For the last year, I have developed a healthy and in some cases obsessive focus on systems- how they work; how they get created; who determines if it is time for an update. Everything is systems based and success and failure is highly determined by an individuals level of self discipline within the system of… Read More »
When children are born, they are looking in the faces of all these strange people with one question in mind- Do I belong here? What we are seeking from birth onward is the question: Am I worthy of connection? As a culture, we refuse to see it and recognize it as normal, healthy and human.… Read More »
Many of my young charges struggle with some form of learning. While one may be brilliant and unstoppable with math and its application, the same person might have severe challenges with remembering to add punctuation at a sentence’s end. While another creates incredible artwork, there lies difficulties in manipulating numbers to construct a coherent plan… Read More »
In this country, three factions can get away with telling the truth- mentally insane, small children and old folks. If you live long enough, you will get to spend some time in each category. Currently, I live and play behind door # 3. As I age, I find no reason to agree to bullshit I… Read More »
We, at Burn the Manual, commit to taking action and out thinking systems that keep us broke, stupid, needy and victimized. Within our new governmental change, we are now either extremely fucked or on the verge of greatness. The Donald pimped and punked us all. Now what are we gonna do about it? My thinking… Read More »
Almost ten years ago, I made a personal vow to myself. My vow was all about committing to a life of artistic merit. My decision was to give myself fifty years to “make it” in the arts. While my idea of having made it has changed considerably over the years, my desire to constantly create… Read More »
Sometimes, you get a visual of something and it won’t let you be. Two weeks ago, I watched a wonderful film, The Leisure Seeker that deals with a long term commitment, memory loss and growing older. There are so many things that no one bothers to mention regarding the aging process. Hearing loss, vision battles,… Read More »
Admit it. Whenever you see Wolverine in all his muscled glory you go weak in the knees. Y’all remember that time when the adamantium transfer was complete and he leapt up from that tub buck naked and you lost your ever-loving mind. Don’t pretend you didn’t swoon when he woke up in 1974 rocking them… Read More »
During the last fifteen years, I’ve chosen to confront and manage not only my wants but the wanting of those around me. At fifty, I still have a fair amount of wants and remain super clear as to how to manage them. I don’t want to become insane about them nor allow them to rule… Read More »
Recently, I walked in on my grandson doing the unthinkable. Exercising and working on building a six pack for his abs. He’s nine. My mind immediately went to the place of exercise in our lives as we age and of course, the ways black, male, aging bodies are seen. It seems to me that only… Read More »