The 'GOOD' of Bush

The 'Good' of Bush
Virtues: Legacy, record, recollection

I simply want to pose a simple question: In his 7 years in office, what GOOD things/acts have George W Bush done? I don't claim to be a 'left' or a 'right' wing dude at all, but I have to wonder what good (if any) has GWB done in his term? And the only blogs/articles that you see about GWB portray him in a negative light (which at times is really, really warranted). I can only think of complete f*ck-ups: ignoring warnings to 9/11, Iraq invasion, Iraq rebuilding, hunt for Osama (still on-going), stem cell research, the environment, Katrina, and the list goes on.

Growing up as an 80's baby, and living next to the U.S. giant, the only real U.S. president that has affected me was Clinton. And besides getting some brain in the office, I don't really recall Clinton f*cking up so much.

So I really got to ask what good has he done? It seems like every day there is a report that describes a folly, scandal, or blunder. But with winning a successful re-election, and maintaining a high approval rating (for the majority of his term), there must be something that he is doing that is right ... right?

Let me know, because I am baffled.

Peace.

Yes, even the homeless get grimey

Yes, even the homeless get grimey
Virtues: Racism, Discrimination, Economics, Poverty

True Story.

My boy and I are sitting in the student lounge of our University. We notice a homeless person - roughly in his mid 40's, white, scraggily clothes, unshaven, and is asking people @ tables around us for change; he was gradually making his way to each table, and he was about to approach us to ask us for change (or at least we thought). I was anticipating his approach & readying my response of "Nah, I don't have any change", but my boy was reaching into his pocket to grab his wallet to show some human compassion by giving him a few dollars. Now, dude looks straight at us. Looks us dead in our eyes. Walks right by us and asks the white women at the table beside us for money, and then continues down the row of tables asking people for a handout.

I didn't believe what had happened - not much things get to me as I can handle overt & non-overt acts of racism. But this thing here was like a slap in the face.

Ironically enough, we were probably the only people that were willing to give the muthaphucka any help.

A lesson learned.

The Black Type

We all know that stereotypes exist for all races & cultures. In a definitional construct, a stereotype can be defined as a generalized statement regarding behavior or attitude for a group of people. Stereotypes are usually developed from either personal experiences or are absorbed from various media texts. Personally, stereotyping is a part of human functioning - on a cognitive level it is applying a mental framework (set of ideas & concepts) to a situation, problem, or interactions. The problem for the 'art' of stereotyping comes in its application - treating people a certain way because of a stereotype. I'm sure we have all experienced that feeling - some more than others, and I accept this reality. My qualm is not really the 'treatment', but the "limits of potential" that stereotypes can exert.

I get that being a young black male that I am maladapted, aggressive, may have several illegitimate children, very fashionable, do several drugs, and have a lack of respect for authority figures - due primarily to the absence of a father figure in my childhood. Now with that fact(s) I am also an entrepreneur. In regards to entrepreneurs, when I tell others that I have businesses, the primary assumption is that I am either creating a music label or clothing line. Whats alarming is that black, white, asian, brown people like place the same limit: the extent of the 'Black Entrepreneur' is limited to Music & Fashion. So one can imagine the shocking expressions I receive when I tell others that I have a Media & Event Planning Company; worse when I get into rich descriptive detail regarding concepts & terms. The change in behavioral expression (facial, body, verbal) is almost instant - the limits that were disposed on me had been shattered & something significant has happened. I am now no longer a "constant, predictable negro" in their eyes - I now represent a variable that can not easily be defined by existing stereotypes. Making my potential limitless - of course, I knew this all the time, but it brings me a sense of joy to 'school' others from time to time whom try to limit me.

NOTE:
Ironically, when you stereotype others & place limitations on their behavior, you kind of limit your own abilities to think outside the 'box' or paradigm.

Irony is a Bitch isn't it?

The Wrong Valentine

I've had messed up Valentine's Day's in the past, most notably getting dumped (however, she came back several weeks later ), but this year may have been my worse; not because of what happened to me, but because of what I may have caused, indirectly.

The night before the Valentine's, I called up my ex-girl and told her that I would take her out out on Valentine's Day; she did not have any boyfriend so I thought everything was cool. However, she was acting all stupid, saying 'maybe', giving me the runaround. So I say cool, and I keep it moving.

Valentine Day rolls around, and in the morning, my friend Joanne calls me up to tell me she got a link at a fancy restaurant and invited me to come - naturally, I agree. Couple hours pass, and the ex calls up and wants to know when I am coming by to pick her up .... , I'm like, you punked me last night, so I found alternate plans. She did not believe me at first, but when it finally sunk in, she began to get really mad. But I told her that you had your chance, you were being foolish, so I moved on. Conversation ended, I didnt really think anything of it.

Anyways, I go on the date to the classy restaurant with Joanne (oh yeah, who is the 'Limited Dosage', check for the blog I wrote on 'Limited Dosage'), and then the ex starts calling, texting, trying to interrupt my night. I ignore it. Realistically, I would have preferred to be with the ex, because I can really, really, really only handle Joanne in Limited Dosages. The following day rolls around, and I call the ex to see how she is, and I never really thought I had a strong affect on her anymore, but she was extremely hurt and saddened by my actions; she truly expected me to break off my plans for her, which I could of very easily, but chose not to. The ex was very irate and mad, and I began to understand that she had deeper feelings for me than she lead on.

However, if she wasn't 'playing around' and acting foolish (which she claims that I should have known that she was acting that way) then things would have transpired differently. I kinda wish they had transpired differently because even though I was eating like a King, dining on savory food, and enjoying a rich ambient atmosphere ... I wasn't with my TRUE Valentine.

A Lesson Learned.

Peace.

Freedom Writers or Dangerous Minds

I was ready & fired up to write a scathing piece on the movie 'Freedom Writers', starring Hilary Swank. After watching the previews on T.V., I came to the presumption that this is just another classic 'white savior' flick. You know the rhetoric, the Hollywood formula is comprised of:
Step 1 - An inner-city public school w/ poor learning conditions
Step 2 - Troubled black & Hispanic youth who have socio-economic & behavioral problems
Step 3- A 'white' protagonist who enters the environment & 'saves' the troubled youth from destruction

Whether it is manifested as a teacher, student, or friend, the white protagonist enters an environment & 'shows' the troubled youth a better 'life' or teaches the troubled youth how to 'appropriate' to society or normalcy. These types of movies kind of imply that the ethnic youth are 'savages', 'misinformed', 'delinquents' -- and only a 'white' figure can change their ways, or 'civilize' them. Kinda sounds like the Missionary period & world exploration period all over again.

I will acknowledge that there are also black protagonists in such films (Coach Carter), but I can't recall any films where a Black protagonist 'civilized' white youth delinquents .... if they exist, please let me know.

I could name countless examples of white protagonists such as:
- Michelle Pfifer in 'Dangerous Minds'
- Julia Stiles in 'Save the Last Dance'
- Jessica Alba in 'Honey'
- Sean Connery in 'Finding Forrester'


However .....

Back to my opening statement, I was going to blast 'Freedom Writers', but a co-worker of mines schooled me & said that this flick is nothing like 'Dangerous Minds', and I realized that I was going to make a gross assumption about this flick, without viewing the film first hand.


Thus, I guess the moral of this lil' piece is not about the 'Great White Savior' of inner-city ethnic youth - which is a valid point by the way, but the moral is not to ASSume something, because it'll make an ASS out of U and Me ..... yes i know, its a kinda cheesy phrase, but it is very fitting!


Peace.

The Conditional Engagement

The Conditional Engagement Ring

Give it back if it doesn't work

Came across an interesting moral question the other day when a friend of mine who is engaged, said that she would NOT give back an engagement ring if her engagement was broken. This kind of surprised me because I figured that a woman would give back an engagement ring because she would not want a symbolic reminder of a failed relationship. Perhaps maybe it was for the monetary value of the ring, but when I asked if that was the case, she was not concerned about the ring's value; in hopes to pawn it off for some cheddar -- her only reason for aspiring to retain such a ring is because it 'looks nice', aesthetically speaking.

However, my understanding of this whole marriage ish is that an engagement ring is a conditional offering; a man's desire to wed his woman in the near future. I don't think the ring can be labelled as a 'gift'; flowers, candy, expensive jewellery are gifts, not an engagement ring -- it has more significance than a 'gift', historically speaking (shot to those that want to label an engagement ring as a 'gift').

Historical Sense

From what I can find, the engagement ring was presided (created as a a formality) by Pope Innocent III in 1215 by the Fourth Lateran Council; their initial purpose were to preserve a 'a visible division of social rank, ensuring only the privileged wore florid jewels' (bastards) and to declare a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage. Traditionally, it is a norm for the woman to return the ring if the engagements is called off, but in some cases (i.e. the man cheats) the woman is not obliged to return the ring -- however in some U.S. states, the view is that the engagement ring is a conditional gift and that the ring SHOULD be returned under any circumstances.

Furthermore, if you want to get symbolic about the whole 'marriage' situation, the engagement ring is a symbol of the man's property (i.e. the woman); the engagement ring is only worn by the woman as a symbol to other men that she is 'taken' (the man does not wear any symbol/ring until actual marriage); the ring shows that she is already tied to a man. Think of the engagement ring as a sign of 'marked territory'; sort of like what a Lion or Tiger does, for the purposes of protecting their possession.

Thus you can fill out the strong symbolism and even emotional pulses one send's out when you still desire to keep an engagement ring after the engagement is called off.

But if the ring is nice ... I guess its cool, right? (feelings, emotions, sanity being absent of
course)

.:: Food for thought ::.

--
sources: wikipedia.com

Limited Dosage

LIMITED DOSAGE
Tolerating the intolerable, but you still like her ...

Ever encountered this ....

I have this lady friend; an attraction exists between both of us. Known each other for several months now, went out a couple of times, talk on the phone regularly (at times). Now, everything is cool about her, except that at times I can't stand her; not in the aspect that we argue and/or bicker towards each other, but its just that at times her behavior and interests seem to be so distant from mines. Talking only about the latest fashions, desiring to only role in the flyest cars, aspiring to hang around celebrities, seem to be the depth of her intelligence at times (coincidentally, especially in public). And on a one-on-one, its like a completely different chick emerges; one who is knowledgeable, educated, introspective.

So I guess the problem exists in a public setting - once that is removed, I guess I should have no issues right? However, she always wants to go out here and there; especially because she inhabits the urban downtown core where she is accessible to everything. And I at times, like to go out and would like a fly chick by my side.

To move closer, would mean spending more time with her doing the things that 'couples do', but I don't think I can tolerate her in a high dosage (talking everyday, seeing each other frequently, etc.). And I feel that she wants to move closer, however, I can only stomach her in limited dosages; dosages that satisfy my needs ...

Is this wrong?

Reasonable Christmas

Its that time of the year. Where everything is merry and such, and such. Saint Nick, Reindeer, Candy Canes and with Christmas approaching fast, I reflect on how much difference (if there is any) of Christmas changing over the years. I would say Christmas is more 'commercialized', but I am not too sure about that - nor do I see a problem if there was a change (more commerce is always good in our Western society). People act a bit nicer around this time, and become more depressed in January.

So probably the only significant difference between now and when I was an 80's baby (though I can only recall the 90's) is that December is significantly warmer and has an absence of snow (yes, even from the Great White North), which would indicate global warming.

Overall, the message of Christmas still resonates, Hanukkah is still strong, and Kwanza still grows.

My fondest memory of Christmas is the Dinner; which I never really appreciated until recently, and I felt kind of awkward when I really had my first Christmas dinner. However now, I've grown accustomed to it and have realised that no matter how busy we are, or how crazy we have gotten in the past couple of weeks in our attempt to try to find gifts, parking spaces, exchanges and returns, etc., all that crap does not matter and is irrelevant ... what is important that you and your loved ones can congregate and break bread with each other.

So I ask, what is your fondest memory of Christmas?

.:: peace

VLot Case #120: "Leave my cologne alone, its a little too strong for you to be putting on"

"Leave my cologne alone, its a little too strong for you to be putting on"


From Lupe Fiasco 'I Gotcha' (2006)
a case study from www.vacantlot.org

Relates to 'swagger jacking'. Swagger jacking can be described in adoring and borrowing one's style, charisma; but more importantly, claiming that style and charisma as your own. Back in the day it would one would be labelled a 'biter'.

Furthermore, this quote goes a bit deeper and suggests that one can not hold one's weight; which is a direct shot to 'swagger jackers'. Because if you are going to emulate someone; one best do a damn good job at being similar or better than the original, because if one does not look similar or better, the public will easily be able to identify the 'fakeness' in the perpetraitor. In the entertainment industry, many try to copy style of another, but it rarely works:
- New York imitating the Dirty South (i.e. Chicken Noodle soup, very wack)
- Everybody trying to get shot 9 times like 50 Cent (Beanie, Fabolous, and others)
- Madonna trying to adopt children, just like Angelina
- In the early 2000's everybody was trying to get the 'Neptunes' sound (wack notables; Angie Martinez, Ray J)

On a lower-profile scale, many people have to go through the process of deciding whether to step in the shoes of another, primarily when it comes to filling roles: for example, becoming a responsible father, taking over the family business, a new job position, whatever the case is, assuming a new role whether by choice or not, can be a challenge.

As Lupe suggests, if it is a little too strong for you to handle, then symptoms will follow, commonly known as 'coping'. Coping may manifest itself into certain types of behavior; withdrawal from certain social settings, anxiety, depressants (drugs, alcohol), and other behavior that is usually damaging. Thus, if one can not cope with the 'cologne' then another quote comes to mind; 'If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen'.

Summation:
For the ones that are being bitten, there is a quote that suggests that 'imitation is the greatest form of flattery'; however, this flattery may be indirectly (meaning, the one who is imitating will not likely directly admit to admiring the source's). So, instead of getting mad or irrate because someone is 'biting your style', think of it as an accomplishment that someone would try to emulate your behaviour.


.: More lyrics and quotes at http://www.vacantlot.org/

VLot Case #119: "Each block is like a maze with black rats"

"Each block is like a maze with black rats"
-- Nas, NY State of Mind from Illmatic (1993)
a case study from www.vacantlot.org





A colourful social commentary. The urban cities in North America, specifically that of the United States is primarily made up of inadequate housing dwellings; which are primarily occupied with black individuals (immigrants or migrants). These areas are sometimes referred to as the 'ghetto' or 'hood' because crime, unemployment, and poverty are higher than other areas of the city.

One who grows up in such an enviornment is usually caught in a 'cycle' - which is the pre-determination of the socio-economic outcome. In this case, one whom grows up in a 'hood' is significantly more likely to experience a life of high unemployment, poverty, and crime -- of course there are exceptions to this 'perceived' rule, and some break out of the cycle.

The 'maze' refers to the sequence of life to which one tries to escape a certain context; in this case, the context is the urban dwellings (ghetto, hood); which of course is consumed with the undesirable virtues as stated earlier.

The Great Escape
It is debatable to which what and how are the best methods to escape the 'maze' however the following could assist:
- Attainment of higher education (college or university degrees)
- A considerable amount of parental investment (single or two-parent; in the case of a single parent household, the single parent must work much harder)
- Social activities (i.e. sports, groups, hobbies)
- Luck

In summation, our conditions condition us to behave and expect certain types of behavior; thus, for one to change their condition, a new embrace of thought is required to go above and beyond what is expected of you. There is no easy answer, but the first step may be to attain knowledge of one's self, and the environment around them.

Its hard to figure out a problem until you understand why you are faced with a problem; then you can derive a solution.

.: More lyrics and quotes at www.vacantlot.org

VLot Case Studies

www.vacantlot.org

VLot Case Studies - An in-depth analysis of sorts ...
I figured I will be doing a couple of in-depth analysis of different quotes. At first I was thinking, well, it'll be too hard to extract a profound meaning that might exist in a 1-2 sentence line, but when I started really looking at it -- I found that these quotes can be interpreted in so many different ways -- its amazing. I found myself taking a socio-economic look at things, to psychoanalytical, to environmental, and even to religious/faith stances.

All my works won't be about the VLot Case Studies, but I will try to mix it up; as I believe I am multi-faceted to think in different contexts.

Anyhow, that is all for now, enjoy the previous two posts, and of course, let me know what y'all think.

Peace.

VLot Case #118: "So I don't give a f*** what none of y'all n*** say; Cause anything that can't penetrate ricochets"

"So I don't give a f*** what none of y'all n*** say; Cause anything that can't penetrate ricochets"
-- Canibus 'How We Roll', 1998, a case study from www.vacantlot.org Intelli-Hip Hop





Self-esteem is a pertinent issue that affects all of us from childhood to adulthood. In childhood, our self-esteem is exposed to several 'tests' that either create a positive or negative self-esteem. Of course social, psychological, and environmental factors will all dictate how one responds to these 'tests'. However, this proverbial wisdom quote refers to the 'diss' approach of self-esteem; that is discrediting a person's character with insults that may be true or untrue. It is also worthy to note that these acts of discrediting is usually done directly and with a malicious nature (intent to afflict emo-pain).

Thus, this quote implies that one has a positive (high) self-esteem which translates into any attempts to lower their self-esteem is repelled. To attain this, one is confident in themselves; which may be also a sign that one only tries to lower another's self-esteem because their self-esteem is also low - bringing one down may bring another up. Such individuals can be labelled shallow and transparent: which may explain why this quote suggests that insults are ricocheted back to the sender when one is mentally deep and understands their psyche.

.:: Find more quotes at www.vacantlot.org
An in-depth look at the quotes that affect our lives

VLot Case #115: "A wise man told me not to argue with fools, because people from a distance can't tell who is who."

"A wise man told me not to argue with fools, because people from a distance can't tell who is who."
-- Jay-Z , case study from www.vacantlot.org










This quote is one of my favorite quotes as I feel that it speaks truth; so many people like to argue with non-sensical logic -- it is almost baffling at times. Actually, this quote is derived from an 18th century english proverb, but has a timeless essence because 'fools' will always exist.
Foolish logic has many traits, but most notably when one encounters someone who is foolish, the following characteristics will become apparent:
- Unwilling/Unreceptive to differing ideas; inability to compromise
- Argumentum ad hominem: does not stick to the argument, goes off topic
- Talks loud and uses vulgar language
- Circular argumentation: goes around in circles; does not stick to the argument.
- Stubborn attitude

Dialogue with people of this nature will not solve an issue, but rather it might make the situation worse; as both individuals will look 'foolish'. Nothing can amount to nothing, and engaging with a fool will yield the same.

Misconception
A common misconception of 'fools' are those individuals that may come from a poor background - to be foolish does not necessarily derive from one's socio-economic status. But more so, 'fools' manipulate the world around them by assinine behavior to satisfy their appetitie.

Conclusion
In the end, this maxim suggests that nothing can be accomplished when arguing with a fool -- except that one is deemed a fool also, for trying to intellectually engaging a fool.

.:: More quotes at www.vacantlot.org

To Snitch or Not to Snitch, and the community's role

To Snitch or Not to Snitch - And the role of the community

I know you have heard it all before - "stop snitching", "don't rat", et cetera, et cetera. Many people don't believe in the justice system, and especially the face of the justice system (cops). Now, in particular communites (especially, black, latin communities) there have been a long-standing demise of the relationship between the police, and the communities that they are supposed to 'protect & serve'. Many stories of police brutality, and corruption are almost synonomous with police behaviour; and of course, the ultimate blow to the relationship between police and black/latino communities was the videotaped beating of Rodney King: that solidfied the disdain and distrust that many have of police.

So with that history, being circulated and passed on through oral & written tradition, and with popular music vocalizing the notions of 'stop snitching' - what are we supposed to do in the face of an injustice? If we don't 'snitch' (hypothetically speaking), then what do we do when we know of, or have seen, an injustice committed in our community? Do we turn a blind eye?

Could you turn a blind eye if you were attached to the situation (i.e. someone you knew was victimized)?

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you don't wanna 'snitch' then you need to go to the members in the community who can rectify the situation.

For example:
In Arizona, a young teenage girl was violently raped; many in the community knew who was responsible. However, there was/is a disdain for cooperating with the law. So what happened? Several members in the community went to the people responsible for the rape, and basically told them to turn themselves in to the authorities ... and surprisingly, the rapists obligied.

What I get out of this interesting story is that the community has decided to police and regulate behavior (sort of what the Black Panther party was 'ideally' supposed to accomplish).

Ergo, if we choose not to 'snitch' then, when something goes awry, the community has to step up to the plate and exercise justice.

What do y'all think??

Chicken Noodle Soup ... a sad state of affairs

Some random thoughts on the current state of Hip-Hop ....

Seems like the current state of Hip-Hop is bleek - I'm sorry to say. I honestly thought that maybe Hip-Hop was making a move towards a positive direction; led by Chicago's Lupe Fiasco, who brought actual lyrical content to his songs -- in comparison to the current shit on the airwaves.

However, despite the solid album and maybe a combination of the album being leaked on the Internet several months earlier, only 80,000 people have purchased the album.
Thus, the 'movement' I had wished is dormant - absent of a solid, legitimate figurhead -- beaten for the public's desire for 'Chicken Noodle Soup', and songs of that nature.

Where to begin, if 'Chicken Noodle Soup' is New York's attempt to try & regain the crown in hip-hop, then the 5 borough's are in some serious trouble. No one likes a biter -- East, West, South Coast it doesn't matter. Emulating what is popular WILL not restore the East back to prominence. The South has brought the 'fun' back to hip-hop with basically, creating songs about dances. The East doesn't or shouldn't mimic the same formula. The 'Chicken Noodle Soup' song/dance just looks like NYC's desperate appeal for attention, but it is catchy though ..... and let it rain

--
P.S. I anticipate some 'hate' but come with some legitimate arguments please.

Collateral Hating

A thought in the arts of Hating ....

Now, hating is nothing new - its a part of daily life, as people say and/or do certain things to try to undermine and/or impede your progress; growing up in a major city, i've grown to accept that.

When the hate is directed to me, I can handle it - dish it back, package it properly right back to the sender. However, this new 'hate by association' thing is perplexing.

An ex-girl of a colleague of mines is deciding (against better judgment) to spread hate on him, and myself to people that are in our circle. Now, go ahead girl, do your thing and hate on your ex-man that may have done a, b, and c, to you (or, what you perceive), but don't include me; that is wreckless hating (new word) and can have some adverse consequences - kind of like pain medication.

I'm sure 'Collateral Hating' is a common occurrence, but what it should do the victims involved (i.e. being ME) is that it should propel the energy in one's self to over-achieve above the hater's limited expectations of you. Yes, I could get mad, angry, and spew about it, but i'd rather manifest that energy into trying to triumphant the feat that the hater thinks I can't do.

Also, it is comforting to know that most haters are not a 'stand-up' species; rather in the face of adversity or confrontation they swelter ... saying "Nah, I didn't say that, she said that", hmmm, that reminds of some type of species ... on all fours though ...

Peace Haters

--
Lemme know what y'all think ... peace.

Women, and their self-fulfulling prophecy of misery Pt. 1

I am not really one to be writing about relationships and crap, but I figured I will give it a try.

Quick run-down:
Boy knows girl for several years; they kept in touch but sporadically. Girl felt like Boy was just going after her goodies; which was kinda true, but over time - boy matured and girl felt that level of maturity, so girl and boy start talking. However, Girl has broken up with her ex 6-8 months) before girl reconnects with boy. Girl likes Boy, vice versa. Girl thinks and professes that boy is great, ideal, and really likes Boy (also thinks that Boy is a great communicator, compromiser, and intelligent) - thus, girl initiates a date. On date both have a good time, enjoy each others company, date ends with a kiss. However, girl is overwhelmed with feelings of joy/bliss, but is conflicted with her ex (mind you, who cheated and disrespected her). Thus, girl panics and freaks out (which I dont understand). Ignores Boy for several weeks and ignores his phone calls. Finally, Girl sees the errs in her ways, and contacts Boy and says that she is sorry for her actions, but Boy is upset that girl would treat her this way ... sorry for the 'quick run-down'

Now, besides knowing that naturally, women are generally screwed; as is, they have no idea of knowing what they want in life and/or a man. Why can't women acknowledge and respect when they have a good thing in their life. If girl felt this way, knowing that boy is understanding and is a good communicator, girl should have told boy her feelings - NOT ignore boy like a chicken head (or insert appropriate regional word). That is my qualm. Every action is a reciprocal equal or greater action, and though Boy wishes Girl good luck, i'm sure Boy wishes her some equal/greater treatment as she showed to him, by some other boy ... ya dig??

Lemme know what y'all think (women: sorry for the generalizations, but you know what it is already!!).

Celebrities and fascination w/ Black Novelty

Angelina started it (maybe with good, pure intentions) when she decided to adopt a baby from Nambia in Africa. At the time I thought, ok, based on her history of working with the U.N. and other agencies that work with the poor and developing nations, maybe her actions are genuine and she really does care about the state of affairs in Africa.

However, now Madonna has gone out and done the same thing, with allegations that she may have used her celebrity power to obtain the baby illegal. Now that may be true, or not, its irrelevant really, but when did Madonna become such a 'humanitarian'? Several years ago, this broad was slutting her way to the top of the pop charts (and at her old age, she continues to do so). My fear is that Madonna adopted the black child because with everything that is Hollywood, this whole ideal of celebrities 'saving' those who are less fortunate has become trendy. It is the new 'it' thing. And Madonna is the 1st celebrity to FOLLOW in the noble footsteps of Angelina.

The worse thing that made me cringe was when I heard that broad Britney Spears thinking that she might do the same thing.

Black/African PEOPLE are not novelties. I guess my point is, that celebrities should only adopt if they honestly, and genuinely are adopting because they care about the well-being of the child that they adopt - celebrities should not adopt because it may improve their public image/perception (so they can sell more units).

If you want a novelty, find it on eBay, stay the f*** out of Africa.

Guy in the bottom picture is the father of the adopted baby.

Tip What?

TIP WHAT?
The cultural norm of tipping

This is just a funny story that I thought I would share:

The other day I was with my sister and my nephew in a popular Chinese buffet restaurant; the food was mediocre (what else can one expect at a buffet?), but the selection was vast in quantity. A perky waitress brought us to our seats and asked us if we had any additional orders (i.e. beverages, alcohol, etc.). We place a couple of orders and then proceeded to attack the buffet table to feed our appetite.

Now, to the extent of what the waitress performed, which was pretty much just cleaning the table of dishes that were dirty, a debate ensued whether what the appropriate tip should be for the waitress. I was baffled, because the question in my head was if there should be a tip at all.

Now, I’m not one that is really in favour of tipping; I don’t feel that it is rational to ‘tip’ someone for the job function’s that they are supposed to perform. Especially, in a buffet environment where the waitress does half of the duties than a waitress at a regular restaurant. Tipping has seemed to evolve into a cultural norm, but it is a cultural norm that I wish not to subscribe too. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have tipped in the past, but I’m strongly against the notion of deriving a mathematical percentage formula to determine how much one should tip (i.e. 10% of the order). That is foolishness. Tipping should only be done if you feel that the waitress went beyond her specific job duties: lets say, by providing excellent repertoire or customer service. Don’t just tip someone for performing their basic job duties.

Tipping has become expected and is embedded into our cultural, so much so, that has almost become a cultural norm – waitresses expect to be tipped no matter how much/well they perform their duties. Another factor is that because tipping is a cultural norm; any deviation from such actions will make one ostracised - stigmatized as ‘cheap’, ‘mean’ or ‘petty’.

In summation, I still contributed to a tip (much to my dismay) because I felt a desire to conform, rather than be true to thyself ….

Think about that.

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d_dot_b

What do we own?

What do we own?

A simple question with a not-so simple answer. I was trying to think
of what we actually own; what we as black people can call 'our own'.
My immediate focus was BET, Black Entertainment Television, then I
realised it was bought out by Viacom. Still concentrating on
entertainment, I gathered that as musicians we own our masters to our
songs. However, upon further research, only a handful of artists
actually own their music. Classic nostalgic artists such as Michael
Jackson and Chaka Khan are still fighting with their respective labels
to own their music.

I subsequently thought about the financial industry, but to no finding
of any black ownership. It’s rare to find a convenience store that is
black owned, or a gas station, franchised grocery stores, or
restaurant. Furthermore, if there is a black-owned restaurant, it
will only sell food that we can relate too. In theory that is
acceptable, however why can't we sell to others? Meaning instead of
the Asian selling us our food & clothing, we should sell the Asian his
food & clothing. Our businesses are to niche; not utilising a full
spectrum approach. As a people we need to be concerned of business
ownership that sells to a wide-range of folk.

Furthermore, not only concentrating on entertainment, but also media, financial, amongst others. Only when we start owning a bigger piece of the pie, then we can demand how the pie is baked.

Think about that …

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DesieB