Amadeo Sogni

“It’s like a cycle some’ll go home some’ll come in do a bullet come back do the same shit again…”
Nas - Verbal Intercourse

So over the last few days some things happened that made me really question my age…in mainstream years that is. First I was in a club Friday and as I listened to the music and watched the crowds reaction I felt old. First off I couldn’t believe some of the songs that got the crowd amped. I just kept thinking “is this what does it?” Most of the Hip-Hop played sucked…bad. I only got on the floor cause they played like 5 classics, starting with Black Sheep - This or That. Now I am an admitted snob (in regards to certain things). For instance: Jay - Z’s first single does have a good beat when played in the club…but as an artist I got that feeling that people were hype cause it was Jay-Z and not because it’s any good. Let me clarify: as a performer I was aware of plenty of time where I did something that wasn’t that good, however, people still gave it up for me cause it was me and I was normally hella good. Even though I’m not considering the mundane tastes of “the crowd”, I just kept thinking “really?” Then all the Reggae and Dancehall stuff they played was the same stuff that they played the last time I was out…and all through the years since those songs came out. As an aside, a whole bunch of the Ravens were in the club that night. I was drinking and I was gonna tell my big homie Sundiata to step to Terrell Suggs cause he wasn’t that big…then I recalled they were playing the Steelers this weekend…and that I don’t do things like that. Good thing they won, otherwise I would have wrote a scathing letter the Brian Billick. Also I saw the difference between youth and experience. Ray Lewis and Steve McNair just chilled in the back while Suggs was moving all around the Club. I actually had to bump Suggs…I’m a fan, but the rules still apply, I give some space you give some. Perhaps that whole letter Idea is more proof of my age.

Then (actually the day before) I went and bought and Ipod.

(BTW - D.P. you know I put that Black Superheros on that joint) So anyway I spent some time loading stuff on there, the above mentioned joint is chock-a-buck full of old school goodies, suffice it to say that I don’t have alot of “new” stuff. So I’m waiting for the bus on Sunday and I’m rocking my joints. Now for those that don’t know I like to see the reaction of people who hear my music. If I was in a car rocking some old classic, I roll my windows down. I turn my headphones up and see how people respond. So while I’m waiting this guy comes and stands across from me. I notice that he starts rocking his head with my music. No one else though. I’m thinking “I’m rocking Only Built for Cuban Linx and this is it?” One guy? Does that mean we’re both old and these young cats don’t know about it? This is a damn classic! When it came out my and my peoples sat in the dark engaging in illegal activities that young, black, male, hip-hop fans would at the time. I remember thinking that these cats are killing it and this album will be a standard…I also remember thinking that this is really a Ghostface solo album and Rae is a guest star. Now, granted, this did come out about a decade ago (damn!!!). I’m saying though, this album is the joint! It’s sad when people just don’t recognize something like this. I’m not even saying you don’t recognize Edutainment. I’m not saying you aren’t acknowledging me playing some Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. It’s Raekwon and Ghost…The Wu! It’s one of Nas best verses! Ice Cream is on this album! I remember I bought some fronts from one of the stands that was in the video (that’s fronts, not grillz - it was only three teeth). Yo, they even talk about guns and stuff, I know ya’ll like that. I mean damn…has it really all passed me by? Ifeel like that song by Tower of Power…What is Hip? I am that old or (to reference another “old” song is it all just “Passing Me By”?

“Man, I thought New York was the only place to end up in a murder rap, Jesus Christ!”
Dally

Everyone needs a good friend. This cat was one of the best. This before Mr. Miyagi, Ghost, couch jumping and Polly. Most of the cats in this movie were just about nobody at the time. So this one of my favorite movies that only had star power after the fact. I have a lot of friends, some good, some I just speak to (I guess that really isn’t friendship). I’m not sure if my best friend is Johnny good though. I’m pretty sure my best friend is not Karate Kid lame though…only Mr. Miyagi had his back, Johnny had a whole crew. Here is a quiz to find out how good your friends are based on the Ralph Macchio Scale.

The catagories for placement are:
I) Johnny Cade II) Karate Kid

1) Is your friend perpetually poor and gets no hand outs?

2) If you say let’s runaway will your friend ask why or just start running?

3) Has your friend had their ass kicked?

4) Would your friend stab someone trying to drown you?

5) Is your friend the Best Arooooooooound and is nothing-ever-gonna-keep-him-down?

6) Your friend gets his ass kicked does he:
a) Carry a knife.
b) Learn Karate from the super.

7) Your friend is getting picked on by the rich popular kids, would your friend:
a) Prove he’s as good as the rich kids
b) Organize a rumble with the rich kids

8) Would your friend say it’s not fair, Darry and Soda are worried about you?

9) Does your friend know the boys were worried?

10) Does your friend learn not only Karate, but life values?

11) Does your friend “always look eye”?

12) Does your friend sneak into movies?

13) Does your friend pay to play mini-putt?

14) Is your friend happy at home?

15) Would your friend rather sleep in a park than go home?

16) Does your friend know that sixteen years just isn’t gonna be long enough?

17) Is your friend a creampuff?

18) Does your friend listen when old drunk Okinawans sing?

19) Will your friend never joke you cause your name is Ponyboy and your brother is Soda-pop?

20)What would your friends shining moment be:
a) Winning a Trophy and still having prove himself for two more movies.
b) Sacrificing his life to save some kids.

O.k. this is how we score…you know what the hell with scoring the Karate Kid was damn wus, yeah I said it. Johnny wasn’t the ultimate hardbody, but when people messed with his friend he stabbed somebody and went on the run with him. Hell he even listened to his man kick some Robert Frost without calling him gay. You never heard anybody say “Let’s do it for Daniel-San!”. Did you? Hell no! If your friend is like the Karate Kid he is a chump, I command you to sweep his leg. Johnny didn’t go crying to his mother about how he didn’t like it where they were. He put his mother out of the hospital room. Daniel was a high school kid who probably got molested by an old man from Okinawa. Johnny was a Greaser, the only thing him and his friends studied was whooping your ass. Johnny FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

” In the school I went to, they asked a kid to prove the law of gravity and he threw the teacher out of the window.”
– Rodney Dangerfield (Back to School, 1986)

Since I am a graduate of public school who can actually write (zing!). I thought that I would write a guide for those coming up behind me. This way they’ll know what to focus on. For those that have graduated it will help you determine how ghetto your school is. The more I think about the quality of my education the less impressive I think it is that I graduated in the top percentile and had the third highest S.A.T. score. I’m more happy that of all the people I went to school with I not only don’t have kids, but I didn’t have multiple kids directly after I graduated.

1) Find out where you fit in or get crushed under everyone else.
2) Weapons are good to have, but bad to get caught with.
3) Teachers can be bribed…if not the regulars than the substitutes, but that’s if you can’t find the junkie out of the bunch.
4) Join the SGA and get the I.D. so you can cut class without a hall pass.
5) If everyone else starts to run…run with them for 15 seconds then branch off.
6) Get to know the department heads. When alot of teachers know you, it’s easier to get out of things you would normally get in trouble for.
7) A good 5 - 8 man squad will suffice.
8) Be familiar with all, friendly with most but, put little trust in any.
9) If you talk about the lesson plans teachers will pass you even if you don’t actually finish your work.
10) You don’t have to do anything in gym, just take the written test and you’ll still pass.
11) Do not think that the guys hang out on Harford rd. are you friends. Especially if you’re selling weed or wearing gold.
12) There is always a place to smoke in school.
13) Fight at least once so people know you will. It saves some drama.
14) Be nice to all the girls…you never know who will be fine after graduation.
15) Always remember that even people with authority are only people.
16) This is a place to get your networking skills together, you can’t be friends with everyone, but you can at least know what their deal is.
17) Someone hates you…even if you don’t know them.
18) Explore other cultures…get the Puerto Rican girls number.
19) You can be more than you think…schools build legends without proof.
20) Half days are made for social climbing and sexual conquests.
21) You can drink, smoke weed and still graduate with good grades…you just have to put out the effort.
22) Having your own style isn’t hard, it might not be accepted at fist, but it’s worth it in the long run.
23) Keep in mind this is when you can start working on your life…build those skills, even if they invlove the black market.
24) Everyone isn’t exposed to everything so you can buy Bidi’s for a $1 a pack and sell them for a $1 a piece. $19 profit.
25) Do something to become widely popular…that will show you how fake people can be.
26) If you don’t want to be popular remember there is fame and infamy…both will cause the spread of rumors, staying under the radar can be done…but it leaves you less to work with.
27) Realize you are now open to the Great Divide. Friends will turn or drift away. Be aware of the reasons so you can know who to hold on to and who to let go.
28) Develop your contacts…someone always knows what’s going on.
29) Be cool with the nerd kids…they’ll probably be rich and can put you on with contracts later in life.
30) Watch everything that happens as it prepares you for life, High School never really ends you just pay taxes and have bills. The same cliques form and the same things go on.

So anyway yesterday I was finishing up a post and the damn power went out at my job. I’ll probably be sore about this for the duration of today. However I have not forgotten about you all. The faithful few…the talented 10th…the few that so many owe so much to. Peep what I submitted to Dallas Penn…and while you’re there browse around, that spot is my first read of the day.

“I wouldn’t go there if I knew how.”
Dave Chapelle

Some of you may have seen the Dave Chapelle stand up where he broke down some of the Sesame St. cast and other famous cartoon characters. I think that this requires more examination so today I bring you Pre-School Undercover: The Air Ain’t So Sweet on The Street.

Elmo: The newest and most popular edition to the neighborhood is actually a sad story. Elmo has been in the system since birth. Moving from group home to group home until he found him self on “The Street”. Elmo has been diagnosed with ADHD, Restless Leg Syndrome and Lead Poisoning. He tends to sell his Ritalin to Snuffy so he can buy speed from the Cookie Monster. He was brought in so the Street could get some benefits from social services. He also sits on packs since he’s a minor and can’t get a real charge.

The Count: You know his deal. He runs the “entertainment” for “The Street” crew. The Count is an illegal immigrant from one of the Slavic countries. Rumored to have been the Kaiser Soze of his home country. He now focuses on more leisurely pursuits. His monocle comes from a drunken incident with Ms. Piggy. He tried to recruit the wrong broad. While he likes to have fun…he keeps his mind on the money.

Snuffleupagus: A sad tale. Snuffy was just a fun loving guy who came to “The Street” cause he heard it was the place to become somebody. Rumor is he was climbing up the ladder and about to challenge “The Bird” for power. Like so many others he became addicted to heroin and started a slide that has yet to stop. They keep him around as a cautionary tale.

Grover: This is the Meyer Lansky of the crew. He stays on top of operations and if he sees a problem he lets the right people know. He’s bigger behind the scenes, but he plays a part on front street cause “The Bird” wants everyone to know that Grovers eyes are his eyes

Oscar: He was the man back in the day. It was the emergence of “The Bird” that brought about his downfall. He stays on “The Street” for two reasons. First to keep his eyes out for a chance to rise again and second “The Bird” likes to keep his enemies close. He’s an example of what “Bird” can do.

Bert and Ernie: Don’t get suckered in by the straight man and sidekick routine. I also would recommend that you don’t make any cracks about alternative lifestyles. There are a lot of eccentric assassins and these two are no different. Their whole M.O. is to lull you into a sense of strength and then they strike. Just so you know Ernie is the top and the most dangerous. Somebody hurt Bert once and Ernie ripped them limb from limb.

Cookie Monster: Speed Freak and Adrenaline Junkie he is an enforcer for “The Bird”. When a message needs to be sent they send in the monster. He doesn’t deal in death. He’s the one that maims and cripples. The Monster has destroyed more property in his time than Hurricanes have destroyed trailers. If you pay protection money to the street you’re paying to keep him away.

Big Bird: The top of the list, or is it? This is the one that runs the show on “The Street”. He gets a piece of everything. You can get down or lay down. His physical stature is nothing compared to the power he has. He has a name, but it’s tied up in a case. Besides “The Bird” could be anyone…that’s what he tells the cops anyway. There is one person, however, that even the bird doesn’t want to mess with.
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Kremit The Frog : This is the Don. You thought he was just coming through to help kids learn? Get real. The Bird runs “The Street”, but Kermit runs it all. Sometimes he has to come down and remind the bird not to get too fluffed up. He can teach anyone all about “saying goodbye”…hell he already took Manhattan. It was steppin to his woman that got the count hurt. He set up Elmo with “The Street” to groom him to take over. “The Bird” brought in the Monster, but “The Frog” set him up with Bert and Ernie. Some people wonder why “The Frog” isn’t worried about the monster…he’s got “The Animal”

“Men’s eyes were made to look, and let them gaze; I will not budge for no man’s pleasure, I.”
Mercutio

Elections soon come. People will go to the polls and the balance will probably shift. The weight will remain. All the polarizing comments and scandals don’t really change anything. The same problems still exist and the issues have not changed. In fact if the whole thing was as easy as the issues that are presented we really wouldn’t have a problem. If the issues of self hate and deception were most important than we could just have the country in group therapy. However, these issues don’t cover the debts that will be left. These issues don’t cover the situation that we are in outside of this country…where we actually live. Feeding off of midwestern fear doesn’t improve our relations at home or abroad. Condemning our children won’t move us to the future. Riding the fence is not a good description in this situation. So what side do you stand on? What name fit’s you best? What team do you stand with? Have you ever seen a game in which the home team fought itself? Imagine your favorite defensive player tackling his own quarterback. Imagine him spearing his running back. Think about all the work he had to put into going through his teammates to get to his goal. Once he has achieved his goal, who wins?

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” So what happens to a house divided on non-issues? Better yet who is caught in the middle? I’ve often sided with democrats, but I declare myself an independent thinker. My affiliation may shift with the issue. Seeing as how parties seem to move with public sentiment that’s appropriate. I think the scariest thing may be that one is expected to think a certain way because of their associations. Things that are not flexibile tend to break. I take the advice of Bruce Lee and try to be like water. Or perhaps more appropriate in this situation I’m nonpartisan. I don’t care about the party cause no one is having fun. I don’t care about the speeches cause the problem isn’t being addressed. So I seem to find myself in the middle. I always believed that there were three sides to every story. The two perspectives in contrast and in the middle is the truth. I always remember what happened to Mercutio when he moved from his place in the middle and stepped out front. He felt as though the side he was closest to wasn’t doing enough. He tried to pick up the flag and run with it. He was killed not so much because he left the middle, but because the side he was closest to tried to hold him back and make nice. If I was to move from the middle would I be a grave man? I’m not sure but perhaps a pox on both houses wouldn’t be so bad.

“America is a vast conspiracy to make you happy. “
John Updike (1932 - )

I play video games. Not as much as I used to but I still own systems and sometimes I need some digital violence to calm me down. So being that me and my friends are grown when we get up we usually don’t talk about video games. So I found a place on the web to do that instead. However, what turned out as a way to ask the opinion of younger people who play more games more often than I do, turned into a look at American youth. The O.T. The Off Topic forum has become a place where I find out just how screwed up Americas youth are. Beyond my examining of politics and adults looking at the people who should still be forming opinions and see how set they are in beliefs. For instance one cat said that if we allow gays to marry what would stop people from trying to marry their T.V. or a goat if they loved it. Yeah and these kids go to better schools than the one I went to. Alot of this dialog has helped me to realize one thing. Americans are shook. Some of you may say this is obvious, but let us examine closer. *Disclaimer* Yes, 9/11 was a terrible thing. The real reason it was so terrible is because “we” (I use the term loosely) are insulated from it. Look at this list of terrorist organizations, pretty big list. What I’ve come to realize is that things have gone down pretty regularly all over the world…but not so much here. Even when you look at “our” history, America has been the taker and the winner and the “decider”. I’ve realized that America is a sore loser. We lost in Vietnam and “we” still really can’t face up to that. Despite all of the crap that is happening now and how terrible the country is doing people are ready to give up their freedom just to ensure that no one will threaten them. I’ve begun to view the world as one large prison. There are gangs of all kinds around and even people who could be a part don’t always join. Most individuals get some shyt at some point or another. A few are either so cool, useful or have done something so hardcore that people just leave them alone. The rest of the world are mostly cons. Some countries or groups are lifers who have nothing to lose. American citizens are the newly convicted white collar child molester. The one that’s willing to become someones bitch to ensure that no one else will hurt them. The citizenry doesn’t care about the means so much anymore as the end. National identification cards with RFID sure. No habeas corpus, why not? The sheep are afraid of being sheard, despite the fact that the wool grows back. Perhaps I have a more appropriate comparison to America. Ever seen True Romance? There is a scene where the protagonist (Clarence) is being taken to make a drug deal. The person (Elliot Blitzer) who is taking him is wired and going to sell everyone out to the cops. Clarence stops the elevator and puts a gun in Elliots face to test him. Elliot doesn’t deny, doesn’t give in, doesn’t fight. He cries and starts asking for “someone to please come and take him away cause he doesn’t want to be there anymore”. Over and over again he cries and begs for someone to please save him. Well I would like to welcome you all to the country I call home…Elliot Blitzerland.