Be The Man

I light of our current economic situation, many people have had to re-think their view of acquiring wealth (and what to do with it after one has it).

FreeMan has had a nice run of posts that deal with the situation. His "Sharecroppers" post seems to have sparked the best discussion on the issue in it's "comments" section.

http://freemanpress.wordpress.com/

Raw Dawg has a dog business, taenhoneybread does jewelery and Ed (Dream and Hustle) is set to launch a new web service provider (MochaSpot) run by his proprietary Fookie, Inc. .

The thing that gets me about Mocha is that it deals with things that people really and not just the things that people are told they are supposed to like.

I viewed a post over at The Black Snob (http://blacksnob.blogspot.com/ Some Morning Inspiration) that featured a video montage (originally posted by antioch1432) that was set to an old San Cooke song. I love that song - it's so good that it hurts. After I listen to this song, I have to play Public Enemy's "Show En What Ya Got" just to get back to normal. Then it's L.L.Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" to get me ready for my day to day dealings.

Of course I like rap, R&B and jazz - I'm supposed to.

But, I also like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Clash and The English Beat. I like the X-Games as well as the USC Trojans in college football. I like a nice Merlot (actually there is a blended red wine called Manage a trois that is my favorite) but can kick it while sippin' on a Olde English 800. I can rock the Tims but usually wear Donald Pliner (or Cole Haan for casual wear).

Ed has figured out that being Black isn't limited to what Madison Avenue tells you.

Many Blacks have broken out of the stereotypes and have ventured out to find all that is really available to them.

Many have discovered that sushi is good and not to put too much wasabi on anything.

Many have discovered that the Olive Garden is to Italian food as Kentucky Fried Chicken is to Soul Food. Or the Red Lobster is to sea food as Taco Bell is to Mexican food.

Many have found out that the Polo brand is what poor people wear to try to look rich, but it is also what rich people wear to try to look poor.

Many Blacks now understand that the TIP you leave in a restaurant is more important than the money spent on the meal (in ensuring good service).

Many have discovered that "Hood Values" don't often translate well into a more middle class environment.

Many have discovered that the ANSWER to the problem is of much more importance than the problem itself.

Ed seems to be focusing on providing the best product and service available and not focusing on being a "Black" service. Ed seems to have figured out that we must take part in our economy as owners and not just be it's workers. We need to be where the opportunities are and not just stay in the hood (if that's not the best place to be).

Check out MochaSpot. Give feedback and suggestions.