A Era Ended in Utah, That Never Reached Highest Highs.

Andrei Kirilenko never got into a great rhythm after that one All-Star season with the Jazz. But a lack of rhythm wasn't his problem. Actually, it was his strength.

He was all about disrupting the ebb and flow, short circuiting the system.

But he was also a nice guy in a hard business, which may have kept him from being great.

Reports on Tuesday said Kirilenko was nearing terms with the New Jersey Nets. If true, it is as surprising as a snow day in Omsk. Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has openly coveted his countryman's skills. It has been a foregone conclusion since last spring that his days in Utah were over. Becoming a free agent cleared the Jazz of a $17.8 million salary.

So off he goes into the sunset. No more Cold War headlines and references to assault rifles. The main thing Kirilenko assaulted was the Jazz's pocketbook.

During that one joyful year of 2003-04, he was the team's most popular and valuable player. It was the first season of the post-Stockton and Malone era. Some experts predicted the Jazz would be the worst team in the NBA. Instead, he averaged career highs in points, rebounds, steals and blocks, as the Jazz posted a shockingly respectable 42 wins.

He liked his role and, just as important, he liked his place. He said he appreciated raising his family in Utah. For most players in his salary range, playing for the Jazz is like playing in, well, Siberia.

Eventually he became a symbol of an era of overspending. Average players got obscenely high salaries, good ones got astronomical paychecks. But he was only a product of the system. He never huffed about the need to maintain a big lifestyle, never talked down to his public. He claims to have once offered to void his contract with the Jazz if the team thought he wasn't giving them a fair return.

In an era in which Greg Ostertag could make $8 million in a single season, Kirilenko could far better justify his salary.

Nevertheless, A.K. had trouble with injuries, missing 10 games or more in every season except his first three. In 2004-05, the year after he was named an All-Star, he lost 26 games with a sprained knee, 14 more with a broken wrist. But his biggest problem was inside his head. He never completely adjusted to Jerry Sloan's rants. And he wasn't mean on the court. Early in his career he would help fallen opponents up, something Sloan didn't condone.

In his 10 years in Utah, Kirilenko never did learn to speak perfect English. Even his wife agreed, when she hypothesized that his problems with Sloan stemmed from a communication drawback. On the court, he would regularly whirl into the middle but have trouble getting the ball up in heavy traffic. Yet his quick flashes to the rim for a pass-and-score from Deron Williams were also among his assets.

With the arrival of Carlos Boozer and Williams to do the scoring, as well as other small forwards such as Matt Harpring, C.J. Miles and recently Josh Howard, his role diminished. Yet he talked about being a good teammate and vowed to do whatever it took to win, reserve or starter. And he still turned in box scores that looked like an international phone number, with double digits in points, rebounds, blocks, assists or steals —often in several categories at once.

Always, he was there to throw the other team off balance. His game was never about grooving to the beat. On his good days it was like watching kids on Christmas morning, enjoying the chaos.

While Kirilenko never justified his ending salary, he was a nice guy and a unique player, who did many good things —just not maximum salary things. He was polite to fans and media. Even when he found himself falling deeper into Jerry Sloan's doghouse during the 2007 playoffs, he came off as maybe too tender, getting teary as he discussed his lack of playing time.

Sloan complained he wasn't equipped to deal with that sort of emotion.

"What I can do?" Kirilenko would say in his broken English, rather than "What can I do?" about the situation.

What he could do was fill up a box score.

What he couldn't do was be a superstar in a world much harsher than his.

John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

Examine The Reds Deal To Acquire Mat Latos.

The Cincinnati Reds shook the baseball landscape over the weekend when they traded three prospects and pitcher Edinson Volquez to the San Diego Padres for Mat Latos. The deal was a bold stroke for Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty who dealt from a position of strength to acquire one of the best starting pitchers available on the trade market. Jocketty had been criticized recently as the Reds failed to complete any major deals during baseball's winter meetings. Cincinnati failed to make the playoffs last season despite having one of the best lineups in the National League Central. The acquisition of Latos gives Reds manager Dusty Baker a legitimate number one starter to front his rotation. Latos, who is under team control through the 2015 season, is just 24 years old. He has logged over 180 innings in each of the past two seasons. Latos and Johnny Cueto give Cincinnati a young and talented top two starters in a division suddenly weakened by the defection of Albert Pujols and Ryan Braun's looming suspension. Cincinnati paid a hefty price for Latos. Edinson Volquez has battled injuries over the past three seasons and will likely be a traded chip for the Padres. First baseman Yonder Alonso was one of the Reds top prospects and could start at first for San Diego in 2012. Alonso, a former first round draft choice, played 47 games for Cincinnati last season and posted an impressive .943 OPS in 88 at bats. The small sample size should be cause for concern to San Diego. Alonso has logged 192 games at AAA over the past two seasons and compiled just a .842 OPS. Despite the hot start to his big league career Alonso should not be confused with a can't-miss slugger. Alonso was expendable due to being blocked from playing first base in Cincinnati by All Star Joey Votto. San Diego also received catching prospect Yasmani Grandal and reliever Brad Boxberger. Grandal had an impressive 2011 season advancing from the California League to the International League but ranked behind Devin Mesoraco on the organizational depth chart. Boxberger struck out 93 batters in 62 innings between AA and AAA. He could find his way into the San Diego bullpen this season. The Reds look like the early winners of the Latos deal. Cincinnati undoubtedly acquired the best player in the trade and he will instantly improve the team's chances to contend in 2012 and beyond. The young players that the Reds surrendered don't appear to be difference makers and both Grandal and Alonso were blocked in Cincinnati by better young players Joey Votto and Devin Mesoraco respectively.

So Women Can Be Realistic Thinkers Sometimes.

Women may dream of finding Prince Charming, but a new study shows that they're far more realistic in choosing real-life spouses. A survey of 2,000 women commissioned by Remington determined that only 25% of women believe the perfect man exists and the remaining 75% don’t aim to find Mr. Right -- Mr. Good Enough will do. Women found their partners to be about 69% perfect. So, what’s holding the men back? A few of the male faults included leaving the bathroom door open, watching too much sports and inadequate personal grooming. Snoring, ripping on your girlfriend’s driving and not vibing with her family can also drop your score. Also, one in five women believe their man doesn’t listen to them. On the bright side, 35% of women said that personality is the most important male quality, so don’t fret. If you can make her laugh, she’s willing to overlook a few of the flaws. Now the question remains: Do men actually believe that the perfect woman exists? John G. Dunn II jgdunn.blogspot.com

Morning Rituals That Upgrade Life Satisfaction

How we feel on a day-to-day basis changes constantly. We might feel on top of the world one day, but then like death the next. While our day-to-day moods may fluctuate, how satisfied we feel with our life should not. Life satisfaction relates to the big picture, and how a person feels about their life as a whole, over the long-term. It’s typically answered by a simple question: “How satisfied are you with your life, right now?” If the answer is negative, be sure to read on as I explores the top morning rituals that will upgrade your overall life satisfaction. Groom- While it feels almost silly to say, it’s the cold hard truth: When you look your best, you feel your best. But when you’ve overslept and are suddenly running late for a big breakfast date, work, or etc, do you really have the time you need to groom properly? Probably not. Now you’ll show up looking like a mess and will probably blow the one chance you have to impress a new date, or that co worker you sweet on. The point is that looks go beyond mere self-esteem. How we look has an impact on everything from personal relationships to business relationships. So get grooming to get satisfied. Take stock of what you're grateful for- The mind is an incredible thing. As science continues to provide windows into how it functions, it’s becoming clear just how powerful positive thinking can be, particularly with respect to life satisfaction. In the hustle and bustle of busy life, we often forget to simply stop and take stock of what we’re grateful for. So why not do that each and every morning? Find a few minutes each day to congratulate yourself on long-term and short-term goals that you’ve accomplished. Don’t focus on what you have yet to do, but what you’ve already done. Turn off the TV- Who doesn’t love early morning talk TV? There’s something so comforting about it, knowing that the world is waking up alongside you. Well, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate. Not only can TV in the morning be a huge distraction, keeping us from focusing on the day’s goals, but too much TV has actually been shown to decrease life satisfaction. Do yourself a favor and tune out. Wake naturally- Human sleep is largely controlled by circadian rhythm, often referred to as the body’s clock. This clock is driven largely by the light-dark cycle of the sun. When light begins to fade, the body produces melatonin to put you to sleep. As morning approaches, melatonin production stops. The problem is that many of us sleep in dark rooms with little-to-no entryway for natural light. The lack of natural light prevents our body’s clock from properly resetting, resulting in low quality sleep. Get a satisfying night’s rest by leaving the curtains open at night or by purchasing a natural-light alarm clock that mimics the rising sun. Eat a balanced breakfast- Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the expression that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, it’s true. Over the years a number of studies have examined the subject, and most have reached the same conclusion: Starting the day without a solid meal has a slight but detectable negative effect on mood, memory and energy level. But it gets worse. If you’re starting off on the wrong note, that negativity is likely to snowball, throwing your whole day out of whack. Stay satisfied by eating a balanced breakfast of complex carbs, protein and fat. Hit the gym- My favorite one. I don’t need to tell you that increased exercise leads to greater life satisfaction -- OK, I just did -- but did you know that when you exercise is also important? Studies are increasingly finding that morning exercise improves our quality of sleep compared to evening exercise. And poor quality of sleep is linked to a variety of health conditions that will leave you feeling less than satisfied. But you don’t have to actually hit the gym to be active. Any form of exercise will do, like biking to work or walking the dog. See people- Hollywood loves to depict the hermit-type as an angry, foul person. Although it’s becoming a touch cliché, it’s probably grounded in truth. After all, research shows that social interaction and personal relationships tend to be strongly associated with greater life satisfaction and a positive mood. With that in mind, try to add a social component to your morning ritual. It can be something as simple as sharing 10 minutes of chat time with your partner over coffee or joining an early morning running club. Get out and be social. Get some- One most of you may like. Just to be frank, I'm not talking about getting some breakfast, or friends, or anything else for that matter. No, I'm talking about sex. I already told you about the importance of physical activity and social interaction in terms of improving life satisfaction, so why not combine the two? Now, don't get it twisted I'm not telling you to start every day off with a bang, just find a way to once in a while incorporate physical contact into your morning routine. The result should leave you smiling. I know we all do have access to that luxury, but this is for the people who do. Set goals each day and achieve them- What better time than the morning to set the day’s goals? This isn’t exactly rocket science. If you set your goals early, you’ll have the whole rest of the day to achieve them. Easy, right? Just make sure to set realistic goals that you can actually achieve. But why is setting goals important? Research shows that setting goals and achieving them improves our life satisfaction. The process builds self-esteem and confidence, and ultimately feeds into the whole mentality of positive thinking. Find a morning hobby- Hobbies are the secret to improving life satisfaction. They’re outside of family, outside of work and generally outside of the many stresses of everyday life. And yet, finding a hobby that you enjoy and are good at can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Heck, it could even land you a new and exciting career. But because finding time for a hobby can be challenging, if you manage to incorporate one into your morning routine, you’ll not only be making time for yourself but you’ll leave the rest of the day for the rest of life’s problems. Problem solved. John G. Dunn II jgdunn.blogspot.com

Baby Momma

Now, you made me the proudest daddy, giving birth to my first born son I tend to not like you for so many things you do, and done. I don't want to tell my some how I think his mom ain't Shit. When deep down I know it ain't true. But I can sometimes however, see the jealous, bitter chick in you. I used to know the good in you. All the things you did to help out others. Being for your to do, and help them keep through. Because I know you possess this trait, I know you'll be a good mother. Good Mother??? Yeah I can honestly see that within you. Ignorant to the working of this country you choose to live. Remember you though you though your family and wealth could buy my kid? I'm not a big fan of yours, yeah it's true. However I must admit I consider myself lucky to share a kid with you. This journey we started, it runs a while I promise though to myself, you, and God, I'm do whatever it take to see my kid smile. John G. Dunn II jgdunn.blogspot.com

Differences In Men and Women That Will Never Be Changed.

I took part on a study that lasted a few months, where I went and asked many people, most in different aspects of life, about the differences between Men and Women. Asking a series of question to each person and putting together this post. Let see how much you agree! People in relationships often have strong expectations that their partner will be just like they are: exhibit the same attitudes, values, perceptions and behaviors. However, we know that you will not change your partner's attitudes and behaviors unless they themselves are motivated to do so. You are even less likely to change their basic gender characteristics. So it is very important to educate yourself as to the basic gender differences which exist between men and women, and accept the fact that the differences are there, they are real, and they are not going away. In this way you can learn to use the differences as a way to enrich your relationship rather than to damage it.

Are Men and Women really different? Let's look at the evidence in a variety of areas of life. Note that these findings are generalizations and summaries that apply to most men or women, but not to all men or all women.

*PHYSIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES Girls develop right side of brain faster than boys: leads to talking, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading earlier, better memory while Boys develop left side faster than girls: visual-spatial-logical skills, perceptual skills, better at math, problem solving, building and figuring out puzzles. Girls more interested in toys with faces than boys are; play with stuffed animals and dolls more; boys drawn to blocks or anything that can be manipulated. Women use both hemispheres of brain; corpus callosum thicker in women.

*Developmental Differences Between Boys and Girls: Nursery rhymes, books and cartoons perpetuate stereotypes,which often promote damsel in distress, frumpy housewife, helpless senior citizen, sexy heroine and swooning cheerleader. Girls use more terms of endearment than boys. Boys get away with more aggressive antisocial behavior in school and home than girls. Girls who act as tomboys are accepted; boys who act like girls are severely reprimanded ("don't cry" "Don't be a sissy"). Girls tend to talk about other people; secrets in order to bond friendships; and school, wishes and needs. Boys talk about things and activities. What they are doing and who is best at the activity. Teenage girls talk about boys, clothes and weight. Teenage boys talk about sports, mechanics, and function of things. age 12-18: biggest event for girls: have a boyfriend are 12-18: boys are equally interested in the following: sex, cars and sports. This carries into adulthood when women talk about relationships, people, diet, clothing, physical appearance. Men talk about sports, work, money, cars, news, politics, and the mechanics of things.

*VALUES AND SELF ESTEEM AS ADULTS -MEN A man's sense of self is defined through his ability to achieve results, through success and accomplishment. Achieve goals and prove his competence and feel good about himself. To feel good about himself, men must achieve goals by themselves. For men, doing things by themselves is a symbol of efficiency, power and competence. In general, men are more interested in objects and things rather than people and feelings. Men rarely talk about their problems unless they are seeking "expert" advice; asking for help when you can do something yourself is a sign of weakness. Men are more aggressive than women; more combative and territorial. Men's self esteem is more career-related. Men feel devastated by failure and financial setbacks; they tend to obsess about money much more than women Men hate to ask for information because it shows they are a failure. -WOMEN: Women value love, communication, beauty and relationships. A woman's sense of self is defined through their feelings and the quality of their relationships. They spend much time supporting, nurturing and helping each other. They experience fulfillment through sharing and relating. Personal expression, in clothes and feelings, is very important. Communication is important. Talking, sharing and relating is how a woman feels good about herself. For women, offering help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength; it is a sign of caring to give support. Women are very concerned about issues relating to physical attractiveness; changes in this area can be as difficult for women as changes in a man's financial status. When men are preoccupied with work or money, women interpret it as rejection.

*OTHER DIFFERENCES Men are more logical, analytical, rational. Women are more intuitive, holistic, creative, integrative. Men have a much more difficult time relating to their own feelings, and may feel very threatened by the expression of feelings in their presence. This may cause them to react by withdrawing or attempting to control the situation through a display of control and/or power. Men are actually more vulnerable and dependent on relationships than women are and are more devastated by the ending, since they have fewer friends and sources of emotional support. Men are more at ease with their own angry feelings than women are. Women are in touch with a much wider range of feelings than men, and the intensity of those feelings is usually much greater for women than men. As a result of this, many man perceive that women's feelings appear to change quickly; men may find this irrational and difficult to understand. Men tend to be more functional in approaching problem-solving; women are aesthetically-oriented in addition to being functional. Women tend to be much more sensitive to sounds and smells than men are; and women as such tend to place a greater emphasis on "atmosphere".

*CONFLICTS WHICH ARISE DUE TO BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN The most frequent complaint men have about women: Women are always trying to change them. The most frequent complaint women have about men: Men don't listen. Women want empathy, yet men usually offer solutions. When a woman tries to change or improve or correct or give advice to a man, men hear that they are being told that they aren't competent or don't know how to do something or that they can't do something on their own. Men often feel responsible or to blame for women's problems. Men always assume women want advice and solutions to problems, that that is the best way to be helpful and to show love; women often just want someone to sincerely listen to them.

Housework: men avoid it, try to get others to do it at all costs, feel demeaned by doing it. For women, cleanliness of house is a manifestation of warm, homey nest. Men and women have different thresholds for cleanliness and dirt. Men often try to change a woman's mood when she is upset by offering solutions to her problems, which she interprets as discounting and invalidating her feelings. Women try to change men's behavior by offering unsolicited advice and criticism and becoming a home-improvement committee.

*HOW TO WORK WITH THESE DIFFERENCES When women are upset, it is not the time to offer solutions, though that may be appropriate at a future time when she is calmed down. A man appreciates advice and criticism when it is requested. Men want to make improvements when they feel they are being approached as a solution to a problem rather than as the problem itself. Men have great needs for status and independence (emphasis on separate and different); women have needs for intimacy and connection (emphasis on close and same). Women need to receive caring, understanding, respect, devotion, validation, and reassurance. Women are motivated when they feel special or cherished. Men need to receive trust, acceptance, appreciation, admiration, approval, encouragement. Men are motivated when they feel needed. A man's deepest fear is that he is not good enough or not competent enough, though he may never express this.

*SUMMARY There are major, significant differences between men and women. The differences are different, NOT better or worse. Do not judge the differences. Do not try to change the differences. Do not try to make them go away. These are generalizations! Individual differences exist; we all have some of these qualities. To get along, you MUST accept, expect and respect these differences. Be sure to remember these differences when communicating about anything important, when expressing care and concern, and when solving conflicts. (John G. Dunn II jgdunn.blogspot.com)

Another Reason To Stop The Smoking.

Smoking cigarettes gets less cool by the pack. The latest news is that smoking destroys your memory. The common perception with cigarettes is that your lungs get trashed, your teeth turn medieval yellow and you stink. Now you can add a sluggish memory to the list of expected side effects.The journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence is set to publish a study that showed people who had never adopted the habit scored 37% better on a cognitive test than smokers. Those who had quit smoking for at least two and a half years fared 25% better than those still puffing.We’ve known that smoking effects retrospective memory, but this study reveals that smoking undermines your prospective memory, which is what you need to remember to carry out activities such as putting the toilet seat down, buying her flowers on her birthday and remembering to call on your anniversary. It’s yet another reason to forget about cigarettes.

Bengals @ Broncos Week 2 Preview

So we come into week 2 as winners off a win last week. Call it how you want it, rather it was lucky or what the Cincinnati Bengals are 1-0. A week that wasn't pretty, no consistency, Dalton get banged up, and the most positive thing was Cedric Benson and getting over 100 yards and carrying this team. That week is over and done with me, and now we face the Denver Broncos. This is a Broncos team that has just as many question, and insecurities as our Cincinnati Bengals, which mean this is another game that's really a toss up, a game that can go either way. So what's the keys!?! For us, we need Dalton to play the whole game, he has an injury to his throwing arm, so it will be very interesting to see how this go today. In order for Dalton to survive and play a good game, the O-line MUST play on a level we believe they can't. Believe it or not that's not the most important thing, the most important factor for the Bengals to come home 2-0 is the secondary. This secondary must not allow Kyle Orton to pick them apart. Orton is the Denver Broncos he is the only chance that team have to be successful, so they must contain him. The D-line will have to provide help by getting pressure on Orton and not giving him the time to pick their weak secondary apart. Offensively the Bengals must play their same game, but even better, Benson must get over the century mark again, and the Bengals receivers must step up to open up A.J. Green and keep the bracket coverage away from the new impact receiver Jermaine Gresham. This game will be a battle between these two Defenses. Broncos D, and Bengals D is very similar in many ways I give the Bengals the edge on that side of the ball, however I give the Broncos D the better matchup because the Bengals offense is weak, and weaker than the Broncos offense. It should be another very interesting week for WHO DEY nation. The fan in me has the Bengals winning a close game 21-17, the realist in me has the same score but the Broncos being winners. John G. Dunn II jgdunn.blogspot.com

Ortiz could beat Mayweather IF.......

So as we near a couple hours til the much anticipated fight (as we do every Mayweather fight), most people love Floyd, and want him to win. The Floyd bandwagon is always packed and filled with people. Of course I like to be different and I love the underdog so I like Ortiz. I think Ortiz has as much of a chance to give Floyd his first lost as anybody do. For Ortiz to win it a simple game plan, but will be VERY difficult for him to execute. Ortiz must use his power to his advantage, he must land punches early and often. Ortiz must get up in the fight early, up as in, up on the scorecards. If Ortiz can get up early on the cards, he forces Mayweather out of his comfort zone, and that defensive approach. Floyd approach to every fight is to use his speed to dip and dodge, and stick and move. If Ortiz can win the first few rounds, and force Mayweather to be the aggressor, then that's when he can sit back and use counter punches and possibly not only win, but knock Floyd out. Ortiz can't go the distance and win with Floyd, if he don't get up early on the fight. Stay tune ppl, but this is the game plan and the only way Ortiz can win this fight tonight!

Week 1 Preview: Bengals @ Browns

So week 1 is finally here. The wait has ended. It just so happens to be on this day September 11, where 10 years ago all our lives changed forever. As a fireman it really hurts me, mad about the fact I was 13 had no idea what was going on or had no way to help. All I knew was that even then I wanted to be fireman and I wanted to help people and my brothers but couldn't. Sports was our medicine, sports is the medicine for this country. So this is not a day to be feeling sad, mad, or etc.this is a day for rejoice, be thankful for what we have, the ability we have to love and the dose of medicine we will be taking in today. So with that said will WHO DEY nation please stand up. I'm talking about the genuine, true Bengal fans. Not the fans who expect them to lose, not the fan who think they're going to do anything but win. I know Cincinnati fan base is one the worst as far as commitment, but don't stand up if your going to bash them on Facebook as soon as they turn the ball over, or get a 3 and out. The expectations is not high at all for this team worldwide, but the fans that I want to stand up, are the fans that regardless of what everybody say, you still believe whole heartedly that, not only that this team can be successful, but also that they will be. True of the matter is, you never know what can happen, the NFL consist of the best against the best, which mean any given sunday, anybody can win and anybody can be beat. The 2011 Cincinnati Bengals can be one them teams that surprise everybody and I think it starts today, so let me tell you what must occurre for this to happen. We all know they must ride the back of Cedric Benson, and I think he will carry them today running for 110-120 yards and 2TD's.  Dalton will be better than expected, I only say that cause nobody believe he can be a good QB yet. Coach Gruden can help this kid out a lot by using the strength of Dalton's accuracy to the team advantage, by throwing short intermediate passes and mixing in some screen, and I think Gruden will do these things. So we all know Benson will be a key to this team success, but I think more importantly than him, is the play of the defense. This defense will be the difference maker not just this week, but every week this year. I personally think this Bengals D is could be a sleeper. There so much youth and talented there and with the knowledge and skill of Coach Zim coaching that D it only a matter of time before these guys are performing as one of the top unit in the game. I know it seem like I'm being blind to the fact that this team is extremely young with a new QB and OC, but I'm not. I genuinely think this football team can win today. The Cleveland D is not as good as I think people give em credit for, not that they don't have talent there, it just unproven, sort of like the Bengals D. Colt McCoy I think he's overrated and even if he's not, there nobody for him to throw the football too. Hillis will be Hillis, I'm personally not a big believer in him either, he only had 1 good year, and with Brandon Jackson banged up I don't see him being able to carry the load all game. I have the Bengals winning today 24-14, maybe it the fan in me, but I'm a realist too. I like what I saw from the 1's this pre-season, this team can be good, this team will be good and It starts today.

John G. Dunn II jgdunn.blogspot.com

Separated(Poem)

If love was a bird
Then we wouldn't have wings
If love was a sky
We'd be blue
If love was a choir
You and I could never sing
Cause love isn't for me and you

If love was an Oscar
You and I could never win
Cause we can never act out our parts
If love is the Bible
Then we are lost in sin
Because its not in our hearts

If love was a fire
Then we have lost the spark
Love never felt so cold
If love was a light
Then we're lost in the dark
Left with no one to hold

If love was a sport
We're not on the same team
You and I are destined to lose
If love was an ocean
Then we are just a stream
Cause love isn't for me and you

Girl I know we had some good times
It's sad but now we gotta say goodbye
Girl you know I love you, I can't deny
I can't say we didn't try to make it work for you and I
I know it hurts so much but it's best for us
Somewhere along this windy road we lost the trust
So I'll walk away so you don't have to see me cry
It's killing me so, why don't you go

John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

Whether you'll be sipping frozen cocktails by the pool or downing a 'dog at the ballpark, summertime is when the living is easy and the calories are high.

To make sure you fit in your suit all summer long, we've compiled this list of some of the most fattening foods of the season and healthier but delicious alternatives (no celery sticks — we promise!). Check out these 10 summer diet disasters.

                        Frozen Coffee Drinks
                   

                        An iced coffee is the perfect way to cool down and caff' up on a steamy summer morning. But if you're not careful, you could be sipping a whole meal's worth of calories in one drink.

A large (32-ounce) Dunkin' Donuts Vanilla Bean Coolatta contains a whopping 860 calories - almost half your day's total allotted calories in just one drink! And a grande (16-ounce) Starbucks White Chocolate Creme Frappuccino has 610 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat - that's more than half the total saturated fat you should have in one day.

                        Hot Dogs
                   

                        If your summer grilling goes to the 'dogs (hotdogs, that is), it's time for a menu makeover. Most hotdogs and sausages are made with processed meat which, due to its high content of saturated fat, sodium and nitrates, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

                        Smoothies
                   
A smoothie can be a healthy summer beverage, if it's made with real fruit, ice and a little bit of non-fat yogurt or milk. But what's offered at many smoothie stores is mostly sugar in a cup. An original (22 ounce) Strawberry Surf Rider smoothie from Jamba Juice has 430 calories and 93 grams of sugar. And their 22-ounce Peanut Butter Moo'd smoothie has 770 calories and 20 grams of fat - almost one-third of your total recommended daily fat intake.

                        Soft Pretzels
                   

                        If you're a baseball fan, here's one stat to keep an eye on: the number of calories in your stadium snacks. Between hot dogs, ice cream and soda, a soft pretzel may seem like a healthy option.

Not at 630 calories for one pretzel, plus all the extra salt. "It's one of the most deceptive foods at the stadium," says Meltzer Warren. "With all those calories, it has little redeeming nutritional value."

                        Ice Cream
                   

                        Whether it's on the boardwalk, at the beach or after a bike ride, an ice cream seems right just about any time during the summer. And while we won't be so cruel as to tell you to never eat ice cream again, we do encourage you to limit how often you eat it, and to alternate with nonfat frozen yogurt or sorbet when possible.

Best Countries in the World

Reading this title tells you really what this blog is all about. On this 4Th July day, I felt the urge to write this. For all you people who think America will be #1 I'm truly sorry to bust your bubble, but it's not! In fact before you read this, I will give you a warning that America will not show up much at all in this post. America, all they have at the strength is being the richest country in the world, but they also have the most debt so in my opinion them two things cancel each other. I know a lot of you saying, we have our Independence's, yes your right, but other counties do as well, and believe it or not, our Independence's is what got us into this economic crisis, that me and you won't live to see us overcome. I'm sure most of you don't like to open your eyes, and see facts of how we all could be better off somewhere else, if we wasn't stuck here for whatever reason, but if you genuinely though we was the best country, don't feel bad most Americans do. I'm sure it some of you who, like me, knew better. The United States is top the list in many things, much more bad than good, but all of that is a different topic for different day. Putting together this list was hard, best country is a very broad subject/topic, it takes a lot of research, a lot of help from sources, and a lot of knowledge in culture as there are many different ones. There are roughly 193 countries in the world, so of course I don't have all of em, but I have the most known or common ones. I could make a poll on this exact question, but I know America would win, because most people I know is American, and ignorant to this subject. With such a huge range of nations in the world, the question of whether there is a best place to live seems both simple and elusive. Given that there are so many ways to measure achievement, I chose the five I felt were most important like health, economic dynamism (the openness of a country's economy and the breadth of its corporate sector), education, political environment, and quality of life. And because it's easier to improve quality of life if you're tiny and rich like, for example, Finland, and did extensive research for about 10 countries. The list also accounts for income and size with rankings by subcategories. Like all lists, this one is not perfect, but it offers surprising and fascinating answers and plenty of insight into which country is healthiest, why Scandinavian nations always come out on top, and why the title of best country has more than one winner.

Best Overall: Finland
(Honorable mention: best small country, best high-income, best education)
Despite the long winter, Finland is a pretty great place to be—the best, actually. It ranked the highest overall and also comes in as the best small country, the best high-income country, and the best country for education. Its students scored first in science and second in both reading and math in the 2006 (the most recent one for which data are available) Program for International Student Assessment, a test of 15-year-olds' education skills by the OECD. Finland's schoolkids enjoy a laid-back and inclusive learning environment where shoes are optional, all teachers have master's degrees, and extra help is the norm: every year about one in three students gets individual time with a tutor.

Best Medium-Size Nation: Australia
With a relatively low unemployment rate—5.6 percent in 2009—and an economy that's one of the healthiest even during the global recession, Australia has a lot more to offer than just beaches and Hugh Jackman. In the overall index, Australia ranks fourth. In the other categories for medium-size countries, it claims the top spot for political environment and ties Spain for best health care. With its high standard of living, safe cities, sunny climate, and outdoorsy citizens, Australia also has the best quality of life among medium-size countries.

Best Large Nation: Japan
(Honorable mention: best health care)
The innovative country that brought the world sushi, Nintendo, and the Kyoto Protocol is also the one with the most healthy citizens. The average person in Japan lives to the age of 82; the average woman lives to be nearly 86. (Japanese women are the longest-living women in the world.) What explains their longevity? No one knows for sure, but it's likely a combination of preventive medicine, diet, health education, high standard of living during old age, and universal health care. Japan also ranks first among large countries in education and fourth in quality of life.

Best Low-Income Nation: Albania
(Honorable mention: best education)
Albania rarely makes headlines and seems an unlikely model for other countries, but this new democracy actually outperforms all other low-income countries. Among the nations in its category, it consistently ranks highest in education, health, and quality of life. Nearly 99 percent of Albanians are literate. Despite being a citizen of one of the poorest countries in Europe, the average Albanian can expect to live to be 78, the average Albanian woman to be 81—a pretty good statistic, considering that the average citizen of wealthy Germany will live only until age 79.

Best Upper-Middle-Income Nation: Poland
As a member of the EU (it joined in 2004), Poland is increasingly leaving its communist past behind—and for the better, it seems. As the top upper-middle-income country, Poland is pretty much a winner across the board. Its political environment is the best in its category, and it's in the top 10 for economic dynamism, education, health, and quality of life. In August, Poland elected its fourth democratically chosen president; its large cities, such as Kraków and Warsaw, are becoming increasingly vibrant and wealthy.

Best Education
Low income: Ukraine
Middle income: Kazakhstan
Medium size: South Korea
Large size: Japan

Among low-income countries, Ukraine is the best for education, with a 99 percent literacy rate. When it comes to math and science, Kazakh students are earning high marks, too, and not just among middle-income countries; they outperformed the United States and many others in math on the 2007 TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study). South Koreans are also among the highest-performing students in science, and they're the highest in reading among the world's wealthy countries. It seems their educational success continues into adulthood, making South Koreans the most likely to have university degrees out of those in developed countries. Despite spending only about 3.5 percent of its GDP on education (the U.S. spends a little more than 5 percent), Japan still ranks best in education among large countries. Nonetheless, its top spot is at risk; after being criticized for its harsh academic atmosphere, Japan turned to a more relaxed curriculum, only to see its students' performance slip in the past few years.

Best Health Care
Low income: Tunisia, China
Middle income: Chile
Small size: Switzerland
Medium size: Spain, Australia

Though you can't count on Tunisia for education, it's tied with China for the No. 1 spot on the health index among poor countries. Chile, which performs fairly well across the board, ranks No. 1 for health among middle-income countries, and Switzerland is the winner among small countries, beating out Sweden and the Netherlands. Spain and Australia share beautiful beaches and weather but also the title of healthiest medium-size countries.

Best Quality of Life: Norway
Given its breathtaking natural landscape and a laid-back atmosphere—most stores are still closed on Sundays—it's no wonder Norway has the highest quality of life. But the Scandinavian country of 4.8 million also has hard figures to back up its ranking: it scored the highest on standard of living for five years in a row, according to the U.N. Human Development Report. Norwegians also live in one of the most socially and economically equal societies, with one of the healthiest environments.

Best Quality of Life
Low income: Ukraine
Middle income: Cuba
Medium size: Australia
Large size: Germany
Germany has the highest quality of life among large countries and ranks in the top 10 for quality of life among wealthy states. Two of its cities—Munich (pictured) and Berlin—are often ranked among the most livable in the world. Australia, with its active citizens and high standard of living, comes in first among medium-size countries. In the low-income category, Ukraine comes out on top, and Cuba outdoes its fellow middle-income countries in quality of life. Cuba also ranks No. 3 in education among upper-middle-class countries.

Best Economic Dynamism: Singapore
Don't be fooled by Singapore's tiny size. Its population is little more than half that of New York City, but it still enjoys a high GDP per capita and has one of the recession's fastest-rebounding economies. The bite-size island's flourishing economy—thanks in part to low levels of regulation and low taxes—is even prompting the government to recruit foreign talent. With its open economy, low levels of corruption, and high government and business efficiency, Singapore no doubt deserves the title of the most economically dynamic country.

Best Economic Dynamism
Low income: China
Middle income: Malaysia
Medium size: South Korea
Large size: United States

Though the United States beats out China for most economically dynamic large country, China ranks the highest in that category among low-income nations. And though Malaysia's export-driven economy has recently become sluggish, it's still the best out of all middle-income countries in this category. Among medium-size countries, South Korea has the strong corporate sector and open markets needed to claim the top spot.

Best Political Environment: Sweden
In a competition for most neutral country, Sweden could give Switzerland a run for its money: Swedes haven't fought a war in nearly two centuries, and even though they joined the EU in 1995, they have not adopted the euro. Transparency International ranks Sweden among the top three least corrupt countries in the world. The cartoonist Lars Vilks—who was attacked for drawing the Prophet Muhammad as a dog—embodies Sweden's commitment to freedom of speech as well as freedom of religion. All places of worship in Sweden receive some funding from the government. Perhaps it's the open environment that inspires about 80 percent of Swedes to vote.

Best Political Environment
Low income: Ghana
Middle income: Poland
Medium size: Australia
Large size: Germany

Though Ghana (pictured) may not have a stellar economy, its political environment is the best among low-income countries like India, Albania, and Morocco. Poland wins in the middle-income category. Australia is a winner on many fronts, including its democratic freedom and voter participation, making it No. 1 in this category among medium-size nations. And Germany tops the list for large countries with the best political environment.

In closing, I'm not the brightest on this topic, a lot of the information came from other websites, but on this Independence's day, I feel like, yeah let's spend and share time with family, but also let's realize that when signing the declaration of Independence, none the names on there saw the United States being in this bad of shape, So as we celebrate, them guys is probably turning in there grave, because of the shape this country is in. We have given people power that, have really jacked this up and we continue too. America is a country most foreigners want to come too, I always wonder why? I realize it be citizens from less fortunate countries, and they won't to be here for freedom in which we have here. I tell you what though, you can have freedom, I take good education, healthy economic state, and good health care any day. I trade freedom for those! I leave you with this, America is the richest country in the world, but most of us can barely afford to live here! What the point in being free if you, or some of your love ones have to live miserably???


John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com
Biggest source:http://www.newsweek.com

Where is the people in this world who just UNDERSTAND sometimes?

In this life, you can't make everybody happy, not even the ones closest to you,  especially when you not happy. Some people will understand some won't, fact of the matter is though, everybody an individual, and at the end of the day, ppl can careless, even your love ones. Everybody out for their happiness as long as they happy that's all that matter, and if you can't do what it is they need you too rather big or small in order to keep them happy, then you're a problem there's not enough people out here who just understand. Life is complicated we do our best, I understand that! Do you?

John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

Some words for the Kentucky Stallion Organization about how I'm feeling.

When I signed to be apart of this organization I thought I was joining a organization, with heart, pride, that was organized, that consist of player that had love, respect and unity for one another and more importantly that stallion name we wear on our chest. As I founded out going into week 3, none of this is so. Make no mistake, I'm not the best football player in the world, nor I'm I racking up any player of the week honors in the league but one thing I am doing that a lot of you are not is giving it my all every second I'm on the field and playing a FULL 60 minutes. I'm not here to say any name, or take any direct shots at anybody but you all know who you are, one thing you can't deny about me is that I have played every defensive down there we was out there, even week 1 when we was getting our asses beat by 30 I was still going out there, unlike a lot of you all. I understand that as stallions yall used to winning and never start a season 0-2 but it show how cowardly, and the lack of heart yall have when yall decide to throw the towel in after 2 weeks. Now everybody want to call other teams and try to jump on their squad and play for somebody else in the middle of the season, that's the most cowardly, bitch assness move you can do, and you lose all respect, and the right to call yourself a man after a move like that. Your a disgrace to even the teams who decide to pick yall up, that also said a lot about their brand, and organization as well. I could sit here and throw out names, but I'm not gone do that, you guys know who you are and if you been talking to other teams, and asking to be released from your contract, and honestly I can careless, I don't want to be on the same team as yall in a game, cause I see when shit get hard, you bitch up and run, how can I expect you to have my back and lay it all out there when the game on the line. If I was Homer or coach Metz and you ask for a release, I wouldn't let you go, even though there is no point of keeping you around, you asking for a release, shows the lack of heart you have, shows how bitch made you are, it shows how cowardly you are and I wouldn't want you representing my brand. At the same time this is an opportunity to teach a lil about being a man and manhood, when you sign up, and say you gone do it, you should be held accountable to your commitment. So if it was in my power, your asses would sit until the contract is up. I know, me personally, I don't want to play or even be affiliated in no way with guys who quit on the team, who leave a game during a game, who run when the road get tough, once again you know who you are, and if you feel this is talking about you, it probably is and if you have a problem with any of it you know where to find me, I would in the most kindly manner say all this in your face and want back down, deny, or calling you a cowardly, heartless bitch to your face. For those of you who say, we taking this too serious, I would like to say YOU DAMN RIGHT I AM! You don't sign up for shit in life if you not in it to win, if you not in it to succeed and if you not gone give it all you got. So if you not taking too serious you need to keep your ass home, or do like you or some your teammates already are doing, and go to another team. In closing, and to end on a positive note, To all the guys who out there busting they ass on game day, coming to every practice trying to get better and get this thing turn around, I personally thank you, a commend you and the work ethic you showed, this isn't for you, and I know it may hurt whatever team chemistry we have left, but it need to be said, somebody has to say something. I'm sorry you had to see this side, I'm usually a quiet, positive spoken guy, as a first year player should be, but there comes a time when enough is enough. I can promises you guys this, for as long as there is game to be played, practices to be attending, you count on me to be there, to play a full 60 minutes, every down, I'm on the battlefield with you and always got you guys back, your never along out there as long as I'm on the roster!

John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

A quick word on "Swagg"

Man I must say, call me what you want, This swagg word I'm so over it. Like really? Speak proper English please! Swagg this, Swagg that. When I hear somebody say it, I can't help but give you that disgusted look. It sound like some shit you make up in high school. Is it in the dictionary? Go into a interview telling them how much Swagg you got and see how fast they show you the door. Stop following these ignorant ass music lyrics you all here and be an adult! Talk like you got some sense!

John G. Dunn II
Jgdunn.blogspot.com

Worst Breakfast Foods

Whether you’re working out to build muscle, get definition, train for a marathon, lose weight, or because you’re just health conscious, you should be well aware of what you’re putting into your body on a daily basis and just how important that first meal of the day is. If, however, you’re like a lot of men and don’t really think about it (perhaps because you never seem to put on weight or believe that a little bit of this here and there won’t make a difference), then your breakfast food choices may not be so considered. If so, they can do a lot more than affect your overall fitness, having far-reaching effects on things such as your cholesterol, heart health, sex drive, and attention span. We’ve chosen five of the worst breakfast foods you can eat.
Cereal
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people (grown-ups included) reach for a sugary cereal box every morning. It’s convenient, quick, and if you opt for one of the ones that aren’t coated in sugar, you probably think they’re pretty good for you, right? Wrong. It might seem a controversial choice on this list of worst breakfast foods, but plenty of regular cereals are actually packed with sugar and, thus, warrant a place here for the simple fact that you’re getting a dose of something you aren’t fully aware of.

The sugar will make weight loss very difficult and will drain your energy. By the time you get to your desk at the office, you’ll have crashed hard and will be reaching for a snack to push you through. If you do opt for a cereal, check the ingredients list. Most of the time you’ll see sugar as the second ingredient. Choose a high-fiber one that is low in sugar.
The Fry-Up
Known in the UK as the ”builder's breakfast,” this is a greasy, fatty mess. The go-to hangover cure of choice for most of us, it’s ridiculously high in calories (and eating pretty much anything when you’re hung over will make you feel better). Loaded with fat-packed sausages, nitrite-rich fatty bacon, butter-fried eggs, hash browns or fries, the cooked breakfast was traditionally conceived for the working class who actually worked (i.e. hard, physical labor). They ate a 3,000-calorie breakfast and burned it off by lunchtime.

Whether you’re sitting at your desk answering phone calls or working retail, your calorie burn will be massively lower than this, which equals one thing: obesity. Approximately 1 in 18 men will get bowel cancer, and starting your day with a fried breakfast raises your chances of getting this type of cancer by 63% according to the World Cancer Research Fund. As an alternative, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms on toast are delicious and healthy, and both are packed with antioxidants and a host of other goodies.
Muffins
Muffins are the on-the-go breakfast of choice. They're something that you grab from the deli, sandwich shop or coffee spot when you’ve run out the door late for work. You’re basically jump-starting your system with a large dose of sugar that will cause energy spikes followed by a crash. Because they’re relatively cheap to produce, they are normally much bigger than those you might make at home (or the wife might) and, thus, pack a high-calorie punch. Muffins are also made with high fat quantities, a decent portion of which is saturated. Forget the low-fat versions, too; they still contain a similar quantity of sugar to the regular versions. Don’t be fooled by the bran or muesli muffins that contain fruit because they contain too little goodness to negate the sugars and fats. Scrap this entirely, and if you do really want muffins, make them at home. Or get someone who loves you to.
Bagels And Cream Cheese
There’s no getting away from the fact that a bagel is a glorious thing, but for breakfast foods, you could do a lot better. A bagel alone isn’t a terrible choice (not compared to, say, the fry-up), but it does often contain sugar and is a fast-digesting carb that will cause your insulin to spike -- and then crash. Once you load it up with fatty cream cheese, you up the saturated fat levels and the calorie count to get somewhere into the realms of the two-doughnut mark. And you wouldn’t start your day off with two doughnuts. Choose wheat bagels -- and double check they are whole wheat. The mixed-grain ones won’t cut it. Check the label to make sure they are made with whole grains (and stick with a low-fat topping). Instead of cream cheese, opt a nut butter that is made from nuts only, as this will boost your energy levels.
Pancakes
There is no healthy option when it comes to pancakes -- even the buckwheat galettes from Brittany, France are fried in butter. A pancake is typically a mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and butter. It’ll be almost always a whole (full fat) milk too. The flour is a simple carb, broken down quickly (as with bagels), causing insulin spikes and crashes. And that’s not even mentioning the toppings (take your pick -- they’re virtually all killer, unless you go for fresh fruit and fresh fruit alone). Once you get into the realms of maple syrups, (powdered) sugar and bacon, the calories skyrocket. If you have to get your pancake fix, though, avoid the boxed stuff and try making them with whey powder, along with cottage cheese, and sweeten them up with some vanilla. But, in general, this is a breakfast choice food best left off the menu.

From askmen.com John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

Are You Wondering Who is Bengals 3rd pick Dontay Moch???

Dontay Moch was the Bengals 3rd pick. A name you probably never heard, because he a kid from From Nevada, and the WAC conference, but this kid can make a impact on this Bengals D. Want to know who he is, I got you! Check out the highlight video below!

Dontay Moch is a top linebacker prospects. 6-1, 248, Yet another defensive end looking to make the conversion to rush linebacker, Moch can flat out fly. He ran a 4.40 40 at the combine to validate the straight-line speed he displayed at Nevada the past four years. That included 2009 WAC Defensive Player of the Year honors with 19.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks, and another 22.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks as a senior. He has speed and quickness to spare. The question is whether Moch can develop a secondary pass-rush move, prove he can hold his own against the run and handle coverage assignments as a linebacker. If not, he'll be a stiff-hipped athlete who will struggle much the same as former Jets first-round pick Vernon Gholston. Moch holds virtually all of Nevada's pass-rushing records, and was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. As an NFL prospect, Moch projects as an outside linebacker, where his speed and quickness off the snap can best be exploited as a pass rusher in the 3-4 scheme, and his ability to run fits well in the 4-3. However, we have seen dominant college pass rushers with stiff hips have trouble at the next level before. As for positives and negatives, POSITIVES: Three-year starter at end is a record-setting pass rusher with superior speed who projects well to the outside linebacker position in the NFL. Played some outside linebacker as a freshman, and often was given assignments dropping off from end. Quick off the snap. Good at shedding blocks with his hands, and has a strong bull rush. Can flat out fly. Big hitter, fearless. Can be effective dropping off into zone coverage against the pass. Productive, durable, intense defensive leader. NEGATIVES: Former track star. Stiff in the hips and simply cannot change directions well. Pass rush either works on initial quickness and speed or it fails. Lacks a double move. Not stout against the run as a down lineman. Will have great difficulty with NFL man coverage assignments as a linebacker. Did very little in one-on-one attempts against Boston College's Anthony Castonzo in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. As far as his role with the Bengals,the plan is to use him how Michael Johnson is used, he adds speed to the defense and will be able to eventually shut down any thing ran off tackle or to the outside.

John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

Dalton Or Mallett? Why Another Team Will Be Selecting The Bengals Second Pick.

With the first round pass us, and the Bengals picking up the best WR in this year draft in A.J. Green everybody saying now that they need somebody to throw the ball to him. That being true, Bengals have the 3rd pick in the second round, and they will be going with a QB. A couple days ago I told you the Bengals would be taking A.J. Green and of course I was correct ha. I also told you that the Bengals 2nd pick would be between Andy Dalton or Christian Ponder. Well as we all know Christian Ponder has been token already, very premature if you ask me. Dalton on the other hand, is still there, and that is kind of surprising to me. Then there this guy name Ryan Mallet who I didn't think would be there come 2nd round, and he still is. So instead of Dalton and Ponder, the Bengals have to decide between Dalton and Mallet. We all know who I like, I'm not sure who you like, or who the Bengals even like between the two. I can say that they spent much more time with Andy Dalton but that's only because they didn't think that Mallet would fall to the 2nd round. Regardless who the I, you, or even the Bengals like better, It will actually be another team making this selection for the Bengals. That team is the Buffalo Bills. The Bills pick 2nd, one pick before the Bengals, and also in need of a QB. The Bills Will take Dalton or Mallet and The Bengals will take whoever they don't take. There is a possibility that the Bills don't take a QB, but if you ask me, that's unlikely. Hypothetically speaking, say the Bills don't and the Bengals has a choice to make between Dalton and Mallet, who's better? Here's a breakdown for you....

*****POSITIVES*****
Andy Dalton: Above-average arm strength... High velocity thrower... Above average accuracy, throws are often between the numbers... Throws well while scrambling... Has been productive as a four year starter... Sells the pump fake... Good footwork... Does a great job going through his progressions... Rarely throws into double coverage... On the field leader, a good field general... Teammates feed off his energy... A winner; only lost three games as a starter at TCU, set the TCU record for career wins by a quarterback with 44... Able to make plays with his feet, above-average speed for the position... Routinely picks up first downs with his feet when asked to scramble... Accumulated over 1,600 yards rushing and 22 rushing touchdowns during his career.

Ryan Mallett: Huge arm, can make every throw... Strongest arm to come out of the college ranks since JaMarcus Russell... Some team will fall in love with his upside because of his unbelievable arm strength... Threw well at the combine, coaches raved about his arm strength... Put up big numbers, threw for 3,500 yards and 30+ touchdowns in each of his past two seasons... Very tight spiral, can really zip the ball... Ideal height and weight for an NFL quarterback... Very tall, allows him to see passing lanes easily.

With Positives comes negatives as well. It may look as if there is more Negatives then Positives, well your eyes didn't lie it is. The negatives is what I compare to decide who's better for you right now, because neither guys is a finish product, both guys got work to do, to be NFL Starters. So here are the.....

***** Negatives *****
Andy Dalton: He has a Small frame which can make it a little difficult for Dalton to see over bigger lineman and defenders with raised hands. Even though Dalton is a guy who is known to be very athletic his Footwork needs work. I say footwork, meaning in the pocket passing, 3,5, and 7 yard drops, roll outs and etc. At TCU Dalton operated a spread offense, which mean he Rarely took snaps from under center, because the Bengals will be running a West Coast offense, Dalton won't be under center much, but he will be under center more than in college. In the NFL the game moves a lot faster, Andy Dalton struggles to feel pressure in the pocket and sometimes tend to get happy feet, that small frame also makes him move a lil too much in the pocket. Some say Dalton arm strength is poor, and his passes to the sidelines tend to float. I don't fully agree with this, he not a guy with a strong arm, so his deep ball is not the best. Andy Dalton not only has difficulty throwing the deep ball he also has very limited range. At TCU he threw a lot of short intermediate passes. Andy tends to break the pocket a lot, even when it not always Necessary and he doesn’t throw particularly well on the run, he also has difficulty keeping his eyes down field when scrambling. Finally many say he has limited upside, his ceiling isn't really high, there some potential there but not much.

Ryan Mallet: - Some question Mallett experience, with him transferring from Michigan and that whole situation, I personally don't think it a big concern. Mallett hands down have the strongest arm in this draft but accuracy is not that impressive. Like Dalton, Mallett spend a lot of time in the shotgun. Something I saw watching video on Mallett is he tends to drop his elbow on his release, which makes it slower and makes him more prone to fumbles, but this can be an easy fix. Mallett also sometimes doesn’t set his feet at times and overthrows open receivers, another easy fix. Mallett has a tendency to stare down his WR’s, NFL DB's will pick this up, and use it against him. Another Similar weakness with Dalton is the fact that he gets thrown out of rhythm by pressure and gets happy feet. A big weakness is his internal clock takes too long, needs to get the ball out of his hands quicker. This is rather important because NFL game is quicker than college. Ryan does not throw well outside of the pocket, and believe in his arm sometimes too much and tend to force some throws into coverage. Mallett need to work on decision making, and his ability to perform under pressure, he never played well in big game situations. Lastly and most important is the HUGE character concerns, you have to be the face of an offense in the NFL, his character issues is why I would rather have the Bengals take Dalton over Mallett.

I'm not a dummy, I think Ryan Mallett is, right now, a better QB than Andy Dalton. The Character issues is why I take Dalton over Mallet. Either guy is a good pick up, and it a good situation for the Bengals. I don't think you go wrong with either guy, but we must stay tune to what the Bills do, I believe they will be making this pick for us Bengals Fans.
John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

Black Still the Most Hate'd Race???

What is racism??? Racism has existed throughout human history. It may be defined as the hatred of one person by another, or the belief that another person is less than human, because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes. This post may come off as a little raciest or whatever, you may hear me say black and white a lot. I think it's important to let everybody that may read this know, that i'm am not a raciest, not even close. I have more white friends and associates outside of family then I do black, some of my closest friends and associates are white. This post comes from just some of the things I experience in everyday life when it comes to the black and white thing. I'm one of the people that just wish this racism thing will go away completely! The chance of that happen is zero to none unfortunately, I don't necessarily feel the effects of it ever, and it's not as bad as it used to be of course, at least not here where I live. Maybe down south or some of the more commonly know places for racism still deals with this issue more than here, unfortunately there are racist people still out here black and white. Being an african-american once again I'm never really faced with racism some say it cause I'm light skinned ha ha. So, why I'm I writing this??? The reason is not really because of a raciest experience or incident, the reason behind writing this post is more because of what I think is Judge mental people sterotype's but we all know that racism is included in that. Rather you want to believe it or not, it pretty known that blacks are judge or sterotype'd (if that makes any sense) when it come to being in white environments. If I can be honest for ah second, and you actually open your eyes and be honest with yourself, we blacks bring it upon ourselves, that's as a race, not individuals. Homicide rates??? What percentage blacks make of that? Crime it self what percentage do we make of the crime rate?? I'm not sure the exact # but i'm sure it pretty high. Just think about our night life? We go out not to have fun anymore, but to find drama. I go to a lot different bars and clubs every week. Bars and clubs that made up of mostly blacks, and one's that crowd is mostly white. The chance of me seeing some kind of fight, or drama in one of the black bars/clubs is very high, the chance of that and a bar/club with mostly white crowds? Not likely. The bars/clubs that's black owned or hold black ran party is ran wrong, I think we all know about the guy that was shot dead inside the famous Club Ritz. Why did they shut Annie's down??? Because two people was shot at the last party they had, one them guys died. Those are just a few examples of the kind of things you have a chance to run into going to the bars/club that black ran or owned. I understand that most of that drama starts outside the clubs, the club is just the meeting point for the people thats feuding. I can't remember the last time I party with mostly blacks it has not been at least 1 fight. Look, don't get it twisted or don't get me wrong, shit happens in white bars/clubs too, the biggest difference between the two is you don't have to worry about the chances of somebody losing their life after the club let's out because of the fight or altercation that went on inside. Why is this??? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm not even gone throw out some of the reason I've came up with, bottom line is it's just two different atmospheres. Get mad if you want! White bars/clubs are all about having a good times, you go to these places and everybody going for the same reason, simply to have a good time. Black bars/clubs, some go to have a good time, but most go to look for drama, to show off, or to try and win the unofficial fashion show, they don't even go for the girls anymore in my opinion. Club Ritz open back up under a new alias "Club Aqua". I say alias because even though the name changed, the people that come won't, the rules won't, the atmosphere won't and most importantly the things that take place there won't. How many times has the Ritz been threating to be shut down??? I stopped counting. The crazy thing that most people probably don't know, is Club Ritz is white owned but it ran by a black man. When the Ritz shut down, it wasn't many places for blacks to go party, so they started to come to the white bars/club. This is where the sterotyping and judging comes into play. As blacks started to come to white owned or ran bars/clubs, people we're getting turned away, usually for dress codes or at least that's why they said they we're turning them away. Dress codes do be strict in certain places, but some places I been going to since I been 21 and never knew they had dress codes until my older brother decide to come with me that's why you believe sometimes it more than just a person clothes. You go out with celebraties, or people that well known in the city and get in with whatever you want to get in with, why? Cause they rich? So what, rules should apply for all. I dress a lil different then my brother, my attire would be what's consider white boy dressing in my race, and that's why I probably rarely get turned away when I go out, my brother on the other hand is a guy that's really a stand up guy. He's never been in trouble with the law, has a legit job, and really handle and carry his self like the grown man he is, but because he dress as what known or called as "thugish" in the white community or scene, he get judged, and frowned upon. As my brother would say, "I am who I am, I don't have to change the way I dress to get in your bar/club.". That being true, some places I try to take him we can never go, and I would never try to get him to change the way he dress, just to get in a specific bar or club we just have to go somewhere else. Then you have the part of meeting people, are to be more specific talking to the white girls. For me, according to some my family members that hang out with me and some my friends, it's not a problem for me, why?? They say also cause I'm light skinned ha ha or a white boy in dark skinned, I won't even get into all the things I been called. To get back on topic, people like my brother are also frowned upon by white women, usually for the same reason the bars/clubs do it. They see the appearance and automatically, judge or think of you as, what they see on the news, or hear about, you know where I'm going with this. Understand that I'm not much different, I may have a little better luck, but I get rejected without a chance a lot myself. It's kind of unfair that we get shoot down before even getting to introduce ourselves but it is what it is, not much you can really do about it but don't take it personal and just move on. I never will understand why, but it really gets under my brother skin, I mean you can just tell it do, without even asking or hearing him say it. Many wonder why do this happen when it comes to blacks trying to talk to whites. Once again your guess is as good as mines. We all have our different opinions and reason why we think it goes on. In my opinion, I just believe, for some it's just not their comforter zone. Nobody really like leaving their comfort zone when it comes to certain things, also I believe the dress apparel sometimes do scare them off, and you can't forget the fact that some we're raised to not talk to blacks. As sad as that is, it's true. Them are just a couple examples of the point i'm trying to make here, though they might not be the best examples, I can only speak on my experiences and that's where I experience this the most. As a black man, I have been in some of the most uncomfortable situations, I'm the guy that did 20 plus week in a firefighter program, that out of 40+ people, I was the only african-american student. Make no mistake, I never had no racial incident during that training time, and some them guys are my bestest friends now, the point is I have been in some really uncomfortable situations. Look, racism is out there, it's here to never completely go away. As african-americans will we forever encounter problems with this no matter where we go. Rather it be in the neighborhood where we live, the workplace, or just out in public it will forever back a cloud that floats above us, we don't like it, it's not fair, but we have to deal with it. Dealing with it can be a lot easier than you may think. The best way to deal with it is simply ignore it. Ignoring it may seem hard to do, but it's really not. If your life is not been jeopardized, there no reason you can't ignore it. To ignore it, is to overcome it, to overcome it, is to rise above it, to rise above it, is to conquer it, to conquer it is to change it.

Bengals Will Take Green With 4th Pick, And Dalton Or Ponder After.

And with the 4Th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Bengals select A.J. Green from the university of Georgia, This will be the line you hear. With the draft being just two days away, all the Cincinnati Bengals fans are getting restless about who the Bengals will be taking come Thursday. Well I'm not sure how credible you guys think my research ability, and sources are but I'm willing to bet any of you that A.J. Green will be pick #4 by the Bengals come Thursday. Sorry, no there will be no Cam Newton in Cincinnati. I know that devastating for the fans, and all the groupies here in Cincinnati, but I'm willing to bet a years salary that Cam Newton will not be in a Bengals jerseY this fall. The Bengals will take Green, and that's a good pick for them. With Chad not under contract and possibly not returning to cincy in 2011, the Bengals need a #1 wide out and that's what Green is. He is being call the best player in this draft by some experts, and arguably so. My biggest worry is that he won't be available come pick #4, but with neither team picking 1,2, and 3 needing a Wide out, the chances of him being there is greater then the chances of him not. Let's rewind for a second because some of you will swear up and down the Bengals have picked up Chad option for 2011, and I don't know what rock you guys been living under, but we are currently in a lockout, the Bengals or any NFL team for that matter has not made any player personnel moves. With this soccer stunt and all this entertainment stuff that's going on with Chad, and the extra control and power Marvin Lewis signed up for, I think he's starting to convince Mike Brown that Chad is an entertainer, not a football player anymore. Rather Chad be back in 2011 or not, long term he is not the guy, I can promise that. Even if his option is picked up it will be his last year in cincy especially with Marvin signing a multi year deal here, who want to bet that? For any fans hoping that T.O will return, I'm with you but we must get the thought of that out of our heads. "I have about 3 more good years in me, none in Cincinnati." That's a direct quote from Terrell Owens, It can't get no clearer than that. Let's not be confused he only came here because nobody else offered him, with the year he had, on and off the field, he won't have a problem getting deals from over half the league this year. Are you convinced yet that this is a good pick for Cincinnati at #4? Not yet huh? To all of you thinking we're OK with with the receiving group we have, please wake up, be serious! Yes, Shipley had a great rookie year, and has a very promising future, but we all know he's a Wes Welker type guy, and best in the slot. Jermaine Gresham will be a nice Tight end, I don't see him being a all-pro type guy, but he'll get the job done. Andre Caldwell he's not a guy you can depend on to even be a quality #2. Yes, Jerome Simpson came around late at the end of the year, but it took him what 3 years, and he's still not proven we have to hope that he can hold down the #2 receiver spot, I'll take him over Caldwell in that #2 spot though for what it's worth. What's the point of having a top 5 QB if he has nobody to throw the ball too? Every Good NFL team has a #1 All-Pro type receiver, we don't. Even if Chad come back, we still don't. Yes I said that, should I repeat it? So, have I convinced you yet? well to those I have convinced I know your thinking what's next? Well, yes we're going QB. It will be Andy Dalton from TCU, or Christian Ponder from Florida State. I like Dalton personally, but both these guys have raising stocks, which is not good for us believe it or not because, even though we have the 4Th pick(35Th overall) in the 2ND round as well, some draft experts believe that both these guys will go 1st round. This is very possible, so then what? Two possibilities, the Bengals can trade back into the 1st round to get one these guys, or they can take their chances and pray these guys fall back to the 2ND round. As sure as I am that the Bengals will take Green, I'm that equally UNSURE of what they will do in this situation. I can tell you what Bengals should do, and that is take their chances on these guys falling back to the 2ND round. To trade back into the 1st round will be a costly proposition that will require multiple draft picks that otherwise could be used to fill Cincinnati’s other numerous holes, that's where this Chad dude comes back into the picture. If the Bengals can trade the rights to Chad contract and get back into the 1st round I'm sure they'll jump at that opportunity. This will not likely happen because, it'll only be a 1yr deal, for a guy who's not worthy, a 1st round pick is a lot to give. It's not so unrealistic though, with teams like the Ravens actually looking to trade out of the 1st round, and the Pats having the 17Th and 28Th picks, so keep an eye on that. I think the Bengals should stay we're they are and see if these two guys fall back, but if they don't I still don't think it calls for panic. They're not calling this the year of the QB for no reason, there are a lot of QB's out there. Jake Locker is a long shoot but a possibility, remember he was projected to be #1 in 2010, before he decide to go back to UW, but he's about for sure 1st round as Newton and Blaine Gabbert. Out there is still Ryan Mallett who probably has the strongest arm of any draft prospect since John Elway. In just two seasons, he set all-time school records for passing yards (7,793) and touchdowns (62) at Arkansas. Colin Kaepernick, from Nevada, who is one of the biggest risers on a lot of draft boards, Kaepernick is the total package, a player who combines athleticism, intelligence and arm strength. He is the only player in NCAA history to throw for more than 10,000 yards and run for more than 4,000 in a career, so there are guys out there. The fact that none of the QB in this draft are guys you just know can be franchise QB's, is all the more reason the Bengals shouldn't just jump the gun on trading back into the 1st round. Look, I know some of you are reading this and is wondering why I have not even mention the possibility of the Bengals taking one the QB's with #4 pick, that's cause there is not a chances, It will be interesting though because which ever one of them go #1, the other one will be there when Cincinnati goes on the clock and I will have to admit that I hope it's Cam Newton ha ha (evil laugh). I'm trying to save you guys the heart brake though, don't get too excited man, the only way Green is not pick by the Bengals is if he go before #4, and because all 3 team before #4 has more important needs than a WR, I don't see him going before #4. The fact that he's arguably the best football player in this draft, and coming to Cincinnati is all the more reason to not only convince you, but also make you happy and excited. If your not convinced yet, I will leave you with one more important fact, now if this don't convince you then your just unconvincable (if that's a word) you ready for this? This past weekend the Cincinnati Bengals worked out both Andy Dalton, and Christian Ponder for roughly 11 hours a piece. A PIECE! You don't work guys out for that amount of time if there not serious considerations for you in the draft. Now think about that for a second........ Finish????? Convinced???? Now say it with me, AND WITH THE 4TH PICK IN THE 2011 NFL DRAFT, THE CINCINNATI BENGALS SELECT A.J GREEN WIDE RECEIVER FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.

John. G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

Someday

Someday in this cold and dark world we will meet
Us and you joining in the hope of togetherness and joy.
Yeah, we will meet, a day when hopefully our jobs is all complete.
This day, a day that the world can't miss
Yeah someday, someday forever and for good we will finally have peace.

A day, someday when all your kids can drop the guns, and cease the wars
Someday when all the hospitals in the world can cut off the lights
This day, we will come to you and float like the stars, and be proud to be yours
Looking down upon the world at night, a world shined upon the beautiful moonlight.
Yeah, someday, man someday the lord will make everything alright.

There will come a day, a day when material things carry no meaning like hearsay
When the amount of money your worth, won't have much worth at all
When your job rank, accomplishments, title, and all promotions fly away
When you political ,religious views, beliefs and judgements might plays as your downfall
Yeah, I'm sorry to tell you, but someday, just as certain as nightfall, this will be real someday.

Someday there will be no more turmoil
Someday there will be no more stress
Someday there will be no more drama
No more of being depressed will come someday
Someday, yeah someday, remember I always told you someday.

John G.Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

Dreaming

One thing every person do is dream. There is all type of dream, you have sweet dreams, wet dreams as a teenage boy going through puberty, dreams you remember after you wake up, even dreams you have no recollections of the moment you wake up. There is deja vu, which is basically the short for "a dream come true." Dreaming don't only occur when your sleeping, dreams could also be just what you think about, when you think about your future. We have a dream of what our career would be like, we have a dream of what our spouse would be like, we dream of what our marriage, and kids would be like.  A lot similar to plans right? The one constant about dreams and plans alike, they never go how we vision them. At some point we accept the fact that our dream sometimes become a nightmare. We constantly tell ourselves that reality is better and tend to just "do" rather than dream. We convince ourselves that its better to not dream at all. Some of us though, some of us we continue to hold on to the dreams, live through the nightmare, or we find ourselves face with a fresh dream that we never considered, and then, if we're lucky we realize, through everything the true dream, is being able to dream at all.


John G.Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

A Young Man, Addicted To Older Women.

They like to tell us, we can date anybody we want, we can be with whomever we please. How true is this, I mean really? I guess that is a true statement, but false all at the same time, if that makes any sense. We never get who we want in life for a life partner, I mean how many people is still with their first love? I'm 22 years old now, and even as a younger guy, like many other people, I always wonder why it all seems like I could never have the ones I've wanted. People love them little saying, how about "God knows who right for you" or "you can't have the one you want cause the one who's right for you is on the way" something along them lines. So you mean to tell me in the last hand full of year all the girls I feel in, not love, but strong like with, none was right for me? What about Ciara? What haven't we been through in the last 5 or 6 years, yeah she was a little mean but came around, how about Traci? At one point of time she actually wanted me, my head was too damn big to realize it, but we always enjoy each other company for the past few years now. Christina? our whole situation is weird, has been since the first day we meet 4 years ago, but there is a lot chemistry there. She just can't get over the fact that she's 4 years older. Margaret? She actually younger then me, and I couldn't get over that fact until it was too late, and I expect Christina too, hypocrite right? Zayvonie? The one who took my virginity (TMI), If we not gone work, then how in the hell do I move on? I never believe that "you never forget your first" bull. Callen? I don't know how I fell for her in the first place, but I did, and I'm not mad about it, so what makes her not right? What makes all these women not right? That's an answer I'll never get, the point is we don't get to have who we want, we just go through all our experiences, learn from them, and create our own preference. My experiences has gave me a preference, a preference for older women. Yeah that's right, I love older women now. I tried that "my age" thing and it no longer works for me, I see it now as a big waste of time. My growth into this man that I have become, is attracted to older women. No, I don't know why, I like to tell people it because of my overly maturity level or wisdom. I have been called an old man, compliment or insult? you tell me. I have been called really wise for my age, I have been thought of as ahead of my time, which is the reason why I only relate or feel comfortable in the presents of established older women. I have been attracted to women over 50, 40, and 30 in just the last couple years. No, been attracted to don't mean I've talked to, or approached. Yes I like older women but my mom is 41 I'm not going that high. I have dated a 28 yr old, I have hung out with a 30 yr old. I have a very close and good friendship with a 33 year old, and no that don't mean intimate, for anybody who's thinking that. There is a 35 year old lady right now that I'm trying to get to go out on a date with me. May I say this one is a different. Different in a good, sexy, and heart snatching way lol. Back to the point, while I'm not afraid to express my new found strong interest in Older women, I've lost friends for this, mostly the female kind, I also been ask many question about it like, How can you like somebody so much older? What can you possible have in common with somebody that much older than you? Do you really expect someone that much older to take you serious, and not look at you as some fling? Then there is the most common question, usually from a girl, what is the difference between the older and younger women beside the obvious age difference? This is a question which I would like to elaborate on, and close with. First thing come to most minds is maturity. Maturity is key, I can only speak from experience. Older women has been around the block, they have lived the life we younger people are currently living right now. Me personally, I like that fact because it helps me grow. With the lessons they have learned because of their past experiences they can provide help by just telling you how they got out of a problem that may be similar to one you maybe facing. Yes some people feel that growing and overcoming that problem together with a person that's the same age is a better learning experience and provides good bonding, and it is, but it's a lot more complicated than that and we all know that. Also, again it comes down to preference, older women are established already, they usually are set as far as lifestyle, profession, social group, and environment. Younger women, or people in general, are still bouncing around experimenting with these things to find their own way. I'm not saying any of these things is what younger women should be like, your young that's your excuse for not being, as I say, older women is, and your excused right now. I guess it's expected as you grow and mature. When dating older women,or just hanging around them, you don't feel that sense of pressure to have to impress, you get the comfort of knowing there more into morals, characteristic, personality traits and the things that makes a person. They tend to like you for that person and human being that you are. Not who dress the best, whose 'fine' or got body, not who got money, or a title next to their name.I guess all I'm trying to say is that I'm passed all this, I been there done that, I'm ahead of my time. I won't what I'm not suppose to get for another 7 or 8 years. It could be a phase, would I marry a 35 year old or someone that's 10 plus years older than me??? I would like to say no, but I honestly can't say. What I do know is all the 30+ or late 20's I have hung out with and dated has all been good times, successful dates so far. It's fun, I can relax and be myself without having to worry so much about making a good impression, or without feeling like I'm competing. Older women help me grow in many ways, and everyday of my life that's what I'm always looking to do, Grow.

John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com

What Do I Do

What do I do?
In this life that has no guidance
Where do I turn?
In this world all alone

What do I do
With a career plan, without the path.
I have the will
How do I find the way?

What do I do?
With a open heart crying for love
But a mentality, and lifestyle that pushes everybody away.
How do I put my guard down?

What do I do?
With an ambition to make this world a better place.
But the knowledge of knowing, as John Dunn I can't
How do I proceed?
Knowing my doings and what I can do, don't carry a big enough effect.

They say keep pushing
Play the cards you dealt
What if I had nothing to play?
What if I had no move

What do I do????

Giving Back To Communities

You do not have to be rich or a millionaire to help others living in your community. There are uncountable ways that everyone can give back to the community without spending a lot of money or time. There is always


someone on the other end of the world who needs your help; it does not have to be financial, if you do not have money to give back. A majority of people think that to give back to the community they have to put in a very big effort, but this is a wrong intuition they have. Others do not see the importance of contributing to the community at all because they think its only a way for celebrities to gain publicity. Contributing to the community is important because it helps eliminate such problems as depression, and it can improve how one feels about themeselves significantly.

Contributing to your community can actually be so much fun, especially if you get involved in activities that you like. Just one person can get so many other people volunteering or giving back in one way or the other. Below are some inexpensive ways you can give back to the people you living with you.

The thrift store

You can give back to the community by taking your old clothes, shoes, house furnishings, and kitchen utensils to a thrift store closest to you. I have seen perfectly reusable items like mattresses and furniture at the dumpster, when there are other people willing to buy the same possessions at a lower price. Thrift stores run by the Salvation Army use their earnings to buy food for people living in homeless shelters. You can promote them by buying some of the goods they sell; some items they sell are in really good condition for you to incorporate in your house. Next time just pay them a visit, and you'll see it for yourself.

Hosting a fundraiser for charity

If you have many friends that you spend much time with, this is a good idea to incorporate in your meetings. For example, if you plan to have a high school reunion or a get-together, you could have a fundraiser as one
of the activities to carry out during the meeting. This is a better idea than spending the entire time gossiping about your former classmates or feeling bad about your few achievements in life.

Hosting a fundraiser at the end of a school semester is also a good way to end a semester of hard work. If you are a student, this is a good idea to put in your school suggestion box. You do not have to give actual money, you could give back your old textbooks and stationary that you do not need anymore. If you are graduating, your graduation gown can be very useful to some other student who would otherwise have to miss his or her graduation.

Use your talent

I believe that everyone has a talent. You do not have to be an athlete, or celebrity for your talent to be valid or helpful to the community. If you love cooking you could volunteer in a homeless shelter, or soup kitchen to prepare meals for the hungry people in your community. Yes, we live in America where everyone is supposed to be healthy and not starving, but there are people who live within us that can't afford to buy food. If you love to talk to people, you could volunteer at a guiding and counseling center and give your advice when you can. People love to listen to others who they can relate to. Just visiting the senior citizen facility closest to you, and listening to them talk to you can be very helpful to both parties; they could teach you something you did not know about the old days. Some senior citizens do not have families to visit them, or they have been abandoned; volunteering to visit gives them the assurance that someone in their community cares.

Give your leftovers to those in need.

Did you know that there are people out there who are willing to feed on your leftovers? They are not homeless or poor, in fact some of them have normal jobs; they call themselves freegans. Freegans feed on dumpster food as a way of life. You can save them the diseases and time by giving them your leftover food.
Homeless people search for food in dumpsters too, why don't you put aside the good food for them to pick up without mixing it with the rotten eggs?

Garbage pickup

Littered communities are not the healthiest places to stay. You can start collecting trash with a small group of friends, or schoolmates. You will be surprised at how fast your small group will grow. Some people in your
community just need someone to start a mission and they will support you. Encourage people to recycle plastic and glass wastes. Small steps like these are also ways of giving back to the community.

Community watch

Sometimes I wonder what the human race has come to. There are some communities where your house can get broken into with other people watching, or child abuse happens right in front of other people's watch. You could take an initiative to report such problems as pet abuse or child molestation to the police when you see them. You do not have to dedicate your time watching how other people run their lives, but how many times have we ignored crime? By reporting such crimes as over-speeding or drunken driving to the authority, you could save someone's life because many people die everyday as a result of this irresponsible behaviors.

Offering childcare services

If you are a stay-at-home mom, you could volunteer to help take care of other women's children in your neighborhood. There are so many people who need to go to work to support their families, but they can't afford to hire nannies, pay for expensive daycares are baby sitters. Why don't you give them a hand? You won't lose anything; in fact, you will have other children to play with your own while you perform other tasks.

Volunteer tutoring services to your community

If you go to school, there is at least one subject you enjoy or understand better that someone needs help in. If you did not know, teaching others what you know is a good way to reinforce what you learned in class. You can also learn new ideas while helping other people. It is actually a win-win situation.

Volunteering your services to your community can be so much fun if you get involved in activities that you actually love. Just offering your company to a someone who needs it could save their life. You do not have to help children in Africa for your contribution to the community to be appreciated. It is the small things we do that count.

In the world we live in today, it so selfish. Everybody worried about their selfs all the time. I understand that we have to take of ourselves, and put ourselves first, what SO many people fail to realize is how much you gain by doing for others, and doing a good deed for people around you. Unfortunately the world is too big for the work of just one person to make a big difference, hell the states is too big for the work of one person to make an impact. We can make this world a better place though, we can make the area around us a better place, I don't care who see it, who realizes it, do it with self gratitude in mine, do with your heart and the right place and most of all do it knowing that somebody will benefit from your help rather you know it or not. That is my challenge to you.


John G. Dunn II
jgdunn.blogspot.com