Richest Kid Out Of High School

Recent high school graduate Emmanuel Mudiay is to become one of the richest overseas players ever to come straight out of high school. Mudiay has agreed and signed a hefty $1.2 million dollar contract with Gangdong of the China Basketball Association. The Five Star point guard was headed to SMU to play for the great Larry Brown but ran into eligibility issues, so instead of trying to dilly dally with the issue he pursued a different route- a much richer one at that. 

Although the compensation is a very appealing figure, Mudiay has to still deal with the challenge  of development. Under Hall of Fame Coach Larry Brown, 6 ft 5 point guard would learn and develop his craft from one of the best to coach the game. It's extremely rare any 18-year-old basketball prospect to be offered that much money, especially with a foreign contract. But Emmanuel Mudiay has already become a symbolic figure for both the good and bad of losing out with the NCAA and their regulations. 

Another big question in debate is whether or not this choice to skip out on college and peruse overseas professionalism. Another individual that comes to mind is Brandon Jennings who came out of high school and instead of attending Arizona, he also chose the overseas route and played for the Italian basketball club Lottomatica Roma. The issue is that a lot of top rated players making the decision to go to their perspective schools will see this as another route and soon college basketball will become an outlet instead of a pathway to furthering your education. 

NYPD Controlling The Death Toll

When you think of the Police Department in your city and state , a large majority of people will think of stability, safe haven, trust, protection and service for the community. The Police are supposed to be a constituted body of persons empowered by the state to enforce the law, protect property, and limit civil disorder. But for New York's infamous NYPD, there's always constant reminder that the officers take their job too far, in most cases what they want. 

This past weekend in Staten Island, New York,  a man passed away after excessive force was used during a chokehold by a officer of the NYPD. On video its very uncomplicated to see that the actions that took place were very severe and unnecessary for someone that was not resisting arrest or obtained a weapon of any sort, in which cost one's life. A group of officers attempted to arrest and subdue, a Eric Garner for allegedly selling loose cigarettes.  Cops say they saw Garner selling cigarettes outside the store. Other witnesses, however, said he'd just finished breaking up a fight. He had no cigarettes on him, nor in his car, his family explained to local news.

In many minds, although it may be illegal to distribute certain products, would rather a man sell some cigarettes instead of narcotics any day of the week. But this is just another case of the NYPD abusing their power and will to those of color. In the police proceeders and rules its allowed for excessive force to subdue a criminal, but in my opinion 5 plus officers should be enough to take a willingly man to the ground and handcuff him. In fact, for any office to perform a chokehold in any situation is a violation but of course the law will be in favor of the officers and the courts will be looking at whether or not it caused or contributed to Garner's death about an hour after he was taken into custody.

This has become a disheartening, deplorable, familiar course of events. NYPD officers have a long history of killing unarmed individuals. They’re rarely punished for their actions. And the majority of their victims, like Garner, are black or men of color. This is just extremely saddening because in the past Police officers were looked at as role models and upstanding individuals of the community but now indivuals have a general animosity towards them and now a developing sense of fear of the NYPD transitioning to a modern form of NAZI Germany.

LS

University of Texas Still To Use Race in Admissions Process

The University of Texas at Austin has been under a lot of scrutiny for a long period of time. The reasoning for this scrutiny happens to be their affirmative actions clauses. Under these clauses the UT is legally allowed to use an individuals race in their undergraduate acceptance. The University was sued last year and taken to the U.S. Supreme Court but was voted to a lower appeals court. The court felt they didn't want to "interfere with the university's richness of education.

In Austin, Texas today the Federal Appeals Court ruled in favor of UT and granted them allocation to continue using race as a factor playing in an individuals acceptance at the university. 

It's appealing because the individual that filed a lawsuit was a young white female by the name of Abigail Fisher. Any individual of no knowledge of the situation would have presumed that the person filing a lawsuit would be of color because of the all so apparent presence of racism in the United States.  Its so becoming to hear people say racism, injustice, or discrimination don't exist, but how can anyone of any insight or education claim it doesn't when you read about a situation and event like this.

Its angering because everyday you see commercials and here people tell you to educate yourself and broaden your education but how can one better thyself when an instiution of higher learning that's supposed to grant you tuition openly expresses that one's race play a significance in one's acceptance. 

Furthermore, it's infuriating being a fellow Texan, such a warm and welcoming place would allow for a decision of this manner to be granted. 

You be the judge here.

LS

National Football League In Trouble ?

The DEA has reportedly launched a special investigation into the National Football League in regards to presciption pain killers being distributed to players throughout the league and the players never explained the serious side effects. 

The investigation is looking into just exactly how the doctors and trainers of the NFL were able to posses these drugs and who exactly were the recipients. Sources close to ESPN say that the case involves nearly 1,300 individuals players. A real shocker, current ESPN analyst Marcellus Wiley.

Depending on what exactly the DEA finds, the investigation could transition to criminal charges for the doctors and trainers with possible jail time. The players invovled are suing the NFL due to the fact that the trainers and doctors were practically handing out highly addictive drugs with the players being left in the dark about the dangerous mixture and interaction with other drugs they were taking. 

Old time Bears quarterback Jim McMahon has been said to taking over 100 prescription Percocet pills a month, a seriously ridiculous amount of consumption. Overtly, anyone would become an addict like McMahon after a consumption of that amount of prescription narcotics.  

It's reported this drug abuse period stems from the early 80's. Its easy to understand why players were given these drugs, because at the time the NFL was a different ball game infused with bone crushing hits, concussions and thousands of broken bones and players needed ways to cope wit the pain-But to a certain extent. 

Of course, the NFL has currently declined any comment of the situation or the DEA investigation. I think the situation will blow over because of the stature of the league and its way of getting around things, and will likely turn into a "league matter." But if the league being investigated was the NBA or MLB it would be more startling news.

LS

Decisions, Decisions

Going Back
Stunned but definitely not surprised by the choice of sports mega star LeBron James to return back home. Yesterday afternoon, the news was broke to the world that former Miami Heat superstar was heading back to the city where he began his roller-coaster of a career, Cleveland. People across the world went crazy on all social networks, with many different feelings and viewpoints of King James's decision to return home.

What people didn't realize was the actually reasoning behind LeBron actually returning to play for a team, organization and city where his jersey and memories were burned because of the fact they felt betrayed and left by the wayside. At first, in my opinion LeBron never left for the money or the fact that Miami was a better destination for basketball, in fact he left for Miami to build a dynasty. He left solely to win championship, in which he did with the power squad Miami Heat, but they weren't brought down by the highly experienced San Antonio Spurs.
Why? 
A large majority of the world, are looking at LeBron as some sort of a villain but really don't know his story. In a special article by LeBron in Sports Illustrated, he explained his reasoning and facts to why he's returning home. In the article, LeBron shared an emotional and different side to the public audience about how Cleveland was more than just a city to him. Cleveland is the place where it all started for James, "the place where he grew up, shed tears, blood and a special place in his heart. " He expressed in his SI article that Ohio and its people are what drives him, that there's so much passion in the city and their sports fan base.

James went into stories about how he was frustrated with the progress of the team and not winning a championship, but that he felt leaving for Miami was a decision he could never take back and still doesn't regret. An obvious regret was "The Decision" hour special was the only event that took place he regrets. He went into all the sacrifices he had to make to achieve greatness and the caliber of basketball in which he was searching and striving for.

King James feels in leaving he can accomplish the goal and feeling that Miami already had upon his arrival from Cleveland. Miami had already won their NBA Championship and was filled with joy, hope and excitement for what their organzation's future had in stake. But for Cleveland they had no hope after he left, LeBron wants the city of Cleveland to have something to look forward to. He has always wanted a gold, Larry O'Brien Trophy for his hometown and state of Ohio. He  also had a lot on his mind after the season and when free agency became a topic, he began to think what it would feel like to raise his kids and future daughter in his hometown would feel like.

At first his family rejected the idea of him returning to the city of Cleveland because of the obvious, jersey burning, booing fans and viscous letter from Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, because that was a hard sight and experience for his family and James. But then they all came to the realization that the city of Cleveland was a young child that looked up to LeBron and idolized him because he made the town, city and state better and just up and left to get what he wanted instead of the fans needs.

LeBron isn't a grudge holder and has talked face to face with Dan Gilbert and will let bygones be bygones. It's all in the big picture and obvious reason for LeBron's return but he's going back for more than championships. He feels its his obligation and motivation to return home and once again be a leader for an organization, team, family members and the state of Ohio.

LS

After Four Years, Could The King Be Returning Home?

Humbled Beginnings 

LeBron James ,drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, James took Cleveland to their first NBA Finals just 4 years later in 2007 . But was unable to grasp an NBA Championship. In 2010, LeBron "Made The Decision" to leave Cleveland in his free agency to team up with long time friends, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade to play in South Beach.  Till this day, the event was one of the most criticized and publicized events in the sports world since Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point game in my opinion.

A New Era

In 2010, The beginning of "The Big Three"era, as the sports world called them, seemed to be going in all the right directions because the Miami Heat reached the finals but ultimately lost the series to the Dallas Mavericks. But all hadn't failed as the sports world believed because two years after a unsatisfying season the Heat won their first NBA Championship and LeBron could now settle down critics and have one of the greatest achievements but he wasn't done--not by a long shot.

The Summer of 2013 the following year the heat drove up an unbelievable 27 game winning streak to advance to their second consecutive NBA Finals and win yet another Championship. 2014 was a great year for the Miami Heat but ended in an dramatic and saddening way. Heat Nation, myself included all knew what was yet to come post finals. LeBron first, and other members of the organization following, in late June made their decisions to opt of of their current contracts with the Miami Heat and enter free agency. As a late, the Miami Heat and the surrounding topic of who will land LeBron James has become the everyday topic on 99% of sports media outlets.

                                           

The one team that has surprised me of all happens to be where it all started for Lebron, Cleveland.We all remember the day after he announced he would be leaving.
A mass majority of LeBron James fans took lighters too all of his memorabilia.

Its funny because the events that took place after LeBron making his decision to leave Cleveland reminds me of a biblical story of "The Prodigal Son".

"King James", LeBron's nickname is literally taken from the New Testament of The Bible. The actual Prodigal son story, entails a rich boy that takes his opportunity to explore other parts of the world. He leaves the modern areas of his town to explore and take in the sights of extraordinary and sexy things, and the Prodigal Son partakes in all manner of pleasure. In our world The King James version of the story lacks particulars but it sounds an alot like The Prodigal Son went to South Beach in Miami LeBron James. 

LeBron has been hearing out the to offers to return home to Cleveland, a city where the glamour he has in Miami  is muted and where he started his career. In essence, in the bible story, the Prodigal Son, he returns home and despite protests from family members, but for those who stayed loyal and never left celebrate him with the ultimate feast.  But for LeBron he's "the fatted Cav", with 2 NBA Championships, 2 NBA Finals MVP's, 4 NBA MVP's, 2 NBA All- Star MVP's and a 500+ Million dollar net worth under his belt. 

For King James, he has a lot riding on his decision to either again find a new home with a new organization or return to where it all started. As for us we'll just have to wait and see which team lands the one they all have their eyes on.

CEO & Philanthropist “Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal” Discusses the risks and benefits of starting your own business

It's beyond redundant at this point to inform you that the economy is not doing as well as we would hope. You know it, I know it. A more interesting area to explore in there is, well, if you're an entrepreneur, what do you do? How do you start a new business in a down economy without sinking yourself?

Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal, CEO and founder of SKA MANAGEMENT, knows all about this. Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal has found a way to create and maintain striving businesses in this down economy.  SKA MANAGEMENT opened its doors in the summer of 2005 and has been going strong since. To figure out how he's done it, I gave him a call, here's the interview…

Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal: "Business has its ups and down but I cannot complain.
SKA MANAGEMENT is very good business; it's still a growing business even in a down economy. Starting a business can be scary. But great rewards await entrepreneurs lucky enough to create successful small businesses -- benefits you may miss out on if you remain a wage earner for the rest of your life. Although only you can decide if you're ready to quit your job and plunge into running your own business"

As a former member of the corporate world, I wanted insight on what's the reasoning of starting your own business instead of working for someone. He said..
"Independence and flexibility, is really important because you'll have more freedom and independence working for yourself. And once your business is firmly established, you'll probably have the flexibility to make sure you don't miss the moments and events that matter most to you in life.

 Another reason would be Personal fulfillment, Owning and running your own business can be more satisfying and fulfilling than working for someone else. Many successful small business owners find they enjoy the respect they earn from their peers for having the courage to go out on their own.

Additionally, in your own business you have Power. Don't be surprised if power is one of your goals. When it's your business, you can have your employees do it your way. If power is important to you, think about how to use it in a constructive way.

One of the most important reasons he said is definitely Money. With money, the risks of forgoing a steady paycheck can pay off when you own your own business. You can get rich in a small business, or at least do very well financially. Although most entrepreneurs don't get wealthy, some do." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

What are the risks of starting my own business?

"Losing money, is a big part of your own business, You're going to need money to get your small business started. Whether you raid your savings account, hit up friends and relatives, or borrow from a bank, there's a very real possibility that your business won't succeed and that you, your friends, or the bank will never see that money again. If your business idea is risky, ask yourself whether you're willing to gamble your retirement, your friendships, and even your good credit on your business idea.

Another possibility from having your own business is the Personal sacrifice. Business success can come at a high personal cost. Getting your business up and running may consume most of your time and energy, including your precious evenings and weekends. You may not have much time for family or friends or the extra cash to take a second honeymoon with your spouse. Before you quit your job, decide whether you (and your family) are ready to make some of the personal sacrifices necessary for you to create a successful small business." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

Self Employment?
Mr. Aggarwal explained being self-employed is great because "it allows for self to express expression more freely. At the end of the day, I believe this is the real pay-off for most business owners who love what they do. I love what I do, I don't call it a job, I call it my hobby. I left the corporate world in 2004 because I was tired of my boss making arbitrary decisions about what was good for my clients. I was tired of my life being subjected to the whims of some corporate executive who didn't even know my name. As an employee, I couldn't do what I really felt was right either for my clients or for myself — so I left." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

"Why am I sharing this with you? Because I believe a great way for you to express your true self is to open your own business too — even if it's not full-time." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)
"Again, even if you don't need the money, you should consider doing this. Having your own business will give you a new vantage point from which to live.
Sure you'll have less free time. But if my experience is typical — and I believe it is — you'll still have a lot more life." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

What steps should you take if you want to open a business?
"Decide what business you want to start by finding your passion. I started my career in 2005 for the money. But over time I grew to love it. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories and trying to help.

What is it that you love about what you do now? (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)
Can you express that in a side business?

"My advice is to start by looking in your heart. What are you passionate about? Do you love photography? Is it music? Art? Dance? Cooking? Helping kids with autism? Golfing? Blogging? What work would be the best expression of who you really are? Get help. It might be that your passion provides clarity about what kind of business to open. In my example, I couldn't keep my job at the bank and have a side consulting business at the same time so the decision was made for me. If you don't have any legal or moral conflicts, you can open up a side business without burning any bridges." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

"If you are clear about what field you are passionate about but don't know how to turn that into a business, I have two suggestions for you:
Connect with mentors. Identify people who are working in the field and ask them for help. Most people are only too happy to help — especially successful people. (That's why they are successful by the way.) Don't be deterred." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

"Let's say you want to get involved in the dance field but don't have the money to open your own studio. Who cares? Call up a successful studio owner. Tell them you are passionate about dance, you want to open a side business in the field and have no idea what to do. Just because you don't have the resources they do doesn't mean they can't be helpful.

You may not be able to open a dance studio….but by meeting with these people, you might get fantastic ideas on what dance studios need. You might be able to open a business to service those studios." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

"Moonlight at a business that is in your "passion field". The best way to learn is to do. Go to work a few hours each week and don't worry about how much you get paid. You are there for the experience. You might learn that you don't have the passion you thought you did for the business. On the other hand, you might uncover ways to get involved with the industry in ways you never thought of before." (Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

Towards the end of the interview he left me with one of the most important and shocking facts behind business ownership and approach to the entrepreneurship world.
"Even if you don't have any money, you can start a business."(Sandeep Kumar Aggarwal)

"You'll have to invest time. Everything has a price. If you can't devote time to this, don't start. But personally, I hope you do it. It's the best investment you'll ever make because it's an investment in yourself. While involuntary job changes can be difficult, most people who undertake them do so successfully. Keep a positive attitude and try to focus on the things in life that mean the most—your family, friends, and place within the community."

LS