Men vs. Women
May 09, 2010
It's been two weeks since the release of my latest film “What Black Men Want In A Women”, and the comments and statistics are coming in. Thousands of hits from across the country with Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey leading the pack, and internationally, Canada leads by far with Japan and France following. But what stands out the most is the counter that tells me which pages get the most views. Since the film's release, it's in second place. Guess which one is in first: What Black Women Want In A Man.
That film was done over a year ago and folks are hustling to it again. I intentionally left it out of the advertising of What Black Men Want... but I did mention it in radio interviews. Even the trailer on Youtube is blowing up. Personally, I believe that men and women are more interested in hearing what women want than they are hearing what men want. Too many believe that men's desires are so simple that they all boil down to sex, money, and food, when in fact, the many-many variables that go into those three are seldom considered, which makes men complex. As for women, it's assumed that emotion plays a vital role in everything that they do. Although this increases their complexity, emotion isn't involved in all that they do. But they are more emotional than men.
I hope the hits increase on What Black Men Want..., particularly for the sake of women. Men aren't simple. They have unresolved issues dating back from their teenage years to their current inability deal with this technologically advanced society that is giving them a helpless feeling, which makes them question their worth/manhood (this includes all men.) Listen to men. They'll tell you exactly what's going on. Check out the film “What Black men Want In A Woman”. You'll get an insight into them and yourself.
Aptitude vs. Desire
Apr 23, 2010
Oftentimes we confuse aptitude with desire. How many of you have been in a situation where someone wants you to do something that you don't want to do? How many times has your name changed to, “Yousha”? “Yousha, do this." "Yousha, do that." Everyone telling you what you should do. Just because you have the ability to do something, doesn't mean that you're obligated to do it.
"What makes you happy," is your choice, just the same as, “how your gifts are used” is your choice. If you are a spiritual person and believe that God aids in your decision, I would concur. For He is the only perfect one and He will allow whatever He wants, to be done. Now, you can listen to others and take what they say into consideration, but don't let them determine your destiny. That's your job, with the guidance of God.
Are you consistent?
Apr 09, 2010
Isn't it funny how the temperature varies in the spring? Earlier this week, it went up to 89 degrees in Philadelphia. Today, we're reaching 57. That's a 32 degree swing. But lets say that this was a metaphor for “life.” The weather, we can't control, but our lives, we can.
I once heard someone say that you can never consistently perform in a manner inconsistent with the way you feel about yourself. You can fake it, but it won't last until you become the person who has achieved the goal. Today, many of us have few “highs” and many lows because we act like the person that we should be instead of being the person that we should be. That produces inconsistency. Bottom line, “You can't have 32 degree temperature swings and expect to attain and maintain goals.”
So how do we consistently feel good about ourselves and can consistently get the good results? There is no one answer because the many individuals' variables; but I will say this: You stand a greater chance of achieving by having your goal being your motivating factor, instead of “moving away from what you don't want” being your motivating factor. When your goal is primary, its positivity trickles down through you during the attainment process and aids in you being the person that you should be. This also makes your path more smooth. When “moving away from what you don't want” becomes primary, it's negativity can't help but ooze through you during your trek, thus making you cynical and without positive direction.
We can't control the temperature but we can control our reactions. Let us focus on positive results and let that be a guide. Let us not focus on what will happen if we don't... for that will be our demise.
Black Eloquence
Mar 25, 2010
As you can see on the website, I am producing a film on the oratorical skill of African-Americans. It examines why African-Americans speak the way they do when giving speeches, where the passion comes from, and also examines great speakers from the past. For example, Hillary Clinton and Shirley Chisolm are great speakers. Neither is better, but there is a difference. Les Brown and Zig Ziglar are great speakers. Neither is better, but there is a difference. That difference is what we are examining. To date, we've interviewed teachers, pastors, business supervisors, and even a direct descendant of Frederick Douglass, who is a great speaker in his own right. This film is unlike anything I've done before. It's detailed, time consuming, and most important of all, expensive. Sure I could do it cheaply, but doing it that way would be an injustice to me, my supporters, and the great speakers of the past. If you are interested in contributing to the project or just want to contribute to the growth of the company, please click the donation button at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail me at claude@claudeparker.com.
Toastmasters International
Mar 24, 2010
Toastmasters International is a public speaking and leadership training organization where like-minded people can hone their skills. I joined a local club in January of this year and have gotten a great deal out of it. Earlier this week, we had a club contest to determine who would represent us at the district contest. There was the five to seven minute speech contest and a contest for those who evaluate speakers. I didn't participate in either but did act as the model speaker for the evaluation contestants. My speech was just under 7 minutes, where I spoke on the adverse affect that not helping others has on you and the positive affect that helping others has on you. I was pleased with my performance and evaluations that the contestants gave me. What I enjoy most about the club is that it really does help with public speaking. Not only do you get feedback from the official evaluators, but other club members are there to give encouragement. If you feel as though you need a mentor, that's available, too. The ages, gender, and careers of those in my club vary, and the reasons for joining are as diverse. I joined simply to improve my public speaking skills and to do some networking. With all of the film making and writing that I do, eventually I'll be called on to speak. I highly recommend this club for those who want to improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Please visit Toastmasters at http://www.toastmasters.org/ for more information and for a club in your area.
Feeling better!
Mar 21, 2010
The stent in my heart is working fine. I take my meds regularly, which does contribute to such. Over the past ten days I've gone mountain biking, did some inline skating, played tennis, and did some light weight-training. I don't feel winded nor am I experiencing chest pains. Now, there are some conditioning issues that I have to address because of the long, cold, and snowy, winter, but I'll get my condition back. “Thanks” again to all of my well wishers and supporters. Your e-mails of encouragement are a blessing to me.
Heart progressing nicely
Mar 08, 2010
I went to see my cardiologist for a follow-up visit last week and everything went well. He gave me the green light to test the heart through exercise, and Sunday afternoon, I did. 55 degrees, bright sun, and a slight wind, I took the mountain bike down to the river drive. The plan was to do 4 easy miles with no hills. Things went so well that I did 8 at a better than moderate pace. It felt fantastic. I ran my heart rate up intentionally and I was moving fast. Bringing my heart rate back down (recovery,) happened quickly. I did this several times and got the same result. It reminded me of my bicycle racing days of the late 80s/early 90s.
In the coming days I'll do some light weight lifting with high reps, and also whip out the bike. Next week, I'll do some inline skating. Spring is around the corner, everyone. Time to get crackin' on those bodies: Mark, set, go!
Attacked by the stress monster!
Mar 02, 2010
The Stress Monster finally got me. In mid-February while shoveling snow, I experienced mild chest pain and didn't pay it much attention. When I shoveled during the second storm a week later, I had to stop often because of the pain. A few days later, which was a Saturday, I could barely walk 20 yards without clutching my chest. Immediately I went to the ER of a local hospital and was seen within 5 minutes.
Off came my shirt and on went the EKG machine attachments along with a heprin lock in my arm to maintain intravenous access. The EKG revealed that my heart wasn't getting blood the way it should and that I had to stay until Monday to do a Stress Test. This was my first overnight stay since birth and of course I was nervous. Poke, push, touch, “inhale,” “take this pill,” and all those kinds of hospital things were happening. Plus, since I don't have health insurance, “how am I going to pay for this” came to mind throughout the night.
The Stress Test confirmed the EKG findings and a stent needed to be placed in an artery in my heart to clear a blockage (plaque build-up.) This lets blood flow properly and is a common procedure. It's the same one that President Bill Clinton had last month. Nevertheless, my procedure was a success. However, while in me, they found other minor blockages which will be treated with medication. The doctors said that my situation was a decade in the making, but I explained that I never abused my body and always exercised regularly. 5' 8”, 170 pounds, and toned is what I am today; obviously not overweight. The cardiologist agreed that this build up is more than likely due to genetics compounded by stress.
The prognosis is great. Normalcy will return in the coming weeks. I've been given the OK to mountain bike, play tennis, lift weights, and in-line skate, but I must pay close attention to my body. I am to report any abnormalities, watch my diet, and take my meds accordingly. I'm working with the hospital's Charity Care Division to help pay for the stay, plus, I'm working with a local city-run clinic to come up with ways to pay for the meds. Plavix is my main one and it is profoundly expensive at $176.00 for a one month supply. And there is no generic substitute. Missing that drug for several days could cause a massive heart attack.
Laying in the hospital those few nights had me thinking of all the work I had to do before I die: Documentary films to make, plays to write, and a cartoon series to produce must be brought forth and globe traveled. This is my world and I must give what no one else can: My prosperous uniqueness. The bottom line is that I am fine and will be even better! “Thank you,” too all of my well-wishers and supporters. I will reward you with some fine work. May God continue to bless and keep you in peace.
Thy will be done
Feb 08, 2010
My business as a writer/producer/documentary filmmaker is not lucrative enough for me to be without a regular 9-5 job. Yes, I need to go to work every day for food, clothing, and shelter. On January 29th 2010, I had the dubious distinction of celebrating one year of being out of work. Never could I have imagined such. My ego, pride, and self-esteem do play a part in that last comment, but we all of have those qualities to varying degrees: Nothing wrong with it as long as they're not detrimental to ourselves and others. Nevertheless, to date, I've applied to over 100 jobs. In return, I've had roughly 6 face-to-face interviews, 7 phone interviews, and no takers. However, I will say that sales companies are always asking me to join their ranks. Sales isn't my forte'. Been there, done that, hated it.
The numerous job fairs that I've attended seem like reunions in that I'm seeing the same faces . I'm still collecting unemployment, working on the second extension, and that runs out in mid-March. After that, if I don't have work, I'm in trouble. Believe me, pushing a broom or doing a housekeeping job isn't beneath me. The mortgages and other bills have to be paid. The unemployment I collect pays about 55-60 percent of my previous salary, and although I've applied for jobs that pay my original salary, I've also applied to some that pay in that 55-60 percent range. Some less. Still, no takers.
My mindset is good and my business focus hasn't wavered. The goal is to be able to make a living out of my passions. One of the most beautiful sites to behold is seeing someone enjoying their craft. The enthusiasm, the zeal... Those people have the feeling of, "I can't believe I get paid for this!" It makes you feel jealous in a good way.
So how do we stay positive and focused in the face of adversity? We must trust that God's plan is greater than what we can imagine. That perfect plan coupled with our faith in Him will make our trek more than palatable, but comforting. Faith is the confidence and assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. When we have faith, the affects we have on others and ourselves are positive. Keep this in mind and we will go far. Remember, "Thy" will, be done. Not "my" will, be done.
Pursuing your goal
Jan 23, 2010
If you don't invest very much, then defeat doesn't hurt that much, and winning is not very exciting."
Dick Vermeil,
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