SkippingRope

JumpRope aka [SkippingRope]

Remember 3^rd grade?

Remember when U first tried to jump rope?

Now remember, back-in-the-day, this was something that only my sisters did, they did it by themselves, or in 3’s [2 turners and 1 jumper], remember Double-Dutch? Again, this was another type of a jump rope game that only girls specialized in.

But that was before we started the workOut revolution [during the late 80s/early 90s]. Suddenly we began creating work out routines in all types of ways. We began running and jogging more, doing yoga and pilates more, even what has become ParKour used to just be called Follow-The-Leader. None-the-less, along with Tai Chi, and martial arts, boxing became another workout routine.

To see boys and men jumping rope, all we had to do was pop into the local gym that had a boxing program. Yes, Well it could not be denied that those boxers, [Male and Female], were in serious goodShape. So we began borrowing from their routine. Skipping rope has many health benefits, it is inexpensive to get the equipment, and no fancy gyms are required to get started. Excellent. You can pick a jumpRope at any gym equipment store, most department stores, and even some toy stores for about $5bucks +/-. 
It burns calories, provides a great cardio workout and even assist in weightLoss.

The Menzclub has been trying a few workouts in the past, and this is one that we must share. A good routine doesn’t have to be difficult; all you need to about 30mins, and you can tailor it to your skill level. You will find that it takes some coordination to get going, but after you get into a regular routine, you will able to jump nonstop for about 30 – 60 seconds, and feel the burn, lol.

Check this out: 1) jump on both feet in a slow to moderate tempo for about 10 seconds or 10 jumps. 2) then try to jump on both feet with one foot slightly ahead of the other, alternating feet while jumping for 10 seconds/jumps. 3) then try to jump on both feet from side to side in small to moderate hops for 10 seconds/jumps. Now the good stuff…4) then try to jump on one foot for about 10 seconds/jumps, then switching to the other foot for another 10 seconds/jumps. After you have mastered the 10 second/jumps rule, then go for 20 seconds/jumps, then 30 seconds/jumps, but only if you can handle it.  You will notice your breathing, calves and forearms all tightening up. 

For all you weekend workout warriors, once a week is good, 3x times a week is better, and daily for all you urban-athletes. Let us know how you feel, and keep on moving. Peaces.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            -                                                             ELU

StreetPerformers/Artists

STREET PERFORMERS/ARTISTS

So dig it…I’m on the GreenLine El [elevated train], heading into downtown Chicago, when all of a sudden this mid 30s something guy start snapping his fingers and stomping his feet to a reggae rhythm, [to date I’ve never heard anyone snap their fingers louder, his snaps sounding like hand claps]. His rhymes were conscience, well spoken and either freeStyled or rehearsed sounding like a cross between Heavy D & Super Cat. Brotha was unemployed at the time, but using his street hustler skills to not only bide his time in a productive manner, but do it and entertain the riders simultaneously.

After his quick performance [about 3 mins long], he would ask the riders if they could spare some change, but preferred the type of money that folds, (lol) make a quick tour of the train car to collect his offerings, then he would come back down to the end of the car where I sat, and we started an impromptu relationship as I would catch his act probably once a week, and we would repeat our ritual. We talked politics, religion, civil rights, economics and the changing times [all those things we were told not to talk about while growing up]. I enjoyed listening to his show, and enjoyed even more our conversations.

Fast forward to NYC, M subway train rolling thru Lower Manhattan. A duo appeared, one dressed like Terrance Trent D’Arby with acoustic guitar, the other like the chubby dude from Silk [Gary Jenkins] and began singing their version of How Many Drinks by Miguel feat Kendrick Lamar. Major swag as the crooners delivered their song. The chubby guy started in on his Marvin Gaye, then parlayed into a rap aimed at a couple of cuties who were riding as well [left them blushing]. I didn’t want to listen as I had my headphones on, but after they started, I was glad I decided to give them a minute. End of show, and gathering of offerings in a hat, I had to share a word with the budding stars. Again what I appreciated most of all was their well mannered approach to dealing with strangers who become family members while trapped on a train.

This is the history of how I began critiquing street performers as some are really talented. Using this platform to share their skills with the public, I noticed they really enjoyed that moment in time that someone showed interest in them and their craft. Kudos to all of you brave souls that spread your heart, and life’s passion to the passersby hoping to catch their attention, meager offerings and admiration. Keep up the good.     

                                                                                 

                   Be on the lookOut for music reviews coming soon………………Peaces.

                                                                                                -ELU      

JoeTheBathroomDude: Fifth Edition

Joe    TheBathroomDude

                                                        By Kent R Burks

GreatMinds

think about ideas,

AverageMinds

think about events,

SmallMinds

think about people.

Marijuana States:The State of Marijuana

Ladies and Gents;
Here is a perspective on current events from one of the menzclubs faithful members....
withOut further ado.........Mr Oliver Stone on the State of Marijuana.

What was once totally illegal; is quickly becoming the norm.

What was once stigmatized is quickly becoming mainstream.

What was once a joke has become a serious topic for discussion.

Weed!

And the legalization of it.

Since Colorado has legalized the sale of marijuana, [Jan 1st, 2014], The rest of the country is looking on eagerly expecting. Many folks are opening up medical marijuana dispensary such as StarBuds. Names like Death Star/Ghost OG/Optimus Crime/White widow all designer cannabis names that can be purchased for $50 an 8^th…….$600mil annually and growing. Infused edibles, how ironic that what some people are thrown in jail for, others are totally making it their legal livelihood. CASH ONLY!!!

The biggest secret of all…anybody can grow it! Not all legally, but literally money growing in your backyard. They say money doesn’t grow on “Trees”, well at least not on the kind you can’t smoke. The Cannabis industry is so lucrative, the mayor of Colorado doesn’t know what to do with all the revenue coming in.  Maybe paying off China would be a good start or some student loans, either or.  Let me ask you this, …..what wildflower can grow anywhere, can be made into oil to run cars and locomotives, paper to save millions of trees and save the earths lungs, plastics that are biodegradable and 10x stronger than steel, textiles that are superior to cotton, food that is inexpensive and can feed entire populations, concrete that is carbon negative and 7x stronger than concrete?               That’s right weed aka… Hemp!

WTF is Hemp, I Thought we was talking about that cheeba, that juju, that Dank?  Well we would never be having this weed legalization talk anyhow if it wasn’t for hemp.  See hemp looks exactly like some sour diesel to the untrained DEA eye, but if ingested by smoke it won’t get you high and will act as a laxative.  UUhh that’s sour!  So why is it illegal too then? It’s clearly not a drug, it looks like one but so does the Japanese maple tree. Well I can name at least 6 different corporate monopolies industries it would put harsh competition on, and competition is unfavorable.  Especially when regular Joe “I want to grow my own and live free from your corporate takeover” schmo can grow it in his own privacy. 

The good news is speaking of any type of cannabis legalization is moving forward to a better future. Just imagine if the DuPont’s DEA found out it can be found in breast milk (Like the kind your mom let you suck on, yea that has cannabinoids in it, the same that are found in that blunt).  There would be protests and riots on every street to fight for the right to have breast.  Or at least some enlightenment as to how our only planet recycles and reuses everything it deems useful.  With the new regulated cannabis industry showing so many good signs ($$$$$$) and zero deaths thus far, we might soon know what it feels like to not have the invisible hand of capitalism reach in our wallets (not even give us a courtesy reach around) take the necessary amount to feed the starving Federal Reserve Bank and their unfaultable industries that carry this country to a debt free paradise.

-        Oliver Stone

Tips 4 The Single Dad 1

Tips 4 The Single Dad#1

To all you single dads out there, this one is for you.

It doesn’t really matter how you became single, whether because She dumped you…She walked out and left the kids…She caught you cheating [U dirty dog].  You are the better parent, You were awarded custody as primary caregiver, JointCustody recipient, or just simply You decided to make a go of life with your own rules in your manCave, …here you are, …………a single parent in 2014.

Good 4 You!

Now, don’t go making comparisons to the fairer sex, who [by-the-way] has been putting up the highScore as single parents since way-back-when. However, your role as a provider, protector, educator, and mentor is NEVER outdated, so the menzclub would like to shine some light on all the menFolk who make it happen.

Nice job with your daily routine of rise-and-shine, breakfast, schoolPrep and AM departure. Nice job of your afterSchool pickup, homeWork assistance, snack and/or dinner prep and cleanUp. Nice job with your evening routine, nextDay prep, daysEnd routine, including auxiliary scheduled events such as movieNight, danceClass pickUp, KarateClass pickUp, musicLesson pickUp on any given night, Monday thru Sunday.

Yessir, very nice job of providing the spiritual food that your children needs, in one form or another…such a necessary part of your little ones development. And think …all of this as a single parent?  Wow, your stock just jumped chief, lol.

Many fella’s are out there making it happen, and we realize that many more need to wakeUp, showUp and growUp and start their own routines…U don’t need a Judge to tell you to take care for your responsibilities. YES, truth be told, it would be MUCH easier to keep your family together, but the reality is….more men are finding themselves in this position, and you can still make it a win-win.

Any questions?

Shoot us a line here at the menzclub. If not, be encouraged, and continue…………. 

ONWARD!!!

          We leave you in patience, kindness, stern direction, love and Peaces!           

                                                                                                                                                                           -                                              -ELU

NBA Controversy

MAJOR NBA CONTROVERSY!!!

MOVE#1 

Donald Sterling, Owner NBA Los Angeles Clippers




THIS SHOULD BE MOVE#2 

Athletes show brotherhood support of Muhammed Ali's stand 1967.

As per ESPN:  NBA players were prepared to boycott Tuesday night's playoff games if NBA commissioner Adam Silver did not ban Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and force him to sell his team, National Basketball Players Association first vice president Roger Mason Jr. said.

"I heard from our players and all of our players felt like boycotting the games tonight," Mason said. "We're talking about all NBA players. We're talking about the playoff games tonight."

Mason said he spoke to player representatives from every team and they were on board with the decision to boycott Tuesday's games if they weren't satisfied with the commissioner's decision. The decision would have affected Tuesday's Game 5s between the Clippers and Golden State Warriors, the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, and the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder.

On Tuesday, Sterling was banned for life by the NBA in response to racist comments the league says he made in a recorded conversation. Silver also said he will try to force Sterling to sell the team. The owners have the authority, subject to three-quarters vote, to remove Sterling as an owner.

"I reached out to other players around the league and made it clear the players were ready to boycott the games if this type of action was not something that Adam Silver felt was necessary," Mason said. "We're happy with the decision but we're not content yet. We want immediate action. We want a timetable from the owners as far as when this vote is going to happen."

NOW ITS YOUR MOVE!!! THE WORLD IS WATCHING!!!

NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver

'NUFF SAID!

Dr Jack Ramsey.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE MENZCLUB WOULD LIKE TO THANK DR JACK RAMSEY!

                           -ELU

JoeTheBathroomDude: fourth edition.

TheBathroomDude

                                                     

                By Kent R Burks

Dude; 
U missed the bowl again??
...wow, Ur terrible at freeThrows! lol.