Ugez Blog World

N.S. Ugezene's Author Feature (Guest: Michael McGrew)

2011-02-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

It’s been a long time awaiting his moment to shine. Michael McGrew is as patient as patient can be and has proved it over the years as a single father and businessman. After completing two seasons as a lighting technician for B.E.T in ’99, he took full responsibility as a single parent to his loving son, providing and supplying the fundamental essentials that he unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to acquire himself as a child. It was just a year and half ago when he completed his first novel and since then has completed his second along with three children’s books; story editing for two reality shows and a screenplay. Born and raised in the south side of Los Angeles, CA, Michael McGrew’s past is a living testimony that represents the epitome of struggle and relates to many success stories heard daily.

After the success of his first novel “My Kinda Girl” which sold over 5000 copies independently, Michael saw the potential in picking up writing as a profession and focused on becoming a successful publisher. Combining his love for storytelling with his marketing niche, he started Legacy Publishing Group LLC, and has obliged himself to sell more than just stories in print.

“My affiliates who specialize in marketing, branding and advertisement see my vision clearly and Legacy Publishing Group will distribute material accepted by multiple genres and adapt to its lifestyle. It’s the new wave of literature” Say’s Michael and is so passionate about the future of his publishing company.

Michael McGrew is an ambitious and clever writer who sets trends instead of following them and has definitely found his home as a publisher and business man. His next novel “Taking Losses” is his highly anticipated novel soon to be released in the spring of ’11.

Michael Mcgrew can be described in one word, “Visionary”. Naturally born with a gift in storytelling, writing a gripping novel is a walk in the park for this Los Angeles native. When asked about his role models and inspiration growing up, he simply explained that “Life itself and what it offers every day is a lesson and every lesson if learned is the best advice the universe can give you.” He is a very diverse individual with a mind that invites the reality in which we choose to either accept or ignore. We just choose to ignore the imperfections in our own perfect world.

Email: legacypublishing11@gmail.com

Web: www.bookbizcoach.com

"MY KINDA GIRL by Michael McGrew is a prime example of how karma always comes back to haunt you. This book took me a on a real life roller coaster ride. It was filled with graphic scenes of passion, betrayal and larceny...of the heart that is. I would recommend this book to others, it's a definite must read."

Reviewed by Latifa Sanchez
for the RAWSISTAZ(tm)

Thanks for reviewing my work and we are so glad to have you apart of my network and hope to continue to grow with you. Michael McGrew works diligently to promote adult literacy and women's empowerment with hopes to bridge the gap of communication between men and women. Michael is available for interviews and any press that could contribute to his mission to enhance the readability in his market.

Here's a sneak peak of an interview with California Crusader Newspaper<-------

All E-books by Legacy Publishing are now on sale for only $6.99 for Kindle!
Don't own a Kindle device? Download the Kindle software for your
Blackberry, IPad, IPhone, or PC Here!

Bobbi Williams dreamed his way to the top without excepting failure as an option. From street hustler to a successful conman, he finds himself lost and confused when his best friend/sister is murdered in cold blood. After doing six-years in prison for a string of robberies, and now friends with his late sisters boyfriend James, they plan their way to the top together. When Bobbi is released from Atlanta State Penitentiary with a lot to prove and a legal hustling gameplan, his life begins to take a successful turn for the worst starting with a secret affair involving James fiance, Jennifer . . . recognizing that she is his kinda girl. Bobbi has it all; the money, fame, a fantasy and a family until his past and unforeseen jaw dropping karma catches up to him.

MY KINDA GIRL is a tale that travels deep in the mind of a man with secrets that manifests into problems, too hard to live with, and death is the only way out!

My Kinda Girl is the first novel published under Legacy Publishing Group and Michael McGrew plans to release his sophomore novel Taking Losses in June after his country wide book tour. Along with merging with Check the Credits Entertainment, he's also planning a couple events surrounding the theme of his book. With much on his plate, focusing on establishing his publishing business primarily, he'll also be accepting manuscripts in July of this year.

CLICK PICTURE TO VIEW PRESS KIT

CLICK PICTURE TO WATCH TRAILER

Michael McGrew
Legacy Publishing Group

N.S. Ugezene's Author Feature (Guest: Greatest Poet Alive)

2011-02-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

GPA, the poetic unsub, is a native of Chicago's South Side. He is the author of the best selling, critically acclaimed book of poetry called The Confessional Heart of a Man, co-authored the erotic anthology The Chocolate Rose, and released his own book of sensual poetry, The Book of 24 Orgasms. GPA has been featured in the Chicago Sun Times, Examiner, Urban Tymes Magazine, and Mattie's periodicals. He won the Michael Baisden Poetry Slam, as well as the Poetry Penthalon hosted by the Waiting for the Bus Collective, in which, he is a member. GPA is the founding member of the League of Extraordinary Poets and a member of P.O.E.T.(People of Extraordinary Talent).

To find out more info. about the Greatest Poet Alive (GPA), please visit http://www.iblowyourmind.com

N.S. Ugezene's Author Feature (Guest: Tony Lindsay)

2011-02-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

More Boy Than Girl by Tony Lindsay

(when searching for the book on amazon.com use complete title plus my name)

The story of Dai Break Jones is the story of a woman born into a man’s world with aggressive ambition. She never accepted the thought that a woman had her place. Born the only child to the founder of one of Chicago’s largest street organizations, Dai Break Jones accepted her position of royalty and stood toe to toe against all foes. More Boy than Girl is Street Lit at its finest. It is a hard core story, about a hard core world.

What is Street Lit?

Street literature is fiction that employs the urban milieu or the streets. The tales are not much different than any other genre; a bit more risqué, a tad more profanity, and yes societal bad guys may be the good guys, and yes the plots may be raw and grate the nerves do to espousing current street situations, but shouldn’t literature be disturbing, shouldn’t it inform and make one uncomfortable when something is wrong in society?

Good street literature reports modern day concerns and issues. What’s current isn’t always comfortable. Good writers of street literature have always left readers unsettled. Ann Petry, Donald Goines, Louise Meriwether, Chester Himes, Dean Pharr, Claude Brown and Iceberg Slim all shake readers up a bit.

Author bio

Tony Lindsay is the author of five novels, One Dead Preacher, Street Possession, Chasin’ It, Urban Affair, and One Dead Lawyer, and a short story collection titled Pieces of the Hole. He has published book critiques and reviews for Black Issue’s Book Review. He was a contributor to the anthology Don't Hate the Game, the on-line encyclopedia Identity.com, and Mosaic.com. He has been published by the African American literary web-site ‘Timbooktu.com’, as well as the young adult magazine Cicada. He has a MFA from Chicago State University. He is currently an adjunct professor at Chicago State University, South Suburban College and Westwood College.

Thanks for your time. To order More Boy than Girl, go to amazon.com and search using the title and my complete name; More Boy than Girl + Tony Lindsay or contact your favorite book-source.

The ISBN for More Boy than Girl is 978-1-59997-007-3.

Tony Lindsay

More Boy Than Girl

Maybe Athletes Don't Rule Our Society Afterall

2010-01-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

As of late, athletes are being held accountable for their actions. Gilbert Arenas gets suspended, Tiger loses a number of his endorsements, Plaxico Burress is sitting in prison and he shot himself...no one will forget what Michael Vick did. He's PETA's public enemy no. 1.

It seems that finally, enough is truly enough. It could be that the major effect of the ..recession.. has a little to do with it. Maybe the athletes that get themselves in turmoil are tracked as losses. I mean, Vick's stock sure dropped regardless of him getting a second chance. Race can be driven into the argument if a person really wanted to use it. Our president is multi-cultured but since in our society there is a stigma which makes it hard to identify with one's multi-cultural background, you're either one or the other.

When you factor in that many felt that progress would be made socially with President Obama in office, you now see that the opposite of this hope that race relations would improve is happening. While people like myself wish and try to relate to others outside of my race and ethnicity, it is not so welcoming to other people. Athletes aren't exempt from this either. Racial profiling is happening in sports whether direct or indirect. What is ironic to me is that music seems to be the only thing on Earth that can bring unity amongst all people. This unity doesn't even happen in fiction when a writer attempts to ..crossover... I find that fiction can either send a reader in the opposite direction or in a direction that encourages the reader to engage in segregative behavior.

With all of this taken into account, you see that athletes don't run things. Writers don't run things. Musicians mean the most to people. People won't let Michael Jackson rest. The media continues to slander him. These are abilities that I am talking about, talents for goodness sakes. This is supposed to be about inspiring people, yet something is getting in the way. I can't pinpoint it simply because I don't know what is really preventing multiple of millions of people from saying a writer is so cool. In sports, there always seems to be maybe one or two symbols of a respective sport at a given time. Muhammad Ali was the sole symbol during his time. Mike Tyson was the centerpiece of boxing in later years. In basketball, Jordan ruled. Before that, there were actually many greats. Now, Kobe is the most talked about and Lebron James is made out to just be his sidekick.

Here's where it gets really good. Now that Tiger got himself in some trouble, who will be the face of golf? Will he still be or will the insistence that he's now a black man cause him to be put to the side? His skin color and facial features gave away that he was black already. Sure he is multi-cultural, being black and Asian. He was once someone that the Asians claimed. Do they want to claim him anymore? And it is like African Americans are reluctant to claim him now. People used to joke about how Tiger seem not to want to be black. Maybe Tiger grew tired of having to present himself a certain way.

One thing that is for sure is that in sports there are standards of conduct that I assume the athletes get irritated with. Just seeing how Gilbert Arenas tried to laugh off the controversy of him having guns in his locker and him telling the media that he just wanted to concentrate on basketball, it becomes apparent that athletes have to go on the deep end just to have fun. Arenas was suspended due to his joking about the incident, specifically after pointing at his teammates gun style, before a game against the 76ers. Here's a joke for David Stern...the man's alias is Agent Zero. Clearly, he loves him some James Bond, 007...get it.

For what it's worth, athletes are losing their power in society. Good or bad? I can't call it. Can you?

Interview w/Rie McGaha

2010-01-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you for joining me today, N.S. Ugezene. Tell me a little about your latest release.

I have an upcoming release which will be The Beginnings of Urbaya. This novel is staged in Illinois, sometimes in Chicago and also in a city that I made up which is Urbaya. This work showcases tragedy, the ability to keep going in the face of tragedy, and also triumph and transition in life.

Why urban fiction? What's the draw?

Honestly, I don't just stay within the confines of urban fiction. I try to crossover. I feel it is important to try different things and to make my fiction accessible to all type of readers. Unfortunately, I know I can't entice an avid reader of romance but I just let my creative juices flow. I hope that I can grab readers of different genres. I put love, pain. my blood, sweat and tears into writing. I am very passionate about the craft of fiction writing. I seek to know it at every angle.

I would like to change people's tendency to associate urban fiction with stereotypical behaviors. There are actually sophisticated urbanites. Urban lifestyle is diverse to say the least and I feel that urban lifestyle isn't negative. Some people do take it and make it destructive or nonproductive but I am here to put it to good use.

Do you remember your first completed story, even if it wasn't published?

I actually had the story that became Shaun Pascal in 2006. Back then, it was called Pascal's Life. I still have the manuscript. I reworked the story in 2008 and part of 2009. I was even working on various short stories and I still write short stories from time to time.

What was it about and how old were you when you wrote it?

Pascal's Life chronicled things in my life. My life was storybook material. When I reworked it, I drew from some comedy material as well as some philosophical and psychological influence.

What is your writing process? Do plot and plan or just go for it?

I always outline the content. Now, I will do some improvisation and trash many ideas if I feel it doesn't fit. I also think of how to twist and turn the story without trying to go for total impact in certain areas. I try to mirror actual literature because I want there to be something concrete in my work. I don't want readers to say that all I want is to make money and be a Bestseller. I want them to label me as the "Most Creative" or "Outside the box."

Do you write full time or do you have to fit your writing around an evil day job?

I will say that I write close to full time. I am a student. More than likely, I will generate money through the sole ownership of my imprint Ugez Novels.

What does your family think about your writing?

My fiancee really loves to read my stories and my aunt, uncle and mother give me ideas all the time. My mother once said that my novels could be a source of therapy for teens or anyone isolated or reclusive. I guess I have crafted works that have a somber tone and help people to vent. Also, they can help people to think and analyze their life.

Tell me a little about your backlist.

Shaun Pascal, Real Thoughts and I Love Honeys, Not NY will be in my backlist once The Beginnings of Urbaya is released. Lol. All good works in one way or another. :)

Do you have a favorite book that you've written? A favorite character?

Real Thoughts is my favorite because of the variety. I really was able to do different things and it's a collection of stories which uses different types of writing...analytical writing, persuasion, narrative, etc.

When you read for pleasure, who's your favorite author?

I like LaTonya Y. Williams, Arthur Nersesian, K'Wan, Terry McMillan, Jesse Washington, Cecil Brown. There are others but I have to get through their books first before I can determine them as one of my favorites.

What do you do to relax and have fun?

To relax I sit in front of the TV. For fun, I like to play video games..oh. Sitting in front of the TV again. Lol. I do get out and about when I spend time with my fiancee. I enjoy spending time with her and I hope writing helps me take her places all over the world like Spain, Argentina, Australia, and Paris. I really want to travel to see the world and not just be stuck in one place.

Thank you. I've really enjoyed chatting with you!

Thanks, Rie. It's been a pleasure.

My interview w/ Jesse Fox of 'The Fox Hole'

2010-01-05T22:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 'The Fox Hole', N.S. Ugezene. It’s a delight to have you. Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

I am a student at Argosy University. I am a huge wrestling fan. My favorite wrestlers are MVP, Kofi Kingston and John Cena. I also am a huge basketball fan and my favorite team is the Sacramento Kings. I am a fan of Northern California sports teams period. I reside in Southern California.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? If so when did you start writing?

I haven't always wanted to be a writer. I started writing in elementary, whether it was song lyrics, poetry or short stories. In high school, I composed a collection of lyrics and in 2006, I typed up a manuscript which later became my official first title, Shaun Pascal.

As a writer what inspires you?

I can really determine my inspiration but I can say that I aim to do something outside of the box every time. I want to truky be creative or different since fiction is creative writing. I do not want to be bound by any strict rules and that is why I have so much liking for fiction writing.

Do you have any favorite writers?

Yes. K'Wan, LaTonya Y. Williams, Chinua Achebe, Terry McMiullan, Arthur Nersesian, Noire. I mainly prefer urban fiction writers or African American writers. I have books by James Patterson, Danielle Steele, Michael Crichton and Dean Koontz as well. I do novels that incorporate the streets. I will even read novels that have to do with religion. I try to achieve a variety in what I read.

If you could live in any time or place–where and when would you choose?

I would like to have lived in the 1960s or even the 1970s, in San Francisco. Oakland would be fine as well. I just dig the Bay Area. The hills could scare the hell out of you but Northern California just stands for so much more than Southern California. You do have to deal with what you're given in my life, however.

Being a professional cook at one time, I have to ask this one. Do you have a favorite food?

I absolutely love Italian food to death. It's the best! There's nothing else like it.

Now that I’ve picked your brain, can you tell us about your latest work? Don’t hold back

My latest work will be The Beginnings of Urbaya. This is a city that I created that will be seated in the state of Illinois. This is a story that has the tiniest bit of manufactued history. There is a family tie present in the story. You know? Sort of like the show Family Ties. I consider this work mainstream, multicultural and slightly urban. It is another attempt for me to bend the spectrum because that is just the type of writer I am. I go against the grain, through the rain and that's just the way I am like Eminem said.

Want to learn more about N.S. Ugezene and their work check out the following links:

Publisher/s: Lulu/Ugez Novels

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ns_ugezene

Website: http://stores.lulu.com/NSUgezene

Blog: http://nsugezblogs.blogspot.com/

Twitter: N/A

Facebook: To find me on Facebook all that one has to do is search for N.S. Ugezene. I can't provide the URL

Other: http://www.tagged.com/nsu1982

http://www.blackplanet.com/BlackCasper2001

My recent interview w/Leandus Poe (author/reviewer)

2009-12-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

Tell me about yourself:

I am a student at Argosy University where I am pursuing my Bachelors degree in psychology. I was born in Whittier, CA. I was raised in Pomona, CA. where I lived for 23 years before moving to Fontana, CA. I am engaged to be married.

What was your inspiration for both books?

When I wrote Shaun Pascal I was taking some personal things that happened to me into consideration. I wanted that novel to be more authentic and not seem scripted. When I was writing it I was thinking about the therapy that writing could give me.

For I Love Honeys, Not NY, I was looking to stage a story in New York at first but then I elected to stage it in Houston due to my sister having made that her new home. She moved from Pomona about five years ago. Being that I was influenced by New York hip-hop as a youth, I felt the need to incorporate New York into the novel. There is going to be a sequel as a matter of fact.

What is Shaun Pascal about? (Small synopsis)

Shaun Pascal is a reflective story that uses a philosophical backdrop and expresses Shaun Pascal's thoughts in a variety of ways. The lyrical prose is the talent that Shaun Pascal first had. He wanted to be a rapper but that feel through so he switched gears and started writing fiction. Either way, he was still able to write.

A major theme of Shaun Pascal is love and relationships. Shaun Pascal finds it hard to manage relationships due to the demands they present and because he was thrown for a loop in a long distance relationship, he has skepticism about women until he meets Toantahnae. He can trust a woman again and he doesn't have to question love.

This novel is ultimately about life. Not everyone would handle life the way Shaun Pascal does.

What is your process to develop a leading character role in one of your books?

For any leading character, I make sure that the leading character is the one that dominates the story. It is important that the leading character actually be the leading character. I don't necessarily want them to be the one of going through themost horrible things in the story but most of the content has to be centered around the leading character in my stories. In that way, no other character is referenced more than the main character.

Have you received any feedback from readers?

I have yet to get tremendoues feedback from readers. That has been scarce.

What did they say?

My fiancee does always tell me when something is off. I had her read the rough draft for one of my future stories. She pointed out what she thought was off. She really favors my story collection, Real Thoughts. She did like Shaun Pascal and I Love Honeys, Not NY. My mother has hinted that my books would have an influence on urban teenagers.

I have a review each for Shaun Pascal and I Love Honeys, Not NY. What I derive is that I have potential but maybe my emphasis on style isn't as effective as I wished it would be. I would write feeling like I was an artist but now I do not feel such a way any longer.

What is your background in writing?

When it comes to fiction writing, I actually started writing short stories in high school. I lost interest for a time and then in 2006, I rekindled interest. I was working on a manuscript that would eventually become Shaun Pascal which I reworked in 2008.

What kind of success do you want for both books?

In all humbleness, I would first like readers to take the time to order the books and read them. I don't want to come out saying that I want to become an instant bestseller. I'd like to get on the map first and then grow on people. I have some rabbits that I will be pulling out the hat for 2010. I think that I am one of those authors who is constantly trying to bend the spectrum.

What lessons can readers walk away with after reading one of your books?

For Shaun Pascal, I think that anyone who feels misunderstood and anyone who has lived in any sort of struggle will have a source of relief after reading this novel. For I Love Honeys, Not NY, there is the importance of not being taken off course of bettering your situation. When you're trying to make changes in your life, you can't make effective changes if you fall into a trap.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book that I have penned is Real Thoughts. The reason being that I was frank about all that I had on my mind. I incorportaed various topics-sports, politics, smoothies, parenting, my thoughts on the way people communicate today, etc. It was a collection that was highlighted by not being afraid to be honest. I used Shaun Pascal as the narrator.

Where can someone purchase your books?

My books can be purchased with this link:

http://stores.lulu.com/NSUgezene

Discount codes:

HUMBUG-10% off

HOHOHO-25% off

SAVE3-Save $3 on a single order of three titles

The decisions we face and the people we encounter

2009-11-08T03:28:00.000-08:00

Life is something that none of us can really call. There are some people who think that they can force situations to happen. These people are often the ones in a rut about life. I honestly have to say that I have some of these people who may force matters around me. The truth is that you can't determine who you want approaching. They'll approach you if they feel the need. And while you are sizing them up, there are looking for some sort of acknowledgement. That may seems lie a random thought but have you ever thought about what people think before they even present themself to you? Once they are in front of you, you may consider trying to get them to wrap up what they are saying.

I have been in situations where I am being talked to death. It gets to the point that you'll want to be rude but you refrain from doing so. During the times that you just want to get going you are like, "Sorry but I have shit to do." That can be funny because the person you say this to either gets the point or they want to engage in a shouting match. Here's where deciding what to do comes into play. You obviously want to avoid conflict or you want conflict to rear its ugly head. Surely, everyone has been told that the decisions they make determine the way their life pans out. What if you have made decisions that people around you truly agreed with? What happens if your life isn't going in a suitable direction?

What happens is that the same people who agreed with your decisions will openly criticize you and say that your life is not on the right track. Is that confusing or what? So, the solution I have come up with is that when you make your own decisions without the approval of others, you will find satisfaction in being in control of your life and not having numerous people telling you how you should do things. Often times, what other people are advising you to do is what they want they want to take credit for. They don't even think about whether or not they could be leading you down a bad path.

Review: Raekwon-Only Built for Cuban Linx II

2009-11-08T03:17:00.000-08:00

I am a credible source. I am a hip-hop head and student. I know different styles and even rap myself. Let's get into it yo.

Only Bulit for Cuban Linx II is a true refreshment in this time of watery hip-hop. It is a hip-hop that go back to the essence of those days when there was a need for artists to create from scratch. Even as hip-hop artists are trying to recapture the feeling that was once there, Only Built for Cuban Linx II is smacking the current landscape of hip-hop and saying, "It's time to wake the fuck up!"

"Sonny's Missing" produced by Pete Rock has a sound that would make you think that Alchemist produced it. This track is true brass knuckle New York, underground hip-hop. The track's ending is reminiscent of a good hood film where a group of outlaws are trying to duck the po-po. Plain and simple, the track is epic.

The Necro produced "Gihad" is Raekwon spittin' like he always does. The energy that Ghostface adds with his tonal spitfire. Ghostface talks greasy as well which is serious but you have to laugh. "I don't give a fuck if you twenty-five. You my son, nigga'." That is the part of Ghostface's shit talk that I had to laugh hard about. The combination of Tony Starks and The Chef delivers once again.

On "New Wu" Ghostface, Meth and The Chef go at it. Meth unleashes on the track. It is hard to understand how Meth can be said to have fallen off when he kills tracks left and right. Meth dominates the track primarily because he is given the lead but it was a great move because he was bringin' the pain.

The Alchemist produced "Surgical Gloves" does have a different feel. It appears that Alchemist has varied his production style just a bit. The production is the key for this track. Raekwon rides the beat in his signature style which leads to a solid track.

"Ason Jones" is the emotional centerpiece of the album. This is an ode to the Ol' Dirty Bastard. J-Dilla produced the track. What is highly significant is the posthumous element of the track being that ODB and J-Dilla passed away. Even then real hip-hop still lives. R.I.P. ODB and J-Dilla. Wish you were still here to help more realness to be present in hip-hop.

"10 Bricks" has the best production in my opinion. The twangy sound is catchy. The mix allows variation in the production. J-Dilla definitely knew how to vary his production style. This is definitely a track with some Wu sound.

If there is a disappointment it would have to be "Catalina". Lyfe Jennings carries this track. Dr.Dre is off on production.

The Beginnings of Urbaya (promo excerpt)

2009-11-08T03:13:00.000-08:00

     Johnny reluctanctly shook his head in agreement. Of course, at his age he had difficulty removing what he had worn during the day but he somehow could wiggle and wrestle his pants off while lying in bed. This action took him at least twenty minutes and even almost double that time. Sally never bothered to help him with this but would never be in a pleasant state when he woke up with urine-soaked briefs on. She became so tired of having to wash the bed sheets and the comforter on his bed that she had the bed fixed with plastic, the same type of plastic laminate that is used on couches.
     At the appointment it was discovered that Johnny had a issue where his heart would stop for seconds at a time and then beat hyperactively afterwards. He was prescribed a beta blocker in hopes that it would stabilize his heart. Somehow, Johnny was steering clear of a heart attack.
     Later that night, Sally was on the phone with someone who attended her school. It was a study buddy who Sally wanted not to get involved with intimately even though she found him attractive. He was trtying to urge Sally to spend time with him outside of school but she would say that she had too much on her plate. Her intent was not to tell him that she didn't see him as relationship material. Many nights she had fantasies about sex with him as many other women that went to the college had thoughts of doing. He was a hot commodity because of his combination of charm, style and intelligence. He always offered piercing analysis during class discussions.
     "What are you doing tonight?" he asked.
     "I am just going to be home Donald. Why do you ask?"
     "Wow, you sounded a bit perturbed."
     "I am just trying to get things done. My home life is crazy right now."
     "What is going on? Do you feel like talking about it? I can help but see that something drastic is taking place. It is not for me to investigate but I'd rather be polite and ask instead of ignoring it and not attempting to give you the chance to let out frustration or concern. You know what I mean?"
     "Yeah, I know." Under her breath she said, "I am not a retard."
     Donald would try not to let that bother him but he decided to occupy his time with something else. "I will call you back. I have to take care of something. Give me an hour or so."
     "Take your time. It's no hurry."
     Once Donald got off the phone he proceeded to watch TV and focus on managing his plans. He felt that Sally was rude but he let that go when she needed help with assignments. Eventually, he would not be available to offer Sally help any longer and if she couldn't find replacement help then it wouldn't matter to him. Even hot commodities can have problems with certain types of women. For him to allow it to smart him was a waste of time and he could just start ignoring her if he felt like it.

The differences between NBA Live and NBA 2K

2009-09-21T21:54:00.001-07:00

Back in the Sega Genesis days it was very memorable to play an installment of NBA Live. NBA Live lost it's luster once NBA 2K made its debut on Sega Dreamcast. The first NBA 2K was short on its mechanics but that it reasonable for a debut.

I have to point out the fact the NBA Live always was structured so that a certain amount of simulation would take place. For instance, remember shooting a three on NBA Live 98 on Genesis and getting fouled when the movement didn't show that in any way. You never followed through on your shot and the ball would be prematurely released. Many times when the home crowd called out "Three!" it was going in and there was nothing you could do about it. Or the shooter would raise their arms and it was going in the basket whether you closed out on the shoot or not.

When NBA 2K debuted the prime problem was not being able to free up for a dunk much and many times you'd be call for a charge. By the time NBA 2K1 came out that was improved even though it was still problematic. The highlight year for NBA 2K was 2002. That was the year when I fell in love with the NBA 2K brand. Live was absolutely intolerable to me at that point. The theme of that year's installment of NBA 2K was from Redman a.k.a. Mr. Noble or Funk Doctor Spot. Chyea!!!

The next year Playstation 2 dominated and NBA 2K3 was irritating. I didn't even bother with Live. I couldn't play either brand of basketball video games without wanting to snap the game in half but Live was trying to make a transition. So in 2004, I was borrowing a friend's Game Cube to play NBA Live 2004. I loved that installment and I wasn't playing NBA 2K4. NBA Live 2004 was the last Live I played with an eagerness.

Now here is where basketball video games became an absolute force. Once 2K Sports was introduced basketball video games became realistic and there was a true dynamic brought to basketball video gaming. NBA 2K6, NBA 2K7, NBA 2K8 and NBA 2K9 are great games. The only problem that has resulted in this string of years was the faulty slider system that was present in 2K6 and 2K7. That was resolved and more realism was brought to the table.

I am really looking forward to NBA 2K10, just not on the next gen systems because the enhanced graphics have contributed to the lack of gameplay and mechanics. I have to say that on the next gen systems Live was done a better job on their mechanics. Of course, on Playstation 2, Live was very well presented in 2008 but the 2009 installment had questionable graphics that wouldn't even be presentable on the original Playstation. When October 6 arrives, I will be picking up my reserved copy of NBA 2K10 on PS2 and enjoying it. I hate that my copy of NBA 2K9 went bad. Lastly, it would be a great thing if 2K Sports continues to make NBA 2K for PS2. Playing on the PS3 or XBox 360 is aggravating as hell. A PS3 is only good for wi-fi and XBox 360 systems keep having to be repaired. The next gen video game movement is a farce.

N.S. Ugezene

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A Party of Three-Dr. LaVinsky

2009-09-04T00:49:00.000-07:00

That night at Ant's Amazing Chicken and Entertainment was interesting until it was my turn. It would've helped if Jerron and Rome weren't all up in the way. They could have let me have alone time with the girl but since Jerron had ties to the girl, I had to take what I got in that short time. It was not very comfortable to be sitting in the backseat of a stuffed hatchback trying to receive oral while someone else was trying to get his 'backstroke' on. Jerron was acting like he was directing a porno. The only one who really enjoyed the situation was Jerron.

Because Jerron and Rome recognized each other as close friends, I was the sore thumb. But since this all happened in my car, I was entitled to a reward. Still, I say that having other people involved in a fellatio session is problematic. It only goes smoothly if each male has their own female to fellate them. A traditional threesome often leaves someone unsatisfied at any given time.

That is often why erotica is boring to me. It leaves me blatantly unsatisfied mainly because it is the same thing throughout. Another problem is that I charter no genuine attachment to erotic works. Unless I just am that damn turned on by a female, but able to control myself, I won't be in to the concept of a threesome. For that to be the case, I'd have to be having a threesome involving Keyshia Cole and Remy Martin. I am into them but not purely in the sexual sense. I couldn't be in a threesome involving Melyssa Ford and Buffie the Body because both ignite my erotic desires. I would bust entirely too quickly due to overstimulation.

I was reading a magazine known as Sex Talk the other day. I read the Q&A section. I was intrigued by what I read.

Dear Dr. LaVinsky:

My husband and I have tried very hard to rekindke our sex life but it hasn't gone the way that we felt it would. I am freaking out because I think it will hurt our marriage. What do you recommend that will prevent our marriage from faltering?

Susan Shabala
Burlington, Colorado

Dear Susan:

Sex shouldn't be what makes your marriage worth it. To answer your question, the best thing to do is to stop expecting so much out of the sex you and your husband have. I can sit here and tell you to add another person to the mix but that may curb your enthusiasm. To conclude I will reiterate that you have to humble your expectations. Don't be greedy!

Q: Man Dr. LaVinsky, me and my girlfriend have great sex but she constantly pressures me to have a threesome with her and her cousin. I find that embarrassing and disgusting. What do you think I should do?

Brando E. Marvin
Phoenix, Arizona

Dear Brando:

I hate to say this...but, what are you afraid of? Do it man, do it! Show your girlfriend and her cousin what you're made of. Her cousin could not possibly be another male if she is pressuring you to do some bedroom double dutch. Don't worry about morality here. Give and take. You get what I'm saying?

Q: The other day I was at the store with my little cousin. We saw this couple in an aisle kissing and touching. The thing was that they were really into it. After seeing this I was telling my cousin that such behavior in such a place is highly unacceptable. The response that my cousin gave was definitely hard to stomach. He told me that he has received oral sex at school before and he said it has happened more than once. Do you consider this normal for today's thirteen year old?

Joevon Douglas
Augusta, Georgia

Dear Joevon:

Unfortunately, yes. Today's youth are growing up very quickly and learning things that aren't supposed to be learned until later in life. This is the generation of grown babies. They do grown up things and live youthful lives. That fact alone can scare their generation straight. They'll see that being a baby taking care of a baby isn't suitable and thus warn their offspring not to make the same mistake.

Q: There are two things that I want to elaborate on here, the first thing being the fact that I experience extreme wetness the times I fantasize about a certain type of man. The second thing being that I have an obsession with having sex during my menstrual cycle. Why is that?

Amanda Pierce
Greybull, Wyoming

Dear Amanda:

I recommend that you contain your desire by way of confronting and executing. I figure that if you engage your fantasy, you will be able to control the way your estrogen flows. If you are ever horny and can't find yourself some sex then try stimulating yourself with a vibrator. It is just not healthy to let your hormones run wild especially because it confuses the body and offsets the body clock. Not satisfying the urge results in an overload of negative energy.

Q: I personally feel that sex is overrated. Masturbation feels way better. All sex does is make me huff and puff. What is so great about sex that has my friends commenting about it so much because I don't see it or feel it?

Alvin Chiparra
Lebanon, Kentucky

Dear Alvin:

Perhaps, you are not a sensual or physically affectionate person. Sex is often great to people who openly welcome human contact and even those who are highly sociable with the opposite sex. It helps to be a people person. When it comes to masturbation, the thing that I notice us that it is primarily personal and confidential. Masturbation isn't something that most people disclose. Many people feel more comfort in pleasing themselves in a private setting as opposed to trying to make a connection with a sexual partner in hopes that it will be satisfying to the parties involved. I come to the conclusion that you have been having sex with women that you don't have a solid connection with.

Q: Me and my boyfriend don't have sex anymore. Why do you think that is the case?

Alex Ricardo
Rockport, Missouri

Dear Alex:

I honestly don't know. Maybe he wants new sausage. Who knows?

Wow! What more can be said?

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Missionary position, religion and Church

2009-08-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to voice an opinion on the missionary position for a few days now. I have noticed that people who state their undying love for Christ don't want to talk about it. To me, that means they don't care that much. Let's face it. If you are avidly religious you would wonder why there is a sexual position known as "missionary" position. It seems that this is a trivial matter to the avidly religious people that I have mention it to. I was saying that it was disrespectful towards the Church and these individuals either ducked the question or used disclaimers.

Here is my question. How are you going to consider yourself devoted to the cause of worshipping the Lord when you won't even defend the Church? You'll ask for money to do who knows what but you shy away from defending the Church. That is why I feel that Church is still wrong. Putting money over the actual honor of the Church is just plain wrong! Religious people even high this hierarchy that they follow to say who they should even listen to. So...are they the experts? They have on a veil of ignorance just like I do. They are just things about religion and the Church we all just don't know.

Going back to the argument about the missionary position, an actual missionary is a missionary is a member of a religion who works to convert those who do not share the missionary's faith. The missionary position is a male-superior (man on top) sex position in which the woman lies on her back and the partners face each other. It was advocated by Thomas Aquinas and other church figures in medieval Europe. It appears in ancient artwork of the Romans, Peruvians, Indians, Chinese and Japanese.

So, it was actually accepted by religious people. Then why do pastors talk badly of sex when it is obvious that sex is welcomed by religion. That is the main reason why people have argued that the Bible has been changed time and time again to reflect the values of the times. If that did indeed happen then that is disrespectful to God and all that he has done for us to be able to live each day. I don't know what is the exact truth but I know that God is the one responsible for me being alive and being able to even write this blog. What I don't like is when religious people disregard how you feel because they think you lack faith. They judge even when the Bible says not to judge. I have always thought they used their faith to be entitled to crude beavior because they feel that they are saved and righteous just for being a member of a Church.

N.S. Ugezene, author