Good News From I'm HATIN'

Good Evening Family, Friends, Colleagues and Faithful Haters,

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday, snow and days off.

I write today with good news about my blog, I'M HATIN'. It was recently picked up by NV Magazine, a national, bi-monthly

business magazine for urban professionals, entrepreneurs and forward thinkers. As a new columnist for NV, my rants and raves will be featured in their NV NCorrect section of the magazine and it's website, dishing out my opinions and unique views (HATIN' style, of course) on current events and topics of interest.

Check out my first blog post/column below or by following the link to NV's website:

http://www.nvmagazine.com/index.php?option=com_idoblog&task=viewpost&id=308&Itemid=0

I want to thank everyone for their continued support, blog ideas and following of the blog, it's appreciated more than you know.

Sincerely Yours,

Jennifer Chapple

Keep On HATIN'

POST

I’M HATIN’: Because Black Business Enthusiast Aren’t Playing with a Full Deck... Just Race Cards

Black business, white business, Asian

or Hispanic; The younger generation of business leaders and executives only see one color… GREEN.

*Insert infamous “Love of Money”, Pink Floyd lyrics here*

Let me preface this column/blog post by saying I work for a black-owned business. So, theoretically, I wholeheartedly believe in the usefulness and need for black-owned companies and enterprises, seeing that that’s where my proverbial “bread and butter” comes from. But, in this ever-evolving world we live in and with the emergence and adoption of the “post-racial society” concept, it’s understandable that businesses and consumers, alike, find no REAL reason to think black... especially over mainstream or other minority groups, for as far as the new America is concerned, race and color are a non-issue.

This fact doesn’t make buying black a racial issue, but an evolution issue and your confusion of the two, Black Business Enthusiast (BBE), is why I’m HATIN’.

There are a few reasons, from what I can gather, why black-owned companies are struggling for support and receiving very little consumer and business cooperation or attention, including:

• The now, socially acceptable “No Such Thing as Racism” attitude
• Black business owners not having majority control, and
• African Americans not bred to support their own.

Let’s break this down, shall we?

First let’s begin with the definition of a black-owned business and the argument for keeping black money in black hands.

A working definition of a black-owned business is a proprietorship, partnership, corporation or joint-venture that is 51% owned, operated and controlled by United States citizens who are members of the African American racial group. Ownership is defined as the owner of record having control of 51% or more of the company's voting shares, and control of the day-to-day operations.

Preliminary Estimates of Business Ownership by Gender, Ethnicity, Race and Veteran Status: 2007, from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 Survey of Business Owners found that there were approximately 1.9 million black-owned businesses in 2007, up 60.5 percent from 2002. Receipts of these businesses totaled $137.4 billion, up 55.1 percent from 2002.

In 2007, 37.6 percent of black-owned businesses were in health care and social assistance, repair and maintenance, and personal and laundry services.

Now that we understand more about black business, let’s examine the black consumer.

Target Market News estimates the African-American population of the U.S. at 41.1 million, with a buying/spending power of $803 billion (2008). The top five expenditure categories, in which African Americans most frequently purchase, include, Housing ($166.3 billion), Food ($65.3 billion), Cars/Trucks ($31.5 billion), Clothing ($26.9 billion) and Health Care ($23.9 billion). With a spending power like this, it’s no wonder why BBE’s want to keep black money within black communities. Intent is admirable, at best, but execution is all wrong.

As I stated above, the concept of race in the business place has changed, and if black-owned companies want to compete, not just for black dollars but everyone’s business, it will have to evolve its business model and practices. This is evident in the decision of fast food conglomerate, Burger King’s recent move to pare down its marketing and advertising assignments, officially letting go UniWorld Group, the agency of record for its African-American branding efforts, and LatinWorks, agency of record for Hispanic marketing. Myself, columnist from the New York Times and Wall Street Journal all agree that this change within the company is indicative of a trend that has taken off, full-speed, as younger consumers, who are often less likely to use traditional labels of race and ethnicity, have become more of a force in the marketplace and in terms of spending power. As a result, advertisers are folding minority departments into their own organizations or only accepting bids from companies who appear diverse.

Mike Kappitt, chief marketing officer, Burger King North America, said that the company was making the change “based on where our consumer is” and particularly when considering “the X and Y generations” and their beliefs in the “melting pot.”

To add salt to the wound, Burger King also announced that it intended to have its African-American ads be created by Wunderman (a white firm, who has been their agency of record for “mainstream” advertising) and its Hispanic advertising done by Crispin Porter & Bogusky (yup, you guessed it... also white).

Of course, black business owners were outraged.

Janice L. Mathis, vice president and counsel, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said "the remarks attributed to Burger King's chief marketing officer, Mike Kapitt are so inappropriate that we believe there must be a better explanation of the company's recent advertising decisions."

Mathis went on to say, "There is something deeply troubling about the assumption that white agencies can communicate with everyone and black and brown agencies can communicate only with racial and ethnic minority customers. If there was going to be a change, minority-owned agencies should have been invited to compete for the general market business.

Is it fair for Burger King to change firms... YES. It’s their money and they can do with it, what they see fit.

Do black business owners have a right to be upset? Sure. But, it doesn’t alter the fact that they are being put out of business as a result of being pigeonholed to a niche market, and instead of crying about the loss of a contract should be figuring out their competitive advantage in the new marketplace.

Moving on...

Our second issue pertains to black-owned firms, which, after becoming popular and profitable, do not retain its black-ownership status. This is where we talk about the sell-outs. Below, I pulled up a short list of well known, formerly black-owned companies that are now corporate subsidiaries.

• Rocawear – Bought by Iconix in 2007 for $204 million
• Phat Fashions – Bought by Kellwood in 2004 for $140 million
• Soft Sheen – Acquired by L’Oreal in 1998 for an unreported sum, estimated to be around $160 million
• Burrell Communications Group – Merged with Publicis Groupe in 1999
• Translation Consulting and Brand Imaging – Acquired by Interpublic Group in 2007 for a reported sum of between $10 and $15 million
• BET – Acquired by Viacom for $2.34 billion in 2000
• Essence Communications Partners – Acquired by Time Inc. in 2005 in a transaction reported to be valued $170 million

Visit the Atlanta Post online for more information about the mergers listed above. Link: http://atlantapost.com/2010/07/07/7-businesses-that-went-from-black-owned-to-corporate-subsidiaries/7/

I ask, to my BBE’s, are we to still continue patronage of these companies? What about companies who are black-owned but not black operated? The definition I gave above clearly added the operational element to the argument. Are these companies worthy of conducting business with or should we outcast them to the mainstream and away from our niche?

My biggest complaint with those who take the pro opinion on this subject is how do we ever know/designate if a company is “black enough.”

This leads me into my last and final point regarding African Americans not being trained and educated to support their own, both as consumers and business entities.

It’s the long-heard tale about crabs in a barrel; the cyclical event where one tries to climb to the top and is pulled down by the others.

We, as African American people, do NOT encourage self-preservation. We do not effectively initiate our own “buy local/buy black” initiatives. We tend to go to everyone else for everything we need, specific to our lifestyle. And worse, if ever scorned by an African-American business owner/vendor, vow to never do business with anyone of our race, ever again. EVER!

This is a problem and I suggest that my black business enthusiast get behind the root of this issue as opposed to trying to put out fires, everywhere, caused by elements out of their control.

Power to the HATIN’

I'MHATIN': Because Voting and New Logo's Arent FANCY

Voting… They need a HATIN’ Button

I start off this blog post in an utter state of confusion about the practice of voting. I pose this question to all my faithful readers (and even the not-so-faithful): Is it better to vote based on principal, regardless of whether or not you know who and what the candidates are about, or better to stay home and forfeit your God-given, long-fought right? Needless to say, I’m torn, good HATERS.

The entire election process is a sham, if you ask me… and for that I’M HATIN’

Where do I begin?

As an African-American woman, it was instilled in me at an early age that voting was of the utmost importance. I can remember my mother and father going out to the polls every election and reminding me that when I turned 18, it would be my duty to do the same. I was told constantly by school, church and home that many people, both forward thinking blacks and women, had died to give me this right, and that it was my responsibility to make sure they didn’t die in vain. A lot of accountability on my shoulders and also that of the American people.

But as each year passes, and I see one awful campaign commercial after another, I have to ask myself, “What are the outcomes of me going to the polls?, especially when I know that for far too many elections, that I’ve participated in, I didn’t even know who I was voting for.”

I don’t know about you, but even when I do my research and look up the candidates on the ballot, when I arrive to my voting station, I’m always surprised to see new names on there that I don’t recognize. Now, here I am in my lil’ booth, BLINDLY picking names that sound remotely trustworthy… even within my registered party. Horowitz sounds like he could be good with money… vote for him. Johnson sounds like he has his finger on the pulse of the community… he can get a vote… Lee… well, I just like the name Lee. Vote for Lee.

It’s RIDICULOUS.

And is it me, or have the party lines become so blurred that you can’t quite decipher which supposed “team” you’re on? I lean right on some issues; left on others… it’s become a hodgepodge of right and left to the point that nothing makes sense. The proverbial “Can’t do Wrong Right.”

After I’ve done my civic duty I feel both good and ashamed at the same time, wondering what it all will equate to; four more years of horrible taxes, four more years of sticking the seniors and single individuals (such as myself- single, not senior) and four more years bitchin’ about why things aren’t better. Talk about “in vain.”

But, am I wrong to stay home and NOT vote? Many shun the idea, but please tell me what the difference is between not voting and uneducated voting… ultimately the vote is either thrown away or thrown at someone who may or may not best represent you and your ideals.

Whichever way you decide, the Public Service Announcer in me reminds you that Tuesday, November 2, 2010 is election day. The rest is up to you!

Republican and Democratically HATIN’

“FANCY” Huh?

UGH!! I am beyond tired of the concept of “FANCY”

UrbanDictionary.com and Rapper/Singer Drake defines “Fancy” as “Utterly charming, resourceful, and pretty. Noun - Laotian for bad ass.” The term is typically used when speaking affectionately about a woman/lady.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: How could I HATE on a positive complement? It’s better than other names spewed at women daily.

And while I must agree, it is a nice compliment, it has been misused by both the male and female sexes and disillusioned many women into believing that they are in fact “FANCY,” when their situation and circumstance prove otherwise.

I cannot tell you how many Facebook and Twitter updates boast or quote being “FANCY” and show absolutely NO validation for such claims. Let’s just put this out there… If you have 5 kids, 6 different baby daddy’s and live with the assistance of the U.S. Government and the tax payers, you my friend, are NOT “FANCY.” And it’s OK not to be.

Being “FANCY” is nice, GREAT even, but it has a level of exclusivity in which not all apply. It’s the equivalent to a woman purchasing a Birkin Bag. These bags typically cost upwards of $4,000, and then some. The bag has a target audience and is intended to attract/appeal to a select few. It’s not for everybody. EXCLUSIVITY!

Please don’t get caught up in the hype.

The song and concept are GREAT and an ego boost to women. Period. But let’s not get carried away.

Gap Logo Redesign- What’s the Big F’in Deal, B*tch?

Apparently, change is not good!

Gap, Inc., the company of billboard-like sweatshirts and the definition of “comfortable apparel,” recently redesigned its logo (for reasons unbeknownst to the consumer) and posted it to its website, only to receive waves of criticism from design firms, mainstream publications and bewildered bloggers and consumers alike. As a result, the company went back to its original logo.

I pulled, for your viewing pleasure, a few comments that were posted on the company’s Facebook page, sourced from Yahoo ® Finance, provided by The Atlantic. Take a gander:

• 'Looks Like it Cost $17 From an Old Microsoft Word Clipart Gallery' notes Abe Sauer at Brandchannel, who deemed it a "monstrosity." The writer explains: It "demonstrates a prototypical brand panic move. With things not going in its favor, the brand decides to change the one valuable element it has going for it."

• Makes Old Navy 'Look Like a Luxury Brand' scoffs Armin Vit at Brand New: "The shaded square on the corner doesn't help at all either -- I'm not one to critique something by saying it looks as if it were done in Microsoft Word but this one is just too unsophisticated to warrant anything more than that."

• This Doesn't Make Any Sense writes David Brier at Fast Company. "It's all a cosmetic band-aid which is so unbelievable for a brand as big and 'mature' as Gap. I'll be surprised if a few people won't lose their jobs as this is basic Branding 101."

• Gap Sales Are Declining Anyway dismisses Jim Edwards at BNet. "There's a clue to what might have triggered the misstep in the fact that same-store sales at Gap are down 4 percent. ... Brand managers need to resist that temptation when they see revenues decline. There are lots of reasons sales might be down -- the recession, lack of discounts, off-trend product -- and not all of those respond to a new trade dress."

• Everybody Hates The Logo ... Except Us Time Newsfeed writer Nate Jones goes out on a limb saying that he "personally does not mind Helvetica, and so this new logo brings to mind visions of a streamlined, technologically dominant future America where everyone wears white suits and cool glasses. Sure, it's generic, but don't you know that in the future everything looks alike?"

My response; Is it really that serious?

As many of many of you know, and for those of you that don’t, I am a PR, advertising and marketing professional. And in my line of work, many times I come across FANTASTIC ads that I believe are so awesomely clever, smart and downright persuasive (as all advertising should be), that it boggles the mind and makes me wonder “who are the geniuses that came up with such an ad.” But, sometimes, you come across some not-so-great ads and wonder to yourself “What genius came up with this crappy ad.” Either way, I never really see it as something to get “up in arms about.”

I must, however, raise an eyebrow to the technique used by Gap, Inc., in its “redesign” campaign because I smell a publicity stunt. The launch of the new logo was a “soft launch,” i.e. no elaborate press conference, news release, promotional campaign, etc. This strikes me as odd. Typically, a company looking to rebrand attempts to lure in new consumers, whoever they may be, while maintaining the relationship with its current market, typically done through new ads, special discount offers- the whole nine yards. This was not done. Also, why would Gap pay a large design firm mega bucks to make a new logo and NOT show it off or, at the very least announce it?

Consumers, I think we’ve been had.

I suspect that Gap wanted to get people talking about them. How best to do that, create an advertising faux-pas and get the entire online community, from Twitter to national bloggers talking about you. Pretty clever.

But, just for the sake of HATIN’, let’s assume that they just did a horrible job at rebranding and that they REALLY did want to change looks and were brutally rebuffed by the American public, I have to ask, WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL?

I’M HATIN’

Gap, Inc.: You should have picked a better design, PR, Advertising and overall marketing team. And have a backbone. I wonder how many of your actual consumers HATED the new logo… how many of them even cared? The new logo was crappy but whatever happened to artistic integrity? You chose the new logo for a reason… stand firm on that.

Logo Designer: Shame on you… well, maybe I shouldn’t be so harsh. Ultimately you got paid big bucks to design a logo that probably took 10 minutes (being gracious) to make. Maybe you guys are the geniuses. I hope Gap, Inc. money is LONG b/c your name will probably be dragged in the mud, at least in the short term.

Bloggers/Commenter’s: Why so serious? Aren’t companies allowed to change and evolve? I know we’re all entitled to our own opinion, but a line needs to be drawn somewhere. I feel like you mercilessly bullied Gap, Inc.; talked about its mama, pushed and slapped it around. Make your comments, but let’s keep it classy.

Fall into the… HATIN’

I'm HATIN': Because "No Homo" is a TERRIBLE Phrase... Even in 3-D

"No Homo"... No Thank You!

This post has been a long time coming.

The phrase “no homo” has been thrown around for far too long. It has had many periods of popularity, and, at one point, I thought we rid ourselves of the dreaded term, but with the emergence of our beloved Boondocks coming back for its third and final season, the homophobic phrase has come back with a vengeance.

I’M HATIN’

For those not in the know, the phrase "no homo" is a slang term which asserts that the (male) speaker of such is not homosexual and is usually used before or after an utterance that may have given that impression. It can generally be found in modern day speech or contemporary hip hop music. For example, in rapper Jay-Z’s song “Run This Town,” Kanye West, a featured artist on the track, says, "It's crazy how you can go from being Joe Blow, / To everybody on your dick, no homo." Lil Wayne, in his song "Let the Beat Build,"says: "I wear bright red like a girl toe, no homo." *

After doing some research on the origin of the phrase, I actually found out that the term originated in East Harlem, NYC, in the early 1990’s and was used by many to distance themselves from the “down-low” stereotype of closeted gay and bisexual men. *

Let me stop here.

I feel that this turn-of-phrase is completely derogatory, insensitive and horribly offensive, and this is coming from a HETEROSEXUAL. I can only imagine how it is perceived and felt by the gay population.

I just don’t understand why the term is used.

Personally, if a male says something that can be misconstrued as “gay” or “homosexual in nature,” uttering “No Homo” doesn’t make it less “gay.” Let’s look at a few lyrics from popular hip hop tunes and judge for ourselves.

Lil’ Wayne, in his song titled “Georgia Bush,” a diss record to former President George W. Bush, he states:

“Money money money get a dollar and a dick
Weezy Baby that crack, motherf$%^er get a fix
Got money out the ass, no homo but I'm rich
Bout to go get surgery and put some diamonds on my wrist YES”

Someone please explain to me why saying “no homo” was necessary? I find it sad and actually a bit funny that because he discussed/mentioned his ass, he found it necessary to explain, with this homophobic line, that he’s not gay? Puzzling!

When men say “no homo” are they really just revealing their own insecurities within their sexuality? I mean, this phrase has been around for quite some time and Lil’ Wayne seemingly only started using it after the highly publicized, compromising photo where he is seen kissing Baby a.k.a. Birdman (his “dad”), of Cash Money Records on the lips (both denied anything more than a father/son relationship).

Now, I know what you all are thinking: is this REALLY something to HATE on? It’s not that big a deal; people use it as a joke all the time.

I’ve actually heard it compared to using the “that’s what she said” phrase. Known as the most versatile joke on Earth, the phrase is used to turn a simple comment into a sexual joke. For example:

“I think we can fit t

hat in with the rest of them."
"That's what she said."

or

"Make sure it's long enough."

"That's

what she said!"

To me, they are not the same. There is a big difference between making a sexual joke and disrespecting the chosen (or innate) sexuality of

group of people.

Officially HATIN’

* Reference Wikipedia 2010 and urbandictionary.com

3-D does not = AWESOME

Why is almost every movie made in 2010 in 3-D?

This is RIDICULOUS!

A 3-D (three-dimensional) film is a motion picture that

enhances illusion and depth perception. A special motion picture camera system is used to record the images as seen from two perspectives and special projection hardware and/or eyewear are used to provide the illusion of depth when viewing the film.

3-D films have existed in some form since the 1950's

, but had been largely relegated to a niche in the motion picture industry because of the costly hardware and processes required to produce and display a 3-D film, and the lack of a standardized format for all segments of the entertainment business. It later experienced a worldwide resurgence in the 1980's and 90's driven by IMAX high-end theaters and Disney themed-venues. 3-D films became even more successful throughout 2000–10, culminating in the unprecedented success of 3-D presentations of Avatar in December 2009 and mainly January 2010.

-Wikipedia 2010

Just because it worked for Avatar, does NOT mean I want to watch a bunch of JackAsses doing stunts in 3D.

I’m all for special effects in cinema and can appreciate a good 3-D flick, but I cannot stand to see dismal films, with little plot-lines and horrific acting, relying on the popularity of 3-D to reel in moviegoers. Here’s a thought, why not spend more time and money creating a motion picture with substance and depth, good acting and memorable scenes, as opposed to producing multi-dimensional crap, that costs $17 to see in theaters and leaves you feeling like you’re watching a train-wreck - unable to shield your eyes because this wreck comes with stupid looking glasses.

Moviegoers beware, the following is a list of 3-D movies of 2010 and 2011- View with caution (you have been warned):

2010

Cane Toads 2

APHRODITE IX

Yogi The Hole Tintin (Trilogy)

The Mortician

Paradise Lost

The Dive

Step Up 3-D

Rapunzel

Punk Farm

Outback Interworld Horror Tour

Cereal Heroes

Blue Man Group Musical 3D

GARFIELD

PET FORCE 3D

Relentless Necronauts

Amphibious

Beauty And The Beast

Piranha 3D

Burst 3D

Spy Kids 4

Humpty Dumpty

Smurfs 3D

Oobermind

Tron Legacy 3D

Master Mind

Guardians of Ga’Hoole

Toy Story 3

Shrek Forever After

Alpha And Omega

How to Train Your Dragon

Alice in Wonderland

The Legend of Spyro

2011

The Adventures of TinTin: The Secret of the Unicorn

The Devil’s Drive

Angry Commandos

The Bear and the Bow

Newt

Ghost In The Shell

Crood Awakening

The Three Musketeers

Megamind

Jackass 3D

Battle Angel

Cleopatra 3D

Cold Blooded

Puss In Boots

Kung Fu Panda 2 Rango Frankenweenie

Despicable Me

Sucker Punch

The Guardians

Happy Feet 2

Keep On HATIN’

I’M HATIN’: Because We Should Cold-Cock People For Better Reasons Than Jaywalking

By now, many of us have seen (or at least heard about) the “knock-out felt round’ the world;” a brawl between a Colorado policeman and an unsuspecting, 17-year-old jaywalker.

The altercation occurred on June 16, 2010, when 19-year-old Marilyn Levias and her 17-year-old friend, were arrested for jaywalking by Officer Ian P. Walsh in Seattle. According to documents surrounding the case, the two teenagers jaywalked trying to meet up with friends (accompanied by two other companions), but were witnessed by the officer. He approached the two, trying to gather information for his citation, and while he interrogated the girls, Marilyn tried to walk away as stated by the document.

Officer Walsh said, "You have jaywalked and you are required to identify yourself so that I can issue a citation, if you refuse you will be arrested for obstruction." Levias continued to walk away, the officer said.

Officer Walsh approached Levias, grabbed her arm and trying to handcuff her, but she was twisting around with an attempt to get away. As Walsh was putting her in handcuffs, her 17-year-old friend ran up behind police Officer Walsh, pushed him away, and a struggle ensued. The witness has been taped while Walsh was punching his fist straight to the 17 year old girl’s face. The video, seen below, captured the scene.

Sidebar to the guy shooting the video- YES he is VERY serious!

Let Me Stop Here!

There is so much HATIN’ to go around, I don’t even know where to begin.

Let’s start with the Cop-

• A second-rate cop taking out his frustrations… possibly?
  First thing, how sad about your life must you feel to be a cop on jaywalking patrol? SERIOUSLY! JAYWALKING! I didn’t even know that you could get a citation for jaywalking unless said action was a direct hindrance and obstruction to flow of traffic. Was this just a cop desperately looking for some action? Fist to the face indicates YES! But I'll allow you to be the judge.
• Use Your Words.
  The officer’s force was a TAD bit excessive. The official documents makes it sound like the officer spoke softly and nicely to the ladies prior to laying the “Smack Down.” In my brief history in dealing with police officers, more often then not, they’re overstressed, overworked and generally pissed off. Word of advice to the officer; look into anger management therapy and learn how to assert authority with your words… let your fists (or gun) be the latter options.
• Underage.
  Now, many are HATIN’ on the fact that the officer struck a minor. But, did you see her? I have never seen 17-years-old look like that. I see it as a small strike against him, but not necessarily something to HATE ON, seeing that she was as big as him.

Now as for the teenage culprit, you should’ve known better

• Putting your hands on a police officer is ASSULT and punishable by jail time. I feel everyone, especially all young African-Americans, should know this fact. Let’s face it… blacks are in JAIL. Check the stats: African Americans represent 12.7% of the US population, make up 36.8% of those arrested for a drug-related crime, make up 48.2% of American adults in state, and federal prisons and local jails and make up 42.5% of prisoners under sentence of death (Statistical Abstract of the United States (1999), Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics, (1998), National Household Survey of Drug Abuse (1998) and Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners and Jail Inmates at Midyear 1999). African-American women (with an incarceration rate of 205 per 100,000) are more than three times as likely as Latinas (60 per 100,000) and six times more likely than white women (34 per 100,000) to face imprisonment (Bureau of Justice Statistics, Prisoners in 2000 (Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, August 2001). BLACK PEOPLE, and specifically to this unbeknownst young girl, a word of advice: Know your role and shut your mouth! Fight in the courtroom, not in the street. You are almost guaranteed to lose fighting the police and those of authority any other way but through your mind (education is key) and as the law states. If the law hurts more than helps, utilize the media, sign petitions, rally; do whatever it takes, but keep your hands to yourself.

The 17-year-old girl was handcuffed and taken to the Youth Services Center for further investigation of felony assault. Levias was also arrested and sent to the Kind Country Jail for obstructing a police officer.According to court records, Levias had been arrested for assaulting a police officer in a previous case. The detail of the record stated “Levias kicked a King Country Sheriff’s deputy in the stomach while she resisted the arrest at Ruth Dykeman Center in Burien”. Levias was in out in custody last in the care of Child Protective Services.

SADLY HATIN’

As I stated above, jaywalking is such a minor offense, unless obstructing traffic that it should be done away with as a punishable law. If we are going to arrest and cold-cock people for such an offense, then I’d like to add “Ruining Your Children and Their Potential Future” as an offense, punishable by jail time and serious 1-2 combo to the eye.

Exhibit A

I just want to say thank you to this mother, who not only just ruined two future black men, but who basically showed the world how NOT to raise your children. If this was meant to be a joke, it’s not FUNNY!

We should all sign a petition to be allowed to show up at this young lady’s house and giver her a proper “Officer Walsh” beat down.

Crime and Soccer Don’t Mix

So, you may or may not have heard that the City of Chester, less than 17 miles away from Philadelphia, is under a new curfew. After the senseless killing of four residents in an eight-day timeframe, Mayor Wendell Butler has called an official state of emergency.

The curfew pertains to Chester residents 17-years-old and younger. The hours of the curfew are 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Business owners are also reminded that they are not to permit minors in their establishments during curfew hours unless a parent accompanies them.

Teenagers leaving a place of employment are permitted to travel unaccompanied to return home.

So far, at least 20 people have been stopped and some have been given citations, while two guns have also been confiscated.

Now, I think that this is all fine and good. Any murder should compel such a lockdown, but I find it a bit convenient that this measure is taken just before the opening of the new soccer stadium, which will have a $1 million per year economic impact on the city of Chester. Not to mention that the Philadelphia Union, the major league soccer club, plays its first home game on the Chester waterfront on Sunday, June 27, 2010.

So far, there have been 11 homicides in Chester. Last year, the city had 14 homicides; in 2008, there were 19. Chester’s population, as of the 2000 census, is a mere 36,854. That’s about 0.038% of the population, which at a glance doesn’t seem so bad, but if you were to put it on the scale of Philadelphia, it would result in 38 homicides per 100,000 people or 380 homicides per million. That’s not good.

I’m just a bit skeptical about Chester’s true motives. Is the city REALLY concerned about the safety of the residents or more about the $30 million investment, given by Delaware County and $47 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? High crime and unsuspecting soccer fans don’t mix.

I just can’t bring myself to believe that, with what’s at stake, the powers that be are going to let Chester’s notorious problems of poverty, lousy schools, lack of jobs and ultimate desperation of the residents impede on their $1 million plus payday. Chester government officials don’t play that.

But I guess it’s a win, win situation for all; Chester residents aren’t murdered and soccer fans can spend money.

GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL!