at the Sergio/Paul fight in Atlantic City this Saturday…

UPDATE: Sergio won by second round TKO.

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Catch Me… is a post from: Live Above Mediocrity

I bring this up because every time I do the things men are supposed to do for women (shouts to my Dad for teaching me this stuff), I receive a shocked look. I mean, I know everyone wants to say that chivalry is dead, but I thought it was at least on life support and not this bad.

So what do I consider gentlemanly acts or qualities a gentleman should possess?

- If you’re carrying a large bag whether homegirl or girlfriend, I will ask you if I can carry it.

- If I am with you – even if you aren’t my girlfriend and just my friend – you will have my undivided attention. You won’t see my eyes browsing the room while you’re speaking with me.

- You always open doors. Always.

- You shouldn’t curse in front of any lady (well, I do unfortunately. It’s just a part of me so I lose points there).

- Never interrupt anyone (I need to work on this a bit).

- If you invite someone out, you pay.

- Always let the woman order first when at a restaurant.

- Always wear a belt with your pants.

- Never ask a person what they make or divulge what you make.

- If you have a shot at scoring on the first date, don’t pull a condom out of your wallet. That’s wack. It will probably turn her off. You saying you’re not packing a condom may work out better for you. At least she doesn’t think you are running around expecting something. I like the whole feeling when you know you getting some – and you go to the bodega to buy a condom – and dude gives you a dap for scoring.

- Don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answers to. Why would you ask a woman if you were better in bed than Brutus, Rufus, or Tom? Why are you even competing with others? If she’s happy, she’s happy.

- Never get into a fight in the presence of your woman over silliness. Don’t put her in danger of harm. Now, if someone touches your woman or says something inappropriate to her, you should mollywop them.

- Listen to your woman or female friend at all times. All most of them want is a pair of male ears to listen to what’s going on in their lives.

- Swagger (despise that word) is something you earn, not make on your own. I don’t know if I have swagger. But if you think I do, why thank you.

- Remove your hat when indoors for dinner, work, or anywhere else (I’ve slipped on this a bit)

- When on the train or bus, if there are no open seats you always stand for an old man, old woman, disabled person, woman, pregnant woman and woman with kids.

- Open the car door for a lady. F that little button that opens the car doors for you.

- When a woman exits a cab, you always exit the cab first and lend her your hand so she can step out.

- Tip well for good service and make sure it’s discreet whether cash or credit

- Never be late for anything. Be early if you can (an issue I have)

- Shake hands firmly and look people in the eye at all times when being spoken to or speaking.

- Walk on the outside of the sidewalk. Don’t sell your girl.

- Make sure your woman always feels safe with you. If she doesn’t feel safe with you, she’ll find someone who she can feel safe with.

- Be romantic and write the girl a hand-written note every now and then.

- Put your phone on silent and out of sight when on a date or spending quality time with your lady.

- Tell the truth

About 55 percent of these are from dad, 20 percent are my own thoughts, and the rest I just learned from reading, browsing the net and television.

Fin…

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How To Be A Gentleman… is a post from: Live Above Mediocrity

It’s just not that serious…

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Text Messages… is a post from: Live Above Mediocrity

Truthfully speaking, on a journalistic level, you have helped me more than you could ever imagine. Before returning to writing as a whole for the Manhattan Times this past March, I went close to two years without writing an article because I was so focused on other things. The only writing I did was on my blog – and I wrote that in a freewheeling manner – which we all know doesn’t translate well to newspapers.

So, when you gave me a shot at the Manhattan Times after Carla’s recommendation, I’m sure you can inform everyone of how ‘rusty’ I was. My structure, flow, etc., were all off. I even delivered some assignments a bit too close to printing time. Despite all this, you didn’t get mad or keep me from writing anymore. You kept feeding me assignments in our neighborhood and the Bronx. You also provided me with constructive criticism about my writing and how it can continue improving.

As the months passed, my writing started to get back to the old form I recognized of my Amsterdam News days. You didn’t need as much time to edit my pieces (like you did my first few months) and regularly complimented me on them. So while I’m still sharpening my skills, I have to thank you for helping me regain my confidence. After so much time off, I didn’t think it was possible.

You were the coolest editor I’ve ever worked with. You were calm, cool, and witty. I don’t think everyone knows how funny you are – especially on Twitter.

When I heard the news of you leaving, I was sad because you have done great at the paper and I also have a good relationship with you. But I then remembered that all good things come to an end. I’m glad that you received a great opportunity and are moving onto even bigger things. I want to wish you all the best up there and believe that I will keep in touch. You were great here and I’m sure you will be great there.

Buena suerte amigo…

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Dear Dan Bader… is a post from: Live Above Mediocrity

to a gay bar.

Yes, I did.

Read more about it at UptownCollective.Com

The Night I Went To Le Boy

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The Night I Went To… is a post from: Live Above Mediocrity