Most Dapped Posts

No substantial evidence links marijuana to traffic accidents, domestic violence or cancer, yet pot is illegal and listed as a Schedule I controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Meanwhile, alcohol remains legal despite the fact that it has been proven to contribute to many societal ills, including domestic violence and auto accidents.

In 2011 alone, an individual in the U.S. was arrested for marijuana use, sale or possession every 42 seconds, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Those numbers have been climbing.

Some of the obvious hypocrisy inherent to marijuana prohibition is highlighted in a commercial (see below) that ran a brief stint before NASCAR audiences last month, until it was removed to preserve the “family atmosphere” of the event, according to race organizers. The ad space for the commercial was purchased by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), the largest marijuana legalization advocacy group in the states, and the creators of the commercial.

The Huffington Post reported that MPP celebrated the commercial as:

“… the first time a pro-pot campaign would be seen at a major sporting event. Organizers for the Brickyard 400 race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway disputed that claim, noting that the boards set to display the commercial were not technically on stadium grounds. When officials with the company that had allowed MPP to purchase air time caught wind of its pro-marijuana message, they scrambled to take it down.”

In 31 seconds, the ad points to a series of clearcut ways pot is statistically less harmful than alcohol. The commercial has received more than 944,500 YouTube hits and made the rounds on Facebook.

It begins with the line: “If you’re an adult who enjoys a good beer, there’s a similar product you might want to know about—one without all the calories or serious health problems, less toxic so it doesn’t cause hangovers or overdose deaths, and it’s not linked to violence or reckless behavior.”

That product, of course, is marijuana. MPP created the commercial in an effort to clarify some of the myths and misconceptions that taint marijuana’s reputation—misconceptions MPP says are perpetuated by the U.S. government.

On its site, MPP states,

“If you’re like most Americans, you have been led to believe that marijuana is a dangerous and addictive drug that has destroyed the lives of millions of teens and adults. You have been encouraged to believe that marijuana causes lung cancer and is a ‘gateway’ to harder drugs. The government has even tried to convince you that most people who use marijuana are losers who sit around on couches all day doing nothing.”

MPP says its goal is to “wipe the slate clean” and replace fiction with facts about marijuana use. “We simply hope you will come to understand that it is far, far less harmful than what your government has told you,” the text states. The MPP website goes on to describes the common recreational uses of marijuana, which are similar to alcohol consumption patterns:

“None of this is ‘bad’ or ‘wrong’ or ‘immoral.’ It is simply something that these responsible adults choose to do. And frequently, it is something they choose to do specifically instead of alcohol. And for good reason! Alcohol is more toxic, more addictive, more harmful to the body, more likely to result in injuries, and more likely to lead to interpersonal violence than marijuana.”

The page also includes the following bulleted list comparing alcohol to marijuana:

1. Many people die from alcohol use. Nobody dies from marijuana use. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 37,000 annual U.S. deaths are attributed to alcohol use alone (this figure does not include accidental deaths). On the other hand, the CDC does not even have a category for deaths caused by the use of marijuana.

2. People die from alcohol overdoses. There has never been a fatal marijuana overdose. The official publication of the Scientific Research Society, American Scientist, reported that alcohol is one of the most toxic drugs and using just 10 times what one would use to get the desired effect could lead to death. Marijuana is one of – if not the – least toxic drugs, requiring thousands of times the dose one would use to get the desired effect to lead to death. This “thousands of times” is actually theoretical, since there has never been a case of an individual dying from a marijuana overdose. Meanwhile, according to the CDC, hundreds of alcohol overdose deaths occur in the United States each year.


3. The health-related costs associated with alcohol use far exceed those for marijuana use. Health-related costs for alcohol consumers are eight times greater than those for marijuana consumers, according to an assessment recently published in the British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Journal. More specifically, the annual health-related cost of alcohol consumption is $165 per user, compared to just $20 per user for marijuana. This should not come as a surprise given the vast amount of research that shows alcohol poses far more – and more significant – health problems than marijuana.

4. Alcohol use damages the brain. Marijuana use does not. Despite the myths we’ve heard throughout our lives about marijuana killing brain cells, it turns out that a growing number of studies seem to indicate that marijuana actually has neuroprotective properties. This means that it works to protect brain cells from harm. For example, one recent study found that teens who used marijuana as well as alcohol suffered significantly less damage to the white matter in their brains. Of course, what is beyond question is that alcohol damages brain cells.

5. Alcohol use is linked to cancer. Marijuana use is not. Alcohol use is associated with a wide variety of cancers, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, lungs, pancreas, liver, and prostate. Marijuana use has not been conclusively associated with any form of cancer. In fact, one study recently contradicted the long-time government claim that marijuana use is associated with head and neck cancers. It found that marijuana use actually reduced the likelihood of head and neck cancers. If you are concerned about marijuana being associated with lung cancer, you may be interested in the results of the largest case-controlled study ever conducted to investigate the respiratory effects of marijuana smoking and cigarette smoking. Released in 2006, the study, conducted by Dr. Donald Tashkin at the University of California at Los Angeles, found that marijuana smoking was not associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Surprisingly, the researchers found that people who smoked marijuana actually had lower incidences of cancer compared to non-users of the drug.

6. Alcohol is more addictive than marijuana. Addiction researchers have consistently reported that marijuana is far less addictive than alcohol based on a number of factors. In particular, alcohol use can result in significant and potentially fatal physical withdrawal, whereas marijuana has not been found to produce any symptoms of physical withdrawal. Those who use alcohol are also much more likely to develop dependence and build tolerance.

7. Alcohol use increases the risk of injury to the consumer. Marijuana use does not. Many people who have consumed alcohol, or know others who have consumed alcohol, would not be surprised to hear that it greatly increases the risk of serious injury. Research published in 2011 in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that 36% of hospitalized assaults and 21% of all injuries are attributable to alcohol use by the injured person. Meanwhile, the American Journal of Emergency Medicine reported that lifetime use of marijuana is rarely associated with emergency room visits. According to the British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, this is because: “Cannabis differs from alcohol … in one major respect. It does not seem to increase risk-taking behavior. This means that cannabis rarely contributes to violence either to others or to oneself, whereas alcohol use is a major factor in deliberate self-harm, domestic accidents and violence.” Interestingly enough, some research has even shown that marijuana use has been associated with a decreased risk of injury.

 

I missed half of the interview because articulate and handsome bae Marc Lamont Hill had a nikka distracted , but from what I heard bill Cosby's lawyer (doing some needed damage control) held her own in this interview. I don't agree with all of her rebuttals but she made some valid points.

[i sill think he guilty doe]

 

Dear Cypher Ave Squad Members, I need your prayers and tithes for a private jet so I can travel the globe and spread the word of official Cypher Avenue business. I do not want to be on a plane filled with demons. Find it in your heart to make this vision a reality. Be Blessed

 

If the wheels are in contact with the ground then it is NOT a hoverboard. That's like saying you drive a hover-car.

 

I hate when I see plans for a new TV show or movie, get my hopes up and nothing comes to fruition. It’s worse when you hear the news and tell others, who also get excited and they come to you later and ask…“what ever happened to that show you told me about?” This is the reason I’ve been reluctant to share certain projects (live action Akira or Ninja Scrolls) that peck my interest with the Cypher Ave audience.

Back in 2014 I heard about possible development of a show based on the adventures of Hap and Leonard. Having never heard of the book series by author Joe Lansdale (who first introduced the duo in 1990 with Savage Season) my interest in the show was based upon reading the description of Leonard, “a Black crime fighting Vietnam vet who is also homosexual.” As not to get my hopes up (just in case the TV show may never come) I did at least want to read one of the novels.



This past summer more blurbs come out stating that the project had been greenlit, casting was in progress, shooting was to begin later in 2015 and the series would premier on Sundance channel…meh. I still needed more evidence. Well, the additional evidence is here as we get our first look at Hap and Leonard.

Leonard will be play by Michael K. Williams, better known from his breakout role as Omar in HBO’s The Wire. Set in the 1980’s, the Sundance channel will premier 6 one hour long episodes reportedly in early 2016.

Additional details on the main characters;

Leonard Pine is a gay, black Vietnam vet with serious anger issues. He was raised by his uncle who shunned him after learning he was gay. However, when his uncle passes away, he leaves his house and all his assets to Leonard. Leonard has zero tolerance for racist or anti-gay slurs. Although Hap dislikes guns, Leonard has no problem carrying or using them. Quick to anger, at times he cannot understand Hap’s aversion to violence or killing if necessary, even when provoked. His relationships are also short and tempestuous. Leonard is the much more aggressive of the two and repeatedly burned down a local crack house that used to be his new next door neighbor.​

Hap Collins (played by James Purefoy) is a white working class laborer who spent time in federal prison as a young man for refusing to be drafted into the military and serve in the Vietnam War. In his late forties, he is often haunted by the various unpleasant jobs he’s held over the years such as working at an aluminum chair factory and working the East Texas rose fields. The two now work for the former police officer turned private investigator Marvin Hanson. Hap tries his best to avoid violence and also tries his best to avoid the taking of another human life. Often lovesick, most of his relationships haven’t worked out. He is currently with his on-again-off-again girlfriend Brett Sawyer. Some of his past has been taken from Mr. Lansdale’s own past. The stories are told from Hap’s narrative point of view. Not as quick to anger as Leonard, he often finds himself attempting to talk Leonard out of committing serious violence.​

Glad to see there will be a homosexual man of color on TV in 2016 (albeit for only 6 episodes) that will add to a small but growing list of non-stereotypical characters. Cypher Avenue will provide more details of actually air dates of Hap & Leonard when they become available. Props to the Sundance channel.




Read the whole post here.

 

Check this out fellas. A comedian did a social experiment with "straight" men and decided to do a video. The guys are clueless and what ensues is FUNNY as hell. What do you think?

 

Just because we're gay men, doesn't mean we can't appreciate and celebrate a beautiful women!

lol To shake things up, post all your favorite women crushes here!

I'll start mine off with my ultimate woman crush of all time, a few of you probably saw this coming...but if I was straight and 15 years older chiiiiiiild the things I would do for this woman! YEah, yeah I'm that stereotypical gay dude, but I found it ironic that so more gay people love her too, cause I was it the dark about it. Ya'll already know its the greatest selling female artist of the 90s and beyond....The Infallible:

Mariah Carey!











#nobodygreater #wcw #Ibetyourscantdoitlikemine #shellneverbeMC #neverforget

 

The Father Figures thread got me thinking a lot about the whole Nature vs Nurture debate. I remember I thought it was interesting when African King said he had an identical twin brother who was also gay, but I completely forgot that I also have an older half brother who is also gay, but gender non-conforming, borderline trans. We didn't grow up together. Looking at my extended family, I've definitely noticed some gay and lesbian cousins on both sides. There might be something in our gene pool.

Do you have any LGBT siblings or extended family?

 

I feel like my 2015 can be wrapped up with this one song and my relationship with folks surrounding me:



Where Ya At - by Future feat. Drake

 

If you're black and you don't know who Nat Turner is but you know all about Django...please open up a new tab and educate yourself immediately.

First Look at Nate Parker's Nat Turner Film, 'The Birth of a Nation'

 

Has anyone here developed a personal philosophy or code that they live by? I know that is vague so for example I recently came across this article called The Millennial’s Guide to Philosophy: Stoicism (the photo is linked to the article)


describing the core principals of stoicism and applying it in your daily life and I found it very informative. I was wondering if anyone knew of/has developed other ways of thinking that have helped them during tough times.

An except from the article itself that I liked was:

Hardship, pain, suffering, and ultimately, death – these are all parts of life that Stoicism would consider as natural as they are inevitable. Taking a highly fatalistic approach to all of existence’s trials and tribulations, both philosophies maintain that since you can’t exercise any control over them, you should instead spend your time in the struggle to control yourself.

This is where the term “Stoic”, in reference to indifference to hardship, originates. It’s the mentality that all of life’s ups and downs should be taken in stride.

 

There are so many things wrong here...the biggest is how Hollywood continues to white wash and turn Egypt into Europe. Fuck you Gods of Egypt!

 

Homosexual Baseball Legend – Glenn Burke [VIDEO]

Baseball Legend – Glenn Burke
Nov 16, 1952 – May 30, 1995


“He was real. He was athletic, clean cut, and masculine. He was everything that we wanted to prove to the world that we could be.”
Jack McGowan
“They can’t ever say now that a gay man can’t play in the majors, because I’m a gay man and I made it.”
Glenn Burke

Glenn Burke’s name was mentioned in the fifth season of the TV show “Crossing Jordan”. The episode titled “Thin Ice” focused on a star professional baseball player falsely accused of raping a woman. The character “Quentin Baker” would rather be smeared and imprisoned on a false rape charge than to be labeled as a homosexual. Referring to two real world athletes who were accused of rape, the character dialogue follows below:
Quentin: “Do you know what a locker room’s like? You know what they say about faggots?
What they do to ’em?”
Jordan: “What do they say about rapists?”
Quentin: “Mike Tyson got past it. Kobe was accused and he’s still going strong;
but Glenn Burke came out and he was run out of Baseball!”

Rape, drug abuse, domestic violence, gambling, infidelity you name it; All these things are forgivable in sports except homosexuality.

Glenn Burke is the person who is credited for inventing the “High-Five“…how? Well it was late in the 1977 season. Player and teammate Dusty Baker of the Dodgers was rounding third and heading for home (having just hit his 30th home run). The Dodgers were heading for a National League pennant. The on-deck hitter was Glenn Burke, enjoying his second season in the big leagues. As Baker crossed the plate, Burke raised his hand. Baker responded by raising his. The two hands slapped together and a bit of history was made. The first high-five!

Oh and by the way he also happened to be a masculine African-American man who was openly gay within the ultra homophobic Major League Baseball. He was the first and only baseball player open about his homosexuality. This streak was not broken until 1995 when Billy Bean came out of the closet.

Burke was a basketball and baseball star at Berkeley High in the late 1960s and 1970, remembered by locals mostly for his phenomenal hoops skills. The big money that was offered to him was on the baseball field. He quickly rose through the Los Angeles Dodgers ranks, to eventually be the starting batter in a World Series game in 1977.
Five minor league seasons in which Burke batted over .300 and plus he had exceptional defensive skills caused him to be heralded as the “Next Willie Mays”.

Burke felt the Dodgers management knew of his sexual orientation, but they would attempt to come up with a cover story. General Manager Al Campanis once suggested that it would be a good idea if Burke got married and even offered to give him a $75,000 bonus if he would get married. Al Campanis also offered to pay for a wedding and the honeymoon. Of course being true to himself Burke turned the offer down.

In 1978, his third year with the club, he was traded to Oakland. The Dodgers said it was because he had not lived up to his minor league promise. His teammates, feeling he had made good progress toward star if not superstar status, were angry at management for making the trade and felt it was really because his sexual orientation and his relationship with with Tommy Lasorda’s son.

In his autobiography “Out At Home,” written with Erik Sherman, Burke said that he felt his close association with Spunky Lasorda (nickname of the son of baseball legend Tommy Lasorda) and this was something Spunky’s dad could not tolerate. Although the rest of the world accepts the fact that Spunky was gay and died of AIDS, Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda is in total denial on both counts.

“The Next Willie Mays” took his hat and glove and went to Oakland, but did not enjoy his year and a half with the A’s. The team was struggling in the late ’70s. Also, Burke felt his secret was not safe in his hometown so he retired before the end of the ’79 season. The retirement was brief. He reported for spring training in 1980, but injured a knee. Right or wrong, he thought baseball no longer wanted him because of his sexual orientation, and he retired for good at the end of the ’80 campaign.


Glenn Burke opened up about his homosexuality in a 1982 Inside Sports magazine article “The Double Life of a Gay Dodger” and on “The Today Show” with Bryant Gumbel. Burke continued his athletic endeavors after retiring from baseball. He competed in the 1986 Gay Games in basketball, and won medals in the 100 and 200 meter sprints in the first Gay Games in 1982. His jersey number at Berkeley High School was retired in his honor.”He was a hero to us”, said Jack McGowan, former sports editor of the San Francisco Sentinel (a gay newspaper). “He was … real. He was athletic, clean cut, masculine. He was everything that we wanted to prove to the world that we could be.
His athleticism wasn’t the only thing going for him. Glenn had a great sense of humor, was a great dancer and was the life of the party everywhere he went. Although he remained active in amateur competitions; as with many athletes, Burke turned to drugs to fill the void in his life when his career ended. An addiction to cocaine began to destroyed him both physically and financially.

In 1987 he was hit by a car in San Francisco while crossing the street, suffering a broken leg and crushed foot. An out of court settlement brought him some money, but it was soon gone. He was never again the athlete he had been.

His drug use increased and his behavior became more erratic. The man friends once flocked to was now avoided by them. The big guy they once looked to for protection now became an object of their fear. He was homeless on the streets of San Francisco for a number of years often congregating in the same neighborhood that once embraced him. In 1991-92 he spent seven months in San Quentin for grand theft and possession of a controlled substance.

When news of his battle with AIDS became public knowledge in 1994, he received the support of his former teammates and the Oakland Athletics organization. In interviews given while he was fighting AIDS, he expressed little in the way of grudges, and only one big regret – that he never had the opportunity to pursue a second professional sports career in basketball.

Glenn Burke spent the last months of his life at his sister’s Oakland apartment. First diagnosed in January 1994, AIDS had taken his once magnificent six foot, 195 pound physique to a lesion scarred, 150 pounds. Pain and fatigue were now his constant companions.


A few old friends would stop by to say hello. But they all knew they were really saying good-bye. The man who greeted Dusty Baker at home plate in 1977 with the first “high five” could barely lift his arms. Glenn Burke died of AIDS related causes in May 30, 1995. He was only 42 years old.Glenn Burke’s story has now been immortalized in film. “Out: The Glenn Burke Story” is a documentary about his life and career (which is currently viewing on some local Comcast stations). With open and candid interviews from former teammates, you really get a true sense of who this baseball legend really was. A trailer for the documentary is below.

“They can’t ever say now that a gay man can’t play in the majors, because I’m a gay man and I made it.” – Glenn Burke






Read more: Homosexual Baseball Legend – Glenn Burke [VIDEO]

 

Saw this Doc and thought it would be nice to share. Firstly I would like to say this has and always been prevalent in the gay culture. Men in general are first attracted to the physical and being Buff is nowhere else worshiped than in the Gay community. We struggle with body issues most of the time. I do think straight men are now, with ''the perfect body'' images shown in the media from David Beckham to Joe Manganiello to Dwayne Johnson, filling the pressure to look a certain way. They are always playing catch up to gay men. eg Eating ass.

Side note: The Indian guy has an AMAZING bawdy and those lips, GAWD DAYUM!!! He looks like he got a big ass too, guys with that body build from my experience got nice assess

 

This is my ride or die, my fur baby. Her name is Queen Reina (Rain-NAH) and she is a German Shepherd Dog and she is the sweetest most loyal dog ever. But the bitch sheds A LOT.

Are you Team Dog or Team Cat or Team No Pets?

 

This muthafucka is 6'8 and 325lbs. Look at the before and after

 

What are your thoughts?

Why did Derrick Gordon make history and then suddenly shun the spotlight?


For gay athletes, what comes after coming out?

 

So I just got into a passionate discussion offline with some buddies from Cypher Avenue (S/O to the original activity stream squad lol) talking about Adele and her album sales for her upcoming LP, '25.' She is on pace to sell anywhere from 1.3 to 1.8 million albums in the first week just based on pre-sales alone! She will break the record for highest sales for a female solo artists since Britney Speaks dropped her album, 'Oops I Did It, Again,' in the early 2000s, which sold 1.32 million copies in the first week alone!

I was talking to my guys about how it is so crazy that someone like Adele can come along and basically take over the music industry while black artists (more so singers than rappers) are STRUGGLING out here. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of talent and I do believe that she has plenty of it. I like her song "Hello" and the music video starring my man Mack Wilds (looking too good in there... but uh uhm-hmm anyway lol back to what I was saying). I was wondering why it is like black artists make good music that people can feel too but they just do not sell like their white counterparts (see: Eminem, Sam Smith, Adele, Macklemore, etc). There are exceptions to the rule like I told my guys in artists like Drake, J. Cole, Future, Kendrick Lamar and a few select other rappers. Even though those rappers have had strong 1st week album sales debuts, the majority of those buyers are White people. The majority of attendees of tours for many rap artists are White people.

One of my guys said you can't compare rap artists to Adele but I honestly think you can when speaking on the rappers that have more of a mainstream appeal (see: Future & Drake) or those that have a large following (see: Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole).

You also have the conversation when it comes to R&B/Soul and comparing artists like the Sam Smith and the Adele to other black artists like Tyrese and Syleena Johnson. I have to agree with a point made by Tyrese on The Breakfast Club Radio Show when he discussed how the gatekeepers (white people) keep the doors closed to black artists when it comes to them being able to really break them on larger platforms. In the meanwhile, black radio keeps the doors WIDE open for white artists that dibble and dabble in R&B and hip-hop music. You're more likely to hear Robin Thicke, Adele, and Sam Smith on black radio than you are to hear Mary J. Blige, Tyrese and Jhene Aiko on white radio. It is what it is.

So tell me....

Why do you think black artists don't sell like they used to back in the 90s and early (& mid) 2000s?

Does it have to do with piracy?

Do white people have more money to spend on music compared to other minority populations?

Do other races generally support their respective genres of music when it comes to albums and/or tours?

What do YOU think?

Sound off below!

 

Brehs, we present to you a new episode of the CYPHER AVENUE PODCAST where you’ll hear us give updates, engage in heated topic debates, interviewing interesting homosexual men of color and us verbally adding on to the articles posted on the website. The episodes will be available in four ways: You can listen to them on the site, watch on YouTube, download a MP3 version or subscribe to us on iTunes or YouTube for automatic updates!

In this podcast, hosts Octavius Williams and Nick Delmacy discuss the official start of Cuffin’ Season and Self Esteem Issues that have affected them in their dating lives over the years.

DOWNLOAD LINK:​

CYPHER AVENUE PODCAST #44​

VIDEO VERSION:​

​

Read the whole post here.

 

I've watched this trailer a dozen times already!



I got my tickets!!! IMAX 3D!!! Opening Day, baby! The nerd in me is happy!

Just gotta get cuffed before December 17th up so I can have someone to see it with me!

 

“I just want to be happy in this life. If I’m telling this to you, you will think that…I am some sort of beast or devil. I am all of these things…but I also had a mother, father, brothers and a sister once. They loved me” – Agu

Over the last couple of years, Netflix has become a power house in how scripted media is consumed. The streaming service continues to build on its critically acclaimed original series such as House of Cards and Orange is the New Black. Now Netflix has entered into original feature film territory with Beasts of No Nation…and it absolutely doesn’t disappoint.

The film is based on Nigerian author Uzodinma Iweala’s novel of the same name and shows how easily captured young boys are initiated and indoctrinated into becoming a child soldier. Beasts is beautifully directed by Cary Fukunaga (True Detective S1), who reportedly had been working on the adaptation since 2006. I almost felt like I was “cheating” by not seeing this film in theaters.

Beasts’ starts off innocently with the introduction of 11 yr old Agu (played by newcomer Abraham Attah) and his group of neighborhood friends. We see them going around town attempting to sell a shell of an old television as they act out marital arts and dramas from behind the missing screen. We go onto see the day to day life for Agu and his family sprinkled with humorous moments. There’s a subtle nod to the influence of hip hop as Agu’s brother dances to the old school “Wild Style” theme. Their childhood imagination and innocence is still abundant within the confines of the Nigerian / UN peace keeping buffer zone.



Viewing the teaser and extended trailers, you know doom is on the way. After the rebels bring chaos death to Agu’s community, he escapes to the jungle to survive while mourning his losses. Agu begins his journey as a child soldier after he is eventually captured by a group of rebels lead by the charismatic Commandant (Idris Elba). The Commandant has a compelling leadership and sway over the group, which may be influenced by a connection to tribal roots and customs. This sets the contrast between Agu’s Christian influences and traditional African culture that exists through out the film.



I’m sure most have seen or heard about the horrors of children forced into fighting in paramilitary troupes and caught up in a region’s civil war. Even though Beasts graphically shows many of these horrors (killings, executions, rapes, drug use), surprisingly it strongly hints at the trauma of molestation and sexual assault that typically is inflicted upon the younger soldiers by the older boys or men higher in the ranks.

Fukunaga’s cinematography is part of the reason I felt like I was “cheating” while watching the film. Another reason is the score by Dan Romer which is haunting in parts and makes some of the more active sequences seem surreal. Many of the scenes throughout the film feel like they need to be shown on the big screen. In one scene we see a tiny, almost invisible Agu in comparison to the overall vastness of the large encompassing jungle, providing a sense of bewilderment and loss. Even though there are numerous violent scenes throughout, to me what pushes the emotional conflict is the continued focus on Agu’s facial expressions (or sometimes a lack thereof) and body language. Initially he obviously doesn’t want to commit these atrocities and he goes from being forced, to becoming a desensitized. We see a boy transformed into a killer along with how drugs are used as attempts to empower, ease distress and cope.



I strongly feel the viewer should examine the similarities between child soldiers and inner city youth as it relates to the psychology of violence and within environment. Although it is not the same type of violence, there are parallels to the atmosphere that exits not only in war torn countries throughout the world but also within the landscapes of cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and Baltimore. Many boys and young men go through a process of becoming disenchanted with life and desensitized to death and murder. Just like in the film, many young black and brown boys are not giving a proper opportunity to grow and evolve constructively without disorder once they find themselves in dysfunction.



I was emotionally caught off guard by Abraham Attah’s break out performance of Agu and the way Fukunaga brought his turmoil to screen. In addition to Attah, on should also take note of the other young actor Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye for his performance as Strika, fellow child soldier and Agu’s friend. As the story unfolds, I found myself questioning – even with all his vileness – was the Commandant fighting on the side of an oppressed people that were being slaughtered by the government? Was he once in Agu’s position and used the unfortunate circumstances to his advantage to become Commandant? Maybe not, but could not the same be said for 2 I-C (Commandant’s young second in command played by Kurt Egyiawan)? I think that is the beauty in Elba’s performance; he is very convincing. This film gives a sense of deflated humanity similar to Schindler’s List, Hotel Rwanda or Sometimes in April (also starring Idris Elba).



Beats of No Nation has captivated audiences and critics and is generating Oscar buzz for Fukunaga’s directing/cinematography and Attah’s performance. Given the make-up of the voting body of the Academy, I think this may be a weak possibility and wishful thinking. The Hollywood spin machine has already labeled Beasts a flop due to only making around $51,000 its opening weekend, showing in only 31 theaters nationwide. It should be noted that most theater operators boycotted the movie and have threatened to do the same with other upcoming Netflix films. Something tells me there are elements in Hollywood that fear Netflix’s model and growing success.

Netflix continues to charm network and cable television audiences with series like Narcos and the upcoming Marvel series Daredevil S2 along with Jessica Jones. Now it looks like they may start a trend of keeping some folks home instead of partaking in an expensive night at the movie theater. Netflix has announced that they will be releasing the sequel to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon on the same day of its release in China and in select IMAX theaters. They also have announced War Machine starring Brad Pitt but have not given a release date. If Netflix continues to bring their customers exclusive films that are as good as if not better than Beasts of No Nation, they may change the game and continue to freak out Hollywood.

Read the whole post here.

 

Now that Cuffin’ Season 2015 is upon us, its time for the single gay men of the world to get booed up for these cold winter months. But how much are you willing to spend to find him?

Before you can get to the point where you can ‘Netflix and Chill’ with a dude (aka pretend to watch a movie and instead have sex a third of the way through), you must meet one another in a public place at least one time. Historically, this meeting has been called a Date. As we all know, gay men are VERY afraid of this word, instead they like to say they’re “just hanging out.”

Even if you just meet in a parking lot to talk and get to know one another, that’s a date!

The question is, however, how much should you spend on a First Date?



Recently I got into a heated debate with a black gay man from D.C. who said that spending $200 on a first date is not only average, it’s on the low end.

Then I read this article on the topic posted by a heterosexual black man on SingleBlackMale.org:

If you want to date in a major city, be prepared to spend a pretty penny. Don’t let money control your decisions on the date. The way to be a gentleman is to figure out what she wants out of a date and do that. Don’t worry about the cost. Again, if you’re worried about the cost, you shouldn’t be dating. They say, “if you don’t got it, you don’t got it” for a reason.

When an article was published that stated the average man in DC spends $177 on a date, I thought to myself, “Sounds about right.” I did some quick math with a friend of mine.

Dinner for 2 at Oya followed by some fun activities in Chinatown DC:

Pre-dinner drinks: $10 x 2 = $20
Appetizers, entrees an dessert: $50 x 2 = $100
Drinks during dinner: $20 x 2 = $40
Fun and games at Penn Social (a bar with arcade games): $60
UberX the two of you home: $30
Total Cost: $250

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that a man really doesn’t have to do all that on a first date. And you’re right, you don’t. The problem is, I will. It’s not just about me; it’s that other men will do that too. They will put their all into a date to make a woman feel special. Men are competitively raising the bar every day to separate themselves from the pack.
​

Personally, there’s no way that I’m spending $200-$250 on a FIRST DATE with a guy that I just met. I don’t care how many other suitors he has that would do that and more. It’s not about the money, its about… You know what, fuck that…it IS about the money. Spending $200 to wine and dine a dude that I might not even want a SECOND date with is insane.



Secondly, does that total imply that I’m paying for everything? Granted, the above calculations were made by a heterosexual man taking a woman out on the town. So it (sorta) makes sense that he would pay her way. As a gay man, I don’t follow those heteronormative customs.

I can’t imagine another dude paying for everything on a first date with me, I wouldn’t feel comfortable about that as a man…or even vice versa. I’m not treating you when I don’t even know you.

If we’re going out, we’re dutch…or we’re alternating the costs. If I take care of the Movie Tickets, he always offers to buy the concession items. If I offer to pay for the dinner, he always offers to take care of the drinks.

I know there are some hot-bodied gay men out there seem to attract the Down Low Pro Athletes, the Down Low Musicians and the Down Low Preachers who have deep wallets and want to spoil them on a first date, but that ain’t me.

And we’re talking about a FIRST DATE!

Some of you might be calling me cheap…Yes, I am!

I’m also a casual dater. If I’m first dating upwards of 3-4 different people every other week, that’s over 2 stacks just to “get to know” some strangers that I’m not even having sex with yet.

Bruh, I live in Atlanta where there are TONS of great inexpensive things to do while determining if you two are a match.

Here’s my own calculations:

Dinner followed by dope conversation at a sports bar:

Entree: $25 x 1 = $25 (no appetizers and dessert for me, I don’t show up on a date starving)
Drink during dinner: $10 x 1 = $10
Head to a sports bar for drinks: $20
Total Cost: $55
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Even multiplied by 2, that’s still less than $125.

And granted this may not sound like a very elaborate or romantic date, that’s because it’s not supposed to be. I’m not going out with Beyonce or Michelle Obama, I’m meeting up with another DUDE (that I barely know) for the first time. One that I may never see again afterward.

Here’s another one I’ve been known to use in my arsenal:

Lunch followed by dope conversation while browsing at a bookstore (yes, they still exist):

Lunch: $15 x 1 = $15
Dope convo walking around a bookstore (or mall) with coffee: $5
Total Cost: $20
​

First date. Simple. Ample time to talk and get to know one another. I could do this all day.



My theory is if you need to spend $250 to impress a dude enough to go out on a SECOND date with you, that says a lot about the lack of confidence you have in your personality, looks and quality of conversation.

Anyway, what are your thoughts?

How much would you spend on a first date with another gay man?

Who should pay the bill?





Read the whole post here.

 

In an environment where there are social limitations and slim pickings of men of quality when does one cross the line selfishly in their own pursuit of “happiness”? The intro may be a bit verbose but what an opener, right! People are led to do certain things by design. Whether if it’s motivated by either need or necessity. The law of attraction promotes coupling in some sort or fashion. Causally dating, being a serial dater, or open to the possibilities of something more long term are all a la carte. Most radically, when are friends of a friend or even an ex of a friend off the menu altogether?

I’m much closed for I’m very guarded. I don’t allow many in my circle for I figure being selective is a certainly a smart thing to be generally. As a result, I have very few limited options in meeting people socially. I sometimes receive an extended invite to a house party or some other “exclusive” event. I feel madd awkward for I don’t wish to draw any added attention so I try to fade in the background. It never fails (believe you me I am humbled by the gesture) that I get approached. I’d consider myself to be cordial and welcoming for I know it takes some courage (liquid or otherwise) to step up to spark up some convo. Then it feels “uncomfortable” when there’s a more expressed interest beyond the small talk. I think of that line from Biggie’s Big Poppa.

Who they attractin with that line, “What’s your name what’s your sign?”
Soon as he buy that wine I just creep up from behind
And ask what your interests are, who you be with
Things to make you smile, what numbers to dial​

I’m no nonsense to a fault. Maybe it’s the New Yorker in me or maybe it’s maturity in knowing what I want to deal with and what I don’t. So, I am quick to politely rebuff when it’s going in a different direction. It becomes more awkward when a friend of a friend steps up with an aim to exchange numbers.

I’m loyal almost to a fault. I will even admit there have been a few occasions when they were hot as fuck. I stood strong and didn’t take the bait. Temptation is a bitch, I tell you. It is easier to do the wrong which makes it so much harder to do the right thing. We are men. By design we are visual and respond to external stimuli. Yo, if the breeze hit me in just the right spot…. #Eggplant Friday and I’ll post my pic. “Name something you do for likes on Instagram”…sounds more like a top eight answer on Family Feud. Post a dick print pic…(DING, third answer). SMH. Kidding aside, it’s about your make up….your character.

Drawn from one of my experiences, there was one special man that I was dating, Eugenio. We had so much in common, sexually compatible and one of the best super extreme likes I ever had. In time it could have developed into love. The trust was certainly there. One of the most memorable times for me was when I helped take care of him when he was sick with a really bad cold…runny nose and all. Those are the moments when your will is bent on doing the right thing. Whatever gesture it is from the corazón (the heart). Whether it’s giving money without asking for it back, a late night rescue due to car trouble, being present and supportive, simply listening without judgment or offering your unsolicited opinion; it appeared as though it was emotionally mutual for sure. Feelings were rapidly developing as it seems the next step was making a statement for a committed monogamous situation. This was something he didn’t want. He quickly wanted to move letters around like SCRABBLE to redefine us and our interaction. So, I became FWB (friends with benefits). Then the sex was too much to handle so I was demoted back into the Friend Zone.

Eugenio was really important to me and I cared for him a great deal. I had to make the adjustment and it wasn’t easy. I knew that he still maintained a relationship with his ex, Dre’. I had zero problems with that. In fact, I was later introduced to Dre’. He is a solid guy. In fact, once, we doubled dated. It was Eugenio and I, Dre’ and a new guy that he was dating. We went out bowling and had a decent time. That asshole Dre’ dated was rude as fuck and was throwing shots at me by calling me Fat Joe because it was the only Latino male reference he knew. Dude, really? Yo soy Dominicano, cabron. No soy Puertorriqueño…he was checked by Eugenio and Dre’ for being disrespectful. That shit wasn’t funny that we all agreed. Then things took amazing turn left when Eugenio later confessed that he had a problem with the new guy Dre’ was dating. Seeing them together really made him feel some kind of way.

After bowling, I was dropped off. Little did I know the evening would take a downward turn for Eugenio. The evening resulted in Eugenio getting madd drunk, fucking someone else that night on a pool table, disrespecting me and the coup de gras – getting into a physical fight with Dre’. The day after Eugenio felt awful. He felt like shit and the guilt mixed with other emotions made him feel empty and dark. I felt “something” so I wanted to check on him. I took public transportation (a 2 hour trek) to his place to see him. He wasn’t too happy to see me and didn’t want to discuss much about the night before. He offered to drive me home. I empathized with him and it broke my heart to see him in so much pain. I felt it. So, after I got out the car, I had a sense that whatever he needed to work through was going to take some time. Time created distance between us. I hadn’t heard from him in a month or so. I figured I was on time out. I didn’t want to make it about me so I complied.

Later, I was feeling a bit lonesome and needed to reconnect with someone. There was this chat line that was popular at the time. I used the free time for signing up new just to listen to some messages. During the screening process there was a lone standout- a naturally masculine guy who seemed direct like me. That was all nice though I will admit there was a sense of sincerity that drew me in. So, I left him a voice message. He must have been online still for shortly after I received a message back. It was him and he left a phone number. I called him that evening. The conversation lasted for 2 hours. We discussed background, interests, family, and work. It felt so good to engage and he made it so easy. I was comfortable to be honest. When we discussed past relationships is when a flag was raised. Wouldn’t you know this new guy I am sharing and conversing is Dre’? WTF and what are the odds? There was some embarrassment for I had no idea. He later admitted that he thought it may have been me because of my NY accent. We had a hearty laugh for the conversation didn’t get inappropriate. I didn’t realize how cool he was. When I was first introduced to “the ex” it was more important for me to not make the evening at all feel awkward. I felt affirmed that Eugenio and I was in a great place for me to be introduced to Dre’. I understood how important Dre’ was for there was history there. I thought there was progress for us to be out on a double date of all things. Dre’ and I kept it friendly and talked maybe once a week.

Two months later, it happened, I got a call from Eugenio. I was so glad to hear from him for I did miss him, his company, and the convo. He sounds better and seemed to be in an improved headspace. We picked up right from where we left off. The contact resumed and strengthened. We began to email each other at work over the business mail server exchange throughout the day. One day, while at work, I mentioned that Dre’ and I ended up meeting in a most unconventional way. We maintained contact and never discussed dating. (Insert record scratch) Oh, shit and ring the alarm! In his response, I got a seasoned email full of expletives of “Fuck You and Him! You niggas are not compatible! You both tops! Are you that desperate to date my ex?!?” Ouch. I was at a loss for I wasn’t expecting that response. Even though his response was a bit over reactive and very disturbing, I understood his anger and the fear. The fear of knowing possibly two special men in his life potentially getting together could piss anyone the fuck off for that was outside of his control. Again, my mentioning the occurrence was my being casually honest. I tried to explain that Dre’ and I linking up wasn’t the case or happening but he wasn’t hearing it.

Dre’ and I mutually thought it would be best if we don’t communicate at all. I deleted his number and there was no social media contact out of respect and love of this man that we both cared about. The situation was complicated and honestly there are no regrets. Love is sacrifice. In the grand scheme of things, I do believe that was the right thing to do. I have never reached out or thought about reaching out to Dre’ even after all of these years.

Many guys aren’t respectful in that they don’t honor those types of relationships and boundaries. It’s all about gratification and seeking out what I want and what I can get. Aside from that, it’s even common for best friends now to once have “messed around” with each other early on. Actually, this testimonial is inspired from a conversation I had with one of my boys about the merits of true friendship. I recognize that friendship and special bonds are important to me. I recognize the special ones that are called friend are few and far between with me in this life.

Read the whole post here.

 

Many of us know "Coming Out" isn't easy. I kinda hate the term honestly. But for the sake of the thread, let's help some C A Squads bros.




For me it was 2008. But as far as expression, definitely 2013. I considered my self bi-sexual for the most part my whole life. Recently, I could say I'm like 70/30 But after being married to a chick, I'm like 85/15 ...lol



I learned about this whole coming out through Ellen DeGeneres I was 14 at the time. But I knew, when I heard my parents talking, that whatever she did was connected to me in some way or another. So how about you. Were there any moments or people that sparked your great day?

 

HOW TO POST: Copy a link to one of your IG crush's pics, insert it into the thread using the FILMSTRIP looking button in the text toolbar (next to the photo and smilies button).

 

Whenever I talk to people and they ask me what I do for a living I say that I am in the Foreign Service. The usual response is "what is that?" I then have to break it down further and say that I am a United States Diplomat and that get requires further explanation. Well today friends, I am going to give you US Diplomacy 101.

Diplomats represent a country in an official capacity. That means they are charged by oath and decree to speak and act for a particular state (Country). Diplomats perform a wide range of jobs and act in a variety of capacities. In the United States Foreign Service Officer have five fundamental functions (1) Political, meaning acting in the political sphere between states (countries) doing everything from negotiation treaties to informing countries that we are going to war, (2) Public Diplomacy, meaning going into a foreign country and learning everything about it from politics to art to music, i.e., learning about culture, (3) Economic, this speaks for itself, these officers deal with all things economic, primarily trade but its deeper then just that, (4) Management, these officers deal will all foreign assets, i.e., buildings, people, personnel managements, ports, they deal will everything that America owns overseas and they also management it all, (5) Consular Service, these officers are the people you meet working at the front desk of the US facility you go to when you are abroad, they stamp your passport, they get you out of jail when you are locked up abroad, they facilitate foreign adoptions, foreign marriages, they evacuate you when there are problems. The consular service is quite possibly the most important. All of it is aimed at protecting Americans abroad and representing the United States as an entity in the International Community.

For me, I am in the political track. I have attached a video that explains it further.

I write this posting because I think more black Americans should consider a career that prides itself on representing America to the world. The people that do this should be reflective of America. The United States Department of State is by far the most LGBT/SGL friendly department in the entire federal government and offer so much support for its people and families. Blacks and minorities are underrepresented. It offers an opportunity to travel the world, meet new people, experience different cultures, and represents the United States. It also comes with diplomatic immunity, LOTS of benefits, and a decent living where you earn enough money to live off of one persons income. Just a thought from this International Relations nerd!

Sincerely,
BlackguyExecutive