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.
Keep up with Devadonna....
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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.
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