tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20433723745264279652024-02-19T10:17:00.421-05:00Blog 365Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist Rick Chyme and producer David K. Manley of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project titled #DailyPieces365 these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days! Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of 2018.Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-86215278027909098942018-04-28T17:32:00.000-04:002018-05-01T17:33:59.601-04:00Day 117 – Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D2O6NHmyqUjh7bdbR51RjlhoJ9IjzhK7kJQSs5f4abct-PZhLy7KTjZ48WSGxq1iyaHFYtT-hhqTcbe0Qs2n4PYOOsXHltMNSrkOjXoDpbKuYixTXm2szUxyu4FyktGaVjYX5j16suUA/s1600/Thanos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="980" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D2O6NHmyqUjh7bdbR51RjlhoJ9IjzhK7kJQSs5f4abct-PZhLy7KTjZ48WSGxq1iyaHFYtT-hhqTcbe0Qs2n4PYOOsXHltMNSrkOjXoDpbKuYixTXm2szUxyu4FyktGaVjYX5j16suUA/s320/Thanos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Day 117 – Sauce<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
117 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
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My sauce pan was ready. All the ingredients were in front of
me, ready to be combined. It was time to start making my homemade enchilada
sauce. But I couldn’t. Not right away. My mind wasn’t fully on cooking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My thoughts were preoccupied by ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. A
day later I was still in awe of the film I’d seen. From its many standout
moments one was dominating my imagination.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanos beat up the Hulk. Convincingly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This altercation was meant to shock the audience. It was
done to establish how much of a threat Thanos was to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
And it worked like a charm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hulk rushed him out of nowhere, pounding him as expected.
Then, to the surprise of everyone, he out muscles Hulk before treating him like
a heavy bag at the gym where young Mike Tyson worked out. Combinations of
brutal punches followed by a crippling knee to the face. To add insult to
injury Thanos scooped up Hulk and emphatically body slammed him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sauce. <o:p></o:p></div>
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---------<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a></span></div>
Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-43518554658727614542018-04-27T17:00:00.000-04:002018-05-01T17:09:37.157-04:00Day 116 – Wait … What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EDuGY91B1npzyYA2lvZ0OBCp663rWn8Ofx_9PDSmNXA-lWN0JV76N2foMUxQn13w3v_m2XlYAz7ust_QAv1b0BNA0UtXZFfBCuHvWhX-z43ctoDm8891jrqYhQpweCWxWzXvlnqyiazi/s1600/Black+Panther_IW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EDuGY91B1npzyYA2lvZ0OBCp663rWn8Ofx_9PDSmNXA-lWN0JV76N2foMUxQn13w3v_m2XlYAz7ust_QAv1b0BNA0UtXZFfBCuHvWhX-z43ctoDm8891jrqYhQpweCWxWzXvlnqyiazi/s320/Black+Panther_IW.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Day 116 – Wait … What?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
116 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
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The theater was mostly silent as ‘Avengers: Infinity War’
came to a close. With good reason.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I predicted some of the characters would meet their end at
the hands of Thanos. But that many??!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Emotions hung in the air longer than the scent of popcorn.
People walked out perplexed, angry, sad, and everything else. I just needed to
collect my thoughts. The movie left me with a lot to process. Earlier I was so
excited I could hardly sit still. After seeing the film I just wanted to sit
down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I exited left out of the theater towards the emergency exit
that’s directly in front of the parking lot. When I got to the doors I just
stood there for a moment. Part of me wanted to turn around, head to the lobby
to purchase another ticket so I could watch ‘Infinity War’ again immediately. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I need to confirm what I’d just witnessed on the big screen.
I was unsure what happened <i>really</i>
happened. Like passing a bear on the side of the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
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---------<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a></span></div>
Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-58094242877960098112018-04-26T17:06:00.000-04:002018-04-26T17:06:18.286-04:00Day 115 – Wait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpXs0f3wzzCGYcRr_erahL7BSPJ94PCIpX9mhegle-51o33fS3ScryuZNh8sj_CKwZMv-f-KAPOBMxS-C3YoUEKX8cFgyYhdZWhEOUUScFOdvBuruU7pju5P_9ExweTcy_jcu9XjP2lvc/s1600/Infinity+War.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpXs0f3wzzCGYcRr_erahL7BSPJ94PCIpX9mhegle-51o33fS3ScryuZNh8sj_CKwZMv-f-KAPOBMxS-C3YoUEKX8cFgyYhdZWhEOUUScFOdvBuruU7pju5P_9ExweTcy_jcu9XjP2lvc/s320/Infinity+War.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Day 115 – Wait<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
115 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
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The wait is almost over.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In just a couple hours I’ll finally be sitting in a movie
theater watching ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. Ten years of storytelling will come
to an end. All my questions will be answered. Each of my theories will be
proven right or wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seeing this movie is what I’ve thought about most today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I purchased advanced tickets and paid extra for assigned
seats. I’m not standing in a line outside the theater. I won’t be lined up in
the lobby waiting for someone to say it’s okay to go in. There’s no worry of
will there be good seats left. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I <i>know</i> there’s
good seats. I picked them out. It’s been assured and my receipt proves it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m going to walk in that theater holding whatever snacks I’ve
decided on, sit down, and wait for that Marvel signature to appear on screen,
getting me even more excited then I’ll already be while sitting there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Out of courtesy they should forego any previews and get
right to the film. No more waiting. Just get right to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a></span></div>
Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-76482024816474214672018-04-25T17:01:00.000-04:002018-04-26T17:02:35.460-04:00Day 114 – Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2Camr507Jpm1JMvg52RglI3L4Acy8P6lCXPW1mfqEdtPDj1tfvwA7ZMsOOoWcfioC7_2UIgzZMss1aufhqDmqdawqP2S-DqktzCPylhOohnQQWrFwFG19ytQPWDQIFkNV0bagzwaSECL/s1600/voltron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2Camr507Jpm1JMvg52RglI3L4Acy8P6lCXPW1mfqEdtPDj1tfvwA7ZMsOOoWcfioC7_2UIgzZMss1aufhqDmqdawqP2S-DqktzCPylhOohnQQWrFwFG19ytQPWDQIFkNV0bagzwaSECL/s320/voltron.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Day 114 – Five</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
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Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
114 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat on my living room floor, my hands pressed into the
carpet at my sides, watching Iron Man, Hulk, and Wonder Woman challenge a newly
formed Voltron with no success. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As powerful as the 3 of them are individually, even their
combined superhero efforts paled to against the might of The Legendary
Defender. At least not while my son was controlling the giant robot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was his 5<sup>th</sup> birthday. Of his many requests, he
wanted Voltron - a character and toy I loved and desired to own as a child too.
He was clear on not wanting a Voltron that was already assembled. He wanted the
full set of its 5 robot lions so he could himself assemble it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Black, Red, Green, Blue and Yellow lions today a bit
cooler than their toy versions I got in the 80s. This Voltron talks. As the 4
smaller pieces are merged with the larger Black Lion, it audibly acknowledges
their placement then calls for the remaining parts. Pretty cool.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My now 5-year-old was all smiles as all 5 lions formed
Voltron in our living room. I was smiling too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Iron Man, Hulk, and Wonder Woman soon had no reason to
smile.<o:p></o:p></div>
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---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
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Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-22465228733750094812018-04-24T16:57:00.000-04:002018-04-26T16:58:59.474-04:00Day 113 – Marvel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN0odSySQlTo2y4xnc_Dl6pWAoqnttR48WmvEYboGBQp7W35HBKTyD0M886wlPIoVu9KNCfBWJKt7BT_gvAq9q9oC7fWuMaahddBhL65yfdpDFxLW0YVWmR25jmpUK4SRLUdC38wrddV6/s1600/marvel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN0odSySQlTo2y4xnc_Dl6pWAoqnttR48WmvEYboGBQp7W35HBKTyD0M886wlPIoVu9KNCfBWJKt7BT_gvAq9q9oC7fWuMaahddBhL65yfdpDFxLW0YVWmR25jmpUK4SRLUdC38wrddV6/s320/marvel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Day 113 – Marvel<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
113 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, indeed. I’m also
inspired by it. I admire it. They’ve been telling one long story for 10 years.
It’s a tale that’s garnered unwavering investment from audiences around the
world for an entire decade.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in 2008 when ‘Iron Man’ wrapped, I remember lingering
in the theater having a conversation as the credits rolled. I and the few other
people still in there were caught completely off guard when the post-credits
scene started. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Every one of was stunned to see Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury.
Then he mentioned “The Avengers Initiative”. From that moment on I salivated
for an Avengers movie, a film I still drool over even though I’ve watched it,
oh, 45 times? 50?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve watched it an insane amount of times. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Seeing it for the first in the theater was the best, though.
I can still hear the packed house explode with excitement when Thanos was
revealed at the end. A story I thought was just building to where we were in
2012 was actually just getting started.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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In a couple days I’ll finally see the culmination of 10
years of storytelling. It’s impressive, inspiring, and darn admirable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-6553371573678436022018-04-23T16:07:00.001-04:002018-04-23T16:07:57.567-04:00Day 112 - Joseph<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0640QHiZblq-hrxU422HVmLm97CC6Ri3IWAwmgJeXkXC1N78AYeBLrpHujvtn8C_iRyvL1sjaChK-qyP5uEClAEt9OmqlNY1vROv5iNuCtcFTLOB9Ub2E-_GLXBq40gv12Yueg4hTDqHF/s1600/Grandpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0640QHiZblq-hrxU422HVmLm97CC6Ri3IWAwmgJeXkXC1N78AYeBLrpHujvtn8C_iRyvL1sjaChK-qyP5uEClAEt9OmqlNY1vROv5iNuCtcFTLOB9Ub2E-_GLXBq40gv12Yueg4hTDqHF/s1600/Grandpa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Day 112 - Joseph</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
112 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to be better about remembering birthdays. I stayed on
top of dates and was prepared to send my blessing and best wishes ahead of
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These days they slip by me, regrettably, unless I’m
scheduling something. Looking at the calendar triggers a reminder. It happened
today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The birthday it prompted was my grandfather’s. Joseph. The
man I was named after.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I lost him 5 years ago to cancer just a couple weeks after
losing my grandmother, his wife, to a stroke. I think about them all the time.
What’s funny is just 4 days ago I was sharing with neighbors the stories my
grandfather shared with me about Pearl Harbor during his time in the Navy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet 4 days later and, had I not looked at the calendar for
something un-grandparent related, I would have likely missed acknowledging his
birthday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember him being busy and forgetful. He’d forgive me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-61557200556146414462018-04-22T15:47:00.000-04:002018-04-23T15:48:47.704-04:00Day 111 – Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhytxkBP3utgikSvbJe8F21mPuAbb2hJeFBPBrG0igi52XluA0qi-__Bd0-xsPmb8fenvmz5rrEsrQ-CBF30714edjMlPFwL9HHmpCYXb9SZKjpLEldyzSjjHdagYHO0EnkSNDO0T2K-Ty/s1600/Infinity+War.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="960" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhytxkBP3utgikSvbJe8F21mPuAbb2hJeFBPBrG0igi52XluA0qi-__Bd0-xsPmb8fenvmz5rrEsrQ-CBF30714edjMlPFwL9HHmpCYXb9SZKjpLEldyzSjjHdagYHO0EnkSNDO0T2K-Ty/s320/Infinity+War.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Day 111 – Cheese</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
111 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve waited 10 years for these. Now I have them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood in line at the Regal Cinema box office patiently
waiting. Once it was my turn I approached the window with a smile on my face. A
big one. Full cheese. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I need 3 tickets for ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, Thursday at
7PM!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The person at the counter started smiling too. “I’ve had my
tickets for 4 weeks,” she remarked, excitedly. The feeling is apparently as
universal as I’ve imaged.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve never been this hype for a movie. I’ve never
anticipated the theatrical release of a film as much as I have this one. I’ve
read numerous articles and watched cast interviews from just about every major
news outlet available. Each one gets me more pumped! The only other movie that
comes close is ‘Avengers’ in 2012. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And soon I’ll finally get to learn if Marvel’s 10 years of
cinematic storytelling is worth the tremendous buildup.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If it is I assure you I’ll be buying more tickets to see it
again. With a smile on my face. A big one. Full cheese.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a></span></div>
Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-13518409630376280962018-04-21T04:33:00.000-04:002018-04-21T04:33:43.301-04:00Day 110 – Yes, I Am Joe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sKYsnj3zKiywvVa9fFjnGYKWZAtVeqNE-j_47aaXQuw9l90zWtSooz5CBFoGaf7TzeGlGboH5yNb_Om9VswKoxBJebLpVHiYhmPRuCyjQLFYpab1wFLpn0xQFvcZu1vhTdvea1yQo4Rg/s1600/Joe+Thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sKYsnj3zKiywvVa9fFjnGYKWZAtVeqNE-j_47aaXQuw9l90zWtSooz5CBFoGaf7TzeGlGboH5yNb_Om9VswKoxBJebLpVHiYhmPRuCyjQLFYpab1wFLpn0xQFvcZu1vhTdvea1yQo4Rg/s320/Joe+Thomas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Day 110 – Yes, I Am Joe<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
110 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was lucky enough to attend “To Ray with Love”, music legend
Maceo Parker’s tribute concert to his Idol Ray Charles at Wharton Center in East
Lansing, MI last night. Great show.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was strolling through the lobby once it ended I was
startled by someone inquisitively shouting my name. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>“Joe?!”</b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I responded by turning suddenly to see an excited lady I
didn’t recognize and about 9 other strangers grouped together by a bench. She
asked, “Aren’t you Joe the singer?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>No, ma’am, I’m not.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You look <i>just </i>like him!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Just </b>like him, though? I don’t think so. My name is Joe, by
the way. Only my last name is Walker. His is Thomas. I can still sing something
for you if you’d like.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They all laughed, she and two ladies sitting on her immediate
left and right looked embarrassed as they roared while falling against each
other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, you look just like him! Has anyone ever told you
that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Yes, but only about 105,000 times since I was in high school
… 20 years ago.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t think Joe Thomas and I look anything alike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a></span></div>
Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-39052249181871396722018-04-20T03:59:00.000-04:002018-04-21T04:01:55.628-04:00Day 109 – Maceo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbk259wIOwWLbqcTJ4pVpUfFXBw5HXKUHeDe4VmBvmjWHrIirLaEBpOx2SH_28vkm-5NqGo70O1bhYzwUY1fDT_AejWsKbLif-jl_-NYgAOvLPR6oFgZnOc2ZJjiW4K5AGvfTP9-QXYSIG/s1600/maceoparker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbk259wIOwWLbqcTJ4pVpUfFXBw5HXKUHeDe4VmBvmjWHrIirLaEBpOx2SH_28vkm-5NqGo70O1bhYzwUY1fDT_AejWsKbLif-jl_-NYgAOvLPR6oFgZnOc2ZJjiW4K5AGvfTP9-QXYSIG/s320/maceoparker.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Day 109 – Maceo!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
109 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m one of the lucky ones today. I get to attend a Maceo
Parker concert. This is something I never thought I’d do. Growing up hearing
the music of the late “Godfather of Soul” James Brown and him shouting “Maceo!”
during performances, Parker to me was more of a myth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a kid I didn’t know what Maceo looked like. I just knew
he was someone Brown gave frequent shout outs. I didn’t know how key of a band
member he was. I was unaware of his role with Parliament-Funkadelic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grown-up-me
learned about the music legend that is Maceo Parker; he’s a motivating band
leader, a doubler, a soulful singer, and dynamic jazz saxophonist who fully
embraced the funk, the whole funk, and nothing but the funk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight I've been gifted the pleasure to experience Maceo’s music during “To Ray
with Love”, his orchestral tribute to his idol, the late Ray Charles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yep. Lucky me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-17323702233783793712018-04-15T16:25:00.000-04:002018-04-20T16:26:38.847-04:00Day 104 – According to the Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-Ox_KjcDftZx5y83qWXzTH_OtQmCxGTr1_WSuuYqXTxvd0LNi9gVbZ-j5GA4Xcu2fTdFb7nY1ryESmnmKKxsEFtcE_X-w8wyzXB74ilghI2lU_FuWJFGyljQNL6sbaMmM3am-Bk94ODU/s1600/6806230218_13986e2c1b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1024" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-Ox_KjcDftZx5y83qWXzTH_OtQmCxGTr1_WSuuYqXTxvd0LNi9gVbZ-j5GA4Xcu2fTdFb7nY1ryESmnmKKxsEFtcE_X-w8wyzXB74ilghI2lU_FuWJFGyljQNL6sbaMmM3am-Bk94ODU/s320/6806230218_13986e2c1b_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Day 104 – According to the Calendar<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
104 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you’re as involved in entertainment as I am, you value
trips to events. I look forward to drives from city to city because it allows
me time to be trapped with my ideas. I can go over them, process them, and talk
my way through them without any other voices but my own. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem is I’m tired of driving in the snow. For starters,
it’s Spring according to the calendar. Michigan apparently has other ideas.
Ones it’s not simply talking through, but implementing with literal chilling
results.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last thing I want to do in April before heading to a play,
movie, listening session or concert is brush a mound of snow off my vehicle!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard someone say how pretty it looked outside with
everything covered in snowflakes. I didn’t have to ask to know they weren’t
from around here. Out of respect they should have said that to themselves in
their head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s an idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a></span></div>
Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-49432875158215477472018-04-14T02:11:00.000-04:002018-04-15T02:25:34.172-04:00Day 103 – Spur of the Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPPJ6_n_KIOzKt3NNVmS_NOrmeZ9OqOzfqj8Gjq8ZDCQ9smDdR5yjK_RIEQzXifMD9g6q4jyjvHTMtxEYuJUmFiJw_AgwYbr2ZJ0mbWmkckm80fV72K7BiRAVywc0Q1XQQH7CWGFz4r2D/s1600/Aldridge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="350" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPPJ6_n_KIOzKt3NNVmS_NOrmeZ9OqOzfqj8Gjq8ZDCQ9smDdR5yjK_RIEQzXifMD9g6q4jyjvHTMtxEYuJUmFiJw_AgwYbr2ZJ0mbWmkckm80fV72K7BiRAVywc0Q1XQQH7CWGFz4r2D/s320/Aldridge.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Day 103 – Spur of the Moment<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to Day
103 of “Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 2018 NBA Playoffs started today. I cleared my schedule to
watch what I hoped would be an exciting professional basketball game between
the #7 ranked San Antonio Spurs vs the defending NBA Champions, the 2<sup>nd</sup>
ranked Golden State Warriors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With both Westcoast teams missing their best player due to
injury – Stephen Curry for the Warriors and Kawhi Leonard for the Spurs – I expected
San Antonio’s All-star center LaMarcus Aldridge to come up huge in this game.
His toughness and consistency are often questioned, so this would have been the
perfect opportunity to prove himself in front of a major viewing audience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After scoring just 14 points in a 21-point loss while also
getting out played by the Warriors’ JaVale McGee, this moment looked like more
than Aldridge could handle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course I couldn’t do any better. I can still expect it,
though.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/music">#DailyPieces365 by Rick Chyme
& Man@Work</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-65414028837790669512018-02-21T20:23:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:28:15.943-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 52 – Black Watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 52 – Black Watch</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
52 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m blessed to wear an expensive Black Fossil watch on my Black
skin. I always know what time it is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I’m not dressed up for a special occasion, which I love
to do, you’ll often find me wearing a t-shirt. It’s usually something video
game or cartoon related. Here and there I’m decked in MSU gear, one from a
charity show or concert – Pop Evil, Hip-Hop for Flint, Project Cypher – or plain,
nothing printed on it at all. At these times this chucky, shiny time piece of
mine is visible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worn on my left arm, it stands out like a lighthouse. People
of all ages and ethnic backgrounds sail over to compliment me on this accessory
or to simply get a closer look.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like when people choose to comment. It’s surprising how
lengthy of a conversation you can have with people about watches. It shouldn’t
be a surprise, though, because it’s such a universal item. Lots of people
collect them. Their essentially functional bracelets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then there’s those who don’t say anything with their mouths.
Their eyes and facial expressions say enough. It’s people of all ages and
ethnic backgrounds who look at me like, “Where’d <i>you</i> get that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I always know what time it is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-64229989796038039162018-02-20T19:49:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:28:36.862-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 51 – Afraid to Be Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 51 – Afraid to Be Black<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
51 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a time I’d walk in a room, be the only Black
person there, and honestly think nothing of it. I was little. I didn’t know any
better. But you know what you learn, if that makes sense.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d mingle, talk with people I was comfortable talking to
and just be myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I got a little older I was told Black people weren’t
always as welcome as I thought. So I started paying attention. I’d see the disapproving
looks. I’d notice the difference in how I was being spoken to. I found out police
weren’t always fair to those who shared by skin color. I learned enough to
significantly disturb my comfort.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a moment in my life I was afraid to go certain places and
attempt certain activities because I was Black.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I got a little older, after gaining experience from
simply living, what I was told about Black people not always being as welcome
as I thought lost its sting. I still believed it. It was true. But it’s a ridiculous,
silly truth. I respected it because in some places, in some situations, you
have to. It’s the same for a White person, or a person of any other ethnicity
entering a space where they were the vast, even the extreme minority. But I no
longer feared it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wherever I go I’m going to me. Who I am may be enough to
change how it’s felt about what I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of all I won’t <i>ever</i>
be afraid to be Black. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-45028719694232421512018-02-19T02:30:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:28:50.178-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 50 – Draw Richard Pryor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5hVlsdvoAaTyha_GjcbhMsA4bDPuVjICZ48lzBdNMgX6KeEVfg1S4U6mEkeeEd_C-M-cOX1L99FnbjbQVEAU55ErLP7pRboN1MLC6kptt7RCUwoiztXROnk2ve-TnEiIVRcJizl0ankO/s1600/richard+pryor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="633" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5hVlsdvoAaTyha_GjcbhMsA4bDPuVjICZ48lzBdNMgX6KeEVfg1S4U6mEkeeEd_C-M-cOX1L99FnbjbQVEAU55ErLP7pRboN1MLC6kptt7RCUwoiztXROnk2ve-TnEiIVRcJizl0ankO/s320/richard+pryor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 50 – Draw Richard Pryor<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
50 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What you’re about to read is not exactly a Black History
Month story. It is, however, about my past, so it’s part of my history. I also
happen to be Black. Get it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Art was a big deal during my time in grade school. I loved
to draw pictures, I loved to tell stories and illustrate them. I probably
looked forward to art more than I did the recess bell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The art teacher would come to our class with assignments and
projects. Some of them we could finish at school in the time allowed. Others we
took home to finish, turning them in the next day. Each month had a special
theme. There was Fire Prevention Month, of course Black History Month, and one
of the months had something to do with dental hygiene. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One year for Blah-Blah Dental Something-Something Month, we were
told to draw a picture of a dentist taking care of a patient’s teeth. I decided
to draw Richard Pryor as a dentist holding a giant tooth brush. He was taking
care of someone with giant yellow bucked teeth. I drew a caption bubble above
his head and it read, “Let’s brush those big, yellow tooffus!” It was hung on
the wall outside our classroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a grade-schooler I thought I’d drawn a pretty good
Richard Pryor. It made me laugh every time I looked at it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My art teacher told me she didn’t get it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-64979136322043889252018-02-18T01:12:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:29:11.439-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 49 – An Appropriate Tune<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 49 – An Appropriate Tune<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
49 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The song “Stakes Is High” by iconic hip-hop group De La Soul
should have been on the soundtrack for Marvel’s <i>Black Panther</i> movie. They could have at least played it somewhere
in the film. It’s an appropriate tune.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s no stakes higher than a king fighting to keep his place
on the thrown, his family together, and his nation both united and safe. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Had I been executive producer of the soundtrack instead of
Kendrick Lamar, “Stakes Is High” would have surely made the cut. Add “Love”
from Mos Def’s <i>Black on Both Sides</i>
album to the track list too. Oh, and “Take It Personal” from Gang Starr’s <i>Daily Operations</i> and “Royalty” from
their LP <i>Moment of Truth</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My musical contribution to the movie would have sounded like
a 1990s basement mixtape. Given its Black History Month theatrical release, I
would have been right to load the set with classics. Its first track would be “It
Gets No Rougher” by LL Cool J. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because it’s from his album <i>Walking with a Panther</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what color is a panther?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Black!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m willing to bet a not-so-substantial amount Kendrick
Lamar never thought of that when he started conceptualizing <i>Black Panther</i>’s soundtrack. Kendrick
could have still be involved under my direction. I would have made him rap to
the beat of “Black Cat” by Janet Jackson. It’s an appropriate tune.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-71414720134157327752018-02-17T00:21:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:30:31.314-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 48 – No Expression of African Pride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 48 – No Expression of African Pride<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
48 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw Marvel’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Black
Panther</i> last night. I loved it. So far it’s the highlight of Black History
month.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend TJ and I went to an event at Celebration! Cinema
in Grand Rapids hosted by Totem Soul, Grand Rapids HipHop Coalition and The
Love Movement Inc. We could have easily watched the movie from one of the nicer
theaters closer to our homes but chose to make the trek for the fan fair.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the main character being an African king, some people
were dressed in African-inspired attire. Others wore costumes inspired by characters
from the movie and comic books. We even caught a glimpse of 2 people dressed as
members of the revolutionary Black Panther Party. I found their wardrobe choice
quite interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TJ and I didn’t dress up. He wore Michigan State University
gear. I went with an airbrushed Darth Vader t-shirt and my MSU ball cap to top
it off. Our exterior had no expression of African pride heading into this
movie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By no means were we out of place though. Our excitement
matched with everyone bustling about for snacks, photos, and Black Panther
merchandise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We could tell which adults in attendance fully bought into
the hype based on their outfits. I sure hope the night will be a Black History
Month highlight for them for years to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-80772598501425744922018-02-16T22:41:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:30:54.524-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 47 – I Heard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 47 – I Heard<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
47 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been listening to the song “Stakes Is High” by iconic
hip-hop group De La Soul over and over lately. I’ve done this before, played
their 1996 title track repeatedly. I had it on heavy rotation 20 years ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a little more time under my belt the song means more to
me now than it did before. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t want you to think its words and message fell on deaf
ears back in the day. Younger me wasn’t ignoring what members Trugoy and
Posdnuos were rhyming about. They touched on the continued carryover of inequality
along with the socially damaging subject matter our youth were consuming
through music. I heard all of that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s just their rhyme patterns in sync with late producer
J-Dilla’s beat was louder. I heard more of the fun than the fundamentals. That’s
changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young hip-hop artists approach me regularly with their
fun-loving, carefree attitudes asking me to listen to their music. Most often
it’s something bouncy and bass heavy with no discernable subject matter. Apparently
it’s made to attract club goers who spend every waking moment intoxicated. That’s
what I heard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder if these young artists care about the socially
damaging subject matter in their music. They have to realize the stakes are
higher than ever. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-7223204357570404942018-02-15T21:55:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:31:16.216-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 46 – Anyone There<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 46 – Anyone There</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
46 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The song “Stakes Is High” by iconic hip-hop group De La Soul
is considered by many, including me, to be a classic. The first single and
title track of their 1996 full-length studio album, this J-Dilla produced gem
still resonates today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On it group member Posdnous delivers a line that’s grown
more poignant and relevant to me as time has progressed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pos says, “Neighborhoods are now ‘hoods ‘cause nobody’s
neighbors”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I grew up in a quaint yet tough area. The grass was green,
bushes were trimmed, flowers blossomed along fences, and its trees rained
plenty of leaves to rake in the fall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of the families who lived there, including my own, were
close-knit transplants from the south. Their children and grandchildren played and
attended school together from the time they were in kindergarten until they
graduated from high school. We all knew one another, cared for one another, and
treated each other like extended family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know anyone there anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the elders have passed on. Their children and
grandchildren fled for different cities and states as drugs and drug-related
crimes ravaged that once quaint neighborhood. The grass, bushes, flowers and
trees are dead. Bullets reign.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My neighborhood became a ‘hood. Stakes there are certainly
high.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-16424478693981408902018-02-14T00:19:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:31:53.745-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 45 – A Dirty Goose in a Chicken Coop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 45 – A Dirty Goose in a Chicken Coop<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
45 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My basement is a warehouse of memories. Taped-up cardboard boxes
line its cold walls. Inside each of them are keys to the time machine. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few of the boxes are purposely stored on top of these
piles for easy access. One in particular contains report cards, art projects,
spelling tests, and other remnants from my time in kindergarten and 1<sup>st</sup>
grade. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My kindergarten class photo means more to me now than ever
before because my teacher, Mrs. Susan Leatzow, passed away in February of 2016.
I’ve been thinking about her a lot lately. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learned about Mrs. Leatzow’s passing the day after her
funeral. Had I known, I would have certainly attended to pay my respect. I
remember her being very nurturing and somewhat protective of me. I was 1 of very
few Black children in a Lutheran private school. It was like being a dirty goose
in a chicken coop. People looked at me as though I was about to lay anything
but a golden egg. Some probably expected a crispy fried one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though many at the school, mostly other parents, weren’t
thrilled to have me among the attendees, Mrs. Leatzow made me feel welcomed.
She didn’t treat me like “the Black Kid”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was still the kindergarten teacher there when I returned
in 8<sup>th</sup> grade. She was first in line to greet me. Sadly, I never got
to say goodbye.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-21386755559349934742018-02-13T03:09:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:32:12.802-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 44 – Tears of Excruciating Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 44 – Tears of Excruciating Joy</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
44 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can go back in time if we want to. All we need is something
from our past to take us there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My basement is full of potential time travel. A bunch of taped
up memories are scattered about as far as the eye can see. It’s a semi-well-organized
mess. Just at the bottom of the stairs rests a tall rectangular box overflowing
with DVDs. At the very top are several seasons of FOX television sitcom <i>Married… with Children</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For so long this has been my favorite TV show. I can’t
explain how much I’ve laughed at the dysfunction of the fictional Bundy Family.
My mom, on the other hand, didn’t find them amusing at all. Looking at the DVD
covers transports me to sitting on the living room couch in my mother’s
townhome. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d be laughing with tears of excruciating joy trickling
down my face as my mother frowned from the chair next to me. She'd be rolling her
eyes with displeasure, and at times would blurt out “That’s so stupid.”
Surprisingly, she would sit through an entire episode. That made no sense to me
then.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking back I realize my mom just wanted to spend time with
me. She was even willing to sit through an entire episode of a sitcom she
detested to do so. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazingly, I got all of that from just looking at a pile of
DVDs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-68187846201867193702018-02-12T01:53:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:32:30.888-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 43 – Wonderful Playground Toys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRMtxA1Je554A8tqOJ3VTy7M3XMQe3iX9JKeqi_BNyhB-lTd9iMl77bxuffemK9Ta8oC4y166c8n54hvypCf-QB1EKAO2YiTW8t-Np-IFcfaP5J4njjTjYpHAHznCCizJ9SuLekBIZ_T/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 43 – Wonderful Playground Toys<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
43 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past summer I drove past the school I attended during
kindergarten and 1<sup>st</sup> grade. I had the urge to just look at it for some
strange reason. It was a Lutheran private school with lots of wonderful playground
toys. I was curious to see if it was just as I remembered it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The school was no longer operational. I have no idea how
long it had been closed. A few of the windows were boarded up, the front door
had a hole in it. The entire building was beaten down by the weather and time.
I felt bad seeing it that way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All those wonderful playground toys appeared to have long
lost their wonder. Each piece had rusted quite a bit. Found in the heart of a
pretty decent neighborhood, it’s a shame these were in no condition for the
community to use them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to play on the swings. Before I made a few friends I’d
swing alone. I would attempt to swing with other students, even my classmates.
When I’d walk over they’d get up and go play elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So there I’d be in my sweater vest over a button up shirt
with jeans and loafers, swinging alone. All this came back to me during this random
visit to an abandoned, rundown school.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-49109902889475347962018-02-11T00:58:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:32:49.212-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 42 – Tape<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnyIbrqJAPYlDpE7zycqXQy9BTgYqIh7yxXvKus-NEYZLPXe5DN3yQBmlKvPm4M0V1QwT4nu_drkf3roy2DHKzcmsJ_FZMoe2sBfITL1fdrKUvQ0sqOM6c4UpF2UegFozR6IE8yirvzcJ/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnyIbrqJAPYlDpE7zycqXQy9BTgYqIh7yxXvKus-NEYZLPXe5DN3yQBmlKvPm4M0V1QwT4nu_drkf3roy2DHKzcmsJ_FZMoe2sBfITL1fdrKUvQ0sqOM6c4UpF2UegFozR6IE8yirvzcJ/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 42 – Tape</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
42 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most nights I’m writing when I should be sleeping.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Usually I’m in the living room recliner with my Toshiba
notebook on my lap. It’s been dropped and literally jumped on, so it’s more of
a patchwork computer. I have to wiggle the power cord to keep it from shutting
down, both the screen and its underbody are missing screws, and its right side
is held together with Guerilla Tape. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do have a newer, fancier touchscreen HP, but I prefer to
use this mangled one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, the left Shift key is gone too. Well, not entirely. I still have it, it’s
just not attached to my computer anymore. Despite its many injuries I refuse to
put this old dog down. For starters, it’s reliable. Secondly, we’ve told some
amazing stories together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I’ve been flashing back to my childhood past. I’ve
written about wanting to be Superman, being called “Black White Boy”, sitting
in the back of the school bus that picked me up from my considerably urban
neighborhood every morning, and being 1 of 5 Black children in an entire
school. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parts of that time period could have used some Guerilla Tape
yet I came away undamaged. There were some breaks but I’m not broken. I have a
few screws loose but I’m not crazy. I was dropped and literally jumped on.
Those situations made me feel powerless. Through it all I never broke down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-15438058006250888202018-02-10T01:27:00.000-05:002018-02-13T02:24:39.834-05:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 41 – Out of My Pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9nKIvvoCqbR2PDZ9_UHqtso_sZOlo_x0XkUI7NuZDpOxEREAC5ouHmQGEdeqV9oDKZK927SdKD72SrJcMfdktStpJjxuymjxMS7AjtUdIpafe-p9FjWq73esDpzYjtFA7qUIcCjOuSS5/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9nKIvvoCqbR2PDZ9_UHqtso_sZOlo_x0XkUI7NuZDpOxEREAC5ouHmQGEdeqV9oDKZK927SdKD72SrJcMfdktStpJjxuymjxMS7AjtUdIpafe-p9FjWq73esDpzYjtFA7qUIcCjOuSS5/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 41 – Out of My Pants<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
41 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Men@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
----------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturdays. My mother would make breakfast while my sisters
and I watched cartoons. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had our favorites – <i>Spider-Man
and His Amazing Friends</i>, <i>Pole
Position</i> (mostly for the theme song), <i>Thundarr
the Barbarian</i>, <i>Turbo Teen</i> (when I
look back I realize it was ridiculous), and <i>Dungeons
& Dragons</i>. We’d watch toons until noon then it was time for <i>Soul Train</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we finished our weekly ride on the hippest trip in
America we’d all start getting dressed. This could take a couple hours because
we only had one bathroom. After everyone was clean and fully clothed to each
their likings we’d pile into the car and head to Grand Rapids to shop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first stop was usually Rogers Department Store.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’d enter the store by the jewelry counters, walk past the
perfume and then head upstairs to the boys department. It seemed I was always
growing out of my pants. The funny thing about that is I didn’t grow up to be
tall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we were in the boys department my big sisters took
over. Influenced by pop culture and a few of the boys they went to school with,
my attire had to be cute and layered. The way I was dressed would typically be
described as preppy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wore sweater vests over button-up shirts with jeans and
loafers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-40668490811111387332018-02-09T23:53:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:33:07.672-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 40 – The Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9nKIvvoCqbR2PDZ9_UHqtso_sZOlo_x0XkUI7NuZDpOxEREAC5ouHmQGEdeqV9oDKZK927SdKD72SrJcMfdktStpJjxuymjxMS7AjtUdIpafe-p9FjWq73esDpzYjtFA7qUIcCjOuSS5/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9nKIvvoCqbR2PDZ9_UHqtso_sZOlo_x0XkUI7NuZDpOxEREAC5ouHmQGEdeqV9oDKZK927SdKD72SrJcMfdktStpJjxuymjxMS7AjtUdIpafe-p9FjWq73esDpzYjtFA7qUIcCjOuSS5/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 40 – The Way<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
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Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
40 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wasn’t like the other children in my neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wore sweater vests over button-up shirts with jeans and
loafers. Those my age around the way wore sports jerseys, t-shirts and
sneakers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As much as I liked to watch basketball I didn’t particularly
like to play it. I could hit a shot now and then but I wasn’t a good shooter by
any means. If I happened to end up on a team I could get you a few steals and
rebounds, make the right pass, I’d even get a block occasionally. To my peers
around the way this was never good enough. I didn’t care. I preferred to participate
in soccer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My mother didn’t allow me to listen to dirty comedy or watch
R-rated movies. For others this was okay, and if it wasn’t they’d sneak and do
it. Not me. I played it straight. If I wasn’t watching any number of old school
cartoons – The Flintstones, Jetsons, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Woody Woodpecker, and
Mighty Mouse to name a few, I’d be writing in my notebook or reading Marvel comic
books.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The children from my neighborhood called me goofy, weird, and
a nerd. My favorite insult of theirs was “Black White boy” which insinuated I
was a Black child who behaved like a White child.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wasn’t like them at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!</span>Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2043372374526427965.post-24701906351327145082018-02-08T23:55:00.000-05:002018-04-15T02:33:30.885-04:00To Develop: Blog 365 Day 39 – Superman is White. I Never Noticed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9nKIvvoCqbR2PDZ9_UHqtso_sZOlo_x0XkUI7NuZDpOxEREAC5ouHmQGEdeqV9oDKZK927SdKD72SrJcMfdktStpJjxuymjxMS7AjtUdIpafe-p9FjWq73esDpzYjtFA7qUIcCjOuSS5/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9nKIvvoCqbR2PDZ9_UHqtso_sZOlo_x0XkUI7NuZDpOxEREAC5ouHmQGEdeqV9oDKZK927SdKD72SrJcMfdktStpJjxuymjxMS7AjtUdIpafe-p9FjWq73esDpzYjtFA7qUIcCjOuSS5/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>To Develop: Blog 365 Day 39 – Superman is White. I Didn’t
Notice.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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By Jiddoe S'Phatt</div>
<br />
<br />
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Warmest greetings! My name is Jiddoe S’Phatt. Welcome to day
39 of “To Develop: Blog 365”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration to write comes from a number of places. For this
blog I’ve been inspired by hip-hop artist <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">Rick Chyme and producer
David K. Manley</a> of Man@Work Productions. Through a collaborative project
titled <a href="https://dailypieces365.bandcamp.com/releases">#DailyPieces365</a>
these two artists will release a new song every day for 365 consecutive days!
Their impressive dedication has motivated me to write a new blog every day of
2018.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little piece of me goes into each entry I write. I hope
you enjoy this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Children have their heroes. One of mine was Superman. To me,
for the longest, he was simply the coolest of all cool things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But every now and then I’d find myself around an adult who
wasn’t particularly fond of the last son of Krypton. A few of them just felt he
wasn’t thrilling or remarkable. If the adult was Black, their dislike of
Superman was socially and racially motivated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For starters they weren’t keen on the idea of this White man
being the ultimate savior. They also took issue with him being mostly
invincible, especially being impervious to bullets. As I child I didn’t
understand why that was bothersome. Since then I’ve lived through of a number
of Black males being slain by bullets. I get it now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They’d go on. Superman is nosey with his super hearing and
x-ray vision, they said. If he was Black with those power he’d be a criminal,
they said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I watched Superman fly around the Earth so fast in reverse
of its rotation, it made time rewind. He removed a still smoldering missile
from beneath the ground where it impacted and he didn’t get burned in the
process. He raced a speeding train, won, then jumped across the track in front
it. He’d rescue someone in peril on the other side of the world and still make it to work on time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition to all of that he could freeze things by
breathing on them <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> shoot beams of
heat from his eyes. As a child it made no sense to me why some Black people got
bent out of shape over the fact that Superman is White. I didn’t notice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Share your thoughts with me at <a href="mailto:info@mrjoewalker.com">info@mrjoewalker.com</a> or on Twitter <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/twitter.com/mrjoewalker">@mrjoewalker</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Joe%20Walker/Documents/Mr.%20Joe%20Walker/MrJoeWalker.com/B%20-%20Blog%20365/MrJoeWalker.com">MrJoeWalker.com</a>
for more great stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Mr. Joe Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130998485300688136noreply@blogger.com0