read this and be inspired

Obama's Inaugural Address

My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.
The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction. This is the journey we continue today.
We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do. Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government. Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill.
Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good. As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint. We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.
With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you. For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it. As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate. Our challenges may be new.
The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath. So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: "Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]." America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.
Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Leona Lewis

I think Leona Lewis is gorgeous and pretty talented...but..WHY am I the only one who thinks this is funny:

So at a signing, leona Lewis was approached by a man and asked to sign something...as she was signed he proceeded to two piece the chik...LMFAO... I literally cried tears of laughter...PEOPLE!! mental pic and laugh

NEW HIPHOP IN NY!!!!

My last post, I spoke a bit about Rap Dying in NYC. This is true, I still hold on to that but we do have some artists keeping the game alive in the big apple. Jay being the general in the battle for hip-hop supremacy; he is the epitome of how high we as individuals should be aiming, maybe a different target but...you get what I'm trying to say. The hip-hop mogul just won't quit "Can't leave rap alone- THE GAME NEEDS ME'' hmmm INDEED! ::scratches chin:: With the blueprint 3 having dudes from Wisconsin feeling NYC - He's bringing it back to the EN WHY CEE!!! Hard hitting BEATS, sick word play and lyrics and if I may take it back to the 90's a BUTTAH flow lol. I've never really been a Jay fan, I mean the hits I thoroughly enjoyed, but until Kingdom come-I was bumpin ether. The man stepped it up hard. He also gets brownie points for EMPIRE STATE OF MIND for being a hot track and also collaborating with my future ex-wife baby momma ALICIA KEYS! ::sigh:: <3>
Jay-Z-Blueprint3-On To The Next

He's My fathers age- and hes spitting FIYAH POWA! lol

"Me, I make the Blueprint /Came in the Range Hopped out the Lexus/ Every year since I been on that next shit /Traded in the gold for platinum Rolexes/ Now a nigga wrist match the status of my records "

Another Dude keeping NY alive is JUELZ! A dude from right around the way, His swag, the dipset swag I should say; has the betches dripping and dudes heated (that their girl keeps staring at him lol) Lyrically I thought He was a joke but Juelz really did his thing and is gettin in lately. Maybe Chilling with weezy helped. "I can't feel my face" doesn't seem healthy but you know what- It gets spins on my I-Pod hard- awesome collaboration. For 09 from what I've heard Juelz is repping NYC the way it deserves to be. I recently heard his single "Harlem" or "Rep Harlem forever" its sick. If Juelz keeps spitting things like this:

"...In my town niggas slingin pounds-KILOS/ cars paid for so they never get-RE-PO'd/ niggas throwin dice against the wall-CEELO/This is MY movie, you an extra-B ROLE/Ya girl insist I got aVery big-EGO/ Im here to take the game from these lames-DEEBO..."

Beast...And I won't front Jim spit some nice shit on here too...I'm really happy about all this. I really want NY back on the top. It's Looking hopeful too. It's like when NY was going bitch in the 90's u know shiny suits and ministers; THEN!!!... DMX destroyed the cage he was in and ran out and ripped the rap games neck out with his teeth!!!!! We need that, that raw, un-edited hard hitting shit. There's a few more Hits for 09. I'll list em next post. I'm going to leave yall wit my FAV few lines from this Juelz track -WHICH I PROBABLY WONT BE ABLE TO HELP BUT MAKE MY STATUS ON FACEBOOK- YEP...LOL



Just press play and turn the volume up.



"...bitches like me cuz they really think I'm cute to them/ bitches like YOU cuzz the things u can do for them/ bitches like me because Ifuck em to they cum/ And bitches like you cuz ur money make em commee!-/forgot- it aint trickin if u got it- /well guess what bitch I AINT trickin and I got it./ but you can hit the strip and we can start splitting the profit/ got it-/ difference between me and them guys- they GET fly I AM fly..."

Trina- For the Ladies

Trina, Shes for the ladies...and...lol for the guys...because aside from being a fly female rapper, shes really IS the baddest bitch! You people should really check and PURCHASE! her New album titled: Amazing. Shes gonna have a few hot collaborations including Lady Gaga. Dudes get it for your chiks, so you can check out the album art LOL!!!

On a serious note, Trina really raps, and has some hot beats to match.

The Mrs. is currently feeling "thats my attitude"

I'm really not gonna front - its a hot song.

http://www.myspace.com/trinarockstarr

http://trinafan.com/

twitter.com/trinarockstarr

Lucky lucky Mr. Lil wayne - Trina is one sexy Momma

she gets two thumbs up from me...but then again im a sucka for the dymes- and her lil thuggish attitude makes her UBER sexy lol ...

I'll end this post with a picture that would have went up in my locker in H.S

YUMMY!

NY RAP TALK

So, it starts...The NYC rap scene- Disapointing-must I live in the past. I've played the sidelines for quite some time, Most of my peers have their own crews they rap, hit the studio typical NYC shit. Some of them are great and some of them suck. I'm a hiphop head at heart, breathe it sleep it dream it, so I'd say im a good judge at what's good and what's not and sadly most of the shit coming out the apple is garbage. Not because there's not talent but because it seems like all the talent got lazy. What happened to NaS? CAM!?( I'll get to him in a few) & My personal favorite GHOSTFACE!!.ect. It seems like JAY and JADAKISS/D-BLOCK are the only ones holding us down.

There's nothing really hard coming from anyone but them lately. I don't know if all you guys agree but my I-pod hasn't been playing NYC like that...the south still got a cobra clutch on the game. I mean 50 came hard with like 3 or 4 songs in 09 but nothing really note worthy. He had that forever king mix tape but that didn't seem that really put together well. Now is it that Lil Wayne set a bench mark that can't be met? or is this just it for the big apple. Then again Weezy has a NY swag and apparently he's from "uptown" now lol. But really it's been killing my brain lately.
We got dudes like DRAKE; he's aight, but he's flow hasn't changed much and personally I think if an artist wants to really make an impact they have to show more than one flow in their arsenal, that monotonous shit is getting old quick. The kid's lyrics are tough but I can t really feel Mr. Degrassi kicking hard body G lyrics like that. I'm not knocking him at all and I wish him the best of luck in his career but again I'm just stating what's obvious to me.

Killa Cam- This dude USE to be crazy nice, I am not sure what happened. Ever since that quarrel with him and Jim; I don't know about Cam any more, He had/has one of the best flows in NYC and in the rap game itself and his lyrics will have you hop out n beat a nigga senseless lol but for some reason CAM just isn't bringing his A game anymore. For me, it's the beats, they seem home-made and honestly, I'm use to CAM giving us fire. I don't want to hear a NY rapper on a down south beat, its old, it's been done, and it's corny now.

Cam came out with "cookies & apple Juice" WTF???? Why??? He spit a lil something on it, but seriously, did soulja boy make the beat? Lol. And cookies and apple juice as the hook? Really? Should I just quit right now? Nahhhh Cam what the FUCK -is going on!!!! Please someone tell me this isn't real! LMAO

Crime pays...I dunno about it man- I guess rap aint doing it for you. Plz get back on ur rap grind bruva!!! I'm not too happy with it. I expected a lot more from someone with his caliber.
''over seas more sex...four jets..corvette and i aint done a tour yet''- we need more of shit like this on that album

Not only is cam one of the best lyrically but he has a contagious swag...one of the few that can boost NY back to where it belongs; the head of hip hop. Quit messing around dude and really get this shit together.

NY needs its crown back but we can't sit on the thrown when we got our hiphop staples making stupid ass shit like this. AGAIN! Thank you Hov, thank you D-Block (Jada, P, Sheek) and even thanks to Jim Jones - his shit isn't hitting as hard as it use to but he's taking on the socialite role and holding us down, he also ran Mase back to where he came from [(fhew! That was a close one) G-PASS REVOKED!] I got a lot of respect for Jim and he has a shit load of potential and a unique sound that get the hood hyped. Frankly im rather disappointed with my NYC spitters, stop the mix tape bullshit, let's hear some real hard shit- the game was born on our streets; let's not let it die here either! And especially don't let the south take our title-eeww Give me some feedback guys...what do u think about the NYC rap game at the moment...

while u leave me some comments I'm going to crank the speakers to 10, and zone out to a time when if it didn't come from NY it wasn't good ::cough-biggie,BigL,Pun,coughcough::

Obamas Nobel Peace Prize

"I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honored by this prize," Is what Obama said about winning such a prestigious prize.

"I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments. But rather as an affirmation of American leadership. ... I will accept this award as a call to action." He said

NY we have a bunch of haters out there who feel it's either too early in his presidency to receive the prize or that he just doesn't deserve it. I'm going to leave this one up to you guys to decide since I have an Obama bias. I honestly think he's the best thing that happened to the US and the World. Not only does he give us all the hope we need and deserve, He brought us together. White, black, Young, Old, whatever race, nationality; we are all in this together. If any one does deserve this, it's him.

"This award is not simply about my administration," he said. It "must be shared" with everyone who strives for "justice and dignity."

I think this is just another in the long list of people going against this great man because what he stands for; Progress, Justice & CHANGE. I wonder if and when will they just accept him and let him be.

through all the hate we musnt forget: PROGRESS

Fab's twitter Comment to 50

Listen,
Anything concerning 50 is going to be surrounded by controversy, 50 is a controversy rapper.
I understand Fab completely, being that 50's career began on beefing with he's fellow NY rappers and continued it with what SOME may consider destroying the NYC rap scene. It's obvious that 50 does have a lot of people that dislike him but I doubt Fab's intentions were to take stabs at him.

“Its interesting to c 50 Cent unite wit NY artists when he’s 1 of the reasons NY hip hop became so isolated & crumbled”…

I don't see the maliciousness in this statement. Especially being on a forum such as twitter where the main focus is to express your thoughts and get feedback, which is what Fab did. Personally When I saw that 50 Cent was doing this with NY artists...I was thought it was more than interesting...my thoughts were "what's that catch"
No offense to 50, I respect his career, resilience and intellect as a businessman but, he has pigeon holed himself as unapproachable "aka" a dickhead. I mean considering his circumstances I completely understand the necessity for his demeanor but with that said he's got to understand people being weary of him. I dunno NYC...what do you guys think?