World Basketball Festival: NYC [8.12-8.15]

Couldn't have found a better way to end my summer in the city than with the WBF. Thursday night was the kick-off with a scrimmage by the team USA, entertainment, and a special musical guest at Radio City Music Hall...I got a heads up a few weeks before that this "special guest" was none other that Mr. Brooklyn himself...JAY-Z!

I so badly wanted to go...some of the best basketball players in the world and one of my favorite artist! BUT they weren't selling tickets..so over the past few weeks I was desperately trying to find a way to get tickets...and the way things went for me this summer -- it happened! I got them!

Thanks to @NIKE_NFR and twitter I WON the tickets!! Crazy right, I know... still can't believe it. She asked the question "What was Rajon Rondo's first love?" and being a celtics fan..i knew it was football! I mean look at how long his arms are!!?! So I made it to the opening ceremonies and it was amazing...

Friday and Saturday consisted of festivities and games at the Rucker Park (i'm sure you all remember my Rucker Park story)... well this time I didn't go by myself (your welcome dad). But it was so cool..the put down a dope court and had all types of vendors, giveaways, appearance and what not.

Being a basketball junkie - this was definitely one of the highlights of my summer.

#13 Become More Patient

The more patient you are, the more accepting you will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as you would like it to be.

#12 Let Others Be "Right" Most of the Time

Being listened to and heard is one of the greatest desires of the human heart.

#11 Imagine that Everyone Is Enlightened Except You

The people you meet are all here to teach you something.

8.26.10 SWEET Summer Playlist

World Basketball Festival: NYC

PAUSE

Has to be one of the funniest episodes of the Boondock's.

http://www.comewatchme.com/the-boondocks-season-3-episode-8-pause.html

8.8.10 : SWEET Summer Playlist

1LOVE : Brooklyn

As a part of the build up for the World Basketball Festival - which is being held in NYC - Nike decided to do a string of videos feature each of the boroughs. The great Theophilus London takes us through BK!

#10 Learn to Live in the Present Moment

"Life is what's happening while we're busy making other plans." - John Lennon

#9 Let Others Have the Glory

There is something magical that happens to the human spirit, a sense of calm that comes over you, when you cease needing all the attention directed toward yourself and instead allow others to have the glory.

#Do Something Nice for Someone Else-- and Don't Tell Anyone About It

Rather than diluting the positive feelings by telling others about your own kindness, by keeping it to yourself  you get to retain all  the positive feelings.

#7 Don't Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences

...how can you really listen to what someone is saying when you are speaking for that person?

#6 Remind Yourself that When You Die, Your "In Basket" Won't Be Empty

...the purpose of life isn't to get it all done but to enjoy each step along the way and live a life filled with love...

#5 Develop Compassion

Compassion develops your sense of gratitude by taking your attention off all the little things that most of us have learned to take too seriously.

p r e c i o u s moments.

Reminds me of me and my Daddy.

 

More About Nothing.

Fresh. 

Download: Wale - More About Nothing

Deonte Bridges is an INSPIRATION.

A friend shared this with me, and I am truly happy she did so. Please watch and take notes.

"I choose to do what is necessary, not what is popular." - Deonte Bridges

Crack ||| Cocaine

Big Issue, Great Controversy, but its nothing new.

So the problem with this has always been racially charged. Crack and cocaine - although essentially the same substance - carry very different incarceration sentences. Crack is typically a drug found in African American neighborhoods while cocaine is typically used by White Americans. Before the President signed a law today, a person found with 5 gram of crack would receive a mandatory sentence of 5 years, while that same person would have to carry at least 500 grams of powdered cocaine to receive that same sentence. HUGE DISPARITY.

By signing this into law the President is hoping to reduce this 100-1 ratio to a ratio of 18-1. Still not completely resolved but we are making progress.

Hopefully this will help reduce the overcrowded prisons, save taxpayer money, and allow the federal law enforcement to focus on 'more major' crimes. God knows we all need that.

*I advise you all to read up more on this issue.*

Regardless of Obama's sinking approval rate - I think the man is doing a great job.

#4 Be Aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking

...remember that filing your head with thoughts of how overwhelmed you are only exacerbates the problem by making you feel even more stressed than you already do.

Team USA!

Soooo...most of you probably already know but I made it!! It was a really intense and grueling tryout and I got to compete with some of the Nation's best lacrosse players and athlete's! But its official I am now officially a member of the USA National Women's Lacrosse team! Its such a surreal feeling, can't really describe it! Just filled with so much excitement right now, accomplishing something I never imagined I'd do - or even be in the position to do! Its such an honor to be listed with some of the best players in the World and to be able to represent our country - its a once in a lifetime experience and I am really looking forward to enjoying every moment of it this year.  Our first tournament will be in Boston on October 8-10 and it would be amazing if you all could come out! I'll be sure to post our official schedule when its published - so stay tuned!!

Go USA!!!

http://www.brownbears.com/sports/w-lacros/index

http://laxmagazine.com/international/uswomen/2009-10/news/080110_usl_names_2010-11_national_team

#3 Let Go of the Idea that Gentle, Relaxed People Can't Be Superachievers

When you have what you want (inner peace), you are less distracted by your wants, needs, desires, and concerns. It's thus easier to concentrate, focus, achieve your goals, and to give back to others.

#2 Make Peace with Imperfection

It's about realizing that while there's always a better way to do something, this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy and appreciate the way things already are.

#1 Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

So many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff" that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff.

A very special friend of mine recommended that I read this book called Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson. I just picked it up from the Barnes & Noble in Union Square - that place is huge. I plan on reading it pretty quickly and I'm going to bring you along for the ride!