Blogs while surfing, revisited: The Behavior Chart
...After a few conversations, twittering, and watching a few "relationship" themed talk shows, and reading a few self-help books, I've been pondering a few questions about us sistas: Why are we looking for Mr. RightNOW as opposed to looking for Mr. Right? Does "good guys" really finish last? Must we be so immersed in socializing with our "taken" peers that we allow ourselves to settle for any ole jerk just to "fit in"? Do we REALLY know what we want from men? Why can't we be single and happy? Must we continually swim in a ocean of ignorance concerning male/female relationships? Can we maintain platonic relationships with members of the opposite sex? Why does black relationships seem to fail?...so I'm blogsurfing, and I come across a rather old post/behavior chart (by age) authored by SoWiseSista. In my experience, it's most definately relevant. A nice intro to a rant I plan on penning on "What's so wrong with Sistas". Check it out:
She's Just Not Feeling You...
Friday, January 06, 2006
Boy Chart
Happy New Year, boys...
I spoke to a college friend today. She reminded me of the age chart she and I devised back then, that explains where in life guys are at different ages up to 30…bec at 21 I wasn’t really checking for men over that threshold. As we grew older we began to really see the validity in our claims, and it has never been more clear and correct than it is today.
Do YOU fit the bill?
20-23 – College. Still obsessed with sexual conquests…and video games.
24-25 – Finally finished with school and actually landed a decent job. Now he’s able to finance his feverish conquest for ass, so watch out. Now, when you see him perusing the mall, he’s got not only the latest Madden his shopping bags…but, oh my, CK One cologne.
26 – He’s been on the job a year now, and has a full week and a half’s worth of black and blue dress pants hanging on wire hangers in his closet….floor full of Jordans. He’s met some really great women at after-work happy hour, and he’s even dated a few for extended periods of time. But he still has some low-expectation homeboys who convince him he’s still much too young to “throw in his player’s card.” Plus they need one more pair of thumbs to round out the NBA Live tourney next Saturday.
27 – By now he’s switched jobs, this one has a 401k (of which he does not take advantage. He needs his WHOLE check…or rather, Discover card is demanding it!). He’s been with so many women – (he’s embarrassed by a great many of them, but azz is azz) – that he is now tired of the game, and secretly longs for a steady…but of course he masks this desire and remains elusive by being “really focused on the career right now.” His ego soars high as the girl in Human Resources outdoes herself to get his attention. But he’s the guy who “works crazy hours” and doesn’t “have time for a serious relationship right now.” Oh, and he’s upgraded to Crave cologne. Even owns a few pairs of square-toed shoes. Sneaker game is out of this world. Also at least one of his boys is now a baby daddy…who now buys X-Box games “for his seed.”
28 – Like many of his female counterparts, this guy is deep in debt, btwn credit cards and Sallie Mae. So he’s not at happy hour as much, and is “tired of the mall” (plus now he’s also upgraded to “the outlets”). Karma has paid this fucker a few visits, and truth be told his heart’s been broken. He’s so disillusioned by being played that he turns to white girls. Yes, he’s a bit of a late bloomer. He finds a whole new world at the white bars, and finds it less expensive there too. Needless to say, with all that free bunny love, he’s not thinking about no wifey…despite the fact that he is FINALLY realizing that his white counterparts on the job have long since mastered the corporate game and now parade their trophy wives to all the holiday office parties.
29 – Mama’s on his azz now. As if HER biological clock is going nuts, she’s all but shopping for baby clothes, waiting on that grandbaby. This guy’s grandmother passed recently, and he’ss starting to feel lonely and under pressure for love. But he’s squandered away most of his 20s trying to conquer as many women as he can. Most of his friends are either in baby mama hell, or back living with their parents, so he spends a lot of time playing Playstation alone. Lives for the Saturday afternoons when one of his boys’ kids is with the in-laws. He’s got a photo album full of anonymous smiling women from the good old road trip days: Freaknik, Daytona, Caribana, Jones Beach. At 29, dude is depressed about 30. He’s discovered his 401k, wants to buy a condo, and has been researching Whole Life insurance policies…but then frowns knowing he has no one to leave the money to in the unfortunate event of his demise. All of a sudden, he wonders when the tides have turned…women used to be aplenty. Now it seems the well has gone dry, and he can’t seem to find “the right girl.” The one who can cook and strip at the same time. The pressure is so thick he contemplates relocating for a fresh start. But then mama calls, and he rationalizes that he’s got “family obligations” and THAT’S why he’s single with no prospects.
30 – Still deep in a depression, his boys take him out to celebrate the big 3-0. And despite the despair, it’s like New Years Day…a rebirth or sorts. He begins to see this decade as a way to rewrite his future. He frequents the real estate section of the paper and will actually go to an open house this year. He will order a copy of his credit report. He will get an HIV test. He will buy his mama a substantial gift. He will get rims on his Explorer (still spinnin’). He will ask for a raise. He will upgrade yet again. Maybe a Polo fragrance to match his new boxer briefs. He will finally give in to the girl in Human Resources. Try the steady thing. He will get a flat screen TV. He will bring his dead Granny bouquets on Sundays after church. He will get his four suits tailored. He will get some AZZ!
Sound familiar??
SoWiseSistaLabels: ain't that interesting, black folks, relationships
How to avoid a "Hell Date", Keshstyle...
...the ideal first date is simplisticly platonic, in a comfortable location catering to both your interests, and includes great conversation. Therefore:
~Schedule the date specific to each other's schedules.
~Place a courtesy call just to make sure. This means don't wait for the other person to call to let them know you can't make it and need a raincheck
~Arrive on time.
~Don't go "to the movies" on the first date. The idea is to TALK...get to know the person face to face...make the person the center of your attention, at least for that night.
~Do meet up at a central location. This means have your own means of transportation, and your own funds for activities. This means if you're going out for drinks and he handles the first round, offer to handle the second round (not too much though...wine sneaks up on you) This means if you're going out for a light dinner and he foots the bill, handle the tip. This does not mean a $2 tip will take care of things. Now, each of you plan on running your mouths, and I'm pretty sure the waitress would rather you chomp your gums elsewhere (preferrably at McDonalds with that cheap mess) so that someone with real tip money can sit in their section.
~Show some dang blasted affection. This means get to loopin' those arms. Wrap your arm around his waist. Hell, hold hands. Act like you like each other. Sheesh
~Have the decency to cut your cell phone off. This means be respectful enough of the time you have with the person. Time is money, so be greatful. No calls from Momma telling you to pick up collards. No textverstions between you and homeboy, featuring porn avatars. No distractions.
~Don't talk about ex's. Now you've shifted his mind and attention to the ex.
~This may be just me, but do not ask why the person is single. This implies that there's something "wrong" with that person. You're adults. You get into relationships. Sometimes they work out. Obviously it didn't, which is the reason for the date. You learn lessons. You move on.
~End the date positively and respectfully. A smooch and a hug is fine. Then mosey on over to your car, leave, and courtesy call after you arrive home safely
...all the single ladies....all the single ladies
Labels: ain't that interesting, relationships
Parlez-vous sil' te plait?
...it's been a long frenchie minute, so pardon moi of that title looks jacked. M'kay. Take a look at the top of the page. There's a cute little speech bubble right next to my Meez cartoonie. Click it to get your chat on avec moi!
-Deuces!
~Kesh
Labels: ain't that interesting
Willie Lynch Effect Of Black Women
....discuss
Labels: ain't that interesting, black folks, social issues, women
Banana
...got this in an email...thought I'd share....:
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again....
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anaemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce t he risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipa tion: High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium an d magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicoti ne withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Jo urnal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an a pple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS ...
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all t he time!
I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!
Labels: ain't that interesting, the art of improvision
...They should be giving away cars...
Gasoline prices keep climbing for Metro AtlantansExpect to pay more for Memorial Day weekend drivesBy STAFF REPORTPublished on: 05/18/08
Metro Atlanta gas prices are nearing the $3.80 mark as crude oil prices continue their upward march.
Sunday's average for regular in the metro area was nearly $3.79 per gallon, which tracks motorist reports.
RELATED: • •
That's up from $3.66 one week ago and $3.42 one month ago.
Crude oil jumped $2.17 on Friday to another record close of $126.29, despite news that Saudi Arabia had boosted its oil output by 300,000 barrels a day and U.S. government plans to stop adding to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Both moves were designed to allay concerns about an overheated oil market that's squeezing motorists and inflating the prices of all sorts of goods.
Neither appeared to have any effect on the markets, however.
The reason for the disconnect has little to do with political decisions in Washington or Riyadh, and everything to do with market expectations. The Saudi production increase was seen in the market as minuscule, and no one expected the suspension of shipments to the U.S. government's Strategic Petroleum Reserve to have much impact on supplies.
More important, the traders placing the bets expect prices to just keep moving higher.
Goldman Sachs, one of the world's most influential investment banks, underscored that sentiment Friday when it hiked its oil price forecast for the second half of the year to $141 a barrel, up from $107 previously. Analysts at the bank argue that the oil market is undergoing a "structural repricing" that will continue to play out for some time to come.
James Cordier, president of Liberty Trading Group in Tampa, Fla., agreed that the moves by both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia were "insignificant" and would do little to dent the rally in oil prices. Like a number of other analysts, he believes prices are rising not because of a speculative bubble, but simply reflect finite supply and soaring global demand.
Crude's latest surge comes a week before the Memorial Day holiday, the traditional start of the summer driving season, suggesting that retail gas prices still have further to rise. Labels: ...this shit right HERE..., ain't that interesting
Why is it that...
...in engaging in "casual sex", a.k.a "fucking", the fuckER and his/her fuckEE refer to each other as "lover"?...WTF?...shouldn't they both be called "fuckers"?...speakin' of the derrogatory words, why is it that swear-words attack women? Heffa, The B-Word, MOTHERfucker? That's it...from now on, FATHERfucker is my new cussword....grown-ass Northerners (keyword: "grown-ass"...see: able to go back to wherever the hell you came from)...a.k.a Georgia Transplants come down here complainin? Homesick? Why the hell are you still down here? Decent Real-Estate? School? Do us all a favor and take ya ass back!...in the movie "Waist Deep"...in the scene where you got Tyrese, Larenz Tate, and Meagan Goode highspeed chasin' with the po-po, you got a dead-as-a-door-nail Larenz still leanin to one side, but not rockin' to the other side....in all them twists and turns? Come on now Larenz...let's learn how to play dead better than thatLabels: ...this shit right HERE..., ain't that interesting, random thoughts
Too Much Booty In Tha Pants (Hottentot Venus and Khoikhoi)
The Hottenton
The group commonly referred to as " Hottentots" were a tribal group that resided in Southern Africa, near the Cape of Good Hope and Namibia. The name "Hottentots" was given to them by Dutch Settlers who made contact with them in the 17th century. The name could be derived from the Dutch word for "stammerer" or "stutterer", a description they would apply to the unusual language of click sounds that the Hottentots spoke. It also could have been adapted from a word they often used in tribal songs "hautitou", that sounds similar to "hottentot". The Hottentots did not call themselves by this name, but rather were named the "Khoikhoi", meaning "men of men", or "a pure race". The word "hottentot"' was extended to be a descriptive term, defined by the Shorter Oxford Dictionary as "one of inferior culture and intellect."
...more
“Saarjite Baartman, a young Khosian woman from Southern Africa whose body was the main attraction at public spectacles in both England and France for over five years, is perhaps the most infamous case of a Khosian body on display. Baartman, who became known as the Hottentot Venus, was brought to Europe from Cape Town in 1810 by an English ship’s surgeon who wished to publicly exhibit the woman’s steatopygia, her enlarged buttocks. Her physique, particularly her steatopygic appendage, became the object of popular fascination when Baartman was exhibited naked in a cage at Piccadilly, England. When abolitionists mobilized to put an end Baartman’s public display, she informed them that she participated in the spectacles of her own volition. She even shared in profits with her exhibitor. The spectacle of Baartman’s body, however, continued even after her death at the age of twenty-six. Pseudo-scientists interested in investigating “primitive sexuality” dissected and cast her genitals in wax. Baartman, as far as we know, was the first person of Khosian-descent to be dismembered and displayed in this manner. Anatomist Georges Curvier presented Baartman’s dissected labia before the Academie Royale de Medecine, in order to allow them “to see the nature of the labia” (Gilman 235). Curvier and his contemporaries concluded that Baartman’s oversized primitive genitalia was physical proof of the African women’s “primitive sexual appetite.” Baartman’s genitalia continued to be exhibited at La Musée de l’Homme, the institution to which Curvier belonged, long after her death.”
...maybe this'll shed a little light on my Labels: ...black folks, ain't that interesting, checkitout, just google it, social issues, women
...Sick if Reality TV?
...so I'm in-between blogs here. Forgive me. I've been channel surfin' for a minute, and can find absolutely positively NATHAN to watch. Why? Because America has gone Reality crazy. Monday, I got a chance to catch 7th Heaven, and I see little ass Ruthie about to graduate from high school and get engaged (yeah,....WTF)...and Lucy pregnant with kid number two!?...daaag, like I've been outta that loop for a minute. Other than that, what else was there for me to watch? Animal Planet? I really need a new sitcom.Now that I have a small (teeny tiny itsy bitsy) break from school, I have more time to catch some of my favorite shows. But All I'm seeing now is "Celebrity" this or "America's Most" that. With regular and sometimes BORING people (sorry) with no talent. What happened to the "Family Matters" and "Fresh Prince" days?...where ACTORS were actually workin? Now all we have are people going out of the ordinary and doing whatever it takes to gain attention and expand their "reality-ism" (see: New York)
I see exactly what's going on here. It all started back in 1996. The Jerry Springer show was on the rise. People wanted to see fights. Fight Fight Fight. His ratings shot through the roof. Just get a bunch of idiots on the show...let' em stay in a hotel for free...for a few days...BOOM...let's even fake a few shows...bring the same jokers back...Get Steve to "break up" the fights...and BOOM...Jerry's back in business.
And Maury. HA...trying to insult my intelligence. Get outta here. Have the same chick come back 30 times, claiming she's 5 billion percent sure he's the father...You Are...NOT the father...go crying in the back...and Maury flies back there like a bat outta hell to "help" her find her child's biological father. And during the holidays, you get "Yikes!...I'm deathly afraid of words" or "Guess if I'm a guy or a girl"? or "I'm sleeping with my stepdaddy and proud of it" . Yeah. Channel change!The coonery continues!...Flavor of Love...a.k.a. "Grampa get's his groove back" or better yet, his sick ass molestation of dumb ass women eons and eons his junior. And what do we do? We watch this mess. Then you have New York. The self-proclaimed "Queen Bitch"...oh yeah.. and "In the Mothafuckin house" I may add. (note to self: watch your profanity Kesh...that is sooo unlady like). And what happens? Her "lost" is more and more seasons similar bullshit, supported by VH1. Please. Channel change!
What's this?..."5th Wheel"? "Next? We're most definatley gonna see some girl on girl lesbo-ish action going on here. And what do you win? $5 + the camera all in your face. Whoopity Shit. I swear, what happened to Blind Date? They're trying to hard. No thanks. Channel change!"Exposed". *sigh*...here we go again. Some bogus lie-detector software. Whovever tells the least amount of lies wins the date. *yawn* Always the blond chick...always the stud. Throw the ugmo's in the van. Yeah. Channel Change!
"College Hill"...keyword: COLLEGE. Are we ever gonna see some classroom action? On campus activities?...Fundraiser? Anything?...oops, I forgot. Those things there make for boring ass TV. Keep up the coonery. Channel Change!And what happend to shows like Jeopardy? Where you have to have some smarts to win something? "Deal or No Deal". Ah. The game of CHANCE. In other words, there is 1 in a billion chances of you winning a million, idiot. Keep going...keep going....SHIT. Damn, I should've picked that suitcase. You go home with nothing. *sigh*
Same deal here. It's cheaper to get a bunch of young folks or teeny-boppers...promise 'em 5,000 or something to "be themselves" (yeah right ) + plus the dream of "being famous"...getting 50 billion friends on Myspace...host a few club events and more! Hell yeah!...much more cheaper than dealing with real actors and actresses!...plus, these idiots know nothing about profit and turnover rates!
Sounds like a plan huh?
The Idiot Box has become oversaturated with this crap, and is really living up to it's name now. Everybody and their momma is hoppin' on the Reality Bandwagon. TLC, Keyshia Cole, DMX, Missy Elliot, everybody. I love all of yall, but damn, just stick to music. Well, I was cool with the People's Court. I was cool with America's Most Wanted (hell, at least they had ACTORS acting to find real crooks). But damn, bring back some sitcomes dammit! I would rather watch GoodTimes, or Sanford & Son than some of this crap. We don't have JACK to show future generations. No type of "classic" sitcoms in the making or nothing. "My Super Sweet 16". Get outta here with that mess! "The Next Pussycat Doll" ...flush that crap down the toilet. Doesn't MTV stand for MUSIC TeleVision or what?...what's with this "Juvy's" mess?! The hail? Gloryfying and perpetuating the whole "jail" obession I see. Sad. Where's the creativity? The only "creative" action I see is editors manipulating "reality" to sell me some bullshit! Where are the writers? I'm a writer in progress!...I won't have a damn job if this continues. What should we do now? Drop out of college? Stop furthuring our education and just try out for "The 'Snap, Crack, and Poppits' with guest judge Kellogg?"*sigh*...I'm ashamed of myself for even entertaining this mess. (sooo hard to let goooo!)
Labels: ain't that interesting
...a note from Kesh...
...yeah yeah...I know I've been slackin a bit with this blog thang. If its any consolation, I have been writing quite frequently in my journal *big grin*. Oh, and I have been published yet again! Look for me in New South Magazine *another big grin*. Guess I should keep on keepin' on then huh?...School has been kickin' my ass lately as usual, so I had to devote more time to that n'ah mean?...and in other Kesh-related news, I had to reorg some of my class, even though the school's system has me slated to graduate in the Summer (WTF?). So I guess I'll holla at my advisor to see what's up with all that.
I shall be back with my usual shenanigans in a few...stay tuned!
~keshLabels: ...this calls for a Bloody Mary on the Rocks, ain't that interesting
Hallmark Creative Recruiting Studio
...well I'll be damned. They picked ME...(that's right...ME PEOPLE! :D) to participate in their creative workshop on February 20th! I will be prepared with my senior portfolio in hopes of getting an intern(and/or externship with them) . I can't believe it!...I am sooo happy! (big grin)...thanx C-dawg!
Bascially, I had to send them my resume, along with 6 samples...I owe all that mean criticism to Mr. Green. Maan, I would go in thinking I wrote a beautiful poem, and he would just shatter my lil dreams..."be more explicit" he would say. "oh, come on. you can do better than that. that's a shitty ass poem...START OVER" *sniff sniff* (thanx Mr. Green!)...I guess I can say all that editing won the Hallmark folks over, because THEY PICKED ME!
I hope they help workshop some of our poems.
Labels: ...this calls for a Bloody Mary on the Rocks, ain't that interesting
Reflections
...someone posted this bulletin on my Myspace...I thought it was cute for a post, so enjoy:TEN YEARS AGO...................................1.) How old were you? 13 2.) Where did you go to school? Renfroe Middle School3.) Where did you work? cleaning apartments sometimes4.) Where did you live? Decatur, GA5.) Where did you hang out? in my apartments 6.) Did you wear glasses? nope 7.) Who was your best friend(s)? Ashley, Tierra, and Tina 8.) How many tattoos did you have? a play play one of mickey mouse 9.) How many piercings did you have?: 2 in my ears 10.) What car did you drive?: I had a purple bike if that counts lol11.) Had you been to a real party yet? ...yup 112.) Had your heart broken? I had a crush on this guy named Paul...and Lorenzo...and Mike...I liked a lot of folks who didn't like me back lol13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter...singleFIVE YEARS AGO.......................................................
1.) How old were you? 17 2.) Where did you go to school? Avondale High 3.) Where did you work? unemployed 4.) Where did you live? Decatur, GA5.) Where did you hang out? nowhere really...I was a house mouse then6.) Did you wear glasses? yup...I just had got 'em too 7.) Who was your best friend? ...Brendlyn, Erica, Keta...I miss them too8.) Who was your regular-person crush? lol...that's funny...I plead the 5th on that one9.) How many tattoos did you have? zero 10.) How many piercings did you have? two 11.) What car did you drive? ...still don't have a car dagnammit!12.) Had you been to a real party yet? oui oui...thanx cuz!13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: Single**DECEMBER 2006**1.) How old are you?: 23
2.) Where do you work? The Newspaper
3.) Where do you live? Decatur (damn, I need to move)
4.) Do you wear glasses? I have contacts now
5.) Who are your best friends? Cathrene, my boo
6.) Do you talk to your old friends? I'm workin' on it
7.) How many piercings do you have? ears only
8.) How many tattoos? Zero
9.) What kind of car do you have? ...man, I wish I had a Pontiac
10.) Has your heart been broken? but of course
11.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: Taken
Labels: ain't that interesting
...questions while blogsurfing
...i was blogsurfing today, and I ran across a few questions certian bloggers were proposing, for healthy debate I'm assuming. Here's my stab at the answers to some of these...(note: these are not mutually exclusive either)....:- Why do [some] men like to be called "Daddy"?
...interestingly enough, many of the antonymic definitions of "Daddy" or "Father" (according to Merriam-Webster's) are a) one that originates or institutes (which could very well be a female), or b) one who impregnates a female. The title "Daddy" definately has to be earned--in other words, any ole guy can be a sperm donor; but it takes a MAN to take care of his responsibilites as a Father: the protector, the provider, male model, and all that good stuff. It should come naturally (keyword: SHOULD). Oftentimes, it doesn't.
...my hypothesis is this: the guy in the relationship likes to think of himself as that "protecter", and "provider" to his female counterpart--you know, fullfilling that "Daddy" role so to speak. Getting the third degree at engagement announcements, and Pops warning the young lad to "take care of my baby or else". Or maybe there is some freakish role playing going on. Hell, I don't know. *shrugs*
- Why do [some] women go after guys they know aint no good (a.k.a, "rough necks" -- MC Lyte...see womanizer, womanbeater, whatever), and then complain about them later?
...either you're overtly contrived in your "standards", or you lower them for the thrill of the dangerous life. Yup, we do have those types. Perhaps they are confused in their own preferences...trying to conform to fads of their social groups. Or maybe, they're just crazy. Either way, stay clear of these types, and you shouldn't have no worries. This also should not justify the sudden metamorphosis of a "good guy" into a "bad guy". If this is the case, obviously ole girl has issues beyond my comprehension, and the schitzophrenic "I think I'll treat women like shit" guy should seek help immediately.
- Why do [some] men not claim their geneology to their alleged sons/daughters? (a.k.a. deadbeat dads)
*chokes on lemonade*...please...these aren't MEN people! Really, did you consider these foreshadowed questions before you slept with him?...idiots I tellya. And whatever, being a father (or mother for that matter) should come natural. If not, motherfuckers should rot in hell. And don't gimme that "she a ho, the whole hood fucked her" donkeycrap either. If you have sex with hos, dogs, "bitches", whathaveyou, then don't be suprised at the outcome. And the government shouldn't have to force your stupid ass to take care of your child either. Birds feed birdies worms, dogs bring knibbles and bits to puppies, why can't your human ass do the same? *sigh*...poor poor little ones
...Bitches are female dogs. There is no amount of love in tone when someone calls me a Bitch. Matter fact, there is nothing positive about the word, so it is not to be used to refer to the female population of humans. Yeah, someone keeps sending me that "Babe In Total Control of Herself" pick-me-upper...but that's a load of shit. It's definition remains the same. "Yeah, I told that Bitch we should do something"...do they really mean "Babe?"...please. It will forever be a negative word to me. Do not come at me with that giddy "What's up Bitch?" greeting. Seriously. U.N.I.T.Y....gotta let 'em know I ain't a bitch or a ho.
Labels: ain't that interesting, can i get an "Amen"
~Gagging Blacky
...basically, black women have been silenced with regards to issues in the black community. If you disagree, that just reaffirms my thesis of the silencing of the Black Woman. We need to speak the hell up! I'll espound for a few...:
~During the Civil Rights Movement, black Women's rights were often placed on the back burner (beneficiary: the black man)
~During the Women's Suffrage Movement, BLACK women's rights were often placed on the back burner (beneficiary: the white woman)
Issues from current research (i'm guilty of ignoring a few of these myself): Domestic Abuse, Rape, (we don't speak up or report these issues enough; therefore neglecting the issue altogether) Kidnapping, Murder (whether you know it or not...there are tons of missing black women/children...we don't get that much media coverage), STD's and other infections, Teen pregnancy (awareness on such issues should be raised and dealt with)
...I'm working on a poem on this aspect too....stay tuned!
{research in progress...}
Labels: ain't that interesting, black folks, social issues, women
M.O.M -- Cupcake talk
MUSINGS ON MARTA
...well technically we weren't on the bus yet. I have to cross some railroad tracks to get to the bus stop. The train decided to come, so I had to wait for it to pass, and dag on it, it made me miss the bus. A chick comes over...looks to be younger than I am...maybe 19 or 20...4 open-faces on her grill (two at the top and two on the bottom)
...she asks me what time her bus was supposed to arrive. I tell her her bus should be coming because I just missed mine. She tells me she's on her way to pick up her meds...I ask for what...she tells her diabeties are "fucking" with her, as she termed it. I grimance at her language. A woman with a 5 -year-old is nearby. I notice a book in her hand...asks her what school she attends. She tells me she doesn't attend school. Said she dropped out a while ago. Said soon, she's going to get her G.E.D. She asks me what school I attend. I'm kinda ashamed, but I say GSU. She asks more questions, like what's my major...stuff like that. Again, I'm ashamed. Guess I don't want her looking at me like I'm bougoisie (sp?) or saddity or something. She then asks me where I work. I just say "downtown" and leave it at that. She procedes to tell me about the book in her hand...told me I should read it. Said it was a biographical text by a woman named Cupcake Brown. Told me the woman was just like her...orphaned, raped, drug experminetation...and turned her life around. Told me the book changed her life...that this is her 7th time reading it. I tell her I'm working on a few projects myself. Told her about my poetry, my essay, and my fiction. She gives me props. Tells me I should do it. I feel pretty good inside. I ask to read the synopsis of her book. She lets me.
FROM BN.COM
There are shelves of memoirs about overcoming the death of a parent, childhood abuse, rape, drug addiction, miscarriage, alcoholism, hustling, gangbanging, near-death injuries, drug dealing, prostitution, or homelessness.
Cupcake Brown survived all these things before she’d even turned twenty.
And that’s when things got interesting.
You have in your hands the strange, heart-wrenching, and exhilarating tale of a woman named Cupcake. It begins as the story of a girl orphaned twice over, once by the death of her mother and then again by a child welfare system that separated her from her stepfather and put her into the hands of an epically sadistic foster parent. But there comes a point in her preteen years maybe it’s the night she first tries to run away and is exposed to drugs, alcohol, and sex all at once when Cupcake’s story shifts from a tear-jerking tragedy to a dark comic blues opera. As Cupcake’s troubles grow, so do her voice and spirit. Her gut-punch sense of humor and eye for the absurd, along with her outsized will, carry her through a fateful series of events that could easily have left her dead.
Young Cupcake learned to survive by turning tricks, downing hard liquor, partying like a rock star, and ingesting every drug she could find while hitchhiking up and down the California coast. She stumbled into gangbanging, drug dealing, hustling, prostitution, theft, and, eventually, the best scam of all: a series of 9-to-5 jobs. But Cupcake’s unlikely tour through the cubicle world was paralleled by a quickening descent into the nightmare of crack cocaine use, till she eventually found herself living behind a Dumpster.
Astonishingly, she turned it around. With the help of a cobbled together family of eccentric fellow addicts and angels a series of friends and strangers who came to her aid at pivotalmoments she slowly transformed her life from the inside out.
A Piece of Cake is unlike any memoir you’ll ever read. Moving and almost transgressive in its frankness, it is a relentlessly gripping tale of a resilient spirit who took on the worst of contem-porary urban life and survived it with a furious wit and unyielding determination. Cupcake Brown is a dynamic and utterly original storyteller who will guide you on the most satisfying, startlingly funny, and genuinely affecting tour through hell you’ll ever take.
When it came time for me to talk, I wasn’t sure which parts of my past to tell, which to keep secret, and which to pretend never happened. Uncle Jr. had already seen the welts on my back, so he wasn’t too surprised when I told them about some of the physical abuse I endured at Diane’s. Everyone else hit the roof, except Daddy. He got really quiet and started balling and unballing his fists.
I continued my update. Experience had taught me that adults have trouble accepting the idea of children having sex. I decided that from then on, that part of my life never happened. I picked up the story by telling them about Fly, the Gangstas, and getting shot.
I was dying for a cigarette. So it seemed a good time to announce that I smoked cigarettes and weed.
After a moment Sam looked at me, smiled, and handed me one of her Marlboros. I preferred menthols, but beggars can’t be choosers. I kicked back, took a long drag, and closed my eyes.
Daddy and Jr. were silent. They seemed a bit shocked and unsure about how to respond.
Well, Cup, Jr. said, it’s a little too late to be trying to raise you now. But those cigarettes will kill you. And weed will only lead you to stronger drugs.
He didn’t know how right he was. But for me, it was too late to be worrying about stronger drugs the only worrying I did was whether I could find a connection to get some. So I just smiled, nodded, and took another hit off my cigarette.
The eerie quiet returned.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~~
...the bus comes and the nameless female runs across the street. She holds her book up before bording. I smile...nod my head...and wait for my bus to come..
Labels: ain't that interesting
Bra or no bra?
Ladies...quick question: Do you sleep with a bra on?
...I've been asked this question by more than one person, and was given the WTF look with my "most of the time" reply. I mean, what's wrong with sleeping in a bra? Am I outta the loop and living in the 60's or what? I thought they did the whole no panty no bra thing back then. Without a bra, my chest starts hurting, and my twins are not that big. So my big tiddied cousin's chest should hurt 10X worse that mine without a bra. Yet, her goofy ass still flaps her twins around at night without one. I'm sorry, but I don't like my twins to be a flapping around without support. The only way I'll sleep without a bra is if all of my bras are dirty, which will never happen, because I have a gazillion of them. Or, I take that back, once every blue moon in the Summertime, when I'm extra hot. Momma never told me how to do the bra thing *shrugs*. When my little pecans started growing, I continued to sleep with that trainer bra on, up until now. The bra is staying.
...so quit looking at me like I'm an oddball.
Labels: ain't that interesting, can i get an "Amen"
Community Service -- Take one
...yesterday was "day one" of my community service. I volunteered at a local elementary school, by way of the school's counselor. She spoke in one of my lecture classes, so I decided to help out. It was also a requirement as part of my Minor. I thought it'd be a piece of cake, but most of the experience was quite disturbing and depressing. I've learned and observed a few things in 4 hours:
1) The school was built on the site of a Civil War hospital back in 1880, in Downtown Atlanta...it was renamed "Cook" in 1941, and rebuilt sometime in 2000.
2) According to stats, 96% of the students are black...there are only 300 something odd students in the entire school...most students live in the neighboring projects, or other low-income areas. *sigh*
3) Strange...the counselor seems to be the oldest person there...everyone else doesn't look a day over 40...some of the teachers look to be around my age (22)
4) Their is absolutely nothing wrong with the so-called "slow" or "bad". Sassy boys are "bad"...sassy girls are just running their mouths. Regardless, separating them is ridiculous.
5) Despite low-standardized test scores, there has been some improvement...and kids are not as dumb as everyone thinks
6) According to the No Child Left Behind reports (i did a little research here), this school meets AYP (annual yearly progress) and doesn't need any improvements. I beg to differ.
7) The kids I interacted with strangely reminded me of myself
...The building doesn't appear to have been remodeled to me. It looks like an abandoned jailhouse, with small windows. As a matter of fact, I passed by it 2 times. There are no signs of school-life, no flag hanging outside, no artsy crafts hanging in the windows, and dilapidated school titling. The school is literally 5 seconds away from the Highway, so there is a street in front....little room for trees, or a play area. There's some red dirt and a few dump trucks on the side, so I assume they're gonna construct a playground there. The inside is a little better. Artwork, tests, and stories are all hung on colorful bulletin boards outside of classrooms. There are also pictures of teacher/student collaboration hanging around too. I don't know if it was me, but the lighting was not all that bright, causing a dull appearance.
I arrived in the midst of the ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) which occurs in Georgia during March. This test is considered a "standardized" test, and is used to categorize schools, teachers, students, etc. on "how smart" and "how far behind as a state" Georgia overall is. Whatever. Anyways, this was no reason to put all kinds of stress on KIDS. Some of them were on the verge of tears, thinking they'll be retained in their current grade if they didn't perform well on this exam. The kids tested for 2 hours, and I didn't see ANY bathroom break, stretching, snacking, or anything in between testing.
After about 2.5 hours, the testing was over, and kids were allowed to use the bathroom and whatnot. Shockingly, it was back to drilling and studying for testing part II... I walk by the art room...empty....computer room....empty....I'm pretty sure these kids were sick of all this testing, and wouldn't mind a litte break. Hell, I was sick of sitting in the hall way, monitoring. I did 99 bottles of beer on the wall TWICE, and the second time, I went to negative 30 something beers on the wall before they finally let me interact with the kids. My task was to make sure the "bad kids" wouldn't talk, and to have them read to me as part of a drill. Negative. They were really respectable, so they talked all they wanted. It amazes me how much they tell you to "shut-up" in school, and when you get to college, they want all this "discussion and participation" and "forced talking". Anyway, keep in mind that I had about 4 students...all little boys. (3rd Grade). They drilled pretty well, but had trouble reading "outloud" and fast.
I really think teachers should use psychological skills. There are many factors that play into how well a student performs on a test. One boy was very restless (as i read several stories, he tended to fall asleep), some of them was irate (i would be too) and you could hear some of their stomachs growling. Who knows what these kids go through every day, or what keeps them up all night so they're fallling asleep at school. School meals are probably the only meals they receive per day. And for the adults to contribute this to "bad behavior" is unbelievable to me. I really hope I was able to help them some, if any at all.
Kids learn at different rates anyways, so I'm not understanding why this particular test is being timed. The kids that read to me, I noticed that they focus more on pronouncing the word (in their minds) than the meaning of the word--which takes them longer to read the passages, and not enough time to read and complete the questions. If they could master the skill of just reading for comprehension, they'll be alright. But its a way to do it without stressing the kid out.
...I'm supposed to head back out there tomorrow, so we'll see what happens then.
Labels: ...black folks, ain't that interesting, social issues
M.O.M --- Strip Clubs
...so I'm on the train again. My seat is next to one set of double doors. A dude boards...kinda heavy-set, ATL Braves cap, and clad in "out and about" wear. He slaps dap to another dude standing next to me....this dude is also heavy-set...dreds with golden tips, also in "out and about" wear. For the train's atmosphere to be relatively quiet, you couldn't help but eavesdrop on their convo. Topic: Strip Clubs. After the informal greeting the convo went a little something like this:
Braves cap: man, what's been up witcha?
Dreds: shit man, you know how I do
Braves cap: yeah man....I was at the strip club the other day
Dreds: Shid? Which one folk?
Braves cap: man DreamGirls, and Pin-Ups Dreds: oh hell yeah! I was down at DreamGirls the other night. man, did you like that shit?
Braves cap: it was aiight. They should ban those fuckin' dikes though....I couldn't enjoy myself fully....Man, and I'm FROM the 'A' ....I aint never seen no shit like that before.....and the chat goes on and on. Since Atlanta is fastly becoming "thee gay town", I suppose this is what Braves cap was referring to. I was shocked at his homophobia against gay females. In idle conversation with guys, 100% of them that I've spoken too (note my reference to my own personal experiences) have this distinguished 'threesome fantasy' thing going on. They love to see girl-on-girl action, and are overall not disgusted by it.
Apparantly, money is green, and the stripclub owners sure as hell didn't mind letting a few gay females in. Oh, and something else i've noticed.....guys with homophobic complexes tend to love the "girly" gay girls, but hate the "butch" gay girls. Yeah, I know, retarded, but that's just what I've noticed. So I'm assuming that a few butch girls were in the strip clubs....probably dishing out more money than they were, so the strippers serviced with a "no discrimination" mentallity...thereby, pissing these guys off. (again...my own conclusion here)
...anyways, I had to get to class, so I missed all the glorious details there (i'm oh so sorry about that. Maybe next time).
I wonder though....if these stripper girls are comfortable giving another girl a lap dance....and letting her grope as she pleases.....hmmm....probably not, since she lets the guys do it *shrugs*
Labels: ain't that interesting
MOM (Musings on Marta) ---- Call Tyrone
....you can always catch some interesting people while riding Marta's bus and rail transit system . From the baton-twirling dude in drag, to the screaming deaf preacher....alll the way down to the woman who needs "five 'mo dollas fo some similac fo my baby". A baby who should be at least 10 years old by now...so any visitors to Atlanta....do not fall for this bullshit.
Anyways, I'm riding Marta to work as usual....When I meet this guy who calls himself Tyrone....kinda heavy-set brotha....glasses....casually dressed...looks to be in his late 20's. We exhange the usual plesantries. He takes a seat next to me....asks me what school I attend
Me: Georgia State
Him: oh really?...Major?
Me: Journalism....African-American studies minor...
Him: oh ok....that's cool
Me: yeah..... I'm Kesha by the way....
Him: *shakes my hand* oh, like Keyshia Cole huh? You should've cheated?
....anywho, he's a junior at Atlanta Metro....I forget his major. He asks me about my black studies courses....asks me do we focus on black/american history, or do we go all the way back to the motherland....I say somewhat....right now, we're focusing on the political aspect....every issue in the black community exists with a historical background. Interstingly enough, we hop on the topic of black women....specifically the "darker" ones. Like myself. In a nutshell, this is what our 15 minute conversation entailed....:
Me: well hey, you saw the movie "Hustle & Flow" right? Hard out here for a pimp? Well in my case, its hard out here for a colored gal.
Him: lol...I feel you...I mean, dark sistas barely get to shine in anything.
Me: yeah, but speaking for myself, I've come to terms with it. As a people, and specifically as a sista....we're not gonna ever come up at this rate....the stigmatizm is always gonna be there. I mean, every male in my family prefers the yella sista over the dark one. The yella sista will always recieve the most attention...*shrug*....I mean, one day, it'll change, but not in my lifetime it wont. Besides, right now I'm just doing me....I don't have time to entertain ignorance anyways.
Him: So, what I wanna ask you is this....you ever experience that stereotype that dark sistas are gold-diggers?
Me: *sucks teeth* well not really. I was actually told that I was "too independent". Whatever that means. I mean, the men in my family...they either die early, divorce and remarry, or don't stick around altogether. It's almost expected, so you better get your shit together regardless. If you come up without males or positive role model support in your family, hell yeah you're gonna get some independence about yourself. When he leaves you can't be "oh boo hoo, all I know how to do is be a homemaker, I should've took my black ass to school, I'm nothing without him". Let's get real here. Now, you can grow up, and find you a nice guy or whatever, but you can't help how you were raised. I was always taught in that ideology, so oh well...love it or leave it. You know all the stereotypes....we're golddiggers, we're loud...we have too much attitude...whatever dude...
Him: exactly. lol .. you remember In Living Color.....Jamie Fox---
Me: exactly! You don't see no lite-skinned "ghetto" girls....look at Sha-naynay....exactly what I'm talking about...but whatever. In the past, I always had to go above and beyond to prove that yella sistas ain't no better than I am. Not no more.....I left that mentallity a long time ago bruh
Him: lol
......so thank you Mr. Tyrone. Like "you betta caalllll Tyy...rooooooooooonnnnne" lol. And as I've said, riding Marta, you never know who you'll meet
Labels: ain't that interesting
