News, Sports, Opinions & More a Really Different way. "Take care of yourself & don't hurt nobody else!"
Dec 31, 2009
Lockhart Line 12.31 - Lockdawg's New Year's Eve Message
Dec 29, 2009
Lockhart Line 12.29 AM Thread: Sports - Lockdawg talks NFC Playoff scenarios
NCAA College Football
Texas Tech benches the coach for bowl game!!
Gators welcome new coach!
NBA
Suns stymie Lakers 118-103!!
Rockets seek to trade disgruntled McGrady!!
NFL
Colts Caldwell not backing down!!
One more year, John Fox gets reprieve!!
NHL
Canes stun then skate circles around Caps 6-3!!
MLB
Mets get Escobar for one year!!
DeRosa passes physical gets deal done with Giants!
Dec 28, 2009
Lockhart Line 12.28 Sports: Cowboys beat Redskins 17-0, clinch playoff spot!!
Dec 22, 2009
Lockhart Line 12.22 Lockdawg speaks on the latest news in sports
Sports: NBA: Watch out NBA here comes the Lakers
Dec 21, 2009
Lockhart Line 12.21 Lockdawg speaks on the latest news in sports
Dec 20, 2009
DAL-N.O.: Dallas Does It With Defense Defeat Saints 24-17
In the winning moments of the game that could very well determine the fate of a franchise fixated on winning championships, the Dallas Cowboys made believers out of everyone including a certain ex-coach turned TV analyst, that they not only had a chance to win the game, but also had the backbone to do so in convincing fashion.
Read more at Bleacher Report
Dec 17, 2009
Dec 16, 2009
Music: Come on Man!! R. Kelly is at it again... trying to get women pregnant!!
Sports: NBA best play from last night's action - Jonny Flynn rocks jazz to sleep!!
Lockhart Line 12.16 Lockdawg speaks on the latest news in sports and shouts out to the fans!!
Dec 15, 2009
200th Post!! - Lockhart Line 12.15 Lockdawg speaks on the latest news in sports
Dec 14, 2009
Lockhart Line 12.14 Lockdawg speaks on the latest news in sports
Dec 11, 2009
Lockhart Line: 12.11 - Friday Sports report
Lockhart Line: Music for the soul...Dj Rogers - (It's Allright Now) I Think I'll Make It Anyhow
Dec 10, 2009
Lockhart Line 12.10 Lockhart Line 12.10 Lockdawg speaks on the latest news in sports
...err technical difficulties...here's part II
Dec 9, 2009
Dec 8, 2009
Lockhart Line 12.8 - Lockdawg speaks on the latest news in sports
Dec 7, 2009
Dallas Ducks Head Again in December
The 2009 edition of the Dallas Cowboys were supposed to be poised, focused and determined to right their past wrongs and write a different December ending this season. Instead, this year's Cowboys began another season-ending December chapter with a loss, for the second time this season to the Giants.
Leading up to the game so much was made of the Cowboys being ticked off in the media about all of the questions regarding their December slides and how this year things were going to be different. *Poppycock*
You don't win games in December with lip service.
The Dallas Cowboys rode into the Meadowlands on Sunday with the division lead and a chip on their shoulder. When they left they still hand the division lead but were humbled along with their fans by a junkyard dog Giants team that was angry and wounded, playing with the intensity and spirit of a team with nothing to lose and everything to win.
Read more at Bleacher Report
Dec 4, 2009
The Lockhart Line 12.4- Lockdawg talks sports news of the day
Dec 3, 2009
The Lockhart Line 12.3 - Lockdawg talks sports news of the day
Dec 2, 2009
Ode to Tiger Woods...That's the way love works...You gotta hurt before you heal!!
December 02, 2009. Here's a statement sent out by Tiger Woods this morning:
"I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.
Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.
But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don't share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.
Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.
I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology."
Wow..how the mighty have fallen...Keep your head up Tiger for every sin there is redemption and forgiveness!! Listen to a little Bobby Blue Bland and know everything is gonna work out in the end...listen just listen "You're gonna cry...oh you're gonna cry.. and when the tears they may stop falling but they still fall down your heart...You'll never know how long the wound will take to heal. It might take months, it could take years. But that's the way love works...you gotta hurt before you heal....
Nov 30, 2009
zSHARE - SHY MY GIRL FINISHED.mp3
The Lockhart Line 11.30 - Lockdawg talks sports news of the day
Nov 22, 2009
Lockhart Line 11.22 - Dallas vs. Redskins Post Game Report
Lockhart Line Half-time Report Dallas vs. Washington
Nov 20, 2009
Lockhart Line 11.20: Lockdawg talks Cowboys vs. Redskins
Nov 18, 2009
Lockhart Line 11.18 - Happy Birthday Lockdawg
Nov 16, 2009
The Lockhart Line 11 16 Lockdawg comments on DFW sports teams
Oct 31, 2009
DAL-LA Dallas Destroys Defending Champs Get First Win 94-80
Wow. Who knew the Mavericks could play defense?
Early foul trouble for both Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest forced Lakers head coach Phil Jackson to make abnormal substitutions and the Lakers were not able to find their stroke after a spirited first quarter that ended with Dallas nursing a slim three point lead.
Soon after the start of the second quarter, Dallas began to click on the defensive and offensive glass, building on the three point first quarter lead, taking a seven point lead into the half. Ball handling miscues caused in part by mental lapses and a stifling Dallas zone helped contribute to the Lakers' demise in the first half.
After the break, the real Lakers must have been kidnapped by early-bird trick-or-treaters because the team that showed up to play the second stanza of the game were not the champions of last season and they surely did not play like a team that will win anywhere near 72 plus games this season. Dallas' slim seven point lead would be short-lived, eventually exploding into double digits, thanks in part to poor Lakers shooting from the 3-pt arc (7-23, 30.4%) and a pedestrian free-throw shooting performance (9-14, 64.3%).
Read more on Bleacher Report.
Oct 28, 2009
Wizards Cast New Look Mavs Aside Open Season With 102-91 Win
Andray Blatche (20 points, 7 rebounds, assist) Gilbert Arenas (29 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists) and Randy Foye (19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, assist)paced the rejuvenated Wizards playing for the first time with veteran head coach Phil Saunders leading the bench.
Meanwhile, the aging Mavericks not only looked like they had tired legs but played without any real flow or consistency on either side of the ball. Playing without the services of forward Josh Howard while he rehabs from off-season wrist and ankle surgery, the Mavericks relied too heavily on their only scoring threat Dirk Nowitzski (34 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, assist) and got little to no help from newcomers Shawn Marion (16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks) and former SMU stand-out Quinton Ross (2 points, no rebounds, no assists, 4 fouls)
Read more on Bleacher Report.com
Oct 23, 2009
Motivational Music - Aint no Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
"If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far!" ~ Tammi Terrell
"Remember the day, I set you free, I told you can always count on me darling. And from that day on, I made a vow, I'll be there when you want me someway somehow..." ~ Marvin Gaye
"My love is alive, way down in my heart, although we are miles apart" ~ Tammi Terrell
"If you ever need a helping, I'll be there on the double, just as fast as I can!" ~ Marvin Gaye
Listen to the lyrics of the song and let them move you! What are your favorite parts of the song??
Oct 22, 2009
First Lady Hula Hooping!!!
First Lady Michele Obama showed her skills with a famous American invention, the Hula Hoop, in support of a healthier America. She swiveled and hooped an astounding 142 times before her hoop hit the ground. According to AP reports, the first lady hosted a "healthy kids fair" on the South Lawn of the White House on Wednesday and invited about 100 children and parents from local elementary schools.
"There's nothing that the first family loves more than a good burger, right?" Obama said. "And look, my favorite food in the whole wide world are french fries. I love them. Dearly. Deeply. I have a good relationship with french fries and I would eat them every single day if I could."
"I tell my girls this: If you're getting the right foods for most of the time, then when it's time to have cake and french fries on those special occasions, then you balance it out." (AP)
Oct 11, 2009
Cowboys outlast Chiefs 26-20 in OT
The Dallas Cowboys have a new No. 1 receiver and his name is Miles Austin. Tony Romo and the Cowboys offense got going it in second half as Dallas torched the Kansas City secondary, finally sealing the victory with a spectacular 60-yard touchdown score by Miles Austin for the overtime win 26-20 at Arrowhead Stadium.
No Roy Williams, no Felix Jones, no problem. Right? Not so fast.
Playing against the winless Chiefs (0-5) on the road on a cold windy day, the Chiefs benefited early from Cowboys (3-2) miscues in the first half.
After Cowboys kicker Nick Folk, missed a 40-yard field goal attempt late in the first quarter, the Chiefs failed to move the ball down the field and had to punt. But, thanks to a muffed punt from Patrick "thumbs" Crayton, the Chiefs were back in business at the Dallas 23-yard line on the next play.
The Dallas defense pestered Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel all day and sacked him on second down for a big loss. Then the defense was able to hold strong on third and 15 forcing Kansas City to kick a field goal early in the second quarter for a 3-0 lead.
Then on the ensuing drive the Cowboys stumbled and fumbled the snap from Gurode to Romo on second down. The Chiefs recovered inside the Cowboys 20-yard line after a brief run back by safety M. Brown.
A befuddled Cowboys defense lost contain on Matt Cassel on third and goal from the Cowboys one-yard line. Cassel took advantage of the extra step then heaved a throw across his body and found the venerable Mike Vrabel wide open in the endzone for a touchdown and 10-0 lead.
The Cowboys offense was having another Sunday meltdown when suddenly things started to click just before the half.
With 5:34 remaining in the second quarter Romo started to get his rhythm. Tony found fourth-year receiver Miles Austin (10 catches, 250 yards, 2 TDs) on two pretty passes during drive for 18 and 20 yards respectfully but Austin could not hold on to a sure touchdown pass at the two-minute warning and the Cowboys would ultimately settle for a field goal and go into the half down seven points, 10-3.
Read more at Bleacher Report
Oct 10, 2009
Oct 9, 2009
BREAKING NEWS!!! OBAMA WINS 2009 NOBEL PRIZE FOR PEACE
Barely awake and drifting in and out of sleep thanks to a symphony of storms rolling through the Texas morning, I awoke to the news of another monumental moment in the exuberant and historic presidency of Barack Obama.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee made a surprise announcement that was received by gasps and applause from a small group of journalists at the institute in Oslo, Norway. For the first time since 1919 a sitting US president has been given the prestigious and internationally recognized award for peace.
The committee sites "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," according to Associated Press Reports.
"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future," the committee said. "His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population." (AP)
The magnitude of the hope and the encouragement to the world that he emits continues to grow. Rumors of his honeymoon with the media and world being over are grossly overrated.
In just over nine months as president and leader of the free world and on the heels of his failure to secure Chicago's 2016 Olympic-bid, Barack Obama has won the highest award for peace in the world. His selection over 205 other potential nominees that includes 172 individuals and 33 organizations is significant if not shocking.
The outrage will surely be fierce from the right as the jaw-dropping news permeates the airwaves. Many of tea-bagger masses will say, *hmph! "What has he done to win the award?"
In truth, leading two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, facing mounting opposition to his health-care plan, surging domestic unemployment numbers and a recessed but recovering economy, Obama still has a full plate to digest with very few results to show.
Although, to his credit Obama has not shied away from the pressure or heat of the debate. He has remained at the forefront of the discussion most notably to a recent joint session of Congress when he stood firm to support his health-care agenda despite open disrespect from his opposition.
Still winning this fantastic award so soon in his presidency will be viewed as a down payment on the hope of peace to come. A down payment that for far too many at home and abroad has to be paid in full now not later.
Congratulations President Obama on winning the award, now get back to work!
Oct 4, 2009
DEN-DAL: Denver Dumps Dallas...
The game was a defensive slugfest for most of the afternoon and was finally broken open by the Broncos when Kyle Orton connected on a 51-yard touchdown strike to brazen and brash wide-receiver Brandon Marshall giving Denver their only lead of the game with 1:46 on the clock.
The Dallas Cowboys (2-2) arrived at Invesco Field to face the Broncos (4-0) with many unanswered questions about the mindset of their quarterback. They will leave with many of the same questions.
Staring a chance to overcome another forgettable Sunday afternoon Romo (25-42 255 yds, INT, 0 TDs) watched his chance at redemption fall harmlessly through the outstretched arms of Sam Hurd in the back of the endzone on a desperation fourth and goal play from the Denver 2-yard line with :01 remaining.
Read more on Bleacher Report.
Sep 30, 2009
Bleacher Report: MNF Cowboys-Panthers: The D Returns To Big D! Dallas Downs Carolina 21-7
The Cowboys live on the national stage, but the 2009 Dallas Cowboys (2-1) were in need of a win more so than their winless Carolina (0-3) opponent after posting a woeful last-second debacle against the New York Giants last weekend to open the new billion-dollar eighth wonder of the world stadium in Arlington.
A sea fans festering for the team's first victory funneled into the dome-shaped colossal stadium and were greeted to shaky start on both sides of the ball to begin the game in the first half. After giving up a late touchdown to the Panthers the Cowboys left the field for halftime to a chorus of boo's from the disappointed home crowd.
Read more on Bleacher Report.
Sep 16, 2009
Rangers season of hope rapidly coming to familiar end
The 2009 Texas Rangers were able to shake off a slow April beginning then burst onto the baseball scene with youthful exuberance stirring up very realistic playoff dreams for this season. After 75 wins and a fourth-place finish in his first season as Texas Rangers skipper 2007, Ron Washington led the Rangers to an improved 79 wins and a distant second place finish to the Los Angeles Angels last season. Remarkably, the Rangers appeared poised to make a serious move in the race for either the American League (AL) West Division or the fluky AL Wildcard but, as luck would have it poor hitting, inexperience on the mound coupled with miscues in the field have all but dashed any playoff hopes for this season. After last night's 6-1 home defeat to the Oakland A's the Rangers are now a full five games out the wildcard race and six games out of the division race with only 18 games remaining, rapidly bringing the 2009 campaign to an all too familiar end for fans.
Read more at Bleacher Report
Sep 15, 2009
Obama banking on the middle class
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Sep 13, 2009
Lockhart Line 9.13: 5 Keys to Cowboys victory at Tampa
5. FORGET ABOUT 2008 - The Cowboys finished last season with another December thud and are looking to reclaim some the franchise glory after missing the playoffs again. They must leave the past in the past and focus on the future. Staying healthy and being consistent on the field in all phases.
4. DEFENSIVE PRESSURE - An aging Byron Leftwich was named starter in Tampa and he has never been a very mobile quarterback. The Cowboys must get up-front pressure from the defensive line and attack Leftwich, otherwise it will be a long day for the Cowboys secondary.
3. EXPERIENCE - Cowboys come into the match-up today as the more veteran team and head coach. Tampa Bay is rebuilding this season with first year head coach Raheem Morris. The cowboys must use their experience to their advantage on the road.
2. SAVE TONY ROMO - The weather forecast today in Tampa is heavy thunderstorms, hot, muggy and soggy field conditions. The Cowboys should focus on the run game to control the field position battle. Romo can have a 300 yard game next week against the Giants.
1. RUN COWBOYS RUN! - The Cowboys have a power-packed three-headed running attack with Jones, Barber and Choice. With wet weather conditions forecast all day the Bucs should get a heavy dose of all three.
Sep 11, 2009
Lockhart Line 9.11 Lockdawg Sports News Report
Sep 10, 2009
Lockhart Line 9.10 Lockdawg Sports News Report
NFL Season begins...
Pittsburgh opens against Titans -...who you got? Gonna pick pittsburgh. Look for Steelers to be strong in all phases of the game Titans are looking to regain foothold after last season ended with a thud. Steelers win 24-10.
NFL Season begins...
Pittsburgh opens against Titans -...who you got? Gonna pick pittsburgh. Look for Steelers to be strong in all phases of the game Titans are looking to regain foothold after last season ended with a thud. Steelers win 24-10.
See below for Lockdawg's full NFL Week 1 predictions.
Texas Rangers throttle the tribe 10-0 to sweep Cleveland (tribe) and remain only two games out in wild card as Boston wins again. The fighting Ron Washingtons' as JJT calls them in the DMN today are proving that they are "too legit, to quit"
NFL Week 1 Predictions -
Thursday 9.10.09 -
TEAMS - PICK
TEN at PITTSBURGH - PITTSBURGH
Sunday 9.13.09 -
MIA at ATL - ATL
KC at BAL - BAL
PHILA at CAR - PHILA
DEN at CINCY - CINCY
MINN at CLE - MINN
NY JETS at HOU - HOU
JACK at INDY - INDY
DET at N.O. - N.O.
DAL at T.B. - DAL
SAN FRAN at ARI - ARI
WASH at NYG - NYG
ST. LOUIS at SEA - SEA
CHI at GB - CHI
Monday 9.14.09 -
BUF at NE - NE
SAN DIEGO at OAK - SAN DIEGO
Sep 3, 2009
Lockhart Line 9.3 - Lockdawg's Sports News Report
Aug 30, 2009
Old habits die hard..Discovery successful on third try!!
Discovery's first mission in 1984 had to be delayed three times with mechanical issues. But, the mission that would pole vault the United States into the next generation in technology would not be denied. Thanks to the success of that first mission we have satellite digital cable, cellphones and of course the internet.
Like the inagural mission, this year's Discovery flight had been delayed twice for weather and a small malfunction of a fuel valve sensor. But, unlike the first mission which didn't get off the ground until the fourth attempt, the third time was the charm for the 2009 Discovery.
I was a precocious seven year old with only faint memories of the historical events of the late-80s. We had recently moved from the West Dallas projects to the house that would spur most of my development from a boy into a young man. I remember watching the space shuttle launch on TV in school on VHS and thinking that anything was possible. Because at that time I also remember having hope that a black man could become president of the United States for the first time in history. That man was Jesse Jackson.
Last year engulfed with empassioned race of Barack Obama the second black man to seriously seek the presidency, I located with the aid of our greatest technology, the internet, a video of my then hero Jesse Jackson speaking to a capacity congregation of the Tedley Baptist church in Philadephia, PA. At that time his cry was for a choice and a chance.
Ultimately, his cries fell on deaf ears as the country would later re-elect Ronald Reagan to the office of president for a second term. My hopes for change were dashed but not diminished.
Fast forward 25 years.
On a wintery November night, Jesse and countless others cried a new brand of tears as he along with the world watched in prideful astonishment as Barack H. Obama gave his victory speech in Chicago forging his transcendent place in modern American history.
But Obama's history could not have been possible without the pioneering efforts of Jesse Jackson in the mid-80s. Jesse's call to action and ill-fated campaign for the White House galvanized grass-roots efforts throughout black communities across the country as the generation of blacks that had survived the sixties and their offspring were beginning to find their voice and they would not silenced.
Now in the dawn of the first African-American presidency, seeing the space shuttle launch successfully brings back so many of my childhood memories and renews my hope that our work is not done and we as a people will one day overcome!
Aug 29, 2009
Aug 28, 2009
Lockhart Line 8.28 - Lockdawg's Sports Report
Aug 27, 2009
Lockhart Line 8.26 and 8.27
8.27- In today's webisode Lockdawg talks about the Texas Rangers 9-2 defeat against the New York Yankees pushing them back another game in wild card race and he also sends a message to the Dallas Cowboys defense ahead of their third pre-season game on 8.29!
Aug 25, 2009
Lockhart Line: 8.25 - Lockdawg's Sports News Report!!
Aug 24, 2009
Lockhart Line 8.24 - Lockdawg's back to school message!
Aug 21, 2009
Lockhart Line 8.19 -21: Cowboys and Rangers talk!!
8.20 - Lockdawg weighs in again from the mean Texas streets on the Dallas Cowboys breaking a tough training camp on Wednesday and the Texas Rangers lose ground in the A. L. wildcard race against the Boston Red Sox.
8.21 - Lockdawg talks about the Rangers blowout win over the Twins 11-1 and the Cowboys open the new stadium in Arlington tonight when the play the Titans in game two of the pre-season!!
Aug 14, 2009
Aug 9, 2009
Aug 8, 2009
LIFE: Thoughts of the past that can help the future!!
Thumbing the pages of an old but new journal that I started a couple of years ago I stumbled across an entry that struck me as poignant as we celebrate the inaugural summer of our nation's first black president. This entry was penned during the winter of 2005 when I was a recent divorcee and (edited) this morning to protect the innocent and enhance the read.
12/20/2005- It has gotten so bad today that the rapper Nelly has made a rap gold-plated or platinum and diamond grill. Now all of the kids are singing it, “Smile for me Daddy…Whatcha looking at…I wanna see your grill, ya ya grill…Rob the jewelry store and tell them make me a grill.” My ex-wife me told that she has been considering getting my 9-yr old son one and I told her emphatically that I didn’t approve of it and that I had already spoken to him about the matter. But, in an effort to be a little diplomatic about the issue, I said wouldn’t say anything if she decided to go ahead with it.
Before I finished, I went on to say that I think that it is something that should be avoided because you never know what the new mouthpiece will make others think about his character. I told her that I wasn’t afraid that it would be a problem for him but I just thought it was a waste of time and that if she could get something more educational would be a better gift. We talked about investing for the kids’ future and the type of schools that we want to send them to after high school. She and I agreed for once.
Like me she wants them to go to a historically black college or university (HBCU), I know these schools will be helpful in continuing the path of improving their quality of life. Besides, attendance at a HBCU is an experience that will set the stage for them later in life as they will already know what it takes to be successful in a world filled with all types of black people. It will also show them what I have been trying to teach them about there being a time and a place for everything.
This is going to be a very interesting 6-8 years as I buckle down and get on track for myself with regards to my own education and career direction so that I can have some more financial freedom to do the things that will setup my kid's transition into adulthood easier than my transition has been. She was amazingly coherent and she was completely interested in this discussion about the kids. This made my heart smile.
It is a cold and dreary day today. I missed out on getting the wood for a fire because I didn’t think about going by the dumpster when I got off last night, I was hungry and my brain was focused on those Country Styled ribs (mmm, mmm, good) the rain came over night and has continued for most of today. At least there isn’t anymore rain in the forecast for the next couple of days so I should be able to get some by Thursday.
Personally, I don’t think the problem is with the ‘sistas’. In my opinion, the biggest problem facing the American black man, is the fact that he does not have anything to believe in. The fact that his women are increasing looking to each other and men from other races for love does not help the situation much.
Unfortunately, far too many of us are still lost, as I am. I believe that is because of the fractured nature of the black family, the racism of American politics and most importantly the fact that we are not galvanized in the struggle to end the racism.
Many of the grey foxes which began the movement during the turbulent ‘60s with Dr. King in this country, are still talking about change but, their voices are becoming mute as they age and our attention span gets shorter and shorter while we gaze aimlessly at computer screens and cell phones. Generation X is not picking up the torch to carry on the struggle of the 21st century. Not since the mid-60s have we had any impassioned leaders who were able to get our collective attention. In the new millennium, we are bound to the American trinkets, like iced-out bling- bling, gold-plated grills, sagging pants and cell phones, all of which are just enough to occupy our minds long enough for “whitey” to continue moving ahead while we are lost to what is going on around us.
Now don’t get me wrong there is a strong contingency of us that have heard the call and are making personal and professional strides to change our place in the world but, what about those of us who are not able to comprehend the severity of not moving forward.
We need to do more to help those brothers and sisters overcome, themselves and their lack of knowledge and understanding about the very real struggle that faces us all in America and the world at large. I will admit that I am no better than many of those among us with our heads in the clouds. When I got out of the military and hell before I left for the military, I vowed to not return to the ‘hood because I was determined to raise my family in a better situation than the one in which I was raised but I did not realize that I was wrong to turn my back on the ‘hood until now. In fact I miss a lot of the ‘hood things that just do not go on in suburbia.
Still I knew that in order to give my kids the kind of educational foundation that they needed, I had to get them out of Dallas Independent School District (DISD). The district has its' pockets of good but this new brand education system has many of the teachers hurting for pay raises and funding for computers and books all the while they have to find ways to manage unruly and over-crowded classrooms, all of which lead to a lack of enough qualified and caring individuals available to teach our children.
When I was in high school, those were some of the same issues our teachers faced but the difference between then and now is the fact that there was a strong nucleus of concerned and conscious black teachers who, when things got deep would all meet together before the start of classes and devise a plan to attack the issue head on. Another thing missing is a strong P.T.A. I remember putting on performances for P.T.A. meetings and being so proud that I was doing something good for the parents but, I remember more how the parents despite not having money for dues, cared enough to come and have their voices heard.
With so many of us in broken relationships and working multiple jobs to stay out of poverty, that the single parent syndrome is draining the life out of our newer and increasingly younger parents not to mention the children that are left to pick up the pieces on their own. We must continue to the fight and give back to the communities that helped rear and raise us from an uncertain future. Not only by word of mouth, but also, in all of our actions. We need to get active and take over the community and really turn things around.
The fictitious war on drugs and gang violence has taken a back seat to city council witch hunts, Republican redistricting, a failed Robin Hood plan, and hollow TAKS testing, all of which are empty attempts by the corporate strong arm to further disenfranchise the black youths of America. Not to mention we are now facing the fact that we are going to continue to be the minority because Hispanics are fast becoming the majority. And every black kid that graduates without having a firm grasp on his/her Spanish will be further relegated to “the back of the bus” in corporate America.
But one thing we do have control over is our money and how we choose to save and spend it. If we were to get back to grass roots efforts of "each one ... teach one" and remember the unity we all had during the early days of the civil rights movement when Dr. King and Rosa Parks led the Alabama bus boycott for over 380 days.
We must remember that "black is still as beautiful" today but we must not only remember the beauty but not be afraid to fight for the right to show and let it shine to all of America in all of our actions. Our voice, the black voice is louder today than it ever could be in the early days but it is so fragmented that often times no one listens. We need to apply some “Super Glue” and get “clue” before our future gets any bleaker. That just my two cents…
Okay, so I’ve been trying to get a head start on stopping smoking cigars because of the obvious health concerns and because I made a personal commitment to stop smoking once I turned 30. I’m only 29 now but I know it won’t be long before I am staring down 30 and I don’t want to disappoint myself. I have been limiting my smoke but when I get stressed, I am compelled to light up. I’ve been wearing this American Heart Association (AHA) bracelet to remind me of the importance of stopping smoking but it doesn’t help much. Lord please deliver me from myself…
Aug 6, 2009
Pretty Wings...Maxwell
- Read Pretty Wings Lyrics here.
Aug 5, 2009
Lockhart Line: 8.4 Happy Birthday Mr. President! / 8.5 Clinton secures release of American journalists!!
Read a full report of the presidential birthday at First Read.
Lockhart Line 8.5 Clinton secures release of American journalists in North Korea
Read the full story at MSN.com
Aug 3, 2009
Jul 31, 2009
Jul 30, 2009
Oh Ye of Little Faith!!
The words of an old spiritual that I grew up singing in a little chapel filled with love, "Love Chapel C.O.G.I.C." in West Dallas, comes to mind. The words and the melody of the song "We've come this far by faith" are so poetically fused together that just humming the tune to the song brings joy to the entire being.
"We come this far by faith. Leaning on the Lord. Trusting in his holy word. He never failed me yet. Oh... oh, oh, oh, oh, can't turn around, We've come this far by faith.
So when the world gets you down and you feel that your hope is fading away. Remember you did not get to where you are in this world alone. And you will not get to where you are going without a whole lot of faith!! Be blessed.
Jul 29, 2009
Lockhart Line 7.28 & 7.29 - Lockdawg talks sports!!
7.29 - DFW Sports Update. Lockdawg updates the local sports happenings in the DF-dub. Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers...om!!!
Jul 24, 2009
IS THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY STILL WORTH IT TO BLACK AMERICA?
THOUGHT OF THE DAY - IS THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY STILL WORTH IT TO BLACK AMERICA?
RECENTLY THE NAACP TURNED 100 YRS OLD AND SOME QUESTIONED THE VALIDITY OF THE ORGANIZATION IN 2009, AS IF THE STRUGGLE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND EQUALITY HAD SOMEHOW MAGICALLY ENDED WITH THE HISTORIC ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA.
THEN WITHOUT PROVOCATION A MIND BOGGLING ARREST OF A WELL KNOWN AND RESPECTED AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST, HENRY LOUIS "SKIP" GATES JR., BY THE CAMBRIDGE POLICE IN HIS HOME, WE ARE REMINDED OF WHY WE NEED AN ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO THE EQUAL TREATMENT AND ADVANCEMENT OF ALL MEN AND WOMEN OF COLOR.
THAT REASON BEING: THE RACE FOR EQUALITY IS NOT OVER IN AMERICA, IT HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN.
"WE SHALL OVERCOME...WE SHALL OVERCOME!!"
ECHOS OF THE OLD NEGRO SPIRITUAL BEING SUNG AS AMERICANS OF ALL RACES JOINED TOGETHER IN 1963 TO MARCH ON WASHINGTON WITH THE GREAT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., REMINDS THE WORLD OF A TIME NOT TOO LONG AGO, WHEN THE COLOR OF A MAN'S SKIN SPOKE LOUDER THAN ANY WORD HE COULD EVER UTTER FROM HIS MOUTH IN AMERICA.
BUT LOOKING BACK AT THE BRIEF 46 YEAR HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY SINCE THE DAYS OF JIM CROW SEGREGATION AND RACIAL OPPRESSION, NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD ARGUE THAT THINGS ARE NOT BETTER THAN THEY HAVE EVER BEEN FOR MINORITIES IN THIS COUNTRY, ESPECIALLY BLACK PEOPLE. HOWEVER, THE REALITY OF THE FACT REMAINS, THAT AS A SOCIETY "WE" ARE FURTHER AWAY FROM EQUALITY THAN EVER BEFORE!!
IN THE WAKE OF OUR NATION'S MOST HISTORIC MOMENT SINCE LANDING ON THE MOON 40 YEARS AGO, WE HAVE FINALLY BEGUN WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTERS FOR THE NEW AMERICA IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM.
THE HISTORIC 2008 ELECTION OF THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO THE WHITE HOUSE WAS A MIGHTY FIRST STROKE BUT, THE NATION STILL TEETERS ON THE BRINK OF CHANGE AND APPEARS AFRAID TO LEAP INTO "CHANGING" WITH BOTH FEET. WITH A DEMOCRAT IN OFFICE A SHIFT TOWARDS ADDRESSING DOMESTIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES HAVE BEEN THRUST TO THE MEDIA FOREFRONT.
AS WE TURN UP THE HEAT ON THE NATIONS' DEBATE OVER THE POOR STATE OF THE ECONOMY, HEALTHCARE AND THE TWO FRUITLESS WARS BEING WAGED AGAINST TERROR IN THE MIDDLE EAST, THE RACIAL HEAT IN THIS COUNTRY IS ABOUT TO REACH AN INFERNO AS WELL.
IN THE LATE-60'S THE RACIAL TENSION OF THIS COUNTRY WAS SO THICK THAT YOU COULD CUT IT WITH A KNIFE. THE SAME CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE POCKETS OF RACIAL TENSION IN 2009 THAT MANY SEE ARE BURSTING, READY TO EXPLODE. THIS YEAR WE HAVE SEEN TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT SOME WHITE PEOPLE AND BLACK PEOPLE JUST WILL NOT GET ALONG AND MOVE FORWARD.
ABOUT A MONTH AGO I TOOK MY FAMILY ON A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COAST AND ON OUR ROAD TRIP THERE WE MADE STOPS IN ATLANTA, GA AND BIRMINGHAM, AL TO SOAK UP SOME OF THE RICH BLACK CULTURE OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
NATIVE TEXANS, WE HADN'T TRAVELED THAT GREAT A DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE LONE STAR STATE BEFORE BUT SOMETHING INSIDE WOULD NOT LET ME MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH MY CHILDREN A LESSON ABOUT LIFE AND COLOR IN A NOT TOO DISTANT AMERICA.
DURING OUR BRIEF STAY IN BIRMINGHAM WE HAD A UNIQUE PLEASURE TO VISIT THE CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE AND STAND ON THE STEPS OF THE 16TH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH BEFORE WALKING THE STREETS WHERE WHEELS OF EQUALITY WERE SET INTO MOTION. IN ATLANTA WE TOURED THE MLK MEMORIAL AND VISITED THE HOME OF THE GREATEST CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER IN AMERICAN HISTORY, BEFORE FINALLY REACHING OUR DESTINATION ON THE EAST COAST.
THE EXPERIENCE WAS BOTH EYE-OPENING AND AWE-INSPIRING AND MY FAMILY AND I HAVE BEEN FOREVER CHANGED BY THE EXPERIENCE.
I NOW REALIZE THAT THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW AND WE ARE THE CHANGERS!!
WE ARE A NATION OF DREAMERS AND WITHOUT THE HOPE OF A BRIGHTER DAY TO COME OUR MORALS AND BELIEFS WOULD CRUMB UNDER THE INTENSE SCRUTINY OF THE HOPELESS. SO WE MUST NEVER GIVE UP THE HOPE THAT ONE DAY OUR STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY IN THIS GREAT LAND OF THE FREE, WILL BE OVER AND WE WILL HAVE OVERCOME.
UNTIL THEN WE MUST BE PIONEERS AND GET OUT AND TALK ABOUT THE ILLS OF OUR SOCIETY TO BRING ABOUT THE CHANGE WE NEED TO FULFILL OUR TRUEST DESTINY.
WORD OF THE DAY - PIONEER n. ~ One who opens up new areas of thought, research, or development
Jul 23, 2009
Lockhart Line 7/22 & 7/23 - Black in America and the race conversation
Lockhart Line 7.23
Jul 21, 2009
Lockhart Line 7/21: Lockdawg reviews the T.O. Show
The Terrell "T.O." Show made it's network debut last night. I didn't watch the live broadcast but did catch it on DVR. The premise of show consists of T.O. and his two publicists, who are also his very close friends, and their adventures following the star wide receiver throughout a few of his real-life escapades. I give the show about "D" for content and an "A" for being a laugh out loud comedy. T.O. may love "him some him" but, the rest of us can only stomach so much if you know what I mean.
If you missed it check out the entire show here.
Tell me what you think.
Jul 15, 2009
Jul 13, 2009
Rememberance
Today marks the one year anniversary of the passing of my dearly departed maternal grandmother, Thelma Lee Lockhart (79). Those who knew her well called her "Mama Angel" or "Granny". She was called home last year to be with the Savior and today I remember the woman who nurtured me from the time I was knee-high to a grasshopper until that fateful Sunday morning, July 13, 2008.
Born in fall of 1928, at a time too distant for many of my young readers to fathom, an infant Thelma would bore the experience of growing up in America's most defining times as a country starting with the Great Depression era. Approximately a month before her first birthday October 29, 1929, "Black Tuesday", would arrive and with it bring about the worst economic down turn that this country has seen.
In just one day sixteen million shares were traded--a record--and thirty billion dollars vanished into thin air. (sound familiar) Westinghouse lost two thirds of its September value. DuPont dropped seventy points. The "Era of Get Rich Quick" was over. America's first millionaire athlete, Jack Dempsey, lost a eye-popping $3 million.
By the time she eclipsed her first decade, the world would change again as World War II began in Europe in 1939.
Through her teen years she would also have to endure the painful segregation of the Jim Crow south and when race relations reached it's fervor in the 1960's, she would catch hold and make her own mark in the new America of the 1970's.
She attended the oldest high school in the Dallas Independent School District, Crozier Technical High School, obtained her grade equivalency and as a tribute to her legacy, your writer enrolled and graduated from the same school at 2218 Bryan St. Dallas, Texas, many years later. The historic school was named Business Management Center in the mid-70s, and became an institutional connection to the business and technology world of the present.
She would later marry my maternal grandfather, Mayfield Lockhart, Sr. Raising four boys and two daughters in the rough and tough West Dallas Housing Projects a*k*a "The Jets", was seldom easy and always hard. Despite the many heartaches and painful memories she would endure, with the grace of God, she nurtured a family and a neighborhood.
From her front porch-step to the streets to churches to hospitals to prisons near and far, she would share her wisdom to any and all that would venture past her door or seek her impeccable counsel. All the while she maintained an unyielding force-field of protection around my mother and her siblings.
She also carefully molded each of her grand children in so many ways. Last year at our darkest moment we sat in her living room and recalled meeting over to her house on Sunday evenings which our family tradition. Sometimes there were laughs and others there was a tear or two but there was always the presence of God near. She provided me with my foundations in faithful service, community activism and love for family.
Though she is gone away from this physical place her love continues to shine through each and everyone of us and extends to our friends and family. You see my Mama Angel never met a stranger.
Her home was a rest haven for all that needed refuge, be it just for a few nights or weeks or months at a time, she her arms were always opened.
Last month as the anniversary of her passing neared, her memory ignited inside my mind and while driving home from work one day I aimlessly twirled a wrinkled and weathered leaf I'd been saving from one of the carnations that laced her casket. I wasn't sure of the moment but felt it necessary to capture.
I know she is sitting comfortably in heaven and I hope when she looks down she finds my memory of her still in tact. There is still so much that I could share but for now I'm just going to leave it at that.
Take care of yourself and love your loved ones today and everyday that you have them because life is not permanent nor guaranteed.
Rest In Peace ~ Granny "Mama Angel" Lockhart