T Diddy :: Your Friendly Black Dentist

The summer months are the worst for finding any entertainment on TV. It is the repeat season for seasonal shows, sports come to an end, and the only thing really to watch is junk. Well, the great news is that my wife found the best junk around. She discovered Deion and Pilar on the Oxygen channel. Deion is Deion Sanders, the all-pro multi-sport athlete. This show is the diary of their life together. While it is obvious that both are clearly somewhat showing out for the camera, the dialog and cheesy witty lines Deion throws out consistently are worth a watch. One episode, he consistently tries to have sex with his wife while hiding from his kids. After failed attempts of trying to make love in his closet, which is bigger than my entire house, or in his daughter's room (yes, you read that correctly), they finally decide to make an appointment in their schedules. Deion proceeds to say, "I don't feel right to make an appointment to get some drawz." Clearly, with lines like this after the transpiring events, one cannot help but to laugh at the silliness. The problem is that as you criticize the show, you slowly become more engaged in the comedy and before you know it you set Tivo to record all the shows.
I do not give many recommendations, but I definitely recommend you view this wonderful show that will be sure to make you just laugh because it is intelligently stupid.

On March 18, this past Friday, I had the privilege to attend the Barack Obama rally in Philadelphia. I always knew that he would come and hold a rally in the city, but the question was a matter of when. Finally, the day had arrived after many conversations with Azaryas, a friend at dental school, about going to see him once he comes. The plan was set all we had to do was beat the crowds to ensure we get a good seat or place to stand. Well, it turned out better than one could have ever hoped.

I met Azaryas at 1:30 at the site of the event, Independence Mall. Earlier in the day, I visited a Obama campaign office to pick up tickets. Tickets were not required, but were necessary to get as close as possible. As expected, there was confusion about the logistics at the site. Nobody had the same answer for the question of where the line would begin. During our investigation, we learned that there were a different color ticket, which was of a higher class. These were blue and considered VIP.

We eventually found our way to the line for the tickets we had. Our tickets were orange and 2nd class. We were at the front of the line as people began to form a queue behind us. Also, there where you typical people who would be friendly to cut the line. After about 2 hours, we were 20 deep in the line. What can you do after you fight for so long trying to deny these people. Plus Azaryas and I were now distracted with our plan of acquiring the blue tickets.

Azaryas began to work a connection he had with a volunteer. He was gone for about 45 minutes as I battled the warm sun and the sneaky people cutting the line smiling. As my head beaded with the warm sweat, I saw a rally volunteer holding blue tickets. I walked up to him and said, "My friend and I our students from UPenn. We are studying to become doctors who are huge supporters of Obama. Would you be kind enough to give us 2 blue tickets?" I only throw out the UPenn card when I need it. I had to try as I have been following this race since Obama announced he would run. The problem I have, I admit, is that I have a crush on Obama. To my surprise, he said, "Sure!". The UPenn card work and to come to find out, he was an important volunteer as he was introduced on stage at the beginning of the event.

We my two blue tickets in hand, I called Azaryas and we made our way to the blue VIP ticket line. We were about 50 people deep. Time was ticking slow in the hot sun as we bashed Clinton with fellow Obamacrats standing in the line on the sidewalk. Again, he had the slick people cutting lines smiling. The line went from 2 people wide to about 20. Instead of being number 50 in line, we must have been about 150. What could we do? We don't want to be beggars as we got blue tickets. We were even so fortunate to get another for Azaryas' girlfriend, who met us after work. I am not going to complain about our fortune.

An announcement was made that the gates were about to open. Like the decent people of Philadelphia, they all made a rush for the gate. We went from 150 to about 250. However, on this great day, our fate was not going to be denied. Exactly where we were standing, a side gate opened. We bypassed all of the lovely people who decided to cut the line to be the first people to pass through the open security gate formed by the secret service. After the gate, we walked into an open empty lawn where the podium was located. The walk turned into a run as we secured our position directly behind the security fence 10 feet from the podium. We had front row seats! I was so hyped!

Come to find out, the rally at Independence Mall had an estimated 35,000 - 40,000 people. And I was front and center about to listen to a man who I think is one of the most inspirational of not only our time, but also in our history. He gave a brilliant speech and after the conclusion, he circled the gated area to shake hands. Yes, I shook hands with President Obama. I melted like the little girls do for Hannah Montana. I will never watch political news the same. In fact, my hand will never be the same because I refuse to wash it. What a magnificent experience!!

Do you see the sexy man in the gold shirt by the left corner of the podium?

It is official. I am a dad for 1 week as of today. It is awesome.

Our little baby is not even here yet and that little rascal is taking over my house. My office is not full of baby stuff. It is not organized because I am awaiting furniture from the store. There is a pack and play in my dining room along with the 3 wheeled stroller. There is a bassinet and a little bouncy chair. This kid has more places to sit then I currently have. And the little one is not even here.

These are not complaints. They are merely observations of this great time in our lives. Having a baby is truly a family event. My dad, mom, and family on Tracy's side are all so happy. They are loving and supportive. They just cannot wait. I tried to tell them that they cannot spoil the child, but they just laughed at me. I was once significant in my house. Now, I am forgotten. I guess it comes with the territory. I really cannot wait to see my baby.

Tomorrow will be a very important date in America history. Tomorrow will be a day that a very inspirational man will capture the hearts of Americans and begin his position to lead our country. Go out and vote with your mind and heart; Obama!!!!! There is no logical reason to vote Hillary. Not one. I will have that debate with anybody. Go out and make your voice heard. Go out and make a stand. Join the movement that is sweeping our nation. Vote Obama!!! I can fee a change coming.

This past weekend, after about 3 years, I finally finished San Andreas GTA. I completed all the missions. I did not get 100% complete, but it was 91.8%. It was this because there are stupid tasks like stealing and exporting certain types of cars. There are other tasks like this that I did not have the patience for. Overall, this game was one of the best I ever played. It was very involved and complex. The next GTA, I am sure, will surpass this fine game.

As I head into, yet, another year, I will not be making any resolutions. Instead, Tracy and I will continue down the path we have started down. And that is to have a family that puts faith in God to supply our needs. I don't need any resolutions. Perhaps, what is more important is the reflection of what was and what you never really want today. Here are few things on the top of my head.
1. I used to drink all night until I was tore up. Today, I have no desire to drink and would not want to feel the effects of the hangover.

2. I used to stay up until 4 am and recover in one day. Today, if I were to stay up that late, it would take me 2 weeks to recover. This would be true if I stayed up until 1 am.

3. I used to be single and chase women. Today, I am married and feel so blessed that I no longer have to chase the cat.

4. I used to be caught up in status and the power of money. Today, I no longer view it that way. It is no longer want money for that reason. I just want to eat and put a roof over my head.

5. I used to somewhat worry about what people thought of me. Today, I have no care in the world.

6. I used to hate hearing or saying the word, "No". Today, "No" is refreshing to hear.

7. I used to want to go hang out in the bars and streets. Today, the only place I want to be is on my home protected by the crazy fools in the world.

8. I used to love traveling by plane to any destination. Today, I loathe the idea of even going to the airport to deal with rookies and the obnoxious idiotic security precautions and staff.

9. I used to love working in corporate businesses. Today, my desire is definitely not there.

10. I used to love meeting new people. I still do, but today, I do not have the energy to put forth to establish a strong initial bond.

There is a list of 10 things I am thankful that I have gained wisdom in. I am 32 years old, I have I look forward to 40. I definitely would not want to be in my 20's once again. Those years where actually kind of crappy.

Whether people like it or not, poll play a huge role in elections. Polls dictate what the media talks about and how they will talk about it. This past week in Iowa, Obama has the lead according to an ABC poll. This is huge news since Clinton has a large poll lead in the National although, it is slowly shrinking. Personally, I cannot wait until the December 10 debates in LA. These debates will be key for Obama and Edwards to really set a tone that is about them and show off their qualities that make them a better candidate than Clinton. On this date, Clinton will come will prepared and should give her typical all inclusive ra-ra answers. I no longer really want to see an aggressive attack on Clinton. Instead, I want a logical and practical argument that clearly defines a road map to respectability as a nation from Obama and Edwards. I want to see a contrast of how the American people will be the focus and not the privileged few in the next 4 years.

If it is not known, let it be known now that I am not a supporter of Clinton. I was when she first announced, but her platform that she is running on is uninspiring. I just don't understand how every answer she can give can be on "my side." I want real talk. I like my man Dennis, but he just has no chance to win. Richardson has a lot to offer, but he is not the right man to be president. Somehow, it just does not work. Joe Biden is solid and I like how is more relaxed and his personality is seen more than the others. In fact, I think he would make a good president.

Personally, I am more moderate than liberal. I don't support everything that liberals say and fight for, but I do respect their right to fight. To me, sometimes people are too sensitive and spend time on issues that are not necessarly the issues or that do not need to be issues. A good example of how I am moderate is regarding gay marriage. I do not support it because it is defined as a union between man and woman under God according to one of the oldest books, The Bible. This is one book that I cannot dispute. Disputing the bible is another argument. Contrary to marriage, I fully support same sex partnerships and recognition by the government even though I do not support the lifestyle. With this recognition, couples will have hospital visitation rights, benefit eligibility, estate inheritance, etc. This is the core issue with this issue. I am liberal in the fact that I do not want to impose what I believe by telling people how to live and alienating them as a citizen of this country. On the other hand, I am conservative because I do not support "Gay Marriage". Hence, I am moderate. This stance does not mean I am homophobic like many people will try to label me. Nor does it mean that I do not like people who are gay. I do not care if people are gay and have many friends who happen to be gay.

For my rant above, I cannot sincerely support Edwards. I just cannot imagine my little kids coming home telling me they were read a story about two men playing daddy and mommy. These are my values and Edwards does not support them.

I find myself supporting Obama mainly because of practical, sensible and diplomatic approach. I do not prefer conflict and would much rather talk out issues. However, if you do cross me, I will strike and I will strike hard. Obama offers this for Foreign policy. He is practical when it comes to social security and health care. He knows he cannot wave a magic wand and make everything better. It sucks he talks about raising the salary ceiling for taxes to help social security. but I am okay with it because I little more money I will be taxed will help out people and in the long run, it will come back to me when I am of age. Regarding health care, I think he is right on the money. Costs are completely out of control. There are many reasons for this. I think he is capable of fighting this battle as he is not in bed with the big corporations. The media makes it seem that only our Mexican neighbors are the problem with people taking residence in the USA illegally. This is not true as there are many people on student and work visa that choose not to leave and stay illegally. The problem is not with the people. The problem is with the process and system. Obama recognizes this and knows that internal reform is needed and not some dumb wall. These are a few example of Obama's practicality. My vote is for Obama unless it is miraculously change this forthcoming month and there is unexpected bad news about his policies and/or past. December 10, I hope to see his vision clearly stated as he shines over Clinton. I hope you join the Obama train with me, but regardless of who you support, my hope is that you just get out and vote for change. Our nation is in peril and it will take a pray and a miracle to bounce back.

For me to do three more blogs on Clinton, Obama, and Edwards is futile. They are so much in the media at this time of year, people should no about them. Also, I am tired of these blogs. However, to make my documentation complete, I will write a statements of each.

Edwards - I am not sure where he stands. His current MO is to slam Hilliary. this tactic is fine, but John, "You need to tell where you stand." He is not telling us what he will do once he is in office. His entire rhetoric is about condemning Clinton and her old school politics not working. If you are a true liberal, Edwards is your vote. As he thinks it is okay to read gay relationship stories to little kids in the classroom. There is nothing really conservative about this Southern Boy. You are basically getting John Kerry of 2004 in 2008, except for the fact Edwards is a smooth talker. My first thought of Edwards is that he does not have what it takes to win. He is in the running, but he needs to begin to define himself a little more.

Clinton - It is true. You basically love Hilliary or you hate her. She is a savvy politician who can wiggle her way out of a tough situation better than her man Bill. If you do listen to her speak, you will hear vagueness. She only once answered a question directly as her common practice is to say something that appeases everybody. Additionally, she typically answers in a manner that is inclusive of the other candidates to make it seem that they all agree with her and there are no differences. With Hilliary, you are getting somebody who as seen the dirty ways of the Oval Office. I do not know where she gets 35 years of experience from because she has only been a Senator during this century. She is polarizing and potentially will not be able to work across party lines due to excessive baggage from her husband and her senate term. Clinton tells us what she is for, but she is not admitting or specify details of what makes her different. Her claim of experience is hogwash because there is no experience that will make anybody ready to become the president of the US. The only person who can claim this advantage is Bill Richardson.

Barack Obama - Obama is the fresh face on the scene. He is realatively untainted by the political process. Unlike the other Big 2, he is doing a good job of what he wants to do and enough detail to differentiate himself between the other two. He says things that people may not want to here like raising the salary tax level to pay for health insurance on top of balancing the budget. This is not what I want to hear as I will soon be in that tax bracket, but you have to respect his view. A vote for Obama will be vote for an unknown an new direction. He for sure is more culturally aware than the other candidates and will use that to drive his foreign policy. He has a better opportunity to work across party lines than the other Big 2 as he seems to be more of a peace maker than a fire starter. The strike against Obama, is not his experience, it may be is the fact that he is black. However, it seems through recent polls that the country may be overlooking this fact. A good move on his part is that he is running on his platform of initiatives without crying out any race card. You cannot compare Obama to Jesse because Obama is much more intelligent, articulate, and has higher moral values. Obama is the JFK vote in this decade.

Biography - 2003-Present: Governor of New Mexico, 1998-2001: U.S. Energy Secretary, 1997-1998: U.N. Ambassador, 1983-1997: U.S. Representative, New Mexico, Catholic.

Iraq - Says U.S. troops should be redeployed by the end of the year to Afghanistan and other regions in the Persian Gulf as the situation is about to implode. The surge is not working and believes Petraeus is just being team player with the current administration.

Foreign Policy - Wants to be tougher on China because it's a strategic competitor. Wants UN troops in Darfur, & UN-enforced no-fly zone. with the help of China and Europe. He believe Bush's policies made Israel less safe. He promotes diplomacy and talking with enemies. It yields results.

Environment - Favors U.S. joining Kyoto treaty to curb greenhouse gas emissions and going "well beyond" its requirements, boosting fuel economy standards. Wants to invest in renewable energy to decrease oil imports from 65 percent of fossil fuel use to 10 percent in 15 years.

Health Care - Wants tax breaks for businesses and for people who pay for their own coverage. Lower the eligibility age for Medicare to 55 and expand programs for poor and children. Package could cost up to $110 billion a year. Savings would come by expanding spending on preventive care. Additional coverage for undocumented workers. Everybody will be covered.

Abortion - Favors abortion rights and resists any effort to prevent a woman's right to choose.

Civil/Gay Rights - Does not believe in gay marriage because homosexuality is a choice and not an issue of science. Supports civil unions for equal rights.

Immigration - Favors path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, opposes border fence. Wants increase in H-1B visas to permit more skilled workers. Conflicting himself a bit, he wants immigrants to pay into the health care system.

Budge and Economy - Raise taxes on the wealthiest. Relieve middle-income workers of the alternative minimum tax, Wants $60 billion spent in five years on tax breaks for investment in high-tech jobs and for research in new technologies. This will help the economy grow and produce strong employment opportunities. He also wants the mortgage industry to operate with more liquidity & more transparency. Supports balanced budget act.