So this man walked up in the office today and told me I don't have a check because my name was spelled wrong.
I filled out three timesheets, with my name spelled the same on each one....
Now that they've begun processing the checks for next pay period, this man says I have to wait until NEXT Saturday. and stand back in that long damn line. Y cant they just cut an emergency check? and actually, its late...so i feel like it should be urgent and processed before NEXT week's shit.
The program is only 6 damn weeks long...and I have to wait until week 5 to get paid? They ain't working for free; why should I have to? Ppl just dont give a damn about a situation unless it's theirs...then they would be looking like I am, unable to comprehend any excuse of an explanation as to why I'm not getting paid.
That is not gon work. I feel like I'm at the damn Famuan circa 2007.
Keep up with Devadonna....
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Occasionally, Government Does Actually Help Ppl
Interesting story from The New York Times.
We know New York has been finding ways to deal with its terminal problem with homelessness for a while now. Apparently, they've looked at the annual costs of housing a family at a shelter and decided that it's just easier to send ppl back to wherever they've come from.
It doesn't matter where in the world you want to go. If you find a relative or someone who will let you stay with them, the city of New York will pay your transportation costs to get there. One particular family mentioned in the story arrived in NYC and found the differences to be too much. It's easy to get turned off by the crowdedness, the subway system, expensive housing, difficulty finding a job - what have you. So if the city verifies that you have somewhere else you'd like to go, bon voyage! They'll send you on a one-way trip. One family of five received plane tickets to France, then train tix to the city where the grandparents lived. The city picked up the $6,332 tab. Another family received like $400 in gas cards to drive back to Michigan.
Why keep these ppl on public assistance and pay to feed them house them, etc when they can just go somewhere else and try to find a better living? NYC isn't the only place you can find the American Dream....
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/nyregion/29oneway.html?th&emc=th
We know New York has been finding ways to deal with its terminal problem with homelessness for a while now. Apparently, they've looked at the annual costs of housing a family at a shelter and decided that it's just easier to send ppl back to wherever they've come from.
It doesn't matter where in the world you want to go. If you find a relative or someone who will let you stay with them, the city of New York will pay your transportation costs to get there. One particular family mentioned in the story arrived in NYC and found the differences to be too much. It's easy to get turned off by the crowdedness, the subway system, expensive housing, difficulty finding a job - what have you. So if the city verifies that you have somewhere else you'd like to go, bon voyage! They'll send you on a one-way trip. One family of five received plane tickets to France, then train tix to the city where the grandparents lived. The city picked up the $6,332 tab. Another family received like $400 in gas cards to drive back to Michigan.
Why keep these ppl on public assistance and pay to feed them house them, etc when they can just go somewhere else and try to find a better living? NYC isn't the only place you can find the American Dream....
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/nyregion/29oneway.html?th&emc=th
Making HIS Band
Am I biased because it's Diddy?No.
Did I watch it because of Diddy? Yes....
Now that we've resolved that, I def enjoyed the new MTV show "Making HIS Band." I love live music, so I appreciated the talent and artistry of the musicians being featured. And I have to be honest, I have more respect for them than if I was just watching a show about a bunch of singers or dancers (which is why I skipped all the Danity Kane MTB's and dont watch America's Best Dance Crew....it's not they aren't extremely talented as well, I just don't find it as engaging.)
For one, it was interesting to see Diddy scaling back on the bravado and actually being the student, for once. His meeting with his mentor Andre Harrell was almost kind of endearing. I wouldnt go so far as to say Diddy was nervous...but he def wasn't out there like, "This is the hottest album in all of music history." He was a little unsure which way to go, which was different for us to see.
You know the most interesting part of the show, hands down: when they ambushed Diddy with the tranny. They coulda warned that man! At one point, I heard someone singing in the deepest voice imaginable. There were two women and a man on stage, but the man wasn't singing...that's when I realized that one of those women...was NOT a woman! And Diddy picked that up too, real quick.
The discussion that ensued went sumthin like this:
"Yo, is that a man?" - Diddy
"Um, yea, it's a man." - Staff man
"Naw, like, for real, that's a dude?"- Diddy
"I don't know, but you need to put 'whatever' in the house...'Whatever' is nice." - staff man, who meant that the man/woman was a nice singer that can sing lead well and harmonize well.
Later on: "Is is a transvestite or transsexual?" - Diddy
"Um, her name is Micheal." - Staff man
...at which point I was ROTFL
Judging by the clips from what will be upcoming on the show, I didn't see much drama...and we all know these shows thrive on drama, so I imagine the majority of ppl will label the show "boring." But I'll be watching. *And sidebar, last night I saw one of the drummers, a big fellow named Khristopher, and one of the keyboardist auditioners, playing in the band of new R&B/soul singer K'Jon. I guess they're keeping busy as they wait for a phone call for the finale....*
Did I watch it because of Diddy? Yes....
Now that we've resolved that, I def enjoyed the new MTV show "Making HIS Band." I love live music, so I appreciated the talent and artistry of the musicians being featured. And I have to be honest, I have more respect for them than if I was just watching a show about a bunch of singers or dancers (which is why I skipped all the Danity Kane MTB's and dont watch America's Best Dance Crew....it's not they aren't extremely talented as well, I just don't find it as engaging.)
For one, it was interesting to see Diddy scaling back on the bravado and actually being the student, for once. His meeting with his mentor Andre Harrell was almost kind of endearing. I wouldnt go so far as to say Diddy was nervous...but he def wasn't out there like, "This is the hottest album in all of music history." He was a little unsure which way to go, which was different for us to see.
You know the most interesting part of the show, hands down: when they ambushed Diddy with the tranny. They coulda warned that man! At one point, I heard someone singing in the deepest voice imaginable. There were two women and a man on stage, but the man wasn't singing...that's when I realized that one of those women...was NOT a woman! And Diddy picked that up too, real quick.
The discussion that ensued went sumthin like this:
"Yo, is that a man?" - Diddy
"Um, yea, it's a man." - Staff man
"Naw, like, for real, that's a dude?"- Diddy
"I don't know, but you need to put 'whatever' in the house...'Whatever' is nice." - staff man, who meant that the man/woman was a nice singer that can sing lead well and harmonize well.
Later on: "Is is a transvestite or transsexual?" - Diddy
"Um, her name is Micheal." - Staff man
...at which point I was ROTFL
Judging by the clips from what will be upcoming on the show, I didn't see much drama...and we all know these shows thrive on drama, so I imagine the majority of ppl will label the show "boring." But I'll be watching. *And sidebar, last night I saw one of the drummers, a big fellow named Khristopher, and one of the keyboardist auditioners, playing in the band of new R&B/soul singer K'Jon. I guess they're keeping busy as they wait for a phone call for the finale....*
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Re: My fb status on 7/27/09
The status read as follows: "Driadonna...if I were a stripper I wouldnt have to wait a month for a check." Really what this means is that when you try to do the 9to5 thing, the use my education thing, you get screwed. But I could do sumthing a little less honorable (by most judgments) and not have to worry about money at all.
And here's the back story:
The Lord opened a door through something called the Summer Youth Employment Program (under this pgm's guidelines, fortunately, i am still considered "youth")
It's normally for at-risk and disadvantaged teens, but thanks to some Obama stimulus dollars, they were able to expand the age range and the number of jobs.
I understood during orientation that I had to work three weeks before I would receive a paycheck. And I thought I had enuf in the reserves to stretch that long.
But three weeks was last Friday. I was told last Thursday that I had to wait until Saturday.
Would you like to know what happened on Saturday?
Well, me and hundreds of other youth stood outside for hours in a line wrapped around the building. In the rain. And when many of us got inside, we were told there was no check for us. Imagine how discouraging that could be to a young person. They did their part. They worked the job like they were told, caught the bus up to this inconvenient location, waited for hours and walked away with nothing to show for it. Caught the bus back home empty-handed. Because ppl "in charge" just let them down. So give them another reason why they should "do the right thing and stay off the streets and do sumthing constructive with their summer."
Back to me: yesterday (Monday), I was told that a check would not be available for me before Wednesday. So with that in mind...I've practically worked an entire month without a paycheck. Bills were due on the 26th and 28th. So I've depleted the money I'd saved for a vacation next month. And mom gave me $10 for gas to try to last til Wednesday. IF thats when I'll have a check.
Thank you, City of Detroit.
And here's the back story:
The Lord opened a door through something called the Summer Youth Employment Program (under this pgm's guidelines, fortunately, i am still considered "youth")
It's normally for at-risk and disadvantaged teens, but thanks to some Obama stimulus dollars, they were able to expand the age range and the number of jobs.
I understood during orientation that I had to work three weeks before I would receive a paycheck. And I thought I had enuf in the reserves to stretch that long.
But three weeks was last Friday. I was told last Thursday that I had to wait until Saturday.
Would you like to know what happened on Saturday?
Well, me and hundreds of other youth stood outside for hours in a line wrapped around the building. In the rain. And when many of us got inside, we were told there was no check for us. Imagine how discouraging that could be to a young person. They did their part. They worked the job like they were told, caught the bus up to this inconvenient location, waited for hours and walked away with nothing to show for it. Caught the bus back home empty-handed. Because ppl "in charge" just let them down. So give them another reason why they should "do the right thing and stay off the streets and do sumthing constructive with their summer."
Back to me: yesterday (Monday), I was told that a check would not be available for me before Wednesday. So with that in mind...I've practically worked an entire month without a paycheck. Bills were due on the 26th and 28th. So I've depleted the money I'd saved for a vacation next month. And mom gave me $10 for gas to try to last til Wednesday. IF thats when I'll have a check.
Thank you, City of Detroit.
The Prescription (dont take it too literally)
I've always been opposed to taking medications....but sometimes pills drugs painkillers are necessary. they tend to come with all sorts of detailed instructions, tho.
I suppose this is bcuz no matter how strong or effective a drug is supposed to be, its no good if you dont take it properly. Human error is always a variable.
With that in mind, religion is our cure-all drug. no matter what issue u have, there's an answer for it...a way to get thru it....sumthing ever-present to make everything more bearable. it will lift your mood, ease ur pain and build ur tolerance for the next test.
So given the enduring hope/joy/peace/happiness Im supposed to hav while using being prescribed this religion...if there are still times when I feel overwhelmingly lost, sad, confused or helpless....am I using the medication wrong?
or do i need a different drug?
I suppose this is bcuz no matter how strong or effective a drug is supposed to be, its no good if you dont take it properly. Human error is always a variable.
With that in mind, religion is our cure-all drug. no matter what issue u have, there's an answer for it...a way to get thru it....sumthing ever-present to make everything more bearable. it will lift your mood, ease ur pain and build ur tolerance for the next test.
So given the enduring hope/joy/peace/happiness Im supposed to hav while using being prescribed this religion...if there are still times when I feel overwhelmingly lost, sad, confused or helpless....am I using the medication wrong?
or do i need a different drug?
What Else
Lord
They said if I want to hear
from u
i should pray, get quiet
and wait
for ur answer
i tried that
i fasted, too
It hasnt come any faster
Lord
They said dont be anxious
exercise patience
what He's done for others He'll do for
u
Just keep believing, have faith
His word is true
Ok, but you still havent told me what
to do
They said if you want to hear Gods voice
then read His word
and then you'll know His voice because
it will sound like His word
So i opened the book....then i opened my mail.
and now more bills are here. They speak real loud,
but your Book is unclear.
I kept turning those pages
but no guidance came
I read all the parables...but my situation is the same.
They said go to church and listen to the Man of God
and i do and i have and i do and i have
but i still have no job
So I've done everything they've said to do
Now what else can I do to try to hear from
You?
They said if I want to hear
from u
i should pray, get quiet
and wait
for ur answer
i tried that
i fasted, too
It hasnt come any faster
Lord
They said dont be anxious
exercise patience
what He's done for others He'll do for
u
Just keep believing, have faith
His word is true
Ok, but you still havent told me what
to do
They said if you want to hear Gods voice
then read His word
and then you'll know His voice because
it will sound like His word
So i opened the book....then i opened my mail.
and now more bills are here. They speak real loud,
but your Book is unclear.
I kept turning those pages
but no guidance came
I read all the parables...but my situation is the same.
They said go to church and listen to the Man of God
and i do and i have and i do and i have
but i still have no job
So I've done everything they've said to do
Now what else can I do to try to hear from
You?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Kid in Me
My mom went school supplies shopping at Wal-Mart the other day for my little sister. When we got to the register, the cashier said, "You know the crayons are on sale, right?"
My mom said, "Yea, but it's the 24-count."
The lady confirmed that. Then my mom said, "I'm just so limitied with the 24-pack. I need the 64-count; these are for me."
A lot of you know my mom and think she is just all business, all work and no play. So the fact that she was buying crayons so she could steal my little sister's coloring books was really cute to me.
Everybody needs some kinda creative outlet, right?? What keeps you young at heart?
My mom said, "Yea, but it's the 24-count."
The lady confirmed that. Then my mom said, "I'm just so limitied with the 24-pack. I need the 64-count; these are for me."
A lot of you know my mom and think she is just all business, all work and no play. So the fact that she was buying crayons so she could steal my little sister's coloring books was really cute to me.
Everybody needs some kinda creative outlet, right?? What keeps you young at heart?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Grey's Anatomy
I don't watch Grey's Anatomy, but a black woman produces and writes it, so automatically I'm proud of it. (I know that's biased. )
Anyway, you all know T.R. Knight is leaving the show, and he says in Entertainment Weekly that he's departing because of a breakdown in communication between he and Shonda Rhimes. (The Head Sista in Charge)
"My five-year experience proved to me that I could not trust any answer that was given [about George],” he told the magazine.
Damn, Shonda...that's not a good look at all. Idk if she's up there doing what she wants like, dont ask questions, just read the lines like I tell you to read em! Or if he just has a problem deferring to certain ppl, or whatever the issue is....but either way I hope it doesnt do any harm to the show and Shonda's success. And shoot, she's basically boosted his career by allowing him to be on such a popular show, so he can go wherever he wants from here...win-win sitch for him.
Hollywood Ppl, Help Me Out!
Can anyone explain this to me? I dont know who to ask, but Im very interested in the business of television, and I read something to day that puzzled me.
Apparently ABC picked up a new TV show for the fall. HBO saw it first and passed on it, but somehow HBO will still get paid $5,000 to $7,000 for each episode that airs on ABC, plus about 7% of the back end.
According to TVBizWire, this is not uncommon. "CBS, meanwhile, has been getting a cut of the USA drama "In Plain Sight," which is produced by NBC Universal. News Corp.'s 20th Century Fox Television had a stake in "Everybody Hates Chris," which was made by Paramount (now CBS Television Studios) for UPN and later the CW."
Soooo the way the story was framed is this: HBO passed, but they dont want to get embarassed in case the show is a hit for ABC. So they worked out a deal so they can get paid either way. How can you do that?
Apparently ABC picked up a new TV show for the fall. HBO saw it first and passed on it, but somehow HBO will still get paid $5,000 to $7,000 for each episode that airs on ABC, plus about 7% of the back end.
According to TVBizWire, this is not uncommon. "CBS, meanwhile, has been getting a cut of the USA drama "In Plain Sight," which is produced by NBC Universal. News Corp.'s 20th Century Fox Television had a stake in "Everybody Hates Chris," which was made by Paramount (now CBS Television Studios) for UPN and later the CW."
Soooo the way the story was framed is this: HBO passed, but they dont want to get embarassed in case the show is a hit for ABC. So they worked out a deal so they can get paid either way. How can you do that?
Draw Outside the Lines
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is in the Free Press today saying that Detroit could run out of money by October if some changes aren't made soon in the way we run the city.
Last Sunday I saw an article that said one measure we could take is to just redraw the geographic lines to make Detroit smaller.
I didn't know you could do that, but there is actually a name for it. It kinda seems like cheating - or just a drastic measure for a desperate situation. I guess the logic is, so many ppl have left Detroit that we fell under the million mark years ago. We can just officially make the city smaller, then there will be less ppl to provide for, a smaller area to take care of, and the resources we have could go further.
If we redraw the lines but still have over 15 percent unemployment, then....really, we'll just have even less tax money coming into the pot. But I'm not a politician or an economist (though I did consider teaching high school econ), so who knows, it just might work!
Just thought I'd share this bcuz I found it very interesting...
Last Sunday I saw an article that said one measure we could take is to just redraw the geographic lines to make Detroit smaller.
I didn't know you could do that, but there is actually a name for it. It kinda seems like cheating - or just a drastic measure for a desperate situation. I guess the logic is, so many ppl have left Detroit that we fell under the million mark years ago. We can just officially make the city smaller, then there will be less ppl to provide for, a smaller area to take care of, and the resources we have could go further.
If we redraw the lines but still have over 15 percent unemployment, then....really, we'll just have even less tax money coming into the pot. But I'm not a politician or an economist (though I did consider teaching high school econ), so who knows, it just might work!
Just thought I'd share this bcuz I found it very interesting...
Obese by Osmosis
You can get offended by this if you want, but...
Does anyone else find it funny when fat ppl try to tell you what picky eaters they are?!
True story...lady looks like a house on legs. Said to me, "I just want some soup today." We go get some soup...she orders two extra cups of crumb topping for her soup. "It's so good. I'm telling you. I always have to get extra crumb topping. I can eat half this bowl of soup for lunch and still have some left for dinner." Right.....
I tasted it...tasted like dry bread. The lady at the register then asked if she wanted bread with her soup. She declined, then proceeded to tell me, "I'm not really a bread eater. I've never been a bread eater like that. I just dont like bread." OK....
So we sit in the food court in front of McDonalds and somehow we start talkin bout the angus burger. I said I liked it the first time I had it. She said, "Have you ever had angus beef? It's so juicy. It dont even taste like beef...etc etc." But this was quickly followed by, "But I'm not really a beef eater. I dont like beef like that." OK...who you trynna fool?
Later on in the discussion, it came up that she does not cook and that the only meat she really eats is chicken. Again, OK.....Perhaps she was just predisposed to being big-boned and as a result everything sticks to her ribs....cuz let her tell it, she really doesnt eat much....
You should be selective about what you eat. I believe this. Im just sayin, I know yall know some heavy set ppl who are quick to tell you about all they stuff they dont eat
Does anyone else find it funny when fat ppl try to tell you what picky eaters they are?!
True story...lady looks like a house on legs. Said to me, "I just want some soup today." We go get some soup...she orders two extra cups of crumb topping for her soup. "It's so good. I'm telling you. I always have to get extra crumb topping. I can eat half this bowl of soup for lunch and still have some left for dinner." Right.....
I tasted it...tasted like dry bread. The lady at the register then asked if she wanted bread with her soup. She declined, then proceeded to tell me, "I'm not really a bread eater. I've never been a bread eater like that. I just dont like bread." OK....
So we sit in the food court in front of McDonalds and somehow we start talkin bout the angus burger. I said I liked it the first time I had it. She said, "Have you ever had angus beef? It's so juicy. It dont even taste like beef...etc etc." But this was quickly followed by, "But I'm not really a beef eater. I dont like beef like that." OK...who you trynna fool?
Later on in the discussion, it came up that she does not cook and that the only meat she really eats is chicken. Again, OK.....Perhaps she was just predisposed to being big-boned and as a result everything sticks to her ribs....cuz let her tell it, she really doesnt eat much....
You should be selective about what you eat. I believe this. Im just sayin, I know yall know some heavy set ppl who are quick to tell you about all they stuff they dont eat
You Elected Them...
Some people say the Detroit City Council is comprised of a bunch of fools who all need to be thrown out. They say the Council members aren't helping the citizens of Detroit and aren't doing any good in the community.
I say, wait a minute - listen to this! One of your elected officials, Council Member JoAnn Watson, has put together a lovely idea! Next month, she will have a free concert for the homeless!
Yes, in front of the Masonic Temple, there will be "a feeding" and special performance by recording artist Kem!
My question is...how will the homeless ppl hear about it? I guess the next bum you pass, when they ask for change, tell them instead that you know where they can go to hear some free live music! Won't that just change their lives for the better?
I say, wait a minute - listen to this! One of your elected officials, Council Member JoAnn Watson, has put together a lovely idea! Next month, she will have a free concert for the homeless!
Yes, in front of the Masonic Temple, there will be "a feeding" and special performance by recording artist Kem!
My question is...how will the homeless ppl hear about it? I guess the next bum you pass, when they ask for change, tell them instead that you know where they can go to hear some free live music! Won't that just change their lives for the better?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
VH1 Divas: The Resurrection
Whitney, Aretha, Mariah....Miley???
Afer four years, VH1 is bringing back its Divas concert special, and this year it will focus on Miley Cyrus, Adele (the fat chick from Britain who cleaned up at the Grammys), Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis.
So this isn't to say the "Divas" always have to be black...nothing wrong with a lil diversity, (think Cher) but we just runnin round callin every-dang-body a diva these days! Miley Cyrus, yall? a Diva? Of the four ladies listed, she's def the most famous, and Kelly was the hottest idol, but she can't decide if she wants to be fat or skinny, and her albums arent really poppin like they used to. (They coulda picked Miss CountryFabulousMoney WayyyLong Carrie Underwood - I wouldnt have been mad at that at all).
But honestly...all of them need an average 25 more years of career before we go saluting them like this....
Howev, if you're so inlcined, the show airs Sept. 17
Afer four years, VH1 is bringing back its Divas concert special, and this year it will focus on Miley Cyrus, Adele (the fat chick from Britain who cleaned up at the Grammys), Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis.
So this isn't to say the "Divas" always have to be black...nothing wrong with a lil diversity, (think Cher) but we just runnin round callin every-dang-body a diva these days! Miley Cyrus, yall? a Diva? Of the four ladies listed, she's def the most famous, and Kelly was the hottest idol, but she can't decide if she wants to be fat or skinny, and her albums arent really poppin like they used to. (They coulda picked Miss CountryFabulousMoney WayyyLong Carrie Underwood - I wouldnt have been mad at that at all).
But honestly...all of them need an average 25 more years of career before we go saluting them like this....
Howev, if you're so inlcined, the show airs Sept. 17
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Are You a Manager/Supervisor/Boss?
Well let me talk to you for a second. I understand that in this life there is a chain of command. I'm all for law-and-order, rules and regulations. In a place of business, someone gives directions and someone else carries them out.
It's just that simple. We don't have to respect the person giving the orders....but things will work a lot better for everybody if we do.
And the way to get respect? Real simple...Just have your sh*t together! That's all I ask. That way you avoid the issue of everyone else thinking they're smarter than you...and feeling like you don't deserve your title. When the people under you think you're a dumba**, well, then it's kinda hard to get them to listen to what you say. And everytime you ask them to do something, they're gonna look at you sideways and take their sweet time getting it done. Trust me on this one.
It's just that simple. We don't have to respect the person giving the orders....but things will work a lot better for everybody if we do.
And the way to get respect? Real simple...Just have your sh*t together! That's all I ask. That way you avoid the issue of everyone else thinking they're smarter than you...and feeling like you don't deserve your title. When the people under you think you're a dumba**, well, then it's kinda hard to get them to listen to what you say. And everytime you ask them to do something, they're gonna look at you sideways and take their sweet time getting it done. Trust me on this one.
Word to the Wise: Keep Ur Eyes Open
I'm really learning not to take anything at face value. Sometimes what looks like a bad situation actually turns out good....and of course, the converse is true as well: sometimes a thing looks good at first and eventually reveals itself to be bad.
One thing I know: people can only pretend for so long. A piece of their real selves will slip out every once in a while - think about it, it's easy to miss a spot when you have to put on a full face of makeup every day(i.e., being phony)...But it's not just with people. I was so excited to start my last job: It looked good on paper, and the hiring ppl really knew how to dress it up and sell that shyt, but when I actually got in there day to day and did the work, I'm like, nevermind.... Maybe not.
When you want to make a judgment call or label sumthing as good or bad- wait! Just sit back a little longer and observe what's going on. I'm telling you for a fact: things will reveal themselves if you just shut up, do you, and watch.
And one more thing: you have coworkers....and then you have friends. Rarely can the two become one. At the end of the day, if there's a chance for her to make herself look better than you, if there's a shot for her to advance one iota or get one more accolade than you, that b*tch will shove you under the bus real qwik-like! She might have smiled in ur face and ate lunch with you and made plans to have drinks on the weekend, but what did I just say? Don't be so quick to label her your home girl! Shut up and watch. Pleez believe, the bottomline is, YOU ARE the competition. I'm not saying walk around with your boxing gloves on all day, but you know, just be easy. Let ppl show you who they are.
Do I sound bitter? I hope not...I just had these lessons reinforced to me today, and the lessons are DONT BE NAIVE, and DONT PUT ANYTHING PAST ANYBODY! And I wanted to share them with you. (and it works the other way, too - before you say what you won't do or where you won't go, just keep in mind that you never know how or where God may bless you. And that gurl who you think looks like she isnt your type? Never know, she mite end up being ur wife! I'm just saying, don't label a sitch until you know what's really up.)
One thing I know: people can only pretend for so long. A piece of their real selves will slip out every once in a while - think about it, it's easy to miss a spot when you have to put on a full face of makeup every day(i.e., being phony)...But it's not just with people. I was so excited to start my last job: It looked good on paper, and the hiring ppl really knew how to dress it up and sell that shyt, but when I actually got in there day to day and did the work, I'm like, nevermind.... Maybe not.
When you want to make a judgment call or label sumthing as good or bad- wait! Just sit back a little longer and observe what's going on. I'm telling you for a fact: things will reveal themselves if you just shut up, do you, and watch.
And one more thing: you have coworkers....and then you have friends. Rarely can the two become one. At the end of the day, if there's a chance for her to make herself look better than you, if there's a shot for her to advance one iota or get one more accolade than you, that b*tch will shove you under the bus real qwik-like! She might have smiled in ur face and ate lunch with you and made plans to have drinks on the weekend, but what did I just say? Don't be so quick to label her your home girl! Shut up and watch. Pleez believe, the bottomline is, YOU ARE the competition. I'm not saying walk around with your boxing gloves on all day, but you know, just be easy. Let ppl show you who they are.
Do I sound bitter? I hope not...I just had these lessons reinforced to me today, and the lessons are DONT BE NAIVE, and DONT PUT ANYTHING PAST ANYBODY! And I wanted to share them with you. (and it works the other way, too - before you say what you won't do or where you won't go, just keep in mind that you never know how or where God may bless you. And that gurl who you think looks like she isnt your type? Never know, she mite end up being ur wife! I'm just saying, don't label a sitch until you know what's really up.)
Monday, July 20, 2009
My New Fav Chick
Dawn Richard, formerly of Day 26, now of the new group Dirty Money, really is more talented and creative than yall thought...well, than I thought. I really wasnt down with DK, but yall should run to HoneyMag.com and read this interview with her...she's more faceted (and knowlegable) than a girl group could allow her to display.
A lot of things goin on in the article, but clearly, girlfriend is feelin herself right now..reppin for the "bald-head" girls and the chocolate girls, and the girls who are all booed up! I feel everything she said! And did yall know she has a comic book out? Yea, since DK was her creation (she went to school for drawing and animation), she like, OK y'all heffas can leave, but ima keep the name and pimp it. She mite do a comic collabo with Tyrese, who has a comic book series coming out called Mayhem. (Who knew black ppl did all that funky, artsy, creative stuff?)
Anyway, the interviewer was like, wait you givin us too much sexy! Don't you have a man? And this was her answer:
"Awww sweetie, when you're taken is when you give it even further. When
you're taken is when you're hotter, trust me. You can let it go a little further
and dangle it out there. It doesn't stop just because you're taken. It's better
for us the sexier I feel. You know I am happy and when you love yourself
everything falls into place. When you really love yourself, everyone else will
see the light in you. You gotta see it in yourself first, I had to learn
that. "
And THIS is Why I Loooove Tyler Perry!
I don't care if you love or hate Tyler Perry's movies/TV shows/plays. Whenever I read an interview with this man, it just seems like he deserves all the good that comes hisway. It encourages me to see someone who recognizes how blessed he is.
Why do I say this? Well, I subscribed to his e-mail list. Every so often he'll send out an update, or an encouraging message, and today what he sent just blew me away.
You know the 65 black and Hispanic kids in the Phillly summer camp who were kicked out of a pool in the suburbs? Yes, you do know about the Valley Swim Club saying they "didn't have enough room" and telling the kids not to come back...after the white ppl started pulling their kids out of the pool and making racist comments....maybe you were so busy with the MJ news that you missed it...well, in any case, TP couldn't believe what happened to these kids. He heard that later on the Swim Club did a 180 and tried to invite the kids back, but Tyler was like nevermind, I got this. These are his exact words:
Again, it broke my heart and I wanted to do something, and I feel like you
all would want to do something, too.That's why I'm telling you this. Since you
all have put me in the position to be able to do something I feel like by me
doing this we are all doing it together. So what I did was on Aug 1st thru 3rd
I'm sending these kids to Disney World, and then to a Disney water park. I want
them to know that for every act of evil that a few people will throw at you,
there are millions more who will do something kind for them. This is all about
the kids. So, thank you for letting me do this. Thank you so much. And do
me a favor please. When you see these kids coming through the airport, (I'ms ure
you won't be able to miss them. I imagine they are going to be superexcited)
when you see them in the park and in the hotel, let's show them a whole lot of
love and respect. Show them that they are just as good as anyone else. And
show them that they can do or be anything they want tobe no matter what any one
says!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Moving Forward
If all the guys I loved before came back as better versions of themselves,
I'd tell them "no."
If I could travel back in time and be a different me as well,
I wouldn't go.
I guess I had to make those mistakes with them
because I couldn't give you what I didn't know.
I'd face the same pain again because this high wouldn't feel as good
if I couldn't compare it to my lowest low
And yes, we've agreed that I'm not perfect
but you gotta admit, you've seen me grow.
And even though I sometimes worry about what lies ahead,
I am absolutely sure that I still want to go.
I'd tell them "no."
If I could travel back in time and be a different me as well,
I wouldn't go.
I guess I had to make those mistakes with them
because I couldn't give you what I didn't know.
I'd face the same pain again because this high wouldn't feel as good
if I couldn't compare it to my lowest low
And yes, we've agreed that I'm not perfect
but you gotta admit, you've seen me grow.
And even though I sometimes worry about what lies ahead,
I am absolutely sure that I still want to go.
The Promotions Ministry
Everyone who reads this should know I am a Christian...but I'm also gunning for a career in media, so let me ask you this: Is anyone else uncomfortable at the idea of a pastor hosting a gospel show on public radio?
I mean, who else would you want to host a gospel show, right? I know...but I was taught that you can't use public radio to promote your own interests (yes, ppl do it all the time)...even if your interest is that everyone find salvation...and even though that's noble, if you further want them to do so at your church, then that's somethin else.
I'm not trying to pick on this man, but singer Marvin Winans is also the pastor of a large church here in Detroit. On Sunday mornings, a station that otherwise plays adult R&B music allows him to host a gospel show from like 6-11 a.m. I love the idea that I can listen to some positive, uplifting music on my way to church...but this man does so much talking about himself that I just want to turn the station off! There's a fine line btw giving God glory for all the things He's done for you...and tooting your own horn. He is tightrope walking on that line, y'all! Every DJ knows that ppl listen to the radio to hear music. No matter how engaging your personality is, I still wanna hear some songs, too! But no, we have to hear about all the events taking place at his church, all the ppl he knows and all the projects he's working on. And when he does interviews, boy, forget it! The "guests" can barely get a word in. He does that Tyra/Oprah thing where somehow everything always end up being about him...and he shamelessly plugs himself, his son and his church at every small opportunity.
I just read today that Pastor Winans is in the new Tyler Perry movie, "I Can Do Bad All by Myself," set to be released Sept. 11...what that meant to me was that pretty soon, you won't be able to tell him anything! I don't want to disrespect him if he is your pastor, please let me be clear. And I am happy he got such an awesome opportunity. (I would run naked from Detroit to Atlanta with no shoes on if I had the chance to work with Tyler Perry.) But to me, Winans already borderlines on being conceited...this might just push him over the edge!
I am a person who always says, if you don't like it, turn it off! But on Sundays, very few stations play gospel music, so it's almost like you have to take what you can get. This was made painfully clear last week when a host on another station was out and asked another Detroit gospel artist to cover for her. Karen Clark Sheard used the three hours to play music by her and her sisters (The Clark Sisters), her nephew (J. Moss) and her daughter (KeKe). I know the gospel community appears to be limited in terms of hit songs that you can play, but my bf pointed out that everytime a song of hers is played, she's getting paid for that...so while I would expect her to play a couple, I didn't think she'd be so blatant with it. And she also told us that if we need a church home, we should go to her church at such and such address where her husband is pastor...but come for the Word; don't be up in there looking at her man!
I'm like, OK...maybe now's a good time to get satellite radio...
I mean, who else would you want to host a gospel show, right? I know...but I was taught that you can't use public radio to promote your own interests (yes, ppl do it all the time)...even if your interest is that everyone find salvation...and even though that's noble, if you further want them to do so at your church, then that's somethin else.
I'm not trying to pick on this man, but singer Marvin Winans is also the pastor of a large church here in Detroit. On Sunday mornings, a station that otherwise plays adult R&B music allows him to host a gospel show from like 6-11 a.m. I love the idea that I can listen to some positive, uplifting music on my way to church...but this man does so much talking about himself that I just want to turn the station off! There's a fine line btw giving God glory for all the things He's done for you...and tooting your own horn. He is tightrope walking on that line, y'all! Every DJ knows that ppl listen to the radio to hear music. No matter how engaging your personality is, I still wanna hear some songs, too! But no, we have to hear about all the events taking place at his church, all the ppl he knows and all the projects he's working on. And when he does interviews, boy, forget it! The "guests" can barely get a word in. He does that Tyra/Oprah thing where somehow everything always end up being about him...and he shamelessly plugs himself, his son and his church at every small opportunity.
I just read today that Pastor Winans is in the new Tyler Perry movie, "I Can Do Bad All by Myself," set to be released Sept. 11...what that meant to me was that pretty soon, you won't be able to tell him anything! I don't want to disrespect him if he is your pastor, please let me be clear. And I am happy he got such an awesome opportunity. (I would run naked from Detroit to Atlanta with no shoes on if I had the chance to work with Tyler Perry.) But to me, Winans already borderlines on being conceited...this might just push him over the edge!
I am a person who always says, if you don't like it, turn it off! But on Sundays, very few stations play gospel music, so it's almost like you have to take what you can get. This was made painfully clear last week when a host on another station was out and asked another Detroit gospel artist to cover for her. Karen Clark Sheard used the three hours to play music by her and her sisters (The Clark Sisters), her nephew (J. Moss) and her daughter (KeKe). I know the gospel community appears to be limited in terms of hit songs that you can play, but my bf pointed out that everytime a song of hers is played, she's getting paid for that...so while I would expect her to play a couple, I didn't think she'd be so blatant with it. And she also told us that if we need a church home, we should go to her church at such and such address where her husband is pastor...but come for the Word; don't be up in there looking at her man!
I'm like, OK...maybe now's a good time to get satellite radio...
You're Too Young for Love!
In the short time since I graduated from high school and from college, I've noticed an interesting phenomenon. In addition to those who have gotten pregnant, which is to be expected, many people in my young peer group are also getting married. As in 22, 23 year olds making lifetime commitments.
This surprises some ppl, because we say things like, they're too young to get married; or who wants to be tied down at that age?
(But let me remind you that years ago, someone unmarried in her 20s would be considered an old maid. )
The thing is, we've equated youth with fun, and that is equated to the single life. We perpetuate the idea that now is the time to date around. (You remember the mathematic theorum that if a+b=c, and b+c=a, then a=c...or sumthin like that) SO yea, in other words to be young means to be single as well, these days. Don't get me wrong, it is absolutely NECESSARY to identify and evaluate your options. But let's not act like you cant have fun and you cant enjoy your youth unless you're single.We look at ppl like they're crazy if, instead of goin thru as many ppl as they can right now, they actually decide to try to be committed to one person.
Boyfriend/girlfriend relationships are extremely fragile at this age, let alone a husband/wife deal.
I'll be real: I, too used to feel like I was"missing out" on something by being in a relationship instead of being able to entertain any offer that comes my way. It takes maturity and discipline to decide you will be with one person, and the ability to deny your self the opportunity to appease your curiosities requires a level of restraint that young ppl feel they shouldn't have to exercise right now....I understand that.
I'll even go a step further: the idea of "success" also does not come with the notion of being in a relationship. It looks like you can't really enjoy the fruits of your labor with a wife or husband in tow. We see celebs trading partners each week, and it looks again, like dating as many hot ppl as you can, as quickly as you can, is a measurement of your wealth and success.
I'm not saying that marriage should be everyone's end goal....Do whatever makes you happy. If having the freedom to sleep with whoever, whenever makes you happy - get it in! If being a maneater floats your boat cuz u enjoy being able to pull any man in the room - do it, mama! If you enjoy the idea of ho*s fallin at your feet as a result of you having cash/a lil success/a lil fame - do you! But some ppl feel like if that's what they're "missing out on" by being booed up, then they can live with that. If you've realized that the person you're with is worth more than any potential fling, then why not make it official? It is quite possible that having someone who loves and supports you and will be there when you come home at night could be quite fulfilling, whether you're 23 or 33.
This surprises some ppl, because we say things like, they're too young to get married; or who wants to be tied down at that age?
(But let me remind you that years ago, someone unmarried in her 20s would be considered an old maid. )
The thing is, we've equated youth with fun, and that is equated to the single life. We perpetuate the idea that now is the time to date around. (You remember the mathematic theorum that if a+b=c, and b+c=a, then a=c...or sumthin like that) SO yea, in other words to be young means to be single as well, these days. Don't get me wrong, it is absolutely NECESSARY to identify and evaluate your options. But let's not act like you cant have fun and you cant enjoy your youth unless you're single.We look at ppl like they're crazy if, instead of goin thru as many ppl as they can right now, they actually decide to try to be committed to one person.
Boyfriend/girlfriend relationships are extremely fragile at this age, let alone a husband/wife deal.
I'll be real: I, too used to feel like I was"missing out" on something by being in a relationship instead of being able to entertain any offer that comes my way. It takes maturity and discipline to decide you will be with one person, and the ability to deny your self the opportunity to appease your curiosities requires a level of restraint that young ppl feel they shouldn't have to exercise right now....I understand that.
I'll even go a step further: the idea of "success" also does not come with the notion of being in a relationship. It looks like you can't really enjoy the fruits of your labor with a wife or husband in tow. We see celebs trading partners each week, and it looks again, like dating as many hot ppl as you can, as quickly as you can, is a measurement of your wealth and success.
I'm not saying that marriage should be everyone's end goal....Do whatever makes you happy. If having the freedom to sleep with whoever, whenever makes you happy - get it in! If being a maneater floats your boat cuz u enjoy being able to pull any man in the room - do it, mama! If you enjoy the idea of ho*s fallin at your feet as a result of you having cash/a lil success/a lil fame - do you! But some ppl feel like if that's what they're "missing out on" by being booed up, then they can live with that. If you've realized that the person you're with is worth more than any potential fling, then why not make it official? It is quite possible that having someone who loves and supports you and will be there when you come home at night could be quite fulfilling, whether you're 23 or 33.
Cheers
I read a quote recently that said, "You know you're over something if you can see somebody enjoying what you once had and be genuinely happy for them."
Keep that in mind as I share this story that many of you might be able to relate to. Late last night, someone sent me a picture of a baby. I'd never seen the little girl before, so I texted back, "Who the heck is that?" Apparently, the last guy I dealt with recently impregnanted someone and she had his baby.
Well, to be quite honest, I really had strong feelings for that young man. It's safe to say I took the whole disassociation process kinda hard...a few months ago I might have been a lil broken up to find that he has a baby...but today, I truly don't care.
I'm not bitter, not salty, not hurt...nope, for the most part I'm indifferent. I would say I don't give a f***, but there's a new life involved - so it's better to say I wish the little girl the best.
And I actually went on about my business very peacefully after I erased the picture, because due to my reaction, I can now safely say that I feel whole. Some ppl take a lil longer to get over than others, but I'm so happy right now that it would take a lot to shake me.
Good luck and God bless to all y'all! I dodged that bullet! :o)
Keep that in mind as I share this story that many of you might be able to relate to. Late last night, someone sent me a picture of a baby. I'd never seen the little girl before, so I texted back, "Who the heck is that?" Apparently, the last guy I dealt with recently impregnanted someone and she had his baby.
Well, to be quite honest, I really had strong feelings for that young man. It's safe to say I took the whole disassociation process kinda hard...a few months ago I might have been a lil broken up to find that he has a baby...but today, I truly don't care.
I'm not bitter, not salty, not hurt...nope, for the most part I'm indifferent. I would say I don't give a f***, but there's a new life involved - so it's better to say I wish the little girl the best.
And I actually went on about my business very peacefully after I erased the picture, because due to my reaction, I can now safely say that I feel whole. Some ppl take a lil longer to get over than others, but I'm so happy right now that it would take a lot to shake me.
Good luck and God bless to all y'all! I dodged that bullet! :o)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
On Second Thought...
...That McDonald's Angus Burger really wasnt that tasty the second time around....but very few things are as enjoyable as the first.
...And this new Dove deodorant designed to make your thinner so that overtime you'll shave less...yea, that mess is not living up to its promises
....And why do I keep trying to grow my hair long if I think short hair is cuter???
...And this new Dove deodorant designed to make your thinner so that overtime you'll shave less...yea, that mess is not living up to its promises
....And why do I keep trying to grow my hair long if I think short hair is cuter???
The New Youth of the Nation
For all you ppl who have shaken your heads and wondered sumthing along the lines of, "What's happening to these kids today?" my answer to you is this: look at their parents.
You can't have home training if no one in your home has good sense.
I was listening to a public hearing of the Detroit City Council. Since they're here for the public, they held a hearing where absolutely anybody could stand up and express how they felt about the issues with COBO Hall. Problems arose because there was such a lack of decorum in the auditorium that you really couldn't hear anyone - much less understand their position.
It sounded like your middle school cafeteria.
It sounded like the playground at recess.
It sounded like the Apollo Theater.
When actual representatives from Lansing tried to clear up the myths about the COBO deal and spell out what is really being proposed, they were met with boos and name calling and general disrespect. You couldn't hear the ppl on the microphone because the ppl in the audience were even louder. I honestly feared for certain ppl's safety because the hostility was palpable.
So if "adults" go to a meeting and call each other names simply because they disagree with another person, what do you expect their kids to do? If grown ppl can't have a discussion where one person speaks at a time, you shouldn't be surprised if you go to your child's school and witness the same scene.
Parents don't know how to act, and grannies aren't grannies anymore. That's what it boils down to...
You can't have home training if no one in your home has good sense.
I was listening to a public hearing of the Detroit City Council. Since they're here for the public, they held a hearing where absolutely anybody could stand up and express how they felt about the issues with COBO Hall. Problems arose because there was such a lack of decorum in the auditorium that you really couldn't hear anyone - much less understand their position.
It sounded like your middle school cafeteria.
It sounded like the playground at recess.
It sounded like the Apollo Theater.
When actual representatives from Lansing tried to clear up the myths about the COBO deal and spell out what is really being proposed, they were met with boos and name calling and general disrespect. You couldn't hear the ppl on the microphone because the ppl in the audience were even louder. I honestly feared for certain ppl's safety because the hostility was palpable.
So if "adults" go to a meeting and call each other names simply because they disagree with another person, what do you expect their kids to do? If grown ppl can't have a discussion where one person speaks at a time, you shouldn't be surprised if you go to your child's school and witness the same scene.
Parents don't know how to act, and grannies aren't grannies anymore. That's what it boils down to...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
TBS Really Bangs with Black Ppl
After the success of Tyler Perry's "House of Payne" and "Meet the Browns" TV shows, now TBS has struck a deal with Ice Cube to bring "Are We There Yet?" to the small screen.
In a move that proves that, yes, The CW did cancel all of its black programs, Terry Crews (of "Everybody Hates Chris" fame) will play Cube's character from the movie.
"Are We There Yet?" made more than $82 million at the box office, so apparently several stations were actually bidding to pick up the show. BET lost....USA lost...but TBS was like, hey, we got 3,000 Tyler Perry shows on every day all day and yall are watching, so we'll take it!
Here's the article if you want to read for yourself. I didn't see the movie or the sequel, but it looks like today is still a good day for Ice Cube....
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118005998.html?categoryId=14&cs=1&nid=2248
In a move that proves that, yes, The CW did cancel all of its black programs, Terry Crews (of "Everybody Hates Chris" fame) will play Cube's character from the movie.
"Are We There Yet?" made more than $82 million at the box office, so apparently several stations were actually bidding to pick up the show. BET lost....USA lost...but TBS was like, hey, we got 3,000 Tyler Perry shows on every day all day and yall are watching, so we'll take it!
Here's the article if you want to read for yourself. I didn't see the movie or the sequel, but it looks like today is still a good day for Ice Cube....
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118005998.html?categoryId=14&cs=1&nid=2248
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Baby Daddy Scorned
My mama called this one. She said Sarah Palin resigned so she could pursue that book deal, which would make her money way longer than government ever could.
Mama, you were right. Bristol Palin's baby daddy, Levi Johnston, who lived with the Palins all of two weeks, said he heard Sarah say on numerous occasions that it would be nice to take advantage of all the offers coming her way. One such offer was a reality show (which, unfortunately, many of yall would watch.) He also said her book deal alone was worth millions.
By the way, young Levi is also working on a book deal and a movie deal...first the Palins forced him to get engaged to their daughter, then when Sarah lost they decided to drop the front. they kicked him out, called off the wedding, and now they barely let him see his baby...so really he's a baby daddy scorned. However, I'm still gonna take his word on this.
Holla Holla
A funny thing happened to me recently.
Less than two weeks ago I went to the bank, and a not-so-attractive young man approached me and asked for my number. I said no. He asked why. (Not sure why he thought that was a godd question...why do yall even ask that?) I said I had a bf. He hit me with that, I was just trynna be friends-type line. I don't recall how I got him to go away.
Well, yesterday I was at work and that same gumpy young man (now dressed in business casual attire, as was I) changed his course of direction to turn around, shake my hand and say, "Hi, my name is Miles. I wanted to know if I could get your number." I kept walking and said no. He asked why not. I said, "I'm straight." He paused, said OK and turned back around.
Maybe I should be flattered that he thuoght I was pretty twice in a row-like it wasn't a fluke or sumthing. But it's funny that he forgot his previous rejection.
Less than two weeks ago I went to the bank, and a not-so-attractive young man approached me and asked for my number. I said no. He asked why. (Not sure why he thought that was a godd question...why do yall even ask that?) I said I had a bf. He hit me with that, I was just trynna be friends-type line. I don't recall how I got him to go away.
Well, yesterday I was at work and that same gumpy young man (now dressed in business casual attire, as was I) changed his course of direction to turn around, shake my hand and say, "Hi, my name is Miles. I wanted to know if I could get your number." I kept walking and said no. He asked why not. I said, "I'm straight." He paused, said OK and turned back around.
Maybe I should be flattered that he thuoght I was pretty twice in a row-like it wasn't a fluke or sumthing. But it's funny that he forgot his previous rejection.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Re:Re: Steve McNair
Now the authorities have drawn some conclusions and made sum statements about what they think happened to Steve McNair.... It doesn't entirely negate my earlier post, when I heard the death was the doing of a jealous ex, but I won't do any more speculating of my own.
Again, I don't know what things were like in his home life to where he felt he had to kick it with a 20-yr-old waitress.
But listen, the problem with jumpoffs is that at sum point, they'll want to be elevated to wifey. I can't say that they'll all flip out when they realize that won't happen, because there are a lot of women who are content with being girlfriend #2...And there are many trifling women who will give their tricks and treats away entirely for free, no strings attached.
But then again, a lot of women say they're fine with your down-low arrangement, and when feelings really get involved they wish things could be different.....I'm just telling you what I know.
Again, I don't know what things were like in his home life to where he felt he had to kick it with a 20-yr-old waitress.
But listen, the problem with jumpoffs is that at sum point, they'll want to be elevated to wifey. I can't say that they'll all flip out when they realize that won't happen, because there are a lot of women who are content with being girlfriend #2...And there are many trifling women who will give their tricks and treats away entirely for free, no strings attached.
But then again, a lot of women say they're fine with your down-low arrangement, and when feelings really get involved they wish things could be different.....I'm just telling you what I know.
You Snakes Keep Hidin in the Grass, Man
Have you ever had an experience where you knew somebody was trying to trap you into saying the wrong thing?
At work a young lady noticed my tattoo. It's my initial, in purple, wearing a crown. She said,"Why didn't you get something with Jesus on it?" Caught me off guard. I'm like, "Why would I need a tattoo of Him?" She said, "Oh, I don't know. You always talkin bout Him, I just thought you'd get a cross or something." I'm like, naw, i'm good with this. She said, "That is precious, though." OK...
Later on another young lady was talking to her. She raised her voice loudly and looked over at me while saying, "Girl, you know Driadonna don't like anybody who work up in here."
Again, caught me off guard...I had no idea where that came from because it wasn't an entirely true statement. I liked everyone who hadn't given me a reason not to, and I was polite to everyone in spite of their behavior. (However, when you get a phone call from one of the people you do like telling you how the girls at work talked about you soo bad cuz they didn't like your hair...well, at that point, it's f* all yall petty 'oes).
However, it gave me the feeling that this was a discussion the girls had been having outside of my presence, and here was my time to confirm or deny. I just said, "amen," and continued what I was doing. Interpret that however you please.
At work a young lady noticed my tattoo. It's my initial, in purple, wearing a crown. She said,"Why didn't you get something with Jesus on it?" Caught me off guard. I'm like, "Why would I need a tattoo of Him?" She said, "Oh, I don't know. You always talkin bout Him, I just thought you'd get a cross or something." I'm like, naw, i'm good with this. She said, "That is precious, though." OK...
Later on another young lady was talking to her. She raised her voice loudly and looked over at me while saying, "Girl, you know Driadonna don't like anybody who work up in here."
Again, caught me off guard...I had no idea where that came from because it wasn't an entirely true statement. I liked everyone who hadn't given me a reason not to, and I was polite to everyone in spite of their behavior. (However, when you get a phone call from one of the people you do like telling you how the girls at work talked about you soo bad cuz they didn't like your hair...well, at that point, it's f* all yall petty 'oes).
However, it gave me the feeling that this was a discussion the girls had been having outside of my presence, and here was my time to confirm or deny. I just said, "amen," and continued what I was doing. Interpret that however you please.
Im Not Trying to Appeal to You Conservatives
But have you noticed that the store Forever 21 kinda seems to be down with Jesus?
The bottom of the bags say John 3:16, which is, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."
The accessories branch of Forever is called "For Love," the new contemporary line is "Love 21" and the new plus-size line is called "Faith 21."
I'm not suggesting that all Christians should now shop exclusively at this store; I just noticed that connection and wonder if you have too...or if you know the history behind it. They oughta be thanking Jesus - cuz that store makes money, baby!
The bottom of the bags say John 3:16, which is, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."
The accessories branch of Forever is called "For Love," the new contemporary line is "Love 21" and the new plus-size line is called "Faith 21."
I'm not suggesting that all Christians should now shop exclusively at this store; I just noticed that connection and wonder if you have too...or if you know the history behind it. They oughta be thanking Jesus - cuz that store makes money, baby!
Sleeping with One Eye Open
Of late, a certain young lady and I have really started to become friends again. For most of our lives, we argued like "cats and dogs," according to one observer. We started out close, then a shift occurred. Now the pendulum is swinging the other way.
We laugh all the time. We hang out together, just the two of us. We do considerate things for one another. She'll treat me to drinks or food and I'll pick her up from work or whatever. We talk more. And when people come at me, she has my back! I'm not used to that...but it makes me happy that she's in my corner, like she's supposed to be. Once upon a time she was a traitor and always aligned herself with the haters, (when she herself wasn't leading the attack.) Most of the time we get along well, and I am happy to have her friendship...but I've noticed something. I can point to at least three instances where young men have done sum dead wrong things to her. At first she's like, I'm done with them. She'll even ask you for advice like she's really listening. Then the next thing you know, they're her boos again. She's about to go out with him, he just called her to talk and she obliged. I call her a stupid, wishy-washy female. She says, "I'm very forgiving."
This troubles me. It makes me wonder if she can turn that quickly, what's to stop her from flipping back out on me? If she is so forgiving, how long will it be before she's right back kickin it with the people who have decided they are anti-DevaDonna? We should be real here, her allegiance to me only came around the time she stopped being so ride or die with them....
I'd hate for things to revert to the old way, but really, there's no way of guaranteeing it won't. But in the spirit of taking things one day at a time, I'll enjoy a good thing while it lasts....
We laugh all the time. We hang out together, just the two of us. We do considerate things for one another. She'll treat me to drinks or food and I'll pick her up from work or whatever. We talk more. And when people come at me, she has my back! I'm not used to that...but it makes me happy that she's in my corner, like she's supposed to be. Once upon a time she was a traitor and always aligned herself with the haters, (when she herself wasn't leading the attack.) Most of the time we get along well, and I am happy to have her friendship...but I've noticed something. I can point to at least three instances where young men have done sum dead wrong things to her. At first she's like, I'm done with them. She'll even ask you for advice like she's really listening. Then the next thing you know, they're her boos again. She's about to go out with him, he just called her to talk and she obliged. I call her a stupid, wishy-washy female. She says, "I'm very forgiving."
This troubles me. It makes me wonder if she can turn that quickly, what's to stop her from flipping back out on me? If she is so forgiving, how long will it be before she's right back kickin it with the people who have decided they are anti-DevaDonna? We should be real here, her allegiance to me only came around the time she stopped being so ride or die with them....
I'd hate for things to revert to the old way, but really, there's no way of guaranteeing it won't. But in the spirit of taking things one day at a time, I'll enjoy a good thing while it lasts....
O.T.B
Ask any high school senior what that abbreviation means, if you don't know.
I admire ppl who have the discipline to go to a job they dislike. That's what it boils down to, having the discipline to recognize that today's current job is just a stepping stone to where you're trying to go, or just a means to an end. That type of mindset enables you to do what you gotta do, as they say.
Well, I'm not there yet. I quit one of my jobs last week. I've never quit before (wait-I'll tell you what happened with McDonald's and we can decide if I was fired or if I quit). And as much as I need money...and as many people who are out here in need of a job, it just seems crass and stupid to quit when you already have one.
It was an easy job. I was a waitress, and while most of them make $2.00/hour, I made above minimum wage. This means whether tips were good or not, I still had a decent paycheck. I walked out with cash in pocket every night, which is unlikely to happen at any other job. I worked at night, leaving me with all day to work another job and run errands. (When I wasnt sleepy from working all night, right?) It was only three days a week, too, then it was supposed to be reduced to two. Tips varied widely from night to night: one night I made $14. The last nite I went out with a bang, having done the least amount of work and making $146.50....But I had to literally convince myself to go every single day.
The bosses and their rules were awful, the co-workers weren't the best company (I will never understand why it's like that when a buncha chicks get together) and nice customers were few and far between. Tore my feet up wearing heels for eight hours a night; eight hours I coulda been sleeping or spending time with family or applying for a better job, or even watching DVR. Beyond that, by the time dues, fees, taxes and tips were taken out, it was clear to me I could make as much money at a minimum wage gig anywhere else. But these are minor reasons, I know.
I was supposed to go on Sunday, and I agonized over the decision like someone had asked if I wanted to die by lethal injection or by the electric chair. I said to my sister, "I can go to work tonight and make over $100. Should I go?"
In all her 8-year-old wisdom, she broke that thing down to its least common denominator. She said, "You can go if you want to, but if you don't want to, then..." she shrugged and continued her pursuit of fireflies.
I realized that as much as I could do with $100 plus $8.77/hr, I simply did not want to go. As I called off, I acknowledged it was a dumb decision. But I stayed home anyway. I washed dishes that I'd allowed to pile up and I slept sooooo peacefully. I was starting a new job in the morning, and instead of having to rush there from the other gig, I was able to iron my clothes the night before, do sum research and walk in bright-eyed and energetic.
Every day since I have quit, I have felt sososo good. I wake up early every morning, with a smile. I say thank you Lord for every little thing. Because I am indeed grateful to have happiness and peace. I still have two jobs, and I walk into both of them happy as hell. I don't mind the day's activities, whether it's folding clothes or entering data into Excel. I just feel carefree. From the 13th floor office where I am now, I can see Hart Plaza, the Detroit River, Canada, and the sun shining on both countries. I'm surrounded by ppl who are working for change, and while it's only a summer job, I'm genuinely excited to be here.
Quitting instantly improved my quality of life. I still have a car note to pay for, grad school to apply for and astronomical car insurance to pay for. I'm still trying to get into my career, forget another job! But I'm happy in the meantime. Whew!
I admire ppl who have the discipline to go to a job they dislike. That's what it boils down to, having the discipline to recognize that today's current job is just a stepping stone to where you're trying to go, or just a means to an end. That type of mindset enables you to do what you gotta do, as they say.
Well, I'm not there yet. I quit one of my jobs last week. I've never quit before (wait-I'll tell you what happened with McDonald's and we can decide if I was fired or if I quit). And as much as I need money...and as many people who are out here in need of a job, it just seems crass and stupid to quit when you already have one.
It was an easy job. I was a waitress, and while most of them make $2.00/hour, I made above minimum wage. This means whether tips were good or not, I still had a decent paycheck. I walked out with cash in pocket every night, which is unlikely to happen at any other job. I worked at night, leaving me with all day to work another job and run errands. (When I wasnt sleepy from working all night, right?) It was only three days a week, too, then it was supposed to be reduced to two. Tips varied widely from night to night: one night I made $14. The last nite I went out with a bang, having done the least amount of work and making $146.50....But I had to literally convince myself to go every single day.
The bosses and their rules were awful, the co-workers weren't the best company (I will never understand why it's like that when a buncha chicks get together) and nice customers were few and far between. Tore my feet up wearing heels for eight hours a night; eight hours I coulda been sleeping or spending time with family or applying for a better job, or even watching DVR. Beyond that, by the time dues, fees, taxes and tips were taken out, it was clear to me I could make as much money at a minimum wage gig anywhere else. But these are minor reasons, I know.
I was supposed to go on Sunday, and I agonized over the decision like someone had asked if I wanted to die by lethal injection or by the electric chair. I said to my sister, "I can go to work tonight and make over $100. Should I go?"
In all her 8-year-old wisdom, she broke that thing down to its least common denominator. She said, "You can go if you want to, but if you don't want to, then..." she shrugged and continued her pursuit of fireflies.
I realized that as much as I could do with $100 plus $8.77/hr, I simply did not want to go. As I called off, I acknowledged it was a dumb decision. But I stayed home anyway. I washed dishes that I'd allowed to pile up and I slept sooooo peacefully. I was starting a new job in the morning, and instead of having to rush there from the other gig, I was able to iron my clothes the night before, do sum research and walk in bright-eyed and energetic.
Every day since I have quit, I have felt sososo good. I wake up early every morning, with a smile. I say thank you Lord for every little thing. Because I am indeed grateful to have happiness and peace. I still have two jobs, and I walk into both of them happy as hell. I don't mind the day's activities, whether it's folding clothes or entering data into Excel. I just feel carefree. From the 13th floor office where I am now, I can see Hart Plaza, the Detroit River, Canada, and the sun shining on both countries. I'm surrounded by ppl who are working for change, and while it's only a summer job, I'm genuinely excited to be here.
Quitting instantly improved my quality of life. I still have a car note to pay for, grad school to apply for and astronomical car insurance to pay for. I'm still trying to get into my career, forget another job! But I'm happy in the meantime. Whew!
Another Call to Action
If you're reading this on Facebook, then chances are you know what I look like. With this in mind, can you recommend a nice blush, eye shadow and especially sum lip glosses or lipsticks that will look nice with my skin tone?
Fellas, if your girl is close to my complexion (which she's probably not, cuz yall dont mess with chocolate girls anymore, let alone non-light skinned ones) but in the event that she is, ask her what lip gloss she uses if you think it looks good.
Nothing too dark or too light...and nothing that just looks like glitter. (Glittery glosses are for 12-yr-olds). The worst is super-thick gloss, (typically MAC) cuz my hair gets stuck like a fly in a spiderweb, and that is not cute. Most glosses, no matter what they look like in their container, end up just looking shiny, but not having any color because of my complexion, I believe. Therefore, if you have something that's working for you, please share!!!
Thanks! (Sorry if you thought my plea was for sumthing less superficial, lol)
Fellas, if your girl is close to my complexion (which she's probably not, cuz yall dont mess with chocolate girls anymore, let alone non-light skinned ones) but in the event that she is, ask her what lip gloss she uses if you think it looks good.
Nothing too dark or too light...and nothing that just looks like glitter. (Glittery glosses are for 12-yr-olds). The worst is super-thick gloss, (typically MAC) cuz my hair gets stuck like a fly in a spiderweb, and that is not cute. Most glosses, no matter what they look like in their container, end up just looking shiny, but not having any color because of my complexion, I believe. Therefore, if you have something that's working for you, please share!!!
Thanks! (Sorry if you thought my plea was for sumthing less superficial, lol)
Single Black Female Addicted to Retail
It doesn't help that I work in a clothing store. I spend a lot of my day working on stock, so I see all the cute, cheap stuff before it hits the floor.
If I work three days, I probably buy something twice. (I've slowed down a bit, though. Seriously.) I tell myself, this skirt is only $11.50. This head band is $1.50. That's not a big deal! But before you know it, 10 + 3+ 4 here and there adds up to 50 before I know it!!!!
My mom said, if you keep spending a little bit here and there, you won't have any money when something big comes up that you really need. And she's right. I stopped using all my credit cards and said I would only spend cash from now on; thats a good step, right? Not if I still have that darn debit card on standby...
It's not that I'm cashing out in an attempt to keep up with the latest trends. It's just that I see this one small thing and that one little thing, and I think I'll be happy after that. Last night I drove to two CVS's to find a shade of nail polish I saw in ESSENCE magazine...Knowing I don't have $2.99 to waste right now.
Another point is, there are many facets of my life I can't control. But if I want a frappucino at midnight, that's within my power. I'll get up and go get one. Food....is one area where I waste a lot of money, too. In addition to weave and hair care products. I tell myself, weave is versatile and convenient. I drop this bundle of cash but dont have to worry about it for the next month and a half...then I get tired of the 'do the next week. Or I read about this new deep conditioner and decide that it might be that miracle product I've been waiting for to help me get salon hair at home. (I think the solution here is just to cut it all off, or consider locks, as one reader suggested.)
HELP ME!! HELP ME PLEASE!!!! CALLING ALL FRUGAL, NON-BROKE PPL! HELP ME DEVELOP SUM DISCIPLINE!!!!
If I work three days, I probably buy something twice. (I've slowed down a bit, though. Seriously.) I tell myself, this skirt is only $11.50. This head band is $1.50. That's not a big deal! But before you know it, 10 + 3+ 4 here and there adds up to 50 before I know it!!!!
My mom said, if you keep spending a little bit here and there, you won't have any money when something big comes up that you really need. And she's right. I stopped using all my credit cards and said I would only spend cash from now on; thats a good step, right? Not if I still have that darn debit card on standby...
It's not that I'm cashing out in an attempt to keep up with the latest trends. It's just that I see this one small thing and that one little thing, and I think I'll be happy after that. Last night I drove to two CVS's to find a shade of nail polish I saw in ESSENCE magazine...Knowing I don't have $2.99 to waste right now.
Another point is, there are many facets of my life I can't control. But if I want a frappucino at midnight, that's within my power. I'll get up and go get one. Food....is one area where I waste a lot of money, too. In addition to weave and hair care products. I tell myself, weave is versatile and convenient. I drop this bundle of cash but dont have to worry about it for the next month and a half...then I get tired of the 'do the next week. Or I read about this new deep conditioner and decide that it might be that miracle product I've been waiting for to help me get salon hair at home. (I think the solution here is just to cut it all off, or consider locks, as one reader suggested.)
HELP ME!! HELP ME PLEASE!!!! CALLING ALL FRUGAL, NON-BROKE PPL! HELP ME DEVELOP SUM DISCIPLINE!!!!
Chivalry IS Dead
Fellas, I feel you. I do. I'm a woman, but it truly annoys me when I do courteous things for people and they fail to acknowledge it.
If I hold the door open for someone and they walk through like it magically opened, or worse, like I was supposed to do it, I loudly say, "You're welcome," to let them know that the heavens didn't just open the door for them. At work, when someone asked for a drink by saying, "Gimme a Coke," or "Let me get that," I would pause and say, "Oh you mean, may you have a Coke, please? Yes, you certainly can! Enjoy your evening." (Gotta be careful with that, though, cuz sumtimes rude ppl still tip.)
Beyond the general lack of manners in the world, I just want you all to know that I'm surprised by whom the perpetrators are. You see, there once was a time when all the old ppl you saw were nice and sweet...always smiling and offering you peppermints. Now, these old folks are rude! I held the door open for a lady at the bank last week, and she was more concerned with beating me to the line - when there were only 2 people there anyway! I said, "Oh no. Never again." So guys, I understand if you've decided you're done being chivalrous. (If you see me struggling with a bunch of groceries, take it back, though.)
(This reminds me of another topic: how much I dislike these rude Detroit/Up North dudes. I will get to that post in a minute, but for now it absolutely stands true that Southern guys have manners and Northern just guys don't know how to act.)
If I hold the door open for someone and they walk through like it magically opened, or worse, like I was supposed to do it, I loudly say, "You're welcome," to let them know that the heavens didn't just open the door for them. At work, when someone asked for a drink by saying, "Gimme a Coke," or "Let me get that," I would pause and say, "Oh you mean, may you have a Coke, please? Yes, you certainly can! Enjoy your evening." (Gotta be careful with that, though, cuz sumtimes rude ppl still tip.)
Beyond the general lack of manners in the world, I just want you all to know that I'm surprised by whom the perpetrators are. You see, there once was a time when all the old ppl you saw were nice and sweet...always smiling and offering you peppermints. Now, these old folks are rude! I held the door open for a lady at the bank last week, and she was more concerned with beating me to the line - when there were only 2 people there anyway! I said, "Oh no. Never again." So guys, I understand if you've decided you're done being chivalrous. (If you see me struggling with a bunch of groceries, take it back, though.)
(This reminds me of another topic: how much I dislike these rude Detroit/Up North dudes. I will get to that post in a minute, but for now it absolutely stands true that Southern guys have manners and Northern just guys don't know how to act.)
Analog Girl in a Digital World
It's hard being a no-nonsense girl in a BS world. It really is, y'all.
I've been mislabelled as being mean, or not liking ppl...The truth is, the rest of the world is about that BS, and I just don't have the temparement for it. That's all it is. There's an obvious conflict btw what y'all doing and what I've figured out as being necessary.
1. For instance, I dont like to a** kiss. But you have to do this in certain cases. It is absolutely true that you want to get on your manager's good side, and the way to do this is by shucking and jiving, making idle chit chat, laughing at their lame jokes and over-exerting yourself in their presence. The ones they like get special treatment, and that's how you get it...which is bull.
2. I figured out a while ago that grown does not=always right. But even when they're acting your age, you can't talk to your aunts and uncles like they are...you have to show them respect they don't even deserve at that moment...which is sum bull.
3. I don't feel the need to fill silence because we're standing next to each other. Yet co-workers try to force conversation and consider you rude if you don't play along...which is bull. Lady, I know you don't care how my weekend was. So let's just work in silence; it's more efficient that way. This is an actual transcript of a convo one of my managers tried to have with me:
Her: So, are you in school?
Me: No.
(Silence, as she searches for another subject.)
Her: Kids, husband, boyfriend?
Me: (Laughter, cuz she was reaching....and it was pathetic.)
Yea, I have a boyfriend. We just started dating.
Her: Oh yea? Me too! (Happy to have found a minute connection.)
4. This concept of gettng good grades and going to school so you can get a good job. Clearly, that's out of the window these days....but I'm trying to do it anyway...which is bull.
5. Car insurance. THEE single biggest rip off ever. My insurance is $100 higher than my car note...which is sum bull. However, since I have a new car, the bank won't finance me if I don't have full coverage...which is sum bull. I'd like to chill sumtimes too, but I gotta work to pay some folks I dont't even need. Any accident I do get into will still cost less than all the money I've given away to these crooks...but you must have it...which is sum bull.
6. The world loves people with no talent (Rihanna, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus), while those with talent can't even beg yall for the time of day...which is sum bull.
You see, folks, I'm not that bad. I'm just a no-nonsense girl in a BS-kinda world.
I've been mislabelled as being mean, or not liking ppl...The truth is, the rest of the world is about that BS, and I just don't have the temparement for it. That's all it is. There's an obvious conflict btw what y'all doing and what I've figured out as being necessary.
1. For instance, I dont like to a** kiss. But you have to do this in certain cases. It is absolutely true that you want to get on your manager's good side, and the way to do this is by shucking and jiving, making idle chit chat, laughing at their lame jokes and over-exerting yourself in their presence. The ones they like get special treatment, and that's how you get it...which is bull.
2. I figured out a while ago that grown does not=always right. But even when they're acting your age, you can't talk to your aunts and uncles like they are...you have to show them respect they don't even deserve at that moment...which is sum bull.
3. I don't feel the need to fill silence because we're standing next to each other. Yet co-workers try to force conversation and consider you rude if you don't play along...which is bull. Lady, I know you don't care how my weekend was. So let's just work in silence; it's more efficient that way. This is an actual transcript of a convo one of my managers tried to have with me:
Her: So, are you in school?
Me: No.
(Silence, as she searches for another subject.)
Her: Kids, husband, boyfriend?
Me: (Laughter, cuz she was reaching....and it was pathetic.)
Yea, I have a boyfriend. We just started dating.
Her: Oh yea? Me too! (Happy to have found a minute connection.)
4. This concept of gettng good grades and going to school so you can get a good job. Clearly, that's out of the window these days....but I'm trying to do it anyway...which is bull.
5. Car insurance. THEE single biggest rip off ever. My insurance is $100 higher than my car note...which is sum bull. However, since I have a new car, the bank won't finance me if I don't have full coverage...which is sum bull. I'd like to chill sumtimes too, but I gotta work to pay some folks I dont't even need. Any accident I do get into will still cost less than all the money I've given away to these crooks...but you must have it...which is sum bull.
6. The world loves people with no talent (Rihanna, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus), while those with talent can't even beg yall for the time of day...which is sum bull.
You see, folks, I'm not that bad. I'm just a no-nonsense girl in a BS-kinda world.
I Wish I Had a Dollar for Every Time I've Heard
5. Why you look like that?/What's wrong with you? (Cuz apparently, "I look mean")
4. So you like, real religious and stuff? (Said by guys who called and were shook when they discovered that I answer my phone, "Praise the Lord.")
3. You can't have friends? (Said by lame guys who think they're being slick and have nothing better to say when I reject them on the grounds that I have a boyfriend.)
2. Dang, you short! (To which my reply should be... what? "Oh, thanks for telling me! Here it's been 23 years and I just had no idea why I couldn't reach that cereal on top of the fridge!"...)
1. Say your name again!....that's...different. Yea, that's real different.... How'd your mom put that together? (Sometimes they go so far as to ask, "So do you like your name?"...and i wish i could just stare at them until they feel as stupid as they sound.)
** This is an abridged list. I'm sure there are more phrases that I forgot**
4. So you like, real religious and stuff? (Said by guys who called and were shook when they discovered that I answer my phone, "Praise the Lord.")
3. You can't have friends? (Said by lame guys who think they're being slick and have nothing better to say when I reject them on the grounds that I have a boyfriend.)
2. Dang, you short! (To which my reply should be... what? "Oh, thanks for telling me! Here it's been 23 years and I just had no idea why I couldn't reach that cereal on top of the fridge!"...)
1. Say your name again!....that's...different. Yea, that's real different.... How'd your mom put that together? (Sometimes they go so far as to ask, "So do you like your name?"...and i wish i could just stare at them until they feel as stupid as they sound.)
** This is an abridged list. I'm sure there are more phrases that I forgot**
"I Was Gon Go There, But"
Every time I say I went to FAMU, the person I'm talking to makes a statement that begins with that phrase.
"I was gon' go there, but..." It usually ends like this:
...My mama got sick so I had to stay home and take care of her. Plus, that's far and I aint wanna be that far from my family and everything.
...I had missed the application date and they said they wasn't gon give me enough money, so...
....I had wanted to work first like to give myself a little time to get ready after high school. I aint wanna go straight in cuz you know that's a lotta work and stuff.
...My baby was just born so I'm just working for right now. Everything happens for a reason, right, so I wouldn't trade my baby for the world, but I'ma go back to school in the fall.
...I had went to (insert name of local community college) instead.
I understand y'all. I almost went to Michigan State. And I almost went to Howard. And I wanted to go to the University of Michigan since teh 1997 Rose Bowl Championship....but God, in His divine order, led me to the Highest of Seven Hills in Tallahassee, Fla.
So don't get me wrong, I'm not making fun of anybody, I'm just telling you that everyone has an I almost went there story, (like you should be impressed that they almost made the right decision) and I have nodded my head sympathetically through them all.
You've probably heard some too.
"I was gon' go there, but..." It usually ends like this:
...My mama got sick so I had to stay home and take care of her. Plus, that's far and I aint wanna be that far from my family and everything.
...I had missed the application date and they said they wasn't gon give me enough money, so...
....I had wanted to work first like to give myself a little time to get ready after high school. I aint wanna go straight in cuz you know that's a lotta work and stuff.
...My baby was just born so I'm just working for right now. Everything happens for a reason, right, so I wouldn't trade my baby for the world, but I'ma go back to school in the fall.
...I had went to (insert name of local community college) instead.
I understand y'all. I almost went to Michigan State. And I almost went to Howard. And I wanted to go to the University of Michigan since teh 1997 Rose Bowl Championship....but God, in His divine order, led me to the Highest of Seven Hills in Tallahassee, Fla.
So don't get me wrong, I'm not making fun of anybody, I'm just telling you that everyone has an I almost went there story, (like you should be impressed that they almost made the right decision) and I have nodded my head sympathetically through them all.
You've probably heard some too.
Fallen Rattler
I don't have a picture because I didn't want to pillage her Facebook page, but on Tuesday, July 7, I received an e-mail saying that a FAMU student was shot and killed the day before.
According to police, Michelle Coleman, 21, was at a party in her hometown of Miami when three men dressed in all black starting shooting at about 12:45 a.m. Twelve people were shot, but Coleman was hit three times - in the chest, kidney and liver. Here is thelink to The Famuan's story:
http://www.thefamuanonline.com/news/famu-student-killed-in-gunfire-1.1772349
Let's keep her family and friends in prayer...if praying isn't something you do, then just send positive thoughts, I suppose.
According to police, Michelle Coleman, 21, was at a party in her hometown of Miami when three men dressed in all black starting shooting at about 12:45 a.m. Twelve people were shot, but Coleman was hit three times - in the chest, kidney and liver. Here is thelink to The Famuan's story:
http://www.thefamuanonline.com/news/famu-student-killed-in-gunfire-1.1772349
Let's keep her family and friends in prayer...if praying isn't something you do, then just send positive thoughts, I suppose.
I'm Not in the Business of Free Advertising,
but these new angus burgers at McDonald's? OMG, run and tell ya mama! Those things are dee-licious. I mean it.
I used to be all uppity, like, 'I don't eat McDonald's hamurgers...just chicken and fish.' A lot of ppl say this as well.
But my sister was treating, so I stepped out on faith and tried one of these third-pounder boys, with red onion and lettuce and tomato...and now I'd like you to know that it was hella tasty. Almost made me feel less guilty for eating all that food at 3 a.m.
(And while I'm at it, Popeye's chicken strips are nothing to sneeze at, either.)
Alright, no more free advertising. Of all the companies that are struggling today, McDonald's is the only one posting a profit...so they clearly don't need my help.
Ppl Just Want a Reason to be Mad
Do you see this cheesy billboard on the left? These throwback cartoon Billy Dee ads for Colt 45 have been popping up all over Detroit in the last few weeks, and apparently ppl are really upset about them.
This man called yesterday and said, "Why don't yall put up something bout sum education or somethin like tha? I dont wanna have to ride around with my kids seeing that. And 'Works every time', what does that mean? I don't get it."
To that I say, ol fool, you know what that means, cuz u knew what it meant back in 1974 when you first saw it. And as for not wanting your kids to see it, OK, be a parent and tell you kids not to drink. They couldn't buy it for themselves even if they wanted to, so that's a non-issue. Next?
Honestly, I see the billboards as a dinosaur of a brand trying to make sum new money by going back to an ad that a segment of the population can relate to. Which segment is that? Your grannies! As well as the dudes who are already outside the liquor store with their paper bags every time you go. I don't think Billy Dee is gonna make a buncha teens wanna drink malt liquor...so what is there to worry about? I could see if it was Lil Wayne or sumbody...
You Got That VIBE
So I was right, y'all. VIBE Founder Quincy Jones is talking about buying back the defunct magazine (shut down last week) and moving it to online-only because in his words, "print and all that other stuff is dead."(...like his homeboy MJ, whose funeral he wasn't decent enuf to attend.)
And did y'all hear that Quincy said Michael always wanted to be white? This coming from a man who has married four white women. Grandpa betta watch out - standing inside a glass house throwing rocks is not very smart...
And did y'all hear that Quincy said Michael always wanted to be white? This coming from a man who has married four white women. Grandpa betta watch out - standing inside a glass house throwing rocks is not very smart...
Top 5 Dumb Questions to Ask When You Walk into Forever 21
5. "Why is everything so low cut?"
4. "Where are your leggings?" (Usually asked by the 200+ pound chicks)
3. "Does this come any bigger?"
2. "Does this come any longer?"
AND THE ONE THAT MAKES ME WANT TO KICK YOUR MAMA EVERY SINGLE TIME.....
1. "What y'all got for ppl my age?" (Usually asked by a 35+ yr-old black woman. Who didn't quite comprehend that she walked into a store called Forever 21.)
4. "Where are your leggings?" (Usually asked by the 200+ pound chicks)
3. "Does this come any bigger?"
2. "Does this come any longer?"
AND THE ONE THAT MAKES ME WANT TO KICK YOUR MAMA EVERY SINGLE TIME.....
1. "What y'all got for ppl my age?" (Usually asked by a 35+ yr-old black woman. Who didn't quite comprehend that she walked into a store called Forever 21.)
This is Why I Only Shop in One Store...
I strolled into one of those other stores for young ladies the other day...and was quickly reminded why it's been so long since my last visit.
These jeans on the left caught my eye. Aren't they freaking cute? But that tag on the right says $107.99. First of all, it is trickin (if you got it or not - cuz we in a depression), and second of all, nothing in Charlotte Russe should ever have three digits before the decimal point. Isn't that the point of stores like that????? Idk what the hell yall trynna do, but I near fainted when I saw that...yall take that to Nordstrom's somewhere.
Attention, Detroit:
There is a serial rapist on the loose. He is on the East side (where you'll never catch me anyway).
He kidnaps victims at gunpoint, blindfolds them and puts them in his trunk. After the rape, he forces them to take a shower (which is hella smart, considering they tell rape victims not to wash up so that DNA can be retrieved.)
Thent he fella is kind enuf to drop you back off where he found you.
But here's the thing: all his victims have been young ladies (I believe from ages 15-18) walking the street by themselves at around 1:45 a.m.....
Rape is never warranted, OK, but...young ladies, where are u going at 2 a.m.? By yourself? On the East side? And parents, why are you allowing your daughters to be in the streets this time of night? I'd call this one a no-brainer....but everyone doesn't think like me. Perhaps if you live sumwhere your whole life, you think you're immune to violence - that you know what to do if it does happen, but you aint worried cuz it hasnt happened yet.
Well...you shouldnt worry, then, in that case...unless you think 2 a.m. is a good time to take a walk.
He kidnaps victims at gunpoint, blindfolds them and puts them in his trunk. After the rape, he forces them to take a shower (which is hella smart, considering they tell rape victims not to wash up so that DNA can be retrieved.)
Thent he fella is kind enuf to drop you back off where he found you.
But here's the thing: all his victims have been young ladies (I believe from ages 15-18) walking the street by themselves at around 1:45 a.m.....
Rape is never warranted, OK, but...young ladies, where are u going at 2 a.m.? By yourself? On the East side? And parents, why are you allowing your daughters to be in the streets this time of night? I'd call this one a no-brainer....but everyone doesn't think like me. Perhaps if you live sumwhere your whole life, you think you're immune to violence - that you know what to do if it does happen, but you aint worried cuz it hasnt happened yet.
Well...you shouldnt worry, then, in that case...unless you think 2 a.m. is a good time to take a walk.
For Those Who Think Google is Trying to Take Over the World...
...it is. On Wednesday Google announced it will be launching its own operating system for personal computers, based on its Chrome browser.
It is intended to be used on notebooks, and eventually desktop computers as well.
By the end of this year, the software will be availble online, and by fall 2010, notebooks with the software already installed will bei n stores. They say this move will directly challenge Microsoft, but from what I've heard, Microsoft has already one-upped Google with its new "Bing" search engine.
Half the world thinks Google is the most convenient and easy-to-use invention ever...and half the ppl think Google is trying to get all in your business by attempting to be all things to all people every where you may be....I think I'm in the first group.
It is intended to be used on notebooks, and eventually desktop computers as well.
“Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS,”
said Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management, and Linus Upson,
engineering director, in a post on a company blog. “We’re designing the OS
to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the Web in a
few seconds.”
By the end of this year, the software will be availble online, and by fall 2010, notebooks with the software already installed will bei n stores. They say this move will directly challenge Microsoft, but from what I've heard, Microsoft has already one-upped Google with its new "Bing" search engine.
Half the world thinks Google is the most convenient and easy-to-use invention ever...and half the ppl think Google is trying to get all in your business by attempting to be all things to all people every where you may be....I think I'm in the first group.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
I Guess Sumthing Had to Go
You all can click on this link and get the details for yourself, but the gist of this story is that with the budget deficits many states are facing, states have to make some hard decisions about which programs to keep or cut, and many have decided, oh, that ummmm summer school is expendable.
That's fine if you have alternative programs in place for the kids to attend instead. But of course, this is not the case.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/education/02school.html
The article uses the Brevard County Schools in Florida as an example. Last year almost 14,000 students were taking free summer classes. Now those students are at home or at the mall (watching that dam* BET or in the street) because summer programs have been eliminated or stripped to the bare minimum.
Let me tell you something, I went to college in Florida and many of my classes were full of Floridians educated in the Florida Public School System. Can I be real with you right now? Don't get offended, please. It was in those very classes that I learned college is not entirely home to the "brightest and best." If anybody needs as much school as they can get, it's them Florida chillrens. I'm just sayin......
Meanwhile, we here in Detroit have summer school, but our ungrateful behinds have used the last two weeks as an opportunity to get caught up on our beefs from the school year and whatnot and shoot each other up. Seven people were shot at a bus stop last week. If I'm a parent, I would be Up-and-Set, thinking I'm doing the right thing by sending my child to school, and he may well have stayed home on the porch....ya lil gurl can stay home all day and sneak boys over to the house, or she can go to school and get shot...it's lose-lose out here.
That's fine if you have alternative programs in place for the kids to attend instead. But of course, this is not the case.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/education/02school.html
Nearly every school system in Florida has eviscerated or eliminated summer school this year, and officials are reporting sweeping cuts in states from North Carolina and Delaware to California and Washington.
The article uses the Brevard County Schools in Florida as an example. Last year almost 14,000 students were taking free summer classes. Now those students are at home or at the mall (watching that dam* BET or in the street) because summer programs have been eliminated or stripped to the bare minimum.
Let me tell you something, I went to college in Florida and many of my classes were full of Floridians educated in the Florida Public School System. Can I be real with you right now? Don't get offended, please. It was in those very classes that I learned college is not entirely home to the "brightest and best." If anybody needs as much school as they can get, it's them Florida chillrens. I'm just sayin......
Meanwhile, we here in Detroit have summer school, but our ungrateful behinds have used the last two weeks as an opportunity to get caught up on our beefs from the school year and whatnot and shoot each other up. Seven people were shot at a bus stop last week. If I'm a parent, I would be Up-and-Set, thinking I'm doing the right thing by sending my child to school, and he may well have stayed home on the porch....ya lil gurl can stay home all day and sneak boys over to the house, or she can go to school and get shot...it's lose-lose out here.
Madoff Part II
Now, this is sum foolishness, I do declare!
Bernie "Quick Change Artist" Madoff has hired a consulatant to find the best prison for his 150-year stay.
Wow...the rest of us have to go where the heck they feel like shipping us off to, but he gets to scope out options, weigh the pros and cons and do a SWOT analysis of his options. My, my. Remind me not to break any serious laws and screw over ppl legally until I get rich.
Bernie "Quick Change Artist" Madoff has hired a consulatant to find the best prison for his 150-year stay.
Wow...the rest of us have to go where the heck they feel like shipping us off to, but he gets to scope out options, weigh the pros and cons and do a SWOT analysis of his options. My, my. Remind me not to break any serious laws and screw over ppl legally until I get rich.
Re: Steve McNair
Don't get me wrong, I'm not the arbitor of Right and Wrong. All I know is, the first report I heard was that foremer NFL MVP QB Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death in his condo. ... I thought, wow, that is sad and suspicious.
Then we got a little more info: McNair, 36, who is married with four kids, was found with a 20-year-old young woman, and they were shot by her ex.
Moral of the story: Don't cheat. You never know what a piece of a** could cost you.
Wait, I'm wrong for that! - let me be a lil more sensitive: I don't know McNair's home situation. I don't know if he and his wife were seperated or happily married or what...and I technically don't know that the deceased young lady was his jumpoff....What I can say is, yall old mf's need to leave them young gurls alone. If I'm nearly 40 and you just made it out of your teens, what are we chitchatting about and how do we hook up to where you at my crib on the one-on-one QT tip? Maybe he was "mentoring" the child.
But that's not my business. I honestly feel this is a sad story, and my heart goes out to his family......but guys consider this....an MVP, Pro-Bowler, Super Bowl playing, 16-year NFL vet is dead now...over a chick.
You never know what you're getting yourself into, and it is likely he had no way of knowing the danger he was in by associating with this woman, but let's all try our hardest to make wise decisions.
Then we got a little more info: McNair, 36, who is married with four kids, was found with a 20-year-old young woman, and they were shot by her ex.
Moral of the story: Don't cheat. You never know what a piece of a** could cost you.
Wait, I'm wrong for that! - let me be a lil more sensitive: I don't know McNair's home situation. I don't know if he and his wife were seperated or happily married or what...and I technically don't know that the deceased young lady was his jumpoff....What I can say is, yall old mf's need to leave them young gurls alone. If I'm nearly 40 and you just made it out of your teens, what are we chitchatting about and how do we hook up to where you at my crib on the one-on-one QT tip? Maybe he was "mentoring" the child.
But that's not my business. I honestly feel this is a sad story, and my heart goes out to his family......but guys consider this....an MVP, Pro-Bowler, Super Bowl playing, 16-year NFL vet is dead now...over a chick.
You never know what you're getting yourself into, and it is likely he had no way of knowing the danger he was in by associating with this woman, but let's all try our hardest to make wise decisions.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
In Your Face, Sonia!!!
So last week the Supreme Court ruled on this absolutelyyyy absurd "reverse discrimination" case. Some white firefighters in New Haven, Conn. claimed they were denied promotions because of their race....idk how they could be jealous of the 2 minority firefighters in the entire state of Conneticut, but that's not the point of this post.
The issue here is that Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor previously ruled against the firefighters as an appellate judge. What this says to me is the Court is already undermining Sonia, and she's not on even on the bench with them yet....they have stuck out their tongues, folded their arms, banded together like a scene from "Anchorman," and warned her that more is to come if she makes it, which she might not.
They already feel like Sonia has a little too much Latin pride, so overturning her on a race issue is a double victory for her opponents. She is like the "Jenny from the block" of the legal world, calling herself a proud "Nuyorican" and reppin her Latin roots allll the time. Don't you know Sonia? Take it from Clarence - he never woulda made it to the High Court had he been all Black Power/ What kinda power u got? Oh you know I got soullll power!, or if he had a history of racial cases in his legal body of work (which we know literally is not possible).
If you are a minority, and if you came from the hood and made it all the way to the top; you have a right to be proud. BUT YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SHOW IT. at all. It really sucks, but you cant wear your ethnicity on your shirt with buttons and flags and patches. You gotta suppress it your entire career as you continue to ascend. When you reach the top, if you let your soul show then, people will try to find a way to kick you out of your position...but at least then it might be a lil harder for them. It's really a no-win situation. You can be successful and only have soul in your spare time at your house, or you can be proud of who you are/true to yourself and only go so far.
Going to a black school allowed me to buy a little time before I have to join institutions that force me to be an imitation white person, lol. (dont take that the wrong way; it just is what it is. Blacks and Latinos are becoming the majority, yet we still gotta try our hardest to fit in with the rest of them if we want a little crumb of success, wealth, etc. but if enough of yall read my blog I can get my Perez Hilton on and be me erryday, nahmean??!! haha)
The issue here is that Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor previously ruled against the firefighters as an appellate judge. What this says to me is the Court is already undermining Sonia, and she's not on even on the bench with them yet....they have stuck out their tongues, folded their arms, banded together like a scene from "Anchorman," and warned her that more is to come if she makes it, which she might not.
They already feel like Sonia has a little too much Latin pride, so overturning her on a race issue is a double victory for her opponents. She is like the "Jenny from the block" of the legal world, calling herself a proud "Nuyorican" and reppin her Latin roots allll the time. Don't you know Sonia? Take it from Clarence - he never woulda made it to the High Court had he been all Black Power/ What kinda power u got? Oh you know I got soullll power!, or if he had a history of racial cases in his legal body of work (which we know literally is not possible).
If you are a minority, and if you came from the hood and made it all the way to the top; you have a right to be proud. BUT YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SHOW IT. at all. It really sucks, but you cant wear your ethnicity on your shirt with buttons and flags and patches. You gotta suppress it your entire career as you continue to ascend. When you reach the top, if you let your soul show then, people will try to find a way to kick you out of your position...but at least then it might be a lil harder for them. It's really a no-win situation. You can be successful and only have soul in your spare time at your house, or you can be proud of who you are/true to yourself and only go so far.
Going to a black school allowed me to buy a little time before I have to join institutions that force me to be an imitation white person, lol. (dont take that the wrong way; it just is what it is. Blacks and Latinos are becoming the majority, yet we still gotta try our hardest to fit in with the rest of them if we want a little crumb of success, wealth, etc. but if enough of yall read my blog I can get my Perez Hilton on and be me erryday, nahmean??!! haha)
He Seems Sorry to me
I've been meaning to comment on this for a couple of weeks now because this is one of those no-win situations...but a lot of outraged people feel Donte' Stallworth did win. If you didn't know, Stallworth, 28, was a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. In March, he was leaving a Miami nightclub, drunk, when he hit a pedestrian. The man, 59-year-old, Mario Reyes eventually died.
Stallworth's blood alcohol level was at .126, which is above the legal limit....but we all know a big, athletic, football playing man can probably hold liquor differently than others, which means he may not have been actually drunk. Moreover, everyone acknowledges that Reyes was NOT in the crosswalk. He was running across the street to catch a bus after leaving work. Which is why in the 911 call, Stallworth says "he came out of nowhere." As soon as Stallworth hit the man, he stopped. He frantically called 911. He took full responsibilty for his actions, and he voluntarily reached a financial settlement with the victim's family. He could not have handled the situation any better.
But here's the part white America is mad about: Stallworth's sentence is 30 days in jail for manslaughter, 8 years of probation and two years of house arrest. And the NFL has suspended him indefinitely. They feel like that's a slap on the wrist since a man has died here. OK, we certainly won't trivialize loss of life, but Stallworth didn't gun someone down in cold blood and run. And I dont even know that he's a big enough star for anyone to claim he received special treatment on that tip.
I'ma be real here, because we all know who is upset about it: the majority segment that overlooks all the light sentences they get, but want someone's head on a platter for the simplest offense if the perpetrator is black or a black athlete. If the victim's family is not upset, no one gives a damn what yall have to say about the situation. Period.
And while I'm at it, I dont care how nice your house is, I couldnt be on house arrest for two years. As in for the next 700+ days, those are the only walls he will see. That would drive a person crazy....for athletes, playing football is their life's passion and dream. That means Stallworth has two years where he won't be able to do that, and depending on how the comissioner feels after that time, he may be done altogether. Imagine making a mistake - and yes, it was a mistake that anyone could have made - that will cost you everything. Reyes lost his life, and Stallworth could be 30 years old unable to do what he's worked his whole life for. For anyone working a job they hate, anyone who'se watched your parents spend their whole lives at jobs they can't stand so they could provide for you, I think you understand the depth of that.
Yes, people have committed lesser crimes and gotten far worse punishments. OK, you can't correct that by hanging Donte'. So get over it.
My Heart Goes out to Ruth Madoff
But after reading a little more, I wonder if it should.
I guess I feel bad that she married a crook in 71-year-old Bernie Madoff, who ran an elaborate Ponzi scheme and fooled people into investing $65 billion. For over 20 years he swindled hundreds of people, from actors to regular Joes with families, and have left many completely devastated.
But I felt bad for Ruth that she will be losing her life partner to his 150-year jail sentence. I asked myself what I would do if my husband were going to jail for the rest of his life....
But maybe I shouldn't feel bad at all. I remember interviewing a psychologist who was telling me he'd been married for like 30 years, and he was still "learning things" about his wife. He said, "if you meet me at 25 and we get married three years later, there's still 25 years of life before we met that you know nothing about. You can't learn all of that in three years. It takes a lifetime to get to know someone."
With this in mind, do we think Ruth was completely innocent? Do we think she had no idea her husband had such disregard for other peoples? They were married for decades and have two sons...do we think none of them knew Bernie was capable of getting up and doing dishonest work every day with a straight face?
You never know what's in someone's heart....but the Madoffs had a New York penthouse, houses in Palm Beach and the Hamptons, four yachts, two Benzes; and Ruth had two minks and $2.6 million in jewelry alone. Amongst the opulence, did anyone ask Big Daddy Bernie how they could really afford that? And if Ruth indeed knew, how could she be so cool with spending other peoples' money?
Bernie thought he was gon be slick and leave her $70 million. But come on, when you're married, what's hers is yours. And everything he has belongs to the government as they try to pay restitution to the victims. Federal marshals escorted her from her four-bedroom penthouse last week and ordered her to leave behind everything that could be sold...clothing, furnishings, luggage, curtains, rugs, footwear...everything! She was, however, allowed to keep $2.5 mil. She probably looking like, wtf am I gon do with that change?
You can imagine many ppl believe she was not an innocent bystander. They dont believe she first heard of the charges in court with the rest of the world, and this is why she is just as hated as he is. I heard she isn't allowed to go back to her salon and former friends don't get up with her anymore...but the thing that has removed my symapthy for her is this: her children have stopped speaking to her as well. Maybe they know something....
That Da** Tina Fey...I mean Sarah Palin
I'm sure you've heard by now that Sarah Palin announced she will be resigning as governor of Alaska.
This is the exact wordage from the New York Times News Alert I received:
Palin made a mockery of the office, between her public feud where she and her childish husband kept picking with David Letterman, (and they did actually make Ol' Dave feel bad), and her knocked up daughter going on a media spree and then divorcing her husband after their shotgun marriage. But taking time off for a failed VP campaign, then quitting with more than a year left in your term, further makes her look like a clown. I mean, it doesn't look like you're really dedicating to serving your beloved Alaska if you up and quit like that.
I just think she's quitting so she can make more money writing books and making appearances. And I wouldnt be surprised if she moved to Cali and got a talk show. Or a dang hunting show on the Wildlife channel. That's why she's really leaving, and you know it; dollar signs and Fame are calling her name, not other opportunities for public service....everyone who may read this, do America a favor--please quit paying attention to this non-talented, ingenuine, transparent media whore.
This is the exact wordage from the New York Times News Alert I received:
Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, announced she would step down before the"Affect change outside of government"??? Isn't that the reason you get in office in the first place? What does she think she is going to do? What services can she provide?
end of the month, citing a desire to affect change outside of government.
Palin made a mockery of the office, between her public feud where she and her childish husband kept picking with David Letterman, (and they did actually make Ol' Dave feel bad), and her knocked up daughter going on a media spree and then divorcing her husband after their shotgun marriage. But taking time off for a failed VP campaign, then quitting with more than a year left in your term, further makes her look like a clown. I mean, it doesn't look like you're really dedicating to serving your beloved Alaska if you up and quit like that.
I just think she's quitting so she can make more money writing books and making appearances. And I wouldnt be surprised if she moved to Cali and got a talk show. Or a dang hunting show on the Wildlife channel. That's why she's really leaving, and you know it; dollar signs and Fame are calling her name, not other opportunities for public service....everyone who may read this, do America a favor--please quit paying attention to this non-talented, ingenuine, transparent media whore.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Pour Some Out for VIBE
You all really won't believe this one, but 'tis true: VIBE magazine is closing. Operations are shuttig down. And more creatives will soon be on the streets job-hunting in this already tough industry.
According to Variety Headline News, the VIBE staff was in the midst of an MJ tribute issue when Editor in Chief Danyel Smith issued confirmatory memos. The funny thing is, a couple of weeks ago I read an e-mail announcing Smith CEO of the VIBE Media Group and EIC of VIBE, as well as a new hip-hop tabloid magazine. But now, she and former VIBE Media Group CEO Steve Aaron announce that a decrease in advertising revenue along with a lack of investors have led to the demise of the mag, which was nearing its 16th anniversary! (And 16 years is a huge milestone for a magazine!)
According to Variety Headline News, the VIBE staff was in the midst of an MJ tribute issue when Editor in Chief Danyel Smith issued confirmatory memos. The funny thing is, a couple of weeks ago I read an e-mail announcing Smith CEO of the VIBE Media Group and EIC of VIBE, as well as a new hip-hop tabloid magazine. But now, she and former VIBE Media Group CEO Steve Aaron announce that a decrease in advertising revenue along with a lack of investors have led to the demise of the mag, which was nearing its 16th anniversary! (And 16 years is a huge milestone for a magazine!)
VIBE was founded in 1992 by one Quincy Jones, and we know his money is long. I feel like if he wanted to step in, he could. (Even when VIBE Vixen folded, there was an opportunity to infuse life in the parent mag.) With ESSENCE and BET, FUBU, Phat Farm and many other businesses, we start with an idea and then sell it off when it becomes successful. We imagine a conglomerate with more resources can run it better and make it even more profitable, but to me, what's wrong with having a vision, making your baby a success and continuing to see it through?
I don't like XXL or the Source, but VIBE was a respectable brand and a magazine for men and women, fans of rap, hip hop and R&B alike. Perhaps it will live on as an online magazine - who knows? Times like these force traditional media to get real creative. But I wish all those talented people the best.
WAIT A MINUTE-- U know what, yall? I should have suspected this. Whenever your top talent starts to jump ship, that means they're being smart and running out of the burning building before it collapses. Former VIBE writer and editor Shanel Odum moved over to head Honey Magazine, which is online only, and former VIBE Editor in Chief Emil Wilbekin went over to GIANT in February, then to Essence.com last month!!!! (And I was wondering why this man went over to be managing editor at Essence...now I know! He's been around long enuf to have peeped game before the axe fell!)
What should the last "10 Questions" include, yall????
Fast Breaks
At the end of last year's horrendous season, Joe Dumars, the Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations, defended first-year coach Michael Curry. He said he had to be patient, and he recognized that it was an "up-and-down season" for coach Curry. Joe D. went from standing up for Curry a couple of months ago to signing rookies last week, then firing Curry on Tuesday.
What changed???? Curry had to smile and stand tall at the rookie press conference; I wonder if he knew then that his firing would be made public a few days later.
In my eyes, it didn't look like he was given a fair chance. It was his first head coaching job, with this in mind I'm like expect the first go-round to be shaky, but at least give him a second season to learn from those initial mistakes. Flip Saunders had 3 seasons, and he led the team to the finals each year, Rick Carlisle had two seasons, as did Larry Brown - who actually took the team to a championship and came very close to a repeat! (Brown's firing still has me shaking my head.)
But poor Curry....one and done. The season started with him losing his father, with whom he was very close. He got his dream job then his father died right after. At the beginning, the news said Curry got along well with the players and had built a good rapport from being an assistant under Saunders the year before....Now they're saying Curry had to go because of tension with players, most notably Rip Hamilton. WELL with the dumb-a** Allen Iverson-Chauncey Billups trade, Rip would have been unhappy regardless of who was coaching the Pistons last season. It coulda been the dang Dalai Lama, and Rip woulda been like f*** all yall.
The team went 39-43 last season and were completely swept in the first round of the playoffs by Lebron and them...when have u ever seen a Pistons team so uncompetitive? You know those boys play with heart and grind hard, so yes, such a failure does call for drastic measures. But look at the situation Curry was given and ask yourself if he really deserved the blame?
From where I sit, being an "executive" is the easiest job around. You make all the bone-headed decisions you want because in the end, the blame falls on the coach. (Look at the Lions if you need another example.) The players call the shots, the managers give in to the players' whims and make other like wise bad decisions, and a coach has to make magic out of madness. (I.E., if a player doesn't show up for training camp because he wants more money, chances are the front office will find a way to give that man more money eventually. And a coach can do nothing about it. He'd like to have all players in attendance on time so he can install his system, but he can't make a player do anything.)
I say all this to say, coaches have less power than we think, and it's unfortunate to me that Curry had virtually no chance of proving himself. He got to taste his "dream" job, but a lot of things beyond his control were thrown in the potion. Joe D. said his team is undergoing a transition, and they need someone with more experience to guide them at this time. I say, decisions are not made a season at a time. Executives absolutely think long term and set things in motion for seasons to follow. So Dumars didn't wake up this morning with the idea that his team is going through a transition. He knew last season, and he coulda just hired someone else then instead of wasting Curry's time and making him a lame duck coach.
BUT I WILL SAY IT IS VERRRYY INTERESTING THAT BILL LAMBIER STEPPED DOWN FROM HIS POSITION AS HEAD COACH OF THE DETROIT SHOCK A FEW WEEKS AGO, EVEN THOUGH THOSE GIRLS ARE PROBABLY THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WNBA FRANCHISE THANKS TO HIM....NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE'S ANOTHER SPOT OPEN IN DETROIT, IN THE BIG BOYS CLUB, WITH HIS HOMEBOY JOE D.....WHERE YALL THINK HE'S GOING TO END UP?
:-/
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