was pushed back in 3 quarters. We still needed fuel, but not as much as we did on the ground as the air and props did much of the work.

So we are now level per our instruments, and looking out the left and right of the plane we could see the same amount of space between our wings. Now to start making turns.

Again, this is harder then it looks. When making a turn in a car, it's automatic or immediate. When doing so in a plane there is a lag time of a few seconds. I had a problem with this, because I would pick a new focal point, and make my turn. The nose would not go in that direction, so I would turn again. This was an over compensation, and my spot would be far to the left or right.

After a few turns, we decided to pick reference points on the ground to know where we were. We also looked at out instruments to gage our speed, and location. Funny thing is, I live about an hour away from the airport, and I was over the lake which is about 15 minutes from our farm.

Now it is time to land... I'm now feeling queasy because my instructor as just advised me that I would be the one landing. We call the tower, the tower ask if we have checked our Echo again, we had. We are told to reduce speed, and change our heading as there was traffic. I didn't see anyone. Again, we are like an hour away in my mind. We push in the black knob a bit to slow the props. What seemed like 5 minutes went by and I could see the highway which is about a mile from the airport out my left window. I look back to the nose, and see a small white dot shoot past, it was the other traffic on its approach. I then look out the left window again, and can see the airport. We are coming up fast, and I'm told to pull back on the black knob for speed. I pull her back, and pull back on the red knob. The airport is getting closer, and closer with each second. The instructor tells me that I want to bring the runway parallel to my left window and make the turn left. She at my left now, and I make the turn once; I learned my lesson with the turns. I then drop my flaps, and push the black knob in a bit to bring down the speed of the props. The ground looks as though I'm going to slam right into it. I push the wheel forward slightly, and a little more, a little more. I feel the front of the plane touch down, I'm in there. I take my hands of the wheel, and apply breaks, and back to the peddles; left, right, left, right. Then I park it, and we tie her down. My first flight is over.

Well thank you honey, it was fun. And I plan to take the lessons to get my licence.

Syd's Lessons

2009-07-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

We have been very pleased with the Couch Ranch here in Summer's, AR. This is not just some trail ride. Sydney has learned so far the tools used in grooming, and the fundamentals of grooming. She has even been given homework, which she seems to enjoy; she has to remind me to go over it with her sometimes.

Not only has she learned the fundamentals of grooming, but she is also being taught the anatomy of the horse. In the photo to the right, she is explaining each section of the horses anatomy as she brushes.

Here she is working on her lunges before her first ride. Sad thing is, we didn't expect the horse to be as dirty as he was, and while grooming before her ride, she got dust in her eyes. This didn't make for a good first lesson, and I was sure she would want to give up. I was wrong, she was a trooper and not only finished the lesson, but couldn't wait for her next lesson. We learned or lesson, and purchased her some goggles for when she grooms, which seemed to have helped.

It's not as though Sydney has not been around horses, however I am surprised at how well she handles them. See is very confident when it comes to the dealing with the different tack, the arena, and the horse its self. Here she is walking with Carrie; her trainer, for the first time.

OK, OK, so the photo's are out of order. The photo below is of Sydney tacking the horse for the ride. Again I was surprised that she got right in there, and did what she had to do.

I'm proud to announce that Sydney has moved on from the smaller arena for beginners to the O course. We've not settled on a discipline at this time, but she seems to think that she wants to run poles, or barrels. Sydney has had only four lessons at this time, but her trainer feels that she is ready for an upcoming show.

Though she's coming along, I'm still a bit gun shy about purchasing her, her own horse. I think I will give it a year, and if she's still into it, I'll take the plunge. I already know who would be taking care of it if we did.

Remember folks, Safe ridding, makes for fun ridding. If you are someone who are sitting on the fence about ridding; sorry honey, I know you read this and this was not meant for you, I suggest that you take your time in finding a trainer. Just as in any sport, there are good ones, and bad ones. Some in this area are paying a fortune to have their children sit and watch the trainer ride. With Couch Ranch, its all hands on just the way we like it.

Event Highlights

2009-07-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hang on to your seat, it's going to be bumpy!

Someones coming loose from their riggin'.

Why we do it.

Announcer

My 4th / Syd At the Rodeo I

2009-07-07T18:50:00.001-07:00

National Anthem

A Nice family day out. I'm sure I'm going to miss these days when Syd is much older and find her friends much cooler then her dad, so, I'm going to enjoy them while they last.

My 4th / Syd At the Rodeo II

2009-07-07T18:35:00.001-07:00

A fellow New Mexican was a vendor who had authentic turquoise jewelry. Syd found this ring and fell in love. It was a perfect fit, so why not.

Syd first real cowgirl hat. She even picked it out herself. I'm glad she didn't go for black.

Syd and Mommy next to the dully my wife is telling me I can't have. What a spoil sport.

We had a custom buckle made for Syd, but I made the mistake of having them make it at normal size thinking she could grow into it, boy was I wrong. So she chose one of mine to wear for the events.

Spurs

2009-06-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

My daughter will be starting her ridding lessons this summer, photos of the event will be posted.

We were at our local Atwoods getting feed; for those of you who don't know, Atwoods is a farm and ranch supply store, when we came to the isle that hold all your saddles, bits, shoes, you name it for horse. I thought this would have been a fine time to talk to Syd about some of the different items that she would be learning about during her lessons. When we came to the spurs, you she became very interested. She wanted to know more about the spurs.

We were limited for time, so I told her that I would show her a set of spurs that daddy was going to purchase for himself. The spurs to your left are the spurs that I plan to purchase, well I planned to purchase for myself. Syd has decided that she would like this set for herself, and that I needed to purchase as set much more masculine for myself. Where she learned this from I don't know.

18K, for How Much

2009-06-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

My wife is a jewelry nut. She's constantly troll the net, jewelry stores, estates sales, pawn shops you name it looking for the right piece. Sometimes I agree with her picks, and others, well we'll just leave it others as she from time to time reads my blog.

Above is a piece that she found for $690.00 that is worth 18K. I must admit I had my doubts when she asked if she could make the purchase, but how can I say no to such a sweet face as hers. Well the item has arrived, and has been tested, and it is what the seller claimed it to be. Total karat weight of 2.

Giving Up the Alden's & Slippin' On the Lucceses

2009-06-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

I have been a man of two worlds, City boy with the latest and greatest tie, suit, cuff links, pocket square, etc, and country boy. Boots T's and jeans. A few months ago I joined a blogged called WASP101, in the hopes of finding a new style.

I was tired of the same old boring RL, style and wanted to revamp, or start over completely. What I found was the same old hum drum, of Ralph this, and Ralph that. I did however find other designers, but they too were boring and tired. Same old, same old.

I then began to think about who I was as a man. Was I the bow tie, French cuff, banker type? Or was I the Cattleman, who has broken his bonds with society? I'm a little of both I suppose. I've noticed that I have more and more left the boe tie at home, and put on the Riata's ( Wrangler chino) and nice clean (starched) oxford w/ a pair of my exotic boots. Is it my environment, or is it something more? Most of you who have been keeping up with my blog; not many, know that I pride myself as being a Country Gentleman. Do these men wear such things as Alden's, and Albert slippers? I think not, and if they do, they more then likely have another house in the city.

I’ve often read those who complain that RL has the made the masses of manufactures in china rich by utilizing their cheap labor. That’s really not my argument here, although his lines have in my opinion cheapened because of it. No mine is something much more. I know who I am as a man, and if it means that I must shop at the local Western Warehouse, Cavendar, or Sheplers or Boot City, then I’m right at home. I have nothing against those who want to spend $350 on a pair of Albert slippers that’s cool. I’d rather however spend that $350 on a pair of gator boots with crape soles. OK, well that would be more then $350, so I’ll stick with the Ostrich for $350.00. You can tell me that this stuff is much better quality, or crafted all you like. Someone such as myself who has also worn these items knows better. Some of the shoes that I’ve found today look no better then some of the shoes I’ve found in the lesser brands. Have we put too much stock in the latest and greatest? Have I forsaken my style, not hardly. I will still look great in whatever it is I wear, it's just that I've decided to keep it simple.

Richard, if you are reading this, this is no refelction on you as I love your style. I've just come to the point where it is just plain boring.

Sydney's Buckle Design

2009-05-24T23:31:00.001-07:00

As some of you know, I have a daughter who is 5. She is coming to an age where she too is getting into the rodeo spirit. She wanted a buckle like daddy's, and though I tried to find something that would fit her personality I could not. So I decided to have a buckle custom made.

As I've explained before, each buckle tells a story. My wife has decided to re-name the farm to MIMS Farm. MIM's being; Margaret ( her mother ), Irwin ( her father ), Margaret ( herself ), and Sydney. Knox Farm speaks for its self. The crown will also be pink, with three diamonds. Princess also speaks for its self, although her nick name is "Dutchy" as she acts more like a Duchess then a Princess. The date is the year of her birth

This is what the buckle will look like. The date in the drawing is in the wrong position. I chose this buckle for the obvious reasons. One its color, the white with the pink accents again fits her personalty. Also the position of the floral on this buckle gave me more room to design and add lettering without compromising the integrity of the space.

Rodeo Terminology /Buckle Bunnies

2009-05-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

Aww the buckle bunny. I will admit I have ran into a few these in my time... Amirillo, TX was a crazy time... But we wont go into that right now.

A buckle bunny is a sort of rodeo groupie, a woman who seeks out rodeo performers who excel in competition. Like groupies who follow other sports and musical groups, buckle bunnies are rather famous for dressing and behaving in sexually suggestive ways, and some seek out intimate relationships with people who compete in the rodeo. While male versions of the buckle bunny undoubtedly exist, women tend to dominate the rodeo groupie community.

Buckle bunnies are named after the buckles which rodeo competitors typically receive as prizes. Many of them follow favorite stars around the competition circuit, or attempt to make time to see particular athletes when they perform in neighboring areas. A buckle bunny herself may not be able to ride a horse, but she has admiration for someone who can, and many also have an appreciation for Western culture which allows them to enjoy watching rodeo events.

As is the case with other groupies, buckle bunnies are often assumed to be extremely uninhibited and very interested in physical relationships with the rodeo stars they follow. Many of them dress the part, wearing tight pants, suggestive tops, and high heels, and applying makeup with a heavy hand. An experienced buckle bunny also takes the time to stand out from the crowd, choosing to wear flashy colors or developing a skill such as dancing to distinguish her in crowded afterparties and other events associated with rodeos.

For rodeo cowboys, an entourage of buckle bunnies is undoubtedly flattering. Many buckle bunnies also offer things like places to stay and homecooked meals, which can be nice for someone enduring the rigors of the rodeo circuit. Presumably some also offer physical companionship, although others prefer to admire from afar.

My New Lucchese's Just In Time For Rodeo Season

2009-05-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Rodeo season is here! So I thought I would get myself a new pair of kicks. I was looking for a nice pair of black ostrich boots and found these, on Ebay of course. Those of you who know boots know that Lucchese are one of the best around. A huge savings as the sale price was $189.00, and store marked them down to $152.00, and I had a coupon for an additional 35% off. $114.00 for a $420.00 boot. You gotta love a recession. And yes, I used a coupon. I'm no dummy.

Syd Goes To School

2009-05-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well the time has finally come.. My daughter will be going to school. I will be brave, as I know this is the first steps she will take to become a young woman.

My wife on the other hand would like nothing more then for Syd to stay 5 years old, living on the farm forever. I love Syd, but living at home forever, that's even a stretch for me.

Though we live far from her school, she knows more then half of the other student's that will be in attendance. The school secretary is a friend of the family, and has known Syd since she was just a new born, so there's that comfort. I was a little concerned about where she would attend school. Our property line is in two school zones. She could have gone to Lincoln where my wife attended, however there wouldn't be any diversity in the class room. Something my wife and I strive to give our daughter on a daily basis. So we thought it would be a great choose to send her to the school she will attend.

Though the town she will attend school in is a white town, there has been an influx of Afro-Americans, and Hispanics to the town. Mostly due to Katrina; we were one of the stops for those who lost their homes, and most stayed, and the growing Hispanic population in the NWA area. That's Northwest Arkansas for those of you who didn't know. Off track for a moment..

Funny Story about Katrina, if there was any. After the storm, and bus loads of people came in from LA. I was washing my car at the local car wash, when this young couple drove up next to me. We struck up a conversation; something I always do with people, and after a while the young lady ask me "So are you going to be staying in Arkansas?" I'm like um, yeah why? Aren't you from LA? LOL, "No I live on a 350 acre farm south of town. I've been here for years." Another one... I was mailing out some packages at one of those mail stops, when the woman behind the counter, who hadn't been here more then 6 months, asked me the same question. I thought to myself, "you are new here in town, and you are asking me if I'm going back to where I came from?" I live here, have lived here for years!

Anyway back to Syd and school. I wanted nothing more then for my daughter to attend a private school, as I thought that this would be the best thing for her. Is it? I'm glad that she will have the experience of other cultures, though few. She will get to see it all... Rednecks, Hispanics, other black children, and even a few Asians. I think this is going to be a great start. What she doesn't learn in public school, I'm more then willing to teach her.

Well so much for that respite!

On Respite

2009-05-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hello folks.... From what I can tell I am not the only one taking time out to enjoy this nice weather we've been having.

I will be back soon!

Thinking of Going Into Real Estate

2009-04-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Random World Wallpapers

With the real estate bubble busting, or has burst depending on where you live in the country, or your point of view. There has been a plethora of home that have come on the market, yes most are foreclosure.

Long before the burst, this was my dream job. You know that job where you don't mind getting up every morning and going to. When I was a young boy, I would visit a friend of mine, David Haines who was an Architect and he would teach me the ends and outs of Architecture. Most boys my age were either on the football field, or basketball court. David is no longer with us, and I wish I had stuck with it.

My interest in Architecture led me to Interior Design which I think is why I'm so interested in homes more then industrial or office spaces. Anyhow, while I was in college, another older gentleman was in the business of Real Estate, and tried to get me involved. However I was more in tune with finishing school and moving on. This too is something I wish I had taken the time to listen, get involved, and cash in. When my wife and I got married, I stopped in to visit him. He wasn't doing so hot either. I felt that this was my last chance, and gave up the dream.

Until last year, I found out that another friend of mine was in Real Estate. He advised me on a few things I didn't know about the game, but that's as far as it went as I got busy with Windsor and put it on the back burner. Just this past weekend, we were in town for a festival, and I noticed all the buildings I had spoke to my wife about someone had purchased and refurbished. The amazing thing about it is, everything I said that should go into each of these buildings did. I even told my wife when the builder purchased one property that he was going to put in loft apartments, which he did. I even called the price he would charge for each. Although, I told my wife that he would be asking WAY to much for this area, which it was.

By chance I met the wife of the man who is buying up all this property, and she advised that they were way over their heads in debt, which I figured they would be.

Here's where they are making their mistake. They are wanting to make a lot of money. I know, I know, that's what people are in business for, which I agree. She complained that they are only making 5 to 10K on each deal, when they were making 15-25K on each deal. I mean, I'm no genius, but 5-10K on each deal is where my price point is/was, I'm not greedy.

In fact, to show that I love what I do so much. In my own personal business prospectus, I have a plan to GIVE away one house completely furnished each year. Yeah I know, I'm crazy! Don't get me wrong, this wouldn't be to just any old Joe shmoe. It would be to hard working mothers who are in college trying to get off the welfare system.

My plan is to sale homes at low and affordable prices. If I spend 125K on a home, I plan to sale it at 135K. That's so that the Realtor can get his commissions reasonably.

For me, its not about money, but realizing a dream, and giving back a little to the community. If I make a little money in the process, what's wrong with that?

Swing Time!

2009-04-26T00:13:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post we disused roping dummies. I thought that we would touch upon some of the basic learning tools for polo.

Today we are going to talk about the wooden horse. The wooden horse is primarily used to practice ones swing. Depending on your instructor, he/she may want you to learn or practice a few swings before you even attempt the wooden horse. I must tell you folks; this is not as easy as it looks. This is done help gage your hand eye coordination. As I’m sure you can imagine, you will be moving at a high rate of speed and must be able to think fast.

Once you’ve had a few swings on your own two feet, its time to mount the wooden horse, and practice your swing. This is a great opportunity to try other swings, as you are still. Again, depending on your instructor, you may be at this for hours, and you will become frustrated, but don’t give up.

Moving from the wooden horse, to a live horse should be done as soon as possible. This will give you an idea of how much you have learned. The instructor will usually move your horse along while you swing at balls placed on the field or area. I have enclosed a few photo’s of some of the pricey, and not so pricey practice horses.

Top of the line by Racewood.
Racewood Ltd have taken these attributes and applied them to the
development of a new product in their range of equestrian simulators, The
Racewood Polo Pony Simulator.

Forget the wooden horse. I'm looking at the girl in this one.

Is Classism the New Racism

2009-04-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

Are those with money treated differently then those who don’t? I thought about this question after a friend of mine and I had a discussion about racism. As we all know, I live in the sticks of Arkansas. I am the only black man that I know of in a 30-mile radius, possibly more.

My wife has found it strange that strangers in our community speak to me. I will be in Wal-Mart, or the gun shop and men you wouldn’t expect to speak to me will strike up a conversation and want to talk for hours. However, I wonder if they were to see me drive up in an old Chevy with grease and mud all over myself, would it be the same? Would I be just some nigger? Why is it that I am treated differently then even the white man who looks the part I just described?

Just the other afternoon I stopped off to get a drink at the last stop out of town before returning home. A young man in an old Toyota truck was trying to get gas and his card would not work. He came inside, to speak to the clerk, and she wanted to push him aside to assist me first. The card was a bank gift card, and you could tell this young man did not have much, if anything. I kindly let the young man go before myself, and the attitude he received shocked me. The woman was short, and told him that the reason the card advised him to "see attendant" was because he either did not have enough funds, or no funds on his card. How embarrassed must he have felt?

When it was my turn to check out, I thought I would do a little test. I knew that the card machine took its sweet time to print the receipt, so I yelled out "DECLINED" and her answer was "Yeah right." Why is it, that he possibly had no money, and I did? Was it because I was in a nice new clean shinny car, and he was not? The young man did indeed have the funds on his card by the way. He had just gotten paid, and put the money on the card so that he would stay out of trouble with his bank account. I took the card inside and asked the attendant if I could pay for his gas with one of my cards. She agreed, and ran the card in the amount the young man needed, and it worked.

Are we putting too much emphasis on appearances? Even I in this story thought that the man didn’t have much of anything. How do I know that the young man didn’t make more then I? My mother-in-law pays cash for her cars and anything else she needs. This is due mostly to her age; she’s in her late seventies. However, if you were to see her in the streets you would think that she had nothing. She and my father-in-law wear the same clothes almost everyday. They are stained due to dropping food all over themselves, or working on the farm. However, what most people have no clue of, is that they are worth millions. This is why I say that no man is better then any other. I have even been quoted as saying, "Not even the Queen herself." Most would disagree with that statement. Why is she better? Because she was born to a life of luxury? Food for thought.

Wealth of Morality

2009-04-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine, who has a great job, nice car, house at the country club, etc, doesn’t seem to be happy.

He has, paper, as it’s called in the streets today, but he has no moral value. He cheats on his live in girlfriend every chance he gets, he bullies his co-works and bosses into getting what he wants. In fact I’m not sure why I call him a friend, as I have none of these qualities about myself.

In a discussion we had a week ago, I asked him, "why is it that you hate women so much." His reply was that he didn’t hate women, but thought of them in a bad light, I’m not going to repeat what he said. He sees himself as an "Asshole" and wants others to see him in this manner as well. Though he wanted me to troll the local bar with him to look for loose women, I had to decline the offer, which didn’t sit well with him if you could imagine.

Why I’m writing this story? I’m wondering why there are so many people, men and women these days with a deficit of morals? I know my friend’s father, and I can’t believe that this is something that he learned at home, as his father is a kind and gentle man. There are men, and I’m using this term loosely, who sponge of the hard work of the women they meet. Use them for sex, money, and whatever else they can get out of them.

What is to become of the men of my daughter generation? Some of you may be thinking, "well I’m sure you hard your twist in your day." I can honestly say, "NO". Every woman I’ve been with, 1. Didn’t pay when we went out on dates, 2. we were in a relationship before sex was anywhere in the picture. Some may find it strange, but my wife and I waited months before we moved into the intimacy category.

Why the lies and deceit? I’m not saying that one can’t have their fun if they are single. I’m not some stiff, old fuddy duddy who believes that you should wait until marriage. However, if you want to be a playboy and play the field, I think that there should be some truth and honesty there. You meet a woman or man, and you tell them up front, "hey, I’m only looking for a good time here." That’s fine. You are giving that person the choice, and they know what they are getting up front. But to take advantage of someone in my book is the curliest thing anyone can do. Your thoughts?

Hot Girls of the Past

2009-04-19T01:09:00.000-07:00

Lisa Loeb: Though most would not consider her hot, I feel she has a spot on this list. Must be that nerdy school girl thing she has going on there. You know the one where she's the hot librarian?

Vanessa Williams: Though long in the tooth, you have to admit she has kept it looking good. Damn the luck that I never got a look at those photos. I was only just a young boy then just getting into girls.

Alica Silverstone: I was never one for posters of actresses when I was younger. However, Alica was one that I would not have mind. Those thigh highs in Clueless mad me wish I were still in High School.

Awww, Stevie is all grown up.. Jenna Van Oy isn't the hottest, but she sure has what is commonly know as an onion.

Damn, hope my wife still looks this good when she's 42. I have another 11 years to hope and prey. She's so hot I had to give her space for two photos.

Girl of the Month Elizabeth Berkley

2009-04-19T01:05:00.000-07:00

OK, so I’ve been slacking… Girl of the month goes to Elizabeth Berkley.

Those of you who grew up in the 80’s remember Saved by the Bell. She played the tall somewhat nerdy girl, whoes looks in those days did not compare, to Tiffany Amber Thiessen.

Married to Greg Lauren, artist, actor and nephew of renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

Boy My Hobbies Are Getting Expensive !

2009-04-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a minute since I purchased a new car or truck, and the old ford is on its last leg. My next purchase was going to be an LR3, or some other Rover. However, I’ve changed my mind, and decided to get another truck.

The truck would not be for everyday use, but for chores such as bringing cattle to the sale barn, horses to the Vet, or even traveling to Oklahoma for practice matches, or just good ole’ fun roping with my buddies. Don’t get me wrong, the truck I have works well to do these things. I’m just in the mode for an update. I have enclosed below a few truck styles I am very interested in, and wanted to know what others think about these trucks.

GMC Sierra C/K3500

I have always been a fan of this truck. My problem is, is that its white. I hate white cars. I’m not sure why it is, just never liked this color on cars. This truck has the same towing capacity is the others, and the purchase of this truck would be purely due to vanity. I like the look of the front end of this truck as it’s not square like its other counter parts. $18,988, no mileage listed?

Chevrolet Silverado C/K3500 LS.

Some of you may know who George Strait is, and if you don’t shame on you. Those of you, who know who he is, know that he is a big fan of Chevy trucks. The miles on this truck are decent at 85K, with the lowest price tag I have yet to find on such a truck. Some of you may be thinking, 85K miles, that’s a lot! This is not a truck that you are to drive on a daily basis. This is a truck to haul cattle, horses, hey, etc.

$18,944

Sorry Ford; Fix, Or Repair, Daily, fans I did not include Ford in this lot. I have found them to be very unreliable lately. The current truck is a Ford, and I have had to replace, lets see, the transmission; can't seem to handle trailers like I thought, ball joints, should I go on? I live in the country, and need a truck that can handle the country. And nope, no Dodge's here either. Never liked, them and I'm sure I never will.

Sleek Vintage Aldens

2009-04-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just found these, and I am pondering if I should or shouldn't go there with this shoe. Not only do I have the Abboud; shown in another post, suit that would work perfectly with this shoe, but I also have a few other suits that would work perfectly as well. What's your take, should I or shouldn't I. Oh, and by the way, they are well priced at $69.95.

Cole Haan Bragano Crocodile Loafers, $88.00?!

2009-04-05T09:33:00.001-07:00

I found these by accident earlier in the week. I went to a saved store I have not been to for sometime on Ebay. I was in the process of purging stores I had not visited for sometime, and came across the above shoe.

The shoe was a $1’300. 00 show and it looks, as though I may be getting them for less then $100.00!

As you can see from the photos, they are in perfect condition. I can not wait until they get here, I plan to wear then with jeans, a few pairs of linen slacks, and of course light woolens this summer.
I also have plans for these babies this fall as well.

Hay Season

2009-03-31T17:42:00.001-07:00

Hay season is upon us…. I can’t wait until my fields a lush with Bermuda so that the cattle can graze with out my dropping hay bails every other day. Oh, but it will not be time to rest on my laurels. There will be plenty of work to do in order to sow feed for these beasts.

My wife cousin farms turkeys, harvest their feces in order to fertilize the fields. This in its self is a major chore as I’m sure you can imagine the smell isn’t something one would call rosy. Once we have dumped truckload after truckload into the fields, its time to wait for mother rain to do her part.

We usually move the cattle to a couple of the other fields so that we can have a good harvest without interruption. Once the Bermuda is ready, its time for the bailing.

The barn will be filled to its rafters with hay, also the bailing row. Surprisingly enough, there is just enough for the winter months and rarely enough left over for sale.

But that sleeping in a little longer during the summer months sure is great!

New Blog

2009-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have seen this coming, A Black Man's Prospective has now been created.

This will not be a daily post and I will only post but a post where I will only post two or three times a week.

The blog is to give a better understand of the African-American culture. Why have I started this blog? After reading and debating about cultures in other blogs, I felt that it was time to help others understand that black men are not all ballers, drug dealers, and rap artist.

http://ablackmansprospective.blogspot.com/

Miracle Fruit

2009-03-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

My wife brought this to my attention this evening, so I thought I would write about it just in case you’ve not heard about it.

Apparently there is a fruit from West Africa, that turns anything sour sweet. My curiosity peaked when I heard that it turn sour foods sweet because I have an awful sweet tooth, and this may be why I am over weight. Anywho, moving on.

They say that this is good for those going through chemo, as with chemotherapy food taste like metal. I can not attest to this has I have never had cancer, or the need for chemo. However, I am trying to cut sugar out of my diet, so I am thinking of purchasing a few of these, 20 for $60.00, and try them on food I absolutely detest such as rice. Below is what I have read so far on this so-called wonderful fruit.

The miracle fruit plant (Synsepalum dulcificum) produces berries that, when eaten, cause sour foods (such as lemons and limes) consumed later to taste sweet. The berry, also known as miracle, magic, miraculous or flavor berry,[2][3] was first documented by explorer Chevalier des Marchais [4] who searched for many different fruits during a 1725 excursion to its native West Africa. Marchais noticed that local tribes picked the berry from shrubs and chewed it before meals. The plant grows in bushes up to 20 feet (6.1 m) high in its native habitat, but does not usually grow higher than ten feet in cultivation, and it produces two crops per year, after the end of the rainy season. It is an evergreen plant that produces small red berries, with flowers that are white and which are produced for many months of the year. The seeds are about the size of coffee beans.

The berry contains an active glycoprotein molecule, with some trailing carbohydrate chains, called miraculin.[5][6] When the fleshy part of the fruit is eaten, this molecule binds to the tongue's taste buds, causing sour foods to taste sweet. While the exact cause for this change is unknown, one hypothesis is that the effect may be caused if miraculin works by distorting the shape of sweetness receptors "so that they become responsive to acids, instead of sugar and other sweet things".[3] This effect lasts 15-30 minutes.[7]

The fruit has been so popular that some are having tasting parties and trying its sweetness on several different items such as hot sauce with its taste turning to honey. That’s different! I wonder if I will be able to get this in a juice some day? Now that would be awesome. I could sit down with a bowl of rice, and my miracle fruit juice and be as happy as a clam. What would be even better is, if I could get a few of those seeds and plant me a nice grove of these evergreens. And it looks like I found the place. Now if I can just keep out those rodents! Ya’ll have a good night!

http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/miracle_fruit_pictures.htm

These are the people who are spending our money.

2009-03-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Your government at leisure..... A DC airport ticket agent offers some examples:

1. I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window. (On an airplane!)

2. I got a call from a candidate's staffer, who wanted to go to Capetown. While I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information, she interrupted me with, ''I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts "Without trying to make her look stupid, I calmly explained, ''Cape Cod is in Massachusetts , Capetown is in Africa '' Her response - click.

3. A senior Vermont Congressman called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando . He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that is not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, 'Don't lie to me, I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state!'' (OMG)

4. I got a call from a lawmaker's wife who asked , ''Is it possible to see England from Canada ? '' I said, ''No.'' She said, ''But they look so close on the map.'' (OMG, again!)

5. An aide for a cabinet member once called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas . When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he had only a 1-hour layover in Dallas When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, ''I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between gates to save time.'' (Aghhhh)

6. An Illinois Congresswoman called last week. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:30 a.m., and got to Chicago at 8:33 a.m. I explained that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois , but she couldn't understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told her the plane went fast, and she bought that.

7. A New York lawmaker called and asked, ''Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?'' I said, 'No, why do you ask?' She replied, ''Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said (FAT), and I'm overweight. I think that's very rude!'' > After putting her on hold for a minute, while I looked into it. (I was dying laughing). I came back and explained the city code for Fresno , CA is (FAT - Fresno Air Terminal), and the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage.

8. A Senator's aide called to inquire about a trip package to Hawaii . After going over all the cost info, she asked, ''Would it be cheaper to fly to California , and then take the train to Hawaii ?''

9. I just got off the phone with a freshman Congressman who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?'' I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, ''I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these planes have numbers on them.''

10. A lady Senator called and said, ''I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola , Florida . Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?'' I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola , FL on a commuter plane. She said, ''Yeah, whatever, smarty!''

11. A senior Senator called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China . After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him that he needed a visa. 'Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those.'' I double checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, ''Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express!''

12. A New Mexico Congress woman called to make reservations, ''I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York .'' I was at a loss for words. Finally, I said, ''Are you sure that's the name of the town?'' ''Yes, what flights do you have?'' replied the lady. After some searching, I came back ith, ''I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Rhino anywhere.' ''The lady retorted, ''Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!'' So I scoured a map of the state of New York and finally > offered, ''You don't mean Buffalo , do you?'' The reply? ''Whatever! I knew it was a big animal.''

Now you know why the Government is in the shape that it's in! Could anyone be this DUMB? YES, THEY WALK AMONG US, ARE IN POLITICS, AND THEY CONTINUE TO BREED!

My Trainer Is Shit

2009-03-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have not been posting because I have been working out as some of you may know. Well, I have a trainer who is also a friend of mine; the guy from the tough man post, well that's him.

We discussed what we would be doing on our day of training, and decided to run, as he had a dinner planed that evening. Unbeknown to me, we would be running 3 miles. OK, here's the problem, I am not a very athletic man; meaning I did not play football in high school, nor did I run track. So, running is not one of my strong suits. However, in my mind, what's a mile, I can do a mile, or can I.

I meet up with him at his home at about 5 p.m. we drove to the lake area near his house, and began my nightmare. Walking to the track I see a small plate that reads "1 mile", I think to myself again, " a mile, no problem." We walk a few feet, and he calls out "ready" and takes off.
I run behind him thinking this isn't so bad so far. Boy was I wrong, we hit the mile marker, yes I made it, but he keeps going. By this time I am out of breath, and my run has turned into a power walk, with him no longer in sight. I try again to run, but by now my lower legs and the side of my stomach is in so much pain I can't see straight.

I catch up to him as he is now waiting at the mile and a half marker. I am out of breath, and he has hardly broken a sweat. We walk some more; about another 50 yards, and start into a slow jog, and this I can do. Its just up from a power walk, and again after a few yards, my legs fail.

We power walk the rest of the track with the agreement that I would run the three miles back to the truck. We get to the end of the track, stretch again, and start again on our run back. You will be happy to know that ran one and a half miles back to the truck. I think it was because I wanted it all to just be over with. Today I am regretting that I ran so much my first time out, as my legs today are killing me. I have been popping Ibuprofen all day, and the pain isn't letting up.

I spoke with him today, and he was wanting to know if we would be going out again this afternoon, fat chance. However, I did make an appointment for Thursday to start our next set of training. However, I will refrain from the running for now.

Let this be a lesson to you all who do not walk your farm. On day its going to haunt you if you keep riding those ATV's.

Sydney And the Tractor

2009-03-18T17:20:00.001-07:00

The Misses has been handling most of the chores on the farm for the past few days. Sydney wanted to spend some time with Mardi, so she brought her along to hay the cattle.

Some of you may think that this is some sort of child abuse, but it is just a fact of life living on the farm that you learn to drive when you are 5, in some cases, even earlier. I have been letting Sydney drive my truck; just up the dirt road to the fields, and to the house, not actually on the street, and so Mardi thought she would let Sydney drive the tractor today.

My Latest Ebay Find Joseph Abboud $125.00

2009-03-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of Joseph Abboud since high school when I would shop at my favorite men's store; Gentry LTD, in Wichita. Which brings me to mind, that I need to check and see when they will be offering online shopping, I can't wait. While scoping out a few suits I came across this nice herringbone suit by Abboud. I will need to shorten the hem a little, other then that per their measurements its a perfect fit.

I plan to wear this next fall with a nice pair of suede oxfords I picked up last week. I have been to my latest favorite men's store here locally, and have three new French cuffed shirts on order, and one of them I have in mind for this suit. I'm still working through the many pocket squares I have to match with this item, but will not know for sure which until the suit arrives. So far I am very pleased, and can't wait until it arrives. I have the perfect braces for this item as well.

My reason for being such a fan of this designer, is due to my skin tone. The designer is of Med-Eastern decent, and usually caters to those of the more hickory bronze skin tones.

My Sydney/ Visting Uncle Mike & Family In Branson.

2009-03-10T18:11:00.001-07:00

Sydney w/Mike's daughter.

With uncle Mike, my best friend.

One of my favorite pictures.

Photo's of The Ice Storm 2

2009-03-10T17:06:00.003-07:00

To give you an idea how dark it was, I tried to take a photo of the moon. Yeah, I'm no photographer. My wife took all the photo's you see here.

Notice the tire tracks. Yeah, this is how we had to get out. Our road was completely covered with brush.

Me and the dog

Damn The Luck!

2009-03-09T16:54:00.001-07:00

While in search of an online vintage shop, I came across this beauty. I have been wanting one for sometime now, and I finally found it. One, problem its not my size. Damn the luck! However, it has a nice story, and if anyone else is looking for this type of jacket see the link below. OH, and its only a whopping $75.00.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=cat3_gallery_20&listing_id=22016111

Bad Asses, Ropings Cream of The Crop

2009-03-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

Joe Beaver pictured in the center.

Joe Beaver
Titles Won: 8(1995-96, 2000 World Champion All-Around Cowboy; 1985, 1987-88, 1992-93 World Champion Tie-Down roper).
Career Earnings: $2,864,172.00
WNFR Qualifications: 22
2006 World Standings place: 4th (TD), 6th (TR), 2nd (AA)2006 Wrangler NFR place: 3rd (TD), 12th (TR), 1st (AA)2006 Wrangler NFR earnings: $74,552 (TD), $53,362 (TR), $127,915 (AA)2006 earnings: $146,626 (TD); $112,202 (TR); $259,541 (AA)Tour Finale titles: 1Pace Chute-out: 2000Tour Finale qualifications: 11Pace Chute-out: 2000, 2004 (TD), 2002-03 (TR)Summer Tour Finale: 2002-04 (TD), 2006 (TR)Championship: 2003-04 (TD), 2006 (TR)

Fred Whitfield
Events: Calf Roping, Team Roping (header)2008 World Standings place: 8th (TD)2008 Wrangler NFR place: 4th2008 Wrangler NFR earnings: $57,6022008 earnings: $130,249 (TD)Career earnings: $2,716,735

Dummies

2009-03-06T16:37:00.000-08:00

Most of you may know that rodeo is a sport that came out of the days of the old west when men worked cattle for a living. Driving them through Kansas, a place where it is still legal to drive cattle through the city of Wichita on horseback, to the plains of Oklahoma, Texas, and all other points’ west.

You no longer have to work cattle on a daily basis to become a 10 roper, however it might be a good idea if you were to have done it at some point in your life. With the world of technology comes the roping dummy. Some as you can see in the photos are made to be attached to an ATV, whereas someone will pull the dummy around the roping arena as you test your skill set. Others are stand still dummies in which you do not have to rope on horseback. My favorite, and wish I could find one, is where you sit astride a dummy horse, with a dummy calf underneath.

What is cool about this dummy is the horse is life size, and you actually have to tack it. This is also a plus, as when you are finished you merely dismount and walk away. While atop the dummy horse, there is a lever on one side. You kick the lever and the dummy calf shoots out from under the horse on a track. I have been looking for this dummy for years since I tried it at one of my favorite nightclubs in NM. So if anyone knows where I can get one, I am willing to pay top dollar.

This ol' boy has a great forum. Notice his arm, and how he is pulling the slack on the rope. Once you hit, you want to pull the slack and dally the rope. You need to be very careful at this point, as many a cowboy have lost their pinkie or thumbs, something I will get into in another post when I talk about the art of roping. Yes, there is an art and a science to it.

Great tool to teach children roping skills. My daughter is now wanting to join in the fun. I first need to teach her how to ride like the young lady in this photo. Notice this dummy has no hind legs unlike the dummy below. This dummy is to learn heading. With the dummy below, you can train in either heading or heeling.

Pull behind an ATV

I serve two purposes. You can rope me, and I'll even keep your beer cold until you are finished.

The World of Judgment Enforcement.

2009-03-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

My Company Logo

Though I work in the legal industry, I am not an Attorney. Some have asked where I attended law school; which I did, though briefly and I will not be going into where or when as it is not important.

I am however, the owner of a judgment enforcement company. Some ask if I am bounty hunter, which I am not. So what is it that we do?

Lets say that you file suit against party "B", in the amount of $20,000.00. You win your suit, however, the judgment is worth nothing unless party B pays you. Now, it is 2 years later, and you are strapped for cash. You have this 20K judgment that still has not been paid.

You have three choices...1. Call the debtor and hope that he/she will pay you, good luck there. 2. Hire an Attorney or do the leg work yourself and petition the courts to levy. This option is OK, however, if the Attorney finds no funds, you still have to pay him. Now you are out not only the 20K, but the fees you've paid to your Attorney. 3. Or you could come to someone like myself. We are not paid any fees, unless we collect.

How It Works

You've come to me, and I have asked you a few questions. 1. How much was the judgment? 2. Do you have any information on the debtor; i.e. SS#, do you have a check that he/she has written to you, do you know where they work and how long, etc.. Once I have gotten as much information as I can, I then do what we call a lite investigation.

Lite Investigation

A lite investigation is where I will spend little to no money investigating the debtor. Also at this stage, I will only look into items that are public record as I do not have all rights and titles to the debt. From this point, I will have a better idea if the judgment is worth contracting. If the contract is worth consideration, I will contact you with a drawn contract.

The Contract

The amount of the debt will depend on the contracted rate. Other stipulations will also apply. If you are a business, lets say a banking entity with lots of judgments, I would be willing to lower the fee contingent on getting future contracts. However, in this case this would be a one time deal, and with that per my scale, the contract on 20K would be a rate of 25%. I'm not greedy, as most in my profession ask for 50% on all accounts. If you were to have visited us with a smaller judgment of lets say 5k, then the contract would be at the 50% rate.

Until the contract has been signed, I can not levy against the debtor. Once the contracts have been signed, all proper documents will be filed with the courts. Now for the hard part.

Enforcement

I have filed all documents with the courts, what my next step? I now have all rights and titles to the judgment. This means that I have the right to levy against the debtor. We will make this an easy one for the purpose of this lesson. Your debtor, is a business owner, and business is booming. With my army of information brokers, or one of the 2 private investigators, and one of the three attorney's I employ we begin the process of the levy. We find that the heart of the debtors business is technology. He has a computer system that is the basis of his business. when we have found this information, we pay a visit to either one of the investigators who also has a licence to deliver writs, or we have the local sheriff's ofc deliver the writ and take the components that run the computer system. Do I have to warn the debtor, no, but it is always nice for me to ask for the funds before going to the lengths described.

The debtor's business has been shut down until he either comes to the table and outlines a payment plan; which I'd rather have then full payment up front, or he pays the balance in full.

Why would I rather have payments instead of payment in full? If I have 30-40 debtors paying me every month, then I will have a steady stream of income.

If the debtor elects to pay monthly, you will be paid first with the exception of all fees that I paid to enforce the debt. Once those fees have been paid, you will start receiving the monies you are owed. Once the balance reaches its threshold of the contract, I then take all payments that are made. However, this debtor elected to pay in full. I cut you a check for 15k, and I take my 5k, and move on to the next case.

This is not an easy business. Most debtor have no money to pay, and you have to garnish wages, or levy against property you really don't want to take in order to fulfill the debt. Often, what you have levied against doesn't even pay for your legal fees, bank accounts is the number one culprit in this case. No, you do not get to know the amount in the account before you levy. You only get to know that they bank at this bank, or that bank. I feel the worst in this business during Christmas. However, if my client doesn't have the money his family wont have a Christmas, and that's how I choose to look at it.

Goal Stats

2009-03-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed that I now have listed a counter on the blog. I did this because I wasn't sure if I am waisting time posting. I know that the blog is new, and I can not expect a following over night. The counter is to give me an idea as to how many people are visting the blog on a daily basis.

Photo's of The Ice Storm & Country Livin' Ain't Easy.

2009-03-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

My plan was to write about a NJ bank that was fleecing my mother-in-law out of hundreds of thousands of dollars of an inheritance, but it will have to be another day. My wife has finally downloaded the photo’s that were taken during the ice storm.

Creek bed, another photo of the back yard.

Running out of room. So this will be the last one.

Section 3, entrance gate area to the other side of the farm. As you can see from the small foliage on the left, the ice is getting thick. This is nothing compared to what it had gotten to. At this point we still had power.

A little blurry, however I wanted to show another photo of my back yard. This is a view to the SW. The tree area to the left is just past the pond.

Section 1, my back yard. One of the ponds on the property. This was before the storm got really bad.

Section 2 of the farm. Notice the green foliage and how low it is hanging to the fence line. There is actually a road that is on the other side of the fence. We had to take the tractor and rip out most of these tree. Sad, very sad. This summer I plan to take more photo's of this section, so that you can see its true beauty. There is actually an old farm house deep in the woods that my wife and I plan to refurbish and use as a photography studio for my wife. It also has a working water pump. I think the house dates back to the early 1900.

Trees in same field as creek bed.

The tree line that you see in the background is the end of my back yard.

most of these trees are now either damaged or totally destroyed.

Downed trees on the creek bed leading to one of the ponds.

If you look carefully you can see the large gaps in the trees in the background.

Another tree in my back yard.

As the Storm went on, we could hear the trees breaking off in the distance. I wish I had a way to place sound on my blog so that you could have gotten the full experience. Farm living ain't easy. We have to contend with power outages all the time, in fact a week after power had been restored, I returned home to a house with no power due to a small branch that had fallen on the line. The city will not clear our roads because they are deemed as private roads. The city will not clean up the fallen trees on our property as it is private property. One makes sacrifices to have peace and quite, and a retreat from the hussle and bussle of city life.

There are no gas stations, or grocers for miles. If one of us were to be seriously hurt here on the farm, we would not expect an ambulance to come to our aid, but a life flight. You have to contend with all sorts of rodents wanting to live in your fields, and yard. From armadillo's, to hogs, and coyotes.

Now for the good stuff. I do not have to hear the sounds of my neighbors loud music, I have a firing range in my back yard, I have hunting grounds for which I can feed my family if need be, I have a place that I can ride my four wheeler, I have a good neighbors I know well. My dogs have free range, and I have no need of worry that they will be hit by a car, or bite someone; well maybe people I don't like. My neighbors are all helpful; "one of the true meanings of a gentleman", and the sky is big and bright at night. You can actually see the stars, and hear the sound of the whippoorwill. The smells are sometimes bad, especially after we fertilize the alfalfa, but by and large the air is crisp and clean. Plan to see more photo's of the farm in the near future.

DUN, NA, DA, DUNT, DUNT....DUNT, DUNT!

Them tune from green acres. I don't know, I thought it was cute. OK, I'm going to bed now, I'm being silly so I must be tired.

This Ones For You Stephen

2009-03-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

While reading a reply to a post left by Stephen on my stance on reparations, I thought I would write on another interesting subject. Clive Owens latest film The International is actually a true story with the fictional Hollywood twist of course.

In the film Owens is an Interpol Agent who works with a Manhattan District Attorney to bring a powerful bank to justice.

In the film there is a lot of action and adventure, however truth be known the real Attorney; I’m not sure of his name, and I’m sure someone will tell me later, says that the process was rather boring. Sitting in his office reading paper trails, and getting calls from government officials telling him, "you don’t really want to do this" was his biggest threat.

I’m asking the question, how much money has this country funneled into genocide? In the film, and true account, these banks were making loans to third world countries to fund wars on other countries. As stated in the film, mind you I have not seen it as of yet, "They make money, not from the war, but the debt from the war." That in its self draws me to the film like a moth to a flame. Of course, it is ridiculous to think that a third world country could pay the loan back, hence this is why it is a Hollywood production. However, the bank this Attorney took down was funding monies to countries to wage war.

Should we, and this is getting a tad political, be funding such banks with these high stimulus bills, tax payer monies? Without sounding like a conspiracy theorist, what are these powerful banks really up to?

Money is not the root of all evil; it’s the lust for money that is the evil. For centuries banking has been at the forefront of this evil, and I bring you East India Trading Company. A British company who funded many wars, for its own financial gain. It also came to rule large swathes of India, exercising military power and assuming administrative functions, to the exclusion, gradually, of its commercial pursuits. Company rule in India, which effectively began in 1757 after the Battle of Plassey, lasted until 1858, when, following the events of the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857, and under the Government of India Act 1858, the British Crown assumed direct administration of India in the new British Raj.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_India_Company

Are we, the United States becoming an Empire with realms such as the British Empire through our banking system? Though it is only a movie, we need to not forget that it is also a true account of a fight that a New York District Attorney fought some twenty years ago. I will also admit that I am ignorant of the banking system, but I am not ignorant of their greed. I myself have been through some fisticuffs with the bank lately, but that will be in another post on another day.

Girl of the Month Alica Witt

2009-02-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

I thought I would follow in the footsteps of my dearly departed friend Richard the author of WASP101, and have a girl of the month. Alicia Witt, OMG! She is hot. As you can see from one of my other post, I have a thing for the reds.

This photo reminds me of my first love, Amber.

another photo of Alica that reminds me of my first love Amber.

How can one not love redheads expessially when they look like Alica Witt. The photo above has everything that is perfect in a woman to me. The body structre, the hair color, and the skin tone.

I am awed by her, no not because she reminds me of someone from the past, but just by her beaty in its self.

Fight Night

2009-02-28T04:32:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine had the dumb idea to get involved in a tough man competition last night. Normally, this is not something that I would attend; as its just not my speed, however due to the fact that my friend was participating I thought I would give it a try.

It was interesting to see, and what I had expected. The parking lot was filled with pick up trucks w gun racks, and there was lots of camouflage hats and chewing Tabasco could be seen in either the lip, or in the pocket of most of viewers of what was to be an interesting brawl. Big bellied, low brow, beer guzzling, and foul mouth, and that was just the women in the crowed, so you can imagine what some of the men were like.

For the life of me I don’t understand why some even bothered, most were over weight, out of shape, and didn’t have the balance to walk up a flight of stairs let alone fight in a ring. The rounds were 1 minute, and each fight had a set of three rounds. Some were so out of shape, that within 30 seconds of the first round, they were tired. One ole’ boy got sense about himself when he was hit the first time, and quit. There were two knockouts, and the crowd really loved that.

I must say that I myself started to get into it. It brought me back to when I was a schoolboy on the playground. I was however, surprised to see the amount of children that were there. Something I wouldn’t have done, as the language was atrocious.

End of A Blog Dynasty?

2009-02-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

As I’m sure some of you know, WAS101 is on the cusp of going completely off line. Our friend Richard has had enough of the torture that he and some of his supporters have gone through.

I want to wish him well in whatever he decides to do. However, this Mr. Warhol that has taken up his keyboard, I’m not so sure about. I know nothing about the man, just what Richard has written about him, and it wasn’t good. They claim to be close friends, however reading the latest post, I’m thinking Richard is having second thoughts about keeping the blog up and running at all. I for one will probably not post on the spot much since Richard has departed as its author. I will however, continue to read the blog.

Lets just hope that Richard, or Mr. Warhol whomever it may be writing the blog keeps in lockstep with it original writings. We hope, and can only hope.

Name Change

2009-02-22T19:02:00.001-08:00

I have elected to change the name of the blog to the titles of "Consortium of Gentlemen Farmers" I believe the name suits me rather then the previous title.

For those of you who do not like change, I apologize.

Polo Boots

2009-02-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

Since I have been on a boot kick this week I thought I would finish out the week with the style differences in the polo boot.

The English or European polo boot. As you can see from these boots they have a slightly deeper heel then the boots made in Argentina. The Texan below too have a much deeper heel then the boots that are made in Argentina.

Example of the Texan polo boot. No doubt given it's name for its western look. Most, have what is called a snipped toe.

The zip front boot is my preference when it comes to polo boots. I not only like the style, but the ease and comfort of the boot. Others who play the sport will no doubt disagree, and prefer there own, with that I say it is a matter of taste. Unlike with the Texan, an other European boots, this one you need only unzip the front and slide in. No pulling or tugging to get you into, or out of your boots before and after a match. Note the stitching on the boot above from D. Minsen & CO. I may want to save them to my favorites for when I need a new pair. However, there is one thing I do not like about these boots, the heel seems a bit shallow over the Texan boots.

Ostrich Boots A Must Have For The American Country Gentlemen

2009-02-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

Though the Misses isn’t happy about cowboy hats, she doesn’t mind if I sport a pair of these.
The item pictured above are a pair of HH full quill boots. They are square toed, with crape soles.

Afro-American Movers & Shakers

2009-02-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

While I personally am not a large proponent of black history month, I thought that I would pay homage to a few Afro-American’s who are doing it in today’s society.

I only say that I am not, due to the fact that other races in this country do not have a whole month dedicated to them, fair is fair. But yes to all the Afro-American’s who may come across this post, I am proud to be an Afro-American. Also, I am pressed for time, so the list is going to be a little small. No, no Oprah on the list.

Richard Parsons, Frm CEO Time Warner

Kenneth Chenault, CEO American Express

Bishop TD Jakes

Will Smith

Tyler Perry

Though I have grown tired of his movies, he has a great story. Coming up from nothing, and pulling himself up by his own boot straps, now that's American.

POTUS

I think he needs no introduction. My wife would love this photo, she hates cowboy hats. So much so I can not replace mine. I guess I will just have to do without, well at least for now anyway.

What's In A Word?

2009-02-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

I don’t know why I even thought about this, but it is interesting. Have you ever taken a look at the word bench? I know something simple. The word is actually an ancient German word for bank.

That got me to thinking about bank and how it relates to bench. What is a bank? A place where one keeps funds, or what controls waters. So now we have bench, and bank. If a bank controls waters, it would be safe to say that it controls the current, right? So now we have bench, bank, and current. Do you see what I’m getting at? No, not yet, lets keep going.

Current is closely linked to currency, a judge rules from the bench, and with that he control the motion of the court, and it's current.

Interesting how that works.

Ahhh Redheads! Why I Love Them

2009-02-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

Though my wife is a blonde, I have never been really fond of blondes, sorry honey you know I love you. Yes, there are many notable sexy blondes, but there is something about a redhead that really gets my blood boiling. Especially if she has green eyes and olive skin. I think it all started with Molly Ringwald. Now that I think about it, she wasn’t very cute back then, so I can’t possibly know why. It could be the lips I guess, but can’t be sure. From there, on to my first real love when I was about twenty-one, she brings to mind a certain actress whose name escapes me at the moment, but when I remember I will be sure to do a whole post on her. Below I have complied what I think are beautiful redheads.

April

I don't know who she is, but man. She has almost everything I listed above.

Kate Walsh!

Debra Messing

Ana Marie Cox

I first noticed her during the election and couldn't keep my eyes off her. I would watch certain news feeds just to see her.

Call A Motion To The Floor

2009-02-16T17:49:00.001-08:00

I am calling for a bill on the floor to bring back the suit. No not really, but if I could I would. I don’t know the young man pictured in the photo above; I just choose his photo because he looked nice enough.

However, since reading and starting my own blog I have been taking a keen interest in what others around me are wearing from day to day. Just today I was having lunch at one of my favorite spots, when this young, hip, professional pulls up in his nice new clean Porsche. It’s the middle of the day and he hops out in a black French cuffed shirt, black trousers (which looked too tight), and those damned pointed shoes I hate so much. Loud, and with ear bud gleaming that technology blue he orders his meal.

As a 38-year-old man, am I that out of touch with society? As I look around, I see more, and more up and coming young professionals looking this way. In fact, my lawyer wears jeans and dirty cowboy boots in his office. The first time I met with him, he was in carpenter jeans, a rumpled shirt, and dirty cowboy boots. One would think that he wasn’t a very good Attorney if he wasn’t well known in the community. I guess in his case he doesn’t have to look the part.

What is it about the suit that has become so humdrum? I, as most of you know am a farmer, and I still don a suit when I am meeting with potential clients, or doing daily business. Before I became self employed, I would be chided by others in the office for not wearing jeans on Fridays. Once, my boss at a well-known corporation, asked if I were looking for another job. Would it have been better if I showed up in torn jeans and tattoos? Don’t laugh, I know a director of a new corporation here who does. Does it really make people more productive to dress as though they have just rolled out of bed? At any rate, I don’t believe that I would be able to carry the motion.

Chippewa Boots

2009-02-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

While we are on the subject of boots. A dear friend of mine has an awesome pair of the boots pictured above. The Chippewa snake boots are guaranteed snake proof. However, these boots also look great with khakis as well as jeans. My friend wears his to his office on casual days with RL chinos, and oxford shirts.

Specs:
Good year leather
Welt Construction
1000 Denier Cordura Viper cloth for guaranteed snake protection.
Body cushion insole
Vibram Robinson out soles
This boot would be a prized possession of any sportsman. Even if you were not a hunter, the boot as stated would work well for casual wear as well. Good for year around wear, however if using for fashion statement best to keep this in the closet for fall and winter use.

http://www.chippewaboot.com/green-chippewa-snakeboots.htm

Wellies

2009-02-15T19:55:00.001-08:00

Its getting close to that time of year when we will need to break out the Wellies. Some of us wear these year round for mucking, for others it’s a fashion statement, go figure. My daughter is even tinkering with the thought of having her own pair.

I have had a pair for years now, and have gotten great use of them. My plan is to purchase another pair this spring. One in green, and maybe one in chocolate to jump on the fashion bandwagon.

Where Was The Help? Long One, I've been out a bit.

2009-02-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

Now that this whole thing is behind us, it's time for me to come out on some of you state and federal programs that are here to either assist, or give services to the public.

FEMA:
We all know about this government agency. During Katrina, they were a little late with their assistance. Here in NWA (Northwest Arkansas) they made a feeble attempt at righting a wrong. I am not one to think that living in the country was or would be easy, as it isn’t. Even with all the luxury and confronts of modern day life, it just isn’t easy. However, from what you folks have been seeing in the news, we ALL were in a bad way out here, not so. Fayetteville, AR had power days after the storm. Granted, there are some that did not have power, but for the most part most did. The nearest town had power and never lost it. Which is another part of this story. FEMA, decided to set up shop in Oklahoma, and Fayetteville, far from the areas that needed the assistance the most. Most living in the rural areas could not afford generators, and though FEMA had plenty, like the trailers during Katrina, they were not supplying these good people with some sort of hope or light. Instead, they were holding these generators for small business who needed power to run their business. Never mind the fact that they were in a city that close to 85% of the population already either had power, or would be within a few days. In fact I had not seen a member of FEMA during these last two weeks. So, why do we need these people? Here, Neighbors are those who came to one another aid. I saw it all over the place out here in the sticks. Farmers, all good men with chain saws cutting away the brush so that their neighbors could get to the store to buy bread, or get medical care. Remember this folk, you sure as hell can not count on your government. I thank god that we had the where with all to have food, and a generator.

Ozark Electric:
What can I say about Ozark Electric? Nothing good that’s for sure. The Cooperative has known for years that they had serious problems with their substations but did not spend the money to repair them. No let’s wait until there is a real need, then we will spend the time and money to correct the issue. I have never lived anywhere that has the problems that this Cooperative has. If a squirrel three miles from here gets caught in a line, we are with out power for three to four hours. Yes, you read it folks, three to four hours. It was a Tuesday when the power went out. On that Friday, we got word that they have completed the repairs to the substations and will now be working on getting power to the community. Three days after the incident we are just now getting the substation back up and running? WHAT THE?! Oh the story gets better. We wait, and we wait, and we wait some more. A week later, I start to see life again in the small town in the valley below our farm. We are now approaching two weeks now and someone from a power company from another state shows up to put in new power poles, and pull the lines. You would think that we were at war if you had seen the site of all the trucks in you front yard. They work through out the day, and get everything in place. It is now dark, and they have to retire for the evening. I’m cool with this, and understand.

Following day:
No crews in sight, we wait, we wait, and we wait some more. It’s almost noon, and a truck pulls through the cattle gate and climbs the hills of the farm. With him, a flat bed truck with a dozer. I don’t ask questions, I sit and I wait some more. Always waiting we were. After two hours I grab my truck and drive o the top of the hill to ask questions. On our property there is an old house deep in the woods. It belonged to a member of my wife’s family during the turn of the century at some time. There’s even the shell of an old Model T, an actual outhouse, a smokehouse for cooking, and a water pump, which still pump water to this day. It’s inhabited, and has been this way for years. Ozark in its wisdom wants to run power to this shack. I don’t complain or ask questions; I just let them go on about their jobs. The lineman tells me that I should have power by the end of the day. OK, but I heard this yesterday. The flat bed and lineman leave for the day. Nothing, no one around, no sound of power tools or voices of the men working in the field. It’s getting late now, and still nothing. I drive the three miles down my road to find the crew, and they are on their way up my road. But it’s late, and no longer hopeful that power will be restored. They get to work, this army of linemen, when another smaller truck (F150) pulls through my field to call it a day. Still no power and I am hot at this moment. I go to the gate; this part is important, to speak with the foreman, one I had not seen, and he advises that they are done. "Done" I ask, I see no power here. He then becomes snide and rude, "We are done, I’m not going to risk my men’s lives working in the dark." I have a real problem with this, as these trucks have lights, bright lights. I ask him why it was that he was not on the hill that afternoon? His reply was, "We were getting power to the town below." Remember that the town below me has had power for days now. Even some of my neighbors have had power for days. I say nothing, as for one, he was on the other side of my barbed wire fence, and two my wife and daughter were in the house. I go to the barn; steaming, and tend to a calf, and start to muck after the horses. I’m still steaming, and they are still in my field. The trucks are starting to roll through the gate as I emerge from the barn. I don’t know what came over me, but his was the last truck and I tried to block him in. I asked him to step put of the truck, of which he wouldn’t, he speed away. This was Sunday last, and that Monday the lights were back on. But the funny thing is, a Police officer showed up at my door while I was away taking care of my daily duties. When he heard the truth, he laughed and took me out of the system. So, the lesson of the story is this. Don’t curse out your power man, he may just call the cops. Oh, and by the way, the garbage they left in my yard is still here, I wonder if it’s going to be the same foreman to pick it up? I just may have to have my dogs out of their kennels on his next visit.

I'm Limping

2009-02-14T20:08:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone, I'm back. I'm not all the way here, but I am back. I am having some trouble logging on to my site, but have found a work around. So I'm limping, and I an like, 95% back on track. So with that, I will be making post. As soon as my wife downloads the photo's you will have those as well.

ETA 2/16

2009-02-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

I have found that they mother board has been fried. I have dropped it off to be repaired, however the tech says that it could be done in two hours, or it might be monday.

Expect to see more post either later today, or Monday evening.

I'm Still Here

2009-02-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

The power is back on, however my computer might be fried. I'm having to use my 770 to make post, and it sucks. I will be working on the computer later today, wish me luck!

Really Quick

2009-01-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

We are all doing fine. The generator is up and running, and it looks like we should have power soon. I have taken pen to paper in a daily journal, and I will let you all know what has happened over the last few days. We do not have hot water, and I am a bit ripe today. Though I had to heat water on the stove just to take bath, yeah it sucks, we cleared the road from the main house, and I again am a bit ripe. Wish me luck, and I will let you all know what's what.

Out Of The Office

2009-01-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

Well guys, I will not be able to post the next possible two weeks. We are in AR, and if you've not been paying attention to the news, we are in a state of emergency.

We have lost power at the farm, and my battery is running low. I will have photo's up of the ice, and damage when I can.

My Custom Buckle, and It's Story.

2009-01-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

Lonestar Silversmith

My custom buckle was made by Lonestar Silversmith. As some of you know, each buckle tells a story. This is to commemorate the marriage to my beautiful wife. It shows mine and my wife's name, and where we currently live. It has a heart to show the love I have for my wife, with the date of our nuptials in the center. The sign to the left is of the Zia, which represent the four seasons with my daughters, wife's, and my initials at the top in a half circle. We were married in New Mexico, so I thought it would be fitting in add the Zia, as it is the design on the states flag. And that is the story of my custom buckle.

The above photo is of the original buckle of which I took my design from.

Vintage RL Suede Crest Loafers

2009-01-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

While looking for new kicks, I came across these. Years ago, I had this shoe in leather, and hate the fact that I gave them away, something I have been doing a lot of lately. Though they are suede, and not leather like the ones I had in the past, I could not resist the price, so I purchased them at a low price of $18.99. I can't wait for them to come in so I can wear them with my favorite pair of RL khaki's and a vintage RL jean jacket which I also replaced after giving it away. I'm guessing that I should stop giving things away.

Burberry Blue Blazer

2009-01-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

I needed a new blue blazer, so I decided to check out my favorite place to shop. I found this nice Burberry double breasted blazer for only $9.99. Yet another steal.

Grefphenreed Couture

2009-01-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

Sydney in "The Rainbow" dress. My sister designed and made this for her upon her birth.
The dress is made of rainbow yarn, and lace w/a large grosgrain belt to be tied into a bow.

While my sister and I do not share the same fashion sense, I do love her, and I am proud of her. In the video, you will see some of the items from her line. Or you may visit her at www.grefphenreed.com to see her full line.

My Boy Hoot

2009-01-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

I can assure you I was in no mood for another dog when Hoot came along.

Sad story really. I has a wonderful chocolate lab named Hunter. He was such a loyal dog. He would see me off every morning, following me to the end of the drive. I would check my rear view to see him sit at the corner of the drive, as though he knew I would soon return.

When I would return, he would be there waiting, as though he had been there all day.

Until one evening he was no longer there. I asked my father-in-law if he had seen him, he had but only earlier in the day. We had been having a coyote problem this past summer, and they were in heat. I had not gotten dear Hunter snipped, and he chased his last tail on that faithful day. We have not seen his body anywhere on on the farm, in fact a neighbor a few miles from here has a new chocolate lab. I can only hope that he is living with my new neighbors. Why have I not claimed him if I love him so much? Well if you are someone who knows dogs such as I, you will know that they have a short memory. What saddens me the most, is that I had trained him as a hunting dog from a young pup.

I now have Hoot(pictured above) he's a good ol' boy, though lazy, and ill mannered. I still love him just the same.

Sydney & I

2009-01-22T14:54:00.000-08:00

This will probably be the only photo's you will ever see of me. I just hate taking pictures. This was at a wedding of the son of my daughters god parents. I am in the following;

Linen RL DB blazer
Linen RL Trouser
Silk RL Pocket square
BB French Cuff shirt
Albert Slipper
and Alligator belt w/turn buckle.

Mind you it was summer when these were taken. I have another I wanted to display, but my wife has it in upside down. It is of, the misses, Sydney, and I. I hope to be putting up photo's of polo matches in the future, so be looking for them. Yes I know I'm fat, and I don't need all of you to tell me. Hence, why no photo's of me.

Sydney and I

Sydney reading the bible.

Ed Hardy, Fad or New American Style?

2009-01-20T03:08:00.000-08:00

As some of you have no doubt seen some of the shows I am about to name in this post, you have also no doubt seen the brand Ed Hardy donned on the men and women on these shows.

It would seem that Ed Hardy has his own out let of adverting on such shows as Rock of Love; all three, Real Chance at Love, and other of these idiotic real television dating shows. While in another blog discussing Ralph Lauren, I reflected on my wife. My wife and I do not share the same values in American style, as she is more Ed Hardy, and I J press, Brooks Brothers, etc.
Yes, I know big time opposites, but I love her anyway.

I do not see the brand making it past twenty years, however this is only my opinion, which could be wrong, as I was wrong about the Rap scene as well back in the eighties. Other blogs subjects have spoken about what the "children" of our day are wearing and are appalled by some of the items that are being seen in the streets today. Ed Hardy in my opinion is at the very top. Capturing the "Jolly Roger" like so many others, including Ralph Lauren, and turning it into a fashion icon. Ed Hardy collections mimics the biker gangs of old, added with tattoo artwork, and has taken trucker fashions to an all time high.

Artist such as Piddy (Sean Puffy Combs), Bruce Springsteen, and Mickey Rourke are seen on his web site. So I am to assume that they endorse his line. A Slew of others in the entertainment business have jumped on the bandwagon as well.

Fad, or new American why of style?

Polo Tunes

2009-01-19T08:31:00.001-08:00

For some of you, including me, the auto play for Polo Tunes was an annoyance. I am happy to now tell you all, if you did not know that this issue has been fixed. So enjoy the blog w/ or without tunes. I know I will.

On this Eve of V Day.

2009-01-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

It is the eve of V day, a day of vindication. I wanted to take the time to reflect on this, and it's importance to all men and women. Let us love all man kind, and unit under the power of these United States. For only we the People have the power to make the change that is needed in our communities.

I love you all, including those who trespass against me. God bless us all, god bless the United States of America

The Presidential Motorcade

2009-01-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

I have been reading a lot of hubbub surrounding Obama’s new Limousine. First let me state, that it is not the full decision of POTUS, or President Elect on which vehicle he is to be paraded around in.

I’m hearing everything from, "Why does he need so many SUV’s," he’s telling the people what they should drive, when he himself is riding around in a gas guzzler", etc. These are all ignoramus statements. I can not understand why people must criticize what they do not know or understand.

The motorcade is a "NESSITY" for any POTUS. So should we have our President trolling around in a Hybrid Honda Accord? Though I like the accord, it would not be becoming of the President to be seen in a foreign auto. Also, would it matter if it were a hybrid? I say no due to the amount of glass that has been added to the vehicle, this of course adding weight. I don’t know about you, but I have been in a hybrid SUV pulling a boat, and the gas mileage wasn’t much different.

In short, POTUS, no matter who he may be, must be protected. Hence why so many vehicles in his motorcade. There are Secret Services Agents that need to accompany him. There are staff members who need to accompany him. There is also a designated paramedic unit that also follows the presidential motorcade. So, yes fuel will be spent when he goes anyplace. Why not complain about Airforce One while we are at it?

Latest Kicks, Another Ebay Find

2009-01-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

I am very proud these new in box J Crew bucks I found on ebay. I can hardly wait for spring and summer so that I can get them out on the pavement.

Purchased for $5.99, can't beat it!

The Negro Living Amongst WASP

2009-01-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Villa Lewaro, was the home of the late Madam C.J. Walker. A self made woman, is said to be the first Afro-America, and woman to have become a millionaire. Making her fortune in hair care products for the Afro-American people. The home is located at Irvington, New York.

Born 1867, Sara Breedlove, Delta Louisiana to former slave parents only to be orphaned by the age of seven. She and her sister escaped from Delta due to an epidemic of yellow fever, and failing cotton crops, to Vicksburg in 1878. At the age of fourteen, Sarah married Moses McWilliams to escape her sister's abusive husband. They had a daughter, Lelia (later known as A'Lelia Walker, a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance). When Lelia was only two years old, McWilliams died.

Sarah's second marriage to John Davis August 11, 1894 failed and ended sometime in 1903. She married for the third time in January, 1906 to newspaper sales agent, Charles Joseph Walker; they divorced around 1910.

Madam Walker's home, Villa Lewaro, was built in August of 1918 on Irvington-on-Hudson, New York. Her neighbors included industrialists Jay Gould and John D. Rockefeller. The grand estate served not only as her home but as a conference center for summits of race leaders to discuss current issues.

Madam Walker died at Villa Lewaro at the age of 51 on Sunday, May 25, 1919 from complications of hypertension. Upon her death she was considered to be the wealthiest African-American woman in America and known to be the first African-American woman millionaire. Some sources cite her as the first self-made American woman millionaire. Her daughter Lelia succeeded her as president of the C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company

The Balck Ivies, Howard, Morehouse, & Spelman

2009-01-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of talk about the Ivies in the blogshpere, so I thought I would be proud and speak of the black ivies. Yes there are such things in the black community as Ivy League Universities that are not Harvard, Princeton, or Yale. Most of you will have heard of the universities that I am about to speak of. While students of all races are welcomed at these universities, they are still predominately black. While there are other notable black universities, such as Grambling, and Hampton University, the three outlined in this post are the more prevalent.

I chose this photo to show the diversity at Howard University. Howard was established by a charter in 1867, and much of its early funding came from endowment, private benefaction, and tuition. An annual congressional appropriation administered by the Secretary of the Interior funded the school. From its outset it, was nonsectarian and open to both sexes and all races. Howard has graduate schools of, Pharmacy, Law, Medicine, dentistry, and divinity, in addition to the undergraduate program. For its dedication to professionalism and its coveted education, Howard has been nicknamed "the Black Harvard."

Notable Alumni: Actor Ossie Davis Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall Roberta Flack Debbie Allen

Morehouse College is a private, all-male, historically black college located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of four remaining traditional men's colleges in the United States. 1867, two years after the end of the civil war, the Augusta Institute was founded by William Jefferson White, an Augusta Baptist minister and cabinetmaker. With the support of Rev. C Coulter a former slave from Augusta Georgia. In 1879, the institute moved to the basement of the Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta and changed it's name to Atlanta Baptist Seminary. Later the seminary gained a four acre campus in downtown Atlanta in 1885. Dr. John Hope became the first Afro-American president in 1906 and lead the institutions growth in size and academic stature.

Notable Alumni: Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Spike Lee U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses Congressman Sanford Bishop Samuel L Jackson

1881, founded as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary by Sophia B. Packard and Herriet E Giles.
School opens April 11th, in the basement of Friendship Baptist Church, the Rev. Frank Quarles, pastor. 1884, the name changes to Spelman Seminary in honor of Mrs. Laura Spelman Rockefeller and her parents Harvey Buel and Lucy Henry Spelman, longtime activist in the antislavery movement.

Notable Alumni:
KEISHA KNIGHT-PULLIAM (C’2001) – Actress; Played the role of Rudy Huxtable on the ‘80s television hit, The Cosby Show.

STEPHANIE SCOTT (C’98) – Associate Beauty Editor for ESSENCE magazine.

LAURIE CUMBO (C’97) – Founder and Director of the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Art (MoCADA), Brooklyn, New York 's first and only museum with a focus on the art, culture and history of African Americans and the African Diaspora; ESSENCE magazine referred to her as a "one-woman art world tour de force" in a February 2001 profile.
GERTRUDE FISHER ANDERSON (High School, 1912) - Started the Nanette Candy Company in Birmingham, AL in 1933. Before closing the business in 1954, the company made over $100,000 yearly and produced 800 to 1,000 pounds of candy daily. Nanette Candies was known nationally and articles about the business appeared in Ebony, Crisis, Journal of Negro Business, and the Journal of Negro History.

Latest Ebay Find

2009-01-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

Though the dimeinsions show a perfect fit, I'm sure I will need to drop it by my tailor for a perfect sizing. However, for $60.00, I couldn't resist this beautiful charcoal w/taupe pinstripe Burberry suit.

Obama and Honest Abe

2009-01-17T11:32:00.001-08:00

What is it with this fascination that Obama has for Abraham Lincoln? Ignorant historians will tell you that he freed the slaves because he felt that slavery was wrong. This is not true. Anyone with half a brain knows that this was only meant for the southern states or those who have seceded from the Union. While some northern states still held slaves, the south was ordered to give up their chattel with the emancipation proclamation. So only freeing the slaves in states of rebellion.

Was Lincoln a White Suremist? See quote below.

"I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between the white and black races. There is a physical difference between the two, which, in my judgment, will probably forever forbid their living together upon the footing of perfect equality; and inasmuch as it becomes a necessity that there must be a difference, I ... am in favor of the race to which I belong having the superior position." ---Abraham Lincoln..

Even though Lincoln died in April of 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment which abolished slavery was not instituted until eight months later, nearly three years from his "slave freeing" Emancipation Proclamation.

The question one needs to ask is this: without Lincoln, could there have been a 13th amendment? There has long been a historical argument as to whether or not a slave-based economic system would have been viable in the long run. And there was clearly a growing political movement that centered largely on opposition to slavery, esp. in the North. So while it may be an oversimplification to say that Lincoln, by himself, ended slavery; and it may be correct to note that he did fail to surpass the *accepted doctrine* of his time (that the white "race" somehow represented the pinnacle of all creation), it is a gross and wrongful distortion to imply that he was an enemy to Black people in America. Even if he did not believe that the Black man was his equal, he still made it possible for that same man to demand equal treatment under the law.

Another thought about Abe's fight for the injustace of slavery.

The EP was issued five days after the Antiem, Geo. Union victory. Abolitionists wanted the slaves to be voluntarily freed by slave owners and they were putting political pressure on Lincoln to enact legislature. In his 1860 platform as the republican candidate for presidency he stated a "gradual and compensatory" emancipation. That would basically give masters about 10 years to decide what to do and the government would pay ea. owner about $300 for each slave with an additional amount of about $100,00 if the slave would leave the US and go to Haiti or Liberia. In 1862 Abe had congress adopt a "financial aid" plan for this plan and intended to issue gov't bonds instead of cash. He thought that freed slaves should have their own colony and that part of their freedom would include their subsequent emigration. He invited some prominent freed blacks to the white house once and said, "Your race suffers greatly, many of them by living among us, while ours suffers from your presence. If this is admitted, it affords a reason why we should be separated."

So what is it with this facination of Abrahma Lincoln? Is it because they are both from the great state of IL? It has to be something deeper, or one would hope as he is now the leader of the free world.

Reparation Bad For The Nation

2009-01-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

Before we begin, let me first state that I do not agree with reparations. I know some will be saying, "Oh, no he didn’t" I also know that this may be crossing a line, but I’m willing to talk about it.

Now with that, yes I am an Afro-America, I am not an Uncle Tom for my belief that the proposal of reparation is not good for the nation.

Lets start first with the calls from some African countries asking for reparations for the loss of some of their population. Why should the U.S. Government pay these countries any more money then what they already have?

1. Some of these African countries sold their own people to the new white masters. Where was this concern for the population then?

2. Would this not be a double payment? These tribes who gave up their so-called population, were paid in some cases. Yes, I do understand that some tribes had no choice in the matter due to the fact that other tribes, due to a loss of a war gave up the men and women of the tribes. However, why is it that the U.S. must foot the bill? These tribes that are asking for these monies, should speak to the tribes that sold their people into bondage.

Section two of my argument:

Who will be paid? Not all Afro-Americans in the U.S. are of slave decent. If we look deeper into the history of the United States, you will see that some blacks owned slaves themselves. So my question is, who will get paid? How do we know that some of these slave-owning descendants too will be getting funds from the Federal Government?

Section three of my argument:

Should the family members of the northern soldiers who also made sacrifice also be taxed to foot this bill? What about the abolitionist who also fought and died to end slavery? We can not discount also the American Indian with the lands that have been provided to them. How is it that the government can take the lands of the indigence people in order to write a wrong? It will be another wrong, and more money will be paid in order to correct the issue. See below.

From 1814 to 1824, Jackson was instrumental in negotiating nine out of eleven treaties, which divested the southern tribes of their eastern lands in exchange for lands in the west. The tribes agreed to the treaties for strategic reasons. They wanted to appease the government in the hopes of retaining some of their land, and they wanted to protect themselves from white harassment. As a result of the treaties, the United States gained control over three-quarters of Alabama and Florida, as well as parts of Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky and North Carolina. This was a period of voluntary Indian migration, however, and only a small number of Creeks, Cherokee and Choctaws actually moved to the new lands. (From: Indian Remove 1814-1858

How is the government able to provide the 40 acres and mule that the Afro-American was promised? Did Jackson have no choice but to revise the Special field order No. 15? Would this have sparked another war between the U.S. and the Native American people?

Comparative Unity:

Are you better off living here in the U.S.? What would your life be like if the slave trade had never happened? As we can see in recent times, that the continent is riddled with genocide. Here everyone has the freedom to come and go as he or she pleases, work, and live as they please. You merely just have to have the wherewithal to do so.

I’m cutting this one short; however, this will be a two part series. I will leave you with this last comment.

Who is to pay, and what of the children of bi-racial marriages, or relationships?
My wife comes from an Irish family, and she is second generation. Her family did not own slaves, so why should they have to pay? This also goes for the Italians, and Germans. So who is suppose to foot the bill? Should my best friend, who’s family I seriously doubt owned slaves foot the bill? What of the white working class people of this country, should they foot the bill? Most of these people are forth or fifth generation poo, so broke that they can’t even afford the R. My daughter is biracial, so how should she get paid? Should she take monies out of one pocket, and put it into another? There are a lot of aspect that one should think of before making this decision. The economics alone would be a disastrous. Which I will get into in the second post. It will be shorter, I promise.

BridesHead Revisited A Total Failer

2009-01-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

While visiting a red box to pick up a movie for Sydney (my five-year-old), I noticed a copy of Brideshead Revisited. Though Richard (the author of WASP 101) and I will probably disagree, I wasted my money.

Not to say that you may not like this film, but it was just not for me. Half way through it, I lost my concentration, and moved on to cutting firewood, and burning trash. Only to come back in, and think to myself, "oh, you’re still on?" It was kind of like that unwanted guest that you kind of forgot about.

I am going to assume that he likes the film for the clothing that the charters wore, and the stately manor (Brideshead) that the charters occupied. Other then this, the film was a total boar, and entirely too much homosexuality in it for my taste. No, I am not a homophobic, but I’d rather not see too men kissing, let alone swim naked in the estate fountain. But hey, that’s just me.

The women in the film were all plain; I wouldn’t go so far as say homely, but not attractive to my taste. The mother (Lady Marchmian) though long in the tooth, she was much more attractive then her daughter. She is played by Emma Thompson if that gives you any clue. She’s is never seen in a flattering way, dressed in black through most of the film.

The Royal Gigolo. My Latest WTF Story

2009-01-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

Edwina Mountbatten, Countess Mountbatten of Burma

Leslie H. Hutchinson

While looking for more information about dear old uncle Dickie, I came across this story.

Apparently, Edwina Mountbatten had a taste for chocolate. I’m no fool to think that there were no such things as interracial relationships during the roaring twenties. However, I am a fool to think that it did not make its way to the Royal family. Before I begin, if you have not seen the movie, "The Bank Job" you need to see it. It is a true account of the heist of a bank box that contained photos of a member of the Royal family involved in degenerate sex acts. I think it was either Princess Margaret, or it could have been Lady Mountbatten. Sorry for the long story on this one, but it’s well worth it.

The story goes that in July 1932, the Mountbatten family was forced to bring a libel action suit against gossip columnist of 'that vulgar socialist Sunday paper, The People', as Mountbatten called it. It goes on to state, "'Her association with a colored man became so marked that they were the talk of the West End. Then one day the couple were caught in compromising circumstances."

'The sequel is that the society woman has been given hints to clear out of England for a couple of years to let the affair blow over and the hint comes from a quarter which cannot be ignored'.
King George the V saw the article; of course he was rather upset, and ordered the couple to return to London immediately to sue for libel, in order to clear the Royal family name. Problem is, the wrong person (singer Paul Robeson) was named in the suit. The Mountbattens won their case, and refused reimbursement. But this isn’t the end of the story.

Edwin, had a black lover, but as stated before it was not the Paul Robeson, as was claimed in the suit. Instead it was Leslie Hutch Hutchinson, a jazz performer who preformed with the likes of Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, and Composer Cole Parker; which was another of his lovers as well, oh yeah he was bi-sexual.

The first scandal surrounding him came in 1930, when he got the debutante Elizabeth Corbett pregnant. Her father vowed vengeance and pursued Hutch through the courts. Elizabeth managed to get a Guards officer to marry her. They had a society wedding in Sloane Square but she was already three months pregnant, and it was not until she was in labor that she warned her husband the baby might be black. He was appalled. The child was removed at birth and put up for adoption. He is also linked to screen sirens Tallulah Bankhead, and Merle Oberon, possibly two members of the Royal family the Queens aunt Princess Marina Duchess of Kent, and allegedly Princess Margaret when she was 25, and he 55. Man this guy really got around. For the full story, visit the link below. It was mind blowing for me.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1085883/The-royal-gigolo-Edwina-Mountbatten-sued-claims-affair-black-singer-Paul-Robeson-But-truth-outrageous-.html

Good Ol Uncle Louie, The Supermo

2009-01-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

There’s much talk about the Duke of Windsor, but no one ever seems to speak about Louis Mountbatten. Why has he been pushed by the wayside? One a war hero who fought for his countrymen, the other shirking responsibility, an appeaser, and Nazi Sympathizer. Yet, he is getting all the glory. Can someone explain this to me? Or advise if am wrong?

Is Pornography Killing the American Family?

2009-01-14T09:47:00.000-08:00

Is pornography a form of infidelity? The billion-dollar industry can not be made up of only single men who indulge in this guilty pleasure.

Just as tobacco has its warning label, porn has it’s on. However, our young still seem to be effected by it. Accidentally getting their hands on it as they have found their fathers private stash. Or even, worse, the men and women who are addicted to such items that they have now turned to children to satisfy some sick fantasy they may have. Where does it end?

I asked the question at the top, not because of the sex that is involved, but the emotions that are involved. One may say that there is no emotions involved when it comes to pornography, however, I disagree. You can hurt your partner, if you both do not agree on the subject. Your wife will in the end feel that she is not good enough. What if there are children in the home was well? The misses may find it ok for you to indulge into this fantasy world, but what example are you setting for your children? If you have a daughter, what are your thoughts about your own daughter joining the industry? I thought, not.

Why am I so strong against pornography? I too have had my own battle with the stuff. I mean come on; even the non-cable television shows are filled with sex these days. I went to one of my local stores just this morning to purchase a few items, even there I could not step foot out of the place with out seeing sex. Sex on calendars, clothes, even in the medication isles. As early in the morning as it was, I even saw a few women who were dressed as though they were looking for a hook up. It is no wonder why this industry makes the money it does every year. And its margins are growing.

However, my wife has helped me overcome this shortcoming. We must all be vigilant to what our children are up to, and this will aid them into a healthy lifestyle. Remember that it is not only the parents who raise our children, but the community.

WASP101 and the Fisticuffs

2009-01-13T20:14:00.001-08:00

Richard, this is no reflection on you. However, I am done with the WASP101 blog. This blog has been hijacked by the anonymous posters who seem to feel that it is ok, to speak ill of god, and ones family. The disrespect has run rampant, and out of control.

Moving forward, I will be paying closer attention to my own blog. No, anonymous post will be allowed on Today’s Gentlemen. There will be no tolerance of abuse on Today’s Gentlemen. If you post on Today’s Gentlemen, and if it is rude in anyway your post will be removed, and I will do everything in my power to block you from this forum.

It is rather sad, but I feel I must to do this, as I would rather have no readership, then one where adults are acting as though they are children. With that being said. If you have something intelligent to say, welcome.

Racist or Soldier?

2009-01-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Prince Harry has gotten himself into a bit of trouble yet again. Using racist language to describe Pakistani, and Arabs as Ragheads, and Paki.

Is this racism, or a solider boy, being just that a soldier? Some would equate this to being racist; others who have served would chop this up to nothing more then the banter that soldiers play out in the field. My father while in Vietnam would use racist words for the Vietcong, but at home tell me that these people are people and such words should not be used. So with this story I’m a little torn. We all know that Harry has a small history with racism, when he donned the uniform of a Nazi during a Halloween party. But does this make him a racist? Then I would have said that he is in his youth, and knows not what he do. However, he has a whole office that is supposed to teach him the ways of Royalty. So where is he getting this?

The Royal family is rumored to be a racist family, with his great-grandmother the Queen mum, as being very homophobic, at least that’s the rumor. The Queen has a high percentage rate of Arab’s who love her, and the United Kingdom. Some, like the young man in the video are in the armed forces. My thoughts or assumptions are that he has gotten caught up with his mates in a little fun, and it has backfired on him. No one is calling out any of the other soldiers for using the same words as he. Nor are they calling them out for words that are far worse then these words. So, my question is why is this news? Has the world gone just a little too PC?

Some of My Old Haunts, & Greatest Memories.

2009-01-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

A street filled with every sort of bar you can think of. Way too many for me to list here. Well worth the visit, if you are ever in West Palm Beach.

Blue Martini is open 7 days a week and is always ready to tailor a special event to fulfill corporate or individual requirements. Their stunning décor and 3 distinctly diverse guest experiences maintains a high level of energy that is unsurpassed. West Palm Beach, FL.

Immersed in Colorado mining history, the Gold Pan Saloon and Restaurant in Breckenridge offers a glimpse of a "rough and ready" western heritage, when at any moment the swinging saloon doors might creak open and admit a gun clad cowboy. Built around 1879 as the Herman Strauss Saloon, the bar side of this complex has spent most of its days as a smoke-filled, whiskey-scented dining and amusement hall. Breckenridge, CO.

The original Breckenridge Brewery & Pub is located on South Main Street in the historic mountain town of Breckenridge. The town's most popular restaurant destination offers one of the most dramatic views of the mountains, which is best appreciated while enjoying an Avalanche Ale from thier dining room or their patio. Breckenridge, CO.

Located in the heart of Old Town, you can follow your favorite teams on 33 TVs, and 3 giant big screens. You'll even find TVs on the heated patio. Wichita, KS.

Loft 150 boasts the fine micro brews of the Brewing Co. and has live music to fill the night, a dance floor, pool tables and a deck with great views of Old Town. Wichita, KS.

If dancing is not your thing, Billy’s Long Bar is the place to be. Recently, I’m assuming they have added space, and there are now billiard tables, and they now serve food as well. Also, from what I have heard, there is now a lot of eye candy working at the place. Here is where I had my first and last black out. Those Fosters Oil cans can be harmful to ones health. I just turned 21, what do you expect. Albuquerque, NM.

The Southwest's largest nightclub of any kind, this place has bars in all corners; it even has its own shopping arcade, including a boutique and gift shop. A DJ spins records nightly until closing; the hardwood dance floor is so big (5,500 sq. ft.) that it resembles an indoor horse track. There's also a hip-hop and techno dance bar called Gotham within Midnight Rodeo. Albuquerque, NM.

Thinking of Home

2009-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

My wife and daughter are out tonight on a girls night out, so I am all-alone. Sitting here bored out of my mind; I started thinking about my childhood. I grew up in Wichita, KS, and some of you may think that this is just another Podunk town, but far from it. I mean it’ no Kansas City, or St. Louis, but it was home and I have a lot of fond memories. One of which, and I didn’t know these guys still existed, was Gentry LTD. I’m glad to see that they will have a web site up soon, and I can not wait to see the changes.

The Indian Center in down town Wichita. As a child I remember taking a field trip to the Indian center. It was here that I had my first taste of Indian fry bread, and I have been hooked every since. Best with honey.

A Frank Lloyd Wright home in College Hill. Built 1915, for Henry J. and Elise Allen. We as children would go by this house and take a peek inside. The home was not open to the public when we were children, but I believe that it is now open to the public for tours.

Another favorite is the Wichita River Festival; boy do I miss the Ice Cream socials. It takes place at the end of spring, and we would skip school, as we only had two or three days left before we would be let out for summer, so why not

America’s3 located at the Wichita Boathouse. Shame I was leaving just as it was being completed, and I have not been able to really see her since. Something I’ll have to add to my bucket list.

Towne East Mall, yes I was a mall Rat. Those of you who know this mall will remember Henrey’s Department Store. This was the place to shop for men’s attire, other then Gentry LTD, or Mr. Guy.

College Hill Park, once was a Country Club during the roaring twenties, turned park and neighborhood. I had my first kiss in this park, as well as my first fight. Whenever I return home, this is one of the places I hit first.

End of the Aristocracy? And The WASP101 Debate

2009-01-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

While reading the post listed on WASP101, I came across one that got me to thinking. The poster (Anonymous) which he seems to get a lot of those posted the following below.

"Anonymous said...
If you would like to actually learn about Society I recommend reading E. Digby Baltzell, Stephen Birmingham and Cleveland Amory. And I would just like to make sure everyone is aware that know one, unless they are a child, who posts on this blog is a Wasp.
January 9, 2009 7:52 AM"

My question is, is there still an Aristocracy in America? I know there are those who have, and those who have not in this country, but a real Aristocracy? There is an on going argument on WASP101, as to what is, and what isn’t WASP. Something I feel is a dying breed, if not dead. I only say this, because with the influx of "new" money in the world, there are new rules. Those who claim to be WASP, still hold their noses up, and would drown in a downpour, to those who are the new money. Claiming, well they are not one of us, as I got my money from my fathers, fathers, father, and they had the audacity to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.

If one looks at the Forbes list of Billionaires, you will see that the top three richest men in the world are "self made." Is the world shifting from racism, to classisum, or better yet, snobbism? The books that this anonymous fellow is asking everyone to read, when were they written, or published? The model of "aristocracy" in my view is no longer the standard of the days of old. With the computer age, there have been a lot of people who have become wealthy.

Aristocracy by definition:

1. a class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, esp. the hereditary nobility.
2. a government or state ruled by an aristocracy, elite, or privileged upper class.
3. government by those considered to be the best or most able people in the state.
4. a governing body composed of those considered to be the best or most able people in the state. 5. any class or group considered to be superior, as through education, ability, wealth, or social prestige.

Are these three men not worthy of the title of at the very least gentry? Others on the WASP101 site would even venture to say that Ralph Lauren is "not" gentry. Though he invokes the gentry American style. Last I checked, the United States of America, did not have such thing as a "Nobility", if we did wouldn’t one think that they the men and women such as Buffett, Gates, Turner, Walton, Bloomberg, and Koch would be holding the title of Sir, Lord, etc? Some of these would not have been excepted in the WASP country clubs if it were still the 1950’s. Some will say, "well it’s about breeding." Hogwash, the point has been made that you do not have to trace your line back to the throne of England to be intelligent, dignified, and gentry. In another, post, I have shown a few black men who have also crossed this line of thought. In my opinion WASP are trying to hold onto an invisible empire that all races are seeming to tap into, and they hate the thought.

When someone such as Richard the author of WASP101, who I myself feel is an "upstart" (not meant in a bad way) comes along and opens the so called Pandora’s box, he is criticized and called a poser, a word that I didn’t think a true gentleman would use; let alone a WASP, and a number of other things. Those who post such things would have us to believe that WASP are these boring, non-use of color people who lock themselves behind their large gates to rule us all. And how dare anyone talk about the WASP style, and if you do you are not one of us. I say that Richard is an upstart because he is not a real WASP, and some of his writing if you pay attention gives you clues as such. He is not an Astor, or Vanderbilt, and has never claimed to be as such. He is just a man who is a member of a country club, per his claims, a loving husband, and someone who enjoys WASP style. When did this become a crime?

A local great named J.B. Hunt, god rest his soul, was not a man of society but he built one of the worlds best and greatest trucking companies in America. There is a list of others just from this area that I could add to the list, but that isn’t what this post is about. It is about all of us waking up to the fact that here in America, one can be whomever, or whatever they set out to be, and the WASP way of thinking that they are the only "elite" in America is, or should be now over.

What's The Real Story?

2009-01-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

I often ask myself silly question. Tonight I asked myself, "what is the history of the polo shirt?" I know the generic version that most of us have read at polo.com, but that was not the answer I was looking for. I decided to look into it, and I have found something interesting. It appears that Ralph Lauren did not come up with the concept of this logo. But more on that subject later.

In the 1800s, sports teams began to wear knitted shirts at football (soccer), rowing matches, and other sporting events. Though they were longed sleeved they shared one feature with today’s polo shirt, knitted material. In the 19th century entrepreneurs redesigned the jerseys and called them polo shirts. With print ads appearing in the Maryland papers as early as 1887.

In 1923 a member of the Hurlingham Polo Team in Buenos Aires played a match wearing a polo shirt. Now as to why RL did not invent the logo that dons most of his clothing and has made him a multi-millionaire. In 1920 an Irish born gentlemen and polo player named Lewis Lacey opened a clothing store in Buenos Aries. The polo shirts that were found on the racks of his store depicted a polo player on a pony. Within a few years moneyed gentry began donning custom-made polo shirts as leisure wear on the French Riviera and at other international watering spots. Sound familiar?

On another blog I talked about the Lauren Empire, and how the corporation has scout who troll the antique shops of the world for new ideas. It is also rumored that Empire purchased the wardrobe of a Duke, and this is where the Entire Purple Label collection was designed from, but that is just a rumor, and I have yet to find anything on that. Don’t get me wrong, I like most of his collection. But it just goes to show that you do not have to have much of an imagination to become a millionaire and live the American dream.

Auto Polo?

2009-01-07T18:44:00.001-08:00

I thought this was interesting and thought I would share. It is of gentlemen playing polo in cars.

Jabarr Rosser

2009-01-06T21:13:00.001-08:00

Jabarr Rosser was voted the #1 All Star player at the National Interscholastic Tournament in 2005. Jabarr is also the first African American to be voted #1 All Star.

Polo In Da Hood

2009-01-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I came across this story some time ago, and found it interesting. It’s called the Work to Ride program, which is a non-profit community based prevention program. I think I’ve found my next charity with this one. Founded in 1994, to aid disadvantage urban youth through constructive activities centered around horsemanship, equine sports, and education. Housed at the Chamounix Stables, located in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia, the setting provides a unique opportunity to bring urban youth in contact with animals, and nature. It is designed as a long term program for children 7 to 19 years old, and must commit at least one year of participation. It is, however, expected that participants will choose to remain with the program through high school graduation. Work to Ride graduates receive help with college enrollment, and most also choose to return to Chamounix to mentor new participants.

Work To Ride Accomplishments & Acclaim
1999 Work to Ride made history with the first African-American Polo team in the nation.
2003 Work to Ride was featured on HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.
2004 Work to Ride was featured in Sports Illustrated by acclaimed sports writer Gary Smith.
2005 Work to Ride won the Eastern Regional Interscholastic Polo tournament and Advanced to the National Tournament.
2005 Work to Ride's Jabarr Rosser was voted #1 National All Star player.
2006 Work to Ride was featured on HBO's Real Sports for an update on the 2003 airing
2007 Work to Ride featured on MSNBC's "The Today Show."

If you would like to donate to Work to Ride, the link is in the Tack Box.

Is Hip Hop Going WASPY?

2009-01-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

One has to question where the hip hop scene is going these days. I myself a fan of some hip hop, I am noticing a new trend. More and more am I seeing these gentlemen in Armani, rather then Dickie. So what's the deal? Is it that these men have made millions from their fan base, and now do not feel the need to sport the ball cap, and baggy jeans? Or is it something deeper? Have these gentlemen come to the conclusion that they are indeed roll models, and are trying to sway their fan base to be more gentlemen then thug, or living the thug life? I for one, am glad to see the new change. No more am I the stuffy preppy black guy, and my style of dress is now becoming popular and cool again within the black community.

Sean Puffy Combs. If you've got it flaunt it, and he has it all. Mentored by the late Biggy Smalls, Sean Combs (P Diddy) has built a multi-million dollar industry. From his own clothing label Sean John, to restaurants, and music labels. He is the host of a slew of shows on VH1, and it is a well known fact that he dated Jennifer Lopez.

Jay Z hanging with Billionaire Bill Gates. Jay Z another Rap artist who seems to have crossed the sartorial lines. Not only is he an artist, but a amazing entrepreneur. If more rap artist keep this up, we will be seeing more brothers wearing Brooks Brothers in the hood.

Mr, Bentley a Ralph Lauren New York store employee makes good. After working for Ralph Lauren at the Manhattan Polo Mansion, Mr Bentley went on to work as Sean Puffy Combs (P Diddy) assistant. Mr Bentley now on his own with a new single, and a television show is taking the world by storm. Thanks to those who helped Mr Bentley in his career, as we need more black men to show our young that chivalry is not dead.

On The Hunt

2009-01-03T08:04:00.001-08:00

As some of you know I am an avid hog hunter. I have been looking for ways to prefect my technique, and have found that Sweet feeds are a good way to go. I placed several piles in an area where there were traces of hogs. When I returned the following day most of the piles had been rooted and eaten clean.

I decided to take a look on the net to see what others have done, see some of the other ideas below, some of which I will be trying. I am also in the market for some good traps as well.

Fill a 5 gallon bucket with chicken mash, top off with two packets of yeast, dump a six pack of the cheapest beer you can find. Cover and sit in the sun for a few days. Can be dumped on the ground but will have better luck if buried in a shallow hole with very little exposed.

Another says, dry cat/dog food , or powder kool-aid is as effective as Hog Wild. I think I'll take his word for it on this one.

NOTE: Hogs follow coons to not only find food, but the coons cover the hogs sent. See the next for reasons why I have explained this.

Another says, cover your sent with coon urine when setting or baiting your traps. Do not place it on the bait just on the trails and around the traps. I will be trying this one.

Another says, dig a 3 holes with a post hole digger about 3-4 inches deep in a triangle pattern. Layer corn, and attractant in each hole. This will require the hogs to root up the area in order to get the food.

One uses, wheat screenings, and sow in heat urine along with attractants. I think I will try this one as well.

My favorite one, and will be trying some time tomorrow afternoon. Using post hole digger, dig a hole 1 ft deep. Mix one package of jello, beer corn, and fill holes.

Most of these I will be trying within the next few days. A few others I will be trying once I get my new traps.

Good Hunting....

Don't Make Me Go Italian Postal

2009-01-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to believe that a people who concurred most of the planet, built aqua ducts and roads that still can be seen today do not have a good postal service. I’m not even asking for good, just mediocre.

I ordered supplies from a reputable vendor in Italy on Dec-12, and they still have yet to be delivered. Only after I investigated how to track post from Italy did I find that they have the worst system in the world. What would Caligula do?

Why You Shouldn't Purchase A Title

2009-01-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

What fool would purchase a Nobel title? Apparently loads of them. This has become a booming Internet business. Most are UK lottery winners, or wealthy Americans with nothing better to do with their cash. So why not buy a title?

These days literally anyone can purchase a title. Some are authentic, but are going to cost you, and I mean dearly. Others, you are merely purchasing a small parcel of land in Scotland, Ireland, or GB, and you will receive a letter to take to your local DMV to change your name to Lord, Sir, Count, etc Pifious T Fronnyburger. Or whatever your name may be.

They use sales tactics such as, you will get better service in restaurants, moved to first class with air liners, or be thought of in a better light in the business world. My thought to that is that if you can afford a real title, you already have all of these aspects in your life. Also, if you could afford a title when it rarely comes up for sale, you can not use the coat of arms that goes with it. You will have to apply for a new warrant, which will more then likely be denied. So what is it that you are really getting for you buck? I personally would rather put my money into a piece of paper that is going to make me real money. With the exception of, if I had the sort of cold hard cash to purchase an English Estate with title in tow, now were are talking.

The Mann Who Would Be, or Is King?

2009-01-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

While writing my last post, I decided to write on HRH David Drew Howe, King of Mann. This story also brings me to mind of another movie, King Ralph with John Goodman. Goodman, a low life bar singer looses yet another job only to have two fellows from the Royal Heraldry ofc shows up to advise him that he is the new king of England.

There has been a petition started to disavow HRH David Howe from the throne of Mann. So far, there have only been 356 signatures, and some of those are from Americans who are irate that the Manx people are denying the King his rightful title. King or not, the story made for good press, and a movie before it’s time. The Queen would not give up any part of her realm to just any old yokel who came a knocking. There has to be some truth to it.

Seeing his interviews, he seems like a nice enough chap, but kingly? I say no, due to the fact that being a King is not only a birthright, but also an art. One has to be studied in the ways of being a king, or one could loose their crown, or even worse their head. I can not see how he could, or would possibly want to be king of an Isle that he knows nothing about. Or, is it that he wants title alone? What are your thoughts?

King James The Bus Driver

2009-01-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

While taking my daughter to the Dr. this morning I came across a copy of New Yorker. It was an issue on the top 2008 best reason to either love NY or live in NY, I for get. However, I came across #17, and found this story interesting.

Reading this story brought me back to the movie Coming To America. A comedy if you’ve not seen it, where Eddy Murphy is the Crown Prince of Uganda. He comes to America to search for his bride, and becomes a fast food worker in the process. All the while falling for the restaurant owners daughter and learning of the American culture.

This story is similar to Murphy’s, only that James Oladipo Buremoh fled is home in Idera to escape possible assignation by his 6 siblings, as he was the youngest and favored by the King. His Highness says that when his father died he did not attend the funeral for fear of death. His uncle was placed on the Throne, and brought the people back to idol worshiping, which his grandfather had brought the people to Christ as a Evangelist. Upon his Uncles death the community was tired of idol worshiping, and the oracle had told them to return the reins of power to James the proper King.

Another Ebay Deal

2009-01-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

I picked up this wonderful Faconnable French cuff shirt for a whopping $17.50. This shirt is in mint condition, and will go nicely with my new gray wool Gabardine BB pin strip trousers. I'm still looking for the right bow tie, and will advise once I've found it.

My Latest Ebay Deals.

2009-01-01T21:30:00.001-08:00

Ralph Lauren $30.00 For all four.

Brooks Brothers $24.99

I thought I would post my latest finds on ebay. I can't wait for the BB to arrive, I've already got a whole out fit planned for it. I am also bitting my nails waiting for the two stripped Ralph Lauren ties as well. They all should be here some time this week.

RL Restaurant

2008-12-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

If ever in Chi town (Chicago), you must stop in at the RL Bar & grill. With a plethora of good eats, and the prices are decent as well. If you are a RL fan, this is a must visit. The style embodies everything RL, and his American style.

Reviews

“Design mogul Ralph Lauren's first restaurant venture, next door to the largest Polo store in the world,unmistakably announces private club: very British, very swanky, very posh. It begins with the small bar at the front, with its black marble fireplace, mahogany paneling and brass- and ebony cocktail tables.The dining room beyond completes the image. Its navy blue walls, interspersed with more mahogany,are covered with artwork from Lauren's private collection. Herringbone hardwood floors lead to plush,caramel leather- upholstered chairs and banquettes.”CS (Chicago Social)

“The dining room features the vision and style of Mr. Lauren and classic, but inventive, American cuisine.”Front Desk Magazine"RL was named as one of the “Ten Reasons why the Windy City is leaving shoppers breathless” Harper's Bazaar

“RL looks more like the leather- padded, mahogany- paneled library of a corporate law firm than the pleasant restaurant it is.”Chicago Magazine“

I have had both lunch and dinner at RL-- a grand experience each time. I've tried lamb (the rack and the porterhouse), lobster bisque, lobster & bacon club and desserts. Each was outstanding. Service is efficient, cordial and unobtrusive. As you'd expect, each detail is perfectly executed-- lit candles covered with lampshades at each table and a coordination of color, texture and art distinctly Ralph's own.There's lots of wood, deep blue cloth on the walls, buckskin leather seating and a blend of black and white photos (Mick Jagger, Gary Cooper, Frank Sinatra, etc.) with old English oils that somehow works beautifully. The front bar area is vintage RL library- study decor, complete with working fireplace,bookcases, etc. If you like his style in clothes and furnishings, you'll love this place and dine very well. Customer Review on citysearch

I heard that RL has new management and boy can you tell!! The menu has undergone a complete makeover and the food is very good. The traditional American cuisine fits the clubby atmosphere of the room. Keep up the good work. Customer Review on citysearchWe gave last minute reservations and were received very pleasantly and welcoming for our party of 6.The food, wine, ambiance, staff, service ... perfect! We are hoteliers and also in the food and beverage industry, since we can't seem to leave work at home, and very easily become critiques to any restaurant, we were absolutely blown away! We would definitely return! Customer Review on citysearch

Happy New Years From Sydney

2008-12-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

My daddy forgot to tell everyone Happy New Year in the middle of his ranting and raving. So I thought I would join in the fun and say hello to everyone, and wish them a safe and happy New Year. See you next year! XOXOX, to all.

The Race Card: What Does It Really Mean?

2008-12-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

If you’ll notice the photo I have posted is of an old, worn out ace of spades. The photo has a meaning behind it, which I will go into in a moment.
I have been reading several posts where, I’m going to assume are from white males going on and on about "The Race Card". Lets look at this term and what it really means.

Origin:

This term is now more often used in the USA than in other countries, but was coined in England in the 1960s. It alludes to the playing of a trump card in card games like whist.
Following an influx of immigrants into the UK in the 1950/60s there was known to be a degree of racist discontent amongst the (largely white) indigenous population. Reputable politicians avoided acknowledging this openly and there was an informal gentlemen's agreement not to benefit electorally by pandering to this racist element. Peter Griffiths, the Conservative candidate in an election for the parliamentary seat of Smethwick, was accused of using the slogan 'If you want a nigger neighbour - vote Labour', in an attempt to capitalize on the electorate's fears of being 'swamped' by immigrants. He was said to have 'played the race card'.

Whites also have used the Race Card, Rush Limbaugh: It must be about race, because Powell never endorsed any inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates for president. Limbaugh is silent on any support Powell might have given to inexperienced, very right-wing, white candidates for president.

George Will tells George Stephanopoulos that "if we had the tools to measure" we would find that Obama "gets two votes because he’s black for every one he loses because he’s black." Why? Two reasons: guilt (no one wants to look like a racist) and resignation (at least Obama is not Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson).

Andrew Bolton at RedState fumes that Obama would not be where he is now, and Colin Powell would not have endorsed him for president, if he were white.

Ed Morrissey thinks this endorsement would have helped Obama more if it had come earlier, but he does not stoop to pulling the race card:

The reason for my using the antique card in the photo is this. I believe that it is high time that we all stop with the race bating, and get on with the real issues at hand. As I have said in other post, we in this country have bigger things to worry about. DON’T YOU PEOPLE, BLACK AND WHITE GET IT! We need to come together as a nation. We all built this country to be as strong as it was. I say was, as we are loosing our power grip on the world as a whole, and have become a laughing stock as a whole. Other countries do not see us as black or white, but as Americans they mean to do us harm. In the words of my favorite radio host, "Wake Up America!" the race card is just that an old out dated antique worth nothing.

Standard Treatment of Presidents.

2008-12-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

I can not see why there is all this whoopla about this silly recording going around about O.B. being the magic Negro. Even in my own house we call George Bush "Curious George" as some of his facial expressions sometimes looks like the cute cuddly cartoon charter. While writing this post, I thought I would take a look at what was out there about current and past Presidents and you can believe that there are many. My Google search pulled 548,000. I will post a few of the sites that I have found interesting.
sirsatire.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/bilderberg-meeting-to-decide-next-us-president/ - 36k -
home.earthlink.net/~mmmhiggins/KKKlintonistas.html - 20k
http://politicalhumor.about.com/
http://themoderatevoice.com/category/politics/lyndon-johnson/

This is how the game is played in the D.C. boys club.

Turnabout Is Fair Play: Hush The Ignorant Fatso

2008-12-31T08:22:00.000-08:00

While investigating the "magic Negro" story that has come out as of late about our newly elected President, I came across a post that I thought was interesting. Rush Limbaugh apparently had been playing this supposed satire on his show poking fun of Al Sharpton, however most believe that it was to poke fun of Barack Obama, which isn’t the case. However, and I’m sure I will get lots of hate mail for this one, but I don’t care, and couldn’t resist, see the post below.

Turnabout is fair play: Hush The Ignorant Fatso

(sung to the same tune as a right wing ode to bigotry, with apologies to P. Yarrow and L. Lipton)

Hush the ignorant fatso who floats on the sea frolicking in the Caribbean like a great white whale high on Oxy C

Hush the ignorant fatso makes his bling off bigotry he gives voice to hate and the far right wing and other forms of idiocy

Oh Hush the ignorant fatso Gets high on Oxy CWhen he's busted for it he blames it all on his maid here illegally

Oh Hush the ignorant fatso Gets to make a secret pleaa li'l swat on his plump, limp wrist like you or I would never see It's nothing to do with conservativism he blathers on to make mon-eeYou can even google itit's all an act to him you see

Oh Hush the ignorant fatso preys on all of us you see he doesn't care about you neoconshis only aim is gluttony! Now please don't think this ditty pokes fun at obesity, its intent is only like that other song he claims is really just fun-nee!

Oh Pity poor bloated Hushie, his time is nearly at an end We've voted out the grand old Republiklan and the corporatocracy for all eternity! (repeat) FOR ALL ETERNITY!

Posted by: Ken Dec 30, 2008 8:22:16 PM

Ken, whoever you are, bravo to you sir, bravo.

Summit County

2008-12-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

While Summit County boasts some of the best skiing in the US, if not world, I would put my money on Breckenridge, CO. Having lived there for a season, one gets the feel for what the people are really like instead of the generic facade that you get when only there for a week or so.

An old mining town, like most in Summit County Breckenridge, still has some of the un-commercialized charms it had in its days of old. If you plan to do as I, and stay a whole season, you must, and I can not stress this enough, MUST get there way early. Rental space goes fast, and I mean very fast. I was lucky to have a friend who had an old Sears’s home on Main Street in which he turned the bottom floor into a ski rental, and T-shirt shop, and the top floor was his apartment. Others I met were living 10-14 deep in a 2 or 3 bedroom. However, for the money lodging isn’t that bad, food on the other hand is another story. There are no cheap places to eat in Breck. The cheapest I could find was Ulars, which is a local hang out, and they did have a Domino’s Pizza, but DO NOT expect to find a McDonalds, Wendy’s, or BK in this town, they keep it classy. If fast is what you are looking for, you can travel to Silverthorne.

Breck also has an awesome nightlife. Choose from any of the nightclubs and bars on Main St, or visit any of the larger hotels, and you are sure to find what you are looking for. For my information visit http://breckenridge.snow.com/home/