BONUS: Shoe shopping for the big footed man

I get tired of hearing the phrase "Sorry sir we don't have your size but we can order it.  We have size 13s though"

That doesn't cut it with me. I wear a size 14 shoes, 15 if I can get them reasonably priced. People (especially women) think its cool when a man has big feet. It's a hassle to say the least when buying shoes. More often than naught, I have to go online and order my kicks.

A good site of course is ecartshopping.biz , as I have mentioned before. I also like going to Foot Locker's site. I've been there so much they send me emails whenever they're having sales. Often, for the shoes I desire, buying off the rack doesn't happen often. I don't spend a whole lot on shoes, and I don't do ugly ones. Shoe Show is honestly one of the few places I can go and get reasonably priced tennis shoes off the rack in my size.

It could be worse, I could not have either foot. I write this blurb for all of my large footed folks out there. You are not alone in this struggle.

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BONUS: Week of Love, Linsanity, and Laying Whitney to Rest

This was supposed to be the week of love, engagements, flowers, candy, etc. Instead Valentine's Day had to compete for media coverage with Jeremy Lin and the now late Whitney Houston.

Linsanity reached a fever pitch this week as many inspirational stories about Lin came out, and he has drawn comparisons mostly to Tim Tebow and even Mark Zuckerberg. He is ESPN's latest novelty. Its hard for me to be mad about it since I'm a longtime Knicks fan and we're in the positive spotlight all over ESPN for the first time since the Ewing days. I, of course, am skeptical. What will become of Lin when Carmello Anthony returns to full strength? Will his assists and floor management be enough for the Knicks to make a long playoff run. Time will tell and the East is loaded.

Whitney Houston passed last Saturday, and it shocked the world, especially the music industry. She had one of the best voices, period. She was laid to rest today in a proper and classy fashion. I'm glad her family allowed the funeral to be televised so her fans could also say goodbye to her. I had a few quibs with the Michael Jackson funeral. It was too much like a concert, rather than a funeral. Plus it was during the week, when many folks can't enjoy it live. I DVRed Whitney's also, but I was glad the service was a celebration of her life and NOT just a way for artists to promote themselves.

Let's see what else gets talked about next week. Moment in history: its been almost a year since the Charlie Sheen meltdown. Is he still #winning?

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Power Couples: Can You Handle Being One

I've been waiting to blog about this for some time. And I thought that Valentine's Day was as good of a time as any.

I discuss with several females, and even males, about the type of mate they eventually want to settle with. While ladies tend to be more selective, guys typically will not just marry anyone. Basically, both sides have to be bringing something substantial to the table. It seems nowadays, though, folks are striving (sometimes desperately) to achieve their goal of being in a power couple.

A power couple is defined by society as one where one or both of them are very accomplished financially, socially, and intellectually. Think Will and Jada Smith (before the scandals) and now our First Family, President Barack Obama, and his first lady, Michelle.

Black people, especially, first got a taste via television of the power couple when The Jeffersons were on the air with George and Weezy. Then things seemed to really change when the Cosby Show came on the air. There was a successful two-parent black family on TV, and at one period of time was the #1 rated show on TV. Father Cliff Huxtable was a doctor, and mother Claire Huxtable was a lawyer. Surface-wise, this appears to be the ideal match, especially since many folks were also taught from childhood to seek well rounded, successful mates.

My thing is that are folks too obscessed with finding a mate to form a powerful merger with, rather than seeking love? Yes I know love doesn't conquer all and a relationship needs more than love to survive long term. My thing is these females that are looking and expecting every man to be 100% perfect when they themselves are barely 80%. They want their man to be Cliff, Will, Denzel, or Barack. Men want their women to be Halle, Janet, Michelle, or even Beyonce' . What happened to falling in love, and building a successful life together?

I heard a comedian say a while back that while many folks are seeking this "perfect mate", they may end up with a Carl Winslow or a Regina King. Not that there is anything wrong with either person, actor, or character. It is just some come to the realization that perfection is impossible to obtain, but love isn't. These folks may be your dreamboat, even if society doesn't deem it so.

I had an aunt and uncle recently celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. I consider them a power couple because of the merger and marriage they built, the longevity and not by society's confusing standards. This couple worked hard all their lives, raised 4  children, owned their own home, two cars, etc. Mediocre by some, but to me, excellence.

Personally, I feel that my "power match" will be a lady that is the total package. She has it all balanced despite any flaws, between looks, intelligence, and personality.  I feel as long as we both put in the work, trust and love each other and always communicate, this is a realistic dream for me.

Many have heard of the 80/20 rule and we often get caught up in that while trying to build a power couple. Once again, simply be realistic, and allow your heart to stay open.

Also, allow the Lord to order your steps. He will surely help send this person your way if he intends so. Remember 1 Corinthians 4-8, especially verse 8 "Love Never Ends"

Enjoy this day of love, but do not ever feel like your mate is not capable of being your power match because of this, that, and the third. It's cool to look up to famous marriages, and has been a practice for centuries. Just don't forget to look inside your heart, and make sure its in sync with your brain. After all, you have to live with this person and share a life. So make sure its someone that possesses those simple but vital qualities and not just a gleaming facade of a prince straight out of a Disney movie.

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Super Bowl Time Once Again

Super Bowl Sunday has become an unofficial holiday in America. Regardless of which two teams are playing, over 80% of Americans will have their eyes glued to a TV somewhere. This could be in their homes, a bar, or at a house party. Whether be the game, the commercials, or the halftime show, the Super Bowl is the most watched event of the year.

This “Super Sunday” has even become just as commercialized as any other holiday. Beer, pizza, potato chips, and chicken wing places are looking for a big payday, not to mention grocery stores and  local bars and lounges. Thousands of folks already have the day after scheduled off from work.

I have a love/hate relationship not with the Super Bowl, but Super Bowl parties and gatherings. I love, love football, and watching the Super Bowl is the pinnacle for me. However, certain parties annoy me at times. I don't drink, so there is often too much alcohol available and not enough regular drinks. Also, they might not have the type of food you want at a party, or charge a ridiculous price for a small portion of food. Also, this is the ONLY football game that many fans watch all year. When the party is held at a club, it can be even rougher. It's impossible to hear the game and commercials, let alone watch it. All of these people are asking dumb questions and saying obnoxious things during the game, and cheering loudly. I just want to watch the game, minus the interruptions. 

Furthermore, ladies, this is not the time for a fashion show. Leave the stilettos, leather pants, and thongs at home. Wear a T-shirt, a football jersey and some blue jeans. It's not that we don't appreciate the effort you put into looking sexy; it’s that our focus as men (and often hardcore football fans) is the game itself. Don't worry ladies, the game usually ends by 11pm.

Personally, I prefer being either by myself or with a small number of people, eating pizza, wings, cheese dip and chips and enjoying the game in peace. I will attend a Super Bowl party if it’s absolutely astounding. However, it’s hard to keep my attention off the game itself.

 

Perhaps I will simply throw a Super Bowl cookout in the near future with two viewing areas: one for everyone, another for the hardcore fans. Seems like a happy medium.

 

Have fun this Super Bowl Sunday and be safe!

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BONUS: CIAA: Tips for surviving, having fun, and being economically sound

CIAA festivities are just about a month away. Many of you are making party and hotel reservations, preparing your upscale wardrobes, etc. You and your crew want to hit downtown Charlotte the first weekend of March and paint the town red. It's going to be hot as always. For the first time in 4 years, I will not be participating in the festivities. However, being a CIAA veteran, I have some pointers to make this weekend fun, enjoyable, safe, and memorable

- Plan, plan, plan ahead

I cannot stress this enough. Right now you and your entourage should be making hotel reservations. And yes I know anything uptown, such as the Ritz or the Blake, is pretty much out of the question. However, I guarantee that if you act within the next week or so, there are plenty of nice hotels and suites available within driving distance of the various parties.  There are a plethora of these on University, Tyvola, Carowinds Blvd, and in Pineville, NC. If all else fails, there are nice, affordable rooms in Rock Hill, SC, just 20 minutes south of downtown Charlotte

- Get about 3-4 /room to save

People often think my friends and I are big ballers because whenever events such as a wedding or CIAA arrives, we stay in some nice rooms. This is a result of careful planning, and having about 3-5 of us/room. Doing this is still comfortable, usually within many hotel policies, and saves you more money for partying and drinking

- Reserve your party tickets NOW, and set a budget for them

It is my humble opinion that you will have just as much fun at a $100 V.I.P. party as you will a $25 party. It's CIAA, most every party will be packed out. Therefore, look on sites such as www.mingleberry.com and even www.ciaa.org for various parties around uptown. I would say attend no more than 2 parties/day you're in town. However, this depends upon your budget, energy level, and alcohol tolerance.  Act now if you don't plan on spending more than $30/party. If you wait until the end of February, general admission to parties will be $60 on the low end.

-  Do not drive on Tryon and College during this time.

This is the heart of uptown, where much of the CIAA action is. Therefore, traffic will be jammed up NY/LA style. Take side streets such as Davidson and 9th street, and park near Tryon and College to avoid an extremely long walk

- Dress to impress, but stay warm

Fellas, at least wear a dress shirt, tie, sweater or jacket, slacks, all clean and pressed, and some sharp dress shoes. Leave the Jordans and the Air Force Ones at home. Ladies, show your skin off, but wear a jacket and stockings. Half the reason us fellas come to CIAA is the eye candy but its still wintertime, and you want to be healthy after the partying is done

- Get at least one designated driver/nite, get plenty of rest in between and after parties, and have fun!!!

Please feel free to add more advice or even add experiences in the comments section

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BONUS BLOG: Natural Highs (getting high on life's pleasures)

- A New Hobby

- Swimming The Last Lap

- Christmas songs

- A long distance call from a friend you haven't heard from in a while

- Good grades

- Hugs

- Your team winning

- Listening to your child giggle

- Watching a sunset

- Your heartbeat when you see someone you like

- A long, hot shower

- A great book or movie

- International travel

- Reading before and after ads about overweight people

- Intimacy

- A good talk with a friend

- A great idea

- God's power and grace

- Relaxing to Saturday morning cartoons

- Making someone laugh

- Walking on the beach

- Decorating a Christmas Tree

- Sailing

- Fixing something that's been broken

- A Job Well Done

- vity

- Blogging

- Football

- Meditation

- True friends and family

- Singing

- Cooking someone their favorite meal

- A letter or email from a friend

- Being appreciated

- Losing weight

- Being noticed by someone you'be had your eye on

- Success stories

- Dancing

- Finishing a term paper

- The last week of school

- The day the yearbook comes out

- Hearing someone tell you "I Love You"

- The first spring flower

- Grilling out

- Loving yourself

- Breakfast in bed

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Legal Side Hustles: Ways to Curb The Recession through odd jobs

Yes we are a month into 2012, and the war in Iraq is over. However, we are still in a recession, many folks are either out of work, working reduced hours, or haven't seen a pay raise since George W. Bush was in office. Plus it is a presidential election year, making things more iffy financially. 

Being that I always have to find ways to earn extra money and stay above water, I have been looking into side hustles.  This means additional but legal and amazingly practical sources of income.  What will follow will be a list of what would be considered odd but practical legal side jobs.  They don't include gambling, selling drugs, pipe dreams, or cheating the IRS. They have been proven to put extra cash in your pocket without often having to punch a time clock.

1. Sitting (children, houses, and even pets)

All of these can be extremely lucrative, even pet sitting and pampering. I have a friend in St Louis, MO that started with just pet sitting and now runs her own pet pampering business full time. Plus I know someone personally that house and pet sat for the last week of December and pocketed $600.  Not bad, eh?  Now opening a daycare is one thing.  I'm talking about simple, routine, sitting and caretaking

2. Sports referee.

Many guys I know referee and umpire sporting events year round. Like some of the jobs on this list, a test is required. But once that test is passed and you build your reputation, you can have some change in your life. It's an added bonus if you love sports and can handle hostile crowds.

3. Test proctor

A former employer put me onto this. Many standardized tests (SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, etc) are administered every weekend. These tests need folks to proctor them, i.e., monitor them, and get paid for it. 

4. Blogger

Yes you can get paid for what I currently do, mostly from ads and/or TV shows and entertainment sites. Believe me, I don't plan on writing for free my entire life!

5. Personal trainer

These are especially popular during this time of the year. Certification, and obviously being in superb physical shape, is a must. But if you regularly work out, this is also a good way to bank some dollars while doing something you already do on the regular

6. Network marketing

Now many of these companies have been called "pyramid schemes" and overall the name makes most screech. However, there are many reputable ones, such as Mary Kay, Avon, Tupperware, and even Pure Romance. Even if you fail to turn a profit from a business such as this, it makes an awesome tax write off

7. Repair services (TV, home, car, computer)

If you possess natural and trained skills on how to fix and repair various items, you can almost name your own price, provided you are skilled and reputable enough. 

8. Lawn/yard care

Landscaping companies have long been known as "prison schemes" as a way for parolees to make money when society doesn't roll out the welcome wagon for them. Hey, don't knock the hustle. With a riding lawn mower, weed eater, pressure washer, and a few other garden tools, you can be spending your spare time making spare change.

9. Tutor

Now many services offer free tutoring in many subjects. However, for advanced academic subjects such as law, computer skills, accounting, creative writing, art and music, it pays to know how to help others.

10. Bounty Hunter

This is for the thrill seekers out there who aren't afraid to bring in bail and border jumpers. You can collect the reward and go. Dog and Beth don't have to be the only ones getting paid from this dirty job.

11.  Event Planner

This has become really popular among women, especially the super organized that love weddings and other extravagant events.  Hundreds of dollars can be made on a single weekend for planning a great event or party

12.  Car detailing

Different from repairing and beyond washing cars, someone whom details cars vacuums, cleans, waxes, and basically cleans parts of the vehicle you may not know to clean. The pay is small/vehicle but enough clientele can add up.

13.  Chauffeur

This is mostly driving folks around that don't have their own transportation, and competing with and even overcompensating for lack of public transit. There are instances where you must have a chauffeur's license so check into this. 

14. Boarders

If you have an extra room in your home (assuming you own your home), rent that room out for a few hundred dollars to someone you trust. They get a place to stay, and you can apply the money directly towards the mortgage or other bills.

15. Photographer

Buy yourself a nice camera, start small, and you would be surprised how much you can make working certain contracts and events. Weddings, parties, even setting up at a nightclub a couple of nights/week is where its at far as the photography game. It is competitive so if you're good with the glass eye and have good connections, use them!

There are many others, but most fall in the same category of having to be certified, licensed, and otherwise qualified. Notice that some of these jobs can be worked on a part time basis, on a contract, typically legal. 

So get to researching these and other side jobs. Your tax refund won't last forever, and you may be able to make your own full time job or business from something as small as one of these "hustles"

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