In My Write Mind

For some reason, I get a lot of emails. I mean, I’m sure I’m no HC, who probably gets weird emails becuase he’s so opinionated.

But still, not a day goes by where some query, question or statement passes through. It’s the craziest thing. So, below are a few of the unsolicited questions that have filled my inbox over the past month.

I’ve been lax in returning the personal queries, so I figured, why not do it in a post, thus emptying the inbox? So, here it is. You asked, I answer.

And yes, these are actual questions from actual readers. Prepare yourself. LOL

Will you be watching MoNique’s Fat Chance this weekend? Who do you think will win?
–Dee, Pittsburgh

Actually, as a lover of all women, I think I will check out the show this weekend. I mean, I think Mo’ is funny enough for me to take a gander. Where else are you gonna get video clips of a bunch of women singing “The Doughnut Song?” Seriously. Good times. LOL

As for who’s gonna win, ask me that in a few weeks. This way, I’ll be able to tell you if I’m still watching and who’s impressed me. Click here for more info about the show. And good luck to all my voluptuous ladies.
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Saw you salivating over DMX’s new reality show in one of your recent posts. Did you watch the premiere?
–Kim, New Rochelle

I need to catch this over the weekend as well. I promise you it’s on my DVR lineup, just haven’t had the chance to peep it yet. He was a guest on The Steve Harvey Morning Show the other morning, though. Here’s a random fact: Did you know that DMX has been in the rap game, by his own calculations, for 24 years? Dude is ONLY 35 years old!!! Which now makes his run-ins with the law more understandable. He’s the Danny Bonaduce of rap — someone who was brought up in the game, and finally cracked. These are the things you need to know when putting together a reality show. Much props to BET for being on top of this.

Like I said last week: DMX + horses + some white guy & random kids = television magic. Please stay tuned for a review. This clearly deserves its own post.
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What’s on your summer movie list? Have you been able to catch anything lately?
–Mike, Newark

I’ve already seen a few movies this summer. “X-Men: The Last Stand” wasn’t as good as the first two. At all. I mean, we’re almost to the point of pretending that it never happened. Bret Ratner must’ve thought he was still directing the Rush Hour movies, with all the dim-witted dialogue and lack of depth. Sure you don’t go see an action movie for depth, unless it’s attached to a laser beamNot quite there, though, only because of the performances of Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. They were bloody good. LOL And if the ending is any indication, it wasn’t really a last stand at all.

Also saw “Superman Returns,” which I actually liked. Dude had the Chris Reeve part down pat, and pays homage to the only REAL Superman of my lifetime, as opposed to making a mockery of him. The twists in the movie, while predictable, still kept my attention … and as with all superhero movies, the door was left WIDE OPEN for another Superflick. Not a bad way to spend $10.

Another film I saw this summer was a documentary called, “The Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela.” Very good film. Here’s what I wrote about it for another site:

The journey to understanding is one that sometimes takes a lifetime. What most don’t comprehend – what takes so many so long to grasp – is that the key to the journey is all in the approach. It took Thomas Allen Harris years to realize this, and with the release of his latest film, it can be said that this journey is now somewhat complete.

“The Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela” is Harris’s approach at understanding his history and in turn, himself, through the eyes of his stepfather, Pule Benjamin Leinaeng (”Lee”), a foot soldier for the African National Congress during the time of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment. Lee and his comrades left their homeland in 1960 to broadcast to the world the brutality of apartheid and to raise support for the ANC and its leaders, Mandela and Oliver Tambo.

“A fascinating glimpse not just of the early campaigns of the African National Congress, but also of the way childhood memories can obscure larger truths.”—The New York Times

This film is an intimate account about an African-American family, the anti-apartheid movement and the quest for reconciliation between a father and son. It’s a son’s tribute to the unsung heroes of an undermanned yet powerful movement.

It’s a universal story that will undoubtedly help many to make their own approach to understanding.

It’s his story … and history, too.
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Watch yo’ back, nigga.

Ma, I told you … I will bring you the $50 this weekend. Yeesh.
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You work for a black organization. The office must be filled with beautiful black women. Do you have any temptations at work?
–Susan, Piscattaway

Very interesting question, Susan. Thanks. As a matter of fact, there are a LOT of attractive temporary workers and female interns here at headquarters this summer. Lawdamercy. They’re here in all different shapes, shades and sizes. It’s a wonderful thing to enter the office and be greeted with such loveliness. Add these new faces on to the attractive permanent female employees here, and it’s a virtual smorgasboard of sexiness. LOL

A group of us, while one day showing appreciation for all that is in front of us, put together a “mock draft” of sorts, detailing the strengths, weaknesses and “upside” of the lovely ladies. Yes, it was juvenile. However, if you were here with us, hearing my dead-on impersonation of Stephen A. Smith, you’d no doubt find it juvenile AND funny as hell. LOL

I digress.

Even with all of these women crossing my path daily, even with all of the lack of clothage that summer brings, I tend to keep in mind the adage of the wise soul who probably mistakenly took up offers at his job and was burned for doing so, when he finally came to his senses and, with authority said, “Don’t shit where you eat.” So I don’t. Because ummmm … I need to eat.

So, I leave these women alone.
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Do you believe in life after death?
–Estela, Fort Lauderdale

I sure do. But only the second disc. The first one wasn’t as hot. Just my opinion, baby bay-bay!
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Love the site, dawg. Keep up the good work. Your sports entries are great. I feel what you’re feeling most of the time. I got a question: what do the Yankees need in order to make it to the playoffs?
–Kendall, Harlem

Besides prayer and healthy players, they need to fire hitting coach Don Mattingly. STAT!
Why, you ask? Because the Yankees as an organization haven’t won a damn thing when Donnie Baseball’s been in uniform. Nada. Nothing. Zilch. Goose egg. Let me break it down for you:
Don Mattingly joined the Yankees in 1983, two years after their appearance in the 1981 World Series against the Dodgers. He retired in 1995, one year before their NEXT visit to the Series, which they won in 1996 against the Braves. He joined the coaching staff in 2004, one year after their last appearance in the Series. And they haven’t been back since.

Coincidence? I say, Hellus Nous.

I loved Donnie as a player, and from what I can see, he’s doing an adequate job as hitting instructor (as much as that means, what with a bunch of millionaires who should know how to hit by now, but that’s a whole ‘nother blog), but still … the facts remain. So forget this Curse of the Bambino. The Yankees need to rid themselves of the Curse of the Donnie-bino. LOL Then, and only then, will they ever win again.

The End. LOL
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Will, love your site. Your take on sports is usually right on. Loved your piece on LeBron and the Cavaliers. I’m originally from New York. What’s your take on the Mets? Are they for real? Can they make it to the World Series?
–Patricia, Cleveland

Pat, as long as Pedro Martinez’ hip doesn’t implode, the Mets can surely make it to the World Series. Besides, if history is any indicator, it’s New York’s turn to win the championship. The Mets last won twenty years ago, in 1986. Ten years later, the Yankees took it all. It’s now ten years later. Will the Mets keep the streak alive? Is Willie Randolph gonna have to cut a bitch? (just wanted to say that. I know it means nothing. LOL) We shall see. But I like their chances.
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I hope you burn in hell, you broke ass nigga.

Wow. Is it stalker time already? LOL I had 3pm.
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What does your summer reading list look like?
–Ebony, Atlanta

Ebony, I plan to be a reading fool this summer. Recommendations keep coming in left and right, so I have a few books in my per view at the moment. An author named RM Johnson has a book called, “Do You Take This Woman?” that I will probably finish reading by next week. (Expect a review of that book very soon.) A fellow blogger and accomplished author, Linda Dominique Grosvenor, has a book out that I want to read (even though I’ve been told that it’s a woman-centric tome) called, “The Hamptons.” My partna in crime sent me a book of his poetry called, “Blazed: Poems That Spit Hot Fire” that I will definitely be reading through on the plane next week. And I just got another recommendation from my good friend in Atlanta, a book called “A Hip Hop Story,” by Heru Ptah. I’m gonna cop that one this week.
That’s just a start for me. I’m sure all of the books are on Amazon.com (with the exception of “Blazed,” which will probably be there before you know it. Check them out when you get a chance.
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Are you dating?
–Melissa, Brooklyn

Dating? Well, I’d say I’m aging more than anything else.
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I remember reading on your site that you’re writing a book. How’s it coming along? Do you have a release date?
–Sherise, Miami

Yeah, ummm … *ahem* well, er uh, truth be told, the book should’ve been done LONG AGO, like the beginning to a Luther Vandross song. However, due to procrastination and allowing the job to get in the way, I haven’t yet finished it. I know, I suck. I’m tired of telling people that I’m almost done and that it should be any time now. From now on, my promise is to not talk about it, but to just DO IT and get ‘er done. The next time I talk about the book, it will be completed.
Scout’s honor.
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You seem like a knowledgeable guy. I’m trying to figure out how to make it from Philadelphia to Virginia by car in less than two hours. Can it be done? No, seriously, can it be done?
–Rob, Philly

Yup, these are the people that read my blog. Sigh.