CEDTalks

When the Perry men get together it usually results in interesting discussion over modern day issues and the values of life. Take a listen to some of the highlights of a recent chat between myself, brother Malcolm, and Charles Perry: On employment: "You have to work in life. It's no way around it. The average person is going to work until they're 60; if you don't save your money, you're going to have to work until 70! Unless, you dedicate yourself to a field where you make six figures. So it's work hard or work long...you still working."   Charles Perry "Jobs are not about being fun. Careers are different. Even middle-level jobs have perks. If you working a school job, or a job that cost you money to take off, it's not about fun;  it's about money. Calling out for you for your birthday might mess around and get you a REAL vacation."    Cedric Perry Myself, Charles Perry, and younger brother Malcolm. On priorities:...

Keeping a New Year's Resolution is not that unrealistic. A list of goals...with no direction? Plans'll make her dance.  It's a pressure-filled demand to overhaul an aspect of your life. Is it impossible? Hell nah! Saying it's time for a "New Year, New You" does cause concern, however. We should not deny the positives that rose from the previous year; some of our greatest blessings have surfaced during our darkest moments.  Making upgrades to our life does offer a beneficial alternative; my frat brother termed it "A New Year,  Better  You". If iPads and iPods can add features every year, so can we. So what do we work on? Here's a new look on some common areas. Finance. It is a goal of most to make that "papuh", but how many of us are properly utilizing and maintaining the money we already have? For the last year, I've worked to apply the "Charles Perry Financial Game Plan". Dad's advice is simple....

October 5th marked the birthday of my father Charles Perry. As a fireman, mentor, social commentator, and home renovator, Mr. Perry is one of a dying breed. Born in the fields of Georgia, "Deddy" is one of eleven children born to Mary (Say it like Jackee Harry ) Perry. The family eventually moved to Paterson, NJ before he attended college and eventually started a family here in Trenton. These moves were important to the development of Charles Perry (Yes, say the full name like A Tribe Called Quest and A Pimp Named Slickback ); he is an educated man ingrained with family values. He practices (and preaches) hard work and treats people fairly until they lose their privileges. In conversation he offers insight and honesty; though his words are often tougher than overcooked steak, they always provide you something to consider. Above all, Dad embodies the essential qualities of a man; he established a precedent for us to follow and exceed. While Charles Perry has taught my si...

They are found pretty much everywhere: at the supermarket, on the second floor at your job, and especially at family reunions. Though conspicuous in nature, this species is easy to spot. No I'm not talking about roaches, you heathen; I'm talking about the "Old School Player", aka a "piiimmmmp". Now it is important to differentiate between an Old School Player and a man who is simply "old school". My father, known affectionately as Charles Perry (please say the full name), is old school; he has traditional values, rough hands, and watches westerns like "Gunsmoke". An Old School Player (O.S.P) is different; they are commonly outlandish, shifty, and laugh really weird. These well-tenured romeos carry great influence on the youth of America, specifically young males. Coming into contact with old school playas brings guys to a critical transition in life: the older men become an example for their younger counterparts. Gentlemen decide f...

As the record player croons the hits of Smokey Robinson, I sit in my chair and travel through the annals of history to the 60s, a classic era of soul music. It creates a beautiful image of house parties, slow dancing with the girl you like, and $.50 Coca-colas. Aaahhh ....refreshing. While we cannot forget the trials and tribulations of the Civil Rights Movement, use this moment to remember the music: The Supremes, James Brown, The Four Tops, and don't forget the Temptations. (Ed. Note: You know I was on tour with the Temptations; Eddie Kendricks didn't like all the attention I was getting from the original version of "My Girl", so they booted me.) President Obama administering one of my signature moves, "The Schmooze".  One of the things I would have enjoyed the most about that era was the essence of love that appears dormant in our culture. If I can be real y'all, our generation seems to lack a heart. There are people seeking a partner, a soul mat...