We Can All Do Better

We are at a definite crossroads as a country. Black people are mad at the police for continued brutality. White people want the good police to be respected. Me, I'm just like "can't we all admit our faults and come to some common ground."

The thing is folks, we can blame several things: the media, our lackluster presidential candidates, the police, etc for these woes. But as Michael Jackson sang in "Man In the Mirror" we have to look within ourselves if we want true change. We cannot wait around nor be violent and militant to achieve this goal.

Here are some ways in which we can all improve, including myself, and make this world a better place. America isn't know for having the greatest history so we can make it a better future.

1. Hold law enforcement more accountable for their actions and not allow them to be so reactive.
2. Ensure that victims still respect the laws, approach police properly, and handle altercations in court.
3. Register to VOTE and actually VOTE!
4. Don't be blind to any obvious truths. I, like many others, am tired of this mess. However I am still conscious of the major issue here.
5. Research your thoughts and opinions carefully before spouting off on social media. Google and Snopes <insert topic> are great for this.
6. If we're gonna boycott anything, boycott ALL media. They are the ones making this whole ordeal into a sideshow. The media loves its ratings and like a scripted reality show, many are playing right into the main plot.
7. As I said before, violence begats violence. In this matters, fight with your head and NOT your weapons.
8. Try hard to see the other side's point of view. We cannot reach a common ground and that is one of the main problems here. Misunderstanding and miscommunication can be deadly, literally.
9. Don't be just a passive social media activist for either side. Take proactive action in the movement you support the most.
10. Don't judge others or force your beliefs on them. Try and respect them and again, come to some understanding.

Please let's get our country back. China and Russia do not need another leg up on the USA. We have let the media turn a major battle into a sixth grade playground scuffle. Yeah you're drawing a crowd and attention. But how effective is it really?

We ALL need to do better, period

Some benefits of going to the chiropractor

Yes ladies and gentlemen! In a word where racism is still strong and the government and media have too much control over us all (I know they're reading), there are still those that defy the power of the chiropractor as a legitimate healing doctor.

Despite awesome customer reviews, results and overall good reputations from chiro offices, many are still seen as quacks and glorified massage therapists. Even during my research, I had to really dig for facts to support my claim because folks are writing and posting about most of the negative press from chiropractors.

Well as a loyal customer of chiropractors, myself and my mother, I'm gonna offer some well researched and tested benefits for seeing a chiro.

1. Yes many already get weekly to bi-weekly massages.  Why not take it a step further and get a spinal adjustment? Do the knowledge, it's basically a massage times five.

2. I have watched the health benefits over the years: less headaches, straighter spines, and avoiding expensive and risky surgeries and medications. Yes I am aware of the risks and malpractice lawsuits out there against the discipline. But how is addiction to painkillers and surgery that could possibly ruin your life even better?

3. Remember this is holistic healing. Chiropractors are trained to do a lot of things, but they are specialists. Do not confuse them for your family doctor or even healing in places other than the neck and back. Holistic healing is some of the best, and has been practiced for centuries.

4. Many insurance companies now work with chiropractors. Doesn't sound too risky if some of the big names such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna are cosigning for chiros.

5. Benjamin Franklin once said everything in moderation. This includes the chiropractor. People love the feeling afterwards, and want to continue going back. Don't overdo it, and continue to practice safe measures to keep yourself out of any doctor's office.

6. Finally, chiropractors overall have some of the highest customer ratings out of any medical specialists.

So before you slam an entire profession because certain ones that can pop backs claim to be chiros, do your research please. I did, the good and the bad. Based on what I've seen, you're much better off going then relying on pills and surgery in many cases.

Or you could end up like Quasimodo

Fun With Flags, Or Not?

OK today is the 15th anniversary of 9/11. On this day, we honor the flag, and those who fight to protect it.

This has been very controversial since San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat during the National Anthem for the first three games and kneeled during the 4th. He claimed he was not disrespecting the military or even the country, he was making a stand against a country that allows blatant police brutality to run rampant.

Now here are my thoughts. I have said in the past there needs to be a celebrity or someone with star power to stand up for this cause. Kaep definitely got the attention of the nation and he didn't physically hurt anyone in the process. He fully exercised his First Amendment rights. Personally, I wouldn't have been brave enough to stand against the flag like that but Colin is at the point in his career where he can do this without major consequence. Now many people, celebrities and non, have researched the history of the American Flag and the National Anthem and are refusing to stand.

Also, perhaps it's good the 49ers don't play their season opener until tomorrow.

Now we have the Confederate Flag, which has a deep history, but has caused a greater deal of harm.  It reappeared in the national media summer of 2015 when a young Caucasian man from Charleston shot up a black church, killing nine innocent people. Governor Nikki Haley then decided to finally remove the flag from atop the state house, a move she had previously refuted.

Now here are my views regarding the Confederate Flag. I honestly don't believe it was created as a hate flag, although it has become that. It was the South's Civil War flag of course, and they ended up losing the battle on slavery and the war. It seems our country are still stuck on both topics of this war. The Confederate Flag isn't the American Flag, it has too much negative connotation and symbolism behind it, and it is bad for overall business in the South. Not everyone that flies it is racist, but seemingly all racists and white power groups have it. There are other ways for proud Southerners to show their heritage. That being said, I don't judge everyone for flying this flag, just the ones that keep fighting a 150 year old war.

Well this is my edition of Fun With Flags. I don't get into political or racial stuff often but I feel it was warranted this time.

Whisky Train: Back and Ready to Rock!

Whisky Train are a Southern country rock n roll  band located in Grover, NC. Think Lynyrd Skynyrd, Big and Rich, or even Florida/Georgia Line. These fellas are very talented and passionate about their music. They have been together for six years, but certain barriers have kept them from getting to the next level as a group.

Late last year, the band's leader and lead singer, Bill Moore, made plans to construct an all new band room from the ground up. Prior, the band simply practiced in Bill's utility building. Bill enlisted the help of his band mates and other friends and family and got to work to build a top notch facility for them to practice and perform in .

They started back in January with a lot of passion and very little supplies. As the year progressed, the band room started coming together more and more. This past Labor Day weekend (Sept 3), it was finally ready to rock in! They have a lot more room, full acoustics, a combination heating/air window unit, a mini stage for the drummer, a bar area, and even a lounge area for folks to watch. Nearly 50 people came to help Bill and Whisky Train christen the new band room! They rocked until the sun came up.

Other members of the band include many of Bill's family members: his brother Roger Moore, nephew Roger Moore Jr. and son JR Moore. Guys such as Jamey Ledbetter and Dwayne Tompkins from Relentless, and Ernie Spearman Jr. and Jeff Blackwell also show up to rock with WT. It was quite a time and could be a positive turn for the group.

Find these Southern fellows on Facebook, Whisky Train. You will see broadcasts of their practices , performances, pictures and many more. Stay tuned!

Anyone That Knows Me Knows That,...

This title is often something I find myself saying a lot. Many don't know me as well as they think they do. It's either because they aren't around me that much, don't care, or aren't paying attention. I am an open book on some aspects of my life though. This post is dedicated to some of those.

Those that know me in the least know these things about me:

I love smiling, laughing, joking and simply being happy.
I love health, fitness (lifting, running, training)
Food is a big vice of mine, and I can still eat heavily
I am a very smart, intelligent, educated person
I am loving and respectful
I am hardworking
I love and am very close to my mother, even when we are at odds
I love sports, especially football
Despite my outgoing nature, I can be a quiet introvert, spawning my entire #imjustdrew movement
I am a very frugal, economically sound person. You will not see me spending money on trivial things 
I love going to functions and gatherings. When not at work or the gym, I stay on the go
I love movies, whether on the big or small screen 

More later!

The So Gone Challenge: So Right and So Wrong

You would almost have to be living under a rock to not know about the #sogonechallenge going on currently on social media.. This is the latest in social media challenges over the past few years and like the others, has its ups and downs.

It started when Monica (yep that Monica from the 90s) recorded her newest single "So Gone." She then did a freestyle over this infectious beat. Many people, including celebrities, have been doing the same, and have been utilizing FB Live, Instagram, Periscope, and even Vine to post their freestyles and even R&B melodies to this beat.

Now why I'm glad that certain lyricists are coming out of the woodwork to display their skills and show that hip hop is not trap music, it's the ones that have no business doing it that I have a problem with. There has to come a point where you're being funny and you realize that everything isn't for everyone. Dwayne Wade is one of many that showed he should stick to basketball . Folks, like every social media challenge, are starting to ruin it. It's becoming more like American Idol or The Voice. Sounds harsh, but it's the tactful truth.

Please don't let social media dictate your life anymore than it already has. The #sogonechallenge is meant to be fun, but it's no fun seeing people fumble through their own raps and they can only do 10 bars instead of a full 16. 

Football can't return soon enough!

Home Improvement Problems? Planning For The Unplanned

OK being that it is August, it is without question the one appliance in your home you don't want breaking down is your A/C. It can be the zombie apocalypse. However, there are several appliances and repairs you may have to make.

But first let's talk about obscessed people have  become with being a homeowner. It's part of the American Dream. When people can't find that perfect person nor have children, they can still buy and own their own homes. Problem is, many don't realize the maintenance and upkeep required. It's like my old analogy, playing a game without first knowing the rules. 

This year, which still has four months remaining, has drained my pockets, savings, and such in home improvement costs. I have had to repair or replace two lawnmowers, a hot water heater and now my clothes dryer. The AC may be salvageable but I'm looking into space coolers and window units in the meantime. My mom recently suffered a heat stroke and I can't risk that again.

Ok here are some tips I have picked up while buying and replacing items for your home, and while unrigging all the raggedy work my step dad did on this home.

1. Save an allowance of money for home improvement projects.

You have an idea of what's coming (#2) so budget for that and then some. I expected some of the things so I set aside funds for those. Others I had to use other measures. Either way, try and get an idea of what you need, the best prices and such.

2. Do and keep a home inventory.

This perhaps should be #1. Keep track of your appliances and watch out if something isn't working or sounding properly. Staying ahead of the problem can help in keeping it down later.

3. Know the major appliances that need attention and their warranties/shelf lives.

These include but aren't limited to: your sinks, toilets, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, hot water heater, oven. lawnmower, and heating/AC unit. Replacing them all at once can break you. Doing it for a deal or maybe once in  while isn't as bad.

4. Don't cheap out or go all that.

A $1000 dryer or hot water heater isn't necessary. However do your research, don't buy used unless you trust the source, and find the best fit for your home.

5 . Get a Lowes or a Home Depot card.

Now first of all I'm not in favor of credit cards, unless your credit is already established and you're responsible. If you're gonna get a store card, pay the monthly balance down as much as possible, not just the minimum. Also know your limit and stay within it, especially on a six month basis. Just like your home, it's all about the interest rate.

6. Keep handy people and fix it folks on standby.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not Tim the Tool man nor Bob Villa. However, I stay connected with folks that can help me in tight situations. This could be from installing stuff, to carrying out things, or even using their truck to haul equipment. Keep a steady network of these things.

7. Prepare for the temporary inconvenience and have backup plans.

If your shower is broken or your water goes out, make plans for laundry, baths in the short term. Keep box fans and space heaters for your heating and AC. Also, if you have a grill, keep meat in your freezer and charcoal or gas handy just in case you may need to cook outdoors for a few days. Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Happy home improving!