Club SEBU

Have you ever had that nightmare where you are up in front of a group of people giving a speech of some sort, and just as you begin to speak, the words don't come out? I did that yesterday....except I wasn't asleep.  I was actually in front of real people, and really froze up.  The most interesting part of the entire equation was that this was not my first time performing.  Or even my second time.  This was my third go around at reciting some pieces in front of a crowd of people. Now, I did try to muscle my way through the two pieces that I botched, but for the first time in my memory, I was at a loss for words. For those who know me...I can talk...a lot. I tried to repeat lines, focus quietly, and do whatever I could, but there was nothing I could do to retrieve those words.  The words were nowhere near 'the tip of my tongue', and were more so, trapped in my book-bag on the sheet of paper that I refused to bring up with me.  My bad. Thankfully, this was n

It took a 6 year hiatus for me to get my writing bug back, and I've missed it dearly.  Typically, I would just try to remember all the stories in my head, and share them only when the stars aligned for me to speak.  That was fun for a little while, but as I got older, trying to recall all of the stories became challenging so I started the first run at Club SEBU. Then it stopped. Abruptly, with no real plan to return. But again, 6 years later we're back and more vibrant than ever. In lieu of what was said, here are 6 tips that got me back dancing in the only Club you'll see me at. 1 . Research Always stand behind what you say.  You never want to appear like you're just going for shock value or speaking from a position of ignorance.  Formulate your own thoughts but be open-minded to the information that may be already out there, and could possibly enhance your stance.  Only talk about things you know, and be sure to acknowledge the fact that you could always lear

I had a few spare minutes today while waiting in line of the grocery store, and decided to compile a list of the world's worst inventions. I started with passwords for online logins.  I'm not talking about the passwords themselves...those are great...I am talking about the password requirements.  Need a number, need a symbol, can't use any of the last 3, etc, etc.  All of these specifics frustrate me, especially considering I am a "one password for everything" kind of guy, since I can barely remember the first one. I then moved on to Daylight Savings time; the one where we lose an hour.  I am not much of a scientist, but I am not too sure on why this is necessary.  Now I vaguely remember hearing about the Earth and Sun rotations, and something about the daytime in different hemispheres, but that still hasn't ever prepare me for changing my clocks and losing that sleep.  Furthermore, I don't like this invention either. Once I placed my items on the co

When we are sick and decide to take medicine, there will always be a suggested dosage required considering our level of sickness. When life threw me a curve ball, my job was to accept the patience and push forward. Now, when I refer to life throwing me a curve ball, I am referring to a literal curve ball. What most of you didn't know is that I had a brief stint on the baseball diamond as a teenager.  My career didn't last long (1 weekend, 3 games to be exact), but it was a career nonetheless.  I will embellish the stories of my playing days for years to come. In my MJ-like journey on the baseball field, there wasn't many highlights.  Although, of the two, Jordan was the better baseball and basketball player, it is safe to say that we were both better at basketball.  That being said, I did pick up some things on the diamond. I learned how to throw properly, the correct way to stand in the batter's box, and most importantly, patience was reinforced as one of my

To most, Sprite is simply a refreshing beverage used to quench ones thirst at any moment in time. To those of the basketball community, 'Sprite' is a term of endearment used when someone tries to climb upstairs and throw down a vicious dunk, only to be met by the cold, and unforgiving front of the rim. There are several words that can be used in place of  'Sprite' (spine-tingler, hung, rim-checked, etc).  Whichever way you say it, it doesn't matter... It is always embarrassing. With that said, I present you this... Nice picture, right? I wish the story was as nice. I recall finishing up a practice and listening to the instructions regarding that night's event to usher in the new basketball season. There was a team dunk contest, and my name was being tossed around as a potential contestant. Considering we hadn't played a game yet, practices were exceptionally challenging and took a toll on the body.  I was not sure how I would fair in such a

Almost every preschool teacher can attest to this. On the first, first day of school of these young students lives, there is one thing that can almost be guaranteed... There may be tears....and they may last all day. If they aren't crying, they are most likely awkwardly silent, not interested or entertained by anything that anyone has to say. If you're lucky, you'll get the kids who essentially could have driven themselves to school, and integrate perfectly with the new environment with no hesitation.  Don't bank on this, as it is highly unlikely. In these scenarios, you get to see one of life's most important lessons...Loss. Although it may seem strange, loss is necessary in our development. Referring back to the initial conversation, let's take a look at the young preschooler who is snot-glazed crying for the entire day. When you think of pre-preschool life, most kids aren't doing much of anything. Their food is always ready, their diap

Love. It is in the air. As we all know, Valentine's day is tomorrow and we have to do our last minute shopping or last minute ignoring, depending on the circumstances afforded us.  Either way is okay.  It's just one day. That being said, there is a lot of love to be dispersed around this time of year.  Love for teddy bears and cards; candy, and chocolates and of course significant others and family. Among those significant others and family members, the actual feeling of love can be masked by the sheer use of the word.  It is apparent that saying the four letter word can open up several doors, but if the word is hollow, it can become a burden for everyone. I am not saying that everyone is just saying the word for no reason, I am simply entertaining the possibility of that occurring. With that in mind, I thought about the one, and the only...Miles.  What better way to explain the world than through the eyes of an wide eyed child. Now for those of you unfamiliar w

At this point in the viral video cycle, you are probably already familiar with the aforementioned, yet paraphrased statement. "Cash me ousside, how bow dat" is the statement I am referring to, which I am almost certain very few can fully decipher. Regardless to whether you know what was being said or not, it is safe to say that this whole situation has spiraled out of control.  Predictable, yet still not healthy for any party involved. What started off as a comical meme, has become a legitimate (and I use this term loosely)  money maker; further encouraging already prevalent and reckless means to obtaining capital.  I do not think I have uncovered anything in stating that this is a money hustle, but I am pretty sure that no party really wants to be caught outside, and that this is simply a gimmick to positively influence each parties bank account.  I am not holier than thou, as a part of me laughed as well, but there is a common thread here that we all know exists.

For those of you who don't know... I am pretty thin by popular definition.  I think back to the days when I was sometimes referred to as "The Chocolate Skeleton" and I can't help but laugh at its ability to stand the test of time.  Now I know what you're thinking, or at least I think I do.  "Richie, just gain some weight." or "Eat some more food".  I respect those suggestions and appreciate your advice, but give me a moment to go a little deeper into this conversation. As a youngster, I always looked at food for 'fuel' not 'taste'.  Similar to a car, once I got up and my engine was started, there was no stopping me until the tank was on 'E'.  Just like a vehicle, if the tank was on 'E' before I got to the refrigerator, I broke down...  Wherever I was....With no intentions to get up until someone came and towed me to the nearest room.  If no one came and got me, which usually was the case... Well,

To whom it may concern, Would it be a problem if they worked? Maybe a couple hours a week, put some money in mom’s purse. Now not a hand out, but with their own two hands. Yet somehow, do you think that would upset the man? Now I know that some have full paid tuition, But not all have one, so there’s a point you might be missing. There's several students who've earned full rides academically, They have the option to work, now that’s the difference see, They're 'student-athletes', which means they're athlete first. It’s a full-time job, just not with all the perks. No time away, less holidays with families. They love the sports, but unfortunate it can be. Now don’t just take this as a shameless plea, Just listen for a second, and maybe you’ll see. There’s a whole lot of money being made on their backs, March madness and bowl games make bank, that’s a fact. So, what about allocating some to the side, To provide a work