BE the SUBJECT,not the OBJECT www.iKnowTANK.com

Take it if your REALLY want it...

2011-01-21T16:15:00.002-05:00

I'm a believer that it can happen...if you want it to happen but it wont happen if you don't believe it can REALLY happen. Watch this video and decide where you will make your next impact.

INFLUENCERS in-depth Series / STEVE STOUTE from R+I creative on Vimeo.

15 Books that MIGHT Make You Rich...

2011-01-13T19:34:00.004-05:00

In my daily work duty (professional Internet-surfing lifestyle specialist) I came across this article about "Books That Make You Rich," and while I'm not sure that a book alone (except the Bible...plus faith and trust in God...JAMES 2:17) these titles may actually spark the greatness within you...and we should start a book club because of it. PROPS TO THE ATLANTA POST

It takes a lot more than books to make it as a millionaire but these following texts, which contain wisdom from the top moguls and examples from quintessential success stories, certainly offer major inspiration and useful lessons. Forbes recommended these 15 books collectively to represent a guide to help you invest wisely and reap the rewards.

The Billion Dollar Mistake: Learning the Art of Investing Through the Missteps of Legendary Investors. “The author Stephen Weiss tells the story of eleven mistakes that ended up costing a billion dollars or more–mistakes we’d all prefer not to replicate.”

Fooled By Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets. Says Forbes: It’s a sobering look at investing, and good counterbalance to the get-rich-quick mentality.

Market Wizards: Interviews With Top Traders. The title says it all. The author interviews top traders and records their insights on investing and the psychology of trading.

The Age of Deleveraging: Investment Strategies for a Decade of Slow Growth and Deflation. A. Gary Shilling picks out the winners and losers of industries and sectors. His insight ” is necessary for anyone interested in asset allocation and exchange-traded funds.”

The Warren Buffetts Next Door: The World’s Greatest Investors You’ve Never Heard Of and What You Can Learn From Them. Forbes Investing Editor Matt Schifrin explores the successful investing strategies of everyday people who’ve made good returns.Competitive Strategy
This book focuses on the business of companies and how certain companies rise to the top via strategic positioning and innovation.

A Random Walk Down Wall Street. Burton Malkiel believes that most investors are best served by passively investing in the stock market rather than trying to outperform the market.

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator. This classic narrates the tale of a small-time trader transitioning to the big time on Wall Street.

The Little Book That Still Beats The Market. This book “discusses strategies for buying into good businesses at bargain prices.”

The Intelligent Investor. “Many regard this book as one of the best books ever written about investing. In it the esteemed Ben Graham lays out his case for value investing.”

Common Stocks & Uncommon Profits. Warren Buffett is a fan of this book, saying that it “enables one to make intelligent investment commitments.”

Profiting from the World’s Economic Crisis: Finding Investment Opportunities by Tracking Global Market Trends. “Analyzing the uncertain–and ever-changing–financial world of 2010, Bud Conrad uses government action and global market trends to predict the long-term direction of the U.S. economy.”

The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America. This is a collection of letters written by Warren Buffett to his shareholders in Berkshire Hathaway. The letters gives you a glimpse into the leader’s personal thoughts on business, money and law.

Common Sense on Mutual Funds, 10th Anniversary Edition. Vanguard founder and godfather of index investing John Bogle shares his insight on mutual funds.

The Great Reflation: How Investors Can Profit From the New World of Money. The Great Reflation looks at the lasting effects of the recent housing and credit bubbles, and gives advice on how to capitalize in today’s shifting financial world.

WELCOME...HOME: T-Mobile Flash Mob

2011-01-02T23:07:00.002-05:00

Some of you know that soon I will be "getting low" and you may not see me for a while. You should also know that being away will make my reurn that much greater.

"ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FOND..."

"iKnow i Got Skillz" Skillz-"2010 Wrap Up"

2011-01-02T15:43:00.003-05:00

Its finally here...I've been waiting for it and just as I was about to iTunes it up for $.99 I got the official word from @AlejandroDaGr8 (...push the button). So here it is @SkillzVA "2010 Wrap UP"

DONT WATCH THIS VIDEO...if you eat meat. SERIOUSLY

2010-12-28T01:45:00.003-05:00

Shout Out to WORLDSTARHIPHOP for providing this video. I originally heard about this video from my NY barber "Suge". He told me if I saw it I wouldnt be able to eat meat again...and he might be right.

As we approach the end of 2010, if taking meat out of your diet is one of your New Years Resolutions,let this video serve as your DAY 1

Stay Away From The Locals...

2010-12-26T08:02:00.002-05:00

Shout out to 2-cents.com a dope website and the creators of this video.

GOOD FRIDAY...you may find me ANYWHERE

2010-12-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

Imagine watching a video on youtube and who walk across the screen??? YOU DO. That's what just happened to me while watching this clip of Pastor John P. Kee performing at the COGIC AIM Conference over the summer.

More important than me being in this video clip is the fact that I was seen giving God glory...on a Friday night. The same Friday night where less than 200 ft away I could possibly be found at a nightclub. I am in no way perfect but I'm growing...THANK YOU LORD. (can you find me? HINT 0:40 and 2:21). Even deeper than that...there's a message within the message.

WHO AM I TO BREAKE TRADITION..."Santa Clause Is Coming To Town"...the GOGO edition

2010-12-23T10:26:00.003-05:00

For some of you, this will be your first time ever hearing a gogo Christmas song...for others this may even be your first time hearing a gogo song period. Yet and still someone out there will press play and immediately be taken back to a specific moment (be it good or bad) in Christmas history.

Merry Christmas specifically to all my iKnowTANK supporters, my DMV family, and The Pleasure Band for recording the gogo version of "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town"

RUDY CURRENCE "WEAVE PONYTAIL" LIVE

2010-12-19T03:08:00.000-05:00

Disturbing Tha Peace/Island Def Jam Music Group recording artist Rudy Currence performing live in Charlotte, NC...greatness is among us at this very moment.

Rudy Currence | Performing "Weave Ponytail" | LIVE Charlotte NC Fall '10 from Aaron Barnes Studios on Vimeo.

MOVIE TRAILER x "Fast Five"

2010-12-16T00:15:00.001-05:00

reMEMORIES: TV SITCOM "SOUTH CENTRAL"

2010-12-15T00:34:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the fine folks at WIKIPEDIA and YOUTUBE, I came across this episode the Fox series "South Central." Set in South Central LA, the show dealt with everyday life in the hood (gangs, drugs, raising children in a single parent household, sex, school, and unemployment) The mother "Joan" is divorced with three kids. Her oldest son Marcus having been murdered years earlier by a gang member, Joan's financial situation becomes complicated after she is laid off. Her remaining children include Andre played by Larenz Tate, Tasha, and foster son Deion.

"South Central" lasted one season but due to poor ratings was canned along with "Roc," "The Sinbad Show," and "In Living Color," all of which aired on the same night...It would be years before we had African-American programming like that again...who remembers "The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer" ?

One thing in particular I remember in particular about watching the pilot episode with my mom was her saying "Life isn't easy but we don't all live like this..." Indeed...we don't.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Would YOU LIKE TO TRY AN APPLE PIE?

2010-12-14T06:30:00.001-05:00

The other day I mentioned that my homie @sokmike had me dying laughing at a story that started with "So I was at Hardee's the other day..." If you know me you know once I start laughing, you can forget me telling the story and you might as well get a laugh out of me making faces while laughing. Here's the the basis of the Hardee's story...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: FOUR LOKO

2010-12-13T08:40:00.004-05:00

Maybe I don't get it. Maybe the fact that I'm not much of a drinker is the reason why. What seems to be the big deal with FOUR LOKO? Is it that serious that the FDA has placed a ban on the product completely? Apparently it is.

If I may, allow me to cross reference today's FOUR LOKO to "Blue Magic" of the 1970's heroin scene. The fact that our modern day "Blue Magic" is making the people drop like flies is probably the reason the people keep drinking it. The New York Times says this

"With the equivalent of a cup of coffee and five beers, the drink causes drinkers to not realize how intoxicated they become."

I could be wrong but isn't the possibility of becoming drunk, the reason why people drink in the first place? From a marketing stand point maybe they should repackaged the product, raised the price point, and sell it as a premium beverage (available only at your finest liquor store) because right now FOUR LOKO is the "Recession Special."

FOUR LOKO isn't being banned because it's dangerously unhealthy and causes an increased heart rate and uncontrollable "ratchetness," FOUR LOKO is being banned because its too damn cheap and it's a threat to the industry. If it were as harmful as they say it is, they would have banned it a long time ago...as they would have also banned vodka and red bull (a premium version of FOUR LOKO)

[8oz glass, 3oz vodka + 4 oz Energy Drink + ice= $8.00 ]
or
[22oz can, 5 beers + 1 Starbucks Coffee= $1.39]
Which one is better for "BUSINESS"?
Mark these words...this FDA ban does NOT mean the end of FOUR LOKO...FOUR LOKO will be seen again.

MONDAY MOTIVATION...LET'S GO TO LEBRON'S HOUSE...

2010-12-13T02:55:00.007-05:00

He had a Hummer at 12 (and a child...) his mom is an NBA cougar, and he still doesn't have a ring but I think he's AWESOME. He makes more on shoes than he does playing basketball in those same shoes, he had an infomercial to announce "where he would be taking is talents", and he's "I DON'T MIND SAYING YOUR NAME IN A FEW SONGS" friends with Jay-Z. HE'S LEBRON JAMES and while you're at work, coaching a fantasy team...he just bought a new house in Miami...and it looks alot better than the lobby of the Double room at the Hotel Shelly that you and 16 of your closest friends piled into just to say "I'm In Miami BI+ch" MOTIVATION

Here's a suggestion...keep working and buy the house next to Lebron's...its for sale and Chris Bosh doesn't want it...he already spends too much time in Lebron's shadows.

"LAST CHRISTMAS" x Rudy Currence

2010-12-12T03:19:00.003-05:00

You haven't heard a Christmas song until you've heard it sang by Rudy Currence...this song could turn into the "Silent Night" [by The Temptations] of our generation...and may I add, I decorated the banister in this video so pay attention because I may be the Martha Stewart of our generation as well.

AVAILABLE ON iTUNES and as Christmas presents to all my friends.

smile to keep from crying...

2010-12-12T02:33:00.009-05:00

At one point in my life I would never smile in pictures...because I wouldn't take any pictures. Fast forward pass the void in my life where I have no proof that I even existed and you will find me today...making some of the most "unique" faces in pictures. Hopefully, by doing so I am reflecting a true expression of how I was feeling at the time...lets take a look and see.

...I feel like crankin' up the space ship ONE MO 'GIN...

2010-12-12T02:09:00.002-05:00

"I want the MONEY...MONEY and CARS...CARS and the CLOTHES...and HEAUXS...I suppose" and like Drake, I do want these things. UNlike DRAKE, that's not how I define my success. To prove this, let me invite you into my car. For many,this may be the first time you've see this particular car, as I have managed to not drive a consistent one vehicle for the past 10 years...there have been company cars [the BMW 760 and Yukon Denali], promo vehicles [such as the Power 98 A-Team van, the billboard truck, and the POWERADE PTV] for which I have been paid to drive, and then there's the "let me hold you car" side of me...which will be discussed at a further time.

Here's a look at what happens when you try to do a favor for a friend...in this case a friend how makes a living with a camera. Take a ride with iKnowTANK and film and video director ARTEMUS JENKINS.

Iknowtank and Artemus Jenkins: Hooptie Edition from artemus jenkins on Vimeo.

This video did however land me on www.artemusjenkins.com and for that I remain FAMOUS

THATS WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR...the Final Episode of ENTOURAGE season 7

2010-09-15T02:37:00.003-04:00

...whoa. That's just about all I can say about this final episode of the seventh season of ENTOURAGE. I will add, when its all said and done, friendship in its truest form will never lose its value...ENJOY

You can have LABOR DAY...we'll take LUDADAY Weekend...

2010-09-01T03:17:00.004-04:00

No need to be sad...the fact that your original plans to go to Atlanta for Labor Day turned GAY [PRIDE Weekend reference], have been saved by LUDACRIS (WHO IS DEFINITELY APART OF #teamNOHOMO) and the Fourth Annual LUDAday WEEKEND.

Here's a look at what me and my cool friends will be doing while you're getting dressed for yet ANOTHER All White Extravaganza...

Thursday, September 3rd: 7PM-11PM:
MVP Gifting Suite (Private Location: Invitation Only)
Thursday, September 3rd: 11PM-3AM:
Opera Nightclub
Friday, September 4th: 2PM-Until:

DTP DJ Appreciation Event (Private Location: Invitation Only)
Friday, September 4th:10PM-3AM
Primal Nightclub

Saturday, September 5th: 1PM-5PM:
DTP Campus Takeover at Clark Atlanta University Promenade
Saturday, September 5th: 10PM-Until:
Dreamz Nightclub
Sunday, September 6th: 8PM-Until:
Miller Lite presents…The MVP Game Lounge @ Red Carpet Lanes hosted by Ludacris

Ludacris/Lil Kim @Velvet Room

Monday, September 7th:
Splash Waterfalls Pool Party (Private Location: Invitation Only)

BROOKLYN LOVES MJ...and so do I.

2010-09-01T02:50:00.000-04:00

BCTV: BROOKLYN CELEBRATES MJ from Broccolicity TV on Vimeo.

...so what REALLY happenes at #FamilyDinner?

2010-08-30T12:24:00.001-04:00

Family Dinner aka Tank'sGiving from Lex Bibby on Vimeo.

video footage courtesy of WHATSNEXTLEX.com

And just like that...HE'S BACK [LAST NIGHTS ENTOURAGE...]

2010-08-30T11:13:00.002-04:00

To answer your 1st question..."I've been on twitter @iknowtank" [the question was "Where the HELL you been?"] Apparently I've also been teaching...but needless to say, I'M BACK.

This summer has been one for the books, but that's over now...except for the re-cap of all things "COOLER THAN ME." For now, how about enjoying last nights episode of ENTOURAGE ...

...look mom, "I'm On TV" x Royal-Tee's "Royal Magic"

2010-05-03T00:34:00.000-04:00

This is an indendent "film" I worked on last summer with Royal-Tee (@theREALroyaltee) and Aaron "AMIL" Barnes (@AaronAMILDVD) entitled "Royal Magic"...and yes, I do my own stunts...

...because the PEOPLE deserve MORE..a new comic strip

2010-04-30T00:38:00.004-04:00

Here at iKnowTANK "...everybody is a STAR, treat yourself accordingly." With that attitude we owe it to the world and loyal iKT supporters to feature more than just things that TANK likes...this site is for the people.

Recently I asked the world outside of iKnowTANK (...twitter, DUH!!!) what they would like to see on the site. In doing so, I came across a comic strip from my homie and cartoonist Ryan Blass (@iBLASS on Twitter...FOLLOW HIM because he's funny). I've known Ryan for a few years but never knew this side of him. I secretly hope this is his first web feature and when he gets that Disney/PIXAR money he never forgets this moment and comes back with stupid check with my name on it...I can DREAM. Until then, be on the lookout for more from Ryan and the "LIFE AIN'T PICTURE PERFECT" comic strip.

...because the people deserve MORE...A NEW WEBSITE

2010-04-30T00:06:00.002-04:00

Recently I solicited my friends on twitter (@iKnowTANK...follow me) to make suggestions for new iKT content. One of my followers (@AshJoJo..follow her too) suggested I do a feature on a new website...so I did (or I will...or I am right now)

Nonetheless, I made my way to http://www.blinded-diariesmag.com/ to find a preview of what looks to be a new online magazine with "I'M ON MY 2019 SHIT AND YA'LL NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT MUSIC, ART, FASHION, AND LIFESTYLE..." that's just my opinion because when I got there I was greeted with the words COMING SUMMER 2010. I can't wait until summer 2010 to find out more...I'll keep you posted.

...#gonetilNOVEMBER

2010-04-19T17:17:00.004-04:00

I love the feeling when friends and family ask me the question "...so when are you coming home?" I used to be creative about it but here's the real answer, I'M NOT. Being at home is great for the feelgood aspect of it but not for my career. I love the feeling of seeing old friends at strange places like wal-mart at 3am or walking up the door of a club and a bouncer or promoter might actually extend his hand to greet me before patting me down but in reality...I live out of 2 duffle bags that have been dragged between New York and Atlanta countless times in the last 6 years...not to mention the other 45%-70% of the year when I'm on the road for weeks (or months) at a time.

I can a across and article HERE called "east vs west" by stylist to the stars Mariel Haenn about living on two coast. In the article she breaks down the pros and cons of multiple residences...Her's is dope too so check it out after you read this:

Keys: My main set of keys stay in my bookbag and I rarely use them unless I'm at the crib in Charlotte.

Mail: All of my mail goes to my mom's address which I never bothered to change when I moved out in 2000. This is definitely a problem when it comes to important notices and bills...thank God for online bill pay.

Friends: Thanks to social media I don't get a chance to miss my friends too much. I feel like I'm in the loop and I'm notorious for calling anybody mid-day, during a work shift, or afterhours...I do miss seeing faces even if its only for a second...especially "her"

“Can’t wait to go HOME” (NY version): Sometimes enough is enough and no matter what the shiny sh*t of the week...I miss being in Charlotte. When I finally get there is never for long enough yet and sleep is out of the question. I run a full itinerary and break visits down to an hourly basis. Unfortunately, my mother is the 1st person I speak to and sometimes the last or shortest person I visit...but maybe she goes to bed too early.

(ATL version): Its a great place and I loved to visit when I lived in Charlotte full time...I even vowed to someday move there. That was a while ago and at this point I still love it but if I'm here too long I start to think of way to make it up I-85 without being missed.

Weather: NY weather is fine with me...it's cold and hot in the summer and I can deal with that. My only issue is the appropriate clothing is usually in the innappriate city. Atlanta weather reminds me the most of Charlotte.

Culture: NY over ATL. Its authentic here and I still feel like an outsider looking in...not to mention the fast pace of city life...if you choose not to move at the city's speed your more than welcomed to take the slow-lane and watch those around you collect your prize.

Health: ATL. Jogging is a realistic option and there's a full workout facility in the Atlanta office.

Food: Selection is equal and grand in both cities but the driving aspect doesn't exist in NY leaving you to rely solely on your ability to "walk and hunt"

Traffic: I would rather sit in traffic in NY than Atlanta because NY drivers find it hard to accept that there really is traffic and will change lanes 1514 times, leading to the illusion that traffic is moving.

Music: Weird as it may sound...radio in NY sounds exactly like radio in NY except for mixshow...kind of.

"I was in the neighborhood...": I get countless text, twits, calls, emails, skype's and facebook messages asking the same question "...whats poppin the A this weekend?" or the occasional "My family reunion/church group/job/birthday is in Atlanta [insert date 11 months from TODAY] and I wanna know...whats poppin' in the A that weekend?" I am NOT a tour guide/camp counselor and I haven't received a check from Atlanta Tourism as of yet so I hate those questions...although I rarely get then when it comes to NY because people don't just come here without a plan...and when they do they usually don't bother to call me anyway.

Opportunity: If you can make it in NY you can make it...period. If you can make it in Atlanta...define "making it..."

State of mind: I won't pick a NY State of Mind or and an Atlanta Way of Thinking...I like the fact that I was who I was before I got here...or there.

reKINDLE the flame...

2010-04-18T00:39:00.004-04:00

In a recent gift bag (and I do mean GIFT) from ESPN was a Garman GPS system, a pair of NIKON binoculars, Tom Ford sunglasses, a POWERMAT wireless charging system and this...
...the KINDLE DX digital reader by AMAZON.com.

Ive been following the digital reader for a few years now and actually considered purchasing the SONY version for my mother but something is definitely not sitting right with me...this is the iPOD of books.

Lets break it down a little further for those not familiar.This KINDLE DX has a built in wireless signal that allows you access to all books available for purchase on AMAZON.com. By doing so, you can enter a credit card number, press download and within minutes you've just downloaded THE ART OF WAR or the latest Chronicle of ZANE...all while never leaving your home.Great news except for one small thing... back in 1997 when a fledgling Apple Computers made preparations of to introduce the iPOD, they offered the same convenience all while preparing the "nail" that sealed the coffin of record sales as we know it.

Is this KINDLE setting us for the demise of the modern day bookstore and library? As for now public libraries are already loosing funding and closing at a rapid rate. Will our new best friend, KINDLE completely erase our desire to ever purchase a real book again...I THINK SO. After all, since you purchased that 80gb iPOD TOUCH, when was the last time you actually purchsed a cd...and if you did, where is it now?

Happy Birthday Cuzo

2010-04-17T03:18:00.003-04:00

Today is my cousin's 11th birthday so what should she get???I say she should get anything she wants..she's smart(er) than some adults I know, she gets fresh, and she owns a business (who needs custom potholders for their new crib?)...

With that being said...how would you feel as an 11 year old if the WORLDS BIGGEST POP STAR SENSATION wished you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY...I can take full credit for the video but I was excited to be a part of it...HAPPY BIRTHDAY NYA

#nowthisniggaisFUNNY: DESI THE COMEDIAN

2010-04-16T03:48:00.000-04:00

You may have seen this video on worldstarhiphop or youtube but I really KNOW this guy. This is DESI the Comedian and he's definitely putting that work in. Follow him on Twitter @descomedy after you watch these videos...and let me get that WINDOW SEAT...Shout out to Jiggy Da Don for direceting the video.

2010-04-13T02:52:00.001-04:00

I already loved this song for obvious reasons and then this came along and took me right where I needed to be...

I finally got my own VH1 show...well kinda

2010-04-07T20:23:00.003-04:00

Here's a sneak preview of VH1's latest CELEBreality Show entitled "Basketball Wives." Looks like a version of REAL HOUSEWIVES of ...except we can easily verify where the money is coming from.

If you fast forward to 2:45 you'll see the guy who didn't make it anywhere close to the NBA yet still managed to get extremely close to all the WIVES OF NBA players...ME.

NOW WHO'S is looking for a man to take care of???

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

...this is exactly why I don't eat KFC

2010-04-06T19:32:00.002-04:00

I've never been a fan of KFC...or any fast food chicken spot (other than an occasional POPEYES run) and this definitely doesn't help persuade me...

"This Too Shal Pass" -OK Go

2010-04-03T04:01:00.004-04:00

A true definition of how on thing will ultimately effect many things after it. Think about this the next time you decide to steal something from a hotel room or eat something in the office refridgerator that you know isn't ours.

This video and behind the scenes footage comes from the group OK-go (the guys with the crazy treadmill video) for their new single "THIS TOO SHALL PASS" it features the Rube Goldman machine and had to be inspired by the Mattel boardgame "MOUSETRAP"...***video's provided by youtube and billboard.com

JOKES ON you...APRIL FOOLS DAY

2010-04-01T03:37:00.001-04:00

Personally speaking...I hate April Fools Day. What the point? I mean if your a prankster and good at it you don't need a specific window of time to pull youR latest gag off. I for one don't play those games partially because it ALWAYS comes back....not to mention I'm an only child and while I enjoy the company of other...I also enjoy staying to myself at times (leave me alone and I'll do the same)

My dislike for April Fools Day dates back to the 5th grade...a younger, more energetic TANK thought it would be a grand idea to impress the ladies (Karla Hicklen and Thereka Frasier) by telling them that "Ms. Smith is on crack..." In true "teachers PET" fashion Karla (who I loved at the time) says "Ohhh, I'm gonna tell her you said it. I was tough so my response was "SO WHAT, tell her. She is on crack." That funky two ponytail and a fan wearing b^&%h told on me and I definitely got in trouble...to the point that Ms Smith called my mother from the phone in the classroom.

Now that I think about it....Ms. Smith my have had a drug problem because if she didn't, what was the need to defend herself...what happened to the old adage "STICKS AND STONES..."

...that looks like the guy who robbed me.

2010-03-22T00:45:00.000-04:00

If I see him in the streets...I'M RUNNING

Stick Up Kid-All Star Weekend from Lex Bibby on Vimeo.

...but what does it mean? HEALTH CARE REFORM

2010-03-21T23:27:00.003-04:00

With the new HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION finally passed this is what we can expect to take place immediately:

1)Prohibited pre-existing condition exclusions for children in all new plans;

2)Immediate access to insurance for uninsured Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition through a temporary high-risk pool;

3)Prohibit dropping people from coverage when they get sick in all individual plans;

4)Lower seniors prescription drug prices by beginning to close the donut hole;

5)Tax credits to small businesses to purchase coverage;

6)Eliminating lifetime limits and restrictive annual limits on benefits in all plans;

7)Required plans to cover an enrollee's dependent children until age 26;

8)Required plans to cover preventive services and immunizations without cost-sharing;

9)Ensurance that consumers will have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal new insurance plan decisions;

10)A requirement that premium rebates go to enrollees from insurers with high administrative expenditures and require public disclosure of the percent of premiums applied to overhead costs.

SOURCE: THE HUFFINGTON POST

...put it UP IN THE AIR.

2010-03-20T16:13:00.005-04:00

As you may or may not know, iKnowTANK does more than a fair share of traveling and it may not always be by the most conventional methods. I'm the guy that completed an entire promo tour in a FORD FOCUS with my man MAJA (over 14,000 miles with 2 drivers and 25 cities across the country...and it was a rental).

So in coming across this article from the homie TALIB KWELI I figured I would share it with the rest of my traveling supporters...who knows, you might find yourself in a FOCUS with unlimited miles and a tour schedule some day. These are a few hood traveling tips I picked up throughout the years. I hope they are useful.

1. Fung Wah Bus – When traveling on the North East Coast of America, keep this service in mind. The Fung Wah Bus travels from Chinatown to Chinatown in cities like NY, Philadelphia, Boston and Providence for 15 dollars one way. This works for anyone because most Chinatowns are located in the heart of the city. Plus riding the bus you get to know Chinese people a little better.

2. Air Courier – You can fly cheap or for next to nothing if you fly as an air courier. This option is available to anyone over the age of 18. You will be given a package that you must take to your destination city. You can research these courier companies online. One is www.usacouriers.com and another is www.aircourier.org. .

3. Purchase Miles – If you are a seasoned traveler with mileage points, but not enough for a free trip, for a couple hundred dollars you can purchase miles on most airlines that would equal to tens of thousands of actual miles. This way you can still decrease the price of an expensive ticket.

4. America is one of the only countries that make you pay for luggage carts. Another option is going outside by where passengers get picked up and just finding an unused cart.

5. Say you are running late for a flight and the security line is mad long. Tell them you don’t have ID, that you lost it. They will make you answer some questions and do an extra security search, but they will also bring you to the front of the line.

Hope these tips can help you one day. It’s all hood.

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-17T00:49:00.000-04:00

...if it DON'T MATTER...it don't matter

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-16T00:46:00.000-04:00

...waiting will get you no where...SLOW

A Day in the LIFE...of LUDACRIS

2010-03-15T20:33:00.002-04:00

You think my life was busy...IT DAMN SURE IS but iKnow someone who moves with the speed of life. Follow Ludacris in his daily routine while promoting the number one album in the country BATTLE OF THE SEXES. In less than 10 minutes you'll be on more stages than a mic stand, fly in a helicoper, ride in a private tour bus and collect enough backstage passes to accomidate the original members of the WU-TANG Clan. This guy will not stop...and by doing so he'll just motivate me to keep going even more.

CAN YOU SAY THE SAME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER???

...iDareYOU

2010-03-15T20:23:00.000-04:00

WOULD YOU TRY THIS??? [COUNT ME OUT]

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-15T00:01:00.002-04:00

...IT MIGHT NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK IT IS or, it might be...

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-14T01:24:00.000-05:00

...memories of you will last long if the reflect your TRUE charcter

...just enough for the CITY

2010-03-13T11:23:00.002-05:00

Words that rang true in 1973 still hold exact value in 2010..."LIVING JUST ENOUGH FOR THE CITY..."

Often times our needs out weigh our wants and dreams defer to reality. My goal in life isn't just to "get by," but as life has dealt its cards sometimes that's what we hope for. oIm the meantime, just know that it can and will get better if we keep pushing, keep praying and keep working...

A boy is born in hard time Mississippi
Surrounded by four walls that ain't so pretty
His parents give him love and affection
To keep him strong moving in the right direction
Living just enough, just enough for the city...ee ha!

His father works some days for fourteen hours
And you can bet he barely makes a dollar
His mother goes to scrub the floor for many
And you'd best believe she hardly gets a penny
Living just enough, just enough for the city...yeah

His sister's black but she is sho 'nuff pretty
Her skirt is short but Lord her legs are sturdy
To walk to school she's got to get up early
Her clothes are old but never are they dirty
Living just enough, just enough for the city...um hum

Her brother's smart he's got more sense than many
His patience's long but soon he won't have any
To find a job is like a haystack needle
Cause where he lives they don't use colored people
Living just enough, just enough for the city...
Living just enough...
For the city...ooh,ooh
[repeat several times]

His hair is long, his feet are hard and gritty
He spends his love walking the streets of New York City
He's almost dead from breathing on air pollution
He tried to vote but to him there's no solution
Living just enough, just enough for the city...yeah, yeah, yeah!

I hope you hear inside my voice of sorrow
And that it motivates you to make a better tomorrow
This place is cruel no where could be much colder
If we don't change the world will soon be over
Living just enough, just enough for the city!!!!

La, la, la, la, la, la,
Da Ba Da Da Da Da Da Da
Da Da Da Da Da Da
Da Ba Da Da Da Da Da Da Da

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-13T00:51:00.000-05:00

...some things shouldn't be shared with everyone

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-12T01:22:00.000-05:00

...every part of you should reflect every part of you.

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-11T01:14:00.000-05:00

...some things were created specifically with YOU in mind, other are created for you to make better.

...what do they talk about during commercial's...apprently iKnowTANK

2010-03-10T20:13:00.006-05:00

I found this interview on POWER 98's website. Not sure what the prior statement was but I heard my name mentioned between No Limit Larry and Ludacris. Of course the interview wasn't about me but, the fact that BATTLE OF THE SEXES is in stores RIGHT DAMN NOW...but the site is definitely called iKnowTANK and thats why your here.

DID you buy the album yet??? If you did, THANKS. If you didn't CLICK HERE

an unlikely combination...SADE and Wanda Sykes

2010-03-10T16:53:00.002-05:00

...I love them both and Wanda Sykes definitely reminds me of my friend Jessi (minus the lesbian part) but I must take this time to remove my hat to the producers of Wanda Sykes show...not sure how they pulled it off but thats why with the "ON-AIR" sign lights up im on the sofa and not on the headset with the clip board...

sade on twss
by yardie4lifever2

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

...every now and then, if the shoe fits...SELL IT

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-09T03:28:00.001-05:00

...if it runs out, CHANGE YOUR ROLE.

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-08T03:25:00.001-05:00

...start your monday morning with the confidence of a friday night.

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-07T03:20:00.000-05:00

...at somepoint we all deserve a break

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-06T03:17:00.000-05:00

...FRIENDS...how many of us are them?

BY INVITATION ONLY...guess who got invited to LALA and Carmelo's wedding???

2010-03-05T11:39:00.005-05:00

In my mind I know that in most of the places I go I'm considered an "unINVITED GUEST" and thats fine with me. My "unINVITED" status allows me to rome freely and usually without being noticed...but I generally play the corner and watch the crowd.

Who knew that after years of dating (and not dating) LALA and Carmelo Anthony have decided to make it official? iKnowTANK did...SO....WHO'S COMING WITH ME...[unINVITED of course]

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-05T03:23:00.001-05:00

...the way YOU see yourself is the exact same way the WORLD see's you.

Look MAMA...I'm on TV. Ludacris on JIMMY FALLON & DAVID LETTERMAN

2010-03-04T14:12:00.003-05:00

Ludacris on David Letterman with the Dueling Drummers

Ludacris on Jimmy Fallon with the ROOTS

For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

FREE MUSIC...no really its FREE. DJ SKILLZ:ROC-A-FELLA the Golden Years

2010-03-04T04:35:00.000-05:00

The big homie DJ SKILLZ in conjuction with [JANKY PROMOTERS voice] B.E. Side Music, The Super Friends and iKnowTANK would like to thank you for being the ROC that we stand on...you will NOT be mad at this mixtape, I promise you that.

CLICK RIGHT HERE to download the mixtape If you've ever been t0 a SKILLZ party you know he gets busy and if you havent CLICK HERE or HERE to find out when the next movie starts.

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-04T03:13:00.000-05:00

...the party don't start 'til I WALK IN. What time does your party start???

GET YO BIG ASS OUT OF THAT LITTLE CAR...

2010-03-03T23:47:00.004-05:00

Once I set my sights on something I want...I'll stop at nothing to get it... after I went to my 1st concert (lil vicious, immature, and montico) I knew I wanted to be on the tour.I knew I wanted to work at a record store so I joined the street team...

My new mission is a small car...a MINI COOPER to be exact. I went to the Mercedes-Benz dealership to seriously consider buying a SMART car at one point, but they told me there was a 2 year waiting list. I've seen some of the coolest people I know rock the mini including Shawn Pecas and DJ Jazzy Joyce but I've also seen a variety of others in the mini as well. What I haven't seen is very many BLACK PEOPLE drive MINI's (so its my job to "put y'all on something"). Furthermore, did you know the MINI is a product of BMW???

So what's the hold up on the MINI...in my mind I thought I was too big to drive the MINI and I would spend upwards of $27,000 and not be comfortable...not true. The inside of the MINI has way more space than its exterior presents. So, this summer if you see the big guy in the small car...laugh out loud and know I did this because I wanted to...and I still have 47 miles to the gallon.

DAMN boy...who's you publicist?

2010-03-03T15:07:00.002-05:00

The homie is back...who remembers Latarian Milton, the 7 year old that stole his grandmothers SUV...and also threw a damn fit in WAL-MART over chicken...yeah thats the one. He's back, and I'm going to get my SWITCH because this is out of control.

PS...he's my cousin by the way...

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-03T03:15:00.000-05:00

...focus, on the bigger picture

...worth 1000 words

2010-03-02T03:07:00.000-05:00

...if you read between the lines you'll notice that the rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield. Focus more on what's in front of you (and ahead in the future) than what's behind you.

worth a 1000 words...

2010-03-01T03:04:00.000-05:00

...whats your GAMEPLAN to separate yourself from the pack?

...worth 1000 words

2010-02-27T14:32:00.001-05:00

...those that are most aggressive are also the ones that EAT.

DJ SKILLZ...THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN DJ...live from Luna Lounge 01.13.10

2010-01-14T00:53:00.001-05:00

Free live streaming by Ustream

iKnowTANK and the UPTOWN Magazine photoshoot...

2009-12-17T22:03:00.005-05:00

So its not EXACTLY what you thought it was...it never really is. I can tell you this...last week iKnowTANK was invited to play host of the UPTOWN MAGAZINE:Passport To Luxury Private Shopping Event at SouthPark Mall. Invites included a who's who of area tastemakers and elite including Mayor Anthony Foxx.

I would have invited you but you know politics...none the less here's a preview of my upcoming photospread in UPTOWN magazine...and a reminder that all I want for Christmas is 24 pairs of socks...thanks SANTA.

I'll BE BACK in 3...2...1...

2009-12-12T21:44:00.002-05:00

DAMNNNNNNNNNN... its been a long time since I stopped by (literally, since I sold the site to GOOGLE about a year ago...yeah right) but I'll be back. Just been in the streets, running rampid and looking for the next big proposal. Oh yeah did I mention I got married....yeah right.

In the Next few moments (generic for when i feel like it again) iKnowTANK will be back on the web.But for now join me for random inserts of ig'nace (what up Atremus Jenkins) and life inspiring "WHATTHEHELLISHETALKINGABOUT???".

"Oh yes...ANI I WILL BE d'lightful"

Dame Dash return's to the ROC???

2009-09-27T10:54:00.003-04:00

"...made Hov said "ok, so Make another HOV..." Well there's no way to deny that Jay-Z is "not a BUSINESS MAN" but "BUSINESS...man" and he is definitely a master of his craft, yet some of that credit belongs to a man behind the scene.

Damon Dash knows how to expand on the brand and make it larger than life, and can be proven with his latest project BLAK ROC...Sure they say he's arrogant and enjoyed the spotlight a little too much but on the other side of the coin he has the heart to stand-up for what he believes and he wont back down to anyone, and anyone willing to ride for the team stands on the grounds of loyalty (a charactertic that new guys tend to lack).

Watch the trailer and then think about this..."How big would JAY-Z's star be without the presence of Damon Dash?" or better yet in your personal life "While the rest of the world only see you and your greatness, how much are you willing to put on the line for that guy in the background???"

Blakroc Project from Myrhax on Vimeo.

TALENT doesn't need a description...KERI HILSON covers MR. Hudson's "Supernova"

2009-09-26T02:52:00.001-04:00

I don't know what you do on the weekends...

2009-09-18T01:52:00.003-04:00

For those in the world that have a less than fabulous career that you can't wait to be apart of everyday...this message is NOT for you but lets be realistic...who really has one of those jobs????ME!!!!

Nonetheless, somewhere in America, and India, and Peru there is a person that's counting down the minutes until quitting time. Why? Because its time to get the party started...its the THE WEEKEND. This is true unless you live the lifestyle of a true go-getter, there is no difference between the work-day and the weekend because YOUR ALWAYS working.

For everyone else, here's what could become a weekend anthem for the next few weeks or atleast a great "SONG IN MY HEAD" until the final bell rings and you give the job your ass to kiss until Monday morning..."...go big on the weekend."

One more thing...iKnowTANK would love to see you at the 4th Annual BIG ASS COOKOUT next saturday [get at me for details]

iRemember Beating on the table in the lunch room...

2009-09-09T21:58:00.002-04:00

If you grew up as a black little boy in America there was a good chance that you might be familiar with this term "Quit all that DAMN beatin'..." I can personally tell you that I could have very well been the next QUESTlove according to my fist and knuckles. We used to beat on everything moving and even as a grown man I still find myself catching a quick rhythm on the counter top...at least now I don't have to worry about my mom coming around the corner yelling "Quit all the DAMN tappin'" Obviously this guy practiced a little harder than I did..

Tamika The Arrogant African American Professional - Who Cant Keep A Man

2009-09-08T13:10:00.003-04:00

Meet Tamika The Arrogant African American Professional - Who Cant Keep A Man...I found this video online immediately thought "iKnowHER." After watching this video im sure I will lose a follower of 10 and I'm cool with that because this video is both funny and offensive [depending on the person],you be the judge but if you don't laugh after seeing it this may mean:

1) you didn't think it was funny
2)you just don't get it
-or-
3)there might be some truth in this video that applies to your life...and "that ain't funny, TANK"

JAY-Z x Rhapsody commercial for Blueprint 3

2009-09-02T09:53:00.003-04:00

Hands down this might be one of the dopest commercials I've ever seen. I'm still listening to the album so I wont give a review just yet but so far I like what I hear...And I'll be a the store on 9.11 word is my name night have made the "...I would also like to thank" LIST but I wont hold my breathe on it.

oh boy...another iKnowTANK BIRTHDAY PARTY

2009-08-21T10:44:00.003-04:00

I got a text this morning from a number not saved in my phone that said "You would have been dun talked bout your birthday for months by now...happy birthday,whats up?"

First I had to gather myself as to not be rude because I'm still a work in progress. So I said in my nicest text voice "This year its not about promoting my birthday...its about school supplies for deserving kids...THANK YOU and who is this again?" And that is the absolute truth...the party is called THE AGE OF GRATITUDE because I'm truly appreciative of everything and everyone...every situation and every mistake because there's a lesson in it all.

Back to mystery text girl...then she rsvp's and in the subject line it says "u no me"...I wish I was making this up but ma'am you may or may not have ever rsvp'd for anything but next time your name might want to find its self in the body or at least subject line of the email...and for that I would hope that had one hell of crayon set or mean TRAPPER KEEPER because YOUR NAME IS NOT ON THE LIST.

TONIGHT 8.21.09//PRESTOS UPTOWN BISTRO//445 WEST TRADE STREET//ON THE CORNER OF TRADE AND GRAHAM...see you there and remember its not about us in this ARE OF GRATITUDE.

THE RETURN...of the REAL GOONETTE

2009-08-14T10:14:00.003-04:00

I few month's I showed you the 1st installment of rapper PLIES' new reality show "DEFINITION of a GOON-ette" featuring a certified "little person" who is a mother of 3 and a stripper...well she's back.

This time she's auditioning for AMERICA's GOT TALENT...but does she???

Who's gonna watch the kids...damn sure ain't this guy.

2009-08-05T12:41:00.001-04:00

I thought about trying Yoga but I needed something lite to start with, that's when I came across this...

PARTY, PARTY, PARTY...LETS ALL GET WASTED

2009-08-04T10:07:00.010-04:00

iKnowTANK.com's RECIPE for getting WASTED:

1 DOUBLE SHOT OF CIROC

2 LONG ISLAND ICE TEA'S

2 GLASSES OF WHITE WINE

2 SHOTS OF PATRON

1 PATRON WITH OJ AND CRANBERRY

1 SHOT OF HENNY (YES...THE BROWN STUFF)

1 BOTTLE OF WATER

MIX ALL TOGETHER, add ladies, family, music, and a few nakins to wipe the sweat from your forehead...let settle for 17 mins...stir some more and in 4 hours your WASTED

Sooooooo, this past weekend I was in Atlanta for my family reunion. Great to see family, great to be with family, but is it a good idea to DRINK with family???

Who's idea was it to buy a case (yes a case) of CIROC...6 large bottles and place them in the hotel lobby. Then the family had a party at UPTOWN, complete with VIP sections and wayyyy to many bottles.

Long story short...iKnowTANK got superextranastyhomecomingfreshmanyear WASTED!!!!!! here's the proof.

Wasted (Remix) (Feat. OJ Da Juiceman) - Gucci Mane

By the end of the night not only could I not FEEL MY FACE...I couldn't feel my teeth...but I had fun...WASTED

Eminem v. Mariah Carey "THE WARNING"

2009-07-31T07:54:00.002-04:00

That crazy White Boy really went in on this one.iKnowINTHENAMEOFJAMESEVANS ya'll didnt think he was just gonna sit back and let that shit slide...he's crazy and thats what crazy people do.

FOR THE RECORD...I still don't like EMINEM, he's over rated and if he wasn't white he wouldn't get as much credit...so what, I said it(make a song about me too).

NONETHELESS, here's "THE WARNING"

Shared via AddThis

I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF...another TYLER PERRY joint...sorry SPIKE

2009-07-24T00:36:00.001-04:00

this looks interseting in a SUNDAY Afternoon after church way...I'll be there on September 11th...ok maybe September 13th but I'll be there none the less

what does you HUE say about you...

2009-07-24T00:18:00.003-04:00

I would be doing myself a disservice if I took full credit for this...some of this info came from HERE

Are you looking to repaint your house? But not sure what colors to use? Well did you know colors can actually affect our moods? Yes they do in a big way, so I want to give you a guide to what colors mean.

First we will start with a color chart on what each color means.

Red symbolizes: action, confidence, courage, vitality

Put some red in your life when you want:

increased enthusiasm and interest
more energy
action and confidence to go after your dreams
protection from fears and anxieties

Pink symbolizes: love, beauty

Put some pink in your life when you want:
calm feelings
to neutralize disorder
relaxation
acceptance, contentment

Brown symbolizes: earth, order, convention

Put some brown in your life when you want:
a solid wholesome feeling
to blend with the background
a connection with natural earth and the stability this brings
orderliness and convention

Orange symbolizes: vitality with endurance

Put some orange in your life when you want:
to spice things up when you feel time is dragging
to become more involved in something
to increase creativity
relief from things becoming too serious

Gold symbolizes: Wealth, prosperity, wisdom

Put some gold in your life when you want:
increased personal power
relaxation and enjoyment of life
good health
success

Yellow symbolizes: wisdom, joy, happiness, intellectual energy

Put some yellow in your life when you want:
clarity for decision-making
relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
sharper memory and concentration skills
protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather

Put some green in your life when you want:
a new state of balance
feel a need for change or growth
freedom to pursue new ideas
protection from fears and anxieties connected with the demands of others

Blue symbolizes: youth, spirituality, truth, peace

Put some blue in your life when you want:
calm and relaxation to counteract chaos or agitation
to open the flow of communication
to broaden your perspective in learning new information
solitude and peace

Purple symbolizes: Royalty, magic, mystery

Put some violet in your life when you want:
to use your imagination to its fullest
to re-balance your life
to remove obstacles
to calm over activity or to energize from depression

Indigo symbolizes: intuition, meditation, deep contemplation

Put some indigo in your life when you want:
to focus on personal issues
to develop intuition
to step outside of everyday life for a new and interesting way of viewing a problem
solitude and inner communication

White symbolizes: Purity, Cleanliness

Put some white in your life when you want:
to clear clutter and obstacles away
to start a fresh beginning
to bring about mental clarity
purification of thoughts or actions

Black symbolizes: Death, earth, stability

Put some black in your life when you want:
to become inconspicuous
to open the door to mystery
to prepare for the unknown
a restful emptiness

Gray symbolizes: Sorrow, security, maturity

Put some gray in your life when you want:
to emphasize your willingness to comply
a neutral, non-invasive feeling
to reduce the intense energy of another color
to feel detached or isolated

So now we know what each color means and how you should use it. This will help in putting the right colors in the right room. It is not always just about what you like but also how you fell.

You can also use this chart to tell what mood your teenager is in, by what color they are wearing. It is very important to surround yourself in happy things for your stress level, now you know how to do that

WHAT HUE ARE YOU???

Its time for another iKnowTANK party...HUE at HARPERS

2009-07-23T23:23:00.007-04:00

This is becoming some what of a trend...iKnowTANK.com has found yet another reason to celebrate. We work hard (check), we give back to OUR community (check), we help others in need (check), and we look fly doing it (CHECK!!!)...WHY WOULDN't I have a party for it???

This Saturday, July 25th, 2009 join iKnowTANK.com in conjuction with IV HORSEMEN Ent and TASH LLOYD (she's HOT) as we celebrate "LIFE IN COLOR" with HUE...what make's YOU SHINE???

So here's the colorful details

HUE: PRONOUNCED [HYOO OR, OFTEN, YOO]

A GRADATION OR VARIETY OF A COLOR, TINT

What is your HUE? What Makes YOU SHINE?.....

IV HORSEMEN/TASH LLOYD/iKnowTANK.com

WELCOMES YOU TO HUE

@ HARPERS 121 W. Trade St. (BETWEEN TRYON AND CHURCH ST.)

LADIES FREE UNITL MIDNIGHT on VIP GUESTLIST:

RSVP to: mynameisonthelist@gmail.com

DOORS OPEN @ 10PM | DRESS CODE: VIVRANT/BRIGHT/CHIC

For more info email: iKnowTANK@gmail.com

What is that you do...EXACTLY???

2009-07-06T09:16:00.003-04:00

I've been asked the same question countless times..."WHAT THE f*%# do you do for a LIVING?" I never really answer the question directly because I do a lot and its, well...complicated, to explain.

Here is a sample of what you might find me doing at any given moment. Keep in mind I did say sample so do watch this video and think you've got me all figured out...
I should also mention that this post is brought to you in part by POWERADE's NEW ION4 Formula, THE COMPLETE SPORTS DRINK('cuz I said so...dammit)

In Times Like This...that shoebox money holds its value

2009-06-29T16:12:00.001-04:00

At one point my policy used to be spend it....ALL, and wake up and do it again. It was quite realistic for me and some of my closet friends and business acquaintances to sit at a round table and discuss what we wanted to do to get more money...and we still do. What's changed the most for me is now when I plan for the future, I also consider saving for the future.

Its been said that the amount you have saved be the equivalent to the amount of months you can survive without working. I ask the question, if the "lights turned off" right now, how long could you last based on what you have in your shoe box...

Watch CBS Videos Online

iKnowTANK...is having another party...THIS TIME ITS WILMO DAY

2009-06-24T00:02:00.006-04:00

For those of you that have been following iKnowTANK.com since the beginning, you may remember this recurring face...MR. WILMO. He was with us for A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DTP, took part in THICK MIDGET BALLIN', and is even featured in the national launch campaign for the 2011 FORD FESTIVA.

This SATURDAY, June 27th, 2009 AMBIENCE ENTOURAGE and iKnowTANK.com, in conjunction with , Disturbing Tha Peace Records and vitamin water present "WILMO DAY 2009" and "AN URBANE MANNER"

Here are the details...
-SATURDAY JUNE 27TH
-IT's a birthday celebration so EVERYONE with a JUNE birthday is FREE
-ADVANCED TICKETS are only $5.00
-IT'S AT PRESTOS 445 W.TRADE STREET (ON THE CORNER OF TRADE AND GRAHAM ST.)
-DOORS OPEN AT 10 PM
-LAST YEARS PARTY WAS AT CAPACITY AT 11:25...SO GET THERE EARLY ('cuz WILMO definitely knows too many people)

As if that wasn't enough...these videos might get you sent home from work early...

...you might wanna close the door for this one...[NSFW]

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 11...Take responsibility for your life.

2009-06-05T04:27:00.000-04:00

11. Take responsibility for your life.

“The happiest people in the world are those who feel absolutely terrific about themselves, and this is the natural outgrowth of accepting total responsibility for every part of their life.”

“The more you like yourself, the better you perform in everything that you do.”

“Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem and personal satisfaction.”

A lot of the tips in this article are based in taking full responsibility for your own life. When you do that you will start doing many of these things naturally like making decisions, putting in hard work and really trying to keep your focus in the right place.

When you decide to take responsibility for your life and doing what you know deep down is right – for example, going to gym instead of lying on the couch eating potato chips – you increase your esteem of yourself. You like yourself more and more as your self esteem goes up.

When your self esteem goes up you feel more worthy of any success and you are less likely to self sabotage in subtle and not so subtle ways. This is crucial and ties back to tip # 1. You tend to behave in alignment with your own self image.

Taking responsibility for your own life and doing the right thing are not the only things you can do to increase your self esteem and success. Another powerful tip is to like/love other people. Why? Because how you view, judge and think about people is usually how you view, judge and think about yourself.

This may sound a bit weird. But try it out for a week or two and see how it affects your view of yourself and your life. You may be surprised.

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 10...Make a decision. Any decision. Just do something.

2009-06-04T04:27:00.000-04:00

10. Make a decision. Any decision. Just do something.

“Decisiveness is a characteristic of high-performing men and women. Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.”

I harp on about this a lot on the blog from time to time. That’s because it’s one of the most fundamental things that hold people back. Sitting on you hands and hoping that someone else will do something for you usually results in a lot of waiting.

Just make a decision. Try something. The sky will most likely not fall if you fail. You will just feel bad for a short while and learn a few things from asking the question in tip # 5. Then you make new decision based on what you learned and take action again.

Artist vs. Executives....

2009-06-03T11:08:00.002-04:00

I know I've been hitting ya'll with the daily with THE LIVING STANDARD for a few days now but I thought I would break it up a little by adding this small piece of comedy...just something to think about next time your in a staff meeting...back to work

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 9...Keep going

2009-06-03T04:25:00.000-04:00

9. Keep going.

“Every great success is an accumulation of thousands of ordinary efforts that no one else sees or appreciates.”

That’s what people like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Bruce Springsteen did. They practiced a lot.

How do you put in all that time and effort if no will reward you right now? Well, you find things you love doing, things you do for yourself – rather than to get someone else’s attention and appreciation – and when things feel rough you just do what you know is the right thing to do anyway. You keep going with persistence but also simple the joy of doing what you love as two supporting friends.

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 8...Realize that you have to pay the price.

2009-06-02T04:24:00.000-04:00

8. Realize that you have to pay the price.

“The price of success must be paid in full, in advance.”

Nothing you really want in life is free. You have to put in hard work to get it. And usually over a long time period. You have to make hard choices and sacrifices.

Now, doing so can produce a lot of happiness along the way and when you reach your destination. But when you take the step from comfortable dreams about success and happiness to actually start doing things then there is always a price to pay. So be prepared for that.

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 7...Focus on the activities that brings you results.

2009-06-01T04:23:00.000-04:00

7. Focus on the activities that brings you results.

“Most people engage in activities that are tension-relieving rather than goal-achieving.”

This is very true. People love to just take it easy or relieve tension – and create more of it – by procrastinating and complaining instead of doing. It seems easier on the surface but in the long haul it tends to cause you more pain.

Of course, you must take time to relax too. But find a good and helpful balance for the two aspects of life and the best ways and most positive ways to relieve tension. Three suggestions could be regular exercise, meditation in some form or just watching a good movie.

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 6...Luck is predictable.

2009-05-31T04:22:00.000-04:00

6. Luck is predictable.

“I’ve found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.”

People who take the action and more chances in life tend to get the luck. If you never take chances or action you don’t get the opportunity to get lucky. You might just sit around doing nothing and rationalize it as “being unlucky”.

Also, if someone focuses on what s/he wants s/he tend to find more opportunities and other useful things that someone with a negative focus will simply not “be lucky enough” to see.

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 5...Ask yourself helpful questions.

2009-05-30T04:21:00.000-04:00

5. Ask yourself helpful questions.

“After every difficulty, ask yourself two questions: “What did I do right?” and “What would I do differently?”

The questions you ask yourself in life determine much of your outlook and success. If you ask disempowering questions like “what sucks about this?” in any situation then you are creating a lot of unhappiness and victim thinking. If you on the other hand keep it on a useful and empowering level with questions like the ones from Tracy then your chances of succeeding goes up.

You can find more empowering questions in 11 Questions That Could Help You to Vastly Improve the Quality of Your Life in 2009.

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 4...Set clear goals. And write them down.

2009-05-29T04:20:00.000-04:00

4. Set clear goals. And write them down.

“People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine.”

To be able to focus consistently on what you want you can use goals. If you use them, write down so they transform from thoughts into something physical and real. You can use that piece of paper as a reminder - posted on a wall for example - later on to keep your focus in the right place each and every day.

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 3...Focus on what is useful.

2009-05-28T04:18:00.001-04:00

3. Focus on what is useful.

“Whatever you dwell on in the conscious grows in your experience.”

“The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear.”

This is very important and something I think many people don’t grasp the full extent of. I certainly didn’t before. When your focus is split, when you fill your mind just the “normal amount” of negativity or dwell on for example mistakes you are using up valuable time, energy and available focus to pull yourself backwards and to make mountains out of molehills.

Problems seem to become bigger in your mind than they actually are when you dwell on them. But so does, for example, opportunities and gratitude. Your surrounding reality is huge. And the room for interpretations of that reality is wide. What you focus is what you will see in your reality (opportunities vs. more reasons why things suck). What you dwell on becomes bigger and bigger in your mind. And what you think about is what you will act upon.

That’s basically why it’s absolutely crucial to keep your focus and your thoughts in right place and on the positive and useful things in your life as consistently as you can. If you focus on the negative and irrelevant stuff it is quite likely that you never get all those most important things done.

THE LIVING STANDARD DAY 2...Create helpful habits.

2009-05-27T04:16:00.002-04:00

2. Create helpful habits.

“Successful people are simply those with successful habits.”

Pretty simple. Our habits are what we tend to do consistently in our day to day life and so they control our success - or lack of it - very much.

What are successful habits? Some you can find in this article. A few others are:

* Do the most productive thing right now.
* Do one thing at a time.
* Do things even when you don’t feel like it.

How do you install them in your life? Two tips:

* The 30 day challenge. You have probably read about this old personal development concept before. Basically, you make a deal with yourself to do one thing for just 30 days (one example: exercise every day) and no more than that. But after those 30 days you may discover that your mind will have become so accustomed to this new behaviour that it will be easier to continue doing it than stop doing it.
* Just focus on the process. While doing something for those 30 days you focus on the process rather than the results. I for instance use this when I workout. I don’t take responsibility for the results in my mind. I take responsibility for showing up – even the days when I don’t feel like it - and doing my workout. The results come anyway from that consistent action. And this makes it easier for me to take this action and establish the new habit when I know that is all I need to focus on. Instead of using half of the energy and focus I have available on hoping that I “reach my goal real, real soon”. Focus on the process and you will be a lot more relaxed and prone to continue than if you stare yourself blind on the potential results that never come as quickly as you want to and puts you on an emotional rollercoaster from day to day.

IT'S TIME FOR A PEP TALK...Change your self image.

2009-05-26T04:06:00.005-04:00

I didn't write this but i figured we all need a little pep talk every now and then. I need one all the time yet I find myself encouraging people with out even knowing...weird but I'll accept it. Over the next 11 days I will be giving tip for the LIVING THE STANDARD...

1. Change your self image.

“The person we believe ourselves to be will always act in a manner consistent with our self-image.”

“We will always tend to fulfill our own expectation of ourselves.”

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”

You will often stop yourself from doing stuff that “just isn’t you”. But when that stuff is the new normal, the stuff you just do because you are you then it becomes a lot easier.

How can you change your own self image?

Here’s what I used to see myself as a fit and healthy person rather than a person who dabbles in such stuff occasionally:

* A ton of proof. Your mind needs proof that you are this new person. The proof is the experiences you have had. So if you really dive in and immerse yourself in something like fitness and work out every other/every day, read a lot about it all and are eating healthy stuff in a conscious way you change a lot about your day to day living environment. Expanding your comfort zone like this will quickly give you a lot of experiences and so the change can come about quicker than if you dabble a bit with it for a few years.

* Let go of your old self image. In my experience you can shift back and forth between two self images. I think at some point you have to make a shift and let your old identity go if you want to grow. It may be your identity when it comes to health. Or money. Or socially. The problem is that the old image is so familiar and reassuring that your mind may not want to let go. I recommend checking out Let Go! to learn how to better let go of your past self image and other things in your life.

random thoughts that are confusing yet make total sense...at some point

2009-05-17T12:42:00.000-04:00

-had I not been honest...then what?
-when you push,they pull but when they pull and you help,they quit?
-you said it but did you mean it?I did...
-was I "drunk"?if so why did I make so much sense?
-if your the 1st car in the lot are you working harder than everyone else?
-the fact that you the last to leave might mean your the last to finish
-is anyone reading this?
-why???
-its called iKnowTANK but does she really?
-white girls???
-is money REALLY an issue?
-confused
-i'll call you back
-"goodmorning"
-jack daniels
-"you wanna go to breakfast?"
-can I get paid,please?
-what you gettin into today?
-"no big deal..." Maybe not to you
-thats what your wearing?
-you want me to chase it?

FRIDAY MOTORvation...WILMO and RICKY RUCKUS

2009-05-08T09:12:00.002-04:00

Above is a national advertisement for the 2011 release of the FORD MOTOR COMPANY classic vehicle known as the FIESTIVA but look closer. This ad represents the spirit of hard word, the attitude of perseverance,and the tenacity of "THE HUSTLE."

The head line read's "SMALL CAR.BIG PLANS" that is the exact model that Winston "Wilmo" Robinson and Ricky Ruckus follow. While your reading this their somewhere in your neighborhood taking advantage of an advantage. While your looking at the clock waiting until 5:30 to make the mad dash tot the door, they just shook another hand and build another relationship.

WILMO and RICKY didn't have the aunt who's the head of Urban Marketing at FORD, they went to an HBCU just like a lot of us, they made a relationship into a career, and they took advantage of their advantage...so before you get down on yourself and say how unfair life is...ask yourself this question "WHAT AM I DOING TO MAKE me...BETTER?"

SWIZZ AND DRAG-ON ..."SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS"

2009-05-06T02:26:00.003-04:00

On everything, iKnowSWIZZ. His album "Ghetto Stories" was one of my 1st official industry checks back in '01. Then a few years later my big homie worked very close with him. I've been to his studios, drove in the car with him, sat in a room while he made 7 crack beats in like 35 min..., I was there when he made the TI "Swag Ya Rag" joint,I even went to his surprise 30th birthday party...

It comes as no surprise that he's back wihthis joint "School of Hard Knocks" featuring Drag-On. They have remainded close over the years and Swizz is a great guy. He's also on of the most consistant when t comes to creating club music and hooks...SHOWTIME