"Hyperbolic Homophobia" By Greg Hernandez

One gay football player in the locker room is a major issue. The major issue is how fifty-two other guys can potentially find it to be a major issue.

It was simply inevitable. Michael Sam an All-American Defensive End for the Missouri Tigers announced that he is entering the NFL draft, he also announced that he is gay. "I am an openly, proud gay man," were his exact words. It came as a shock to his father who found out like the rest of us, in the news. Michael Sam is the first, of what will most likely be more gay college football players to announce their sexual orientation and interest in playing pro-football. A majority of Sam's teammates in college support him. The NFLPA supports him. I support him.

Now, the irony is that Sam will most definitely face discrimination in the days, weeks, months, and years to come as he pursues his career. It cannot be something he is not used to, but the sheer scope of it might be difficult to grow accustomed to, which is why there is a NFLPA. The ironic part comes with current player's perspectives, which I will admit are pretty understandable, if you're an ignorant human being who grew up with parents who failed to teach you about diversity for intellectual reasons, personal reasons, or religious reasons. I used the word ignorant not stupid-there is a difference.

These two quotes are from Saints Linebacker Jonathan Vilma: 

"I think that he would not be accepted as much as we think he would be accepted," Vilma said. "I don't want people to just naturally assume, like, 'Oh, we're all homophobic.' That's really not the case. Imagine if he's the guy next to me and, you know, I get dressed, naked, taking a shower, the whole nine, and it just so happens he looks at me.

"How am I supposed to respond?"

Yes, how are you supposed to respond? One draft, one player, Thirty-two teams. If he lands on your team surely you will not avoid him in the showers, will you? You will not set some sort of ground rules for a potential meeting, shall you? You could just simply look the other way or say please man don't look at me, it makes me feel uncomfortable, couldn't you?

Of course Vilma clarified his comments: "It was a poor illustration of the example I was trying to give on the context, so I do apologize for that," Vilma said (via Nola.com). "I was trying to explain that whenever you have change into something that's been set in stone for so long, something that's been going for so long, that change always comes with a little resistance."

Read up on the full interview here:  http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/saints-linebacker-jonathan-vilma-clarifies-homophobic-views-prior-151112471--nfl.html

That is an obvious answer, but let us take this into context. Bayard Rustin who organized the Civil Rights march in Washington of 1963 was shunned by some civil rights leaders, however when it came time to organize and mobilize, they turned to him and he delivered. Fast forward fifty-one years later and there is resistance to an African-American gay man wanting to be drafted into the NFL.

Vilma, must research his history, as all African-Americans should. After all they have gone through to secure their civil rights, there should be no resistance to Michael Sam.

Picture a young boy asking his mom about an interaction with a gay person:

"Mama, I don't want him staring at my pee pee." says the son.

"Don't worry, I will not let him." assures the mother.

"Mama, will I grow up to stare at other boy's pee pees too?"

"I don't know dear, will talk about it when you get older, ok..."

Sexuality is a versatile magnet full of unexpected possibilities. You can grow up and stare at a woman's or man's body parts or both. You can desire one or the other or both. It does not matter.

Vilma sounds like a child who has never had the talk before. He is sexually ignorant.

The irony of it all is how men are intensely homophobic and incredibly ignorant. One gay man in the locker room is not a threat. His teammates in college accepted and supported him. Now, they are from ages of 18-24. Vilma is 31, yet his maturity level screams the adolescence stage. How does he look at women? Is he merely afraid of getting the same potential hungry and desirable look from a man eight years his junior in the showers? This innate fear must dissipate. Accept instead of resist. Mankind resists things that they fear and do not understand.

Be progressive, not backwards. Talk to the man before you judge him. If there is a minority of people in the NFL who feel doubt toward the inclusion of Michael Sam, let them meet and get to know the man before they express their doubts, fears, and concerns. Do that and then you will understand him better.

A quick Wikipedia search on Sam can produce this: "Sam is the seventh of eight children born to JoAnn and Michael Sam. As a child, Sam watched one of his older brothers die from a gunshot wound. Another older brother has been missing since 1998, and his other two brothers are both imprisoned. A sister who was born before him died in infancy. Sam is the first member of his family to attend college"

It is foolish for African-Americans to discriminate against other African-Americans or anyone else for that matter. Forget the sexual orientation for a second. This is a human being who found salvation through playing football. Do not exclude him, include him. The NFL is supposed to be a brotherhood of men. Well, it is time to diversify that brotherhood.

Diversity should be the issue, not resistance. Homophobia is not the true word, it is hypocrisy.

Our Storms

Pain is like a storm. Learn to let is pass naturally.

It is the old adage, "time heals all." We have all gone through terrible events in our lives. Events that have tested us. Events that have made us all tumble. We have all turned to the obvious to cope: words, music, alcohol, sleep, mindless activities, chores, work, books, films, hugs, tears, blood, sex, travel, drugs, photography, pornography, exercise, and love. Yet many times those are not enough. How do we fully heal? Is it through family, friendship, a pet...I wonder.

The girl who never spoke to you again after your first date.
The parental abuse.
The bullying.
The ostracizing
The torture.

If we could predict the future all would be fore naught. Life is our greatest journey. Unchecked emotions, mistakes, and pain are the elements of a life well spent.

Drop a coin in a well full of water and watch the ripples. That is life. It spreads far and wide.  We know the cause and effect but still cannot comprehend it. Engrossed in the results, we suffer. We expect more, not less. Each individual outcome is personified by loss and gain. Humans ponder the intricacies of each situation. They place value upon it. Everything is intrinsic. Our brains betray us.

Life is one giant storm capable of wrecking us all. A chaotic force intertwining with joy and sorrow. We let it invade us. Pride imprisons us. Greed fills us. Our sanity is predicated on the gargantuan levels of our personal ruination. Vain creatures to the core we are.

Every single event in our lives is a major spectacle. We are our own worst fortune tellers. Happiness is in our reach. Madness is under our sleeves. Glory is beyond us. There is no guarantee of salvation. Only the hunt for it.

Life is meaningless, but if we accept that fact, we are lost. So, we give it meaning. We chase the storm. We ride beside it. Fearless, taking turn after dangerous turn to see it to its natural end.

Do not be sorry.
Do not feel sorry.
Feel better.
Get well soon.
Get over it.
Get past it.
Grow up.
Dry your tears.
Stop moping.

We need no psychiatrists...we need time. Time for our storms to pass. It is in our nature to grow stronger after each inevitable storm. We are one with the earth but we choose to banish that notion. We are above it, literally and figuratively. We are unwise. Our history details our experience, yet each person is different. One cannot simply heal at will. Time is our ally and mortal enemy. Suicide is an option, but only after all others are exhausted. Free will is  scary, because  it is the only freedom that exists. Forgot medicine. Remember the remedy.

The remedy is time. Only we can cure our storms. No on individual can help another, one must decide to help themselves. Anything else directly violates that persons individuality.

Of course everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, however the first hand to help, must be our own.

-Greg H

"Sapiosexual" By Greg Hernandez

A straight male can adapt-he can forget the breasts, buttocks, full luscious cherry lipped duck faces and appreciate what is most important-a woman's mind.

"Selfies" are worthless. Physique has its limitations. Want to know what really turns me on? Sure, I'll tell you. It is the woman in Strand's bookstore and St. Marks Bookstore perusing the Literature and Science Fiction section. Our hands touch as we collide on the last Neil Gaiman novel on the shelf. She also reads Jhumpa Lahiri.

She sips wine and speaks her mind. Laughs freely at our conversations and does not need me to entertain her or make her laugh. She is smart enough to let the chortling happen when it is organic. She is versatile, exquisite, vulnerable, sassy in a good way-sass with the facts and attitude, not just the latter.

I listen to her. I can learn from her. She inspires me to be a better man. Her rhetoric gives me an erection. Our brain storming sessions cause me to ejaculate. The giddiness she displays when discussing the arts: Theatre, Film, Painting, Sculpture, Psychedelic Rock, Hip-Hop, Indie Rock, and Metal is alluring. She stopped twerking because it was now in the dictionary and  Miley Cyrus did it, which she found to be deplorable.

Her mind keeps me sharp. I believe it will for decades if we marry. I invest in her because her mind is gorgeous. With that logic, the rest of her is as well. I appreciate her completely. First, I view the mind, it must come first before the body, the sex, everything. The mind is the ultimate gift we humans possess. I cherish it. I find intelligent women to be the sexiest creatures alive. A dumb model makes me limp. An intelligent model makes me become inebriated on the very idea that she is my soul mate, that I must possess her. Knowledge is a dangerous thing, I am eternally bound to it. I choose it above all else. An intelligent woman will be great in bed for me, because I know that we can build up the rapport that makes a relationship last.

Forget arrogance, egotistical thinking, and vainglorious pride. If she can back it up, so be it. I would aspire to match her, not be intimidated by her. I view her as my equal. I respect her. She is not a thing. She is an intelligent human being, that happens to make me extremely horny.

I am Sapiosexual.

"25 and in need of a better job? RUN FOR CONGRESS!" By Greg Hernandez

It was confirmed last year that this Congress is the WORST EVER! So what are we going to do about?

Two things really quick: The approval rating of Congress is estimated to be lower than 13 percent. Now, the rate of the incumbency is at 90 percent. Isn't this juxtaposition alarming? Bloomberg's "Greg Giroux," notes that in 2010 84 percent of Senators and 85 percent of House members won re-election. The folks who are not doing anything to aid this country in its time of financial and socioeconomic peril need to be replaced. That is the bottom line. People must be put in place that will work with a progressive President. Speaking of President Obama, his State of the Union address last week drew the lowest television audience of his presidency. Why are people not tuning in anymore? Simple, they have tuned him out, because they already know the message. Put people in place that will collaborate with the President and accelerate his agenda, not impede it. Put people in place that will not stand on the political sidelines, so to speak. But, how? 2014 is an election year. People must not just vote the incumbent out. People must actually find suitable people to run against the incumbents, that way we are not substituting one problem or a potentially worse one. 

The tea party has acted on this matter in the past and plans to continue the fight.

http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/12/11/senate-s-gop-incumbents-face-unprecedented-opposition-tea-party

Progressives and Independents have laughed at the tea party before and spoken sardonically about them. However, the truth is obvious, those ignorant people have taken action in the past and will do so again. They have the right idea. Get out there and make my voice be heard. I do not have the money to make those in power listen, but it truly does not matter, because my vote is my voice and that speaks loudest. Vote the people out. The year 2010 was like an NFL coaching carousel for Republicans. Many who did not keep campaign promises or sided with Democrats on any issue were ousted. However, those who retained their positions and there were many of them, actually had to, gasp* fight for their jobs. No longer unopposed those who had to fight until the end felt an unfamiliar feeling of doubt course through their bodies, sort of like stomach indigestion. Those ignorant fools crowded the white house to impeach Obama and failed, but they showed us all one thing. Get off of your couch and take to the streets to complain. Eventually you will be noticed!

Bill Maher the political satirist unveiled a unique goal on his show for this year. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/31/bill-maher-congress-race_n_4701727.html

Now, there is someone with a grandiose following! Maher is using his power in the media to allocate a new seat in Congress. His political flexing of viewership can and will easily turn to his personal political advantage. Maher understands that measures must be taken. Sure, Obama could push forth with his executive power like he has done in the past regarding foreign policy, however it is more difficult to do so within domestic affairs.

So, this leads me back to my earlier point. Let's do something about this!

Check this links out. Big things are happening.

http://swampland.time.com/2014/02/04/sandra-fluke-harry-waxman-california-congress/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/02/alex-willette-congress_n_3536367.html

If you are 25 years of age and want to change your surroundings for the good of the people, run for Congress! Serve your country! Do not bemoan America's lack of progress these last few years, instead do something about it. Instead of discussing hot topics with your savvy political friends in a cafe or something, why not put on the suit, get your name out there via social media, and RUN! Who knows? You maybe the spark that will aid the nation. A lightening rod of a political tour de force against the mismanagement of campaign financing. Forget the Super PACS, make the country stronger and more united. Sure money is the loudest voice, but maybe the most consistent voice can be us...perhaps if all of us get smart, by paying attention and consistently calling, pestering, and reaching out to those elected officials, our voices can be heard. The debt ceiling, minimum wage, immigration reform, gun control, gay marriage, and JOBS are some major hot topics for the Congress to discuss this year.

If you cannot make it in to Congress, say why! I wanted to serve my country but the upper 1 percent would not allow me to do so! I did not want serve their political interests, I did not want to be their puppet, I wanted to serve the people within my district! The real Americans. Be brash, be blunt, be honest, win or lose, it is a movement we need, not a stand still grumble or protest. Want democracy to matter: clean up, shape up, and start running. The more young people running, the better. Those between the ages of 26-35 know better. We are the future, we should take hold of it!

Besides, think of the over whelming percentage of retaining your job if you should be elected, 84 percent, that number looks very attractive.

5 tips for getting better sleep naturally

Can't sleep huh? Well, here are five habits that are inhibiting your sleep.

Of course, sleep is important. We all need it to function. Some need more than others, others offer the rebuttal of less sleep is better because we are wasting our lives away. Maybe, but facts are facts. We all need sleep. If you are only getting six hours of sleep a night, chances are you will be tired during the day. Eight hours is your healthy bet. Of course, you know that already, but for some reason you cannot seem achieve that restful endeavor. Let's discuss some things that can inhibit a person's sleep.

1. Sleeping at different times each night. A fluctuation in a person's sleeping schedule may cause an imbalance of sleep. If you're having problems going to sleep, try setting a specific time each night to remedy your balance. Help yourself prepare for it, by reading a book or doing something relaxing before the time arrives. Stretching is also a good way to loosen yourself up for sleep. Your body is relaxed and ready for bed.
2. Not sleeping in complete darkness. Silly right? Of course we all sleep in the dark. Not really...keep your phone and laptop light away from your bed. Keep the curtains closed tightly, the slightest bit of illumination could be why you are struggling to stay asleep. Nightlights and any other form of lights must be off.
3. Drinking and eating before bed. Now you know why you are continually getting up during the middle of the night to use the toilet! Well, that is one reason but here are two more far important ones. Drinking before bed can delay your sleep cycle. Eating causes the same result, plus it can affect your weight control and overall health. If you must eat before bed, try a banana or some low fat yogurt. If you must drink something, try some warm milk, followed by at least 20 minutes of relaxation, before turning the lights off.
4. Browsing the web or channel surfing. Try to sleep after having some digital or cable fun. Go ahead, try. Harder then it looks right!?! Take about 30 minutes after you finish your computer or television activity. Read a book instead, or write a journal, chat with someone in person (a boring conversation can help you hit that pillow faster), or do some form of craft, anyone still knit? 
5. Doing strenuous activities close to bedtime. This should be common sense right? Wrong! College students are normally sleep deprived from all of their academic and extracurricular activities. It is important to make some time for sleep. Get into a zone, take a half-hour to play some soft and soothing music to relax yourself. Give yourself a head massage. Do not think about the day's events or tomorrows either. Only think about sleep.

Follow these steps and you should enjoy the type of uninterrupted sleep that so many individuals cherish!

Eight hours straight of zzzz. Soon, your mortal enemy will be your alarm clock!

-Gregory Hernandez

"Say good-bye to New York State" By Greg Hernandez

I read an article by Ivan Pereira in the am new york last week, about "NYS being No. 1 in fleeing residents."According to a report from "Empire Center," the non-profit think tank based in Albany, a whopping 328, 538 people have fled the Empire State since 2010. Why? The poor job market and the rise in cost of living. The state cannot employ all of its residents and many who are employed can no longer afford to reside in the city anymore. The gentrification of Brooklyn, Harlem, and The Bronx is rapidly exposing a vision for many people. That vision is one of a financial migration or exodus, depending on which side of the payroll you are on. Where are all of these people going? It varies. "Between July 2012 and July 2013, the state saw a net domestic migration of 104,470 residents while several states like Florida, North Carolina, and Texas saw hundreds of thousands of newcomers during the same period." Now, North Dakota encountered the largest population growth, (Percentage wise), because of their job market. People are leaving New York for Florida and its not because of the weather!

The KingsBridge neighborhood of The Bronx has gained momentum because of the City Council's quest to revitalize it. "The world's largest ice-skating rink is coming to The Bronx." This is a good thing for the community. That is whats most important. Improvements must be made for those who have live in it and have for decades. Improvements need not be made for the sake of financial gain. The improvement of infrastructure should be done for those in the communities, not for those who seek to push out others just because they have more money. Change should be for all, but mostly for those who love their community.

"You can't afford to live in Park Slope on two teacher's salaries anymore."

That sums it up right there.

Don't believe me, look at what I've read and watched recently...

http://fusion.net/culture/news/story/gentrification-east-harlem-ongoing-10440

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20131210/kingsbridge/city-council-approves-kingsbridge-ice-skating-rink

"Gap between Seahawks and Broncos immense" By Greg Hernandez

"Dominance" and "Embarrassing" were among the many adjectives used to describe yesterday's Super Bowl. 

By many accounts, this year's Super Bowl was far from compelling. If you believe that, then you know nothing of football. Yesterday's contest between the two best teams from the AFC and NFC was not a contest at all. However, if you are one to only look at the score for evidence, then you are not paying attention to the why. Watch closely. This was a game to be appreciated. Not for the sake of a close game, but for a showcase of a complete football performance. Seattle delivered the coveted 60 minute performance that teams aspire to accomplish. In order to win the Lombardi trophy, you must be the better team for 60 minutes, there was never a minute when anyone doubted Seattle.

Let's start from the beginning. If the first snap of the game was any indication of Denver's poise, the game would in fact not be compelling. Open your eyes. Besides that miscue, Denver's performance-or lack thereof was all Seattle's doing. The interceptions, the fumbles, the pressure, the frustration-all was created by the tenacious Seattle defense. That was just defense. The special teams were indeed special yesterday. Percy Harvin was the fastest man on the field, but we already knew that! Denver appeared to be more than a few steps slow, which again, was all Harvin's doing. Just having played in only three games this year, 33 snaps before the Super Bowl, his body was extremely fresh. He felt great and he played spectacularly. Russell Wilson did not manage the game, he took his shots and allowed his receivers to make some incredible plays. The few times his receivers were covered, Wilson was able to get first downs with his legs. His performance was a modicum of this entire season and his career so far.  He remained poised in the pocket, delivered precise darts to his receiving corp. More than that, he was unfazed by any bad results. Seattle led 8-0 after a safety and two Field-Goals, with plenty of time left in the first quarter for Manning to respond. Instead, the boom responded. Two first half interceptions ensued, both were pressured throws. We could all ask ourselves why didn't coach John Fox, elect to kick the Field-goal on their final possession of the first half. We could also, drink some coffee and realize the truth, it was touchdown or bust from that point on.

Seattle was indeed dominant in this Super Bowl. The Broncos were NOT embarrassing to watch. They played hard. The embarrassing part was that it never mattered.The gap between these two Super Bowl teams was immense. The speed, hard-hitting tackling, and ferocious attitude displayed by the Seahawks throughout the entire game was quite a sight to behold. Forget about the score, the Broncos struggled to get first downs. We need to open our eyes and give Manning credit for his performance. He tried, but like all of the other Quarter Backs that Seattle has faced this season, Manning committed turn overs and crumbled under pressure. This is a team sport. Seattle was by far the best overall team this year. Their 53 man roster was miles ahead of every other. We all wanted a close game, instead we witnessed the epitome of a dominant performance. If Seattle can keep this team together and if they do achieve home-field advantage again next year, who's to say they cannot repeat?

Do yourselves a favor. When you have some time, re-watch the game. I know I will, because with the outcome already decided, this game was fantastic.