Dear Mr. President (Barack Obama)

Dear Mr. President (Barack Obama),

I just want you to know that I watched your State Of The Union speech last night.  It was pretty cool, there were many points that you addressed that I agreed with. I'm also happy that you gave many examples of how things in the nation are getting better.  It was awesome that you mentioned "Milwaukee, WI" (because that's where I live) in your speech when you were talking about the employment market and how the Master Lock factory is working at capacity because it wants to keep its business and employees in the U.S.  In my mind, its a reminder on how you and your administration are delegating some of your time and efforts to get information and work with businesses that are trying to make a stronger America.

Sure, the country is not in the best shape right now and you've been honest about that since you came into office as our leader a few years back.  There are things I could complain and criticize about, but whenever I see you speak to us on television I see the urgency in your voice which makes me feel that you are giving your best effort on every endeavor that you work on in your schedule, I feel like you're not singling out any specific group, race, class, sex, etc. and that you have America's best interests (as a whole) in your intentions.

There are times where I hear you speak and I honestly forget that you are the voice of our President because I honestly am not used to hearing such a passionate person talking about our country.  Over the past few years I've seen you happy, frustrated, disgusted, optimistic, stern, and a multitude of other emotions when you are informing us on our progress as a country; this makes me feel like you're a friend or colleague more than the Commander in Chief (I totally promise that if I ever meet you I will not forget you're the President).  Either you're a good actor or you're in love with America, I'm pretty sure it's the latter.

I understand that you receive a lot of suggestions and opposition on how to do your job, and I'm going to let you know personally I think you're doing everything that you can to lead us to success.  So you won't hear any complaints from me in that Department.  I want to let you know that I am happy that you are our leader, not because of your race (you are an American just like I am, that's all that matters), not because of your political party (Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Liberal...I am none of  these, I am American, whoever in my opinion has the country's best interests at heart will win my vote), where you live (well, you live in the White House right now, the only way I'd be jealous about that is if you have a swimming pool there, if you do have one DON'T TELL ME!), how much money you make (no matter how much money we make as individuals we all need to work together to survive as Americans, though I could always stand to have a little extra money in my pocket, if you're hiring or know somebody that is, I have a great Sales resume!), or any other superficial reason...

I am happy that you are our leader because you give us plans and initiatives, not excuses and finger pointing.  You give us hope and ideas for change, not monotony and complacency.  Thank you Mr. President.  I know you're busy, I don't expect any reply or anything, I just want you to know as a citizen I am here to help you out in whatever way I can just as you've done for us as our President.

Sincerely,
Citizen
Matthew V. Martin (aka Reno)

P.S. - If you ever are in the Milwaukee / Chicago area, and you have some free time, we can do lunch, just let me know a week in advance.

Sexual Relations: The Quest for Life...for perfection. Wait, is that realistic? It could be!

The infamous "mancave" is the setting for such famous brainstorm sessions such as, but not limited to: How long can one live on sex and apple juice? Can there be a movie where the black guy doesn't die? If we  all are made in God's image, does that include strippers? Yes, these thoughts have gone through our (Reno & Jay) mind, but these ideas have nothing to do with what the blog post is about.

The Inspire University project (along with The UC) is still alive and well, but with the current events going on in the nation and even in my residential locale, I've been finding it more and more difficult to muster up the inspiration to work on my next "media" project.  Since I Dj (still), and have been all summer, I enjoy my job but through all of the wedding receptions and parties that I've hosted for the past 3 summers, I still feel the cold hands of monotony grasping ever tighter around the neck of my inspiration.  The same songs, the same speeches, same dry dialogue of people paying respect and homage to their family and loved ones.  Same drunk b****es trying to get me to dance while I'm spinning tracks for the masses (well, maybe not the same B****es, but I have a woman so all of the drunk ones trying to flirt with me look the same).

To try and "expand" my horizons this summer, I did get a chance to take several (budget friendly) vacations and get away from the familiar sights and sounds of my hometown and have some fun.  Within all of the tasks I do on a monthly basis, I believe that the biggest observation and interaction that intrigues me enough to write about (and also base my next cd upon) is Sex.  Relationships. The quest for "perfection".

Well, most people could and probably would tell me that "IT" is a very sensitive subject.  "IT" is a common topic and you couldn't be unique with it.  I would say yes and no.  Sex (& Sexual Relations), is probably the most glorified topic the our lives, it will be until the world ends.  Though we have an obligation to be above other creatures due to our intelligence, emotions, and ideas...at the end of the day our primary purpose in life is to procreate.

The issue that I notice in American Society, is that, more often than not...our expression of what is right or wrong, good or bad, perfect or flawed is more or less determined by our media outlets.  In addition to that, even what is "normal" or "cool" to do within' our relationships (whether it may or may not be healthy or even legal) is told to us by our magazines, tv shows, music, etc.  But, as I look, things  aren't all bad all across the board.  I mean, one of the greatest inventions, the internet, has put the power of deciding what we want to filter from our media into the hands of the consumer, but...with so many people having access and trying to express their opinion at once, there still are more eyes and ears pointed toward the people who have major media exposure and/or a bigger wallet.

So with that said, my goal is to portray the positive & negative situations that can arise in anyone's life in regards to relations, and interactions we have with each other.  It's through my eyes, my observations, my experiences that I am basing this project on.  Needless to say, it's totally in it's starting phase so it'll be awhile before it is done, but I'm taking my time.  The reality of it is, really I am a fan of culture, and whenever I am inspired, I will be adding pieces to the puzzle of this project...

In closing, find you're own rules and ways to make your relationships "perfect".  "Perfect" is just an opinion, just make sure your idea of perfect is your own and not anyone else's.  Love is a Journey, not a destination.

Stay Tuned,
and
Stay Sexy

Reno K

Pride, an American Epidemic

I am happy and content with who I am at this point in time.  Life is not perfect but I am conducting myself in an honest and virtuous way that is putting me in a position to better myself every day.  I can say over the past 2-3 years I have grown tremendously due to my personal trials and tribulations ive been through.
The biggest obstacle(s) that i've overcome in the past few years are the roadblocks created by the idea of 'pride'.  By definition the idea [pride] is generally a positive term...but can have negative consequences when utilized improperly.  Such as but not limited to; having too much pride to influence you 'not' to do certain things to better yourself. 
A great personal example I could give is in regards to the economy.  There was a point in time where I was so infatuated with other people's opinions where I felt I couldnt accept fast food jobs, or any blue collar work due to my family background and upbringing.  I felt that I'd be looked down upon by friends or colleages because I wouldn't be 'utilizing my full potential' that I'm capable of.  Or, the fact (even now today as I write this) I find it hard to ask for assistance financially or emotionally from family or friends. 
Though the concept of self-sufficiency is honest and suggested within our society, and employment that utilizes your true talents is preferred; given certain circumstances I've encounterd in life, many decisions where i've decided to be overly prideful and not accept assistance, advice, or insight has not necessarily set me back, but it hasn't progressed me forward towards my goals.
I see this happen in society so often from friends, colleages, co-workers, races and ethnicities, etc.  Why spend hundreds of dollars on name brand clothes, when you don't have a car or a home? Why deny favors of those who offer their hands to help you because they have different views than you do on certain ideas? As humans we are all different, and I honestly think the biggest negative about pride is that many of us use it to distance or separate ourselves from each other.  So many of us are pro-Democrat, pro-Republican, pro-Liberal, pro-Conservative, pro-Black, pro-White, etc. that we are missing the big picture.  We all need each other, differences and all, to progress our society at an efficient speed.
I think that one of the most important terms that can be associated with pride is respect.  Respect, allows you to look at the majority of the world without prejudice and be able to accept people based on their accomplishments no matter how big or how small.  No matter what race they are.  No matter how small their paycheck is.  No matter what gender they are. 
With relationships and friendships based on pride and respect, growth and success is inevitable.

Sex, Relationships, Social Status, and Why I've Stayed Single For So Long

     Whether it's directed to a personal relationship or individual goals; this is the 'most' important product needed for success in our world.  In the past if cultivated properly, this is the most manipulative and disastrous product known to man.  What is it? What? Huh!?

     Passion...

     My opinion stands as such; for the majority of us our passions and drive haven't been being used positively to direct many of us down a road of progress and success.  Now, this is an opinion and not a generalization of everyone that I know, and even so...quite a few times over the past few years, I've fallen into a slump where I lose sight of my goals, and lose that passionate drive to complete even the most mundane tasks.

     Some folks are self-starters, using something simple such as taking a walk, meditating, etc. to get them out of their slump.  But, for many (such as myself) I usually get back on track by carefully studying people that have a very consistent work ethic or monitor folks that have similar goals or aspirations to mine that have already attained success in their own right.  Humans are social creatures, so for many people being able to study and get advice from those who are higher up on the flagpole than they are; It's easier to relate, and create your custom blueprint for success based on other people's experiences (why go through some dumb s*** if somebody else already suffered through it).

     Now...Passion goes hand in hand with the term Love.  But, it's so much more complicated to correctly utilize your passions and desires when you put personal relationships in the mix of those ideologies.  With this you put a melting pot of emotions, personal situations, drama, etc. and many other things that determine whether your relationship will be successful.  It's finding that balance of passion and common sense that will ultimately determine whether your friendships, work relations, and yes...even your love interests are going to complement your life or destroy it.

    Personally, I've been in a battle to the death with relationships ever since I can remember (At this point in time I'm still confused about where I stand :-p).  Didn't really have my first (intimate) relationship until I was in college.  Naivety killed my 1st relationship, i thought I could trust everybody at the time, and that people can change instantly.  I confused lust with passion.  2nd (intimate) relationship I had the same problems, but instead of short term lust and drama, this lasted for about a year and a half (longest relationship I've ever had to date) before separation. Even with the problems and issues we had, this created an unhealthy emotional bond that took a toll on my mentality until a year or so ago.  So a crazy stint from (05-11) of casual dating or bf/gf relationships that'd last around 3-5 months; where I would obsess over my insecurities, lust, passions, and common sense.  But, throughout all of these situations --with the exception of 1-- I was totally honest about my intentions and social status.  Really all you can ask from your partner is honesty.  Honesty is the best policy.  And within that honesty there are several categories of social status that I needed to understand to better fit what type of progress I expected from those particular relationships.

1.) Single - I really shouldn't have to put an explanation after this but I will anyway.  It's so self explanatory, this term is used on Drivers Licenses, Tax Forms, and even your Voter Registrations.  You HAVE NO OBLIGATIONS TO ANYONE ON AN EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL LEVEL (cept if you have kids and then you might fit into another category later on in this list).  Do what you want to do, but just remember, Herpes is for life...

2.) Exclusive - Awesome term.  I'd like to think I came up with this in H.S. and I even created a song going over the intricacies of this idea.  Easiest way to put it is the 'limbo' between being single and being in a monogamous relationship.  Exclusive relationships mean you are sexually exclusive with one partner, but not quite yet emotionally attached enough to cultivate a full BF/GF relationship. Ex. using the term "I'm In Love With You."

3.) F.W.B. aka Friends With Benefits - Friends (Non-Sexual) no matter how long you've known each other should never begin a sexual relationship like this.  Usually starts with a drunk night of groping, or a need for instant gratification at a random opportune time, and then almost always being made official with a bet under the terms of we'll never fall in love or get emotional.  Reality is, sex is an emotional act (in humans), and more often than not, the female ends up getting attached to this relationship first.  Usually ends in disaster, but not always.  But, back to the definition.  F.W.B. means you have a friend that you occasionally have sex with.  Aka, 'F*** Buddies'.

4.) BF/GF Standard Relationship - Traditional.  Meaning I have a BF/GF.  Exclusive + The Title. Usually based on the couple and comfort level, the term 'I Love You' may be used.  Walks in parks, holding hands, romantic dinners, meeting the parents is pretty much standard in these monogamous relationships.

5.) Casual Dating - If you are in one of these, it's like being single.  You are casually dating multiple people to kind of weed out the ones you are not compatible with.  To avoid somebody blowing up your car or peeking through your windows while you're sleeping, make sure that all parties are aware of your social status as to not mislead or "lie" to people.  If you're going to break a heart while casually dating, honesty is the easiest way to do this.  

6.) Booty Call - (9pm - 5am) typical hours but can vary based on traditional work schedule.  If he/she (The Booty Call-er) is married, you (The Booty Call-ee)will get caught.  Don't expect (The Booty Call-er) to fall in love with you.  It's rare, and if they really wanted you they'd be with you off top.  AKA The Late Night Creeper.

7.) Baby Momma/Daddy - this is a negative term in any context.  There is a big difference between a baby momma and a Mother; and a Baby Daddy and a Father.  If you overhear yourself calling your child's parent this, or if somebody calls 'you' this; you've f***ed a loser or you are a loser.

7.5) Parent (Father/Mother) - a positive term for a parent.

8.) Engaged - He/She put a ring on it...might get married.

9.) Married - He/She put a BIGGER ring on it, in the Bible it means you will be together forever.  AKA The Big Tax Break.

     Okay, I've covered most but not all of the social statuses that I've personally encountered (I have never been engaged or married but I know of some engaged and married people...and hopefully I am not a baby daddy cause to my knowledge I don't have kids.)  But still the big problem I have, is that people that I've dated no matter what social status I have, they aren't completely honest with their feelings and what their motivation is for a relationship or goals in life.  Or they don't have any, or they'll voice their goals, aspirations and passions, and have an ulterior motive behind them.  Like I've even had a good friend that I wanted to be with, use me for sex just to make her ex jealous.  But, alas I've always been true about my intentions at all times, even through indecision I've voiced them (honestly and wholeheartedly) to my significant others.

     In hindsight, I believe my inability to procure a stable long-term relationship is my constant search for that balance between passion and common sense.  Balancing emotions, personal goals, and common sense in real life situations.  I'm not stupid so I understand that nobody (especially myself) can't juggle these things perfectly at the same time, all of the time, for long periods of time.  Balance is the key though.  Balance means, there will be highs and lows, but with people around me that support me, give great advice through real life experience, and even show love and understanding, it's easier to control my passions with common sense and advice and utilize them in a positive light, and thus allowing me to better control my path to a successful life and possibly [:-)] a successful relationship one day.

Reno K

Disc Jockey-Ing For Dummies Vol. 1

Ahhh, time for my 2nd Blog post ever so I figure that I can bring a little humor this time around.  If you don't know me very well, my primary occupation as of late is a Wedding Reception Disc-Jockey for a fairly large company in Southeast WI.  The only thing that sucks is that its kind of seasonal because of our weather here in the mid-west, but anywho; I've been doing this for the better part of 4 years and with this post I shall bestow upon my readers some of my experiences, stories, pet-peeves, and do's and don'ts for anyone who is looking to pursue this career or for anyone that is going to be a part of a wedding anytime soon. ;-)

Rule 1: Hygiene
As a person in the service industry, looks aren't everything (well they kind of are, but not a defining factor of your success) but Hygiene is.  Figure this, if you are hosting a wedding reception & ceremony that usually takes a good 10-12 hours out of your day.  I don't personally know anyone who would smell like a spring breeze after being on their feet running around working for 12 hours.  So as a major rule, make sure you have a Dj's 1st Aid-Kit complete with: 1:) Chewing Gum or Mints 2.) Deodorant (preferably Axe or Old Spice in spray form.) 3.) And also a spare shirt (s**t happens).  Because every client wants a Funky DJ, but not a FUNKY DJ.

Rule 2: Alcohol
Depending on the bride & groom, venue, and whether or not there is an open bar, this is one of the few professions where it may be alright to have an occasional drink.  ONLY within moderation!!!  Everybody wants to have fun, but an alcoholic dj is far from that.  First, if you do have any alcohol, try to be as inconspicuous as possible while getting your drink.  It's not good business etiquette for your client to overhear you ordering 2 shots of Everclear and a Jager - Bomb right before you start spinning the dance music.  MODERATION, make sure you can walk a straight line and say your ABC's backwards before announcing the names for the Bridal Party introduction as to not slaughter the names of the people that are potentially paying you for your services.

Rule 3: Requests - BE COURTEOUS but STERN!!!
Potentially a product that can determine the success or demise of your evening is your ability to pick and choose requests given to you by your crowd.  Depending on whether this is a wedding reception, teen party, or club scenario, these can help you get a better idea of what the crowd enjoys and is willing to dance to.  Be able to also use common sense when utilizing requests if you are taking them for the night.  It's cool to play songs people know and recognize, but try not to alienate yourself from your crowd by playing a DJ megamix mash-up of unreleased material from some random guys ipod because he says that he's a dj in New York and people are "going dumb" over this song "in the streets".  Never ends up well, trust me.  You wouldn't wear cowboy boots and a sombrero to a job interview, now would you? Unless it was for a rodeo.  I prefer to do an announcement directed toward the crowd explaining that I am taking requests and will 'TRY' to play them if I have them and are appropriate to the party.  DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT PROMISE ANYONE that you will play their request immediately (unless they are the people who are paying you for being the dj for the night).  I've seen what happens if you promise and don't deliver.  Let's just say a fellow DJ friend got into a fist fight for not playing Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison in a prompt and immediate manor.

Rule 4: Dancing -- ALSO WITHIN MODERATION
The only setting that I've been in as a DJ where I could get out on the dance floor is during wedding receptions (at clubs and bars this is almost impossible due to the up-tempo-ness of the vibe & music).  Well, the only time I figure its appropriate is if you are teaching your group how to do the Electric Slide or Cupid Shuffle or some ish like that.  You might get your a** beat if you're on the dance floor and the Bride and Maid Of Honor are backin' dat a** up on you.  In that case a picture is worth more than 1,000 words, it's also worth a lawsuit and a trip to the hospital after the groom finds this picture posted on his wife's Facebook page.

Rule 5: Be a student of music
Being a Dj is like writing a book.  Each song is a chapter in the story of the evening that you are creating through music.  A successful story has transitions that lead from one story to the next.  Make sure that your mixes from song to song complement each other.  You don't want to go from a slow dance to a fast dance to a slow dance.  Make sure you are building your playlist like you are leading up to the climax of a story.  This gives people who want to slow dance a chance to get drinks and talk while upbeat music is playing and vice versa.  It makes the night more memorable.

Lol, I hope this has been a decent overview of some experiences that I've gone through in my tenure as a dj, and I'm sure there will be more stories I will share with you in the future.  :-)

Reno K

Reincarnation of Inspiration

   I don't know whether it is early in the morning or late in the evening but, I guess it really doesn't matter at this point in time.  I've been on a hiatus for an extremely long time (approx. 1 year) living in a perpetual loop including sleep, work, video games, food, and I guess that's about it.  One day, a few months ago during the first Wedding Reception that I hosted this year, a question slowly crawled into my mind and festered there for quite sometime. Coincidentally it was in regards to work (since my Dj job only job that I've had that I totally enjoy every time that I do it), but my question simply was "Why the F*** am I still doing so many other jobs that are diverting me from doing what I truly love to do."  Within that question I also pondered why so many others were in the same mindset that I was in with regards to employment.  
     The simplest answer I could find was 'convenience'.  I feel that in society today 'convenience' is killing us as a whole.  Media, Government, and Employer's totally understand this concept and exploit what is convenience to make us more cooperative as a group.  Example; Gas...just for the simple reason that automobiles are the most convenient forms of transportation we constantly suffer through the astronomical gas prices set up buy our Government and Oil Businesses.  
      Any-who, there are many reasons that I feel 'convenience' is killing us, but I am going to break the cycle that it has put on me and others around me.  My goal is create a forum (The Inspiration Project) which will create a webshow, blog (which you are reading), website and positive connections where people can Influence, Assist, Challenge and/or Inspire each other into success.
     Without a group effort in this endeavor (ideas, positive energy, etc.) this s*** will probably fall apart.  So, feel free to comment, share ideas, etc. and utilize the tools that are available throughout our entire website here.  Also, be forewarned, within my webshow, blog, music, etc they convey opinions of my group, me, and other people.  A lot of issues will be fairly blunt, straight-forward, comedic, and or stereotypic.  I will not intentionally put anyone or any idea down, but honestly...if you don't have a sense of humor, you probably shouldn't be on this page.  We are here on this world to grow and make things better day after day through inspiration and insight.  Let's make this happen!!!
Inspire Univ. 
Class IS IN SESSION!!!


Sincerely,
Reno K.