Kellen Winslow Jr.'s internal injuries from a motorcycle accident are improving but the Cleveland Browns are concerned with damage to his right knee.
Winslow was injured in an accident that sent him flying over the handlebars of his newly purchased motorcycle Sunday night.
Winslow's injuries are another setback for him and the struggling Browns. His rookie season ended when he broke his right leg during an onside kick in a Week 2 loss against Dallas. He lost a $5.3 million bonus last season because of the leg injury that dealt a severe blow to Cleveland's offense.
With his leg still on the mend, Winslow purchased a sport bike last month and was learning how to ride it in a parking lot when he hit a curb. He complained of chest pains after the crash.
Winslow's use of a motorcycle may have violated standard NFL player contract language that prohibits players from engaging in dangerous activities. If so, Cleveland could require him to pay back a $4.4 million signing bonus he received in March.
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Is this like being captured on camera carrying heavy boxes after filing a worker's comp claim?
Why would you take the risk?
Wednesday, May 4
Invisible Line in the Sand
Have you ever had one of those crazy, random questions pop into your head out of nowhere? At first thought, the question makes you smile or giggle as you wonder, "where did that come from?" You try to move on to another thought but can't, your mind is fixated and wants to give attention to this "oh so suddenly pressing question" that you know you can't answer because there are no answers to this question. Nevertheless you let your mind do it's thing - you ponder possible answers in hopes of satisfying your psyche so you can regain control of your thoughts and move on the next. That ever happen to you?
Yesterday, I was minding my own business when this random thought dropped by, unannouced for a visit: Would Jesus still have been close friends with Judas if he hadn't been killed? I laughed and thought, "yeah, right!" I was ready to move on to the next thought but Mr. Unannouced Visitor wanted more attention. So, I gave him a bit more attention hoping he'd get the hint that I wanted him to leave soon because I really didn't feel like being bothered. Not to mention, I had more pressing issues to think about like what's for dinner, you know? Anyhow, I communed with Mr. UV a while longer as he just sat there not saying a word taking up space. Needless to say, I was pissed he wouldn't leave. However, after my anger dissipated, the purpose of his visit became more clear, there was a bigger issue that really wanted my attention: handling betrayal.
When people betray me intentionally, I don't do so well with the 'all is forgiven let's pretend it never happened,' game people like to play. Instead, I systematically breakdown the events that lead to the betrayal. I analyze each participant's role, determine the percentage of blame each participant is responsible for and I ponder other solutions not explored by betrayor to resolve the issue. Next, I give numerical value to the sheer magnitude of the betrayal, I explore the betrayor's track record for other questionable offenses. I then ponder the value of the relationship in the past and weigh that against what I anticipate the value of the relationship to be in the future. When it's all computed I know exactly what action to take:
1)Let's not ever talk again
2)Let's be friends from a distance
3)Let's clear the air-cuss each other out-and ease back into a close fellowship
Ok, let's focus on option 2. Whenever I choose option 2, the relationship becomes convolted with all kinds of unspoken conditions and rules like I won't go the extra mile for that person, conversations are very impersonal-matter of fact- and brief, anything perceived as a slight will be considered a slight with no benefit of the doubt and will be held against them, I don't hang out with that person, I generally don't initiate contact they must call me...the list goes on. I arbitrarily add and remove conditions as needed. You get the point right?
Last year, I was doing business with 2 friends and they renigged on the original 50-50 agreements, they wanted to cut me such lopsided deals that it was plain ridiculous. Naturally, our relationships were broken and needed fixing or an overhaul. At the time, I knew I had to maintain a functional relationship with each because of the pending business deals. Thus, an option 2, condition laden relationship emerged. However, the betrayal warranted an option 1 response. Sadly enough, the business deals fell through and our relationships remained in ruin.
I have maintained a safe distance from each friend since the incident and only held conversation with both parties when absolutely necessary in the past 6-8 months. Recently, both of their birthdays passed, so I left birthday messages for both but have yet to hear back from either. Ain't that about a bitch!
Thus, there is a new condition to option 2 relationships:
Article - Don'tbeaJackAss hereafter referred to as Article DbJA
1)if you are on shaky ground with me, acknowledge the fact that I reached out to you on your special day. Because honestly, I didn't have to do so. I could have been really petty and acted as if the day never meant anything to me though I've celebrated this day with you the past12 years.
* Violation of said condition is grounds for dismissal without further notice.
Yesterday, I was minding my own business when this random thought dropped by, unannouced for a visit: Would Jesus still have been close friends with Judas if he hadn't been killed? I laughed and thought, "yeah, right!" I was ready to move on to the next thought but Mr. Unannouced Visitor wanted more attention. So, I gave him a bit more attention hoping he'd get the hint that I wanted him to leave soon because I really didn't feel like being bothered. Not to mention, I had more pressing issues to think about like what's for dinner, you know? Anyhow, I communed with Mr. UV a while longer as he just sat there not saying a word taking up space. Needless to say, I was pissed he wouldn't leave. However, after my anger dissipated, the purpose of his visit became more clear, there was a bigger issue that really wanted my attention: handling betrayal.
When people betray me intentionally, I don't do so well with the 'all is forgiven let's pretend it never happened,' game people like to play. Instead, I systematically breakdown the events that lead to the betrayal. I analyze each participant's role, determine the percentage of blame each participant is responsible for and I ponder other solutions not explored by betrayor to resolve the issue. Next, I give numerical value to the sheer magnitude of the betrayal, I explore the betrayor's track record for other questionable offenses. I then ponder the value of the relationship in the past and weigh that against what I anticipate the value of the relationship to be in the future. When it's all computed I know exactly what action to take:
1)Let's not ever talk again
2)Let's be friends from a distance
3)Let's clear the air-cuss each other out-and ease back into a close fellowship
Ok, let's focus on option 2. Whenever I choose option 2, the relationship becomes convolted with all kinds of unspoken conditions and rules like I won't go the extra mile for that person, conversations are very impersonal-matter of fact- and brief, anything perceived as a slight will be considered a slight with no benefit of the doubt and will be held against them, I don't hang out with that person, I generally don't initiate contact they must call me...the list goes on. I arbitrarily add and remove conditions as needed. You get the point right?
Last year, I was doing business with 2 friends and they renigged on the original 50-50 agreements, they wanted to cut me such lopsided deals that it was plain ridiculous. Naturally, our relationships were broken and needed fixing or an overhaul. At the time, I knew I had to maintain a functional relationship with each because of the pending business deals. Thus, an option 2, condition laden relationship emerged. However, the betrayal warranted an option 1 response. Sadly enough, the business deals fell through and our relationships remained in ruin.
I have maintained a safe distance from each friend since the incident and only held conversation with both parties when absolutely necessary in the past 6-8 months. Recently, both of their birthdays passed, so I left birthday messages for both but have yet to hear back from either. Ain't that about a bitch!
Thus, there is a new condition to option 2 relationships:
Article - Don'tbeaJackAss hereafter referred to as Article DbJA
1)if you are on shaky ground with me, acknowledge the fact that I reached out to you on your special day. Because honestly, I didn't have to do so. I could have been really petty and acted as if the day never meant anything to me though I've celebrated this day with you the past12 years.
* Violation of said condition is grounds for dismissal without further notice.
Disturbed
Cruising around blogspot last night I happened upon the post below at: http://mightymama.blogspot.com/
Fantasia-singer, stripper, simpleton???
I gotta tell you I am sick and tired of our music industry and Hollyhood, glorifying people who have no business in the limelight! I heard the song by third season, American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, BABY's MaMas. Let's all feel sorry for all of the single mamas in America. Well, I am sorry Fantasia. I don't feel bad that your baby's daddy beat your ass, and blackened both your eyes. What I am sorry for is that you didn't have enough self-worth, for yourself to keep your legs closed. I am sorry that your Bible beating preacher MaMa showed and taught you the lies about being Baptist. I am sorry that she gave you a name fit for a stripper. But I am truly sorry that all you think you are good at is singing.....I am sorry that no one encouraged you to aspire to go into the field of medicine, public service, or education.
So before you call call me a racist white bitch. First off you are right about one thing I am white. However, I am no way shape or form a racist. My husband is a African American and is my equal. He agrees with me 100% on this subject. We would never encourage our children to be apart of the Hollyhood subculture or the sports arena. Women in general whether black, white, purple, yellow, orange or even freakin' clear, are guilty of selling themselves cheap to the music industry, sex, or even sports. Singing like a humming bird, sucking a mean dick, or even bouncing a basketball doesn't mean shit it; if your frontal lobe is stimulated by a good book or lecture every now and then. I am all for children exploring their god given talents, however the reality of making a career out of them is rare. Compared to population numbers it just doesn't happen that often. I know many of people who have received sports scholarships that are idiots. Why? Because all they did was run around with their head cut off like a chicken, or bounced a basketball so much it rattled their brains. Getting a education was no longer the focus, performance in the sport or exploitation of the musical talent was.
I don't mean to discredit the talents of our youth, but to aspire for more. In the Spike Lee film Bamboozled, it is explained that entertainment was the objective, no matter how much of an ass you are made. As long as it pays the bills people will fall for making fools of themselves. They are getting caught in the hype. Slavery of the millinium is what I call it.
I for one tonight will tell my children that they can and will be whatever they want as long as it is honorable. They will not sell their bodies by shakin' their groove thangs, sing unarticulate lyrics to songs, or bounce a basketball while their books are left in their backpacks. My children are worth so much more, and so are yours readers. Set the standard at a higher level and expect more from them. Maybe our future leaders of tomorrow, will be much more capable than those of today.
NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:
If you think I am a total whack job, think again. Can I suggest you read the Mis-Education of The Negro BY Carter G. Woodson. If you don't want to read a book watch the Spike Lee film Bamboozled, it will clear many misconceptions up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mental note to self, "When you're bored Shawn, don't just keep randomly clicking on links to blogs at blogspot."
Fantasia-singer, stripper, simpleton???
I gotta tell you I am sick and tired of our music industry and Hollyhood, glorifying people who have no business in the limelight! I heard the song by third season, American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, BABY's MaMas. Let's all feel sorry for all of the single mamas in America. Well, I am sorry Fantasia. I don't feel bad that your baby's daddy beat your ass, and blackened both your eyes. What I am sorry for is that you didn't have enough self-worth, for yourself to keep your legs closed. I am sorry that your Bible beating preacher MaMa showed and taught you the lies about being Baptist. I am sorry that she gave you a name fit for a stripper. But I am truly sorry that all you think you are good at is singing.....I am sorry that no one encouraged you to aspire to go into the field of medicine, public service, or education.
So before you call call me a racist white bitch. First off you are right about one thing I am white. However, I am no way shape or form a racist. My husband is a African American and is my equal. He agrees with me 100% on this subject. We would never encourage our children to be apart of the Hollyhood subculture or the sports arena. Women in general whether black, white, purple, yellow, orange or even freakin' clear, are guilty of selling themselves cheap to the music industry, sex, or even sports. Singing like a humming bird, sucking a mean dick, or even bouncing a basketball doesn't mean shit it; if your frontal lobe is stimulated by a good book or lecture every now and then. I am all for children exploring their god given talents, however the reality of making a career out of them is rare. Compared to population numbers it just doesn't happen that often. I know many of people who have received sports scholarships that are idiots. Why? Because all they did was run around with their head cut off like a chicken, or bounced a basketball so much it rattled their brains. Getting a education was no longer the focus, performance in the sport or exploitation of the musical talent was.
I don't mean to discredit the talents of our youth, but to aspire for more. In the Spike Lee film Bamboozled, it is explained that entertainment was the objective, no matter how much of an ass you are made. As long as it pays the bills people will fall for making fools of themselves. They are getting caught in the hype. Slavery of the millinium is what I call it.
I for one tonight will tell my children that they can and will be whatever they want as long as it is honorable. They will not sell their bodies by shakin' their groove thangs, sing unarticulate lyrics to songs, or bounce a basketball while their books are left in their backpacks. My children are worth so much more, and so are yours readers. Set the standard at a higher level and expect more from them. Maybe our future leaders of tomorrow, will be much more capable than those of today.
NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:
If you think I am a total whack job, think again. Can I suggest you read the Mis-Education of The Negro BY Carter G. Woodson. If you don't want to read a book watch the Spike Lee film Bamboozled, it will clear many misconceptions up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mental note to self, "When you're bored Shawn, don't just keep randomly clicking on links to blogs at blogspot."
Tuesday, May 3
Ok! You Got Me!
I took a trip to Wild Oats Market today to browse a larger selection of veggie food items than Trader Joe's , my number one store, offers. I've been to Wild Oats a gazillion times before but today I felt a renewed sense of vigor to really find an unknown gem that would send me, Mr. Food-a-holic, into a frenzy. Slowly and methodically I worked my way up and down every isle carefully reading the food labels of the foods I was interested in purchasing. By the way, I get a bit carried away sometimes. Why was I in the market for over an hour? Though I am equipped a bit more knowledge, reading labels is very time consuming and frustrating. And there's always something on the ingredient list that's not supposed to be there in the eyes of the health experts. Anywho, when I got to the frozen food section, I went absolutely crazy. Everything I saw looked incredibly delicious. Who knew there was so much vegetarian stuff on the market? I know I sure didn't. Ok! After I calmed myself down, I focused my attention on the veggie pizzas. I was suddenly overcome with a need for tomato sauce and cheese. I didn't have that craving when I first walked in the store but at that moment I knew my day wouldn't be complete unless I chose the right veggie pizza to buy for lunch. After 10 minutes of label comparing, I settled on A.C. LaRocco's Tomato & Feta pizza. MMM MMM MMM! My mouth was watering as I read about fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes, fresh garlic and basil. I hurried to finish the rest of my grocery shopping so I could get home as soon as possible. Once the groceries were unpacked, I warmed up my Tomato & Feta pizza. When the garlic-y aroma started to overpower the air in the house I knew I had chosen a winner. Patiently I waited 25 minutes to get my first taste of heaven. Well, color me surprised after that first bite. Why was I eating what tasted like a slice of wheat bread with tomato sauce and cheese on it? So much for reading labels. Folks, beware! Whole wheat and honey pizza crusts aren't all there cracked up to be. Congratulations Mr. LaRocco, you got me! LOL!
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Food Find
My vegetarian food exploration does have an upside. I've found new treat - Soy Delicious Non-dairy, frozen dessert (soy ice cream). So far I've tried Creamy Vanilla and Praline Pecan and I'm hooked.
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Food Find
My vegetarian food exploration does have an upside. I've found new treat - Soy Delicious Non-dairy, frozen dessert (soy ice cream). So far I've tried Creamy Vanilla and Praline Pecan and I'm hooked.
Sunday, May 1
Knowing limitations
Far be it from me to kill anyone's dream. Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passion. However... sometimes having a Simon Cowell or someone like myself in your life might not be such a bad thing. Simon and I aren't afraid of telling the truth, as harsh as it may be, about someone's talent. There's a time for everything; a time for encouragement and inspiration; and a time for truth and honest evaluation. Honest evaluation is what I do best. If you're into singing and can appreciate those with the gift of song, please follow the link below and take a listen
http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=3841399&Mytoken=20050501204751
In reference to the above artist, I'm laughing as I type the word "artist" lol! I'm trying to be gracious, as I listened to her music something a friend shared with me once came to mind - "There'd be less accidents if people stayed in their own lane." Ain't that the truth? Can I get an Amen brother!
My ears were so offended I wanted to track this broad down and beat her ass with the studio microphone. Especially considering that she has a nice, pleasant picture posted on her site and the quality of her tracks isn't too bad. But let's be honest, who told this chick she could or should sing? I tell you, the day I find the person that told her anything other than the truth, which is, "singing's just not your thing babygirl. By the way, what's this experimental thing you're trying where the music is in one key but you sing in a completely different key? That's not cute," Im'a poke 'em in the eye.
Speaking of beating somebody's ass for encouraging those with questionable talent, has anyone ever seen the VH-1 Save the Music commercial where Mary J. Blige sits at a piano, plays some chords and attempts to scat? She then proceeds to acknowledge a former teacher of her's that encouraged her to keep singing. I can't wait to find that teacher so I can give her a serious beat down. Has Mary ever sung a song and stayed on pitch throughout? Please point me in the direction of one those tunes if you can!
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On to more pressing matters, today I noticed that there's a growing trend in Men's grooming that is absolutely appalling - the razor thin mustache. In case you've never seen this absurdity, take a peek at Mr. Johnny Wright currently of MTV's Making the Band 3 fame. Sir, is that facial hair or black eye liner on your lip? I'm hoping the trend will die some. In case you thin mustache wearers didn't know, it looks like you made a boo boo while trimming your mustache and you tried to salvage the little hair you had left in hopes no one would notice your shaving mistake. Guess what? I noticed. And it looks like there's a smudge on your face. Now hold still while I soak the bottom of my t-shirt in my saliva so I can wipe that grime off your face. In truth, thin mustaches are on the same level as the Hitler mustache - just plain ridiculous. Please tell your Dads, uncles, brothers, boyfriends, etc. to trim the 'stache off or low but never, ever, ever, ever thin.
http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=3841399&Mytoken=20050501204751
In reference to the above artist, I'm laughing as I type the word "artist" lol! I'm trying to be gracious, as I listened to her music something a friend shared with me once came to mind - "There'd be less accidents if people stayed in their own lane." Ain't that the truth? Can I get an Amen brother!
My ears were so offended I wanted to track this broad down and beat her ass with the studio microphone. Especially considering that she has a nice, pleasant picture posted on her site and the quality of her tracks isn't too bad. But let's be honest, who told this chick she could or should sing? I tell you, the day I find the person that told her anything other than the truth, which is, "singing's just not your thing babygirl. By the way, what's this experimental thing you're trying where the music is in one key but you sing in a completely different key? That's not cute," Im'a poke 'em in the eye.
Speaking of beating somebody's ass for encouraging those with questionable talent, has anyone ever seen the VH-1 Save the Music commercial where Mary J. Blige sits at a piano, plays some chords and attempts to scat? She then proceeds to acknowledge a former teacher of her's that encouraged her to keep singing. I can't wait to find that teacher so I can give her a serious beat down. Has Mary ever sung a song and stayed on pitch throughout? Please point me in the direction of one those tunes if you can!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On to more pressing matters, today I noticed that there's a growing trend in Men's grooming that is absolutely appalling - the razor thin mustache. In case you've never seen this absurdity, take a peek at Mr. Johnny Wright currently of MTV's Making the Band 3 fame. Sir, is that facial hair or black eye liner on your lip? I'm hoping the trend will die some. In case you thin mustache wearers didn't know, it looks like you made a boo boo while trimming your mustache and you tried to salvage the little hair you had left in hopes no one would notice your shaving mistake. Guess what? I noticed. And it looks like there's a smudge on your face. Now hold still while I soak the bottom of my t-shirt in my saliva so I can wipe that grime off your face. In truth, thin mustaches are on the same level as the Hitler mustache - just plain ridiculous. Please tell your Dads, uncles, brothers, boyfriends, etc. to trim the 'stache off or low but never, ever, ever, ever thin.
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