Big Vince's favorite Youtube Artist.

I know I'm not the only one who can get distracted for hours just watching youtube videos. I tend to watch alot of webcam artist cover popular songs. I just enjoy hearing the different takes on popular songs and hear the creativity. Here are some of my favorite Youtube artist.

This chick is by far my favorite, I think she is from some where in VA, but she has an amazing voice and always puts a creative twist to her songs.  Her Youtube name is anhaylarene‬‏, you should check her out.

Since she is my favorite I will give you a double dose;

Don't really know that much about this chick other than she can sing. Pleasant surprise;

YouTube Name: ToriKelley

This Dude was on American Idol at one point, but I put him on here strictly because of creativity. He makes some cool creative videos. I'm sure he will have a commercial deal coming soon enough. Youtube name: TodrickHall

This guy is pretty talented. I mean he's kinda soft but I guess that doesn't take away from his talent. Check em out; MynameisJsun

Just a thought.

Winners and Losers of the '11 Trade Season

The last 10 months as an NBA fan has been a roller coaster ride that has rewritten the NBA landscape. In the last 10 months more than 10 current and former all stars have changed teams. Over the last 72 hours we have witnessed a power flip from the East to the West then back to West. This trade season has had one overwhelming theme; “Power to the Playa’s” lol. From the management stand point there have been countless irrational moves because of fear in the front office. The teams have no power to hold on to their prized possessions and in response are giving them away to highest bidder in fear of being “Lebron’d”. During this trade season there were a few losers and many winners and I will give my opinion on some of the bigger deals of the season.

Winners:

OKC Thunder:

Remember this day, Feb. 24, 2011 as the day that the OKC Thunder officially became the heirs to Lakers Western Conference throne. The front office of the Thunder have done a commendable job of building around quality draft picks and now have their two all-stars to build around. Not only do they have two all-stars to build around, they have two all-stars who are in their rookie contracts to build around. I can’t think of a franchise that is in a better place in regards to potential success. On to the trade, the Celtics send defensive ace Kendrick Perkins and Streaky scorer Nate Robinson to the Thunder for Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic’s Contract. The unquestioned winner of this deal is the Thunder. I say this not solely based on talent, it more so has to do with need. The trade fills a glaring need for the Thunder which catapults them into western conference contention. This trade will not only pay dividends short term but long term. It puts the Thunder in position to take the reins of Western conference as the Lakers fade away. It also shows there young all stars they are serious about winning, which will eventually contribute to contract extensions for Westbrook, and James Harden. Today was a good day for the Prince of the Western conference, the OKC Thunder.

Jazz

The Jazz were literally caught in between a rock and a hard place. After “witnessing” the Lebron fiasco during the summer and more recently the debacle Carmelo left Denver in, the Jazz learned from their colleague’s and decided to trade while there is still value. As the times change in the NBA, it is leaving the small market teams in a bind. Superstars are being drawn to the bright lights, and there only chance at recruiting talent is forcibly through trades and the draft. The Jazz did just that with this trade by gaining a legitimate point guard in Devin Harris, the third pick in last year’s Draft in Derrick Favors and a potential Lottery pick in the upcoming draft. While the Jazz may have lost their franchise player, they had the advantage of learning from the Cavs and Nuggets, and made the most of their unfortunate situation.

Nuggets

The Nuggets can thank the Nets for finding themselves on this list. If it wasn’t for the Nets driving up the price for Carmelo the Nuggets would have ended up with little more than Wilson Chandler and Eddy Curry for Carmelo Anthony. The nuggets ended up with some solid pieces and a lot of flexibility for the future. They made the best of this situation.

Clippers:

Your probably wondering how the clippers are on this list after giving away a lottery pick and the second best player on their team. It shows they are starting the Black Griffin Era, which is the right direction to go. With Baron Davis’ big personality gone from the locker room, Griffin can begin to take over and become the centerpiece of the franchise. The Clippers can afford to give up that lottery pick because they are already a young team with 4 lottery picks from the last 4 drafts currently on their team. It’s time for them to real in a big fish and this trade gives them the flexibility to do so.

Cavs

I just feel sorry for the Cavs and they need to be on some sort of Winners list post Lebron. But in all seriousness, the Cavs realize the only way to build another quality roster is through the draft and with two lottery picks coming in this draft they are in line to do just that. Too bad there is no Lebron in this draft.

Losers:

Celtics:

I truly hate to write this as a true Celtics fan but there is no other way to put this; This trade makes no sense. While the Thunder get a piece that catapults them to the top of the west, the Celtics give away their distinct advantage in the East. The front line of the Celtics is what separated the Celtics from the top teams in the East. So the Celtics decide to give up their youngest and currently healthiest 7 footer for two players they are going to bury on the bench. While Jeff Green has a lot of upside the Celtics would have been better off getting a high lottery pick for their prized big man, especially if this was a move for the future. The Celtics window is too small to take a unnecessary risk to a Championship contending team.

Knicks:

Refere to Where Should Carmelo Go?.



Nets:

The Nets don’t get Lebron, or Carmelo, and in desperation go out and get Deron Williams. While Deron Williams is a bonafide all star, is he enough compensation the chips they lost. Not even close. They find themselves in the same spot they were 10 months ago, hoping that the upcoming free agent class chooses them. That uncertainty is not enough to bank on, especially as they move into Knick territory with their lone all star.



Just a thought.

How c/o of '06 saved UNC Football

Among the many great locker room conversations from my four years as a member of UNC football, one of the most heated would definitely be who had the best class. As biased as my opinion may be because of my membership in the class of ’06 I will try to give an impartial argument as to how the c/o of ’06 saved UNC football.

When the 26 young men from across the country signed their Letter of Intent to attend the University of North Carolina, it was unknown the impact these student athletes would have on the football field but the last thing we were lacking was the confidence. From signing day, being UNC’s first nationally ranked recruiting class of the decade, we were a confident group. Just weeks on campus, we coined the slogan “0-6 we tha Shit”. Simple and to the point, but it was the confidence we came onto campus with that would change the mindset of Tarheel football forever.

Three members of the class (Morgan Randal, Zach Henderson, Logan Buchanan) never got the opportunity to lace them up in Kenan Stadium due to injury hardships but took advantage of their opportunity by finishing their academic careers at UNC. And then there were 23. Of the 23 members of c/o of ’06 that did get to participate in on field action at UNC, 8 were named starters for their first ever college football games. 17 of the 23 active members of the class of ’06 started at least one game during their time at UNC.

This class’s impact is a lot deeper than stats and records. With a 31-32 overall record, while members of the class were eligible, is not overwhelming. The impact this class made on the transition of UNC football from the laughing stock of campus to yearly ACC contender is more telling of the impact this class made. While enduring a 3-9 season with 23 of the 26 member class being red shirted and a 4-8 season the next with double digit freshman starters. Those two trying season’s laid the foundation for the next 3 years and really the future of Carolina football. With the excitement Butch Davis brought to the program, the on field production is what helped maintain the momentum.

I don’t want to get into singling out members of the class because I know I’ll forget people but from the 4 year starting QB to the practice squad MVP this class, my class, changed the direction of UNC football. After the 4-8 season mentioned before UNC went on to 3 straight 8-5 season’s along with 3 straight bowl appearances. This class was the backbone of the rebuilding process, and the start of the future. UNC next five recruiting classes have been nationally ranked and we have been in the AP top 25 at some point the last 3 seasons.

Class of ’06 has made an impact on more than just the football field. With a new community service imitative UNC football impacted the entire Chapel Hill community. In the 2009-2010 UNC football accounted for the most community service hours of all UNC athletic teams and even accounted for more hours than the entire NPHC (look it up). Also of the 26 members of the c/o of ’06 20 got the opportunity to wear a Carolina Blue Cap and Gown. As we coined back in the summer of ’06, I say loud and proud “0-6, we tha Shit”.



Just a thought.

Continuing the conversation….

After reading a lot of the feedback from Plight of "Successful" Black Women I wanted to expand the conversation and kind of touch on some broader points. There are things that are a lot deeper than the points that I touched on in the original that have an impact on the subject. A lot of the female responses centered around expectations. I wanted to touch on that for a second;


I was raised to learn to take a truly realistic assessment of success. When I was a tenth grader and one of the top athletes at my school I thought I was #winning. It wasn’t until my father suggested that I compared myself to all the 10th graders in the state that I began to expect more of myself. The same can be said for many aspects of my life from that point foreword including my women. When you take Jenny from the block and compare her to the whole avenue, only then can you asses her true value. My point is that we need to get out of our narrow confines of relationship comparisons. Venture out of the confines of Reality TV and failed past relationships as your basis for comparison. What does this have to do with dating? Your expectations a lot of time come from your basis of comparison. As the old saying goes “If you know better you do better”. My point is for a lot of people who have this narrow or shallow set of standards it’s because of a narrow pool of comparisons.

Another thing that I heard a lot that had to do with expectations was this superficial set of credentials “successful” females desired from their potential suitors. I hate this idea of I want a man to bring as much to the table as I’m bringing. This whole idea of I make this and I want someone who does as well. WHY? Whatever happened to: I want somebody to bring to the table what I’m lacking, someone who is going to complete my table. No? This has been the thought process of males for centuries. Males, who have traditionally made comparably more than their female counterparts, didn’t go around looking for someone who could match them dollar for dollar. They looked for a compliment to their life not a compliment to their bank account. This has not been the thought process of the new age woman with a sustainable income. A lot of females dream of forming this “power couple”, where they simply contribute checks to the table when there are many entrées left to be desired. When in reality a power couple compliments each other romantically and emotionally and any other monetary contributions would be extra.

Our generation is in transition and having to guess expectations is a part of that challenge. Successful Black females do not have a unified thought process and list of expectations. I’ve noticed that some females want their man to actually make man decision's and hold an authoritative position in the relationship while some females with the same amount of success and prestige, want that position or at least a share of it. That example is an direct representation of the evolving courting process. As I was saying before, the process has evolved because the expectations have changed

Just a thought.

Response to @nelmonroe

*Disclaimer* Before you read this I would like to point you to what I’m responding to. A good friend (@nelmonroe) responded to a post I wrote on @tcoop32 ‘s blog (tcoop32.blogspot.com). You can see her post at her blog (nelmonroe.blogspot.com)


I would like to start by saying I really appreciate the numerous responses both me and @tcoop32 received from the “Plight of the ‘Successful’ Black Woman” blog entry. I am responding to this particular rebuttal because it was the most public of the responses. She made some very valid points and I could sense her passion through the page. I would like to clear up and also respond to some of the topics she brought up.

The number one thing that I noticed about the response is how defensive the tone was. The original entry was in no way an attack on Black Women, successful or otherwise. It was simply an individual’s observations and outlook of the modern dating scene especially among the educated black masses. While some points could be considered controversial, I want to make it clear this in no way was an attack on Black Women at all.

The first point that @nelmonroe made that really struck me, and I wanted to clear up was the idea that the diminishing acts of chivalry are in some way a lack of respect and depreciation for our women. I totally disagree with this. I think it is the opposite. I feel like the absence of those antiquated traditions are the ultimate show of respect. We as a society are clearly showing our recognition for the progress you as a demographic have made. Granted there are other ways us brothers have disrespected our sisters but not opening the door is not one of them. I know this is a lot bigger than the simple act of opening a door. The overall argument was more about the modern day relationship and dating structure. The things that I was arguing were changing, were the things that inevitability were done because you were thought of as inferior. I think it’s a contradiction to your progress to even expect those things. Like I said in the original entry; “The thing about progress is you can’t pick and choose what perks you want to keep.” To sum it up I hope you don’t take the new rules of chivalry as a form of disrespect. It’s a sign of new expectations.

I honestly think you kind of missed my point about the missed opportunities in the education process. I’m happy you mentioned the greek aspect of college culture, and I do plan to expand on that specific topic at a later date. The point wasn’t specifically that these girls should come to school to find a husband. It was more so an observation on how isolated I’ve noticed black females become at these prominent institutions. I don’t know if it’s an extreme focus on academic achievement or merely an inability to socially mingle with a diverse group of people. As an individual you may argue that this is not a problem for you but as a whole this is reality. African American females are the most isolated demographic socially on these campuses. Whether it is an lack of effort on your part or a lack of acceptance from your peers this exile is a reality. I’m a firm believer in that there is just as much value in the culture of these institutions as the actual academics you will learn. My point was just the acknowledgement that African American females haven’t integrated into this culture and are missing a great opportunity. Yes they thrive in their own community but in the campus community at large they are non-existent, and I don’t think there is a realistic rebuttal to that.

Just a Thought.

Where should Carmelo Go?

Where should Carmelo Anthony Go?


Carmelo Anthony has solidified his place in my top 5 favorite current NBA players. As frustrating as the last 8 season have been as a fan, he can nullify that with the decisions he and his management team make over the next few weeks. I’ve mulled over a few of the publicized opportunities he may have and have narrowed them down to four. I’m going to rank them in order of my least favorite to favorite. Here we go;

4. New York Knicks via Trade;

a. Of the publicized proposals this is my least favorite. I know Carmelo wants to be in New York and New York wants him, but as they say, “Patience is a virtue” and that trait needs to be exercised in this situation. The New York Knicks are currently a 6 seed in the east, and much publicity has been given to their improvement. While the Knicks are a much improved team they are not good enough to be able to give away two starters and jump into the top 3 in the east no matter who they are replacing them with. I think the New York faithful will be more than happy with an improved team that makes a play-off run in year one of their rebuilding process. Losing the pieces they would in a trade (Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and Anthony Randolph) to acquire one piece in Carmelo Anthony is not good business, when you can get him in a few months with all your pieces intact.

3. Los Angeles Lakers via Trade (Anderw Bynum);

a. As a big time Celtic fan I really hoped the Lakers pulled the trigger on this trade. This trade is a Lose-Lose for both sides. The Lakers would lose their Identity. I’m in no way saying that Andrew Bynum is the face of the Lakers. The Lakers already have a championship Pedigree, which is built around defense. The essence of defense is protecting the rim. Even with the much maligned Andrew Bynum, he was an effective defender that added toughness to an otherwise pretty soft roster of big men. The trade would leave the Lakers with a soft 7 footer in Pau Gasol, and an even softer power forward in Lamar Odum. So in the trade the Lakers would lose a top defensive center, and sit down their best defender in Ron Artest, only to replace them with the aforementioned Lamar Odum, Pau Gasol, and the notoriously lackadaisical defender Carmelo Anthony. Supporters of this trade argued that with a change of systems he would be a better defender. What they don’t understand is that Carmelo isn’t lacking the ability to be a decent defender, he lacks the wherewithal to be one. Throughout his career he has shown that he doesn’t care to defend his man with effort until the last few minutes of games and as they say; “Leopards don’t change their spots”. I made this argument before but I think this trade would turn the Lakers into an older less athletic version of the Miami heat. They would have an un-athletic Pau Gasol playing Chris Bosh, a slightly inferior Carmelo Anthony playing Lebron James, and an aging Kobe Bryant playing Dwayne Wade. In the long run this is bad situation for both parties.

2. New York Knicks via Free Agency

a. Carmelo Anthony becoming a Knick via free agency creates a Laundry list of advantages compared to him being traded to the Knicks. The number one advantage is flexibility. The Knicks would have their current roster +1. Granted it’s a very big one, but keeping the roster intact makes his addition that much more impactful. Even if you did want to trade away those pieces you would have lost in the original trade, you can now trade those pieces for more form fitting players around your core. The Knicks have a system that Carmelo could strive in. It is up tempo and defense is optional. I’m not saying that the addition of Carmelo to the Knicks skyrockets them above the Heat or Celtics but anything can happen in a series when you have two superstars on your side.

1. Denver Nuggets (Just Stay)

a. This option may surprise a lot of people as my favorite, but if you read along you will understand my reasoning. The Nuggets are currently a 6 seed in the west, after dealing with all of the speculations of a Carmelo trade looming. They have in the past and could easily be this year, a top 3 western conference team. The West is an aging conference while the East is full of young thoroughbreds that will reign supreme the next 6 years or so. With Phil Jackson’s retirement coming at season’s end, Laker supporters have no idea the type of impact losing him will have to the chemistry and eventual success of future Laker teams. The Nuggets (along with the Thunder) have one the top young nucleases in the west. They have their franchise man in Carmelo Anthony. They have a top young PG in Ty Lawson. They have a solid PF in Nene. The Nuggets are one defensive 7 footer from being favorites in the west. A guy like say, Greg Oden could catapult the Nuggets into to Western Conference supremacy. As the Lakers and Spurs age out of contention the Nuggets and Thunder are waiting in the wings to take their place. I feel if Carmelo stayed where he was and trusted his Management team to make the right personnel moves, this would put him closer to claiming a title than any of the above moves would.

Just a thought.

Seasonal People w/ Lifetime expectations

*Disclaimer* I know how most of yal feel about Madea and Tyler Perry and everything that goes along with it. If you could get beyond your feelings and watch this clip, there is a real message from the man in the dress.

While there are many messages in this 5 min. couch conversation the one that really sticks out to me is the misdiagnosis of people. Giving seasonal people lifetime expectations is a mistake few of us have the wisdom to avoid. This idea, in context, was more about romantic relationships, but there is something to be said for intrusting companions with the benefits of a lifelong cohort. I will admit I have more experience in forming friendships, than committed romantic relationships, and with that experience I have grown a keen ability to differentiate my branches from roots. This wisdom undoubtedly comes from being wrong a few times. In my case being wrong doesn’t always mean you cut these people out of your life completely. We all know the old saying keep your friends close, and your enemies on a leash. A lot of the people I was wrong about are still a part of my tree. It’s always better to know, and I’ve always had better relationships with people when I at least knew what to expect from them. I always felt that true disappointment only comes from being surprised. When you have people that you can form reasonable expectations for, sometimes that can be more valuable than cutting people off because of a disappointment, just to start the process all over with someone else. I know this argument sounds a lot like the disease of the ex, but romantic relationships and friendships are totally different. Friends can, and in many cases should rekindle old friendships. Like I said before at least you know what to expect from these people, whether it’s minuscule or astronomical, the expectations are there. That’s the value in friendship, experiences and time, which turn into expectations.

On the other side we have these expectations in actual romantic relationships. My 2 cents on this topic probably has the value of………..well 2 cents but I’ll give them to you anyway. (Later on, I’ll dedicate an entire entry to it) One part of his (her) rant that was particularly intriguing. He talked about stressing over these people and “in two or three years you won’t even remember their last name” I think were his exact words. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I won’t remember my exes and old hookup's last names but I do often wonder, If I saw my ex’s and old hookups from 2-3 years ago would I even be attracted to them today? Hmmm, I’ll answer that and give my two cents in a separate entry, it’s gonna take a lot of thinking for that one. 

Just a thought

Valentines' Day

As Valentine’s Day approaches it gives us all time think about our relationship situation, whether it be because we are planning the ultimate V-day celebration with the one we love, sitting around thinking about how lonely we are, or scheming ways to pull off a tri-fecta for the big day. Whatever the case this is the season for self assessment. Whether happily single or dreadfully spoken for ,we all use this day to look back at our past situations during this time and judge our relationship history. Is it fair? Not at all. Speaking as someone who has yet have a Valentine, I’m more than willing to say I’ve had good relationships (along with bad ones) but it has nothing to do w/ my success or lack thereof on this socially construed day.

Are those who happen to give or receive a teddy bear or a dozen roses every February happier than me? Are they happier than you? Who knows, but if they are I’m sure it has nothing to do with if you can pull a date on the 2^nd week in February every year. I understand how this time of year forces you to sit back and look at your relationship situation. This isn’t a problem; I think we should have a point where we sit back evaluate all aspects of our lives. The problem is when you start comparing your situation to your friends or feeling the pressures of the day. If you were happy being single last week, you shouldn’t let a few flower commercials change that. Evaluations of your situation are healthy but maybe change the date, so you can do it with a clear conscious. How about try it today, so come Monday you can be at peace with your situation and not let the forced happiness, or unavoidable loneliness distort your thoughts.

Just a thought.