THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND SPACE

October 21, 2013 by carnegiekid No Comment

How naive must one be to claim they don’t “believe” in extra-terrestrial life. With all the evidence accumulated to this point in time how could anyone still be in denial? You don’t have to believe in potatoes either but that wouldn’t make them any less existent.

Men from Mars and flying saucers sounds more like science fiction than proven fact, but I feel we’re rapidly approaching a time where the existence of aliens is universally accepted. It’s not a coincidence some of the most influential people in human history have been believers. Leonardo da Vinci, Christopher Columbus, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Steven Hawking, His Holiness The Honorable Sir Carnegeezie Kid Esquire…

Its just ridiculous to think that with an infinite amount of galaxies, in a universe of infinite space that modern day homo sapiens could be the most advanced life form to ever exist. Its so wildly egotistical and narcissistic that only a species as audacious as the human being would believe such a thing.

Many people think believing in extraterrestrials is somehow blasphemous, and is in direct conflict with their religious beliefs. That accepting the fact that there’s a higher level of intelligence somewhere in the universe refutes the word of God, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Remember that it is religion, not God, that claims humans were God’s greatest creation, and religion is an invention of man. Being that religion is the human interpretation of the word of God, it cannot be perfect and must always be viewed with some margin for error.

I fully and wholeheartedly believe in God. I know God exists and to me his presence is indisputable. But forgive me for not thinking the creation of the human being is for lack of a better term his “crowning achievement.” Forgive me for not believing that people living 3,000 years ago knew more about the origin of man than we do today. In my opinion whats blasphemous is suppressing our God-given logic when trying to solve the mysteries of the universe. Blindly following the word of a religion and disregarding such extensive scientific evidence. Is this just one big hoax? Are the thousands of people with first-hand accounts just making things up? Are they all crazy? Why have a universe with an infinite amount of space for intelligent life to only exist on Earth — billions of other stars, planets, and galaxies — for absolutely no reason? I find that very hard to believe.

The Vatican has even released statements saying that the existence of extraterrestrial life does not discredit the presence of God. I believe God is responsible for creating every life form in the universe. It just so happens that human beings probably aren’t the most intelligent ones.

The French government now actually allows the public full access to all its files involving aliens and the UFO phenomenon. How much would we know if the U.S. Government and the rest of the world were to do the same? There has to be some type of happy medium between the scientist and the religious fanatic. The answer doesn’t lie in one of the two extremes. It may lean more heavily in either direction but neither argument is 100 percent true or false.

We probably aren’t ready to face such a provocative truth, it would undoubtedly tear at the very foundation of society. But with the current state of the world maybe its the foundation that needs fixing. Five-hundred years ago we didn’t know the earth was round. Two-hundred years ago, we had no idea dinosaurs ever existed. What don’t we know today? Don’t let fear of the unknown cloud your judgement or restrict the quest for knowledge.

PUBLISHED 5/24/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.CO – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/the-separation-of-church-and-space_b_3332218.html

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LA LAKERS 2013 CHAMPS

October 21, 2013 by carnegiekid No Comment

With the Lakers in 9th place and two games out of the Western Conference playoffs. The Black Mamba guaranteed his team would still qualify for the post-season. The world wasn’t too optimistic about the Lakers chances this season but I’m one of the few who was.

This summer when LA added Dwight Howard and Steve Nash it was assumed that they would instantly be the favorites to win the NBA title. But a tumultuous start to the season including a sub .500 record at the All-Star break, and one of the quickest head coach firings in history led many to believe the Lakers were done.

Alas you can never count a team out that has Kobe “Vino” Bryant on the roster. Since the all-star break, L.A. is 11-3, with Kobe averaging over 30 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists a game while shooting close to 55 percent from the field. Howard has become much more effective offensively and seems to be transitioning into the defensive anchor Laker-Nation was hoping for when they acquired him in a trade for All-Star center Andrew Bynum.

The cohesiveness of the team has improved dramatically as of late. With the offseason additions of Howard, Nash, and Antwan Jamison, L.A. added 2 MVPs, 3 Defensive POY awards, 8 All-NBA 1st teams (11 total), 16 All-Star appearances, and 1 Sixth Man award to its already illustrious trophy case. The overabundance of experience currently has the Lakers in the 8th seed just a half game back of the Houston Rockets for 7th.

These are the signs of a team poised to make a run deep into the playoffs. Pau Gasol’s injury may have been a blessing in disguise, as it led to the emergence of Earl Clark who immediately became a significant contributor in Pau’s absence. Gasol’s return to the starting lineup will allow Clark to add depth to an already formidable Laker bench which includes Antwan Jamison and Steve Blake. Had Jordan Hill not been lost for the season with a hip injury, we could be talking one of the best second units in the league.

Kobe merely guaranteed a postseason appearance, but I’m willing to take it a step further. The Los Angeles Lakers are going to win the championship this season. Yea I said it… take a moment to let it all sink in. 2013 is the year the most envied player and franchise in sports once again reaches the mountaintop. So remember when it happens that you heard it here first!

The unparalleled leadership of Kobe “Bean” Bryant paired with the championship pedigree of Gasol and savvy of Steve Nash will guide LA through the Western Conference Playoffs. The Spurs play incredible ball during the regular season but like in years past will run out of gas before the finals. Oklahoma City trading James Harden killed any hopes of them winning this year. And teams like the Clippers, Grizzlies, and Nuggets simply lack the “it factor” needed to win an NBA title.

So where does that leave us? With the match up everyone’s been dying to see. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat for all the marbles! The way to beat the Heat is to eliminate their transition opportunities by making it a half court game. Who better equipped to do so than L.A. with two of the most talented seven-footers in the world on the same roster? If Metta World Peace can be the all-world defender he’s capable of being, and somewhat contain Lebron James the door would be wide open for some of Kobe’s last minute heroics. Lakers win in six games on Miami’s home court capping the biggest single season turnaround in history. See you at the parade!

PUBLISHED 3/22/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/la-lakers-2013-champs_b_2929686.html

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LANCE STILL LIVES STRONG

October 21, 2013 by carnegiekid No Comment

Before you crucify Lance Armstrong, take a moment to fully digest all the circumstances of his situation. His own unprecedented success has forced him to be the scapegoat for an entire culture. He is absolutely guilty of cheating, but so are so many others associated with the sport of cycling and its long history of performance-enhancing athletes. The man himself has actually never even failed a drug test, it’s been retroactive drug testing, and countless accusations from people close to professional cycling that ultimately led to his demise.

We live in a society where it’s commendable to divulge all incriminating information you may have against someone else when you yourself have been proven guilty of a crime. Where I come from that’s referred to as “snitching”. No, Lance Armstrong isn’t a rapper and the rules of “street credibility” do not apply to him, but in contrast to his accusers his current stance seems much more respectable.

The world wants Lance to not only take responsibility for what he’s done but to also expose all other parties who he may have information against. I for one respect the hell out of him for not discussing anyone but himself. If you get caught doing something wrong, man up and accept responsibility for it yourself. Giving up information about someone else isn’t commendable at all, its actually quite cowardly. Its merely an attempt to move the spotlight off one self and onto another. In the case of Lance Armstrong it gave everyone an opportunity to fry the “bigger fish” because he is the most prominent figure in the history of the sport.

Don’t be naïve and think that Mr. Armstrong is the only professional cyclist guilty of doping. Doping has been a large part of this sport’s culture for decades. I’m sure he could’ve incriminated dozens of former and current riders, but for what? To satisfy the same people who are trying to crucify him now? Many of the cyclists who are presently viewed as “clean” are merely ahead of the curve when it comes to the testing for illegal substances. The tests either aren’t advanced enough to detect them, or the substances themselves simply have yet to be deemed illegal.

What’s bigger than doping, performance enhancing, or any of the allegations against Lance is what his foundation has done for cancer research. “Livestrong” has raised an unparalleled amount of money and awareness toward finding a cure for cancer, and being a cancer-survivor himself Lance Armstrong still serves as an inspiration for millions of cancer patients and survivors alike.

Forgive me for not condemning a professional athlete who’s had one of his testicles removed for taking testosterone. Can that even honestly be considered performance enhancing? Should he be forced to compete with half the normal amount of such a vital hormone? Wouldn’t things like eyeglasses and knee-braces technically be considered performance enhancing by those standards?

If he weren’t such a prolific champion his test results would be insignificant. No one cares if Tyler Hamilton or Floyd Landis is guilty of doping because they simply aren’t superstars. The media takes pleasure in building celebrity to ridiculous heights only to bring it crashing down at the first hint of controversy. Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Britney Spears, and now Lance is the media’s latest victim.

A man’s life is ultimately judged by the impact his actions have on the world. In the case of Lance Armstrong the good far outweighs the bad. I personally think the cycling world should be applauding him for bringing the sport more money and notoriety than it’s ever seen rather than blackballing him. You can argue all day about who’s guilty of doping and who isn’t but the news of a cyclist even using PED’s would be insignificant without the success of Lance Armstrong. He’s the reason the sport is even relevant in the first place. That paired with the countless number of lives his foundation has impacted would allow me to sleep very well at night if I were Mr. Armstrong.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. He’s definitely done wrong, but at one time or another so have we all. Maybe his lows are lower, but how many life changing opportunities have you created through your career and charitable organization? I can’t look down my nose at Lance because I actually still look up to him. For his perseverance, determination, fearlessness, and for all the things his foundation has done and will continue to do in the future. Live Strong.

PUBLISHED 2/20/12
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/lance-still-lives-strong_b_2708793.html

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MLB CHOPS DOWN CHIPPER AND THE BRAVES

October 21, 2013 by carnegiekid No Comment

I was under the impression that replacement officials were being used in the Nation Football League NOT in Major League Baseball. Yet in still the National League Wildcard game between the Braves and Cardinals may have been decided by one of the worst blown calls in the history of the MLB. The fact that playoff games have extra umpires to ensure the integrity of competition only adds insult to injury. As the Braves trailed 6-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning with two men on and one out Shortstop Andrelton Simmons hit a pop up to shallow left field causing miscommunication between Cardinals shortstop Peter Kozma and left fielder Matt Holiday. The confusion between fielders actually led to the ball falling in for a hit, which should have given the Braves bases loaded with one out and six time All Star Brian McCann coming to the plate. In lieu of the obvious base hit Left field Ump Sam Holbrook ruled the play an “Infield Fly” sending the Atlanta faithful into a frenzy. Why is an “Infield Fly” being called by an umpire in the outfield? Why was the call so delayed? How could anyone with any knowledge of the game think that play was “routine”? In total disgust Braves fans showered the field with debris causing a nineteen minute delay as the incompetent umpires watched helplessly from the dugout. Even after nearly twenty minutes of deliberation the correct call wasn’t made, prompting manager Freddi Gonzales to play the game under protest. The missed call may have cost the Braves the game and ultimately their season as it eliminated from playoff contention.
An umpire, or referee should never under any circumstances be the deciding factor in a game. Whether its preseason, regular season, or post season and especially not in a one game elimination scenario. Officials should be fully committed to ensuring fair play in all contests but playoff games require even closer observation due to the raised stakes. Its ridiculous to think a team of professionals were unable to make such a routine call but I’m more disturbed by the MLB’s unwillingness to admit their mistake. Its a slap in the face to the Braves organization and all its fans. Where’s the integrity? Where’s the appreciation for Chipper Jones a nineteen year former MVP and World Series Champion playing in his last post season? Releasing a statement ruling it a “judgment call” is just disgusting! Despicable! Deplorable! I spit on you Major League Baseball! Some four letter words come to mind but I’ll keep this post somewhat civil. Every team is entitled to twenty seven outs not twenty six, there’s no guarantee the Braves would’ve won had the correct call been made but who to say they wouldn’t have? Its a shame that the season and career of one of the all time greats had to end on such a note. Chipper deserved better. His fans deserved better. The game deserves better.

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RED HOOK SUMMER

October 21, 2013 by carnegiekid No Comment

I had the privilege of being invited to a screening of the newest Spike Lee joint Red Hook Summer, and let me be the first to tell you its nothing less than exceptional. I immediately fell in love with the young lady in the film named “Chazz”. A representation of the innocence, beauty and sincerity in our children that is too often lost to the corruption of their environment. I grew
up with so many girls who remind me of Chazz, who certainly started with good intentions but eventually succumb to the tantalization of “the hood”. With hopelessness and dejection being the norm so many of them were forced to accept the unacceptable. To live up to some ridiculous standard of “realness” that promotes complacency amongst ignorance, promiscuity, and excessive violence.

The film also addresses our relationship with the church, and the way we blindly put our faith into religion like its going to save us. As if the human interpretation of God is the end all solution to our problems. The social and economic restraints that so heavily deprive our community are actually products of tactics introduced by the church in the first place. I feel the existence of God is indisputable, but so is the presence of corruption throughout religion. Reinforcing religious guidelines is merely a strategy used by governments to control population, and it has been for thousands of years. I feel religion should be used more as a reference point than a universal law and judging from this film it seems Spike would agree.

I also love the way the film highlights the juxtaposition between the different neighborhoods and people that inhabit Brooklyn. With some of the most drug infested crime ridden areas in the nation sixty seconds away from multi-million dollar real estate the living experience here is unique to say the least. As the rapid gentrification of the inner city continues the interaction
between these different cultural and economic demographics will increase. The question is, is this a gift or a curse? Will we take this opportunity to learn from one another or to further our prejudice?

Spike’s track record speaks for itself, he continuously pushes the envelope by tackling the social and political issues that are prevalent within the African American community. Forcing us to confront the sensitive issues we so often neglect. No A list actors or multi-million dollar budgets have been associated with this film so its important that we as consumers do as much as possible to promote it! If we don’t support our own projects we can’t expect anyone else to.
So do the right thing and go see Red Hook Summer. No pun intended.

PUBLISHED 9/14/2012
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/red-hook-summer_1_b_1879664.html

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DREAMS VS REALITY USA BASKETBALL 2012

October 21, 2013 by carnegiekid No Comment

Evolution is inevitable. It’s human nature to increase efficiency as time progresses. A computer or automobile from 1992 can’t compete with a 2012 model, and neither can an athlete. This is as it should be. Without steady improvement in all fields how else could society advance? People were outraged when Kobe Bryant said his 2012 roster could beat 1992′s Dream Team but quite frankly he’s right! With the theory of evolution and advances made in sports science and nutrition over the past twenty years why wouldn’t the current team be better?
People get too caught up in the mystique and historical significance of the players that were on the Dream Team. Magic, Jordan, Bird, Pippen, Barkley represent the start of the “pro sports renaissance” that created the hundred-million dollar contract, endorsement driven market of today. To most fans these athletes symbolize the “golden era” of the sport, and this feeling manifests itself into the unrealistic belief that they’re unbeatable. Of course they won every game by forty points, the opposition was sub par! Remember, we only used professional players in 1992 because we didn’t win gold in 1988 when America was represented by college athletes. Nine out of ten times prior to that American amateurs won the gold. Somewhere along the line the rest of the world gradually narrowed the gap to a point where they could actually compete with the American pros.
The current international influence on the NBA is undeniable. In the past decade we’ve seen foreign born players like Tony Parker and Dirk Nowitzki win the NBA finals MVP. Some of the best players in the league are now actually from over seas, which drastically raises the level of talent for their respective countries. Players like Marc, and Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobili, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Luis Scola, Jose Calderon, Loul Deng and the recently retired Yao Ming all played Olympic Basketball for a country other than the United States. While Team USA is still superior its obvious why some of the games in 2012 are more competitive then those of 1992.
No disrespect to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird but they were certainly past their prime by the time the Dream Team was assembled. I find it hard to believe they’d be able to keep up with Kevin Durant, Lebron James or Carmelo Anthony at this point in their career. John Stockton would look like a sacrificial lamb in front a point guard like Deron Williams or Russell Westbrook. The evolution of the sport has resulted in a league of “hybrid players”. A league where the guards are much larger and more athletic, and the big men faster and more multidimensional. Think of it as “Athletic Darwinism”; future generations naturally improve upon the talent level established by their predecessors. The same theory can be applied to the NFL with players like Cam Newton, Michael Vick, and Robert Griffin III who are athletically superior to the quarterbacks of the past. In order for them to be successful in today’s league they have to be! Freakishly gifted defensive players like DeMarcus Ware, and Julius Peppers make the immobile statuesque quarterbacks of yesteryear obsolete. (See Drew Bledsoe)
Even if you’re skeptical about the “Athletic Darwinism” theory and you still believe the 92 team was better you have to admit the Twenty Twelve-ers are more than capable of wining a hypothetical one game elimination scenario. If it were somehow possible for the two teams to meet in a gold medal game who’s to say Kobe doesn’t go off for eighty points? Or Lebron doesn’t have one of his forty point, seventeen rebound, thirteen assist performances? Truth is, they don’t need a legendary performance to win but anytime players of that caliber take the floor such a performance is a possibility. Kobe, Lebron, Durant are the evolved forms of Jordan, Magic, Bird. The talent level of the NBA will continue to increase as the game and its players continue to evolve, its human nature. And if the best players from the U.S. are chosen in 2032 they’ll most certainly be better than the 2012 team. Its okay to revere the players of the past but its ridiculous to think they set an unreachable precedent, that the last twenty years have been spent in regression rather than progression.

PUBLISHED 7/30/2012
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/dream-team-92-vs-2012_b_1704391.html

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