Let's Talk About Race

I came across this really informative website called, Race-Talk today and read an article about a Jamaican woman in England who lost her son as a result of racial hatred. Her story seemed to be one of frustration about the justice system in her country. I thought to myself, "How could I be so naive as to believe this only happened in America." Every nation faces issues with their justice system and the fact that at times, seeking justice is not their main objective. Oftentimes, they're just looking for someone to blame, whether said person was the culprit or not. And where is the justice in that? This philosophy does no one any good. The innocent sit behind bars while the guilty run rampant. This also leaves the family of the victim to sit up at night uneasy because the police have given them a false sense of comfort. Lot's of change needs to happen, but I can only take baby steps.

RGLND - 'Vision'

I Am a Golden Flash

It's official! I have roughly two months of summer left until my long awaited move in date of August 25th. On this day I will take my place as a Kent State University Golden Flash, a Public Relations major, and a hater of all things Akron. I'm too excited to function! At the same time, I feel like I'm sitting around waiting to start school instead of really enjoying the summer after my high school years. Even though I'm working, I still feel like I don't have enough to do. Oh well, I'll figure something out.

State/Federal Budget

As long as there is no set government budget, it is likely that my father (internal revenue officer) will not be going to work on Monday and even more likely that he will not be getting paid. My mother has been working for about one month after being unemployed for over two years. All of this comes of course at a time when my parents are preparing to send me to college and my sister the year following.

We are only one family. I am certain there are more facing way more difficult challenges. The future of America is not looking so bright, but before we make the issue national we have to take a look at what’s going on at the state level. I live in Ohio and I’m sure we are not the only state facing budget cuts. Our brilliant governor, John Kasich, has decided that our public schools should take the hardest hit. I attend THE most diverse high school in all of Ohio. Princeton High School. No race/ethnicity holds the majority of our school’s population. Because of our size and diversity, we spend above the average amount of money per pupil. Why? Because we had the money to spend.

In 2004, a process to reduce the amount of funding our school received went into affect. We lost the Tangible Personal Property tax (TPP). Princeton is made up of eight or nine different communities. In these communities are several big businesses. (Avon, Ford, G.E.) We received tax dollars from the business and now we will no longer be receiving them. This was supposed to be a gradual decline over several years, however Kasich has required that our school cut 12 million dollars from our budget for next year. As a result, many of our staff has been RIFed.

AMERICA, OHIO: we would not be in this position if people did not vote on impulse! Nothing is more frustrating/scary than a misinformed/ill-informed voter. GET EDUCATED!

I Just Can't Find the Words

I’ve had a lot to say recently. Sadly, I’m still working out the wording. I have also been in the college planning process, adding to my extended absence of postings here. If only I had some money, this process would be so much easier.

My dad acts as if the process is easy. It would be if we had nothing. He forgets that he got his education paid for because he was able to show himself as independent from his parents. Things have changed and I’m not afforded that luxury. I actually have to work for mine. Not to say that he didn’t, I’m just saying it’s harder now because we’re not in poverty nor do we have an abundance of wealth.

Dilemma? Eh.. Sure, but I don't see a way around it other than my inconsistent grind. Inconsistent because, well.. It's certainly not a continuous effort on my part. I allow myself to feel defeated at the first sign of opposition and that is an issue I hope to adjust quickly.

E-mail from my mother

It read:

“You will learn the hard way that people in the street DO NOT have your best interest at heart. You better ask somebody…you have many examples in your family.”

That’s odd? I suppose she shows that she has my “best interest at heart” by expressing her lack of confidence in me. “People in the street” pretend to care. That is more than I’m getting here. She didn’t even bother coming downstairs to say this to my face. So instead of letting her be a coward and replying to her e-mail, I took the argument directly to her. Again, we talked about respect, which at this point has becoming a running joke in the house. Respect? I handle mine in person. She has 30 years on me, and supposedly knows so much more than I. I’m glad I’m not looking to her as an example. What kind of adult would I become? “People in the street” have made me who I am. I guess she deserves a little credit. For making me a bitter eighteen year old.

Speeches

I don’t like giving them, but I rarely have a choice. Usually, I can get through them scratch-free and maintain composure. This time, however I seemed to fall apart.

I was way more prepared than my delivery showed. I knew exactly what I was going to say. It didn’t have to memorized, but I felt fairly comfortable going to sleep last night. I had my intro down and everything. (I used the Albino Skunk post.)

I thought I was ready and got in front of the class and felt sooo uncomfortable. It may have been the subject. Me. I’m fine with sharing my findings of a particular issue, but when I have to “introduce” myself, I get apprehensive. You want me to think aloud? In a public forum? About myself? I was completely removed from my element and didn’t realize it until I opened my mouth to speak. Throughout the entire speech I was shifty-eyed and awkward. I fumbled over words and made public speaking mistakes I knew I was making as I made them. It was terrible.

Ask me to deliver a speech on a someone else, a research topic, or maybe even something I’m passionate about, but please don’t make me share what I’m thinking. That’s what this is for.

Found

The assignment was to create a poem out of words we found around the room. This is what I came up with:

Expression gives way to individual thought.

Doubt can change that mood.

The Hero’s prophecy expresses passion;

A haven for thought that falls

Beautifully on his brain,

Fueling new ideas in the child’s eyes.

"The Doc in His Doc's" by Marcus Donaldson on LOOKBOOK.nu

"The Doc in His Doc's" by Marcus Donaldson on LOOKBOOK.nu: "See looks like this and more from real people around the world on LOOKBOOK.nu."

Le Roi Lion

I am a lion

Filled with a passion to serve.

I wear the armour of a warrior

Rebelling against standards and expectations.

My pen speaks the words I won't

And when my pen is silent,

My heart explores other avenues.

Movement and song are my friends.

They remain in my corner

And prepare me for the fight.

"King of the Jungle" by Marcus Donaldson on LOOKBOOK.nu

"King of the Jungle" by Marcus Donaldson on LOOKBOOK.nu: "See looks like this and more from real people around the world on LOOKBOOK.nu."

formspring.me

What would your dream job look like?

Working in public relations for a record label or a rising atrists A&R person.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/marcalan

"Jukebox Is Here"

Hello all! As you know, I'm extremely supportive of rising music artist, Priscilla Renea. Her album, appropriately titled, "Jukebox" is finally available for purchase! I don't know about you, but I'm super excited. It has been a long journey, but well worth the wait. First thing I did on the morning of Tuesday, December 1, was download the album from iTunes. I'm not exaggerating when I say I took it off of repeat only YESTERDAY! The album is filled with character, creativity, and wit. If you are a fan of great writing, do not hesitate to take a trip to F.Y.E., BestBuy, Walmart, or wherever you get your music, to pick it up. Priscilla Renea's "Jukebox" is a must have and would definitely add value to your music collections. So go support real music and get 2 copies of "Jukebox" TODAY!

Now on MTV!

Now on MTV!

Hey all!
Check out Priscilla Renea's whole album on Rhapsody now! It's also available for pre-order so if you're impatient like I, go buy it now! For those that have patients, the album comes out a week from today on December 1, 2009. Get one for the house, the car and a friend. Well, until next time, God bless!





Posted using ShareThis

D.A.R.E to Resist Conformity

Conform: (verb) - to shape in accordance with; to make like, as with the law or customs of society.

Ah.. middle school.
Three fast years of growth.
Desperately wanting to be "cool,"
You subconsciously give up your worth.
The worth of your morals and creativity,
Only to blend in physically.
What is gained from that?
Set yourself apart and find your craft.
In athletics and art,
In dance and academics,
In music and in writing.
Resist the temptation to fit molds,
Others have set for you.
D.A.R.E-
To resist conformity.

Details In the Fabric

What is it that you're trying to tell me?
I've been reading in between the lines
And still, you say that's too broad.
"Look for the picture within the picture,"
You whisper.
So I take a look at the Details In the Fabric,
Staring intently at your well constructed garments,
And still I'm blinded.
Unable to see what intentions you have for us.
Is there an us,
Or simply you and I?
I can tell you enjoy being chased,
But can't you hear me panting and shuffling along?
Visibly exhausted, tired of this adolescent game.
Tempted to walk away..

But you,
You know what you're doing.
Twisting and tangling me around your finger,
While these Pretty Winged insects
Flutter around in my stomach and lift me into this,
Your Wonderland.

Giving Up

Giving up,
It's not as difficult as Mr. Hathaway sings.
Looking in your eyes I can see,
Our stars have lost their shine.
Another Big Bang and they're no longer aligned.
I tell you I'm thinking of leaving,
You bite back with words of selfishness, believing
Still in feelings,
Lost in fake smiles
And pretend kisses past.
For months I've worn this mask.
Now spilling my soul as I mail it back
To Jim Carrey.
Wanting not to hurt you,
Simply needing to be honest.
You can't say that you , too
Haven't felt that we've gotten beyond this.
Beyond bliss, beyond love.
Outgrowing each other.
My hand no longer fits your glove.
WAKE UP! This isn't good for us. 

Maybe, Who Knows?

Their decisions..
Some bad, others.. understood.
Though, I'd never trace their foot-
Steps, never follow suit.
You. You see the poised being
They've trained me to be.
Etched into my brain safe,
Precautionary lies. Hypocrites.
They've done me no favors.
Maybe if she had cast away
That protective shadow... maybe?
Or maybe if he... maybe?
Maybe, who knows?
Instead I rebel.
But not in the typical sense.
I hide.
I hide behind a 5 lined, 4 spaced staff.
This staff is a haven for thoughts
Too vivid to be thought aloud.
Maybe if he cared less of family image... maybe?
Or maybe if she... maybe?
Maybe, who knows?

MarcusAlan: On Priscilla Renea

Musician In the Photograph

Wait..
I want you to catch this.
Just as Lady Sings the Blues,
I too have a song.
Listen carefully...
Hear how each funky riff
Flaunts my soul and
Displays my heart
On the cuffs of my sleeves.

Every note,
Served on a silver platter
And set before you
At your table of grace.
It draws you in
And you fall, yet again
In love with this sound.
A bitter sweet memory
Of a time when we loved and lost.

To A Friend..

Who are we kidding?
I know you're not okay.
Still, I ask you anyway.
You know you're hurting.
But you lie and say you're fine.

What to say, what to say?
Trying to keep myself from crying.
Watching hurt flow from your eyes,
Listening to pain pour from your mouth.
It's shattering to the soul.

I couldn't collect my thoughts
When I learned the C.O.D.
Like a quick right hook
To the side of ones face,
My words were knocked from me
and lost forever.

Forever.
Her home, forever.



Rest in peace Amber..

Alan In Wonderland

She speaks beautifully

And thinks rather peculuarly.

Still she's the reason for all of my badgering inquiries.



In whom do you fear?

What brings you to tears?

Where will you be in 5 years?

Invite me into your dark and whymsical world.

Share with me secrets untold.

Forgive my haste may I be bold?

Teach me the mysteries of your mind.

Send them in shivers down my spine.

Whisper your thoughts, I'll tell you mine.

Let me be your Al, and

I'll explore your Wonderland.

Learn all I can and

More than the next man.

Priscilla Renea's "Dollhouse"

Hello all! I don't know about you, but I'm extremely excited for Priscilla Renea's album "Jukebox" and cannot wait for it to debut. "Dollhouse" is the rising star's first single and it is now available for download on iTunes!! I've got it! I would definitely recommend doing the same. Be looking out for "Jukebox" to hit stores this October!! In the meantime, enjoy Priscilla Renea's new single "Dollhouse" on iTunes!! Until next time, God bless.

Where I Come From..

Coming from where I'm from, I'm from...

Where I come from,

The sounds of Lauryn Hill and Anthony Hamilton

Flow through a river, and

Into the ocean of my mind forever.

This mind filled with chords, rhythms, and melodies

Has me drowning in a sea of my sanity.

Each lyric and rhyme

Swim in the depths of my mind,

While beautiful waves of sound crash... near

The shores of my music hungry ears.

Where do I come from? There is no exact address.

Just a tiny soulful island where artists give breath

To infant thoughts and ideas, divine

Born from the oceans of their minds.