Believe this...I'm writing again

So, I don't know where to start. My muted ramblings aren't worthy. So I'll just say, I was laughing out loud at Lena Dunham's character in "Girls" and look forward to learning more about this promising young artist.

Republicans are killing me...

First of all, I don't hate Republicans. Secondly, Romney wins Florida and the shots of the crowd are not nearly as diverse as the state he's in. I mean, even Newt Gingrich had a few faces of diversity behind him. Has anyone felt the need to comment on the utter lack persons of color in this new Republican party? Can anyone describe the last time you heard a Republican mention being the party of Lincoln? And for God's sake will someone tell Ron Paul this is not his retirement party? For a party that insist on the inherent virtue of the American people, I offer this...Someone must protect us from ourselves. Why not government? For if we let the chaos that is the new Republican party win this upcoming election, you'll have to rely on that silly neighbor of yours who still hasn't taken those Christmas lights down and lets his dog poop on your yard, to justify his actions as an "exercise in personal liberty"...and returning to the gold standard.

Spring training....

Pitchers and Catchers report tomorrow. How about the first day of Spring training being the coolest reminder that everything will be OK. To all baseball fans everywhere, much love and I'll see you soon. Go Cardinals!

What! I'm back....

Hello all...

As of this point, I'm remembering what it was like to post to the blog. Updates--Rose Mapendo coming to campus in Indianapolis on February 18 at 12:00 in the NMC Auditorium. FREE! If you're in town, do visit the Ivy Tech campus in celebration of Black History Month and listen to a truly inspirational story.

Apology Accepted

So...Tiger Woods has apologized for his transgressions off the course and made public his sincere attempt to win back the fans that he may have lost. Regardless of his well-crafted posturing in apologizing and the incessant commentary by everyone from the local barber to a "body language" expert, I , for one, willingly accept it and refuse to acknowledge this episode any further. Of course, there is just this one thing...Why do we care?

Perhaps, it's the fact that in Tiger and others like him we see our better selves. Idolatry of athletes, politicians and movie stars has always led to a sense of connection between the famous and the so called "rest of us." We don't impose upon our heroes our numerous faults, shortcomings and transgressions. Instead, we see what he hope to see in ourselves. Someone who has realized human potential to levels many of us will never reach. And therein lies our problem. To expect Tiger Woods and others like him to be "superhuman" in living their own lives is nothing short of duplicitous and unreasonable. A reasonable expectation would be for us (the adoring public) to allow Tiger to be himself. His greatness coupled with his faults. That is in essence the fragility and beauty of being human.

I find it troubling that many who have commented on Tiger's "owing" an apology to his fans have suggested that because he has accepted the fruits of fame and fortune that he should be poked and prodded to satisfy our heart's desires to see him repent. Really?...Well...he certainly doesn't owe that to me. I mean, what if we all had to have a press conference apologizing for every idiotic, selfish act we ever committed. I can see it now.

The scene...a relatively stark conference room with 40 friends, associates and colleagues. Enter, Alphonso, fresh off his well documented episode of stupidity.

Good morning (clear throat)

I want to thank you all for coming. As you know, this has been a trying time for me and my family. I am here today to set the record straight and hopefully, if you feel it's appropriate, ask for your forgiveness and help in becoming the man I want to be. It is true. On December 20th, after a night of excessive drinking of Tropical Punch Kool-Aid, of which I'm ashamed, I busted through my roommate's wall and shouted "Hey Kool-Aid!" while peeing on his bed. But I want to give all glory to Jah and ask that you please leave my family alone. I drank the Kool-Aid, not them. If you want to blame someone...(there should be a strangely awkward pause here ---camera draws in to a close-up on me pointing accusingly in a staccato pattern to my chest)...blame me. I pissed on the shoes. Me.

Over the past few weeks, I've begun therapy for my issues and ask for your help as I work through this difficult time. I don't know when I'll return to writing, maybe this year, maybe next... but my main focus today is my family and re-acquainting myself with my spirituality. Many of you may not know this but I was raised as a Ras Tafarian. However, as the influence of Kool-Aid grew stronger, I lost touch with my true 100% juice-drinking roots and fell victim to juice-flavored drinks. But I'm here to say today, no more. To all of the children and parents of children that I have disappointed with my actions, I'm sorry. Don't drink juice-flavored drinks. Please don't pee on your roommates. Drink 100% juice. I'll be back soon if you'll have me. Thank you for coming.

Tiger promised me nothing. That is until today. By succumbing to the flaws of humanity and acknowledging his responsibility for his actions, Tiger promised me he was as human as any of us.

As one who was chosen to be a role model, celebrated by handlers, yes-men and sponsors alike, Tiger Woods is finding that the hardest thing to do in public life is be himself. Truth be told, that realization probably came some time ago and may very well have partly caused the situation he's now in. Still, I need nothing more from Tiger than for him to be himself. Willing to learn from his mistakes and change his behaviors to save his family. That's one hell of a bunker shot for most people. But, I think if anyone can do it, Tiger can. That's enough for me, and that should be enough for all of us.