The Results Are In! Kanye West is Officially The Freshest In the Game

It's official. Kanye West has defeated Jay-Z in the Complex Magazine Style War. I voted for him and it's cool to know that the majority of people felt the same way. Kanye actually took this seriously and it obviously means a lot to him. He had this to say on his blog:

Man, I want to thank everybody. This is a real honor! This whole year has been overwhelmingly positive from the Yeezy's to the Louis Vuittons. From "Heartless" being the number one song on radio for the first quarter of this year to "Amazing" being the theme song for the NBA Playoffs. It means a lot to be able to get respect from my core and peers even though everybody knows I get a little crazy with the clothes sometimes. I'm on vacay right now with a white T on. It's nice to read something positive for a change!

Pharrell pioneered what I do now. He was the original to break down doors between "real fashion" and hip-hop worlds, doing beats for Noreaga and running around with model chicks. (Rick) Ross gets real fresh. T.I. has a great effortless sense of style. Jay-Z has set mad trends and is the Sinatra of our era. Nobody is as fresh as Ralph Lauren himself, only Andre 3000 and (Fonzworth) Bentley get close but there's still work to do.

I think old men dress the freshest, not trendy at all but sometimes still colorful and interesting. They've figured out what looks good on them and they stick it. The up hill battle we have as hip-hop artists is hip-hop is rooted in trends. True style and trends very seldom meet. That's why we have a tendency to wear stuff that's laughable two years later. When I see crazy stuff I've worn and people laugh at me, all I can do is laugh with you and think, I had fun though. Thanks again.


Mr. West

I couldn't have said it better myself. I love what he says about trends. I can still remember when everyone rocked throwback jersey's and gaudy Timberland boots. Now, that stuff is long gone. If I see someone in a throwback, I wonder what the hell they were thinking before they put that on. In my opinion, if you're not going to a sporting event there's no need to wear a throwback. Maybe if your daddy played in the league or something.

Trends come and go, and I'm guilty of breaking the rules and going with trends, but my style has evolved since then. I now buy timeless clothes like polos, cardigans, classic dress shirts, elegant ties, monochromatic shoes with little detail, strong ties, etc. If you want your clothes to last buying these classics are necessary. You don't want to put clothes away forever because they've become out of style and wack. I know I'll never have to do that now.

Congratulations to Kanye West for being the freshest in the game. He is one of my role models in the public eye. His style is an influence of mine and I'll continue to stay fresh like him - only on a much tighter budget.

Complex Mag Style War!...Who Do You Think Is More Fresh?

Complex Magazine has been holding a Style Tournament online to see who's the freshest (best dresser) in the hip-hop game. It's pretty much just like the NCAA basketball tournament - it started with 64 artists. It's voted on by the fans, and in looking at the bracket I can't say that I disagree with much. Although, I'm surprised and disappointed that Pharrell beat out Andre 3000 in the 3rd round before being put out by Kanye.

They're now in the finals and the only two men left standing are Kanye West and Jay-Z. It's funny how these two come from the same camp. Rocafella Records must be fresh to def. You can vote at stylewar.complex.com. You already know who I voted for. Oh and incase you're wondering what happened to Lil' Wayne, he was put ousted by Kanye in the final four.

According To Kurz...NFL Mock Draft

Here is my attempt at predicting what this year 2009 NFL Draft 1st round will look like, again I repeat: This is an attempt! I think there will be a lot of trades so the order may get mixed up, and I left some good players like Donald Brown, Larry English, Clint Singrim, and many others who may slip in the 1st round out of my mock draft. My hardest part was finding a spot for Aaron Curry surprisingly, because if he goes past 5, I don’t know where he will end up.


Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia
- Franchise quarterback with all the physical tools, but Detroit may ruin him before he can establish himself.

Rams: Jason Smith, OT Baylor
- With Orlando Pace gone and Alex Barron labeled a bust they need a tackle, and why not get a component to help your best player Stephen Jackson. Eugene Monroe could go here as well.

Chiefs: Aaron Curry. LB Wake Forest
- GM Scott Pioli is from New England so look for a trade, but he also likes to build with defense first. My surprise pick here would be Crabtree since new Head Coach Todd Haley just came from an offense with 2 superstar receivers.

Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
- Really they could go with a lot of choices here, but I think they want to protect Matt Hassleback first and have a replacement for LT Walter Jones when he retires.

Browns: B.J Raji, DT Boston College
- A trade could happen with Braylon Edwards or either of their QB’s, but if nothing happens I think they will want to build that defensive front with a strong D linemen. Brian Orakpo could go here as well.

Bengals: Andre Smith, OT Alabama
- They need a lot of help but they lost some good offensive linemen this off-season and Smith could fit in right away and protect Carson Palmer.

Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
- I think Al Davis will realize this is the best WR in this years draft and have 3 young stars on offense with Crabtree, McFadden, and Russell. But Coach Cable has been rumored to really like Jeremy Maclin.

Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
- If Sanchez is still on the board here I think we will see a trade, but the Jaguars desperately need to upgrade their receiver position. Also, Maclin could learn from veteran WR Torry Holt.

Packers: Brian Orakpo, OLB/DE Texas
- They will go with the player they feel most valuable that is left, but Orakpo gives them an edge rusher they will need for that new 3-4 defense. To me he is a boom or bust pick that could be like Terrell Suggs or more like Vernon Gholston.

49’ers: Mark Sanchez, QB USC
- I don’t expect him to be here if a trade has happened earlier, but if he is there is no way San Francisco can pass on him. They need a QB and he already knows the West Coast Offense. If he isn’t there a DE or OT would make sense.

Bills: Michael Oher, OT Mississippi
- They just lost a pro bowl LT in Jason Peters so Oher could come fill that void, and protect Trent Edwards in what could be a very powerful offense.

Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
- If Jackson is still here new coach Josh McDaniel’s must take him, he is a perfect five-technique for the 3-4 defense. Problem is Jackson has been rising on a lot of draft boards lately.

Redskins: Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee
- He is a little bit of a sleeper but he is a pure end in a 4-3 defense and could help rush the quarterback with DT Albert Haynsworth receiving a lot of double teams.

Saints: Brian Cushing, LB USC
- Sean Payton loves USC guys (last 2 1st round picks- Reggie Bush, Sedrick Ellis) and Cushing would fit right in at OLB with Scott Fujita on the other side and Jon Vilma in the middle. CB and S are also a concern, so maybe Vontae Davis or Malcolm Jenkins could go here.

Texans: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S Ohio State
- A pass rusher would make sense as well but that secondary got torched last year and Jenkins could play either Safety or Corner depending on the teams need.

Chargers: Rey Mauluga, LB USC
- This guy would fit right into that LB corps of nasty and high energy players, and could play inside linebacker in the teams 3-4. If Jenkins is available he could be the pick, or a RB that could compliment Tomlinson and Sproles would make sense.

Jets: Percy Harvin, WR Florida
- They do need a QB so that wouldn’t be a surprise, but Harvin could also serve as an explosive punt returner and kick return guy. Since Rex Ryan will most likely try to win with a powerful defense a weapon on special teams would make sense.

Broncos: Aaron Maybin, OLB/DE Penn State
- They will continue to add help to the defense and Maybin would give them a nice edge rusher, but could use a year or two in the weight room.

Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
- I am not sure of he will make it this far but if available he would be the choice. He has a big arm and is compared to Joe Flacco a lot, but they also need help at LB and DT.

Lions: Ebon Britton, OT Arizona
- A lot of mock drafts have them tackle a defensive player here, but I think they will follow Atlanta’s blue print from last year and get a player to protect their new franchise QB.

Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
- Chris wells could make sense as well but I think they like Moreno more and he would make a nice rotation of backs with the often injured Brian Westbrook.

Vikings: Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers
- They need a receiver to take some load off of Adrian Peterson and free Bernard Berrien of double coverage’s. I think Darius Heywerd-Bey could go here but his questionable hands make Britt the choice.

Patriots: Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
- If this pick is right I will be surprised because no one can ever predict what they are going to do and they will take who ever they feel best fits their plans. But after looking at their roster they are very thin at the CB spot, but RB Donald Brown or OLB Clay Mathews could go here as well.

Falcons: Pierra Jerry, DT Mississippi
- A big space eater in the middle is what they need, and Jerry is exactly that but I am just not sure he will be available here. The falcons have a few spots to fill in their defense so an LB or a DB would also be a good pick.


Dolphins: Clay Mathews, OLB USC
- I think Parcells like his pedigree (see Bobby Carpenter when Parcells was in Dallas) and he is a great special teams player to go along with his pass rush abilities.

Ravens: Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
- The Ravens don’t have a lot of picks so they may trade out of this spot, but a weapon to help Joe Flacco would make sense. I am a huge fan of Pettigrew and to have him combined with Todd Heap would be dangerous.

Colts: Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DT Mississippi
- I think they will ask Peyton Manning if he wants any of the available WR or RB on the board and if he says no then Hood will be their guy. He is a good fit as a 1 technique in their cover 2 scheme, and takes some pressure of their DE’s.

Bills: Everette Brown, OLB/DE Florida State
- He would be a little bit of a project because he would need to learn the OLB in a 3-4 defense, but would provide speed of the edge. Larry English may go here as well; the Bills have a history of drafting “reach” players.

Giants: Darius Heyard-Bey, WR Maryland
- This gives them a big WR for Eli to throw to, but they may need to trade up if they want to get him because I am not sure he will fall this far.

Titans: Darius Butler, CB UConn
- They need a corner badly, but with Albert Haysworth gone they could use some D line help. Getting a Receiver in the first round would make sense as well, but they seem to refuse to do that.

Cardinals: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB Ohio State
- If he falls this far they must take him, his potential is too good to pass up. They have an unproven RB in Tim Hightower and an aging on in Edge, so he makes perfect sense. If he isn’t here then a pass rusher would be their selection.

Steelers: Max Unger, C Oregon
- A corner would be a good pick as well, but they some how managed to win the title with a below average offensive line, and Unger is a 6’4 center that proved he is a 1st rounder at the senior bowl.

Kanye West x Young Jeezy - "Amazing"

It's Lil' 500 weekend and I'm actually sitting on the computer briefly at a party just because I heard that the new Kanye video dropped. Therefore, I've decided to post it on my blog before we hit the bars. It's amazing ain't it!


Amazing from kwest on Vimeo.

Apparel Watch...Der Sammler Solo Printed Hold-all Bag

This hold-all bag is a part of the Der Sammler Solo Spring/Summer 2009 line of accessories. Der Sammler Solo designer Kinjiteramoto has always impressed with his unique usage of vintage materials and his ability to use them in designing something modern and hip. With this line, he's using a patriotic stars and stripes motif. Also included in his line are more unisex hold-all bags scarves with minimal brand detailing (meaning you won't find the brand name on the accessories). He's allowing the textiles and designs he's chosen to take over and speak for themselves - very refreshing. Looking at this hold-all (priced at £315.00 or about $460 in the US) makes me think of shooting fireworks for the fourth of July. This bag, along with other Der Sammler Solo accessories and clothes are now available at oki-ni.com.

Below are the details from the site.

Canvas holdall in the label’s season print in red, white and blue. Leather straps buckle and adjust and there’s a central strap the middle that fastens with a leather keeper to keep bag closed and secure. The bag can either be carried by two short handles or one long across the body strap. Inside there are three closed zip pockets for valuables and three larger open ones.

Measures approx 21” x 13”.

100 Single Ladies J-Setting To Beyonce'

The dance Beyonce' does in her "Single Ladies" video is called J-Setting. It's a popular dance that was originated at Mississippi's Jackson State University. The Prancing Jaycettes were the female dance line of the infamous JSU marching band, "The Sonic Boom of the South." The dance is now most popular in Southern black gay clubs and Beyonce's video has played a big part in bringing the dance into the mainstream. She also performs some J-Setting in her "Diva" video.

It's the latest dance craze across America. While I haven't seen anybody doing this at the nearest bars, I've heard lots about it over the past couple of months. Recently, 100 single ladies in Piccadilly Circus, London performed the exact dance Beyonce' does in her "Single Ladies" video. I find this to be very impressive and sexy. Think you can do this ladies? Below is the video. Enjoy.

This Video Made Me Laugh So Hard!

I Want This For My Birthday! - The Professional Sewing Machine

Saw this on the Urban Outfitters website. I begin my fashion design classes this fall and it would be cool to be able to sew from home to further improve my skills. I know my birthday isn't until September, but priced at $299, it'd definitely be worth the money

Like a pro. Capable of sewing over 1,000 stitches per minute is this heavy duty professional sewing machine from Singer, cased in vintage-inspired, pewter-toned finish. Includes 10 built-in stitches; needle threader; 4-step buttonhole feature; circular sewing capabilities; foot pedal; table height adjustment and stainless steel bed plate. Extension bed with ruler print and powerful motor allow you to work on larger, more intense projects. Finished with an accessories pack, filled with needles, bobbins and spool cap. Imported. Wipe clean.
* Limited 25-year manufacturer's warranty
* Approx 16"w, 6.75"d, 12"h
* Plastic, metal, electronics
* Web exclusive
* Shipping charge: $15
* Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery
* This item will ship via UPS Ground and is only available for delivery within the continental United States. Shipment to international locations, U.S. territories, Alaska, Hawaii, P.O. boxes, APO/FPO addresses and express ship methods are unavailable for this item.

Kanye West and the NBA: "Where Amazing Happens"

Kanye West just finished shooting his latest music video for his next single, "Amazing" featuring Young Jeezy. While the video has yet to be premiered on music TV stations, the NBA has jumped on the track, releasing this music video featuring Kanye's song as the soundtrack to clips of memorable playoff performances including Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Shaq, Kobe Bryant, and others. The NBA's new slogan is "Where Amazing Happens".

I like what the NBA is doing, especially since it's featuring the best artist out (my opinion, I know). This song paring with the NBA playoffs is perfect. I know that this song definitely gets me fired up for whatever it is I'm about to do. The lyrics, "It's amazing I'm the reason everybody's fired up this evening" is truly how I feel every Saturday in the fall. So, enjoy the commercial. It's well done and a great idea.

H&M Trends - Spring/Summer 2009

Photos From Spring Game

I'm trying to get some video on here too but I'm struggling to copy and paste the embeded code. I'll keep trying. But in the mean time, here's a photo gallery from The Indy Star.

IU Spring Football Scrimmage - More IndyStar Galleries

View this gallery at IndyStar: IU Spring Football Scrimmage

New Kanye Photos for His Louis Vuitton Sneakers

Kanye with his main squeeze, Amber Rose

Mrs. O in the Mini-Trench

I like this outfit worn by Mrs. Obama on April 14 mostly for the pairing of the mini jaded green trench coat with a purple shirt underneath. It's an elegant, feminine clash of colors and she finds a great way to keep it simple and casual.

Below is the description from www.mrs-o.org.

Mrs. O has resumed her tour of federal agencies, visiting the Department of Homeland Security this afternoon. According to the AP, the First Lady thanked agency employees for their behind-the-scenes work, making special mention of the Secret Service and the time they spend away from their own families, working to keep the O family safe.

Mrs. O dug deep into her closet for today’s appearance, re-wearing a jade green mini-trench and striped purple tee we last saw on October 2 in Detroit, MI. Today Mrs. O paired the jacket and top with slim black cuffed pants and black patent leather flats. Mrs. O embellished the jacket with a crystal bee brooch at the collar.

Upon closer inspection, we noticed the visible pocket linings that hang below the bottom hem of the jacket. Surely this detail is the the work of someone with a playful design sensibility - any ideas?

The Journal Gazette: Spring football practice changes Hoosiers’ attitude

I freelanced this column for The Journal Gazette. It ran this morning and I'm very proud of it because it's my first freelance column I've written for anyone. I was asked to describe and talk about how our spring football practices went. I did my best to describe things within 750 words, though I could have written an entire book about it. Read and enjoy.

My spring football began at 5 a.m. March 23. I got out of bed with no hesitation and with an overwhelming anticipation for the events that lay ahead. Only on this day, there’d be no running, hitting or catching. Only a team meeting to kick things off, to set the tone, to lay the smackdown on every soft expectation we may have had about spring football at Indiana University.

It was made clear that this spring, which concludes with today’s scrimmage, would be different. That morning, you could sense the optimism through the sleepy faces and glazed eyes. The day was young, but our motivation had been clear from the start of the winter.

Black and white. That’s been our team motto throughout the spring. There’s no longer room for any gray area. You either execute or you don’t, and almost doesn’t count. You’re dedicated to the team or you’re not. Nothing more, nothing less. We aim for perfection and settle for excellence. That’s our new attitude. We will settle for nothing less.

From the first day, things were kept simple. We put in college football’s latest fad, the pistol formation, and put a strong emphasis on running the ball downhill. We wanted to be more physical as an offense, fast and punishing as a defense and fundamental on special teams.

Over the past month, we’ve achieved our goals and then some. This is the first spring I’ve been through where I’ve had fun in every practice, with the exception of worrying about how sleepy I’d be in a few of the meetings after staying up late working on class projects.

How much fun a team has is true evidence of a team’s attitude and confidence. This team is different from last year’s. Our morale is soaring, and it is clear that this is no longer the 3-9 team of 2008.

Off the field, screws have been tightened and each player has been held accountable. The results have been promising, and guys have been making the necessary changes to become better citizens and, in turn, better teammates.

Guys who were more likely to be caught on an episode of MTV’s “From G’s to Gents” are now making positive changes in their personal lives to not only better themselves but the team as well. That’s just one of the signs of a team in positive transition. I can feel the closeness and chemistry of this team, and it brings a smile to my face every time I think about it. I love to see the guys appreciating each other and realizing the special moments we’ve been blessed to be a part of.

In some ways, I feel as if I’ve floated through spring football. I’ve approached everything with the attitude of “just go play.” I don’t know whether it has to do with the playbook or me just being a senior and having the game slow down for me. It’s probably a combination of both.

Practicing mostly four times a week and lifting weights on off days, the schedule suited what we needed as a team.

We hit nearly every practice to increase our toughness and nearly everything was made into a competition. The competition elements of practice gave us our edge back and will help us going into the summer.

Whether it’s ball security or full-team drills, each player’s football manhood was tested this spring. I’m proud to say that I feel, as a team, we passed that test and now we’re ready to prepare for our next test – training camp.

Fashionista Jane Aldridge Praised For Her "Sea Of Shoes"

I found this video on seaofshoes.com, one of my favorite fashion blogs. Teenage fashionista, Jane Aldridge has true style and a flair for shoes that are beyond chic. I first noticed her when she received a shout out from Kanye West on his blog. This just goes to show that if you post good stuff and know what you're talking about people will notice and appreciate you for it. A little advertising doesn't hurt either.

Kanye West as "Martin Louis The King Jr."

I'm not sure how I missed this video. Shortly after Kanye's Louis Vuitton sneakers hit the runway at NY Fashion Week earlier this year he decided to insist he be called Martin Louis The King Jr. Now, I'm not about to call him that, but this video certainly is dope and even kinda funny. I definitely love the outfit he's sporting, especially the orange blazer and the scarf. It gives me an idea for my future designs.


A message from kwest on Vimeo.

The Obama's Easter Sunday Best

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Loses To Bill Kurtis...In An AT&T Commercial

I just saw this commercial during a commercial break while watching ESPN2 Friday Night Fights. It brought a big smile to my face and made me wonder if Floyd is really making a return to the ring? I here about the possibility every week. Even Floyd's father said he was sure his son would return. I'm assuming Floyd is waiting to face the winner between the Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, which takes place on May 2. Whatever the case, I hope he comes back soon. It's nice to see him in this commercial...even if Bill Kurtis is faster than him.

What Would You Sacrifice to Own A Pair of Air Yeezy's?

I thought this was funny. I got it from the New York Magazine fashion blog The Cut. I just had to post it on my blog - because its about Kanye ofcourse.

Kanye West cheated on Louis Vuitton and helped create a pair of Nike Air Yeezy sneakers. Fifteen pairs will go on sale at Undefeated Sneaker boutique in Las Vegas tomorrow, and, as of yesterday, fifteen people were already camped outside to buy them. "I'm having the time of my life," said sneakerhead Wesley Ramos, 30. "I can't feel my feet, but I'm having fun." Also camped out was Ron Dixon from Florida, who was on his honeymoon. "She was cool with it," the 29-year-old said of his new wife. "She knows I'm a sneaker addict." And we thought we knew what love was.

"Southland" The Realest Show On TV

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Angels Pitcher Nick Adenhart Gone Too Soon

One win, no losses. That’s Los Angeles Angels Nick Adenhart’s Major League career record. Sadly, the rookie pitcher and two others were killed Thursday morning at 12:30 a.m. by a suspected drunken driver just hours after Adenhart pitched the game of his life; six scoreless innings in the big leagues. At the age of 22, he had already overcome major elbow surgery to achieve his big league dreams.

The team postponed Thursday nights game against the Oakland A’s in honor of Adenhart and his family.

The more I think about it, the more upset it makes me. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not this should strike an angry chord with you as well. How many people have to die before people begin listening to the age old law not to drive drunk. The guy ran a red light because of it, causing the crash and then sped away from the crash like the coward he is. It’s a shame; this shouldn’t have happened. The Angels should be suiting up tonight to play Oakland and Adenhart should be chilling in the dugout chatting it up with his teammates and cheering them on. Instead, a mother and a father are without their son, a bright young man’s dream and life comes to an abrupt and shocking end.

The top prospect in the Angels’ organization, Adenhart had a lot of promise. After Wednesday’s game he told his agent, Scott Boras, he felt like a real big leaguer, and he was. I couldn’t imagine being a father and after watching my son begin to fulfill his dream, getting a call hours later to hear the voice on the other end of the phone tell me my son was dead. If that’s not enough to make people think about their actions before they go out and drink and/or get into a car with a drunk driver, I don’t know what is.

Prosecutors have filed three counts of murder against the drunk driver. He could receive 55 years to life if convicted of all charges and I hope he gets every second of it. Hell, I don’t care if he never sees the light of day again. I don’t know what his circumstances were that made him drive drunk that night, but I really don’t care about that either. He should’ve thought about what he was doing before he sat in the driver seat.

I do hope America takes note of this and how a simple stupid mistake can take another human being off the earth and change a family’s life forever. Nothing is worth that drink or that drive causing him to run that red light. Every day and night there are drunk drivers on the road. This will make me think twice the next time I decide to stay out late and drive home. Be careful everyone.

Sand Art by Ilana Yahav..."You've Got A Friend"

My lovely mother sent me this. It's pretty cool.



See more at sandfantasy.com

How to Get a "Job" Without Getting a Job...Any Ideas?

I'm broke - for the most part. I've spent my money building up my business wardrobe (and some clothes I don't need), paying bills and a few parking tickets. I do have some money saved up but I'm not sure for what. I want to move to New York one day to pursue a serious careers in journalism (including broadcasting and radio) and fashion design; both of which requiring serious money. But I also would like to continue my education in earning a fashion design certificate from Indiana University, which will also take some serious dough because I will no longer be on full football scholarship.

I don't need anymore clothes and I'm pretty much not going to be shopping for anything big anytime soon. I do have a paid summer internship with the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, which I plan on putting into a savings account, but I will still need more. Therefore, I'm considering cutting grass over the summer or maybe even babysitting (no infants please). Really, those are the only two things I can think of. I may try some freelance writing for a magazine or two, but I'm already going to be very busy. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can make extra money? I'm not trying to be a waiter or a cashier anywhere so those are out of the question. Any help or advice I can get will be welcome. Thank you.

According To Kurz...12 Quick Fire Thoughts About the 2009 NFL Draft

With my two favorite days of the year rapidly approaching (16 days, but who’s counting?), I thought I would give a little preview to this years NFL Draft with some of my “quick-fire thoughts” about this year’s class.

1) I really feel like this is one of the worst top 5 or top 10 classes we have seen in a long time.

2) The best spot to be picking this year is about from pick number 20 and beyond because you are getting the same value in a player that you would in the first 10, but you are paying much less.

3) Secretly, the tight end class is very deep, my favorite being Brandon Pettigrew from Oklahoma State. I believe he is one of the best blocking tight ends to come out of college in quite some time. Also, I got to see him first hand in the 2007 Insight Bowl (still trying to erase that game from my memory).

4) Brian Orakpo, the defensive end from Texas really bothers me. Whenever I watch his film I don’t see a lot of consistency from him, and if your going to be considered as the best defensive end in the draft that is something you need to have.

5) I think it is very possible we will see six offensive linemen taken in the first round, with the top two being Jason Smith from Baylor and Eugene Monroe from Virginia. Which one will come off the board first is up to some lucky GM.

6) I see the Lions taking former Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford with the first pick and at 20 taking an offensive lineman - following the Falcons 2008 draft formula.

7) I keep flip-flopping on Stafford. Sometimes I think he has it all and other times I just don’t see the accuracy and decision making that’s needed to be a franchise quarterback. I have a USC quarterback bias, but I believe Mark Sanchez is the most “pro-ready”, coming from that west coast offense.

8) Chris “Beanie” Wells reminds me a lot of Cedric Benson in college and I am not so sure he won’t be like him in the pros.

9) Being a defensive back myself, I am pretty disappointed in this year’s crop. Malcolm Jenkins and Vontae Davis are this years top corners and neither are well above average. In the words of Mike Mayock, “If you need a cornerback in this draft, just sit out”. And it’s very possible we won’t see a safety taken the entire first round!

10) Forget what you’ve read and heard about players such as Knowshon Moreno and James Laurinaitis’s 40 yard dash times. Turn on the game film and you will have all you need to know about these 2 players.

11) If you’re an Eagles, Steelers, Colts, or Patriots fan you really shouldn’t be worried. Your team always drafts well and finds gems on the second day.

12) Unfortunately, this is the first year in a long time we will go without seeing a player from “The U” (Miami Hurricanes) taken in the first round.

I will have my own mock draft sometime before April 25th, but next week I will give you my take on the Jay Cutler trade, and the two winners of that transaction…neither being the Broncos.

Video: Air Yeezy - Beyond The Hype

Day 26 Latest "Forever in a Day" Leaked

Diddy's latest successful project, Day 26 is set to release their second album titled Forever in a Day. The album is highly anticipated and has me excited because it takes the group into new territory. They boast more dance tracks this time around and with songs produced by Diddy, Mario Winans and Jermaine Dupri to name a few, this album is sure to be a banger.

The album is being leaked by MTV.com for a limited time. You can go there to listen to the entire new album before its April 14 release (I'm actually listening as I'm writing this). I'm so happy they're finally releasing this album and decided to stop fighting like little girls. I'm a fan of Making the Band on MTV, but I know if I see one more cat fight between Que and Willie I'm going to throw something through the TV. Okay, not really, but you get the point.

It seems Diddy has done a good job keeping the boys together and focused. I'm currently on track 6 out of 15 and, so far, I don't like this album as much as their first release, the self-titled Day 26. I hope it picks up from here, but I have faith in my boys. Check out the album for yourself. Tell me what you think.

The News-Sentinel: IU running back Payton puts down the pen, picks up the ‘pistol' formation

This article on me, written by Pete DiPrimio for The News-Sentinel in Fort Wayne, is very well done. Thanks Pete for the article, I appreciate the hometown love.

BLOOMINGTON — The columns are scrapped, but not forgotten. School and football have a way of taxing even someone as efficient with his time as Indiana University running back Bryan Payton.

So Payton’s newspaper writing — including sports and men’s fashion — will wait until a summer internship, although a blog (http://bryanpayton.blogspot.com) is still running.

A passion for writing is hard to ignore.

“I do the blog to keep honing my skills,” he said.

For now Payton, a former Concordia Lutheran High School standout, hones his spring semester academics and football timing.

Oh, yes. There’s a little thing called the “pistol” formation to master.

“It’s great for me personally and great for our offense,” he said about the new offensive wrinkle.

Payton is a 5-foot-9, 207-pound tough-minded presence in a backfield that badly needs it. Coach Bill Lynch is committed to boosting the rushing attack, and that means modifying the spread attack to include the pistol. Basically, that means the running back lines up directly behind the quarterback in a shotgun formation, as opposed to being off to the side in the true spread.

“From a running back standpoint, you get the ball a little deeper, maybe a yard,” Payton said, “but you’d be surprised about how big a difference that makes in seeing the holes, making the cuts, making the reads.”

In the spread attack, if the running back was lined up on, say, the right side, the play almost always went to that side. Now the play can go to either side. Payton took advantage of that to rush for 58 yards on six carries (including a 40-yard burst) during last Saturday’s scrimmage.

“A lot of times, if we lined up on the right, the linebackers figured we’d go that way, and 90 percent of the time they were right,” Payton said. “Now they don’t get their reads until deep into the play. That delays them and gives us a head start.”

Payton has a head start on fellow running backs Demetrius McCray, Shawn Major-Winston, Trea Burgess (a converted linebacker who gained 65 yards Saturday) and heralded freshman Darius Willis (out with a groin injury).

Payton rushed for 339 yards and two touchdowns in nine games last year before an ankle injury sidelined him for the final three games. Still, he had a career-best 4.3-yards-per-carry average.

IU coaches want that kind of production — and more — next season.

“What I’m looking more from him than anything else is leadership,” running backs coach Dennis Springer said. “He’s done a great job with that.

“Bryan has worked hard since I started coaching him. He’s working even harder now. He’s looked good this spring. He’s into it. I’m excited about where he’s at.”

Added Lynch, “Bryan had a tremendous offseason. He’s a great leader and an interesting young man. He’s a well-rounded guy, but he loves football and works as hard as anybody.”

Payton and all the Hoosiers are working to rebound from last year’s 3-9 disappointment.

“We’re very optimistic,” he said. “With the talent we have and the leadership with the senior class, things are going well.”

But not perfect, he added, as IU prepares for its April 18 spring game.

“We still have to tighten the screws a little bit. For example, I think our practice was a little subpar today. We’ll come back and get things straightened out. That’s how we need to be. Leadership will get us through. We’re (way above) where we were last year.”

Usher + Taylor Swift = "An Unexpected Love Story"

This is the sickest video-remix I've seen. It's done by 99allins via Youtube and combines Usher's "Love In This Club" and Taylor Swift's "Love Story". I've never seen any videos from 99allins before but if he continues to mash videos together this good, he's got a bight a future. Enjoy.

Apparel Watch...Supra Vaider Purple Patent Shoe

These shoes first caught my eye while I was sitting in one of my journalism classes about a month ago when one of my classmates strolled in wearing them. I should've known he'd wear some shoes like these because the guy has a style that's mad fresh. It was ironic because not long before that I had just been explaining to some of my fellow writers/editors at the IDS how I really want a pair of bold, purple sneakers. I failed to ask him where he bought the shoes, but I went and checked them out myself.

I found the shoes this past weekend at Zumiez in the College Mall here in Bloomington. Priced at $94.95, the shoes appear to be well worth it, as I thought they'd be closer to $150. One of the employees told me the shoes had been flying off the racks and they only had a limited amount of sizes left. When asked if they'd ever go on sale, she left me with little hope. Nevertheless, you can find them on numerous online shoe sites for the same price with all of the sizes available. The only downside is shipping and handling. The shoe details are below.

Features of this shoe include a high top with vulcanized sole, extra heel protection molded into comfortable high memory polyurethane insole, SupraFoam® midsole providing entire foot impact resistance, optimal shoe flex and board feel, ankle support and PU leather lining. New metal sliding tongue logo.

Love This Song...John Legend - "Everybody Knows"

I'm actually in class right now, but this song has been running through my head all morning so I had to post it. Few singers have a voice better than John Legend's. Enjoy the video and sway to the music.

John Legend - New Music - More Music Videos

Apparel Watch...L' CINQUE Gourmet Sneakers

I found these sneakers on Karmaloop.com. I love the unique grey texture of these shoes. I've seen these shoes on a couple of different websites and would like to jump on (or in rather) a pair sometime this year.

Kanye West Graces Complex April/May Cover

The king of all music, Mr. Kanye West, graces the April/May issue of Complex Magazine, which hits stores April 7. This original, futuristic cover was an idea of Kanye's and was created by photographer/director Chris Milk. Complex promises something extra special for this upcoming issue, so you best believe I'm going to pick this issue up on Tuesday - and you should too.

Below is a video showing how they made the magazine cover. Enjoy.

See What Michelle Obama Wears Everyday!

My favorite outfit of hers from the past week

We all know that First Lady, Michelle Obama, is an instant fashion icon. She maintains elegant style while keeping her wardrobe modern, young and sexy. She has a great body and isn't afraid to display it with great sophistication by wearing select form-fitting dresses and baring her arms routinely.

Today, I discovered a blog that shows and discusses what Michelle Obama wears every day. The site is www.mrs-o.org.

What I love is how she shows off her wonderful style while not always wearing $2,000 dresses or shoes. She wears J. Crew just like many other women (and men for that matter).

I've decided to post the outfit I like best for each week on my blog, as her style is an inspiration to me as well.

Critic: Woods in denial about race

Critic: Woods in denial about race

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Saw this piece on ESPN Outside The Lines this morning. In my opinion, the reason why there aren't many black people playing golf is because of how much it costs. It's more of an affordability issue than an ability issue. There are basketball courts on many corners and all it takes is a ball, a few people and a milk crate to play. Whereas, in order to play golf, you have to have the money to be successful. That's what keeps black people away.

As far as Tiger Woods reaching out to black golfers, I feel he does a lot in inspiring all golfers, let alone minorities. Sure, he could do more, but all he's required to do is be the best person, father, husband, and golfer he can be. By doing those things, he inspires everyone. He does have a foundation that reaches out to many golfers, including minorities and, to me, that's enough if he wants it to be.

The impact Tiger has on the game of golf is unprecedented. He plays hard, he is a minority, he shows us everyday that you don't have to be white to make it. I think he does more than some realize. If he decides to reach out more - cool. But if he doesn't that's cool, too because he's a huge inspiration already.

NIKE Air Yeezy's Dropped Today

I know I'm kinda late in posting this info, but Kanye West's NIKE Air Yeezy's dropped today. On Friday I made some calls to Finish Line and Foot Locker to see if they were carrying the shoes. When I called Foot Locker, a guy working at the store in Fort Wayne acted like me asking if they carried the shoes was a dumb question. He said, "The Air Yeezy's? I don't think we're carrying those. They're like $225." Duh. Didn't Foot Locker carry Air Jordans? And some of those shoes were priced over $200.

The shoes kind of look like some sort of moon boots but I love them - sure it helps that Yeezy designed them - but I really do like them. I plan on getting them at some point. Though, it sounds like I may have to order them online, because I failed to find the shoes at most Finish Line stores.

Nevertheless, the shoes are all over Chicago and other big cities. I'm such a fan of Kanye that I actually would consider a trip to the Chi to get me a pair of Yeezy's. But, I'm busy so I'll settle for online.

Thom Browne Print Ad

Superstar, buzzworthy fashion designer, Thom Browne uses his signature aesthetic contrastive simplicity (which, trust me, is still simple) in his Spring '09 print ad. It's pretty straight forward, focusing on the models and their suits, instead of the surroundings, as Thom Browne usually likes to incorporate a theatrical setting for his shows and ads. It gives the audience a clear visual of what the clothes are meant to represent. But here, there are only six models, each dressed in black trademark Thom Browne suits. The strap covering their eyes comes in Thom Browne signature colors.

A cool thing about the ad is it features Thom Browne, himself in the center (fourth from the left). One day, I will own a Thom Browne suit - one day.

Get To Know Me (Somewhat)

This video was done by an IU sports website, but the video was posted on Palestra.net. The only thing that bothers me about this video is I look a mess and I said "like" too many times. I couldn't get the embeded code uploaded to my blog so I've posted the link instead. Click on it and take a look.

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22988

Keri Hilson featuring Kanye & Ne-yo - "Knock You Down"

I'm in love with this song and video. Kerri Hilson is steadily growing on me (and she's not bad on the eyes). You add Kanye West (the greatest artist ever - yeah I said it) and Ne-yo (the smoothest singer out) and you have a bonafied hit record. In the video it's cool how Ms. Hilson is torn between two men (Kanye and Ne-yo) and Kanye has beef with Ne-yo for wanting his girl (Hilson). Imagine if they did fight! They should've had a dance off. Although, Ne-yo would most definitely win, it'd be fun to watch.

And how about the Shawne Merriman cameo! Where did that come from? I'm assuming this video was shot a little while ago because Kanye's hair is short in the video, whereas now, it's a feaux-hawk with a shag in the back - very '80's.

Anyways, all three do their thing on this track. But I say, "You Go Keri Hilson!"