Healthy and fun event to kick off the spring in the Metro area. My kids are out for spring break so this will be a good send off to get them ready for back to school. Back to school is a celebration ALL the TIME for parents!
THE SPRING EDITION OF GET KIDS MOVIN! will feature interactive physical activity, workshops on healthy eating, musical performances, a special Scavenger Hunt, prizes from Sports Zone and partner stores, fitness demonstrations, a fashion show and much more!
Visit www.getkidsmovin.com for more information.
Son Arin and Cedella Marley
It was a treat to take my kids, ages 7 and 8 years old, to a marvel of sight and sound that would be the world premier of the musical “Three Little Birds” at Adventure Theatre, located at Glen Echo Park in Maryland. The play is based on a children story by Cedella Marley infused with the music and lyrics of her dad, Bob Marley.
READ MORE >my full review
If you are in the DC area the play runs until April 14th and trust you do not want to miss it!
I give it 3 smiles … my 3 kids all loved it and to get them all on the same page with liking anything is impossible at times.
tickets available at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org
![photo[4]](http://daddyscool.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/photo4.jpg)
Arin reading Three Little Birds on the way to the play
The greatest singer I have ever heard was born on April 2nd. Singer, Legend, Father … Marvin Gaye. Rest in Paradise. #DadsRule
“Great Artists Suffer for the People”
Last we saw videos and pictures of R&B superstar Usher outside of the release of his latest album, he was crying before a judge about the mother of his children striking him, chasing his girlfriend and the overall crazy experience of co-parenting with her. Now Usher is much happier, recently being granted primary custody of his sons Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely Raymond.
A few months ago, his ex-wife, Tameka Foster Raymond literally went looking for fight and this time Usher, who initially was only seeking more visitation, came to fight and left with the kids.
Sometimes having the children in one situation is just better than the alternative no matter if it is with the mother or not. Dad can be as much of a parent as mom. Sometimes what society would have us believe is the best place for a child is not the case at the time. Sometimes the father has to be the caregiver and there is nothing wrong with that.
Speaking from experience, it’s definitely the hardest thing he will ever do but it’s also the most rewarding. Things get more real than ever now, Usher. You have been a parent before but not like this!
Random #DADsRULE – Celebrity dads should be banned from naming their children after themselves. Usher Raymond V … really, that’s like Michael Jordan naming his son Michael Jordan. We’ll not really. But that’s just too much pressure on the young boy.
Can attaching popular children’s characters to healthy food help children make better choices and most important alleviate some of the stress on parents to force feed better health to our kids?
Well, a study done at Cornell University put target branding to the test with none other than Elmo. In the study they put unbranded cookies against apples branded with stickers of Elmo. Apples won!
Now I know some of you might tune out because your kids may be beyond furry puppets but the same rule could apple to the Avengers endorsing Raisin Bran. We can only hope the powers that be bring in the big guns for the fight against junk food, but this is a start.
I came across an interesting article on Washington Post about Kevin Durant and his estranged father who abandoned Durant and his family when the Olympian/NBA All Star was one years old. I know all to well about being abandoned around that age by an unfit mother, in my case. Read this Huffington Post article by my mom.
Here is an excerpt from the Washington Post piece by Matt Breen on Durant:
Last month, before the U.S. basketball team played an exhibition at Verizon Center, (Wayne) Pratt and Durant got together for lunch in Washington. As Durant took his time to accommodate the inevitable autograph seekers, Pratt stepped aside and marveled at his son.
“It’s never too late to be your kid’s father; it’s never too late,” Pratt said. “You have to try, we all make mistakes. But, you have to get back in there and fight. These young men really need us.” READ MORE
By now you have all seen the mom-famous P&G Best Job commercial by thanking the moms around the world. I loved it, was touched and commend moms as well. But it was safe and easy. I wasn’t offended being a single dad but did feel a little left out. It’s always safe to go with mom. It would have taken some investigating and more passion to do a commercial on dads. And I get it P&G, mostly moms buy your products. I know it’s a numbers game and advertising is about that.
But in my opinion with a stage like the Olympics it was the perfect time to do something different. So we at daddyscool #SaluteDad
Yin Alvarez Stepdad and coach of Olympic bronze medalist in the all around London 2012, gymnast Danell Leyva. Alveraz handed out a lot of kisses to his son showing how the bound between step parents and children can grow.
While Danell’s mom thought he was too round and weird shaped and that his asthma would prevent him from being a gynmast, his stepdad molded him into a Olympic athlete. #SaluteDad
Also being a cool dad I have to salute Steve Lochte, a swim coach and father of the cool Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte. Steve coached up two awesome swimmers, one of which never made it to the Olympics because he started selling weed, but being a dad is dealing with the good and bad. #SaluteDad.
I’ll add more or just hip me to more Olympic dads. In the meantime I salute you for reading. #DadsRule
I guess being a dad can soften an image and believe me that’s a great thing. People used to think I was mean and now they see me with my kids and say, “maybe he is not AS mean.”
New dad and softened hip hop icon Jay-Z has been popping up here and there in commercials getting his endorsement weight up. Here are two commercials that use him brilliantly.
The first is Duracell Powermat; note the phone call from “B” Beyonce near the end of the commercial > Cute nod.
Budweiser “Made in America” series.
#DadsRule
DEADLINE IS TODAY!! >>>
Byte Back, a DC-based non-profit computer training organization, is offering a FREE, four-day Summer Youth Technology Sampler next week for young DC adults ages 17-21. The deadline to register is Friday. This program gives young adults a taste of careers in the IT field, and professions that make extensive use of technology: Web Design, Graphic Design, Computer Repair and Database Administration. They will also learn intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Those who complete the four-day program will receive a free computer, an internet modem, and one year of free internet service.
Training will take place Monday July 23 to Thursday July 26 between 12:30 and 6:00 PM at four DC public libraries:
Bellevue (115 Atlantic St SW)
Capitol View (5001 Central Av SE)
Francis Gregory (3660 Alabama Av SE)
Woodridge (1801 Hamlin St NE)
Call Byte Back at (202)529-3395 to make an appointment to come in and register. You must register in-person. The deadline to register is Friday, July 20. Contact is Tasiyiwa Mapondera, Byte Back Director of Programs, telephone 529-3395, tmapondera@byteback.org
I wanted to write something to go along with this. No need. You get the picture. #DADsRULE
I decided to get out of the city and travel to White Marsh for the Baltimore Go Karts. We drove the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid about one hour to Baltimore. The go-karts would be my kids’ first time driving outside of a little motorized Caddy Escalade or in a game at the arcade.
Needless to say, there was lots of bumping (which is against the rules) and a crash after the final lap when Michal ignored me screaming, “BRAKE!!” She slammed into a parked go kart containing Nya. No injuries, just laughs.
Cost: $6:50 per ride and kids can ride alone in Junior karts on a “Junior” track but my kids were tall enough for the “Fast” track. Worth it.
Arin the car junky of the group drove very well. He was focused.
Michal (The Brakeless One) was already pressing the gas before she was given the cue.
Nya was fast and reckless but not at all wreck-less. She kept waving at daddy and losing control into the barriers. She had fun.
Got the kids a couple snow cones and we were back down 295 before traffic started.
Park hopping is something I like to do with the kids. It’s great and usually free! Pack a lunch and plenty of waters. We checked out a two acre colorful wonderland of monkey bars swings and slides called Clemyjontri Park in Fairfax, VA, roughly 15 min from DC. A scenic drive through George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Other than the heat the kids enjoyed it. I enjoyed the umbrellaed area for daddies to chill in the shade while the kids ran the track or the schoolhouse maze. There is also a little trail in the pseudo woods that is shaded and quite short but a trek through woods none the less. There is also a cool huge carousel in the middle of the park which costs $1.75 per ride.
Arin’s best muscle flex in the trick mirror.
Arin driving the car trying to hardest to dodge pedestrian, Michal Zoe … or hit her. I’m not sure.
It’s official the new #FF is Father’s Friday on Twitter. Happy Tweeting. Father’s Day Weekend!
#DADsrule
My son Arin got a chance to play soccer at the DC United’s practice field at RFK stadium and kick it with some United players yesterday. It was a fun little soccer tournament that even included a moon bounce in which the kids played soccer inside. Crazy!
Special thanks to Arin’s school KippDC
I don’t know whether to laugh or be slightly offended. A blaxploitation movie about slavery. 
I’ll probably just go see it.
You have to watch the trailer to even think you remotely understand what I am talking about. Only from the mind of Quentin Tarrantino … Django Unchained.
Because my son likes Justin Bieber and i recently force fed him Mike Tucker … excuse me, Mike Tyson’s greatest knockouts on YouTube. This is for Arin (6) >>> The best of both worlds. Bieber going to work on the punching bag with Tyson training.
Good work, Beibs. Now you can release that new album … a sucker punch to dads far and wide.
And what do you know THIS JUST IN > Justin roughs up papparazzi over girlfriend.
Ease up, champ.
You have to love Michal Zoe’s initiative; my second grader has started her own book club!
At one point during the school year she was invited to join a group of second and third graders in a small book club at her school. She was so excited she was reading on such a high level to be chosen and loved the idea of not having lunch with her classmates but lunch and book talk elsewhere. Well, that idea could not be upheld by the teacher’s busy schedule and the book club ended.
Soon Michal talked to me about how she missed it and how she wished she could do her own. I told her that was a great idea and to do it. My idea was over the summer but her thoughts were more immediate, as they ALWAYS are. She went directly to her vice principal and set the ball in motion. She was going to invite anyone interested to attend, then she got specific and created a list to give the flyer/invites. Not my suggestion but definitely how daddy would have done it.
Check out the flyer daddy created for her. That little girl inspires me, she is a go-getter.
I was recently treated to one of my proudest moments as a parent yet when my twins, Arin and Nya, were one of the few KIPP DC students chosen to perform in front of a sold out crowd at the legendary Warner Theatre. KIPP celebrated their 10-yr anniversary in grand style showcasing their best performing ensembles from their nine schools in the District of Columbia. The show contain everything from a drumline and an orchestra to tango dancing. Not to mention Arin and Nya singing! It was an awesome show. Forever Forward >>> KIPP. Gosh, I love this school.
Arin excited about taking the BIG stage
The kids and daddy
Michal’s Art of Daddy
During a recent meeting where I gave a presentation to the community, my 7-year old daughter was watching me at the podium and decided to sketch me. She was proud of her daddy. It warmed my heart. Very cute.
#DADsRULE
RIP to a two music legends Chuck Brown (GodFather of Go-Go) and Disco Queen Donna Summer. Heaven is getting their grove on today and forever. #Respect.
Now this is funky … REST IN BEATS to the Beastie Boy MCA
Maybe you have been been wondering where I have been and why NO posts. Well, I have been starving myself of pizza, porn and sex for lent … 40 days. You would think maybe I would wind up writing more but, on the contrary, it was just the opposite.
Things I learned about myself:
There is power in prayer and I am a strong-willed son of somebody. #DADsRULE
No one I could really talk to about what was going on but God. I had many conversations with the big guy upstairs as I held on to every hour without those three things. Since prayer is really just a conversation with God we are friends more than ever now.
You can learn a lot about yourself when you devoid yourself of the things that give you most pleasure LOL-> I learned that I have the will of giants. To go that long without pizza, that’s a strong willed human, to go without porn that’s the stuff legends are made of, but to go without sex, that’s God-like … pun intended.
The kids were alright. I thought it would be like Daddy was on his period but actually I was much better than when I am hungry. When I haven’t eaten there is Hell to pay! My kids knew I was observing lent but only knew about the pizza, of course.
How do you deal with adversity when you don’t have those vices to make you feel better? That’s the true test. The true grade comes with how you are when that period “without” is over. I’m a work in progress everything can’t be under dad’s rule. Some things are beyond man, especially this man.
#Growing.
Took a break from my hiatus to show some love to my all-time favorite artist, a style icon and
Washington, DC native. Probably the greatest singer, songwriter, producer and arranger to ever to touch a mic, The Prince of Soul MARVIN GAYE. Three-octave range, killer concept albums, thrilling stage presence and a persona that outweighed his voice … the dude!
Born April 2, 1939 and taken away April 1, 1984. The father of three children. #DADsRule #RESPECT
“Time will heal all wounds but we have to live right to get to time”
I know I will probably get my tail handed to me for not recognizing the boss before now with it being Women’s History Month but here goes …
Fierce before Sasha
Eccentrically cool before Lauryn
Diana Ross kicked in door like none before. #RESPECT
One of my favorite new movies is Blue Valentine. The Academy Awards may have bypassed it this year but you shouldn’t. A great quote about men and women views on getting married.
I feel like men are more romantic than women. When we get married we marry, like, one girl, ’cause we’re resistant the whole way until we meet one girl and we think I’d be an idiot if I didn’t marry this girl she’s so great. But it seems like girls get to a place where they just kinda pick the best option… ‘Oh he’s got a good job.’ I mean they spend their whole life looking for Prince Charming and then they marry the guy who’s got a good job and is gonna stick around.
Women need to feel secure. #DADsRule
February 20, 1967 singer Kurt Cobain entered the world. Although he left us and MOST importantly left his daughter too soon, he left us with what “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” #AMEN
Check out this tribute to the 27 Club (a group of famous musicians dead at age 27) by DC area band Black Alley. In the song, “Club 27,” they run through a medley of live renditions of songs by Amy Winehouse Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Nirvana (Kurt Cobain).
Valentine’s day is over, do you feel like a fool for her or him?
Love ALICE SMITH!
She covers Cee lo’s Fool For You … #DOPE
Hands down! The title goes to the Greek yogurt I have never heard of and will never eat. Starts with an “O.”
#2 goes for Ferris. The extended version, you didn’t see from HONDA CR-V. Life moves pretty fast …
Last was the ETrade commercial on Fatherhood. Baby Speed Dating …
Black Alley takes on the historic Howard University’s Cramton auditorium and a formidable soul singer, Chrisette Michele (No link. You’ll have to google her because I am not a fan)
#Win
Behind the Soul Garage > episode 1
Jan 31st, Drive starring Ryan Gosling, a bada$$ movie hit DVD.
In honor of Drive I happen to have a bada$$ Baracuda harrington jacket from London and driving gloves in my closet to match its fire. The soundtrack is dope too! Straight 80′s feel. It’s like a muted Scarface with a stunt driver turned killer instead of an immigrant, turn drug dealer, turn killer. All I do is drive and love the 80′s so this was right up my black alley (shamelss plug)
#DADsRULE – Be bada$$
What if my child was involved with a criminal act, would I protect the child or turn the child in?
What would you do?
I guess it depends on the crime, kinda. If a lesson can be learned without jail time and no one was hurt, I believe I could handle it. If it is a beating or something where another person was violated then I’d have to take it a step further. The thing is that I would have to look at it from the opposite direction, and how if someone hurt my child and the justice I would want in that case.
One man in Chicago decided to turn his son in when he received a call from a family member saying his 17-year old son was in a Youtube video bullying and jumping another kid with a mob teens. Michael Palomino, a Sheriff’s deputy of 30 years called 911 on his son. (Good Morning America)
His son, clearly not the smartest, was the only person to show his face in the video and even grabs the camera at one point. At this time he is also the only one in jail and being charged as an adult. His $100,000 bail price is one Michael Palomino, a single dad, cannot afford.
The father doesn’t regret turning him in and according to the father the son says he did the right thing. Palomino and his lawyer have set up a fund to bail the kids out.
For more information on the fund, visit http://www.gofundme.com/freepalomino.
#DADsRULE – Let this and other Youtube videos be learning tools of what not to do. There are consequences to your children’s ill actions seen or unseen. Then I would say …
Hey Young World,
Always think first before you react or go along with something that goes against your better judgement. And whatever you do please don’t be dumb enough to video the crime, GEEZ!
I LOVE YOU, GIRL! Studies prove it. I don’t have to cuddle , let me sleep. Now, stop doubting my love!
Psychologists at the University of Michigan and Albright College in Pennsylvania, surveyed 456 men and women and concluded that the reason we pass out after sex is because we have a desire for bonding and affection with my woman. Huh?
All seriousness aside, I can see how falling asleep after sex could mean that. But if you put in work, dose off, then wake up like your car is being stolen and proceed to run out the bedroom like you can actually catch the thief … No love there. You just dosed and realized you f’d up and fell asleep after sex.
But if you feel comfortable enough to go to sleep and not have a second thought. Then wake up the next morning roll over to go at it again or cuddle … That’s love there!
For the longest I never really wanted to cuddle. I would come in the door with my excuse or be setting it up throughout the visit. Even if I stayed the night, I wouldn’t go to sleep. I would be tired as hell the next day.
One of my homeboys would never stay at a woman’s crib, no matter what. Now that’s gangsta!
Things have changes. #DADsRULE and I need stability and love, so I SLEEP!
#DADSRULE > Hopefully women start getting the hint that every emotion a man feels for her is not worn on his sleeve, sometimes it’s in his sleep. Men love differently than women; sometimes it’s not as obvious as calling you 24 times a day.
Nike FuelBand > Dads, on your mark, set … BE more active!
Revel in the Genius that is #Nike. Nike thinks on another hemisphere. Nike is to Apple as McDonald’s is to Walmart. Game … Set … Match > Swooshes
available for pre-order $149.00
#theRemix #EatHealthy #DADsRule
The lineup has been announced and tix are on sale as of today! Headliners include Radiohead, Dr. Dre & Snoop and the Black Keys. And now its 2 separate weekends … the same line up TWICE! Mo’ Money and Mo’ People. Festival passes start at $285 for an unforgettable experience in the dessert. Check out Coachella.com
Friday, April 13 & 20
The Black Keys, Swedish House Mafia, Pulp, Refused, Arctic Monkeys, Mazzy Star, Afrojack, Explosions in the Sky, M83, Amon Tobin, Cat Power, Madness, Jimmy Cliff & Tim Armstrong, GIRLS, The Rapture, Madeon, M. Ward, The Horrors, Frank Ocean, Horrors, James Alesso, Sebastien, Yuck, Neon Indian, Dawes, Black Angels, Deathgrips, Wu Lyf, Breakbot, Atari Teenage Riot, Feed Me, Givers, Other Lives, Band of Skulls, R3hab, Wolfgang, Midnight Beast, EMA, Ximena Sarinana, Kendrick Lamar, The Dear Hunter, Honeyhoney, Hello Seahorse!, Sheepdogs, LA Riots
Saturday, April 14 and 21
Radiohead, Bon Iver, The Shins, David Guetta, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kaskade, Miike Snow, Jeff Mangum, Sebastian Ingrosso, Andrew Bird, Feist, Firehose, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, St. Vincent, Martin Solveig, Subfocus, Sbtrkt, Flying Lotus, Manchester Orchestra, Kasabian, AWOL Nation, Azealia Banks, Squeeze, A$AP Rocky, Buzzcocks, Kaiser Chiefs, Destroyer, The Head and the Heart, Laura Marling, Tuneyards, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Black Lips, The Big Pink, Childish Gambino, The Vaccines, Zed’s Dead, Grouplove, Jacques Lu Cont, We Were Promised, Jetpacks, Gary Clark Jr., Borgore, Dragonette, We Are Augustines, Mt. Eden, Destructo, Suedehead, Keep Shelley in Athens, Pure Filth Sound
Sunday, April 15 and 22
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, At the Drive-In, Justice, Florence and the Machine, AVICII, La Roux, Beirut, The Weeknd, Girl Talk, The Hives, DJ Shadow, Calvin Harris, Nero, Wild Flag, Modeselektor, Dada Life, Porter Robinson, Santigold, Flux Pavilion, Dr. P, Gotye, Seun Keti, Egypt 80, Beats Antique, Fitz and the Tantrums, Araabmuzik, Company Flow, Real Estate, Zed, Le Bucherettes, Greg Ginn, The Growlers, Noisia, Morgan Page, Gaslamp Killer, First Aid Kit, Oberhofer, Lissie, Thundercat, Metronomy, Wild Beasts, Housse de Racket, Fanfarlo, Spector, Gardens & Villa, Airplane Boys, Sleeper Agent
Here is the introspective and soulful piece by Hova on being a new father, creating a child and miscarriage of the past. With baby Blue Ivy Carter making the song cry at the end.
“You’re the child of my destiny
You’re my child with the child of Destiny’s Child
That’s a hell of a recipe”
Glory by Jay Z featuring BIC
Step throat happens quite often around these parts. So far only one kid out of three has it. #Pray4Me. My combat formula is magic soap (hand sanitizer), 1 can of Lysol and Echinacea tea.
#DADsRULE Coffee break … as in break from coffee, I’m at war with germs. MUST-WIN situation. Getting sick as a single parent is like death and three sick kids is even worse.
My worst fear! She is only 7! The mere mention of this four-letter word and I go numb. Now my daughter is using it as art on her paper. We must put an end to Swag! #DADsRule … For the children’s sake.
Kids Walking By with the BOOMING System … 
On my daily hunt for coolness, I came across a picture post from my homegirl for Boomcases. It was a picture of a vintage briefcase that was transformed into a boombox that you can plug and play an Mp3 player or smart phone. It got cooler when I went to the web site and saw a Boomcase vintage lunch box! #WIN
Check it out in action. It lights up to the beat. The envy of playgrounds of kids and adults.
#DADsRule
Check out HBO The Wire’s Tray “Poot” Chaney giving real talk about being a dad. The video features three generations including his dad, son and himself. It’s directed by Lamar Tyler of the blog Black and Married with Kids. Being a father is the most important thing a man can do. This video speaks volumes. WATCH and repost. Share it with some young men. #DADsRULE
When I found out I would get a chance to test the electric-powered Chevy Volt, I called
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw, a vegan restaurant, to incorporate food into my equation of extreme firsts. Sure, you can go hybrid, but why not go electric! Sure, you can go vegan, but why not go raw! With a blindfolded sense of anxiety and anticipation, I was ready.
Instead of a car review on WashingtonPost.com the RootDC, I decided to compile a list for those last minute shoppers looking for Christmas gifts for cool dads … #DADsRule
Check out my piece below: http://wapo.st/cooldadgifts
This week Fox’s hit sitcom “New Girl” fall season ended, but don’t fret it has been picked up for another season. If you have never seen it, it is worth checking out. If you still don’t care, I present … Hannah Simone … the beautiful ethnic actress that co-stars in Zooey Deschanel’s comedy about a chick that moves in with three guys after a bad breakup.
If she isn’t a new girl that you can get into, CHECK YOUR PULSE>
Scene from "New Girl"
#DADsRULE Watch this show! And follow her @HannahSimone
This is something to watch and enjoy. There is not too many as entertaining as Slick Ric Flair. If you are around my age, you know. Either way check out real SWAG.
Shut you mouth, honey! I’m not taking my clothes off, I’m stylin’ and profilin’
#DADsRULE Stop using the word “Swag” and get some “Flair”
“One surprise. Shhh … Woo!” #Classic
S/o to Killer Mike’s song “Ric Flair” had me looking at old Ric Flair video and highly entertained.
Michal Zoe’s 2nd grade science fair was the bomb … like baking soda and vinegar explosive. We went with the classic volcano. She and her mom put in work one weekend. They went to the park and grabbed material from outside to add realness and texture to the volcano. Daddy would have just painted it but this was cooler. Great job mom.
Michal and Daddy
#DadsRule – Sometimes being able to take no credit is the best credit. It can make everyone was happy.
All I did was take pictures. Love it! And I love her school KIPPDC!
I saw this and it peaked my interest. Watches are vital to a cool dad’s lifestyle, so dig it …
Watch + Credit Card + ID
#DADsRule Watch your credit!
Late fall always reminds me that I never stopped rocking plaid.
Glad to see the fashion world rejoin me.
#DADsRULE – PLAID is still cool.
Comedian Patrice O’Neal dead at 41. Saddened that his long battle with Diabetes ended today. He leaves behind a wife and stepdaughter.
Patrice O'Neal
#DADsRULE - Men we MUST stay up on our health. Eat Better + Exercise More + Dr. Visits … Last longer.
First and foremost, #SALUTE all the women and men affiliated with our Armed Forces. We celebrate you and even though you are the reason my kid’s have no school today … Still, I salute you.
TONIGHT our Armed Forces and the NCAA make history and me happy with the first basketball game played on an aircraft carrier. The North Carolina Tarheels and Michigan State Spartans square off on the flight deck of the 1,094 feet long aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson. ESPN 7pm EST
The same ship that dunked Osama Bin Laden in the ocean hosts hoops war on the high seas. President Obama and James Worthy will be in attendance. LET’S GO! I LOVE college basketball. I Love AMERICA!
“Maybe our guys who shoot crooked will have an advantage,” NC coach Roy Williams said.> Classic
I was mesmerized by this interview. I forgot she has a kid by Jay Electronica too! She says, “I have never been single.” All her relationships require a new baby and that the father raps. Her baby-daddies would make a mean SUPER rap group.
It’s long, so grab some popcorn. - RED BULL ACADEMY
I’m checking out Meshell Ndegeocello‘s new album WEATHER on NPR . The is great
mood music; very introspective like her album Bitter, which you may remember from Love & Basketball.
CLICK to listen to entire album.
Free streaming is a great invention. CHEERS!
Despite everything that has gone on with the kids in the past two years with the separation of our family as they knew it and coming to live with me, THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT. Knock on wood.
I know it’s a continuous process but watching them grow, get new friends, have
Nya and Arin celebrating perfection
sleepovers and excel in school, has made me so proud to have them in my life. Kids are truly models of resilience to watch and follow their lead just as they follow ours.
There is so much we can learn from our children, from having a child’s heart and loving people unconditionally to not being afraid to show emotion when something hurts us.
This week I was able to share breakfast with my twins for getting perfect attendance for the first advisory at school (KIPPdc), which was so cool. Also, today I attended the parent-teacher conferences and heard nothing but great things. My kindergartners are at the top of the class and my 2nd grader has teachers scrambling for 3rd grade work to challenge her. Outside of academics, the teachers are just really impressed at their personalities and character. This speaks volumes to a parent … co-parent.
#DadsRule Everything you do as a parent in and around your child, makes a difference.
Check this out from the TheRootDC GOOD read!
There are many black men in this city who are considered to be nothing but statistics: Another ex-con. An unskilled, unemployed worker. A deadbeat dad.
Twenty-five-year-old James McClain is trying to transcend the labels.He spent three and a half years in Jessup Correctional Institution in Maryland on a drug charge. He’s been out since 2008 and for nearly each of his days as a free man he’s taken care of his six-year-old son, Jehrylle- alone. McClain received full custody from the court earlier this year. The struggle is a daily one: They’ve slept in homeless shelters and on relative’s couches.
One way to keep on top of your game is to stay balanced. With so many distractions, it’s easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of your DaddysCool between the rat race and everything being all about the kids.
#DADsRule Find New Balance. Find time for what makes you happy.
These shoes would make me happy. The New Balance I need LOL – H574 Past, Present and Furture Collection by Leftfoot This is why I am really from Japan and not DC. Look ma, no reflectors<inside joke>
80′s Music always brightens my day. Stay focused and in the action, dads. It’s our job to rule the world or die trying. No offense ladies, but who of you wouldn’t want to be laid up following your passion from home knowing that everything is taking care of by your man? Dads let’s get it. Mouths are open, eyes are locked, the pressure is on but this is what we do. No need to fear the unknown. SO shed some Tears for Fears and make it happen.
#DADsRULE You can’t reach the sky sitting down. Stand up for yourself, believe and make it happen. It’s never too late. The world is always waiting for you.
Who knew drinking the wrong Vodka could get you cursed out by entertainment mogul, Diddy. Last weekend at a party in Atlanta some patrons at a night club found out when someone raised a bottle of Grey Goose while Puffy was screaming Ciroc. Come to find one of the folks in the middle trying to diffuse the situation was a friend, cool dad, Atlanta’s V-103 radio personality, and Grey Goose brand ambassador Kenny Burns. Puffy can be seen in a video acting real uncool, to say the least. You’ll have to Google the vid … you won’t catch uncool dads here.
Diddy jumped on Twitter after the event apologizing in laughable damage control fashion, darn near quoting scripture. Burns went on the airwave in ATL and Cleared the air on MTV.
As fathers we are role models to the next generation. Some of us have more watching us than others but whether in the national eye or not our actions speak volumes. We are the head and we lead.
#DADsRULE Don’t Lose your Daddy Cool. FLy Above.
Check out this fresh air video flying above in lovely Paris with Burns and Grey Goose. See how Grey Goose is made and more. #Class
Le Voyage – France from KENNY BURNS on Vimeo.
Great stuff! Listen to it all or go 5:00 in …
“No reason to have a plan B because it distracts from plan A,” Will Smith
Personally, I just believe what i believe. I consider myself a Hopeless Optimist, so this video struck close to home. I believe I can do anything. You can believe that you can’t, you can even believe that I can’t but I refuse to believe it.
“Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity,” Will Smith
I feel once you accept something will not happen, it will not. My girl always tells me, she’s just being realistic. I side with Will. And anyone who knows me knows I am not much of a fan of his but I love his mentality and HUSTLE.
This Friday Nick Jr’s popular live action/ weird human-sized puppet show, Yo Gabba Gabba!, comes to life for kids of all ages in the DC area at the Patriot Center in Virginia. The event is presented by Kia Motors and since they have presented me with tickets … It’s time to dance! For my old school Hip-Hoppers, Biz Markie (who I have always considered a puppet like character) is also part of the show. The kids are pumped. You might not want to wait for my review of the show to get tickets, because it’s only in the area one night, Sept. 30. If you are wondering when or if it is coming your way check the schedule of the tour at Yo Gabba Gabba!
#DADsRule ”Kid’s like the Darndest things. Learn to live with some of their choices.”
Michal running towards the action to get her kicks. Nya in the colorful tights.
Friday the kids took part in the Kicks for Kids thanks to KIPPDC and courtesy of the DC UNITED at RFK stadium in DC. They were treated to a good soccer game with plenty of goals, dinner, t-shirts and free Adidas shin guards and socks. At halftime the kids were allowed to throw their new gear on and head out to the field to folic and try to kick a ball more than they kick one another. It was pretty brutal out there LOL
The kids had a great time and as they ran off the field the crowd high-fived them like when athletes leave the field.
“I’m a celebrity,” said Arin. He was super excited about the encouragement he got from the crowd.
#DADsRULE … Encourage the kids. High-fives are always necessary.
NFL Brunch hosted by DaddysCool
ALL day with Bottomless Mimosas, buckets of beer and great food and TRASH TALKING
Games start at 1pm
GIANTS vs EAGLES definitely on the bill
NFL ticket with big games on big screens today including …
YOUNG GUNS – NEWTON vs GABBERT
Troy Davis' Homecoming
Dear Troy,
You captured a nation. You captured social media. You captured my eyes, mind and heart. Your story wasn’t anything new but in this new age, it was a new view. So many people have voices now through blogs, Twitter and Facebook. People are used to making an impact. Hell, they got a Black President elected. But none of the chatter could change this prewritten history. It couldn’t even excite that very same President I mentioned. This history has been written, been lived and been dead. We’ll continue this beautiful struggle gaining more ammo and momentum to change the world. Until then …
I Reminisce … I Reminisce.
Rest easy, Troy. Your struggle has ended. The world’s continues. MY GOD.
Even, if you didn’t catch the fight you know by now about the “shot” (cheap or not) heard round the world. Mayweather/Ortiz has been trending like crazy. All cash and hoopla aside, all lights low; what if you were in a fight and the person taunting, headbutting and hitting you gave you a free shot?
What would your daddy say do? Knock his a$$ out!
No apology needed. Click to check out my man, Steve at theRootDC blog on it. He brings up Malcolm and Ali and I’m just saying what I tell my son.
#DADsRule ”Protect yourself at all times!”
Ortiz. I know you didn’t grow up with a daddy, so I may be late. But now you know. And knowing is half the battle. G.I. Joooooooe
Some Like it HOT, Some Shouldn't!
So son dude is at the breakfast table and says, “Daddy, Melissa (not real name) was HOT, yesterday.” <insert Daddy’s uncool screw face here>
This 5-year old better be referring to the summer weather. Admittedly, the girl in question is the cutest little thing but this isn’t the time for a little boy to see anything in her outside of a random classmate or friend at best. I suspected otherwise.
Say son, It was pretty hot yesterday, but how do you know she was hot? Was she sweating?
“No,” he said.
Oh, okay. She said she was hot?
“No,” he replied.
My two daughters sitting at the table listening, were now totally confused. “How do you know she was hot,” my eldest insisted.
My suspicions were clear now. Who said she was HOT, I demanded. I knew it wasn’t his own design and I knew he didn’t pick it up from me. He had to hear it from friends at school. How would he know, shoot barely I know anymore now that my life is kids incorporated.
As he saw Daddy’s uncool face get uncooler, he confessed … “My friends said how she looked pretty and she always looks hot.”
My resolution … #DADsRULE
Girls outside of your sisters are not allowed to be pretty and the only reason you can use the word “Hot” is to let me know you are burning or the sun is out. “Hot” is an adult term.
Now finish your breakfast and let’s try to make it to school on time today!
I’ve been against Spongebob for the kids since inception. They have never seen an episode on my watch. Now my anti-sponge campaign has been validated. “Watching just nine minutes of that program can cause short-term attention and learning problems in 4-year-olds,” according to study. www.pediatrics.org
MEN LEAD OUR CHILDREN BACK 2 SCHOOL in DC
Daddyscool.com and Returning Citizens
Some had on White Tee Shirts, some didn’t, but all made a strong showing united to take our children back to
school. Washington, DC was one of 700 cities through out the nation that participated in the Million Father March. Some grandfathers, stepdads, and dads with disabilities all showed their kids how important it was to be there on the first day of school. SOme late and some on time and some like myself … kind of on time 
– Mike T @1cooldad
SUCCESS! Look forward to making a bigger mark next year! This is only the beginning.
Interested in having your city involved with MFM visit www.blackstarproject.org or contact mike@daddyscool.com
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Dads we ask that you donate at least 2 hrs of your time this school year.
Here are some things you can do throughout the year:
To fulfill your school volunteer hours, you can:
• Mentor children at the school
• Tutor children at the school
• Read to children during class
• Chaperone a field trip
• Monitor the lunchroom
• Monitor the hallway
• Watch the students before and after school to provide safe passage
• Clean the school facilities (wash chalkboards, sweep and mop floors, maintain the grounds, etc.)
• Become a member of the Local Student Council, Parent Teacher Association, or School Board
• Start a calling tree to remind parents about events like Parent/Teacher Conferences, PTA meetings, or report card pick-up day
• Provide snacks for an after school event (such as sporting events)
• Help the teacher grade papers
GET involved!
Visit our FACEBOOK event page click “I’m Attending” To be counted as part of the MARCH~
For Immediate Release
One Million Fathers Lead the Nation Back to School this Fall
District of Columbia joins Largest, Organized Back-to-School Effort in U.S. History
Washington, DC – Monday, August 22, 2011, DaddysCool.com and Returning Citizens United lead the effort for fathers to take their children to school the first day in Washington, DC .
The organizations have partnered with The Black Star Project, U.S.A. who is managing the Million Father March 2011 on the first-day-of-school in nearly 700 cities across America. Started in 2006, the Million Father March has become a special day that fathers and men use to make a commitment to their children, their families, their communities and their country with their dynamic presence at a school.
“Better parents produce better communities, better schools, and better students with higher academic achievements,” says Phillip Jackson, Executive Director of The Black Star Project, U.S.A. “This is the real Fathers Day!”
DaddysCool.com, a web site for proactive fathers and Returning Citizens United, an organization that gives hope to previously incarcerated men, saw a need for DC to join the March so combined to make a difference.
The groups are getting the word out through social media, organizations and events. They are asking local men taking kids to school to wear a plain white tee shirt to show they are a part of the initiative. In addition to coming to school, men are to meet their children’s teachers and principal as well as commit to volunteering at the school throughout the year.
Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, score higher on tests, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. A good father is part of a good parent team and is critical to creating a strong family structure. Strong family structures produce children who are more academically proficient, socially developed and self-assured. Such children become adults who are valuable assets to their communities.
Participants in the event include fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers and friends of the family. Businesses are asked to give fathers and men two hours off that morning (with pay) to take their children to school. Participating men will also be encouraged to volunteer at schools throughout the year.
School starts in DC on August 22, but because back-to-school dates vary from city to city the March will be a rolling event that takes place on the first day of this school year between August 3, 2011, and October 2, 2011.
The 2011 Million Father March isponsored by the Schott Foundation for Public Information, in partnership with the National PTA and the National Fatherhood Initiative. Also visit our website at www.blackstarproject.org to bring the Million Father March.
For more information about the Million Father March in Washington, DC contact Mike Tucker mike@daddyscool.com or visit www.daddyscool.com.
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Calling all Fathers, Stepfathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, Big Brothers, Male caregivers
Do you realize what it would mean to your child to have you there on the first day of school?
Monday August 22, join the Million Father March in Washington, DC 
IT’S SIMPLE.
Take your kids to school … Leave an impression and be an example.
Your decision to take a few hours out of your day will make a difference in your child’s spirit and show
the world how important your child is to you.
One Day makes a World of Difference
Join the movement in 700 cities to be a positive force in records number this month.
August 22 MEN LEAD THE WAY. Take your child back to school.
WHAT TO DO:
Sun., Aug. 21 -
POP RALLY – to get us pumped, network and unwind before the big first day.
MARTINS Restaurant and Lounge 1919 9th St. 2pm-6pm
Mon, Aug. 22 -
Wear a plain White T shirt (signifier to Million Father March)
Take your child to school
Take a few minutes to Meet their teachers and principal
visit our MILLION FATHER MARCH DC FACEBOOK page to click “I’m Attending” and check in on the EVENT WALL – Let us know what school(s) you are taking your kid(s)
DADDYSCOOL.COM and RETURNING CITIZENS UNITED are officially registered to bring the Million Father March to DC. Our partners include: 100 Fathers, Inc., Serenity Inc., Alliance of Concerned Men, Captain Fly. MORE partners to be announced. TO be a partner to get the word out CONTACT: Mike Tucker mike@daddyscool.com 202.487.6453 or Yango Sawyer 202.270.1098
The 2011 Million Father March is managed by The Black Star Project, U.S.A. and sponsored by the Schott Foundation for Public Information, in partnership with the National PTA and the National Fatherhood Initiative. Also visit our website at www.blackstarproject.org to bring the Million Father March.
** The Black Star Project, U.S.A. is sponsoring the Million Father March 2011 on the first-day-of-school in nearly 700 cities across America. Started in 2006, the Million Father March has become a special day that fathers and men use to make a commitment to their children, their families, their communities and their country with their dynamic presence at a school.
