Are smart phones the new cigarette?

Each day you see that smoker who always seems to have that slow burning nicotine, or cancer stick as some of us say, in their right or left hand. Many times a day do we have our cell phones in our hands a day? Don't read too much into the title, it's a bold one but it did its job as you are getting deeper into the thought of.. Some starting to give themselves excuses of why or how a smartphone doesn't smell your clothes up or can kill you.. First sign of addiction right? I'll be honest, I'm typing on my mobile device now. I'm not immune to the new age technology. Let's just think about it in general. Are Mobile devices the new cigarette? Now what do you think?

As we live our lives and continue through our days we tend to sit and grab that Smartphone with its great Graphical User Interface and quick operating system. Almost craving to see what's happening or what's going on outside of our own lives. It's a strong addiction isn't? I'm writing now as the title came to my mind and the thought of me wasting a good topic, became too much for me to let sit in my head.

I just honestly wanted to take a break from the laptop and studying. My recent vlog about the importance of resting and reflecting came to mind. So, I closed the laptop thinking I would relax and watch some TV. Then, not only did I reach for my phone but, this blog idea came to my mind as I was getting ready to basically do the same thing I was just telling myself to take a break from.

I enjoy writing, I enjoy telling my stories and sharing my experiences. It's interesting that whatever you're doing or into at the time can become a part of you. For example, the love for writing and my current studies of computer courses all syncing together with a crazy thought such as the thought of…

"Cell phones being the new cigarette!!"

I am either pretty tired or on to something here... Let’s see, you can look at it for too long and hit a tree or run off the road when driving, which can cause bodily harm or death. As smokers, we do keep a pack on us just as we keep the phone in our pockets or handbag. Eventually you’re going to pull one out and if it’s frowned upon on a “company’s dime” or something of that nature, you’ll just step out for a moment or seclude yourself for a couple of hits!! Addicted yet? Of course not, we’ll put it out for now, we’ll actually offer our apologies.. Sooner or later we’ll need another drag though!!

Cell phones are the new cigarette!

--FLOETSPEAR

Stretching Yourself with Tasks.. Success Driven

I've read that the successful ones can multitask and juggle all kinds of jobs, while prioritizing what needs to be put at the top and which doings can be taken care of after. I believe I'm starting to understand the meaning of testing your capacity. Four months into this new journey I have found myself hosting a men's empowerment group two days after beginning my first post in a Master's course discussion board. My son has just been given a platform for his live stream for gamers as he steps into the media path of most millennials in these times we currently live in. The wife has grown to new heights in her business, we’ve spent more days and time together with erasing schedules and enjoying dinner dates often. My mother calls me everyday almost now and I contact and visit my grandmother a lot more than usual as her eyes began to weaken. The knowledge and experience I've had seems to find it's way to the ears of young relatives now as well as they search for their paths. I spoke with a business owner and his wife today and offered my services in Media Marketing as they plan to retire in the near future. Surprisingly my sales pitch did not fall short of a success as I plan to create a business page for the restaurant and hopefully increase their business through ads and other marketing strategies learned from mentors and Tai Lopez, giving credit where credit is due. Tomorrow a new day begins as we move forward with the "job's" daily 8 hr routine then back home to be husband, father, and now student once again. Everything seems to move faster than normal but I'm confused by this calmness that has settled in me with so much going on. I can feel the stretch of the endeavors and I reflect on readings that stated I should get used to being pulled from all ends if I want to grow. I look at what's ahead and my imagination takes over. I put it in writing then my strategic planning does the rest while my motivation feeds my dedication!!
--FLOETSPEAR

Bobby Tee vs. Borgata The 2009 File Declassified

My first time playing poker I would have to say I was 8 or 9 years old. During the summer, the family would head down to the river house on every other weekend or so, out of the school break. There, my sister and I along with a couple of our older cousins would play “I de-clare-war” with an old deck from the adult’s previous late night "bidwiz" and spades card game. My older cousin D.W. was actually the one to show us how to play. I used his initials because my poker crew would give me hell about it for life.

Fast forward from 1994 to May 14, 2009. I’m 25 years old on I-95, 10pm heading from Mechanicsville, VA to Atlantic City, NJ. I felt I had a good 7 years of local play plus had visited the Borgata a couple of weeks prior to this trip. Not to mention I ran my own game and called the venue (Guest bedroom) the “Vellagio” for the previous 18 months. We still play with the clay chips from the first ever game I hosted.

 

Anyway, 25 and on I-95 with the cruise control set on 78mph. Riding low in an all black 2006 Dodge Stratus, with the brand-new Garmin GPS just picked up from Best Buy earlier in the day. I had the radiator flushed and the fluids topped off with new spark plugs put in too. I figured if I left around 9:30pm it should be a smooth 5 hr drive with one stop at the Maryland House for a quick bathroom break and stretch the legs a bit. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous. Not for the fact of sitting with the more aggressive and experienced poker players, but for the simple reason this was my first time going this far by myself. This is what led to the numerous precautions with the car and GPS including getting the AAA roadside coverage as well. Two suitcases packed, a carton of cigarettes, jewelry, shoes and clothes all in the trunk. The blazers hanging from the hook above the backseat on the passenger side. Hotel Room was booked and the girlfriend was okay with me leaving for a few days. $4,000 cash in the bank envelope stuffed in my suit case and five $100 bills in my pocket as loose change. Another $500 was left with my ol’ lady, you know, for shopping or food, get your hair done or something. Basically the, “I’ll be gone for a couple of days money...”

About 80% of the way the GPS took me through the country side of town. Only about an hour away and it was a nice and smooth ride with the Ipod on random, playing the new hits and windows down. The anxiety slowing building as I often glanced at the GPS to see the number of miles left before arrival. Finally, I hit the GPS directed me to the Atlantic City Expressway, now I know I’m almost there. One last call home to inform Jesse that I was about 15 minutes from the Borgata Casino and Spa. The GPS read 5 minutes away and there it was. The East Coast’s sin city lights lit up the night sky!! I was here all the way by myself no rules and no body to tell me when, where, or what. The adult’s playground as some would call it. I missed the Borgata entrance exit off of the 1 Borgata Way’s rt… Needless to say I didn’t care I was here anyway. After turning around, I entered the Parking deck and went up and drove until I could find a parking spot close to the door.  Got all of my immediate belongings and ID, cell phone, etc… Coming up to the elevator from the parking deck with one of my suitcases and ear buds in my ear, it was grind time. Nothing reminds you more of where you are at then hearing that elevator say “Casino” as you prepare to step out.

The fresh smell of the deodorizing smoke scent which I will always remember, the Borgata smell, hits you like a breath of fresh air for any gambler. The sound of hundreds of people talking and yelling, with the constant clinging of the slot machines which does mesmerize the tourist or first time visitors.  The foot traffic was still steady even on a Thursday night or 2 am Friday morning I should say. I headed past the shops and onto the Casino floor making a right, passing the Elevator lobby and to the front desk check in. I had already called 30 minutes prior and told them I was coming in town early and wanted to see if I could check in before 6 am. “Of course, Mr. Taylor we have a room for you all set up.” I had learned in my last two trips that confidence is everything when speaking to the front desk clerks. Two keys were handed to me after I presented my ID and credit card. Up to the 42^nd floor I went. I believe it was the 42^nd or 43^rd but any way I had to go to the farthest elevator on the left side of the elevator lobby. I really like how they had an armed security guard standing watch at the lobby doors as well. You had to present your key to even get by to get to your rooms. Eventually I would know the guards by name after greeting them every morning but let’s not get too far ahead. Opening the room door and putting the suitcase down I had to walk to the window to look at the view of the Oceanfront Casinos. I was finally here. At the moment I said a little prayer and talked to my dad letting him know I missed him and to forgive me for the stuff I was ready to get into downstairs. I removed the money from my suitcase adding another 500 to what was in my pocket and put the rest in a safe that was in the closet. I put on my Georgetown sweatshirt with my “VA” hat and hit the $1/2 blinds NL Holdem’ table. Max buy in $300 so I bought in $300 in chips.

 

 I played for about an hour and a half before the road trip began to wear on me. The hot cocoa with whip cream had gave me a little bit of energy but it was time to head back to the room and get some rest!!  May have been up or down but it didn’t matter I was tired at that point. I think I sat peering out of the room window for about another 20 minutes as the cars and lights lit the sky up. Then I proceeded to kickback and relax.

The next morning, I hopped up and dialed room service and ordered some pancakes with bacon and eggs to start the morning off right. I pulled back the curtains and all you could see was fog since I was forty-two floors up. After eating I figured I’d go down to the spa and relax in the hot tub by the pool. Definitely a great way to start your gambling day with some poolside action. Once again, I reached out to room service with the phone by the towel area and tried to order a grey goose and vodka. Grey goose wasn’t on the room service menu according to them so, I settled for the Ketel One instead. Not too bad with pineapple juice, slice of orange, lemon and a lime. Breakfast of champions for me sipping by the pool and preparing for the war that lies ahead on the felt.

 

After an hour of relaxation. It was time to hit the poker tables. I would play till about 4 or 5 pm then get some lunch either there or some where out on the ocean front. Some days I would hit the Hooters in the Tropicana and then enjoy a cigarette watching the waves crash on the beach. Then after I’d proceed back to the Borgata and play more poker. That was the routine throughout that weekend. Friday and Sunday nights were for the Club inside the Borgata. Club Mur Mur was a pretty happening spot on those nights as the Jersey and Philadelphia locals would pack the casino in their finest clothing. That’s one thing about the casino life I enjoyed and that was from Thursday to Monday morning everyday seemed like a Friday night! For a twenty-five-year-old young man, it was where you wanted to be if you enjoyed the sights, sounds, and party atmosphere.

The weekend hits and my buddy Wes showed up. Wes always had a love for the game of poker and respected it the same as the infamous Phil Hellmuth (Las Vegas Poker Pro). Needless to say, he reacts to bad beats the same as Phil too.

 

Wes was the first player I noticed early who actually studied the game or would do research on different topics. For example, throwing the dice in a “V”, with the 3 dots showing on the top of both die and meeting in shape of a “V” when you bring them side by side.

 

He brought a couple of books about Black Jack and a poker book by Barry Greenstein or Phil Hellmuth with him as well.  At the time I thought it was a little much but hey, to each their own. Looking back at it why not study or research anything? It’s all good information even when gambling. I used him as my book when it came to the Casino experience. He was the first to have introduced me to the city and he had the experience with the players. One of the first things he reminded me of is that the poker games there never end. What I mean is that basically when you’re tired it’s okay to get up. At that point in my life before the casino games I had always stayed at any game until it ended. Win or lose I would always play until the morning or the game broke at a friends or underground games throughout the Richmond City areas. With that being said we hit the tables and had a pretty good time. I recall the time we sat at the Black Jack table and found a nice $10 minimum section. Wes always looked for the Asian section because that's where the table minimums were the lowest. Sometimes we even found $5 min tables throughout the weekdays. The drinks had been flowing all day as it was late on a weekend night so still a good crowd throughout. This particular table we ended up being at a table where it was just us verse the dealer. I’m thinking let’s go to a table with some more people to enjoy the crowd he was thinking our odds just went up and it’s us vs. the dealer. With a $10 minimum it was easy to save your money when you didn’t “feel it” on a particular hand. With that and a few other strategies we had things began to go pretty well. We even had a dealer come over by the name of Lynette which is the name of my mother and sister. Once I told him that he immediately said, “it’s a good sign Rob it’s going to be a great shoe" (Shoe: Black jack term for a device where the decks of cards are held before the dealer rolls them out to the players).

 

We played at that table for about 2 hours before some random pit boss walks up and says that there closing the table after the shoe finished. I was thinking okay no problem sir, still being a rookie of the game and new comer, I had no idea that they were watching us win for the last hour and a half. We didn’t win 100,000 dollars or anything but we did have a couple a piece. Wes on the other hand was like, “wow Rob they’re shutting the table down on us dude.” We hit them for bout 4 thousand or so between the 2 of us. Not a bad night, especially for a couple of poker players playing at the $1/2 or $2/5 limit Holdem tables. After that hit he squared away his half of the money for the room and from that point on it was a free roll for us.

The game plan was set after we built up some hours at the tables. Of course, we were comped a few things through the trip as well. Ultimately the plan became to use my two complimentary nights Monday and Tuesday, then we’d used his two complimentary nights for Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, Sat, and Sunday would be paid from the winnings from throughout those 4 free days. Wes had a paper route back in Richmond, VA so he had to return to work for a couple of days then he would pop back up on Wednesday night and we’d do it all over again. I arrived at the Borgata May 14^th, 2009 and I returned July 2^nd, 2009. The swings were tremendous and the experience was so exciting I couldn’t put it all in one blog entry so, Look for Part 2!! Coming soon.

-FLOETSPEAR

 

Bobby Tee vs Borgata
2009 Files Declassified Pt.1 

 

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Leadership and Integrity

Lately my readings have involved leadership topics and integrity. Many people have a clean image but inside is where we locate the integrity. The titles of boss or manager for instance often plays a role in many of the lives of people who get up and go to work to provide for their families and themselves. I’ve recently learned that the good leaders in life may be the number 2s or 3s in their positions at work. This is possible because of their ability to influence others. That’s the true definition of a leader. A strong leader also holds themselves to higher standards than their followers. I.E. the staying at work later or completing the high priority tasks no matter what the cost or how much time it takes. Getting to work before everyone or waking up at 3 am to be at the sitters house by 5 am in order to arrive at work by 6 am. Daily!! The dedicated usually stand out in the crowds of many and are easy to spot [Floetspear]. Imagine a dedicated boss who influences their workers. Even a dedicated coach who leads their team no matter who’s on the team. After educating myself on these characteristics several people come to mind, most I can call today and ask questions or just share thoughts. I find it intriguing that the more you learn the more your world expands and the easier it becomes to involve or find the right people to surround yourself with [Floetspear].
Lets talk about how we can lead in our daily lives. We can most definitely count on integrity being a part of it. Doing the right things even when no one is looking. Of course doing the right thing and showing the dedication will be seen by others in public. I’ve learned that people with these characteristics draw people to them. Followers or employees will do things for them that they wouldn’t for those who are not influencers even if they have a boss's title or role. The best advice I can give tonight would be lead by example! Get use to doing the right things and staying focused on the highest priority. Take the time to analyze your priorities to determine what needs immediate action and what things can wait. Put your family and their needs first stop worrying about what others think. If you’re doing things right all of the time you’re image is transparent and open to the public with nothing to hide. This will pull loved ones closer and the right people to you! Make sure you try to spend 33% of your time with people you can learn something from, 33% with people who know the same things you do and of course 33% of your time with those who you can help!

--FLOETSPEAR
IG: xclsve
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Searching How to use more of the Brain

Now days, as I ride on the same roads I have traveled since becoming able to drive the sights and scenery look new... The vast opportunities surrounding us can often go unseen until you are able to open your mind and believe in yourself. As I play my goals back this morning from a recording I made, the day begins with me in search of inspiration from the day’s tasks. After discovering a couple of books at a local Goodwill store, I wondered how I could use more of my brain. The myth we only use 10% seems a little odd but I’m sure we can learn to pull from more areas of our mind and brain. I am not going to let this thought leave my head with out writing it down on the goals list. Google showed different foods and things of that nature to enhance memory which made me think, if my memory expands then I could double or even triple the amount of information I take in on a daily and weekly basis. My newly acquired craving for knowledge is now needing more room as the information on Earth seems just as endless as the unexplored Universe. I find myself staying idle at work while waiting to get off of the set schedule to accommodate this craving to learn and challenge my thinking. Constantly testing my endurance is becoming satisfying as I watch and feel the mind and body work together. The question for the readers and listeners along with myself is, “how will you learn to use more of your brain?”

---FLOETSPEAR

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Midnight Mindset

WHAT'S YOUR PURPOSE? What motivates you?

Go on Faith!! Trust in yourself, your dreams and desires! At the end of the day you will be the one who puts in the WORK. No one can walk your journey with you but God. "Family will share your time with you but can not pave your path, nor can they know what you truly want to accomplish" [ Floetspear]. Fear nothing make your life what you want it to be. I used to think my purpose was to PROVE DOUBTERS WRONG but, now I am unable to hear them! I'm still learning and searching for my purpose while motivating others. I've been motivated by spreading knowledge, confidence and positively influencing, all while strengthening my relationship with the man up stairs! This, has brought others into my life who share a common goal. Mixed in with the quest of that goal often involves growth and discipline. The career purposes involves the finances etc.. the taking care of the bills, providing for my family. All can strengthen as you eventually "acquire a craving for knowledge" [Floetspear]. Each day has started building up to something though I'm not sure what. Leading by example has kept my character honest and challenges my integrity! Trusting in God and strengthening our relationship makes it all easy!! That's why the what's next Mentality will always be a part of life if you're focused on growing.

---FLOETSPEAR

From the Country to the City Pt. 1

"Family is not just an important thing, it's Everything." -Michael J. Fox

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be different.. Why fit in when you were born to stand out? Now as an adult humility plays its role but I still feel a need to stand out. BE DIFFERENT, or at the least take a different path from what I have walked in the last 15 to 20 years. What do I have to lose. Selfishness, greed, lust, entitled, just to name a few things about how I lived through my late teens and 20’s. What gave me the idea that something was deserved or owed to me I'm not sure but I’ve learned to value putting in work.
Growing up in the countryside atmosphere with both parents home at the time really gave me the comfort of feeling secure and relaxed. Oblivious to the real world at the age of 13 one could say a kid would have had it made. Sports practices, help with homework, a sister, gaming console, decent clothes nothing too overboard, go-kart, basketball goal, life wasn’t bad for the late mid 90’s. My biggest worry would be who’s first in the house to get the TV remote after school.
In school I had friends, family, girlfriend, and what I thought to be enemies but they really were family trying to get me out of a box I had put myself in trying to “fit in”. But that’s another story. As I was saying school was good, standing out was a norm besides I still felt different from others. Not better just  different. Blessed with a big imagination, always pondering what was to come in the future. Things I wanted or was planning to try would often flash before my eyes.. For example in fourth grade I knew exactly who I would take to Prom in high school. And yep , “I did that.” Simple things were easy to see ahead. I often wondered why I would think of these certain things and what was next to come. I even saw the split of my parents before it actually happened. What I didn’t see was what was ahead for me during my teen aged years.
From the country style living straight to the city. Corner stores, street lights, and  closer neighbors to say the least. Mom didn’t want my sister and I in the city schools really so, we spent most of the first year attending a county school on the outskirts of the city, Hermitage high school. Still a big difference especially with the food selections for lunch. They had everything from Subway to Taco Bell in the school. Lunch time for a 15 year old couldn’t be any better. Only down side is you might not have “5 on it” after school because you ate so good for lunch. There were two different cafeterias and they were jammed packed. Kids everywhere. I only knew my older cousin Angel and the friends she introduced me to. My sister still in 7th grade went to the middle school at the time. Needless to say I definitely felt different coming to the school in the middle of the year. I was now the new kid. It seemed like the rest of that year flew by pretty quick. Eventually the constant traveling and getting off the bus at my Aunt’s house became too much for a single mom to have to endure. My 10th grade year I was the new kid again at John Marshall High School this time. Located maybe about 2 miles from our house in the city it didn’t take long before I ended up fitting right in. My closest cousin Ross pretty much a brother to me attended the school too. Well known and like by his peers I had no problem meeting and greeting. I had lived in the city for a year before attending so of course I knew a few other people as well.
I can’t forget the mornings walking down the street to the corner a block down to wait for the bus in the morning. Once at the school walking in I had to go to the 2nd floor for my homeroom. Passing by others you could smell a hint of marijuana coming off of people from time to time. By the time you’d reached the 2nd floor all you could smell was black and mild cigar smoke with a mix of cigarette smoke. This was mainly because the doors on the bathroom had been removed to detect smoking or hear fighting, I don’t know maybe they just didn’t want to fix them. That didn’t stop us from smoking in the bathrooms though. As I said it didn’t take long to “fit in”. I thought it was a whole different world compared to the country schools I grew up in. Hell, one cigarette being in your book bag might have been 3 to 5 days suspension in the county. You might even have to go before the damn school board. But in the city no worries. There wasn’t a call home if you ditched class, all you had to do was be present for homeroom in the morning. After about two weeks went by I was made a tutor in the Spanish class and got moved up from my Algebra class to the class with the Seniors. It wasn’t that they were saying how smart I was or anything, it was just because of the classes I had taken in the recent years in county schools. Our 10th grade was the cities 12th as far as math went.. At least the classes I had taken anyway. Now I was “different” again back to my norm in a sense. The principal made the switch right when I was in my math class and walked me to algebra 2 with the 11th and 12th grade students.. Most of the students in the class were girls. Some already mother’s mainly taking life a little more seriously at the time because of their early parenthood now that I look at it from a 34 year old perspective. “What you supposed to be smart or something?” One of the girls asked seating in the desk in front of me. Being put  on the spot with the older peers now looking at me, I decided to tell the truth, “Not really I'm just supposed to be in Algebra 2”. At this point I felt “different” again but it wasn’t the norm for me.
Eventually I took it that different or standing out wasn’t the best thing through out the inner halls of the city school. Not so much for the new kid anyway so I fell back a little.. Made sure I “fit in”.
My first girl friend I claimed, got jumped at lunch by a girl that had liked me and her friends.. Unfortunate but I still thought that was pretty crazy. So, I had to at least find out who the girl was right? Ewwhh she was a mess so that temporary curiosity and anxiety left quick. I had only dated the girlfriend for a day or two at that point, geeze, it was tough out there. So for the rest of the year I pretty much didn’t have a girlfriend that was an off time for me. Kept the options open though I guess.
As the year went on I did get into somethings I shouldn’t have but, again fitting in became the norm. First it began with regular smoke breaks in the bathrooms. Even with no door on the restroom on the second floor we still smoked regularly. You could even buy weed in the bathroom if you wanted. Mornings started off with the usual handshakes with the fellas and a Newport before homeroom. Some of the kids smoked black and milds but I had smoked plenty of them since the age of twelve in the country with the older cousins. Anyway throughout the year I realized that as long as you were in homeroom at the beginning of the day you were pretty much counted for attending that day. So when school became boring my cousin Ross and I would leave. We either walked to his older family members house, his Granny’s house, my uncle’s apartment, or a friend’s. The friend lived right across the street in some apartments. Smoking, music, and talking to the girls pretty much throughout the year was how life went. No focus on my future or how I was letting my mom down. The school year continued on without one call from a principal or main office. Not even a letter mailed home for skipping. As I said totally different from the New Kent school system I had grew up in. Even Hermitage high school would’ve called or something. I remember smoking weed at the school a first for me, not smoking, but smoking in the school. The Science hall had an exit at the end of it and you had to turn left and go down some stairs to get to doors which would lead out to the football field. My homeroom was actually the first class on the left when we’d g back up the stairs. Anyway Ross, my cousin, had a half of a blunt in his Newport pack and said let’s light it up.. I was like you crazy man you serious? Yea he said ain’t no one coming. So we cracked the door at the bottom of the steps and lite it up.. Puff puff pass and the rest was history.  I was like this is crazy to myself. Smoking in school, cool I thought. Not smart but cool none the less. Of course I slipped back into class and by the time the bell ring for 1st period the hall reeked of strong marijuana. Just another day in the city. The day went on I ate good at lunch of course. Speaking of lunch, I picked up on the kids who would use a code or letter and number combination for lunch and would get it free. So one day I tried it as well and sure enough I got my tray and milk and enjoyed a free lunch.. Bingo, no longer paying for lunch.. I never told my mom about the free lunch but I would always get the lunch money from her daily. Obviously I had “5 on it” after school now. Fitting in..

continued on part 2.. “From the Country to the City”

-FLOETSPEAR

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