"Black is the New White" by Paul Mooney

Over the past month or so, I've raved over this book. I've reached out to numerous people in hopes of sitting down with the Comedic Trailblazer, Paul Mooney (the epitome of "being yourself at all cost). Over the past 40 years, if it was classic comedy, Paul was more than likely one or two degrees in separation from that moment. From writing for Richard Pryor, to opening for Eddie Murphy during the groundbreaking "RAW" tour, to his role as "Negrodamus" on the Dave Chappelle Show, Paul was an architect of modern day comedy. Paul's contributions to comedy even helped to build the foundation for late night talk show hosts, David Letterman and Jay Leno.

If you are a history buff, or have followed any of the careers that I have just mentioned, you must read "Black is the New White". When you put this book down, you'll understand everything that has made Paul Mooney, as well as comedy, what it is today.

You can click on the information below to buy this book for yourself or any person in your life that follows Black History and loves comedy.

The Top 5 Things Your Man Should Do for You on Valentine’s Day

The holiday of “love” is sneaking it’s “he went to Jared’s” eyes around the corner. Valentine’s Day 2010 is coming, and depending on the status of your relationship, it could possibly be called Armageddon 2010 if your boyfriend or even husband doesn’t get his act together.

A ‘holiday’ like this could be tricky. Think about it. Remember when you were young, like elementary school young, and on Valentine’s Day, you had to bring cards to school to give out. There were cookies and cupcakes and all that. What do you think us little boys were thinking about? It surely wasn’t the cards. We wanted the sweets, while the little girls wanted the cards, and yes, some sweets as well. So even back when, guys weren’t all that enthused about this day.

As we got older, Valentine’s Day gifts evolved from cartoon cards to helium balloons, chocolates, flowers, dinners and such. The man’s perspective on the day didn’t evolve though. Valentine’s Day isn’t our (man) day; it is yours (woman). And further more, if a man isn’t in a relationship at that time, February 14 is just one day closer to President’s Day.

So ladies, here’s some advice before I get to the Top 5. First, if Valentine’s Day is important to you, you should share this information within the 1^st five conversations you have with your potential boyfriend (or girlfriend). Realize that Valentine’s Day is what he makes of it for you, not what your best friend received from her boyfriend, etc. Valentine’s Day isn’t mandatory five star dinners with a horse driven carriages, or two dozens of red roses with a 3-day Miami weekend. If your day ends with being one colorful rose with an, “I Care about You,” that is a profound memory, the sentimental moment for which to build a relationship upon. So in other words, release Valentine’s Day of its pressures and find beauty in YOUR moment. SIDE NOTE: If you are dating, his responsibilities to you are less, if any. The dating process is opened to multiple opportunities on both sides. Valentine’s Day is not your birthday.

So here is the Top 5. Remember to blog with your friends, family and your special someones… I don’t mind speaking for you.

5. He should “Remember” the importance of this day to you.

4. He should “Give You His Time”.

3. He should “Put in the Effort”.

2. He should “Be Open to your wants and needs”.

1. He should “Make Your Heart Sing”.  

Oh, before I forget, for us men, not receiving a gift on Valentine’s Day is fine by us. That doesn’t mean we will not accept cupcakes.

Book of the Day: The 48 Laws of Power

When I turned 25 years old, almost seven years ago, I came to a crossroad in my life, well I stumbled across that crossroad in my life. If you are younger than 25, don't worry, it will sneak up on you as well. My crossroad wasn't a negative one. I just had this feeling that I could do more with my life under the right guidance. That's when I was introduced to this book:














This became one of the most important "eye openers" in my young life. I had no clue that there were laws to everyday connections. I knew that there were people manipulating my life, I just didn't know how. I carry this book everywhere I went. And as I applied particular laws to my everyday life, wow, the results were bigger than I could have imagined. I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for ways to enhance their social skills on a friend, family and career level.