The Three Kings of Ybor – Volume 1. Eliza Christie’s Vendetta

Posted by Rock Kitaro on June 8, 2014
Posted in: Ebooks, Original Stories. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

The day has finally come. The flagship masterpiece I’ve been working on for close to five years is now released on Amazon and Google Play. “The Three Kings of Ybor” opens the door to 200 years in the future when the world’s largest city has become a playground for organized crime. After the detective who first suspects a CEOs criminal involvement is murdered, his already spiteful and vindictive daughter embraces her need to retaliate in this up and coming tale that indulges on the themes of revenge, rivalry, and rebellion.

Volume 1 contains the first five chapters. On the wake of her father’s murder, Eliza Christie stalks the streets in search for answers and finds an unlikely ally in the form of a narcissistic mercenary.

Today…Today marks a the start of a new chapter in my life. From here on out, I’m taking my life seriously…as if every last precious minute is worth more to me than…

Coming Back Home – Who Would be Waiting for You?

Posted by Rock Kitaro on May 26, 2014
Posted in: About the Author. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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Just back from my cousin’s graduation in Colorado Springs. It was a blast. I’m well aware of my flaw in the sense that I don’t know how to relax, but I somehow managed for five whole days. That’s five whole days without checking my e-mail, facebook, or twitter.

On the day of my return, I was itching to get back to Tampa. It’s like…that vacation was my very own halftime…now I’m about to begin my 3rd and 4th quarters. I have so much work to do. Over the  course of June and July, I plan on releasing seven e-book of my first novel “The Three Kings of Ybor”. That’s one e-book of well over 50 pages every other week. And I need to do it all before September 1st. Because on September 1st…I just might be overseas…Here’s hoping.

So as much as I love my cousins, aunts and uncle, I couldn’t wait to get back.

But on the flights back…something occurred to me. Maybe that’s why I try to avoid being around people. Because they always seem to remind me of what I’m missing. Almost everyone was with someone. Everyone had someone to talk to. Someone to call. And when we got back to Tampa, there were people waiting for them…reunions.

And as I sat back, waiting for the baggage claim conveyor belt to bring out our luggage, I saw these heartfelt reunions, the affectionate embraces. The longing made evident by the sheer joy on their faces. I wasn’t envious. I didn’t loathe their presence. But I confess…I became aware.

I thought of the people I knew in Tampa. I wondered if anyone missed me. Did I miss them? If I suddenly got on another plane and took off without a care for the destination or what lay ahead of me, would they “long” for my return.

Hmph…Foolish thoughts. Selfish thoughts. I smile as I relaxed in my seat and continued taking in the sights of hugs and kisses. People aren’t that bad. If I wanted to be welcomed, I would’ve told everyone about my departure and reminded them about my arrival. But I intentionally avoided doing those things because I didn’t want anyone to miss me. Why? I honestly still don’t know.

Then I laughed out loud at how stupid and weird I am. I know who’s waiting for me upon my arrival. My awesome Chrysler 200 is waiting for me. My cool apartment that I cleaned spotless before I left, was waiting for me. The law firm where I conjure up stories is waiting for me. My writing and research is waiting for me. “Welcome Rock! By all means, go nuts” they tell me.

hahaha! I’m not sure if this personification is just the beginning of a long life of isolation…but I’m tired of worrying about future relationships or lack there of. Those detrimental thoughts drag me down and I can’t afford to carry them with me. I’m not everyone else. I’m Rock. It’s difficult not to compare. But thankfully, I have a strong line of mental defense.

At my cousin’s graduation…the salutatorian got up at the podium and talked about how you shouldn’t compare yourself to everyone because there will always be someone better. And the people applauded.

I didn’t applaud. I wanted to say… “It’s probably that thinking that kept you from being valedictorian…Whether she was being general or not, it’s not a message the future generations should carry with them. Till the day I die, I will always strive to be the best at what I do. Like a fine wine, I will keep getting better.”

 

The Night My Mother Tried to Have Me Arrested – A Reason To Push People Away

Posted by Rock Kitaro on May 11, 2014
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The Night My Mother Tried to Have Me Arrested – A Reason To Push People Away

May 11th, 2014

By: Rock Kitaro

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In the summer of 2004 my mother had just called the cops on me in the midst of an argument in which she claimed that she felt threatened by me. I wasn’t on drugs. I didn’t have any abuse problem or was physically violent. I never even curse (in this situation). The police were called to our house due to a verbal dispute in which my mother claimed she felt threatened. For this, she tried to have me arrested.

The cop, a very understandable yet stern fellow, slapped cuffs on me, brought me out to his squad car and kept shouting at me.

“You’re seventeen son! SEVENTEEN! And you’re about to throw your life away.” He barked.

“On what charge? I didn’t do anything wrong.” I growled, my face heated with frustration.

“We can book you with disorderly conduct, son. Now is that what you want?”

The flashing red and blue lights lit up our middle class single story brick house. The neighbors…my future friends were watching. This sort of thing didn’t happen everyday in my neighborhood. But its like they say. You hold something in for so long…you’re bound to explode.

…

Before I continue. I want to point out that I love my mother and cherish her. The events that I’m about to disclose happened a decade ago and I’ve already spoken with her about this release. She completely understands why I’m doing this and even laughed when I told her what the title was going to be.

To help you explain the events leading up to the night in question. Allow me to paint the backdrop. Or you can scroll ahead until your reach red colored font to jump to the “what” instead of reading about the “why”.

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Why Claiming to be different can make you look like an asshole

Posted by Rock Kitaro on April 15, 2014
Posted in: Food for Thought. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Why Claiming to be Different Can Make You look like an asshole…

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Yes, I’m quite sure I’ll probably receive a lot of hate for this and lose so many twitter followers, but I wouldn’t be calling myself a writer if I was afraid to speak up on a subject that I feel is yet another trend in which people are making themselves look foolish.

First off, let me begin by giving most people the benefit of the doubt. When they say that they are “different”…I think what they really mean is that they have the courage to just be themselves. Everyone by definition is different in some way. There is no one else on this planet who is exactly like you. The whole saying that someone else out there is going through what you’re going through, is an insulting exaggeration that should never be told.

But what if I told you that you’re proclamation of being different…is actually a subconscious, vain declaration of saying that you think you’re better than others. Like those who are fortunate enough to be amongst a group of people with similar interests? Or that you’re better than those of similar goals, and it’s the reason why you’ll succeed over them. That’s just food for thought. I’m not saying this is the absolute way it is. Calm down.

“Rock! So what if people want to think that they are different? Why not let them?”

Well… How would I know? How would anyone knows what another truly thinks unless they broadcast it? So if you were to rephrase the question and ask me, “Rock, if people want to say that they’re different, why not let them?”

I’d answer with. “Because I think those people have no f**king clue as to what they’re talking about.”

…

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Actions May Speak Louder than Words…However…

Posted by Rock Kitaro on April 3, 2014
Posted in: Food for Thought. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

By: Rock Kitaro
Date: April 3rd, 2014

Actions-Speak-Louder
Food for thought…

While it may be true that actions speak louder than words…It can be a bit problematic because a person’s “actions” can say a lot of things and be misinterpreted. Especially with my generation where most people seem to simply flow whichever way the wind (trends) blows. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been put in a situation where a person is telling me one thing, but their actions say another. … like this nonsense of thinking to themselves in a glorified fashion that they are “different”. … No you’re not… And its not an insult to say you’re normal, but that’s not what this post is about.

I won’t go so far as to say that the person is lying when they’re actions contradicts what they’re vocally trying to convey. But I think the word “lying,” is misused way too often as an adult. What people mean to say, is that another person is simply “mistaken”.

A “Lie” is a false statement made with the intentions to deceive.

But if a person makes a statement that they honestly believe is correct, and yet it turns out that they’re wrong. This doesn’t mean they’re lying. They’re just mistaken. Get it?! 😀

The purpose of this post is to combat that statement of “actions speak louder than words.”

I just illustrated how a person can be vocally misleading. But their actions…you know, with them being louder than words… can also be misleading on a very frustrating level. Both men and women should know what I’m getting at. When a girl or guy is really nice to you, doesn’t mind talking to you, and even flirts with you a little bit…but Oh! She or he is in a relationship. Their actions were a bit misleading, weren’t they?

Or it could be the case that the guy or girl is just extremely gregarious with everyone they meet. And it could be you letting yourself believe that the other person is hitting on you when they’re not. Of course, if you are the gregarious type, you should be able to spot those with low self-esteem and use caution as to not lead them on. That’s just being responsible.

And there’s the thing to keep in mind that everyone is their own individual. A person may love you and just doesn’t know how to show it. Even if they do show it, and its not enough, is that really their fault? Or Yours?

This is where experience comes to play. And better still…experience with individuals outside of your circle of friends, race, religions, political opinion, orientation, culture, etc. The more contact and conversations you have with a diverse array of people, the better experience you’ll get at discerning the truth between the chaotic utterings of both actions and words.

Sidenote – If you’re constantly being disappointed by people. Instead of blaming the others, it could simply be because you have bad judgment.

P.S. This is regarding relationships. Not ambitions. Yeah…if you talk about building a bridge all day and don’t take any steps to getting it done…shame on you…

She Hates You, Because She Likes You – A Romantic Theory

Posted by Rock Kitaro on March 10, 2014
Posted in: About the Author, Food for Thought. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

She Hates You Because She Likes You – A Romantic Theory
By Rock Kitaro
Date: March 10, 2014

Epik High – “Don’t Hate Me” (Korean Music) –

Hate+and+Love

Before you get the wrong idea and think that this is dating advice, let me clarify that it’s not. The following is yet another observational theory in which I explain a romantic phenomenon that’s been told since antiquity.

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WARNING! This is one of those blue-pill, red-pill moments. Once you read this, your thought process will probably never be the same. Your eyes will be opened and there’s no going back.

This is an idea that I developed back when I was twenty-one years old. I’ve told it to several friends and family members when they vented to me about someone doing them wrong. But I tell you…I had no idea the concept would apply to people who are senior citizens. When my grandmother heard it just yesterday. She told me, deeply impressed. “I gotta give it to you, Rock. You really are one smart man.”

With that, let me explain.

My grandmother, in her late seventies, was telling me about a pastor at her church who seems to hate her. Always making backhanded statements towards and displaying a bitter attitude towards her. She goes to shake his hand, and he doesn’t even make eye contact to her. He talks about her behind her back and even goes so far as to make esoteric statements in the middle of service, insults directed solely to her.

As she revealed her agitations, I couldn’t help but smile. This is what I told her.

“If a person who’s attracted to you can’t receive your love…then they’ll settle for your scorn. Because if you love a person. Or hate a person. One sentiment both of them have in common is that your object of affection is thinking about you. And sometimes, that’s all you really need. All you really need is to know that your crush is thinking about you. So they’ll piss you off to the extent where you’re so angry that you’re venting to others about them. Thus, mission accomplished.”

To be honest, it’s kind of why I get irritated when girls I’m interested in complain about other dudes. I think to myself… “Come on, missy. That guy isn’t worth your thoughts.”

When I told my grandmother this, you could hear how impressed she was. Not in the compliments she was bestowing upon me. But by her laughter. She was genuinely thrilled and proud of me for making such a revelation to her. No doubt, she’s heard the cliché of people hitting on those they actually have crushes on…but in her long life of knowledge and experience, she’s never heard it explained before.

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Eight for Death, Seven for Peace – Tales from Ybor

Posted by Rock Kitaro on March 9, 2014
Posted in: Ebooks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Ybor is a district of Downtown, Tampa Florida.

Eight for Death, Seven for Peace http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GQS24T0/ – Available on Amazon for $.99

When a young street tough stabs a nonviolent door-to-door preacher, a small town urban neighborhood becomes infected by several of the most notorious criminals in the world. Continuing with the “Tales of Ybor” stories, this title contains graphic violence and street level language. While “The Godfather’s Sword” revolves around Braden Pierce, the prodigy syndicate enforcer, “Seven Deaths” introduces us to one of the few individuals who can match him in skill and execution. Gavin Hassell is an indiscriminate killer who sets his own agenda based on the highest bidder and his own private personal constitution.

Five Detrimental Situations the Ambitious Should Avoid

Posted by Rock Kitaro on February 26, 2014
Posted in: About the Author, Food for Thought, News and Updates. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Five Detrimental Situations the Ambitious Should Avoid
By Rock Kitaro
February 26th, 2014

Danilo

This list is one that I come up with based on my own personal experience and inspired by Cracked.com’s “6 Harsh Truths that will make you a Better Person” along with Forbe.com’s “Mentally Strong People: The Thirteen Things They Avoid”. As I am still learning and growing, I welcome my readers to comment on if they think I’m wrong or something else they think I should avoid.

To start off, I’d like to point out the “Thirteenth Thing” that mentally strong people avoid, according to Cheryl Connor and Amy Morin. That thirteenth thing is that mentally strong people avoid “expecting immediate results”. I believe that in order to keep striving in the pursuit of their goals, it takes a certain degree and ambition. So if you have that ambition, here are six things you should avoid.

  1. Revealing your goals to individuals who have none – I’m not talking about people who have already lived their life and accomplished most of their goals. I’m not even talking about teenagers, college students and kids who still haven’t figured out what they want to do. I’m talking about the individuals who have graduated college or settled on the peak of their education, reached over the age of twenty-six and still don’t know what they want out of life.

Revealing what you want to achieve to these kinds of people can drag you down if you’re not careful. Because think about it. When you reveal your goals, a certain amount of pride is emitted, no matter how modest or humble your tone is. You have something that you want and you’re working hard to get it. Revealing that to someone is mildly similar to revealing to a woman how you find them attractive. You’re laying your heart out there, thus giving the other person power to either approve or disapprove. And when it comes to individuals who have no goals or motives, that’s like going to a poor homeless person and describing what you intend to do with your paycheck.

And more importantly, when you reveal this to individuals who have no goals…it seems they have a tendency to slight you for caring so much. They may not do this maliciously or say those words verbatim, but it’s the vibe that comes off. This leaves you to question if you are caring too much, or if your goals are too idealistic and not realistic.

But keep in mind, that one does not simply roll out of bed and say, I think I’m going to navigate the Grand Canyon. Thought and determination goes behind it, usually with a good reason. So shake off your doubts and continue on. Bringing us to point number two.

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Random Cat Picture that always Cheers me up

Posted by Rock Kitaro on February 23, 2014
Posted in: Memes. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

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My Optimistic Thoughts on Racial Tension

Posted by Rock Kitaro on February 15, 2014
Posted in: About the Author, Food for Thought, News and Updates. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

My Optimistic Thoughts on Racial Tension.
By: Rock Kitaro
Date: February 15, 2014

Epik High ft. Dumbfounded – “Life is like a Maze”

Rock Kitaro - 27

Rock Kitaro – 27

The following is an empirical observation given by a 27-year-old black man living in the state of Florida. Yes…the same state of the Trayvon Martin incident, and most recently, the Michael Dunn case.

I don’t claim to be an African-American. But simply an American. Does this mean that I don’t have any pride for my ancestors? I don’t know. But regardless of what I claim to be, it’s undeniable that my skin is dark and that I am an African-American. I don’t see this as a bad thing or a source of pride. It is simply a biological technicality. Very similar to my stance on family members who I don’t know or care about.

When I come across a rude and inconsiderate person, a stranger who gives off a rude vibe with disdainful stares and a fearful caution of me. The type of people who would rather project invisible friends to stare at in order to keep from making eye contact…

I’m the type of person who likes to give strangers the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they had a bad day. Maybe they are under a lot of stress from either a job, or difficulties in the family. Maybe they’re not feeling well and just want to keep to themselves and go on about their day. Maybe its just their personalities to be reserved and in their own bubble. Or maybe the person is just flat-out, an asshole. Or an uneducated person who was never taught the simply concept of common courtesy.

Regardless of the reason why, I simply don’t like assuming people are racist. I also go so far as to take in the consideration that I’m a big guy. I may come off as intimidating, so they’d rather not make any moves to get on my bad side, ignoring the possibility that simply avoiding me or not reciprocating a greeting could just as easily land you in the pile of people I wish harm to.

…

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This editorial… If I’ve learned anything over the course of the past few weeks, its that the media outlets like CNN, Fox News, HLN, and MSNBC always seem to put the worst of us Americans in the spotlight. This is a good and a bad thing. It’s a good thing because with the media spotlight on such situations, the window of avarice and corruption is relatively smaller.

The bad thing is the effect it has on the general public in which people are quick to assume that the emotions conveyed by one group of people is the same as the general consensus. And when I say “group of people” I’m not even talking about ethnic groups as a whole. I’m talking about a handful of people who have gathered under a particular cause and just so happens to be of one race.

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