TONY RO-MOST UNDERRATED QUARTERBACK OF ALL TIME

The most heavily criticized, overly scrutinized athlete in sports today is undoubtedly Tony Romo. Playing quarterback for America’s Team sets an almost unreachable precedent, year in and year out the expectations are simple… Superbowl or bust!! Although Romo has yet to deliver a world championship the idea that he isn’t an “elite” quarterback is absurd!

The recent shortcomings of the team around him make people forget he’s statistically the best pass thrower in Cowboys history. Not only does he own the record books in Dallas he also has a career quarterback rating of 96.4 which is fourth all time! Higher than Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Dan Marino. QBR is an accumulation of all statistical categories, and a much better gauge of indiviual performance than team oriented achievements like Super Bowls.

Prior to the start of this season former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Ron Joworski ranked every QB in the league from best to worst. A list where Tony Romo was #15. While such disrespect is expected from a former Philadelphia Eagle even someone with a lifetime of hatred towards America’s Team should be able to suppress their emotions to make a more legitimate assessment. After one year of success Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, and Colin Kaepernick are better than Romo? Seriously? Jay Cutler? The same Jay Cutler who hasn’t surpassed 4000 yards in a season since 2008? Matt Schaub ranked ninth!!?? The credibility of any list is completely lost when Matt Schuab is top ten, and Matt Ryan ranks higher than Drew Brees.

Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger, and Eli Manning aren’t statistically better than Tony but are consistently ranked higher because of their championship rings. I’m not trying to negate the influence of championships on individual player evaluation but it simply isn’t the end all be all. How can that much emphasis be placed on a single game? Jeff Hostetler, Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer, and Jim Plunkett don’t exactly make up the Mt.Rushmore of NFL quarterbacks. They were all mediocre players who benefited from being on exceptional teams. Their Superbowl victories certainly don’t make them better than all time greats like Marino, Moon, or Tarkenton who’ve never won the big game.

“Romophobics” like to mention his short comings in big games as the reason why he cant be considered elite. Last years week 17 loss to the Redskins with the division title and a postseason appearance on the line. The interception thrown while down three points with two minutes left against the undefeated Denver Broncos in week 4. The infamous botched hold on a field goal attempt to win a playoff game against the Seahawks. In each case Tony has been the fall guy for mistakes made elsewhere within the team. The Cowboys defense gave up 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns to rookie Alfred Morris in last years winner take all game for the division. The interception thrown against Denver came in a game where the defense gave up fifty-one points, seven more than the Broncos league leading average of 44 ppg. Its virtually impossible to win a game if your defense surrenders 200 rushing yards or 51 points no matter who your quarterback is! In the case of the botched hold Tony had been promoted to starting QB eight weeks earlier, meaning his status as the holder on field goals should have also changed.

Not only is Tony Romo one of the best to play the position both presently and of all time he’s a prototype for the quarterback of the future. Lightning quick release, pinpoint accuracy, great mobility, and a sixth sense for avoiding pressure in the pocket. As defensive players continue to evolve becoming faster and more athletic the statuesque quarterbacks of yeateryear become obsolete. Being a “mobile” quarterback traditionally meant your legs had to make up for what your arm lacked. In this case his scrambling ability actually enhances the Cowboys passing game by extending plays leading to big gains down field.

Romo currently has America’s Team atop the NFC East with a 4-3 record (3-0 in the division), but realistically no amount of regular season success will get him the respect he deserves. He simply needs to win the big one! At the end of his career he’ll certainly have the stats to be inducted into the hall of fame, but a Superbowl title (preferrably accompanied by an MVP) will get him in on the first ballot!

PUBLISHED 10/23/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/tony-romo-underrated_b_4144224.html

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KANYE AND THE FLASHING LIGHTS

When did photographers devolve into paparazzi? What once was such a respectable profession, and vital aspect of pop culture has snowballed into something spiteful, malicious, and just plain ugly. Even someone as popular as Kanye West, who for almost a decade has been public enemy #1 amongst the picture taking parasites deserves a certain level of privacy.

Publicity is needed for a celebrity in any field to be successful. However, they’re still people and that entitles them to maintain some sort of confidentiality regarding their personal life. Waiting outside airports or studios is fine, but showing up at Kanye’s home at 4 a.m. in an attempt to snap an unflattering photo is deplorable. Where’s the decency? Does the fact that you’re a musician mean you sacrifice your basic human rights?

The dynamic of the entire system is flawed. There’s no way someone should be able to take a picture of you against your will, then sell it to a publication without you even seeing the slightest form of compensation. There should be limitations on when and where pictures can be taken, and a portion of the money received by the photographer should also be paid to the person featured in the photo. The entertainment industry is based on images and branding, anytime someone’s likeness is used to turn a profit said person is entitled to a percentage. With public perception being such a determining factor for a musician’s success how is it even legal for photographers to operate in such a manner?

Kanye’s been sued multiple times by paparazzi claiming he assaulted them or destroyed their property during confrontations they themselves initiated. How ridiculous is it to press charges against someone after antagonizing them so deliberately? Princess Diana was killed by an overzealous paparazzo in a car chase on a civilian highway. A tragedy of such magnitude should’ve sparked a change over a decade ago, but their reckless pursuit of incriminating photos continues to jeopardize the safety of not only celebs but civilians to this day.

Photojournalism is a necessary evil. Celebrities need it to be successful, and society needs it to quench their insatiable thirst for pop culture. Kanye mentioned in a recent interview with Zane Lowe that he’s working towards adding some type of regulation to help this flawed system. Hoping that by the time his new born daughter is old enough to grasp the concept of paparazzi taking her pictures she can also receive compensation for them. Is Yeezus capable of performing such miracles? Only time will tell, but if things do stay the same it’ll truely be an injustice for us all.

PUBLISHED 10/7/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/kanye-the-flashing-lights_b_4057657.html

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DALLAS COWBOYS AND INDIANS

I hate the Washington Redskins. It’s almost like an unwritten rule that as a die hard Cowboys fan I must have deep and unwavering hatred for those God awful burgundy and mustard jerseys. And I most certainly do! I hate the team, its players, fans, coaches, stadium, I pretty much hate them in every capacity. This division rivalry features two of the most passionate fan bases in pro sports so the intensity is warranted, but recently I’ve begun to hate the franchise for an entirely different reason.

It feels dumb saying I didn’t realize how unbelievably offensive the name “Redskins” actually is until now, but it’s true. Prior to the recent media attention that’s arisen the thought had never once crossed my mind. While tradition is in no way an excuse for bigotry or racism, it’s the historic significance of the team which lead me to ignore such a blatant display of prejudice. They’ve been the Redskins for as long as I’ve been alive! And even 50 years before that! But society has changed drastically since then, and its an unacceptable representation for an American franchise in 2013. Although, it is understandable how such an issue could go unnoticed for so long.

How ironic is it that the team representing our nation’s capital would use a name and logo with such oppressive implications towards Native Americans. “Redskin” specifically refers to race or complexion, which makes it much more offensive than names like Florida State Seminoles, Chicago Blackhawks, Cleveland Indians, or my beloved Atlanta Braves. Though it is believed by many that all such names should be removed from pro and college sports, the distinction between the name Redskins and all others is obvious.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated, amongst others, has actually stopped using the name ‘Redskins’ all together. Honestly it’s a trend we should all follow. It’s naive to think the National Football League would change the name of one of its most profitable franchises simply because it’s the morally correct thing to do. As long as selling the team’s merchandise provides such a lucrative source of income for the NFL things will continue to be business as usual, despite how ridiculously offensive it is to refer to a team using a racial slur. Perhaps if enough people demonstrate some form of protest, whether it be no longer using the name, or refusing to buy merchandise we can put enough pressure on the league to make a change.

I honestly feel terrible for the fans, the real life long die hards! The ones who sacrifice so much time and hard-earned money season after season in support of their favorite team. To now have to sit by and watch that team be portrayed in such a negative light must be excruciating. The name is more a product of ignorance than of racism or malicious intent, but the franchise is still accountable, and the fans will ultimately suffer for it. Eventually the name must be changed to something more appropriate. Wasington Pigskins maybe? The “D.C. Reds”? Call em The Hogs? Probably all terrible suggestions, but at this point any name would be better than the one Washington’s football team is currently using.

PUBLISHED: 9/23/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/dallas-cowboys-indians_b_3962631.html

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Monday Nights At Nuyorican

This past Monday night I attempted to perform at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe open mic. With my heart set on performing “BlackMale” in promotion of my new mixtape “Carnegie Hall” and website “CarnegieKid.com” I was devastated when I found out I was too late to sign up. But devastation quickly turned to inspiration as I stayed to watch the other performers.

I’ve done dozens of showcases, and open mics around NYC but the atmosphere inside of Nuyo Rican was like none other! The diversity of the standing room only crowd immediately caught my attention. Thugs, hipsters, suits, punks, and a couple of sexy songstresses had the joint packed to the door! The unwavering support shown for each and every artist was uncanny.

The show featured gangster rap, spoken word, piano solos, breakdancing, R&B, freestyle rap, beatboxing, and almost any other artistic form of expression you can imagine. Performers from Atlanta, California, Arizona, and even a couple of international performers were kind enough to bless the stage. We were even lucky enough to hear a couple songs from the uber-sexy, immensely talented host Nisha Asansi.

Its was dope to have such an assortment of cultures, ethnicities, and musical sub-divisions together in one venue. So indicative of New York’s true spirit. Absolutely the most entertainment you’ll ever get for only seven bucks! Your summer experience in the city will be severely lacking if you don’t get to attend at least one of these shows. They’re happening every Monday from 9pm-midnight, and with there only being about five Mondays left in the summer of 2013 I’d suggest you make it happen ASAP! His Holiness The Honorable Sir Carnegeezie Kid Esquire (me) will also be there the next couple weeks so if you’d also like to witness history now is the time! See ya’ll at Nuyorican!

PUBLISHED: 7/26/13
CHECK IT OUT HERE AT HUFFINGTONPOST.COM http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/monday-nights-at-nuyorica_b_3661281.html

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Lupe Fiasco and the Greatest Rap Video of All Time

Summer of 2013 might be hot enough to finally bring hip-hop off the respirator. Jay-Z has once again revolutionized the way artists release albums with Magna Carta… Holy Grail. J.Cole has solidified himself as one of the greats with his classic sophomore LP Born Sinner. Kanye West has pushed the envelope with a project so ahead of its time it probably won’t be fully appreciated until years from now. Wale and Mac Miller even released great albums as well. But the summer was stolen by the new video from Lupe Fiasco.

While everyone (myself included) was preoccupied with the new Jay-Z masterpiece, Lupe gave us a dose of what the culture so desperately needs. Hi 12-minute, 53-second, three-song video for “Lamborghini Angels/ ITAL Roses/ Audubon Ballroom” was a slap in the face to themolly popping, dumbed down music that’s polluting our culture; to the social and political restraints that continuously oppress our people; and to the many players responsible for perpetuating these ugly truths.

This serving of food for thought from Food and Liquor 2 is the best rap video ever made in my opinion. How appropriate it be released on America’s Independence Day. What validity does such a holiday have for our people when we’re still so heavily influenced by the mental chains? With the “Slave Mentality” so prominent in our community, what freedom is there to celebrate? Independence should mean a bit more than a day off from the plantation and all the BBQ we can eat.

Lupe Fiasco is one of the few rappers whose main objective has always been his social and political obligation to the community. We could use more instances of artists like Kanye West making songs like “New Slaves” and using their influence for something greater than fashion trends or brand endorsement. I’ve always admired Lupe for being so proactive about the problems facing our people, even when it’s not the most popular thing to do. We should all have the courage to be individuals and fight for what they believe in.

Visually captivating, innovative, ground breaking, revolutionary — I could go on praising this video forever, but the highlight of the entire thing was the kid who starred in the “ITAL Roses” portion of the film. He’s absolutely adorable, but it’s the symbolism of his character that makes the role so significant. He is me. He is my unborn son. He is my dad, my brother, my cousins, and all of my friends. Metaphorically, he’s all of us. Every black man born in America unfairly handicapped and brainwashed by the propaganda we’re force-fed from birth.

The problem is bigger than the best rap video of all time. Bigger than Lupe Fiasco, and the entire Hip Hop culture as a whole. But it’s dope for us to be able to use rap music as a tool to combat socioeconomic inequality. As the methods used to oppress our people become more sophisticated, so must we. It’s imperative that we adapt to the times so the message can resonate throughout every demographic. The social media age makes a music video the perfect vehicle to deliver such a message. Thanks to sites like Facebook, Twitter, IG, etc millions of people will get to experience this gem despite the reluctance of radio and television to support such a radical message.

From one American to another, from one rapper to another, but most importantly from one black man to another I thank you Lupe. So many artists claiming to be “real n****s” don’t have the audacity to make this type of statement, but thank God for us you do. Salute.

PUBLISHED 7/11/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/lupe-fiasco-music-video_b_3577337.html

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The Underappreciation Of Sign O’ The Times

Unprecedented success is often times a gift and a curse. As is the case with Prince’s album/motion picture combos that followed 1984′s critically acclaimed “Purple Rain.” The film and soundtrack that ultimately launched him into superstardom set such a high precedent that his later projects were greatly overlooked. The 1986 movie/ album combination Under The Cherry Moon / Parade was nothing less than absolute genius! But the greatest travesty of all is the under-appreciation of Sign O’ the Times. Hands down my personal favorite Prince record, both the movie and album were innovative and thought-provoking.

The true brilliance of the project was the idea to have an entire movie take place on stage. At first glance it seems as if the film is merely a concert, but it’s actually so much more. One cohesive story of revolution, sex, love, God, politics, heartbreak, marriage, and infidelity told through each individual song.

“Boy vs. Girl in the World Series of Love” the ingenious opening line from the duet with Sheena Easton “U Got the Look” is the dominant premise of the film. The constant battle for supremacy between masculine and feminine in songs like “Hot Thing” “Slow Love” and “Never Take the Place of Your Man” are masterfully written, but reach new levels through the personification of these emotions by Prince’s ridiculously sexy female co-star known simply as “Cat.” Paired with the incomparable drumming of the legendary Sheila E., the sex appeal of this film is off the charts! So much so that when I discovered it as an eight year old I can vividly remember the “weird” feelings it gave me…I wanted to do things to Cat… things I didn’t quite understand… but THINGS none the less! Before Lisa Raye in “Playaz Club”, or Claudette Ortiz from City High, Cat set the precedent for the type of women I love! Sexy, sassy, voluptuous, curly haired brown girls have been my kryptonite ever since! To this day I still get a tad bit lusty thinking of her lime green bikini in “Hot Thing.”

Prince’s songs are already the best in he world, but the intricacies added to them in the film versions make them that much better. The organ solo at the beginning of “Hot Thing”! The guitar solo in the middle of “Never Take The Place Of Your Man”!! Sheila E’s drum solo on the kit with like a thousands drums where she throws her sticks and starts playing with her hands!!!!! Absolutely incredible! The perfect purple cherry on top, if you will. But the best added nuance was the combination of two of my favorite songs on the album “Forever In My Life” and “It”. Prince combines both songs to create one acoustic confession of why one special girl made him realize he’s finally ready to settle down. With the assistance of the entire cast on background vocals methodically chanting “aaaaall-right… aaaaaall-right” Prince professes his love for not only her body but her mind, and soul. While the song resonated with me so deeply as a child, living through similar situations as an adult has given me a new found appreciation.

Overall both the eighteen track double album and motion picture are masterpieces! A true testament to the creative genius of the greatest entertainer in the universe. The one question I always had about the movie is why “Starfish & Coffee”, “Ballad of Dorothy Parker”, “Strange Relationship”, and one of Prince’s best love songs of all time “Adore” were left out? Were those performances edited out? Does the footage exist in some hidden archive somewhere? I feel like “Strange Relationship” and “Adore” could have greatly contributed to the plot, but who am I to question the artistic direction of The Purple One?

I implore you to experience both the musical and film adaptations of Sign O’ The Times if you haven’t already. Your life will be tragically deprived if you don’t. The DVD seems to be extremely rare in the U.S. but can be purchased from Canada through sites like eBay. Please feel free to comment and let me know your opinion on my review, and of the project itself. I’m very interested to see what the world thinks of this hidden gem! Further proof that the ’80s rule all!!!

PUBLISHED 7/09/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/the-underappreciation-of-_b_3559375.html

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