Miami Mojitos

Miami is the shit, huh?  Y’all got the best women and I’m drinking the best on South Beach, you say?

Ok.  You might be right.

Miami Mojitos

Before heading to a talent showcase at South Beach’s Club Living Room, my mentor and I strolled historic South Beach.  I was shocked at the diversity of people that came to experience the magic of this area.  The arc deco architecture of the hotels and business that lined the avenues reminded me of the many movies and books that portrayed the lifestyle and excitement of past eras.  And with the thousands of men and women from all over the world dining, mingling and partying there, I was sure that South Beach and Miami as a whole had not lost its place as a top destination.

Walking down Ocean Drive, we came across a restaurant called Casablanca.  In fact, the waitress that stood in front of the place was the one that silently lured me to the door.  Her beauty and offer of two for one Mojitos was the perfect compliment to start my night.

Mojito.  The adopted drink of Miami night life.  My first ever was bomb!  The bartender cut up limes and graciously added sweet mint to the rum that would show me what this city was all about.  The spice and sweetness of my drink finally defined for me where I was and what was in store.

By R.L. Burney

Surname equals family – WISee

Surneames: Obama, Kennedy

The expectation associated with a SUR-Name greatly influence ones outlook on life. People that I have known all of my life have similar names or their name can be closely associated with mine. I will either add or subtract from that surname in what I do.

Family is something that cannot be stressed enough in a modern society. It is this that separates me from other people. At the root of many arguments today about what is wrong with society is family or the lack there of family structure. Family has always been there for me, when there was no one else to talk to or seek advice from. So I know of no other kind of interactions between the generations, the reassuring of who I am, who they are and what is to be expected as a member of my family; what I see, if very much focused not sole by my eyes, but made clear and descriptive by those that are active in my life. When I am making a decision on spending money, doing something illegal, and even when I am doing something rewarding; I think of how my decisions will be viewed by my family.

This Tuesday started like most; I wake up and then head to campus to manage a television taping. The guests just happened to be Mrs. Bonnie Glover the author of, “Going Down South” which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and her husband; Mr. Craig Glover, the Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Signature Healthcare, L.L.C. Long story short, Mrs. and Mr. Glover both went to school with my father. Bonnie is also one of his clients, promoting her book long before it was nominated by the NAACP; on our business’ website Nottheads.com. The Glovers knew of me before I had ever met them, my family’s legacy, and name as well as what it stands for was witnessed, in the level of respect they have for me. My name preceding me with everyone I meet.

Eeezy

That being only the most recent event but the week before last, for Spring Break I went down to Miami and had a seven day get away. I have a lot of family down there. So I just have to make it down there for the most part and let us just say it was on the house. Not having to pay for much was such a pleasant surprise. Its not only the material things its small things like being able to go back to my grandmother’s house , right up the street from the elementary school I graduated from and eat dinner every Sunday with 4 generations deep, elbow to elbow. Even being able to go back to the house I grew up in and help my aunt with her yard, washing the family cars, being able to do for the people that do so much for me makes a huge difference in my behavior.

Always thinking when I talk to people, to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That I have family and I would want them to be treated with respect by other people. They have supported me through times in college when I could not feed myself. I am who I am because of everything that my family and I have worked for. The family instilling morals and values like having faith and believing in me when no one else does really goes a long way as far as boosting confidence. Looking in the mirror, facing myself was something I learned from my brother.

Have you ever been able to hear your mom and dad’s voice when I am about to make an uneducated decision, snapping me back to reality anywhere, anytime. All a part of why my family is one of the most important aspects of my life. I will protect and try to honor my surname!

While 6 Degree of Separation proved that you can easily and readily link some of anything to virtually everything with a hop, skip and a jump. Her are some surname that are linked to mine; not need to break out the exercise gear, these individuals are in the photo albums and on the family tree: Nottage, Young, Strain, Lamb, Cox, Maynard, to name a few, the family surnames are known world-wide for Arts, Literature, Athletics, Government and more; does a Kennedy or Obama ever forget their heritage?

D2Nott

Verbal Arsenal – ChokkklitShop

Chokkklit Shop – Pick-up lines

Shama3, Kal Cauthen - Cotton Mill shoot

The art of the pick up line seems to be in play more often in the Summer time than any other time of the year, but Spring is a good time to get an early start. Maybe has something to do with the heat, maybe the increased opportunities as the season heats up and we all tend to do more outdoor socializing. The trip to the beach, the picnic, cookout or concert; wherever there are men and women mingling you know it’s game time. Call it game because women act like they don’t want to be hollered at, but they put themselves in the direct line of attack; why?

You know as a woman that if you step out your door and go to an event, the fellas are going to try to spit game. Game, it really is a game; how do you win or loose at this ritual, right of passage of picking a mate. Women want the attention, the affirmation that they’re attractive. Men are looking for the best possible mate, or at least some action; she may not be the right one, but she can be Miss Right-Now!

Game on!!

Men have an arsenal of verbal missiles trying to penetrate any defense a pretty woman may try to put up. Like fishing men use their words like bait, and the woman approached has the options of ignoring, gagging or swallowing the bait. As Spring begins many of us are still wondering about the last fling that we hoped would turn into something more.

How do you know when a guy you’ve never met is being sincere, or if he’s just feeding you a line? If it flows off his tongue as he looks deeply into your eyes, and your heart flutters at the thought of taking him up on what he’s offering, but you’ve only known him for 2 hours, it’s probably just a well rehearsed line. You tell your girls about him, how the whole scene played out and they begin to tell you how some other guy used that same line on them and you want to think they’re just jealous because you’ve finally found the “one”. A month goes by and the two of you fall into a comfortable dating pattern. You have lunch once a week, dinner and movie on Fridays, and you find that you’ve become his late night Wednesday appointment. Just when you want things to heat up more than they have, he turns cold.

On the other hand, if you’ve known him for several months and you’ve been spending a considerable amount of time together, and he says something that makes you melt… Then there’s a good chance that he’s sincere and the words are from his heart.

Categories of Pick-up Lines

• Straight to the point – illicit an immediate response
• Innuendo – line that imply, rather than directly ask; try to be slick
• Cheese – just stupid to get a react, then the secondary attack begins
• Flattery – can be honest admiration, but anything positive to break the ice
• Smooth – that practiced tried and true, you know he has been practicing in the mirror lines

Photos from Cotton Mill Shoot – Kal Cauthen (model), Shama3 (model), Reno Valentine (stylist), John Washington (photography), Michael Davis (photography)

Moss on the trees

SBI Superstars

They navigated the familiar paths traveled on the Highest of 7 Hills. This day they returned as a couple the way they left a few years ago; Bonnie Glover the acclaimed writer and Craig Glover the business leader. Short descriptions are a limitation of their many talents, but used as a simplified recognition of their status. To the point and determined to achieve one sentence cannot really describe how at this point in the journey they have come to tell of their adventures.

The oak tree trunks with etched barks are just as you remember. The tree canopies extended as markers to their own journey; to heights of recognition and a witness to the many that pass this way. The Glovers (Bonnie and Craig) returned to campus as honored guest speakers of the FAMU SBI Superstar Forum.

The roster of previous speakers for the SBI Forum reads like a ticker tape of the Fortune 500. As students in the late 70’s and early 80’s, it would have been difficult to distinguish either from the many young progressive SBIans preparing themselves for corporate careers. The years passed, but on this day their place is on the stage, behind the podium to deliver a message; not as they once were – sitting in the audience gazing upon the business legends of that time. What might the words convey – on the stage before the students, the multiple television shows, close-ups, huts, conferences and shared meals on a day that started before 8 a.m. and ended some 13 hours later? How might this visit shape the aspirations of those they engage?

To be honored, emulated and discussed on this day and the days that follow, the return was fitting for the Glovers (Bonnie and Craig). FAMU recognizes great people and their matriculation to and fro. The paths come from all directions, but you know you’re on solid ground because the moss still hangs from the trees, in the community where this University has withstood the tests of time.

No Cape – ENott scores

My Hero

I had come to witness My Hero in battle at his last game on a familiar field. There he stood tall, dark, handsome and confident; ready for battle. The sun dipped below the horizon, stadium lights were hot, flags and lines in place; both teams exhibited preparation rituals in anticipation of the battle to come.

The opening whistle blew; you knew something was going to happen, just not when. The visiting team stormed out, assaulting the defense to score two early goals. With a look of determination My Hero stood, not that easily would he go in defeat, not today! The interaction intensified; the teams became chippy and coarse as My Hero’s team attempted to mount an offensive. The anticipation was growing; momentum was changing as My Hero began to assert his presence.

The ball was passed into the goal box through the opponents. This may be the moment, the crowd sat tall on the edges of their seats. My Hero knocked down the ball with his right foot, made a quick pivot with opponents draped on his hip. Foot on ball, a streak of light darted to the back of the net. Goal, goal, goal! The crowd thundered to echo the lightening of the ball strike, ovation. My Hero raised his hands in approval of his accomplishment, reversed direction to be greeted by approving teammates. The visitors lessen to a size that was less opposing; there was hope that My Hero had enough thunder to make this competition interesting.

As he jogged back to the center line, I got a glance and a smile. He knew that it was he I had come to see and he was glad that I had witnessed. From that moment until the end of the game My Hero was targeted; every opportunity to chip, trip, push and/or rub, they took it; they knew that victory could only be attained if they could contain the efforts of My Hero.

As the buzz in the crowd began to subside, the late crowd arrives. As they shuffled to get to their seats they asked, what did we miss? The answer, the MOMENT! Memorable moments have been missed or lessened, because it’s just not important enough. Not this moment, missed, I have it permanently etched then laser imprinted in the memory banks; I witnessed. Others may have missed it, but the moment was neither diminished nor his ability lessened; it was captured in words, pictures; confirmation of the years these movements were practiced, rehearsed, anticipated, culminated and evident.

The event was the 2/10/2009 game in the Florida High School State Soccer Championship Tournament – Regional Finals. Florida High (FSUS) was opposed by Pensacola Catholic High at Florida High in Tallahassee, Florida. Final Score: Florida High – 1; Pensacola Catholic – 5. This was the last game played by Senior – Eric Nottage.

My Hero lives in me. I plan many more front row seats for the Moments to come.

Yankee Pride

Yankee Fan - Kal Cauthen

Kal Cauthen has long been a Yankee Fan, why not! The pain and suffering that shows in his emotions are worth the years of cheers and jeers that all Yankee fans have to endure. Over the span of 162 games each season a picture can tell you exactly what’s going on. Kal’s love of the Yankees is captured in this series of Color This; but in the end Kal is a Yankee Fan and he wears it on his hat, face and chest. The Yankess have more Championship rings than any other baseball team; haters can talk about payroll, we talk pennants.

Kal Cauthen is an actor and model; photos by Michael D Images – graphics by NottHeads. More images available in the gallery –>> Yankee Fan photos.

Kal Cauthen

Kal Cauthen

Kal Cauthen

Yankee Fan

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Original photos – Yankee Fan – Kal

Color This

NottHeads wants to give the visitors an opportunity to be interactive with the contents of the website; so you get Color This. Color This will present visitor submitted adaptations on some of the art and photographs currently embedded in NottHeads.

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