Scratching my head all this time: The Thanksgiving Edition.

By now, you had the turkey. You had the dressing. You had the cranberry sauce, vegetables, and pie. You’re probably stuffed with all the food. And yes, you probably went to a late night club and got started by shaking down those pounds, carbs and calories. Of course, that’s what Thanksgiving would do to you you fill up and you got to lose weight! Hopefully many of you have had a blessed Thanksgiving, a blessed time with your families and friends and strangers probably came in and see you have something to eat. And hopefully that maybe you’ll do the same thing for the upcoming Christmas season. And of course we have to talk about politics, 45’s crappy stuff, the ongoing problems and concerns about black neighborhoods, churches being so hypocritical, (which partially the good ones can stay afloat) and also your basic everyday road rage and folks driving to crazy and asking the same by the question what is your problem? And just the ad more walls and joys and concerns of holiday employment. Yes if you have not guessed it Christmas is coming. But guess what? I’m scratching my head again.

How thankful are really the things you have already, and willing to go for?

Question for Milwaukee, now we all know that mayor Tom Barrett it’s going to put his seat on the line for the fifth time. But the big question is will he able to retain it with the likes of Lena Taylor and Tony Zielinski. Plus voters that may or may not favor him?

Is the Milwaukee Streetcar really that pointless?! After one year?!

Okay this needs to be asked, which relative really sparked that conversation that you did not want to talk about at the dinner table on Thanksgiving?

You know this is going to happen which came first your football game or Macy’s Parade?

Milwaukee: the Brewers now has a new logo, as a matter of fact: they have brought back the old ball/glove logo that has been slightly enhanced for the ball club’s upcoming 50th season next year. Yes the Brewers are turning 50. Will this next era bring a thing called a Championship?

Already, the 2010s decade is vastly closing real soon, What was your best moment?

Okay this needs to be asked again: which families do and do not use canned cranberry sauce?

For those who may have been “triggered” on Thanksgiving, you probably read about the Indians being murdered after a church service on Sunday morning. And for those of you who probably have never had a chance to re-read the question you might have been triggered all the wrong questions. Did any of us ever had the chance to research the truth?

Which of you Facebook and Instagram users were so scared and worried about the transmissions being almost cancelled on Thanksgiving?

Who was not prepared for the “onslaught” on Black Friday?

For people who drive so stupid in Wisconsin roads, Wisconsin streets, Milwaukee areas, and I know who I’m talking about, when someone is trying to make a turn, or coming out the driveway, coming out of the garage , why do you honk your horn so bad? That right there is going to make you look stupid and irritated. Don’t be surprised if cars come equipped with cameras so they can record your every single driving mode get your license plate and check you. And by the way, that idea is coming for me in 2020 for my cars. Just wait. I’m not playing!

Is Black Friday really worth shopping nowadays?

For the sake of those asking and this is the only question asking why is it that a TV is mentioned on Black Friday the most? As everybody knows.

Right now, the Hallmark channel has it’s Christmas movies playing. And many of us are still wondering why. But you know something, BET, TVOne, and other channels have Christmas movies too. Can you check out those?

For all of my introverted readers, can any of us relate to this?

Attention Black Friday shoppers don’t mean to ask this but, you will be hearing this from your pastor on Sunday. Don’t get triggered because you know it’s the truth. Am I wrong or right?

Is the pressure of the WWE is really building from AEW wrestling?

For all of my UPS, FedEx, USPS, and many other delivery package drivers this holiday season take a look at this:

Now you really have to ask this one question, what kind of mess and crap is this? and the thing is the woman on the video had some crack was on drugs by the way claiming that her car was broken into so many times on outside of a house. Anything is try that turn into racism is really stupid. I hope that no black driver or driver helper this holiday season coming out should not want not and will not go through that type of stupid remarks of racism and many other factors. And this is one of the main reasons why race is still on the deck of the topics of tables in American households, classrooms, churches, the dinner table, the neighborhoods, the malls, the restaurants, and many other places we go and spend our money every single day. They say that the holiday supposed to bring up the good folks in everybody, but I have to remember they can bring out the worst in people too, and this is not about losing folks to death. Even racism place apart around this season especially for those who are trying to do some good deeds by deliver packages to houses or businesses every single day. And don’t assume that the influence of 45 is afoot.

For Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday, which is the best small business you go to support every single day?

For Cyber Monday, which online store you support the most everyday? and don’t assume it’s always Amazon.

For Giving Tuesday, which companies or donations you support the most? As in idea: DONATE TO YOUR ALUMNI!

Milwuakee, it was so naked without our former traditional Christmas Parade that lasted for so long. What will it take to get a new tradition like that to stick for another Generation?

Speaking of “the current Generation that doesn’t want to go on” what is up with Milwaukee restauruant Vitucci’s closing up after 85 years?

Now for you Millennials and Generation Z folks: What is up with this #OKBoomer mess? If any generation can go one on one the most, is Generation X.

For my Live Streaming Folks and I know you got this: Christmas is coming and I’m looking for a gift to save money and get the best live streaming device on the market. I’m looking at Amazon Firesticks, Roku, Android TV JetStream devices and that’s it. So I’m asking all of you, which is the best one you think is the best to buy? Drop a comment in the box or on Facebook.

Sometimes football players make bonehead moves. Myles Garrett. And also this Ole Miss Player, Elijah Moore after making a play, made a dog peeing gesture and costed him and the team the game vs Mississippi State. What was the point of that dumb move?

You know the Milwaukee Bucks are RED HOT right now. How far will they go for another playoff run?

So far, the Green Bay Packers had 8 victories and 3 losses. But this last loss vs a different San Francisco Team gave the Green and Yellow a worst L on the record. The last time they played the 49ers: Colin Kaepernick was playing and won 17-3. Yeah Niners, the Pack won that one. But December is coming and the team usually comes out firing the Big Guns the most in the birthday month of Aaron Rodgers. And mine. Will the Packers make a statement and bust out the guns again in the 12th Month?

And so far, the Wisconsin Badgers are undefeated at the Battleground. And they must go for the Axe vs Minnesota. I think the Badgers must use this as a chance to get redemption vs the Golden Gophers after this ugly L in the Mad City last year:

Will they do this? And keep in mind, it’s not the same Badgers team like last year.

In the next 8 months, Milwaukee will be home of the DNC Convention. Is the Brew City/Cream City really ready for full tilt in Democratic Blue?

For you non Milwaukeeans, yes we’re also called Cream City. Not because of cows or milk. It’s really because of the buildings that have a creamy look on them that blend in. Who knows? And you know why the Milwaukee Bucks have “Cream City” on the jerseys?

How about this interview between the Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin? Very interesting to see on the WWE Network!

Is the confidence of Christmas still an all time high? Not weather wise I should say.

Just to add also, TV One is doing at Family Matters Reunion all weekend long. Yes, nothing but Urkel all day and night. Who’s watching?

If the decade of the 2010s were to end today, what would have been the worst and best moment? I’ll also save that next month.

CALLOUT: Black people: why do you still put a pic of White Jesus on your Facebook pages? Knowing the fact you know better that Jesus WAS BLACK! Speaking of “slave mentality” and “being on the plantation”.

Black People: you do realize that there is an African Heritage Study Bible that really details the truth in biblical times?

Uh-oh: there are names being purged from the voting records. You voters better get to your Election Offices to make sure you are straight with your voter statuses! Now will you be ready when the voting year comes?

All this technology stuff and google searches, and you can’t really read certain books?

And the last thing to ask: After all this weekend of Black Fridays in all, and the racism, and the good things to happen yet to come, what will the 12th month bring and to make sure that you stay afloat?

In the meantime: Happy Thanksgiving!

Be Thankful: the 2019 Edition that still lingers EVERYDAY!

Here are the rules: Everyone knows how this goes yet again. And it’s really simple. No need to link or google or even #Hashtag. Today, many around the country and in the household or other areas, we Americans will be celebrating that holiday of food called Thanksgiving. From the Parades to the NFL Games, Dog Shows, or other new traditional ideas that will boost the food day. And yes, there will be us going out to the clubs and shaking off the pounds to get loose for Christmas. Or staying home for the house parties. Or just now, folks going shopping. Really?!

And yes, there will be constant reminders of the horrors that our Native American brothers and sisters will not participate in this Thanksgiving Day due to the killing of their ancestors outside of a church on a Sunday morning many moons ago. Henceforth, The National Day of Mourning. We know this. And our Native brothers/sisters are marking 50 years of that horrible reminder that is constantly missed in our schools. It actually happened.

But this holiday, yes does have the two words of Be Thankful for the things and ideas we already have. So here in its 12th Anniversary tradition, here is another traditional Stephen’s Spot Thanksgiving Blog of “Be Thankful”. Break out the tablets, Smartphones, PC’s or laptops. Start reading!

If you have a GOOD PAYING job that is good for you and it pays well for you or family, be thankful.

If you don’t have a job and still looking and STILL not quitting by going to the job fairs or making connections, be thankful!

If you have good insurance, either health, auto, home, vision, or dental STILL be thankful.

If you have a good car or truck that gets you to work every day, and still runs well with or without repairs, be thankful.

If you have a new home, or fixing up your old home, or investing in a home you grew up in and not selling it to those who want to rent out, but want it for life even more: BE THANKFUL!

If you FINALLY have a good doctor or you still don’t have one, but still want to get that monkey (and constant NAGGING) off your back, STILL be thankful about improving your health. And STILL trying. Take your time!

Now I need to say this: If you found out that you have a chronic illness like Diabetes, and you had a devastating moment of asking why it happened and didn’t have the words. But also you had conversations and online postings about those who have it already and knows the feelings of the battles, and you learn from them and they can inspire you to be better and get with the program of what they know, and still believe that it’s possible that you control diabetes and not let it get the best of you. In this month of National Diabetes Awareness Month: BE THANKFUL that you have a support system that can back you up. STICK WITH THE PLANS!

If you have a cool dentist and he or she is good and professional, be thankful.

Like any year, if you have lost any loved one this year or years past, and still feel down that the space is empty or the chair is empty, and you want to fill it up with a new generation of family members that want to pull ahead, even close friends, we must try to be thankful to carry on. It’s hard, but we must. I still miss my father, and like last year, my Thanksgiving will be different without him.

If you had folks praying for you all year for all the things you’ve been experienced no matter good or bad, be thankful that there are folks that know, and are in your corner.

If you are expecting a raise in 2020 and will be getting it, be thankful!

Do you still love your gifts and talents that are unappreciated? And still, do them all the time? Be thankful!

If you still got your parents and/or relatives as your back up, be thankful that they still care.

If you had a sibling in the freaking hospital more than once, who is being taken care of and heard good news about coming home, and I know this AGAIN: STILL BE THANKFUL!

Got any good neighbors that know you no matter how long? Be thankful.

Met any new neighbors lately? Be thankful.

Moved to a different city recently that you feel is best? Be thankful.

Moved back to a city that is best? Be Thankful.

Got a good plan to get that next step in your career, or a different career, and a mindset? Be thankful.

For all of my church folks: if you want your Church to succeed despite those want it to fail due to jealousy, BE THANKFUL that you are willing to fight!

If your birthday or anniversary is coming up or it already happened, be thankful!

If you are STILL very introverted and darn proud of it, and not ashamed to tell about it or embrace it, be thankful!

Single and not in a relationship? Be thankful.

Married with or without kids? Be thankful.

Single and no kids? Be thankful.

Single with kids? Be Thankful.

Divorced? Be thankful.

You still have a church home that you stay and willing to have your kids to grow IN THE CHURCH? Be thankful.

If you have been given a side gig, and love it to be paid with that cash money or checks, no matter what it is, be thankful.

Men, did you celebrate International Men’s Day in #Movember? Be Thankful!

Got a good pet or know a pet that knows you well? Be thankful.

If you STILL give back to your community, your Alumni, your Church, your Scholarship Committees, your Fraternity, your Sorority, your Unions or other groups that have been treating you good all this time, be thankful!

If you STILL appreciate the value of your former teachers or coaches, or former principals, of anyone that knew your value of education, be thankful.

If you put in the work to show up at your meetings even if you see the same people time after time, be thankful!

If you can’t wait to eat the meal that gives you life, be thankful you can still eat the grub.

Still avoiding fake news? Be thankful. They suck.

If you read the old blogs that I can’t control the reading, but still want to read what I want to say regardless from my black point of view, be thankful! Not just for me, but for you.

If you STILL got stuff in your house that you want to give away, be thankful. Somebody will take it.

Still fighting Racism, White Supremacy, Sexism, and others? – Be Thankful.

Got a good business handy? And it’s good for you to make that money like Uber or Lyft or It Works? Hey, be thankful!

If you switch your career to a new company in the past year or will go to a new company to come, be thankful!

Own a business? Got your own time schedule? Invested in a product or material that worked? Be thankful.

If you got many reachable sources to give, or to provide, or to share, or to support, and it’s really catching on, you better be thankful!

If you are planning to vote in 2020, be thankful! Get your ballots ready.

If you are looking forward to another holiday weekend of fun, be thankful.

If you are NOT shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend Black Friday outdoors in the woods or parks, Be Thankful! It’s a release to avoid a violent backlash.

If you are not shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend your cash at a local business, or on Cyber Monday, be thankful.

If you are donating to your favorite charity on Giving Tuesday, Be thankful!

If you can’t wait to finally deck your halls for Christmas or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, AFTER Thanksgiving (some of you did it ahead of time) Be Thankful.

If you criticized 45 for his “horrible so-far job” as President and his tweets, REALLY BE THANKFUL!

If you are breathing right now normally and woke up: be thankful.

If you were removed from a company that had you started in the game, then a rift in Management occurred, but went to another company that is good so far, BE THANKFUL!

If many in the black community have black pride PLUS Melanin Responsibility to uplift our black people without sarcasm and forced stuff, BE THANKFUL!

Now I have to say this: if many have given back to our Veterans or supported our military while on duty, be thankful!

If you are apart of the American Legion and have been celebrating 100 years of it’s existence, and still give back and inspiring those to join up in the Legion, Auxiliary (even now that Husbands can join) the Sons and Legion Riders, I want say yes, BE THANKFUL!

If you are walking tall real good, be thankful.

If you are expecting a really good breakthrough like this year or next month, BE THANKFUL!

If you still condemn any racist act on the internet, social media, at your job, or in the house, your church demoninaton, or in the neighborhood, or any act of disrespect, forced patriotism, and you had to write letters of complaints to a certain company, STILL be always thankful to get your voice heard! Put the pressure on them on not coming back!

If you are upgrading your house to be better, be thankful!

If you got a plan to take a vacation, be thankful.

If you still got your old game systems on a Throwback Thursday and if they still work, be thankful!

If you still listen to your old school joints on your radio, or maybe some new school material, be thankful.

NOTE: For my readers that had to go through hell with school shootings, and still feeling hopeless. I want you all to understand that it’s a hard Thanksgiving Day for you as we know. But in a sense, you should be thankful that you can rebuild. And BE EXTRA THANKFUL that yet, you are still living! And be EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA THANKFUL that a breakthrough is coming for the better!

If you are a conscious-minded person, a defensive-minded person that you know is best, for your own opinions and viewpoints without any harm or hurtful feelings towards humanity, be thankful!

For my Sagittarius readers: guess what? Our season is back! Are we thankful, now? (SAGS RULE!)

And finally: If I missed anything that many have thought about, and it’s good: we all should be and forever so thankful that we must march on. Like they say at the black funerals: It’s already been said. It’s already done.

Happy Thanksgiving!

#BeThankful

A Blog Letter Once more: To the Veterans of the U.S.

By now, Veterans Day weekend has come and gone, and yet we still appreciate. This Veterans Day marked the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion. That’s 1919 you know. Likewise like many, there are Veterans that are or were not appreciated for their service being skipped over or whatever. Regardless of the dilemmas and the regardless of opinionated thoughts, Veterans you are still appreciated! So in the ongoing honor of this Veterans Day, here is a blog letter for you.

And if you are a Veteran that likes what I write here or the comments on the Stephen’s Spot on WordPress Facebook Page or the Stephen’s Spot Twitter Page, I thank you. It’s only the beginning. Again!

Dear Veterans (and Veteran families) of the United States of America:

It’s me Stephen, a son of a late Vietnam Veteran that served proudly.

Yes, this weekend was and is your weekend. I have 4 words to share for this holiday weekend of yours: Reclaim your Veterans Day! Christmas maybe coming real quick, and Thanksgiving is next to come, but still reclaim your time! I sampled again that from the infamous Congresswoman Maxine Waters who kept constantly saying, “reclaiming my time” over and over again. But seriously, Vets it’s your time again to reclaim the holiday that is meant for you. This is your time to take the heart of this occasion to summarize all of the war stories, the valor, the parades, service stories, lectures, and also experiences that many of you endured in uniform. Those of us that haven’t done the job, we go around that having the opinionated thought about wars and many others. Of course, we have that. But however, without the will of God and you guys, that would not be very possible. Many of you have your say of what you did and yes, your commentary is still and always valid.

But the game doesn’t stop there. Matter of fact, it goes on until the wheels fall off. Even it goes on every day at work, school, church, and leisure. Speaking of the challenges, last year it was an ongoing concern about our so-called president lagging behind when it becomes the statuses of our Veterans. And it’s related to the Department of the Veterans Affairs that many of them are not getting their VA cash due to the fact that it’s an IT issue. This year’s challenge is an everyday challenge in regards to your health, education, job search and most of all, the communities. Why do I say this? every week or month, I hear from Veterans all the time, especially African American Veterans that the issues of Jobs has been a concern. Matter of fact, it’s always been a concern either as a Veteran and as a non-veteran. Homelessness is also a concern, that no one wants to be homeless on any day. In Milwaukee today, there was an idea to build tiny homes that homeless vets can get into to get fed, clothed, and yes to get a new fresh start. The first time I’ve seen the Tiny Homes was in Racine County. But now I’m glad that the Homeless vets here the city can get that chance to reclaim their obligation to get back on their feet again to get going. Speaking of getting back on the feet again: I need to address a concern. Yes, this event is coming up in Milwaukee and it’s an annual tradition, the Milwaukee Veteran’s Day Parade is on November 16th, which is ahead of Thanksgiving and yet it’s in financial trouble. Yep another Milwaukee long traditional parade is in financial trouble due to lack of funding, and further more lack of interest. According to the Milwaukee Independent Website, this question popped up in a gasping thought:

“What does it say about the patriotism of Milwaukee and Waukesha corporations, and the general public interest, to actually honor its hometown veterans and active duty members, when a foreign company has to fund our local Veteran’s Day Parade to keep a half century tradition alive?“

Let me stop you right there: Heard of the company called “TransCanada?” This is the company that is out of CANADA that helped funded the Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade back in 2017, sometime after the Flag Protesting took place across the country. Way after Colin Kaepernick (who was born in Milwaukee) made his stance with the kneeling when the National Anthem was playing in the background. Note to those who may have forgotten, it was against police brutality. Not against the flag, the military, the veterans, or any thing other thing that utilizing the thought of expressing the ideal of patriotism. Also in the article: this was mentionted in regarding those complaining about high ticket prices, and expressing interests but didn’t show up:

“That was the question Milwaukee Independent asked in late October of 2017, during the NFL flag kneeling controversy. It came from the observation that members of the local community were willing buy expensive tickets and travel far to attend an outdoor entertainment event, and in an incidental moment show the measure of their patriotism by standing for a song that barely lasted a minute. However, those same people failed to make any time for a free event in their hometown to actually honor American heroes by simply showing up to wave and smile. “

Wait, so folks who had complained about expensive prices for a ticket per say and not showing up to a free event , kind of shows that there is cheapness in the observation. Does this remind you of something? Read this portion that supports the above statements:

Milwaukee Independent: What factors have you seen affect interest and attendance in Milwaukee’s Veterans Day Parade since you first started attending?

Mary Ann D’Acquisto: That is a very difficult question – we have always struggled with getting people to attend the event. We have tried to get the word out as best we could – press releases, posters, e-mail, Facebook, and such, but it was never enough. The first year we took over the event was 2001 and it was just post 9/11, so everyone was very patriotic and we had a huge crowd. In the 18 years since, we have seen less and less attend every year. I have heard many reasons from people for not attending, like ‘it is too cold, I take my kids to the Christmas parade instead, I don’t have any veterans in my family, I donate money to the veterans,’ and the list goes on. I don’t think people realize how much it means to many of our veterans to have a show of public support. When no one is on the street watching the parade it makes them feel as though they are forgotten.

Milwaukee Independent: Has the elderly condition of World War II veterans altered plans for the 2019 parade, and what will the new format look like?

Mary Ann D’Acquisto: Yes, 2019 is the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and many other major battles in WWII. Consequently the WWII veterans are our Special Guests of Honor for this year’s event. All veterans will be honored and participate, however the WWII vets are our featured guests. In the traditional parade format – veterans are outside for almost 4 hours and the last several years the weather has been less than favorable. That lead us to plan an event that was warmer and drier with more indoor time for our veterans.

The agenda for the day is as follows, this is open to the public: November 16 at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. 0900: Displays – military related groups and a special WWII display and performances by some of our favorite parade units. 1030 – Memorial Service. Veterans Day Parade will consist of an Honor Walk and Motorcade, it will not be the traditional 1.5 mile parade route. 1100 – Honor Walk to let our veterans know how much we appreciate them as they parade from the War Memorial over the Mason Street Bridge to Prospect Avenue. 1200 – Veterans Motorcade leaves the War Memorial to take our veterans to a reception at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino. Motorcade Route – leaves Prospect and Mason and heads west down Wisconsin Avenue to 6th Street, south on 6th Street to Canal Street, west on Canal Street to Potawatomi.

The veterans will have their coffee and donuts indoors at the War Memorial and can watch the performances from inside the building. The reception and luncheon for veteran participating in the Honor Walk will be at Potawatomi this year, so that we can have a sit down lunch where there is more room. Also, everyone can watch a documentary we are putting together profiling some of our local WWII veterans.

Milwaukee Independent: For the veterans who participate in the parade each year, what do they enjoy most about the experience?

Mary Ann D’Acquisto: The general consensus is the camaraderie of everyone being together – whether at the breakfast, parade, or luncheon. I do know, however, it has been very disappointing for them to see less and less people coming to the parade to cheer them on.

Ok, let’s stop right there. What you just saw is a portion of the interview that the Milwaukee Independent did with organizer, Mary Ann D’Acquitsto who has held the event in the city for the last 18 years. The organization is overseen by the company called, “Honor Our Military, Inc”. Which has been the nucleus of keeping things in order in the traditional Veterans Day Parade. This parade, or celebration has been going on for nearly 56 years. Which is almost a long time of honoring veterans here in Milwaukee. No matter which war campaign or era. But now in the area, and after this news hitting the fan, guess what? This parade will be on the list like the City of Festivals Parade, Milwaukee Christmas Parade, and The Great Circus Parade all faded out because of lack of money. And to think about it, when the parades was making money in all, guess what? there were more folks in the Milwaukee Area! But overtime, many folks left Milwaukee. The businesses that used to be supporters of the parade, also left Milwaukee. But a few came back. As far as financial support, guess what again, that ties into the businesses. And many also don’t know how the parade process works in terms of money! You got to have sponsors, company backers, a route, the participants, permits, and etc. That’s what it takes. And sadly a lot of folks here in Milwaukee as sad as I hate to say: THEY DON’T KNOW MUCH! They don’t! Oh, when I was reading the comments about this story, specifically from one commenter on Facebook who is “still serving” puts the blame on Tom Barrett in regarding the Streetcar, the DNC Convention and many others that are deemed “liberal”. That’s kind of false. I think the writing was on the wall that had nothing to do with the streetcar nor the convention. Blame it on the lack of knowledge and financial backing that the city encountered in the last 18 years. Blame it on that! There is your reason! Or many might say, oh it’s because Milwaukee is “hyper-segregated”. The only parades left in Milwaukee are the Memorial Day Parade, Juneteenth Day Parade, the Milwaukee LGBT Parade, a Labor Day Parade, and that’s it. No other parades not on the radar. Many of you reading this might be shocked nor surprised. It’s the truth! Matter of fact, continue to read the story and see for yourself.

Now many might say after reading this, “Oh Milwaukee doesn’t care about it’s Veterans. They might support a Trolley or a DNC Convention, or that new Bucks Playhouse called the Fiserv Forum, but won’t lift a finger or pulling the level to acknowledge our Veterans that gave so much to service.” To quote Daniel Bryan: FICKLE! How many here in Milwaukee ACTUALLY acknowledges our Veterans in the City? Even if you do support the Streetcar, Lead Water Prevention talks, Jobs, Black Lives, Health Stats of the Flu, combating racism, Men’s Movember, or the DNC Convention? How many here in Milwaukee ACTUALLY has organizations or local churches that supports and appreciates the valor of Veterans annually? What about everyday? Do you realize that there is void in the city that African-American Veterans aren’t acknowledged enough like the white counterparts that served? Come on now! I know this is Veterans Day respecting the Vets in all, but this stuff is EVERYDAY when many are not organizing. My home church, just recently just celebrated it’s 14th Anniversary in Milwaukee in honoring veterans in the congregation and it’s a BLACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH! IN MILWAUKEE! Somebody say AMEN! I’m just keeping it real! Veterans, I love y’all but I’m just saying!

Veterans: yes your day and weekend of appreciation will be concluded, but your ongoing ideas and services on this side, will still continue. Like last year, I hinted again that you need to connect with the younger veterans who are currently starting out and settling in after their service. Many of you probably have that idea in mind. Continue to do so! Direct some ideas for them to get started through programs like the American Legion, the VA or any other organization that attracts them to support and get involved.

And one more thing: Young Vets: I need to say this again, you need to respect the OG’s that came before you. It may not be pretty, but like I always suggest that it takes respect to get respect. They are the Military Elders and been in the game longer than you! I’m just saying. As always yes, the non-vets can hear and receive advice from you about your ideas to continue our cause as we move forward. No matter if it’s a job, community time in the church, health, wellness, counseling, or any other idea that is able to do, hey we would welcome and respect it. If I were running a company or a division in a company, yes I would hire veterans in a heartbeat. Why you ask? Since many of you been in places that many of us have seen on TV, why not you? Just asking. No need to go further!

And finally, I realized that the entire month of November is “National Military Veterans and Families Month”. Or National Veterans Month. And it should be. Matter of fact that should have been on Obama’s watch. I know, it was 45’s crazy thing. But however that’s not the case. What is the case that this gives us a chance to have more appreciations, admiration of valor, celebrations and more ways to do Outreach to all of you. Regardless of your service and past duties.

So……To all the Veterans that got the welcome treatment: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that never got the welcome treatment but got it in small appreciative tokens of appreciations later on: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans who are homeless and still keeping hope alive for the better: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that were forgotten or being left out: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that were never acknowledged for their service of any kind, but got acknowledged later on: Never Forget.

To all the WWII Vets: Never Forget.

To all the Korean War Vets: Never Forget.

To the families of WWI: Never Forget.

To the Vietnam Veterans and families: Never Forget.

To the Veterans of Grenada, Beirut, & the Cold War, and Families: Never Forget.

To the Veterans of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Families: Never Forget.

And yes….to the upcoming Veterans and families of Current war on Terror/Iraqi Freedom/etc. – Never Forget!

Additionally: To all the Women Veterans that blazed new paths and set new tones: Never Forget.

To all the Male Veterans: even though you have long historical experiences in the war in uniform, still never forget!

To all of my African-American Veterans: Historically, African-Americans have been in every conflict of wars since the beginning. Even when fighting for the flag and the country that didn’t want them due to race. These are facts, not alternative opinions altered by anyone political. Even with all this: I say NEVER FORGET!

And to all those of other ethnic Veterans ranging from the Indigenous to the European and all: yes, you too should Never Forget!

Never forget your time, Veterans. You have earned the stripes and flowers. Reclaim your Veterans Day!

Thanks to you of all what you accomplished.

Sincerely,

Stephen

Scratching my head all this time: Before Halloween 2019 begins….again.

Well Happy Halloween viewers. Unleash the cauldron! Before you go ghost this year, no I was not quitting. Sure I had to take a break to relax the mind, but I had to be in sync about the issues, concerns and problems that many of us still face today. Oh yes, the cauldron still bubbles. Everything from 45’s wacky results of the world, the uses of Century City due to the fact of a business coming to site, the whole world doesn’t trust the United States, Packers going ok, Badgers need to work it out, snow comes early, dead rising from the grave, dog and cats living together…….ok that didn’t actually happen, but with the closing of the 10th month coming along with our annual awareness reminders……I’m scratching my head again.

For you Simpsons fans, did the Treehouse of Horror XXX actually delivered?

Does Michael Jackson’s Thriller still delivers? Even though that it’s the only Halloween Themed Song like forever in the minds of many? Yall don’t do the Monster Mash?

Here is a fear thought, is the fear of setting your clocks back one hour is a pain? Here we go again as the sky gets dark very early after 4pm.

CALLOUT: How is Halloween is supposed to be “the devil’s holiday” knowing that any day in the 12 months can be devilish?

For you wrestling fans: who’s winning the Weekly Wrestling War? WWE NXT or AEW Dynamite?

Word is that the ratings for both Raw and Smackdown are not doing well. So……what needs to be done, wrestling fans?

You realize that “harvest” means to bring in, right?

You realize that All Hallow’s Eve leads into All Saints Day?

Who in Milwaukee remembers this Halloween commercial?

Who remembers in Milwaukee that the Pabst Mansion was a site of the haunted house in the city?

When is House of the Dead Overkill coming to the Switch? Come on, man!

Before October is over, did every woman (and man) wore pink for Breast Cancer Awareness?

Before October is done, how many of us wore purple for Domestic Violence Awareness?

And when October is done, how many of us ever forget that BULLYING is still a problem? Knowing that October is Bullying Awareness Prevention Month.

After the 31st: you ready for another round of applying for your medical insurance in November? Oh you know it’s coming!

Last week, we lost unceremoniously, Congressman Elijah Cummings. Who was no push over, and always TOLD THE TRUTH! He was not a pushover. If many need to study and follow up on him, you better do it now. Matter of fact, who wants to come up and follow his ideas to actually lead for the next era of politics?

For the record: Men two things to ask – you ready for the ever nagging stuff of “Movember” of going to the doctors again? Oh who’s really ready for International Men’s Day on November 19th? Don’t act like you forgot already!

Is Kanye West’s Jesus Is King Album really making a statement? First 15 years ago he came out with Jesus Walks, then making Yeezus, now this. What’s his angle besides him making it with the MAGA Hats. Oh you know he is.

This just in: we lost John Whitherspoon. You know the man that says BANG! BANG! BANG! Come on now, you knew him as Pops. Right?

The first anniversary of the Milwaukee Streetcar is coming up, and yes it will be charged soon. Which company is coming up with the ideas? Oh, it’s still free to ride for now.

Milwaukee, we are now about 8 months of the DNC coming here next year in 2020. Are we still making plans?

Speaking of the Packers, who is buying the system of Matt LaFleur thus far?

Will Harriet be the movie that can deliver in time before Thanksgiving?

Is Terminator Dark Fate ready? And Linda Hamilton is the lead role once again as Sarah Connor. Like 35 years afterwards.

Remember this last year, Christians?  
ATTENTION ALL Christians and other so-so religious and not very religious, if you hate Halloween so much, you do realize it means “Holy Evening”, right? Do your homework! Not that commercialized version. You know what it is! And the proper word is “All Hallows Eve.” The eve of Saints who have passed on. Go back to class!

For the Christian/Gospel crowds: why the diss of Kirk Franklin and what he had to say about the recent killings among African-Americans, knowlingly that the TBN and Dove Awards changed his acceptance Speech like twice?!!

Kirk Franklin Boycott – 2019

How many of you Black Pastors/Evangelists/Christian Artists that got fueled by the Christian Networks can actually FUND YOUR OWN Network?!

BREAKING NEWS: The Washington Nationals are now the World Series Champions. Now, who will they keep? They are the targets!

Will the Badgers Bounce back big time after the losses of Illinois and Ohio State?

Oooooh! For all you so-called woke folks, President Obama gave y’all the Shade of the 10’s Decade. He called you out big time. Especially to those wishing throwing stones like crazy. Are you crying yet?

So former VP Joe Biden is denied of Communion because his stance on abortion. Really?!!!

CALLOUT: This is very dumb and stupid: there was a thought that Strauss Brands was supposed to be built on the Century City site in Milwaukee. My childhood home is in that area of Lincoln Creek. However there were some protesters with signs like “STOP THE SLAUGHTER” written to counter the idea. So my question is to all those PETA related fools who have been falling for the Okie Doke: What is the real plan to get jobs in that area? Oh, and Khalif Rainey: what were you thinking?!!! Nobody cares about your vegan stance feelings!

So if every so-called VEGAN in Milwaukee hates meat so much, what is the endgame with folks LOOKING FOR JOBS that has nothing to do with you?!

Before Halloween ends, why does it go right into Christmas?!! Um……aren’t we forgetting about Thanksgiving?!!

Fight me on this: Here are my Top Ten Halloween Action Related movies that I watch every year the most:

1. The Crow
2. Ghostbusters (1984)
3. Jonah Hex/Planet Terror (tie)
4. Blade
5. Blade 2
6. Blade Trinity
7. Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
8. The Crow – City of Angels
9. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Halloween Boo!
10. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Halloween Boo 2!

What do you got?

For the record, AGAIN: why do folks DON’T trick or treat in their OWN neighborhoods?

For the record: if you are a teenager with no costume, why are you still getting candy?!! DUMB!

For the record: why are some of the Caucasians are still black facing around Halloween? And it continues EVERY TIME! Usually also around Black History Month.

So the Tent City Residents under the 794 Bridge in Milwaukee has to move out. And who’s picking up the tab to make sure that the homeless have a home to go to?

Since the Addams Family is back in theaters in a cartoonish version, who remembers the 90’s version?

There is an idea about having a National Trick-Or-Treating Day in American on the last Saturday in October. Even though it’s not etched in stone. Should there be a “National Trick-Or-Treating Day?” Even though some of us had it on Sunday after Church.

For All Saint’s Day, can we remember those who have died by serving the cause of Justice?

Milwaukee, what it up with these homicide murders?!!! And yet when the problems happen, we don’t go far enough. Why is that?!

So this is haunt-able and unfortunately it’s haunting everyday. Courtesy of WISN.com, they along with the source of 24/7 Wall Street Survey labeled 10 cities dangerous in America. And Milwaukee made the list at 9. So what’s the solution to being in these Dangerous Cities in all to curb the violence? Don’t say just move. It’s bad everywhere!

Wait: this is new. Fox 6 Milwaukee has a new studio look. When did this happened?! Now they getting all futuristic.

With Elvira is retired and Vincent Price being dead for so long, who is the next prince or princess of horror and scare for Halloween?

Is “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt the next Undertaker? Not by a long shot. But he’s coming along. Nobody can’t be the next Undertaker.

Which wrestling promotion should resurrect Halloween Havoc? WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling or ROH? Don’t choose all at once!

Who remembered when Brandon Lee’s last movie “The Crow” came out 25 years ago? Not the sequels but the original!

And the last question: Milwaukee we will end the month of October with snow on Halloween. Yes, SNOW! The first time it snowed it was in 1926. On Halloween! But for this, will the Monster Mash or the Thriller dance be good? Outside?

Well…Wake the spirits and rise to come. Happy Halloween!

Scratching my head all this time: Before Thanksgiving.

Before we Americans throw down on the turkey, yeah there will be political drama at the dinner table. There will be many other factors in which we will ask the question, what are we thankful for in all. It’s also a Thanksgiving that yet the truth will bust out that some of our Ingenious Native American Folks will not partake in the holiday due to the national day of mourning. If you’re not familiar with it, research! Even you might watch football and the ongoing traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushering the Christmas Season.

But likewise….I’m scratching my head again.

Milwaukee, how’s that streetcar thing doing? Overall, please. No Hop Haters from those who DON’T live in Milwaukee!

So it seems now that the People’s Flag and the Milwaukee Arts Board have to get back in talking about the ongoing idea of getting a new flag. We’ve all have seen it like everyday. But many will agree that the People’s Flag Folks HAVE NOT talked to the whole Milwaukee Community. Why?!

They say that the voting never mattered in the Governor’s race in Wisconsin, mainly Milwaukee. Ummmm, did anyone see the totals while yet folks complained?

Can you be a real church member and bring a level of consciousness that many might fear and still be loyal? Not talking about money in all.

Can the Wisconsin Badgers think big and quietly usher in better talent to run pistol plays? Be advised, Big Ten.

Black Woke Folks: we need to stop all this talk about getting us not to vote. And what is the reason why? Back off! Jeez!

Mostly, in that Georgia Election, the reason why Stacy Abrams lost was due to voter suppression, and I dare say: Racism. Agree or disagree?

Remember when the WWE or the WWF Survivor Series was ON Thanksgiving Day?

What will it take to get the Green Bay Packers to get red hot AGAIN?

You know that Country music has two African-American singers that are killing the scene right now. Like Kane Brown and Jimmie Allen. Heard of them? And Country Music is part of Black History!

Who still goes to the clubs and bars after the big meal on Thanksgiving to shake off the pounds?

How about those Milwaukee Bucks though?

And why did Andrew Gillum lose in Florida again, to really someone who is deemed racist?

Since November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, how really those who love our Military actually SUPPORT our Military? And how many of us really love our Veterans SUPPORT OUR VETS?!! Don’t start illing of not being a fake patriot.

When will Milwaukee EVER get their Holiday Parade…..err Christmas Parade BACK? Come on Harley-Davidson, Northwestern Mutual, Kohls, etc!

This is very disturbing: Why a fight in the Milwaukee Courthouse?

It seems that this portrait in Baraboo sparked an outrage. Of course. But what was the real reason again? Let me guess: that blasted Nazi salute and of course that got Wisconsin in a bad light yet again.

I asked this question last time and I’ll ask it again: The Hallmark Christmas Show is back. Who’s still watching them?!

No offense to the Christmas decors but, why does Thanksgiving get suddenly skipped? I’m mean HELLO! Turkey Day is missing!

This is interesting: Sagittarius Season BEGINS on Thanksgiving Day. Sags: what are we thankful for 9th house rulers?

Remember when Thanksgiving shows actually was reclaiming their time?

Men, has #movember really sunk in? After all that no shave, November thing?

International Men’s Day had come and gone. Why is this day not formally recognized again? And why are the whiny feminists of the world, still treat as this day being sexist?

Speaking of Feminism: why target Kleenex for Mansize tissues again?

Wait a minute: there is a Football Game out the Nintendo Switch? Not Madden! But how do many like the MFL? As in the Mutant Football League? Rated M but this might attract those in the think tanks to actually MAKE A FOOTBALL GAME for the Switch! Madden, or make an “NFL 2K” Sports game. I’m calling this!

Men (and women),  can we remind ourselves not to complain about International Men’s Day on International Women’s Day next year in 2019?!!!

When Thanksgiving Day is here: is it Macy’s, Football and Food? or is it Macy’s, Food then FOOTBALL?

When Thanksgiving is over, and for many of us who do not work on a Friday, why is it necessary for those who work on Thanksgiving have to start the Black Friday sales all early?

Speaking of Black Friday: NO SHOPPING FOR ME! But who will be the idiot of the moment when engaging in others for stuff on sale in a violent physical bloodbath? It’s bound to happen. You know it!

Speaking of Small Business Saturday: Who will actually shop locally? No national stuff!

Speaking of Cyber Monday: Best online deals right now. Who has it?

Speaking of Giving Tuesday: Who will donate? To Schools, Organizations, Alumni, Church Groups, Fraternity, Sorority, Legion, etc?

I don’t get it. Since the victory of the recent Wisconsin midterm election, there might be some folks from the black community might call out the new administration of not being diverse enough. My question is: why aren’t many who are complaining (i.e. Facebook and Twitter) not applying?!!

Will Creed II be a hit?

In the last 100 seasons, how many games the Packers won on Thanksgiving? I know, I know. They got archives.

Yes, there was a time that the Native Americans were slaughtered outside after a church service on a Sunday, and years later it was dubbed as the National Day of Mourning. A real question: do many today know that part of the history?

Who might fill up the table that once was occupied by those who passed on?

Who will fill up the table and set a new tone for the big dinner?

And the last question before: how REALLY thankful are you? Like really?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Expect a “Be Thankful” Traditional Blog

My take: This is getting old, International Women’s Day has nothing to do with us dudes at all. Where’s the REAL hype about International Men’s Day like right now?

Ok, I need to say something about this. Women, and those women who read my stuff, quick question: have you really had a blessed International Women’s Day? I’ll leave that up to you to ponder.

My emphasis is really focused on your day being asked the same tired question about this: “When is International Men’s Day?”

Oh don’t lie. Many of us dudes and yes some of you females been asking about a day that is set aside for the men to rejoice of being recognized. Yes I’m talking to you! We’ve seen it over and over again: November 19th. Annually. Every single year. And yet we get mad. Wanna get mad? Get mad and vote out the Republican fools that follow the “Make America Great Again” stuff. And yes Women, in regarding this, some of you probably voted or rooted for Trump in 2016. Tried to tell you.

Now let lay in the horn on the whining. Why was there was “whining” about a International Men’s Day on the International Women’s Day of March 8th?! Taking a deep thought breath here. I can list two to four:

1) Information is Power.

2) Folks are searching for knowledge. Repeated knowledge that many know.

3) Folks really want to know.

And 4) Google and Wikipedia are really a rally source that many don’t access or choose.

There are choices here. I did a Google search here without falling off the cliff last year. I saved my energy for saving of searching for an International Men’s Day. And also I realized that the International Men’s Day does have a website. Matter of fact, here it is:

http://www.internationalmensday.com/

And the theme for 2018: “Positive Male Role Models”.

From the website, these are the objectives:

Objectives of International Men’s Day include a focus on men’s and boy’s health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care while highlighting the discrimination against them.

Okay…what else?

According to the website, this year in regarding Positive Male Role Models”.

Many boys today don’t know what it means to be a man because they don’t have a man in their lives. Sadly, children will go to bed tonight without saying goodnight to their father because he just isn’t there.

Nearly one-fourth of America’s children live in mother-only families. These frightening statistics are similar to a lessor or greater extent the world over.

More than likely, a woman teaches them at school and at home. So, where do they see and interact with positive male role models? Or, how do the boys learn what it means to be a man? Television? Movies? Internet? On the street?

Even in homes where the father is present, research shows that the average father spends less than 10 minutes a day one-on-one with his child. In our society, emotional and spiritual fatherlessness is becoming the norm. Many of today’s fathers did not have positive role models to show them how to be a father, so they are not there to show their children what it means to be a father.

No matter how great a mother is, she cannot replace what a father provides to a child. Irrefutable research shows that mothers are typically nurturing, soft, gentle, comforting, protective and emotional. Fathers tend to encourage risk-taking and to be challenging, prodding, loud, playful and physical. Children need a balance of protection and reasonable risk-taking. If a positive male role model isn’t around, there is a void in this child’s life. Children without positive male role models are more likely to be involved in criminal activity, premarital sexual activity, do poorer in school and participate in unhealthy activities.

Studies have shown that involvement of a father or a positive male role model has profound effects on children. Father-child interaction promotes a child’s physical well-being, perceptual ability and competency for relating with others. Furthermore, these children demonstrate greater ability to take initiative and evidence self-control.

Okay….So how can men of any kind be more in the lives of children, especially with no kids that they want to support?

Via the website:

• Encourage positive male role model involvement in your child’s life if you’re a mum. (Mother)

• If you’re a non-custodial dad, make the effort to visit with your children more often. You can also be very intentional about teaching them important life lessons.

• If you are an educator, encourage fathers to be more active in the classroom.

• You can influence the lives of children in your community be being a positive male role model.

• Faith-based institutions and programs can bring fathers together with their children. Additionally, they can encourage male role models to engage children in their sphere of influence.

• If you are a community leader use International Men’s Day on 19 November 2018 to celebrate Positive Male Role Models and give awards for the same.

• Business leaders can encourage employee involvement in community efforts with children. For example, you can promote mentoring with organizations like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, youth groups, Boys Club or Girls, Inc.

More from the site:

The November IMD is a significant date as it interfaces the popular ‘Movember‘ charity event and also with Universal Children’s Day on Nov 20 with which IMD forms a 48 hour celebration of men and children respectively, and of the special relationships they share.

The ability to sacrifice your needs on behalf of others is fundamental to manhood, as is honor. Manhood rites of passage the world over recognize the importance of sacrifice in the development of Manhood.

Men make sacrifices everyday in their place of work, in their role as husbands and fathers, for their families, for their friends, for their communities and for their nation. International Men’s Day is an opportunity for people everywhere of goodwill to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all.

Methods of commemorating International Men’s Day have included public seminars, conferences, festivals and fundraisers, classroom activities at schools, radio and television programs, Church observances, and peaceful displays and marches. The manner of observing this annual day is optional; any organizations are welcome to host their own events and any appropriate forums can be used.   

Does this sound like an idea? We see this all the time, but this is more on a international level regarding all men. No matter with kids or not.  International Men’s Day is the youngest of the two. This was started in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago. International Men’s Day is young. It’s a young international holiday that highlights the achievements and accomplishments of Men in the world.

Now many are probably (AGAIN) joking around and want poke the bear about the day that is way young than International Women’s Day.  It’s kind of obvious that there are those who want to know about the day of International Men, but have NO IDEA what the day is about. Where as International Women’s Day comes every year and yes WOMEN, some of you have no idea why you have Women’s Rights. That’s the main reason right there!

And I, unlike those who didn’t  advised me, I had to do my homework on my own. I had to research International Men’s Day on my own. And I had to summarize International Men’s Day ON MY OWN. NO male and NO female never told me to do this. But as a Man, A black man born in America, I had to do my study time and to familiarize myself about this 19th Day of November. We know that this day for us Americans ties in with the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln.

But on a black history level courtesy of BlackAmerica.com:

November 19: This Day in Black History

1921: One of the greatest catchers in the history of baseball, Roy ‘Campy’ Campanella was born. He was one of the pioneers who broke the color barrier in MLB. He passed in 1993, aged 71.

1927: Joe Hunter was born. He was one of the original Funk Brothers of Motown fame. He passed in 2007, aged 79.

1936: Robert White was born. He was guitarist for Motown’s Funk Brothers. He died from complications of open heart surgery. He was 57.

1939: Happy Birthday to Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Warren ‘Pete’ Moore who turns 74 today. He was a singer, recorder producer, songwriter and Arranger.

1954: While driving from Vegas to L.A., Sammy Davis, Jr. crashes into another car on Route 66 San Bernadino, CA, and three days later, permanently loses use of his left eye.

1955: The Cues, known mostly as a studio backup group for the likes of Atlantic stars Ruth Brown and LaVern Baker, had their first chart single with “Burn That Candle” (#86 pop).

1958: Happy Birthday to actor Terrence T.C. Carson who turns 55 today.

1960: ‘Georgia on My Mind’ by Ray Charles hit #1.

1962: Influential ’50s blues star Savannah Churchill made a comeback performance at the Room at the Bottom in New York’s Greenwich Village. She had been badly injured several years earlier when a fan fell on top of her.

1964: The Supremes became the first all-girl group to reach #1 in Britain when “Baby Love” hit the coveted top spot.

1964: Blues singer and musician Little Johnny Jones died of bronchopneumonia. He was 40 years old.

1966: ‘Knock on Wood’ by Eddie Floyd was the number one song this day.

1966: Happy Birthday to Olympic Hall of Famer Gail Devers who turns 47 today.

1968: The Supremes performed at the Royal Variety Show in London before Queen Elizabeth.

1969: Happy Birthday to award winning actress Erika Alexander who turns 44 today.

1971: B.B. King began a European tour in London on his twenty-fifth anniversary in the music business.

1973: Happy Birthday to tap dancer, actor & choreographer Savion Glover who turns 40 today.

1979: Chuck Berry left prison after a stay for tax evasion.

1983: Tina Turner begins her fabled Eighties comeback when her version of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” produced by of Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh of Heaven 17, hits the British charts.

1985: Lincoln Perry aka Stepin Fetchit passed away, aged 83. He was the 1st black actor in history to become a millionaire and the 1st black actor to receive featured screen credit in film.

1990: Milli Vanilli were stripped of their Grammy Award because the duo did not sing at all on the Girl You Know It’s True album.

1992: Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 album was certified six times platinum (six million copies) by the RIAA.

1994: Actor Dedrick Gobert was fatally shot this day. He was 22 years old.

1995: Little Milton, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and Clarence Carter appeared at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles on the last night of their Heavyweights of Blues caravan tour.

1998: Natalie Cole sang “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” at Frank Sinatra’s eightieth birthday party at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. If that didn’t do it for Ol’ Blues, Little Richard’s rendition of “Old Black Magic” surely did.

2002: While greeting fans from a 5-floor hotel balcony in Berlin, Michael Jackson shocks the world by dangling his newborn son over the side of the railing.

Even though this date in black history has little or no effect on International Men’s Day, but there are other events that happened on this day before a thought of a International Men’s Day had ever been thought about.

I’m glad that now, that there is an International Men’s Day that us MEN can actually take an opportunity in to talk about our concerns, joys, problems, and to be celebrated for what we do. And even though there are naysayers and haters on both men and women who feel the equality thing should be all the time, it’s not. The haters who call some men, whinny or bitter of asking the same tired question without reason are just haters themselves. They don’t give enough information. All they tell you was or is “November 19th.” That’s it. And no other reasons why. I’m a type of person wants to know “what else happens on this November 19th day” that we should about besides the infamous International Men’s Day.  That is missing! The homework of that is not finished.

Someone (a female mind you) suggested that International Men’s Day should be a day to highlight concerns or something that men really care about. And she’s right. And also it ties in the “Movember”awareness of men’s health awareness. And originally, voting. (For us Americans who vote in November).

For all the mean tweets, stop it. You all ready know. That goes for BOTH men and women!

From the Time and Date Website: Representatives from organizations such as the UN expressed support for the event, although it is not an official UN observance. A petition has called for the UN to make International Men’s Day an official UN observance in the interest of equality.

CALLOUT: Gents, we got to hype up our day in about 8 months. Get prepared RIGHT NOW! And keep pushing the thought of International Men’s Day on the calendar!

 

Scratching My Head All This Time: Before Thanksgiving.

Before us Americans get the cooking stuff out, it’s time think. Get your thinking caps on. With all the media mess going on from the flag to racism, we know food is source of healing. So is the mind preparing the food. But as always, I’m scratching my head again.

You realize that “Movember” really started with voting right? Way before the health awareness male mustache thing. Research!

Why is #45 wasting his time with LaVar Ball?!

Trump supporters: some of you realize that LeVar Burton is not LaVar Ball. How dumb is that?

Milwaukee, stop playing with the Streetcar questions. You know it’s giving folks jobs right? Quit playing!

I want to know: WHY are callers calling Churches for money?!!

Why are the Packers not playing good football right now you ask? – 5 words here – Anthony Barr injured Aaron Rodgers. Say it again and again.

What about those Wisconsin Badgers Football players?

So, Atlanta tore down the Georgia Dome. But why many are upset?

In a recent report, the Greater Milwaukee Area is not good when it comes to African-Americans. Do we know this like, already?

According to Forbes, it once stated that many HR’s look at resumes that get tossed after looking almost scary. What is the real reason why many aren’t getting the jobs?! Race, Credit Checks, Education?

So the Facebook group, “The Whole Milwaukee #1” is now getting noticed. So my questions are, why are those using it for swapping drugs, beat downs and not enough for networking with our people?

Speaking of networking, does the Milwaukee MPS Alumni actually know about it’s networking events and actually go besides the Alumni Reunions?

Is Mahlon Mitchell ready for real to run for Governor in Wisconsin? And you realize that Wisconsin never had a black Governor since it’s founding?

Did the black Veterans received much love on Veterans Day? Minority Vets don’t get that much love though.

International Men’s Day came and went on November 19th. Why is this day not honored enough in the United States? Close your mouths, feminists! It’s not about you.

Hey Sagittarius folks, our season is here. Ready to sling the Arrows?

So GOP, is Trump really that guy? Seriously?!

Again, why are we body shaming?! This ain’t High School.

For all you fans of #45, does the term embarrassing comes to mind?

Why is it always that there are more married couples retreats and not enough singles only retreats that don’t see marriage?

Who is responsible for these young girls and young boys acting a fool based on stolen cars, etc?

The recent victory for the Democrats in Virginia and some parts of America really sparked new heights. Is this the breakthrough for the midterms regarding the blue team in 2018?

For you crazy drivers in Milwaukee, why are you still cutting in-front of vehicles and causing accidents?

On December 5th, are you Georgia residents are actually going to vote?

Who really hates the Hallmark Christmas Movies? Asking for a friend!

For the Wisconsin jobs that have the 60,000 jobs unfilled, what are real skills and experience to have besides just having a High School Diploma?

Who is really shopping on Black Friday to get that ideal T.V.? That ain’t happening!

Why do many non-Native Americans had to jump on the bandwagon of not doing the Thanksgiving thing? You know which ones!

I need to know who is putting out this crap about Churches “supposed to have money” for those whom don’t know? Do they know protocol?

Every church men’s group should know about the safe sanctuary rules from sexual harassment to violent outcomes. Does your Church men’s group do this?

For those of us who have to spend Thanksgiving without a special loved one for the first time this year, how will we get through this? And the same for Christmas, etc? It’s hard for us. Even my family.

Why is David Clarke still running his mouth?

Are the black protest groups really that troublesome being on the FBI watch?

Why would those who go after Rep. Maxine Waters with death threats?

Is Donna Brazille being targeted unfairly after her book was published? Or just happenstance?

Why are the “so-called patriots” coming for Congresswoman Frederica Wilson?

Will the real truth about the late Sgt. La David Johnson please stand up? Don’t act like we don’t know.

I see alot of military hats and division hats, why not have hats for descendants of Veterans or Veteran Families? (sons, daughters, etc.)

What is the percentage of African-Americans in the American Legion Family? Not asking for a friend!

Is the cord cutting thing still going on well? Asking for a friend!

Should the month of November be also the month to spur the support of Veterans everyday?

Why is it always that Black Men, (good ones mind you) get all mistakenly for something that they didn’t do for years and years? Black women, you must explain your part also. As well as everyone else. From molesting, to harassment, to abuse.

For all those whom are so-conscious and running your mouth on social media: what is your motive for ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING?! Don’t talk about it, be about it!

Will Aaron Rodgers be stronger than ever? Just wait, Packer fans. Revenge is coming.

Why is it always a problem for men to talk about Sexual Harassment? Even if you have men in your life that went through it since childhood? This is not a joke!

Is Brett Hundley learning well? What about Joe Callahan?

Tired of reading the same ol’ stuff? Why not read something different? Hello!

If many complain about other people’s blogs, journalism, radio, TV, Online Podcastings, and others, why not start their own stuff to inform of what they want to talk about?

One of these days, I want to learn Skeet Shooting and Archery. Who is a great teacher? Where? Must be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Lot of folks might do the Black Friday thing. If you pack Walmart or Best Buy, why not the local small stores?

I gotta ask why did those in Wisconsin think that it’s a good idea to have a gun laws signed for toddlers or those under 10 to have guns in their hands for hunting? No!

Is Foxconn the real way for jobs in Wisconsin regarding black folks who CAN’T get to the jobs? Still asking that for a friend.

Twitter: I like you. Why is your app causing problems of logging in?!

And the final question before you start cooking: has the Black Friday feeling sunk in yet, or are you staying put?

Now you may resume continue cooking your Thanksgiving Meal.

My take: International Men’s Day is just needed like the Women’s Days.

Men of the world: we have a day. International Men’s Day. Today is the 19th of November in which we acknowledge us. Our man angle in which we know. Of course that it’s not just about our man angle. We acknowledge our accomplishments, our results, end what we do and want to do in our community and families.

And yes, we probably read about the butt hurt comments about a day like today from feminists who subsequently feel that having a men’s day set aside is meaningless. Or just being sexist because a few men in society broke rules about respecting the thought of you females that we encounter everyday. And many you feel that having this day for us in the man’s world is a flat out joke.

So why is a International Men’s Day is somewhat needed? You might have seen this on Social Media today.

That’s just one sample. Like many of you females, we men folk got concerns like you. We are immune to suicides, domestic violence, violent crimes, and face health concerns. We know that issues of Prostate Cancer, Colon Cancer and many other health concerns are at our heads. And some of us don’t really have those things called Doctors to trust. And as far as Domestic Abuse: many of the men have been victims according to the graphic. THIS IS NO LIE! You talk about men being the Aggressors which is true. But if you have abusive women who commit crimes physically, sexually, mentally, psychologically, financially, and yet spiritually, guess who becomes the VICTIM? Yes, MEN!

Years ago, I went to a Men’s Meeting that dealt with the subject of feeling broken. And some of the items I listed were examples of men getting to a point in which these problems are posted this is what we go through at times. Even there were many times I felt broken. Not just because of other men. But also females too. I had females attacking me all because of my education, being bullied growing up because of my size or being quiet. Or body shaming because of big noses or whatever. But at the AGE OF 11, that all changed. My late uncle taught me self-defense (Kung Fu) and that energized a thing called self confidence. Mind driven. And more laser focused. If you went to school in the 80’s and 90’s, you know what I’m talking about. Take notes, women! And many of you women had our fathers historically when they were younger and defenseless telling them that “If you don’t go to that school to beat that person, I’m going to beat you!” But what did that do? Fill in the blank.

Back in the day, when a dude hits you or whatever, you hit them back! That was the law in the Schools. I don’t give a care if it involved those ribbing on you. If that person is ribbing on you and will not stop, you will and must FIGHT BACK! If it’s against a girl or chick, you sit on them. Oh, they’ll use the speech, “I’m a woman” or “You not supposed to hit a female.” What are you supposed to do, man? Either take the hit or SIT ON THEM. Make them miss, blindside them without violence. Out Psych them! Use mindgames. Forget about all the so-called “cuffing season”, It’s mind-games season. Stay one step ahead! And you wonder about why there are so many broken relationships. Stay away from that Single folks! I see all this. Read about it. And you want this to happen to a guy who has a squeaky clean record of not in abusive relationships to get into one? I’ll pass. And all that mess you thought about back in High School is a joke now. Admit the guilt. It’s all BS rumors.

You ask again: why a need for a “International Men’s Day?” Why a day that many believe that a day is set aside for the Men where Men are talked about everyday? And yes, women you get your day in March and everyday. The problem is, we get all these days on the calendar, and the thing is: half of the time we complain. We whizz and moan. Admit it. But on the other hand we do praise those who get the recognition and those who left out, get forgotten. Oh, yes we talk about the negative about us dudes, but MANY FORGET that there are MEN (especially men of color) who are doing positive things in this world besides going to work! Besides being the head of the church. Besides being a leader. There are men whom are active on their health, their finance, their place of employment, their place of volunteerism, their act of valor and reflection of valor, their act of raising families, their act on raising or educating children and many other manly deeds and objectives. You have to ask, where are these MEN right now? Where? Women: don’t get an attitude about there are no good men around, maybe because you have been looking or reading about it negatively! Need to say it. And no it’s not a thing about hooking up. Not today, Satan! Not all men are thugs, the cavemen butt jokes or many other things that many been saying since it’s probably generational, or when that same woman who was 13 years old got picked on in school. And been hating men since then. Let’s be real about this women: not every man is not after your bra and panty straps to get the digits and hashtags. Being honest here.

Another reason why a need for a International Men’s Day besides the other stuff I mentioned is to have a day that we can just be appreciated for the things that are UNAPPRECIATED! I do things in the City of Milwaukee that are UNAPPRECIATED! No matter if it’s Election Inspector Jobs, Photos, computers, or various skills I put on my resume. Even though they are all some what good, it’s UNAPPRECIATED! Even me going to my Alumni Outings and Scholarship Meetings. UNAPPRECIATED! I’m saying this as a black man in America. On point. And you women should know what I’m talking about. If you have NOT appreciated the thought that your Man, Brother, Son, Grandson, Nephew, Uncle, Cousin, or any other Man dude in your life that does all this behind the scenes and get NO appreciation for it: You better start. 5 years ago, when we were saying goodbye to Whitney Houston: one of her former bodyguards once said that “Give flowers to those while they’re living!” We know that women love flowers.
CALLOUT: Men, we need our flowers while we are living right now! Don’t wait until the casket drops to get our flowers (seems to be common with Women at times). Get the flowers right now! Get appreciated right now. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Now this is my view of a International Men’s Day. Not just “men being men”. But men doing men things. Real things. And setting the tone for our younger men to grow and raise. Let’s do this not just on this International Men’s Day but EVERYDAY! We know we got issues and concerns. We know we got our health nagging talks. Race, Class, Social Status, Interest, and many other Joys and Concerns on a man angle. Just to keep an eye out. That’s all.

About that “Movember” mustache thing, you know it started with voting right?

Scratching my head all this time: Before Halloween.

Oh yes.…….(In my Paul Bearer voice) Many of you probably had or will have a Halloween thing between now and the 31st. But of course there will be many whom have an attitude about church or the clubs being drunk might come in. However since the theme of Halloween is all about fear, and sometimes fun, we know everyday. But of course, I’m scratching my head again.

So you still hate the Church, huh?What about them clubs though?

Is #45 so far the worst president to come out of the gate?

What is up with all the culture that ain’t for the cause?

Wait a minute? Elvira is retiring?!!

Which is more fearful to Men? Commitment or Doctors?

Which is more fearful to women? I’m allow you women to answer that.

Is Halloween really that spooky holiday that most religious folks fear and with all the goblins?

What is fearful for Milwaukee: Crime, not enough jobs, or the Streetcar?

What is really fearful: no flu shots or that awareness of Movember?

Men, you know that International Men’s Month is coming up in November, right?

Just a thought in asking, I go to church every Sunday. Do you hate me?

Why do certain heels like Elias and Gulak in wrestling talk smack about the Green Bay Packers, and then lose their matches? Explain, WWE.

Will the Minnesota Vikings’ Anthony Barr be a target for a soon to be returning Aaron Rodgers? Expect that to come Vikings Fans.

How bout them Wisconsin Badgers?

Will anyone of the NBA actually “Fear The Deer” from the Bucks?

Ready to reapply for the medical insurance?

Does anyone actually care about the World Series? No offense to the Dodgers and Astros.

Which is more fearful: Breast Cancer, Domestic Violence or Bullying?

Is UW-Stout or could UW-Stout bring in a group that can start a Black Alumni Chapter?

Milwaukee, remember this Halloween Commerical? 35 years ago?

United Methodist Men, should you bring in young male folks?

For the record: you know that Halloween means “All Hallows Eve” or “Holy Evening” leading to “All Hallows Day” or “All Saint’s Day”? #HallowedMemories

For the record, why do folks DON’T trick or treat in their OWN neighborhoods?

For the record: if you are a teenager with no costume, why are you still getting candy?

For the record: why are some of the Caucasians are still black facing around Halloween?

For the record: why do those who had the moniker “White Lives Matter” had to get an attitude?

For the record: what is the fear of disconnect with one group and several seats with communication?

For the record: what is your fear (Human Resources) of not hiring people of color (mostly black) who are still waiting in the wings for a job? With degrees, experience……

For the record, what is the real deal of discrimination?

For the record, black folks we see the Cosby Shows, Family Matters, etc. But yet we somewhat complain about shows (positive ones) not being shown because of the “reality TV”. Why are we not doing the shows we want? Hello! Education!

For the record: when younger folks see all these groups – VFW, American Legion, Mason’s, Elks, Church Organizations, Alumni Boards, they have this attitude that they’ll won’t join because they’re are young or no knowledge. Or just being thrown into the fire, just because. Well does the phrase, “be the change” ring a bell? If you are a young veteran maybe you need to have a voice at the table in the American Legion or another Veterans group to address YOUR concerns and be the change. And this goes for the church, Alumni Committees, etc. If a young person comes to the table about a sermon and they are not mentioned at all then you young folks need to speak to your pastors about including you in their sermons! In 1990, my former youth group, was talking to my former pastor about his sermons. We felt at the time that the sermons weren’t reaching us. We didn’t complain, piss or moan like many do now. And we certainly, talked smack about it. We talked. And we talked the reasons why! And it was a good suggestion! So all you younger folks who feel left out, come to the table and bring your concerns in all, join the group and BE THE CHANGE! Period! Sure you might feel left out but still, be the change.

And the last thing: what was or is your costume? And your movies or traditional things for the 31st of October?

Happy Halloween!

Scratching my head all this time. The hot minute edition.🔥🔥🔥🔥

It’s been a hot minute since the scratching my head blog has been unleashed. I know it’s been a couple of weeks since my father passed and still dealing with the fact he’s gone.

But I still have something to say about the not so happy current affairs of the country and the world. So here it is.

Why do certain folks have an issue of Angela Rye’s shirt: “We built this joint for free!” Knowing it’s the truth when it concerns African Americans? 

Why do certain folks (Church Minded) have to get attacked knowing that they have to go harder every single time in and out of the four walls?

Is going after North Korea really all that? 

What’s this? Bill O’Reilly got fired from Fox News? And the station is under fire of racial discrimination of it’s black employees. Why hasn’t no one seem to realize that racism still rears its ugly head in America’s DNA? Especially at Fox News!

Stop hating on the Milwaukee Streetcar, Milwaukee. You know folks need jobs right?

Who was so glad to hear Former President Obama’s voice after all this mess of 45?

Men, when the women had Women’s History Month in March, we realize that every “Movember” is our International Men’s Month, right? Why trip?

The Republicans failed to sign away the Affordable Care Act. Why didn’t they say something to change it then 7 years ago? Oh, they were still hating on Obama.

Was Shea Moisture really that marketable to black women? 

For the Serena Williams haters worldwide: she’s beating you. Why hate her and her choice of marriage, and her soon to be child? And Black Kings(and queens): let it go.

Is anyone feeling the Milwaukee Bucks lately? #FearTheDeer #DeerRun

Yo, this Eric Thames “talk” about him doing roids or juicing is nothing but a distraction. Dude was tested three times and nothing came out bad. So what is the real problem? Where are the test results?!! We speculte too much, Americans.

Can African American Men be relaunchers for Adult Internships too? 

If moving out of Milwaukee is a solution to get away from violence, why do the suburban areas have issues of drug problems? And some violence issues too? My father once said, “it’s bad everywhere.”

In 2018: the midterms are coming. Midterm Elections. Can Wisco get rid of Scott Walker and David Clarke for real? 

Introvert folks, are we still good? 

So the State of Wisconsin has this problem of 80,000 plus jobs that need to be filled. As well as Milwaukee. And the companies all say “we need to find people.” Well what is the real problem with hiring, matching, education, training and transportation, in getting that job? 

Was the “Mother of all Bombs” really that necessary in Syria?

So the Nintendo Switch is out. Who is really waiting to see if us “grownfolks” gamers can try it? 

Milwaukee: you realize our 2nd MPS Alumni Reunion is coming in May, right? 

I need to ask this question: and it’s for those who wished reunions. Why do many get mad about a so so class reunion that tried to happen but didn’t work? Also why get mad at all class reunions? You know you can use that to generate your class reunions right?

Why is there not enough representation for African Americans when it comes to groups like The American Legion and it’s subgroups? Note: some of them might have been or are American Legion members.

Why is Wisconsin “the state so far” doesn’t do expungements?

Really Ivanka Trump? Your father is a champion when it comes to women? You know what he said to Billy Bush, right?

Question: is it a check up, or a physical? Make up your minds when going to the doctors, folks. Jeez.

Should TJ Watt be a Green Bay Packer?

In May, Military Appreciation Month is approaching. Why do we get “Veterans Day” and “Memorial Day” mixed up? 

I need to ask: why did we sent our kids back to school the DAY AFTER EASTER?! Back in my day, we started our spring break on Good Friday, then the week was nothing but a break. And the week after, it was back in the classrooms. Explain!

Do folks really believe the fake news on Social Media that folks display? 

Why do folks have to test the Bible in what the folks who want to say that the people are right and the Good Book is bad? Seriously.

If you are a single man with no kids and not married (Especially if you’re Black) why the barrage of assumptions from women who wanted them to have kids and a wife? Um….Last I checked: kids cost money! And many women today have gone “Independent”. Society does suck.

And the last question to ask: Is the truth dead? Or just opinionated? 

I’m back, folks. Get woke! Stay empowered.