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!

I’M HATIN’: Because “Drill Baby… Oops” Isn’t As Catchy

I can’t believe it is still leaking.

The internationally significant, oil spill known as the Deepwater Horizon Disaster, which exploded on April 20, 2010, killing 11 workers and injuring 17 others, is still spewing approximately 200,000 gallons of oil per day, 5.8 million gallons of oil in total… so far (or that they can count). Many are estimating its size of the oil spillage to be that of the state of Rhode Island… and growing.

Aside for the obvious implications of this disaster, the TRUE HATIN’ is in the details:

1. The fact the U.S. Government downplayed the severity of this disaster.

If you can recall, 29 days ago when the rig exploded and began the gusher that is still taking place today, the original, breaking news stories were all to eerily calm. It focused on the explosion, the lives lost… but not much on the massive amount of oil spilling into the ocean. Maybe they were just not aware of it, but to me, if the pressure of the oil being drilled is so momentous that it could cause an explosion that kills 11 people, you may have a bit more than a spill meant for Brawny ®.

Even today, almost an entire month after the spill began, the powers that be are still mum on what this disaster is doing to our eco-system. I am hearing speculative story, after story, about the new methods they are using in an attempt to plug the massive hole they’ve created in the earth, or to fix the equipment that was used for drilling, but where are the stories about how this will affect our water supply, animal and marine life, worldwide, especially if they can’t contain the spill soon?

Also, where is Obama on this matter? Many news outlets are calling this disaster his “Hurricane Katrina,” and are liking him to George Dubbya by claiming that he hasn’t taken a strong enough stance on accountability and clean-up of this disaster. I’m on the fence when it comes to his responsiveness because he’s been a bit “wishy-washy.” Obama stated in his first speech on the subject that BP would be held accountable and that this was their mess to clean. Sounds good… until you realize that this same speech about the spill, was given on May 2, 2010, 12 days after the spill first began. Lacking a bit in our sense of emergency, eh?
What was George W’s response time to Katrina? Four days to make a public announcement of the government’s plans to help; five days to sign a $10.5 billion relief package (using the Hurricane Katrina timeline via Wikipedia). It’s not looking too good for you Obama.

The one GOOD thing that this disaster has done; it shut up many drilling enthusiast and Tea Party participants. Not much coming from their corner these days. I think they’re eating a bit of oil-filled crow.

2. Why haven’t we shut BP down?

In researching for this post, I came across an article in the Huffington Post titled, “BP Oil Spill: 7 Secrets BP Doesn’t Want you to Know.”(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/05/7-secrets-bp-doesnt-want_n_563102.html)
I found a few things of interest that I’d like to share:

• In 2005, an explosion at BP's Texas oil refinery left 15 workers dead and injured 170 others. The cause? BP had ignored its own safety regulations and left a warning system disabled.
• In 2006, 267,000 gallons of crude oil spread onto the tundra of Alaska's Prudhoe Bay due to a tiny hole in the company's pipeline. The company had been told to check the pipeline in 2002, but ignored the warning. The spill was not even discovered until five days after it occurred, and was the largest in the region's history.
• Just last fall, BP fought off safety regulations, continuing with business as usual; In a September 14, 2009 letter to MMS, Richard Morrison, BP vice president for Gulf of Mexico production, fought against an MMS proposal that would require operators to have their safety program audited at least once every three years, instead of the voluntary system that is currently in place. Morrison wrote: "We are not supportive of the extensive, prescriptive regulations as proposed in this rule. ... [the voluntary programs] have been and continue to be very successful." MMS has estimated that the proposed rules would cost operators about $4.59 million in startup costs and $8 million in annual recurring costs.
• A Wall Street Journal report also found that BP's oil well in the Gulf of Mexico did not have a remote-control shut-off switch that is used by two other oil-producing nations as a last-resort safeguard against underwater spills. The device is voluntary in the U.S., and while it is not clear whether it could have prevented the spill, it is another indicator of BP's lax safety measures and proclivity for convenience over caution.

The list goes on.

BP has also proven, time and time again, that they'd rather pay off their mistakes rather than take steps to prevent them. They have paid $485 million in fines in the U.S. alone in the past five years. BP paid $87.43 million to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in October 2009 -- the largest fine in OSHA's history -- for the Texas refinery explosion. They paid an additional $50 million to the Department of Justice for the same explosion. Last month, BP paid $3 million to OSHA for 42 safety violations at an Ohio refinery. The company was also fined $20 million by the Department of Justice for the Alaska Prudhoe Bay spill, which violated the Clean Water Act.Mother Jones' Kate Sheppard notes that all this is pocket change compared to the company's $5.65 billion in profits in just the first quarter of this year, up 135 percent from last year. According to CNBC, while this increase in profit does have to do with an increase in oil prices, it is also due to the company's extensive cost-cutting.

After all of this information, my question is simple: Why is BP still in operation?
How many more disasters does it take to keep these guys from operating? We clearly see that there is some, albeit laxed, oversight and fining when problems are found, but the fact that there are so many, persistent issues calls for the company to be denied from operating until it can clean up its act.

3. Almost Out of Options.

In 29 days they have tried almost everything. Burning the oil failed (Side note: how much did seeing fire under water freak you out? For me, it was a bit un-nerving to see that everything I have ever been taught about the make-up of both elements could be refuted in one fouls swoop.), as well as all attempts at fixing the three points of seepage. Pouring chemicals into the water to dissipate the oil was deemed too risky to the composition of the water, especially because the effects of the chemicals weren’t clear on what it would do to sea life. Let’s face it… they are running out of ideas for a) how to stop the leaks and b) how to clean up the spill.

You know it’s bad when the government and BP begin accepting suggestions and ideas, from us pedestrian commoners, for how to fix this terrible mess. Mark my words; this disaster has the capacity to change the entire course of our eco-system for years and even decades to come.

Get out your Brita and Pur Filters... and KEEP ON HATIN’!

HATIN': Because Sometimes Everyone Needs A Good A$$ Whoopin' & A Good Night's Sleep

So much to HATE on, so little time. Let’s get right into it.

New KFC “Double Down” Sandwich- Double DAMN!

Seriously? Damn, America, How Fat Are We.

After writing about the debated health care reform bill, weighing its pros and cons, news of this monstrosity of a sandwich comes out.

Now, I hear you asking, “What does this have to do with health care reform?” My answer; It has EVERYTHING to do with health care reform.

Before I get into my rant about the effects that this one sandwich can have on the entire state of our health care system, let me break down the situation.

KFC, formally Kentucky Fried Chicken, has just released that it is now offering a new sandwich called the “Double Down”, consisting of bacon, two kinds of cheeses (Monterey and Pepper Jack) and sauce between two pieces of fried or grilled chicken. That's right, fried or grilled chicken as a bun instead of bread.

Now, the fast food chain claims that the sandwich is a mere 540 calories for the fried chicken version and 460 calories for the grilled chicken version, but putting it in the category of “not that bad” or “guilty pleasure” may have you in the hospital, because the sandwich also has 32 grams of fat for the fried version and 23 grams for the grilled version; not to mention a staggering1380 mgs of sodium for the fried sandwich and 1430 for the grilled. That is more than the recommended daily allowance, and this is just for one sandwich.

I’m sorry, when you have two pieces of fried (or grilled) chicken, bacon, two cheeses and some kind of magic sauce, the next thing you should be ordering is a new heart, because yours is about to go.

Check the menu out for yourself. (http://www.kfc.com/nutrition/pdf/kfc_nutrition.pdf)

The only real cause for HATIN’ on this sandwich and the witch doctors at KFC for concocting such a thing, is that with our growing concerns of obesity and the health of our children and adults, we don’t need another high-risk, easy access sandwich to worsen our current plight. The fact that more than 15 million people are expected to be enrolled in Medicaid health services, which are paid for by tax payers, as a result of the new Health Care Reform laws, food offerings like this, which are geared toward lower-income Americans, only lead to far worst health conditions and more bitter tax payers, i.e. lose, lose situation for all.

I like that all fast food chains and companies of the like are now mandated to provide the caloric intake and nutritional value of their offerings, but if we don’t do our part to educate the masses about what said nutritional information means, the initiative is useless.

Please America; let us help ourselves to a better eating lifestyle.

HATE On It!

Flying the Wallet, UN-Friendly Skies

On April 6, 2010, Spirit Airlines announced that they will soon be charging as much as $45 for carry-on luggage, each way. This announcement comes after months of scrutiny and outrage over many major airlines charging astronomical fees for checked-luggage.

Many airlines disclosed today, that it would not follow Spirit Airlines in charging for carry-on luggage, but I think it’s just a matter of time for them to jump on the bandwagon or figure out, yet another tax/fee to put on the consumer.

My question to the entire airline industry; Where do the fees end? When does it become time to review your internal structure and costs of flying, and figure out cost cutting strategies before placing the burden on your customers? I suggest restructuring soon because at the rate your going, NO ONE will be flying anymore.

I don’t think the “powers that be” really thought this through. Aside from the obvious loss of revenue from people who will look for alternative modes of transportation, airlines and airports, who decide to adopt this new practice, will be dealing with far angrier customers, longer check-in lines and a slower air traffic process due to confrontations over coveted overhead space.

Mark my words, flying, already a bad dream, will soon become a nightmare!

But look on the bright side, budding entrepreneurs, as I hope to be one day, will have a plethora of opportunities to cash in on the stupidity that is the airline industry. Can you say disposable clothes? Or Rent-um-Attire? I can just see the airport now, packed to the brim, of portal-after-portal of shops, offering clothes that you can either buy or rent, for whatever the occasion. Have a business meeting in California?, don’t pay $90 to lug your suit around, for $30, get a clean, pressed designer suit for rent, and really impress your client. Got a wedding in Hawaii?, Rent a Hawaiian-ready ensemble for $50, that makes the bride wish she never invited you.

You laugh, Good Haters, But this is where we’re headed.

Up, Up and HATIN’

Not “Sparing the Rod” Leading to Aggressive Behavior?

A new study, soon to be published in the May issue of the journal Pediatrics, finds that children who are spanked frequently at age three are more likely to be aggressive when they're five. The results reinforce earlier studies which have found that children who are spanked have lower IQ scores, and that frequent spanking has been linked to anxiety and behavior problems and higher risk of violent or criminal behavior, depression and excessive alcohol use.

Researchers surveyed 2,500 mothers across the United States and nearly half said they had not spanked their three-year-old in the past month, while 27.9 percent said reported one or two spankings and 26.5 reported spanking more than twice.

Two years later, the mothers who had spanked their children more frequently reported higher levels of aggression such as arguing, screaming, fighting, destroying things, cruelty or bullying in their five-year-olds.

The results held true even when researchers accounted for potentially confounding factors such as the presence of aggression within the family and parental stress, depression and drug or alcohol use.

Taken from: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100413/hl_afp/healthresearchchildspanking

Let me stop here.

Couple different issues that I feel the article left out, that may be important to the study and its findings:

1. The reasons behind the spankings. By divulging why the parents felt it necessary to spank their child may be an indication of the child’s temperance. For example, if a mother spanked her 3-year-old for eating a bag of skittles, then the mama should be slapped. Kids like sweets. This is a known fact. By spanking your child for something that comes naturally to them, is ridiculous. Now if your 3-year-old is consciously defying your commands of “clean-up” or “playing nice with siblings,” than a spanking may be the answer. Now, I must admit, I am a firm believer in the whole “spare the rod, spoil the child” ideology, but only when used correctly. I believe that it is acceptable to spank a child, if said child is misbehaving or acting in a way that they know is wrong. The acknowledgement of wrongdoing is important to note. If the child knows they are misbehaving, a spanking is warranted, but the parent also needs to follow-up with actions that teach the child why it’s wrong and the impending consequences to their actions. If reprimanded correctly, you should not have the same problems in the future from said child. The issue with most parents who spank is the fact that they don’t take the time to actually follow-up with the teaching part. Just because you spell out, in syllables, why they are being spanked, that doesn’t mean they have actually grasped what they have done.
   
2. Lower IQ? I doubt it. How do you test the IQ of 2 and 5-years-olds, especially seeing that they haven’t even entered school (where much of an individuals learning takes place). As a child who was spanked (not often because I was smart enough to know not to do the same, stupid thing over and over again (IQ test don't account for common sense)), my IQ is not lacking, nor, I might add, are the IQ’s of the many individuals I know who have been spanked. The study needs to provide more info on this.


3. Family Dynamic... How do you account for that? The study states that it accounted for the presence of aggression within the family and parental stress, depression and drug or alcohol use… but, how much so? I'm perplexed as to how you can accurately account for those factors. If a husband and wife are constantly arguing, regardless if the child is spanked or not, the child will emulate what it sees, or in this case hears. They will think yelling is the way to communicate, and communicate that way. Or if they see hitting; they’ll be prone to hit. Cursing… you see where I’m going with this.


4. Why did they start at age 3? Typically, I don’t know many people who spank their 3-year-olds. As I mentioned above, the acknowledgement of wrongdoing, by the child, is a must. At 3-years-old, I’m not sure just how much they can attribute to right and wrong.

Personally, I think there are many ways to reprimand a child, negative-reinforcement, under which I classify spanking, is one of them. If it keeps your child in line, respectful and obedient, more power to you. If it makes them aggressive or they try fighting you back, it’s time for you to find a new strategy. In the end, the goal of reprimanding is to teach your child right from wrong, so that they can grow up to be productive additions to society. No matter how you choose to raise your child, whether you believe in spanking or not, you will almost always come across some defiant, annoying kid, who, as a good friend of mine always says, is in need of a "Good Ass Whoopin’ and a Good Night's Sleep.”

Keep On HATIN’

HATIN’ on the Health Care Reform Bill… Because Being “Sick and Tired” is a Pre-Existing Condition not Covered

On March 22, 2010 the controversial, heavily debated Health Care Reform Bill passed and went in to law for the American people. Through it’s Hi’s and Low’s, cheers and jeers, the bill and what it means for Americans, is currently under fire.

In this post we’re going to look at the bill and its many attributes, assessing the good, the bad and the HATIN’.

Let’s Get To It

HATIN’- The Length of the Bill

Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Who cares about how long the bill is.” I DO, for one. The bill is approximately 2,700 pages long. That’s right, you heard me, 2,700 pages. I personally have never read 2,700 pages of any, one thing/document and my bet, neither has most of the free, literate world. My concern lies with what has been laced in those more than 2,000 pages? What legal jargon, amendments to litigation, exceptions and exclusions are found in that document? For example, under the new law, all children are to be covered/insured, even if they have pre-existing conditions. GREAT. But somewhere in that document does it say that said children are only covered up to a certain amount for expenses? Does it say, only if they have 10 fingers and 10 toes, or else they don’t apply? You laugh, but we just don’t know.

Also, in almost every news story I have seen on the bill and what its effect on the general public will be, they have been able to summarize the bill in less than five pages. If you can sum up a 2,700 page document in less than five pages, either you are FANTASTIC at summation or there is a lot of fluff and unnecessary BS that will ultimately screw… you guessed it, The Taxpayer (a.k.a. us).

HATIN’- Too Many Opinions on What Should Be Included

Sir Alec Issigonis, in 1958, wrote: “A camel is a horse designed by a committee.”
It is said that the defining characteristics of "design by committee" are needless complexity, internal inconsistency, logical flaws, banality, and the lack of a unifying vision. Health Care Reform Bill, Anyone?

The fact that it was fought, tooth and nail by both Democrats and Republicans alike, revised too many times to count and received input by those who benefit the most from our current crappy health system (i.e. the pharmaceutical companies, current health insurance companies, etc.), I already know that many issues will arise from just having the proverbial “too many cooks in the kitchen.” I can only hope they prove me wrong.

GOOD- Taking Positive Steps for Change

No one can dispute that an overhaul had to made with the current health care system in place. Everyone was miserable, and rightfully so. Citizens were tired of inadequate or lack of care based on their income. Hospitals are tired of being slaves to the insurance companies and denying those who couldn’t afford certain procedures. Doctors were tired of paying absorbent insurance costs to practice and of being sued by money-hungry individuals. The whole system was a mess.

We were so far gone, that at this point, any steps taken are steps in the right direction.

BAD- Reform Bill Extremist, Both For and Opposed

The overly radical have gotten out of hand. We have so many people who bash or praise the bill with such zeal, you wonder if we’re being sucked in to a Hitler-esque society or whether this is the best thing since sliced bread.

Either way, Health Care Reform Extremist, both for and opposed to the bill, have gotten out of control.

To the nay-sayers who think that Obama is a “Socialist”, who is out to ruin America with this bill, please PROVE it.

I understand that you don’t want to pay more in taxes, no one does, but if it is for betterment of our country as a whole, I believe the tax dollars are warranted. Look to understand the bill. In case you didn’t already know, we have been paying for the health care of others for quite some time now. Have you ever heard of Medicaid and Medicare? Insurance benefits for the impoverished/needy and the elderly. The bill, from what I have read and can see, is simply enhancing those services and restructuring the guidelines and laws of all current insurance providers.

To the people PRO health care bill, you too need to understand that the bill is not a “cure all.” Understand that the government, through tax dollars, is not paying for everything. You still will need insurance (especially by 2014 because you will have to pay a penalty if you don’t, say’s the new law); the bill just helps lower the costs and red-tape impediments that kept you uninsured in the first place.

Before becoming a radical, either for or against the bill (or any issue for that matter) please research it. Below, I’ve included a link to the Washington Post’s website where you can assess what the bill means for you and your finances.

LINK: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/what-health-bill-means-for-you/

Also, check out LINK: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2824522/health_care_bill_summary_and_timeline.html?cat=5

It has a good summation of the bill and timeline of changes to take place.

Stay informed people, and as always Keep On Hatin’

I’M HATIN’ Reader Submissions… Because Everyone Has Their Own Special Blend of HATERADE

From time to time, I receive comments and posts about the blog and suggestions on what I should HATE on next. I LOVE this. It makes me feel that I am truly connecting with people in this vast and massive blogosphere.

When I started out, I affirmed that this blog is an open forum, and all are encouraged to reply, respond and submit posts of their own. In this post, you will find topics of HATE from your fellow readers, in their own words.

A HATER of one is now a HATERNATION!

Natalie Writes:

"I'm Hatin'" on people who make way more money than me, but don't work nearly as hard as me, nor can they do the job better than me! I mean, really. It ticks me off to know that I am stressed out and overworked, barely making ends meet, while my less-educated, less-motivated, less-dedicated counterpart clocks in at 9 (maybe) and is the first one out at 5. Can a sista get a break? I thought to whom much (money) is given, much (work) is required. I guess not..."

StarryNight2338 Writes:

“I'm hatin' on any facebook status that talks about how great they are via quotes or angry rants. Classics include "often imitated, never duplicated," "when are you going to learn you can't be me," and "just because you ___ doesn't mean your a _____." It's one thing if you toot your own horn once, but when this is an every other day occurrence, the only one who thinks that is you. This is usually followed up with an angry rant that cusses out people for "hating" on how awesome they are and they are "just going to do me" whether they like it or not. Let's not forget if they don't like it, they can go f___k their selves. Classy."

Keep the posts and responses coming in. And remember, Keep On, HATIN’ On!

iHATIN’ on the Apple Store… Because There’s An App For That

While on a recent shopping excursion with a friend (and loyal follower of the blog), I ventured into the King of Prussia Mall’s Apple Store. Upon leaving the store, completely traumatized, I quickly came to the realization that while I absolutely LOVE my MAC, I am absolutely HATIN’ on the Apple Store and the people who frequent it. I can just about sum up my experience and reasons for HATE in 3 points.

1. The Store Locations Tend to be Too Small for Customer Traffic
   Upon entering the KOP location, gazing upon the other patrons, spanning from one wall to the other, I immediately admitted to my friend that this store had an overwhelmingly pungent smell; the flagrant aroma of a sweat shop. Now that I've set the scene, please tell me, how am I supposed to shop comfortably and spend a sufficient amount of money (as we all know what Apple products cost) when I have some stranger breathing down my neck, elbow in my back or standing in front of the displays? I’ve actually heard neighboring store owners describe it as “Club Apple,” and explain that at many times throughout the day, especially during the holiday season, the store has a line out of its doors and down the length of the mall corridor. Word to the wise for Apple execs and key decision makers, do not open a store in ANY location unless the size of the space is greater than 10,000 square feet or matches what you can expect foot traffic to be. Too small stores are like too small condoms, ineffective.
   
2. Biased Sales Staff
   The sales staff is quite knowledgeable and often very helpful… if you can get associate to wait on you. In crowded situations, such as the one that I experienced most recently, there is no rhyme or reason as to how the associates wait on customers. There is no line, because Apple, and its customers, are so distinctively unique that they would never conform to lines. There is also no visible cash register, again, Apple is too tech savvy and advanced to have something so traditional. So what are customers to do, you ask?; Walk idly along asking for assistance from ANYONE. And if ignored, customers can get desperate, as my friend exhibited when after 15 minutes of trying, with no avail, to get help, stood in the middle of the store and yelled, at the top of his lungs, “CAN I Get Some Assistance From A Sales Associate PLEASE.”
   
   Aside from being inaccessible, sales associates seem to be angered if you ask them for assistance on anything other than a $2000 computer. You hear deep sighs, like their time could have been spent elsewhere. I’m sorry if my $30 earphone purchase is not important to you, but I should be the only one allowed to get upset… after all, I am the one paying $30 for a set of headphones that can easily be made for less than 5 cents.
   
3. Arrogant Customers
   Apple Inc. has done a fantastic job in terms of branding. The Apple logo/icon and use of the letter “i” on a majority of all products, has established a major brand recognition among the general public, but maybe too much so. Walking into an Apple store is like walking on to the set of an Apple commercial, except all of the people in the store are Justin Long. They’re a MAC. An arrogant, smug and sarcastically egotistical individual that doesn’t acknowledge or notice anyone resembling a PC, unless it is to poke fun at them. These are the individuals that stand at the genius bar, demanding assistance, even when the have no appointment. The individuals who jump in front of you, while you’re speaking to a coveted sales associate, to “ask a quick question,” knowing it won’t result in a quick answer. They are the kind of people who leisurely spend their Saturday or Sunday, browsing the store’s merchandise, testing out the display items and seeking sales help, with absolutely no intention to buy.
   
   iHatin,’ Apple Inc.: Here’s to marketing my middle finger.