The Michael Sam Parade Heads To St. Louis

Diary Of A Sports Fanatic

May 14, 2014
@nick_speed

Over the past week, the St. Louis Rams made history by drafting the first openly gay player into the NFL. This was a steal for two reasons: 1. They drafted this year’s SEC Defensive POY and a hell of a pass rusher for little to no cost. 2. They launched themselves into the national spotlight, by revealing one of America’s elephants: Homophobia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hjKINdmPOE

Let’s not beat around the bush, THIS was the reason Michael Sam was the 249th player selected in 2014 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, this video makes some people uncomfortable. Why would a loving embrace, make someone upset? Because in the year 2014, a person’s lifestyle choices are still scrutinized, ridiculed by people they don’t even know. This deep seeded insecurity and hatred bubbled to the surface when the most courageous team in the NFL drafted Michael Sam. Here’s a tweet from Marshall Henderson, basketball player for Ole Miss.

Not only did blatant ignorance show it’s ugly face, there was also some subtle shade from the Christian community. By comparing former NFL QB Tim Tebow’s faith to Michael Sam’s sexuality to conclude that homosexuality is wrong or trivial is silly. Just as silly as Marshall Henderson’s homophobic tweets…

Since 2004, every SEC Defensive POY [except Demeco Ryans, 2nd round, 33rd pick] was drafted in the 1st round, until Michael Sam. Many have criticized Sam’s combine performance, and attributed it to his plummeting draft stock. I, on the other hand smell bull shit [excuse my French]. And yes, Sam did run a 4.9 in the 40, there’s no disputing that. But for all the people who have every played organized football [myself included] running in a straight line for 40 yards HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GAME OF FOOTBALL.

 

I’ve gotten a chance to watch 6 Mizzou games this past year, and Michael Sam was the best player on the field in at least 4 of them. This guy just looks like he belongs in the NFL. Now look… I’m not saying the guy will be the next Lawrence Taylor, but he projects to be a solid player. He has a knack for rushing the passer, and a relentless motor. Which is extremely important, especially when you share a division with Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson like the Rams do.

I applaud the St. Louis Rams for making a great football decision, as well as having the courage to make history. Michael Sam’s induction into the NFL will force us to expose the prejudices that lurk in the shadows of our society. A person’s sexuality is their choice at the end of the day, whether you agree with it or not. Less judgement, More respect! Until next time… One Love.

LOL Meeting Recap: Human Sexuality and Relationships

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgRBdrzbldE

March 18, 2014

Diary Of A Sports Fanatic

LOL Meeting Recap: Human Sexuality and Relationships

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJhklPJz9U8

TED Talk “Are we designed to be sexual omnivores?” by Christopher Ryan

Description: Chimps and Bonobo’s sexuality compared to humans. The human body and desires leads to limitless kinds of romantic relationships.

Respect

March 13, 2014

Diary of Sports Fanatic

“Respect”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lqzSL2Qqlc

Description: Discussing sexism, rape, and a PSA for all men.

True Life: I want to be a vegan.

“Veganism is a nonviolent grassroots political movement. It has no leader. It recognizes that all species morally matter and all that matters is sentience for nonhumans to belong to the moral community. It does not accept the notion of “humane” use because it recognizes that all use is abuse. Veganism is the recognition of the moral personhood of nonhuman animals and rejects the property status of nonhuman animals.”

February 25, 2014

Diary Of A Sports Fanatic

“True Life: I want to be a vegan”

Last November, after viewing documentaries on Netflix like as “Food Inc.”, “Forks over Knives”, and “Frankensteer” I became more conscious of the food I consume. Realizing the conditions that these cows, chickens, and pigs are living, the hormones/unnatural diets they are given, and the fact that all the protein we need to sustain life can be found in fruits, vegetables, and grains caused me to introduce a lifestyle change in my life.  This change won’t be easy though, I have spent my life consuming animal protein and I am far from an “expert” at healthy eating.

So what does it mean to be a vegan?

“Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, as well as following an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of sentient animals.”

Dietary vegans: Not only refraining from animal protein, but also eyes, diary products, and other animal-derived substances.

**The term ethical vegan refers to people who not only follow the vegan diet, but infuse that philosophy into their everyday lives, opposing the use of animal products for any purpose.**

“The term vegan was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson when he co-founded the British Vegan Society, at first to mean “non-dairy vegetarian” and later to refer to “the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals.”

Everything in this journey is a process. So far I have cut out pork, beef, chicken, and turkey, and over the next few months I plan to completely apply veganism in my life. Diary and seafood are my next obstacles. I have already implemented almond milk into my diet. Not only does it taste amazing, it lasts 3 times longer than diary milk! Throughout my journey, I will post vegan options that I have found for you all to enjoy!

Last night I tried vegetable masala burgers from Trader Joe’s… and they were awesome. The authentic Indian spices went perfectly with some spinach, vegan mozzarella cheese (also can be purchased at Trader Joe’s), and hot sauce. 🙂

#EatClean

#OneLove

Turn off your TV, and LIVE!

February 7, 2013

Diary Of A Sports Fanatic

“Turn off your TV, and LIVE!”

A few weeks ago… I glanced at my bookshelf and realized I had 15 books that I had either started to read but didn’t finish, or books that I wanted to read and just haven’t got around to them. Each book is fascinating (well at least to me anyway), from “Christianity before Christ” by John G. Jackson to “Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention”  by Manning Marable. I have a really hectic schedule between grad school, work, and extra curricular activities, which means something had to give. Television was the first thing that came to mind. All of the pointless commercials that have nothing to do with anything, advertising products that are detrimental to our lives.

**FYI If you have to advertise your product, you have to convince people of something**

I watch my younger brothers and sister, often becoming mesmerized by the television. All of the bright lights and commotion captivates them, while leaving them helplessly staring like zombies. Then I started to get upset, “Why was I wasting my precious moments of life watching a box!!!?” There are so many lands to be discovered, so many people to meet, so many untapped  experiences waiting for me!

The last straw was the Super Bowl… I had went over to a friend’s apartment from high school, to watch unfortunately the last professional football game until August. I wanted the Seahawks to win, but that was ridiculous! The game was 22-0 at half, but it was over after the 1st quarter. Seattle was clearly the superior team. And to top it off, the commercials were horrible. I saw Tim Tebow way too many times, and Bruce Willis looked like a creep. The only good commercials were for Maserati, a car I clearly can’t afford (which upset me even more).

After soaking all of this in, I decided that TV was going to be drastically reduced in my life. It’s an entire universe out there waiting for me, and I plan to explore every nook and cranny. I encourage you all to do the same.

Here is some mind engaging information to absorb outside of media television:

**I will update once I discover more**

Neflix:

“The One Percent”

“Frankensteer”

“Food Inc.”

“Forks over Knives”

“The Secret”

“I Am”

“Marley”

Other Documentaries/Movies:

“Hidden Colors 2“

“Powers of Ten“

“How to overcome laziness“

“KRS-ONE: Hip Hop Beyond Entertainment“

Books:

“They Came Before Columbus” – Ivan Van Sertima

“Christianity Before Christ” – John G. Jackson

“Dred Scott’s Revenge: A Legal History of Race and Freedom in America” – Andrew P. Napolitano

Websites/Blog:

http://thebeautifulkind.com

Pursuit of Happiness (Part 2)

February 7, 2014

Diary Of A Sports Fanatic

Description:

My shortcut to living a happier life.

The Pursuit of Happiness (Part 1)

January 30, 2014

DiaryOfASportsFanatic Video Blog

Description:

What is happiness? And how do we as humans obtain it?

My Spiritual Journey

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1JHWxmqGe8

January 22, 2014

DiaryOfASportsFanatic Video Blog

Description: 

My early walk through Christianity that lead to the discovery of a new religion…

Hello Love

Greetings and Happy New Year to everyone!

To all that have read and supported my blog, I truly appreciate it. I hope that all of your New Year’s resolutions come to fruition. I want this blog to be about my life journey, and I want to share it with you.

Recently I broke up with my girlfriend of about a year and a half. This was a tough time for me emotionally, because this was the 1st relationship in which I believed she was “The One”. After realizing things weren’t going as planned, I was devastated. To help you understand the seriousness of the relationship, to this day I have a note saved in my phone outlining what the groomsmen and I were going to wear at our wedding. Yea… it was that deep.

After the smoke cleared I had to do some serious soul searching. I began to think about not just that relationship, but every relationship I have ever been in. I looked for ways to turn these “negative” situations into building blocks that I can use to become a better human being. During my meditations, I found out that my past relationships with women weren’t a “waste of time” or bad in any way. Everything in life happens for a reason, and it’s up to us to make the best of the situation and learn from it.

While soul searching, I decided to write down all of the emotions/feelings I have towards all of the women I’ve previously been romantically involved with. I had so much to say, that it ended up becoming a letter.

 

Hello love,

I hope you have been enjoying the new year. You, along with my past, have played a vital role in molding and shaping the man in the mirror I see today. I know you still think about me. It’s OK, I still think about you too. The love we shared (mental, physical, and spiritual) will remain with me forever. Sure there were some rough times, but in the end only the real remains, love.

Remember the sex? Yea, me too… we had some good times. The affection was my favorite though, the touching, kissing, and holding hands like there’s no tomorrow. It’s times like these that make life special. It’s what makes life worth living.

Quiet as kept, sometimes I get frustrated because the universe didn’t work out the way we planned. “You” and “I” are no longer “we”. And though “we” is in the past, my love for you will continue forever. I appreciate your existence. Your life has manifested into a valuable life lesson that I will cherish forever.

Love always,

N.D. Speed

 

Break ups can be tough, especially when you connect deeply with someone. However you have to realize that life goes on, and holding on to grudges/hurt feelings will only make your life miserable. We all believe we have the answers for love, but we don’t. In actuality, love is an extremely powerful/limitless emotion that we can only hope to understand. That doesn’t mean we should run from it, we should embrace it. I can’t fully describe to you what love is, but I can describe how it feels and tell you that it is the reason we all exist.

Until next time… One love.

 

The Root of All Evil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DObc3buQvQc

The Root of All Evil

December 18, 2013

@nick_speed

The origins of US Currency. The Federal Reserve Bank. What the latin words on the US $1 bill mean. What “God” is the Federal Reserve referring to?