Jason Wiley

I am a marketing executive at Jive Records, but life is about more than where I work.I am a dedicated husban…

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Sometimes Funny Is True

October 29, 2008

This is not only a revisit to a once hilarious Bud commercial but a glimpse into the reality of many. It's unfortunate that there are numerous people who struggling with what these characters are talking about and have probably many of the same feelings. I know too many people who are feeling the effects of this economic and stressful time.

The current administation has been in the office for 8 years, which is a substantial amount of time in today's global world and have no choice, but to acknowledge thier role in the current state of America. Through different policy decisions, they have hurt everyone from Big Business to the poor American. It is a shame that so many people have to hurt because of the decisions that were made by this government, but after it is all said and done, American people can only blame themselves as they are the ones that voted this administation into office.

On the other hand, this administation must be thanked. As quoted in the video, "change, that's what's up;" this could have never happened without all of the mistakes that were made by the Bush administration. There is no way that if everything was just okay, or slightly bad, would Sen. Barack Obama be able to make so much headway. It is a perfect storm for the rise of someone like Senator Barack who is able to get many people to look pass race, sex, color and look at what's important; the issues.

So in the end, maybe Bush should be congratulated for bringing the country closer together and forcing people to look pass their prejuidces. America is looking to elect either an African American President or a female Vice President. We can all thank Bush for making this possible and a certain reality. As a country we had no choice, but to look towards the best, rather than just someone who could fill the seat. Therefore, I am not sure if President George W. Bush legacy is so bad. He helped America tremedously.

"CHANGE, THAT'S WHAT'S UP"

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http://www.youtube.com/v/Zj5eWRzDhNI&hl=en&fs=1"> name="allowFullScreen" value="true">http://www.youtube.com/v/Zj5eWRzDhNI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344">

This should make every person proud.  Not only has this teacher took the time to learn about his students, which is demonstrated by him taking a song that is number one on the charts and using it to stimulate his classroom, but also these kids are talking about the very important Presidential Election.  These children are not only understanding politics, they are partaking in a debate and learning that school can be educational, stimulating and a lot of fun.  This teacher is ingenious and I am sure these students couldn't wait to get to school everyday as they were learning the new words and steps for this show.

However, it's more than a show.  After this well though out and planned lesson, I am sure these students could educate some adults about politics and the stances that John McCain and Barack Obama have on a couple of issues.  I am sure they are able to teach some adults about what it means to debate, what it means to study, what it means to prepare.  Nothing about this is just cute, it is inspiring.  One of the problems that we have with our educational system is that too many people believe that it fails our students because students have lost interest or aren't feeling like they matter.

Well I bet every one of these kids feel important now.  The teacher took the time to learn about them.  This school is in Atlanta, where TI is a huge megastar.  These students not only know him and his music, but most likely, love him.  Clearly the teacher understood this affection and used it as a tool to not only teach his students, but also entertain them.  I hope to see more videos like this and when I have a family, I only pray that my child is in a classroom where the teacher genuinely cares about making sure that the students LOVE to learn.

Congratulations to Ron Clark Academy for making school, politics, and learning cool!!

 

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Recently, we had the second of 3 Presidential debates. I have been consumed with the politics of today, especially during these uncertain times.  Since the democratic primaries I have found myself at debate parties and other events that have made this experience more inclusive and inviting for people who usually feel left out of the political process.  I can say that I am definitely more aware of the issues and the candidates’ positions that I have ever been at any other time or during any other election.

So during the second debate, I went to join my wife at a debate party at the 40/40 Club.  Known as the Jay Z club with numerous celebrity parties and events, this was also an event for them.  As I walked to the door they were quick to ask if I was there for the debate and to point me in the right direction for the viewing party.  There I found numerous people like me; concerned citizens who wanted to learn more about what the candidates had to say.  This was also an opportunity to discuss and debate with others about stances and how well or poorly each candidate performed.

None of this was eye opening or unusual.  I have seen many of these types of people out on the streets discussing politics like it’s a sporting debate with each person taking a certain position and vehemently defending their position.  So this didn't make me understand just how important this was, but rather my walk to the 40/40 club. 

During my walk I began to notice a gathering of homeless people taking shelter from developing rain.  It was obvious this was a normal place for them, as it was an enclave for a building and they had their boxes/shelter all set up.  But to my surprise, I heard a noise, more like talking.  IT was Tom Brokaw.  They were listening to the debate.  They were tuned in just like everyone else that I knew. 

This election is about so many people with so much at stake.  I only pray that people come out and truly participate in the election and let their voice be known.  Today is the last day for registration in New York, but the real test will come on Nov. 4, 2008.  This is not about just me, but the entire country.  This is about the guy who is as rich as Bill Gates and the guy who is as poor as the people I saw listening to the debate. 

Sometimes we get caught in our own world/needs and forget what globalization means.  This is so big!  This is so much more than ME and YOU.  This is so much more than just the United States.  This is the World. 

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Recently, I was in Atlanta on business.  I frequent the city quite often because there are a lot of musicians living there now.  So as a part of my job I have to go down there and work with different artists.  There is a very popular chain in the South called Waffle House.  It is basically a grease spoon similar to the diners of Jersey.  But you always know what you are going to get and it is fairly quick.  So recently I happen to go in for an order to feed 6 people.  Nothing too expensive but the bill was around $37.  I find that if the waiter/waitress is semi-pleasant and quick with my order I will usually give a 20% tip. 

A 20% tip has actually become quite regular for me.  I think I will have to change that though, because most of the time these restaurants don't have the service that deserves 20%.  I mean, a tip is for the service, not the food.  Anyway, I say all of this to say, that since the bill was $37, I found myself giving the woman a tip of $6.  After she seen me writing on the credit card slip, the amount of the tip, she began saying how grateful she was of me and how nice I was to give her such a nice tip.  She then began to tell her fellow co-workers, I am so glad that I didn't cash out my tips yet. 

We also had conversations about my blackberry and phone, while she explained to her co-worker that the blackberry was like having a computer.  First, let me say, I wife and I began typing away on our 2-way pagers as we began our relationship so from there we moved on to a blackberry.  I remember getting a blackberry from Nextel for free in 2003 and selling it to a friend for $100, because I had no idea what to do with it.  Little did I know, I should have invested in the stock.  Anyway, to give a $6 tip wasn't even a thought; it wasn't anything but a reaction to the number 3, in $37.  I just simply double that first number for a tip.

While for this woman, I had just made an impact on her.  I had just been so generous.  I had just given her a "big" tip.  Obviously we are in two different financial places in our life, but it doesn't mean that she does not have the same dreams as me.  I have been very fortunate.  Don't get me wrong, I have worked hard for what I have accomplished and always tried to do better for myself and my family.  But this woman reminded me that I have to be grateful for all that I have and that I am capable of attaining in the future.

Some days it is hard.   You turn on the news and all you hear about is the bailout, the Dow dropping, and the impact on the housing market.  All which I have a huge interest in as I own a home, have money invested in the market and am concerned about what kind of tax breaks I will receive with this new plan.  I doubt any of this is what that woman at Waffle House is concerned about, as she probably has other worries; worries that I am fortunate enough not to have at this time. 

Some days it is hard.  Some days my wife and I are very concerned about money.  Some days I am unsure.  But I will remember that $6 difference I gave and how, even though I might believe it to be hard, it can be much worst.  I am reminded of how much I do have and will use that as my barometer of hard.  Not just because I want more.  Wanting more isn't hard; not having and needing is the HARD.  Luckily I can say, all I want is More.  I have all I ‘need’.

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Is Matt Damon Right?

September 26, 2008

I have never met Matt Damon so I can't speak to his intellect, speak to his mannerisms or to anything else about him.My judgements only come from what I see and read.I always thought of him as being smart and capable, but listening to his recent statement to the AP, I can't help but respect him even more.But, I do wonder, is he right?Is he missing the point?

I have my opinions of all the nominees for the Presidency.I hope that everyone has or is forming opinions.For instance, why is the most important job in America only between two parties and two serious candidates?Why is there a debate tonight and I am only hearing from two candidates?Aren't there more people running?When I get to the voting booth, won't I see more than just an Obama and McCain ticket? So why is it that only two people will be at the first debate?Honestly, there are so many questions and not enough answers.

Either way, Matt Damon makes a great point about the person who is on the Republican ticket as the Vice President.I think it isn't good for our country to have someone who will have such an important job and such an important position to not have made their plans and agenda clear to the American people.What does it say about our people and our country that we are willing to vote in someone without knowing how they will run the government?It's really scary when you begin to truly understand how this country is run and how people think.

Voting is so important and so necessary.I hope no one is taking this as a joke and doing the research necessary to make an informed decision.This is our life and our future.We can't sit back and let anyone make that decision.Lets learn and lets vote!!

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Recently, I saw a most unfortunate sight.  A mother was helping her son of less than 7 years old piss on the wall of a store at a busy intersection in the middle of the day.  I want to make sure that I point out every significant issue of this situation. 

1. It was a busy intersection, which means there were numerous people who witnessed the action.  Also, there were numerous businesses that were open and all able to provide a bathroom for a mother who's son needed to use the facilities.  With a quick glance, I was able to see bodega's, restaurants, home furnishing stores, supply stores and many other establishments that had a restroom.

2. It was the middle of the day so the action was very obvious and people could easily see.  Since the action was taking place at a busy intersection, there were pedestrians, cars, and bicyclist who all received a bird's eye view.

3. The mother was seemingly proud at helping the boy hold himself as he urinated on a wall.

I must also admit that I am making quite a few assumptions, one being that the woman was his mother and not a sick individual, as well as the boy being less than 7 years old.  I was not able to verify either assumption, but between my wife and I, we were confident that both were/are true.

There are so many things wrong with this picture that I do not know which problem is worst, but I will only use this space to talk about the foundation that exist for this boy.  A mother who feels that it is okay to deface other's property, that her son doesn't need to find proper facilities to urinate, the lack of respect for self and others in doing such a private act, publicly, and the simple disregard for societal norms, all seem like the wrong signals to send to a boy of his age.  To make matters worst, all that I have just named are only the surface of the issues that surround this boy urinating on a wall

How will a teacher be able to change this training?  How will a mentor be able to change this training?  I would love to have gotten out of the car, introduced myself and just followed the boy for his life.  It was very clear to me that the odds of this boy becoming successful were diminishing right in front of my face.  I just wonder what will happen later?   Will it be the school's fault?  Will it be the fault of an absentee father?  Will it be the fault of society? 

It needs to all start at home.  The decisions that his mother makes, will impact him for life.  The fact that she not only condones, but also participates in such actions, indicates a lot to this child, who will only later compound other unfortunate scenarios.  No one has more impact than a person's family, especially a person's mother.  I don't care if the mother is present or has previously abandoned the child.  (How many people are searching for their mother's love - which is an entirely different and more complicated topic)  A mother is the beginning of any person and I would argue has more impact than any father, therefore if a mother is not providing the necessary tools for her child then I would argue that her child is going to have a lot of obstacles throughout life.

The foundation is very important for a building.  It doesn't matter how tall, solid, beautiful a building looks, if the foundation isn't done properly the structure will ultimatly crumble.  The same is true for humans.  The family structure is the foundation for every child and if a mother or any guardian is not properly guiding the lives of their children, ultimately that child will become an adult with many problems.  I only hope that someone comes into the life of that boy that I saw on the street, because it is clear that his current foundation is a little shaky.

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Photo for the post '<a href=Sometimes you have to just pay respect'" />

Okay, so I usually don't do this, but every once in awhile, you come across something that makes you realize that beauty comes in many forms and shapes.  I came across this picture and couldn't believe the photo.  I want to point out a few things about it.

1. It's Helen Mirren, the famous actress who recently won an Oscar for Queen Elizabeth

2. She is 62 years old, yes I typed it right, 62

3. The picture is just a photographer without any retouching

It lets you know that it is our choice how we ultimately live our life.  People always talk about going on a diet or doing this cleanse and this weight loss program.  There is no miracle pill, it's all about how you take care of yourself or how you have lived your life.  Now this woman is 62, she definitely could never wake up one day and say, "I am going on an intense diet, and will look like this."  No!!  She had to respect herself so much that she has lived a life that has led to this picture.  Of course the money helps and the ability to have people help her 'maintain', but it all starts with self motivation.  If this picture doesn't motivate you to have a life balance and to practice wellness of "Mind, Body, and Spirit", then nothing will.  When I am 62, I hope I have a picture in my swim trunks and people will comment on how good I look. 

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Being Black in America

July 23, 2008

So last night was a night to remember. I went to six clubs, saw a crazy Heavy Metal show that gave new meaning to a Great concert and stage performance, saw an R&B show, was in close proximity to a shooting (hate saying involved or saw) and came home extremely late, only to begin watching tv, because my mind couldn't completely grasp everything that happened to me during the night. It was like a movie, but it was real events happening to me.

I will start by giving you a dry run down of the events that took place. I left work at 7pm and went directly to an "after work set" to meet up with my previous boss and a friend of mine. We left there and went to a Rock concert at another club around 9pm. We left there around 10pm to see an R&B concert at another club. We left that club around 10:30pm and went to another club. We decided that we had enough of that club, went to another one, only to leave there around 2:30 and then arrive at our last club for the night. Finally I was home about 4:30am. What a NIGHT!!!

By most standards that is a crazy night, but the devil is in the details. At the Rock concert, first I have to explain that it was a HEAVY METAL concert and it was a great experience. The lighting and staging was especially well done. The instrumentation was great and everyone played their part bringing together a sound that I usually wouldn't purchase, but it was a site to see. I was pleasantly pleased and as I was leaving, I saw a lot of music industry veterans that I knew. They were shocked to see me and the people I was with at the Rock event. There was even a statement that "we were the only Black people there." Now there is nothing truly offensive about the circumstances, because it was true, I think I counted 4 other black people total in the entire building. (Note to people who don’t give Rock a chance, so far I have seen 3 heavy metal shows and trust me, they are something to see at least once. I will go back and see a show. The group I saw was “Shinedown”.

My issue comes in that there are numerous white people who work rap/urban projects in music, but there are not many minorities working Rock. I have even heard some people say they don't listen to "certain" music they work, but they are still working it, because they understand the job and how to reach a demographic. Well why is it that the gatekeepers in the industry feel that minorities can only work "minority" focused projects? If I am a marketer, shouldn't I be able to market anything? It's always amazing how many white people are in a meeting about the new "street" project, but when it comes to Rock, if anyone other than a white person gives a suggestion it is seen as a remedial comment?

Well that was one of my first issues that kept me up thinking as I got home at an ungodly hour that should have sent me straight to bed. The second was that at the R&B concert, I was in the club, which is pretty small, when a shooting broke out. Let’s start with the following, the artist I came to see got off the stage, after talking briefly, he started walking towards a disruption. I realized I saw the guys involved in the dispute, when they came into the club and I had felt then that they weren't up to anything good. Then when I saw the pushing, I tried to grab the artist to follow me as I began to run for the exit. I reached the door only to hear the gun shot. I quickly ran outside, ducked behind a wall and waited a couple of minutes, finally reached the artist to make sure he was okay, then rejoined my friends (they had already left to grab something to eat) and we simply drove off to our next destination.

Even though, the entire gun situation is wrong, my issue came with myself. At no time did I feel like, "oh my god I was almost killed." Rather, I felt, "I knew this would happen when I saw the guys. Oh well, time to move on to the next destination." No other feeling came over me. I just rolled with it and kept it moving. A feeling came over me later when I got home that I was crazy for not being scared, nervous or unsure. I just knew what was in store and kept my eyes open for any disturbance to follow because I knew there would be some gun play. Something’s wrong with that kind of thinking. I am not sure if it is because of the industry I work in or just the perception I have from being in certain situations. Why didn't I become scared? Why did violence like that, which was so close, not affect me and cause me to go home and reflect?

At the end of the night, I just sat for a minute and could not believe the night I had been involved in. Mind you, I don't drink so there is an added adventure of watching people as they get drunker. Either way, it doesn't matter what's your status or your intentions, there is always something. I am just wondering, why? Does it have to do with race or choices? I don't have the answers, but I definitely will think about last night for quite some time.

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  • Jason Wiley

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  • I am a marketing executive at Jive Records, but life is about more than where I work.I am a dedicated husban…

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Jason's Latest Commentary (6)

  • November 17, 2008

    Voting is suppose to be anonymous, so I question the validity of the poll.  Also, who was responsible for the poll?  Either way, I don't quite understand how allowing someone to be committed and become a more stable home can be bad for anyone?  Also, how does other people getting married affect others, i.e. even if a heterosexual couple gets married tomorrow, it won't affect me, so why would a gay couple affect me.  "RIGHTS" is a powerful word and why shouldn't everyone have the same rights?  I thought that was the point of this country....  If someone can explain why it's so bad for same sex marriage other than, I think it's wrong, then I will agree, as of now, I could care less if anyone wants to get married.  Because I have heard a lot of reasons why it is bad if a committed couple can't be married; i.e., legal, in death decisions, property, etc.

  • November 11, 2008

    It's interesting because both of our recent posts are about the overwhelming emotions that we are all feeling by the election of Barack Obama.  There are a lot of hard times ahead of our new President.  I hope we all give him time and work to help him accomplish the necessary things to make this country successful.

  • September 26, 2008

    I know I will do my part to make sure it happens next year.  Even though I spent most of my time in the hospital.  I would do it all again to make sure the picnic happens

  • August 4, 2008

    Okay, but lets be honest, there is a general type of person who is urinating in public, in the middle of the day, with no influence of alcohol or drugs.  Is it good to start that path with a child so early? 

  • July 20, 2008

    This is where I have always wondered about the translation of the Bible, because I do not believe that anyone should ever fear, i.e. be scared, nervous or un sure about GOD, but always have faith that his will and his love will carry you through anything.  To me, by having faith in him and believing in his WORD, you will always try to live life as he would want you.  Unfortunately, everyone is human, so no one can ever live life perfectly as we should, but in trying to live a GODly life, you are also assuring and displaying to everyone your Faith in GOD.  If I have Faith in him, why would I Fear him?

  • June 30, 2008

    does it really mean family

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