Continued... I'm HATIN' Featured On The BuzzKlub

Happy Friday, good Haters!

Here is the continuation of my participation as a panelist on The Buzz Klub, hosted by Bintu ‘Honey b.’ Kabba.

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.



#KeepOnHATIN'

I'M HATIN' Featured on TheBuzzKlub

Recently, I was fortunate enough to be asked to participate as a "Beehive" panelist on The Buzz Klub, a contemporary adult web and television series hosted by Bintu ‘Honey b.’ Kabba. Topics of discussion included if 'age is just a number' when dating, domestic violence among celebrity couples and their influence on our culture.

Take a look :-)



Be sure to visit The Buzz Klub online at http://www.thebuzzklub.com/ and view past episodes, including one that featured our favorite men's fashion blogger, TheCuffLink. Also, subscribe to The Buzz Klub's YouTube Channel 

#KeepOnHATIN'

I’m HATIN’: Because The Student Loan Forgiveness Act is NOT What We Think It Is

Like most American’s, I have utilized bank, Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans to pay for my college education. And, I too, like many Americans, am still paying… 

Recently, there has been much talk about The Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, House Bill H.R. 4170, and as of Wednesday, April 25, 2012, a day known as "1-T Day" - the estimated date on which student loan debt will officially hit a mind-boggling ONE TRILLION DOLLARS, everyone is searching for an answer to this crisis.

Hate to break it to you folks, but H.R. 4170 is not the “God-send” you’ve been waiting for.

High interest rates, 10-year forgiveness plans and the fact that colleges and universities aren’t being held responsible for their part in the crisis, leave me undeniably and certifiably HATIN.’

Edjuma-HATIN’

Let me first dive into The Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 and what most civilians think it stands for.

Pegged as a “legislation designed to lend a helping hand to those struggling under massive amounts of student loan debt,” the bill, proposed by Robert Applebaum and submitted into the House of Representatives by Rep. Hansen Clarke, aims to do the following: 

• Create a new “10-10 standard” for student loan forgiveness, in that if you make payments equal to 10% of your discretionary income for 10 years, your remaining federal student loan debt would be forgiven. If you have already been making payments on your student loans, your repayment period would likely be shorter than 10 years. The amount you have already paid on your student loans over the past decade would be credited toward meeting the requirement for forgiveness.  
• Cap federal student loan interest rates at 3.4%.
• Consolidate private loans by converting them into federal Direct Loans, then enrolling the new federal loan into the 10/10 program.
• Reward graduates for entering public service professions like teaching and firefighting and provide incentives for medical professionals to work in underserved communities. 
• Jumpstart the economy by creating jobs and increasing American purchasing power 
• Create jobs by increasing consumer demand for goods and services.    
• Incentivize students to be mindful of educational costs and for colleges and universities to control tuition increases. 

If you ask me, it’s all smoke and mirrors.

Here are my major issues with the proposed bill, as it stands:

Familiar Schedule – The repayment schedule looks almost identical to what we have been paying. A majority of loan holders signed promissory notes that span a 10-year timeframe. Am I wrong?

1. The 10/10 Rule – 10% of your discretionary income is completely subjective, and if I’m not working, like the 4.1% of college graduates in the US aren’t (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t04.htm), than 10% of $0 is ZERO. Stop calling my house for payments. A recent Rutgers University study found that, in a simply random sample of recent graduates from four-year universities, only 53 percent held full-time jobs. And, with jobs scarce, many graduates are forced into service jobs that don’t fit the expensive qualifications they’ve just spent four or more years acquiring. What’s more, the fine print of the bill reads that an individual, under the new plan, would have to successfully complete 120, on-time, up-to-date payments, over the 10 year period, for the remaining balance to be expunged. 120 perfect payments? Good Luck.
2. Cap On Loan Forgiveness – The cap of $45,520 is a bit unreasonable when you look at how much money one can spend on a college education. Let’s say, for example, I pay $40,000 per year to attend my college/university of choice. At the end of my four years, I owe $160,000. So, I now take my shiny diploma and begin working (if I’m lucky) and pay a whopping $900 per month for my loan (which is more than some people pay in rent/mortgage), some going to principal and some going to interest. After 10 years, I’ve “only” paid $108,000; Meaning that I still owe $52,000+ that CAN’T be forgiven. BULL-ISH
3. Eligibility Requirements – My guess, many of us, who have been paying off student loans for years, are not eligible for much in this new program. Especially those who are near completion. Again, it is subjective, and on a case-by-case basis, held between the borrower and a secretary of the Federal government.
4. 3.4% Interest Still Seems High – If this bill REALLY wanted to held students, it would do an introductory rate of 0% for the first three years and increase, incrementally, up to 3.4% through the life of the loan. This would provide an incentive for borrowers to pay back faster, and, for those out of work and under hardship, would allow them to pay down the principal first.
5. Colleges and Universities Aren’t Made to Help Rectify the Crisis they Created 
   College education is a profitable business. It is documented that since 1980, the average tuition for a 4-year college education has increased by 827%. Since 1999, average student loan debt has increased by 511%. That is RIDICULOUS! As long as colleges and universities are able to jack up the price of education to whatever they want, no amount of debt/loan forgiveness will help. This bill needs to begin with the schools, both private and state funded. There should be something in this bill that provides incentive for colleges lowering/capping costs, i.e. schools charging more than $40,000 in tuition are not eligible for Federal grant money. Let’s hit them where it hurts; their wallets.

Attribution: Christopher Weyant, The Hill

But, don’t just take my word for it, educate yourself and read the entire bill, both the legal document and the simplified version, and make your own judgments.

For a brief summary of H.R. 4170′s main provisions, go here: http://tinyurl.com/7akydbk

To read the full version of the actual bill itself, please go here: http://tinyurl.com/6txure8

To read answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, please go here: http://tinyurl.com/8xh4csd

Ultimately, the bill does address the fact that there is a crisis among working Americans, but I think… no, I know, we can do better than this.

Broke and HATIN’

I’m HATIN’: Because “Ho” and “Housewife” Are Now Synonymous Terms

Original photo from http://wtfnsfw.tumblr.com/page/13   

I guess we have finally proven our mother’s wrong… Apparently MANY people will buy a spoiled/milk-less cow, after it has seemingly given away all of its goods for free… just ask Wiz Khalifa, Chad Ochocinco, and Kanye West.

We can now affirm to the generations of women who have come before us, with clarity, and, a laundry list of examples, that the old adage of not, “buying the cow when you can get the milk for free,” no longer applies to 21st century men.

Even as I write this, I can’t help but wonder exactly when the tides changed; when did “wifing” publicly promiscuous women become the new social norm?

Let us speculate, shall we?

I believe that he concept of “turning a ho into a housewife,” is as old as man, itself, and, while the topic has been covered extensively lately, with the emergence of supercouple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, it is one that has new implications.

Through research on the topic, including surveying a number of single men, I have attributed the reasoning behind this phenomenon to two different rationales:

• The “Captain Save a Ho” Complex, and
• The Male Ego

Let the HATIN’ commence

The “Captain Save a Ho” Complex – This concept stems from the typically, and categorically classified “good guy” types, who fall for emotionally unattainable women. They see “SOS” signs when dealing with any particular woman, and feel it their need, desire and overall purpose to save her, whether from her situation or herself.

After years of teaching our men to be chivalrous, courteous, kind and a respecter of all women, are we truly surprised by these actions? When we look at fairytales of our day, in which, both, men and women are brought up watching, we see that the handsome prince, in some way, shape or form, saves lil’ miss princess. In Cinderella, the prince saves her from her wicked step mother and sisters; in Sleeping Beauty, the prince saves her from an eternal slumber; in Snow White, the prince saves her from a wicked queen; and even in The Wizard of OZ, the all powerful wizard save Dorothy, and her band of misfits, from all of the individual problems that plague them.

This concept to be one’s savior is learned, not inherited.

The Male Ego – This goes without saying, the male ego can either bring about the exponential rise or demise of a man. I whole heartedly believe that a man’s actions, and I do mean all actions, are for the love, affection or attention of a woman.

Starting from birth, a man’s actions vie for attention from his mother (or mother-like figure) and extend through adulthood to potential mates.

As it relates to our topic of conversation, many men are looking to attract the attention of women who are unattainable or heavily desired by other men. It increases his reputation and bravado if he can, not only attract this type of woman, but keep her. He’s looked upon as a guy who’s got it all figured out; the Swag; the proverbial Junoesque. In his mind, by obtaining the “unattainable” he is now who every other man wants to be and who every woman wants to be with.

When it all comes down to it, Ho vs. Housewife, Good Guy vs. Bad Boy; everyone has a past. The rules of dating, I have found, are simple in that there are no rules, and, ultimately, things will be what they are. Should I be angry that Amber Rose is cashing in her stripper stash and becoming Mrs. Wiz Khalifa? Eh, not really. Should I pity the “Good Girl” for not being chosen by her “ideal” guy, even after maintaining her virtues? Absolutely not! My advice; find happiness and love wherever you can and learn that what is for you, will be for you, instead of chasing what you believe to be “ideal.” It will save you years of US Weekly subscriptions and therapy bills.

And that’s the bottom line because I’M HATIN’ said so.

HATED IT: Tatted Up… Thumbs Down!

Let me preface this post by stating, for the record, that I like tattoos. I can appreciate the art and beauty in body ink and feel that those who elect to mark their bodies are completely in their right to do so. To be completely honest, I, myself, would like a tattoo - more as a symbol of my life and learned experiences as opposed to a fad or “cool” thing to don. Recent tattoo news has me confused, a bit angry and completely HATIN’

Let’s examine the evidence, shall we?

Rihanna the “Thug” – I see you shaking you head already. Can someone please explain to me why, oh why, did pop star/singer Rihanna get a tattoo of Tupac’s infamous “Thug Life” tattooed on her knuckles.

It must really be a rough, hard knock life for millionaire pop singers.

Does Ri-Ri know that “THUG LIFE” is an acronym? Does she know that it stands for “The Hate You Gave Little Infants Fucks Everybody,” which, in the words of Tupac, himself, means “what you feed us as seeds, grows, and blows up in your face, that’s Thug Life.”

But, maybe I’m being too hard on her. Maybe, just MAYBE, she really does know that “T.H.U.G L.I.F.E” represents a code for the streets, designed to give order to the rise of gang violence and drug dealing. Word Yo! She can relate.

GTFOH!

Georgia Mom Arrested for Allowing 10-Year-Old to Get Tattoo – This is a crying shame and another case in point, as to why parenting skills need a complete overhaul.

Chuntera Napier was arrested for allowing her 10-year-old son, Gaquan Napier, to get a “memorial tattoo” for his 12-year-old brother Malik who died after being hit by a car. Ms. Napier said she had no idea it was illegal for him to get one, even with her consent.

In news reports Ms. Napier is quoted saying “She was touched by the request” and, my personal favorite, “What do I say to a child who wants to remember his brother? It’s not like he was asking me, ‘Can I get Sponge Bob?” Napier said. “He asked me [for] something that’s in remembrance of his brother. How can I say no?”

Umm, very easy, Ms. Napier... NO or Not until you’re 18 years old.

Now, I don’t believe she should have been arrested, but I honestly don’t understand why, as opposed to letting her son get the tattoo, she didn’t suggest that her son opt to memorialize the deceased by starting a foundation in his name, creating a vigil or new street safety measures at the site where the boy was killed. ANYTHING ELSE. Why was the tattoo even a consideration?

Sigh!

Officially HATIN!

HATED IT: A Week in Review

New to I’m HATIN’ is “HATED IT:A Week in Review” - a new segment where I will give you, good haters, topics/people/news/issues of the past week, that have just cause for HATIN’. Again this is an open forum and your submissions and feedback are encouraged.

Let’s begin…

Jay-Z, Beyonce and Baby Blue – You already know why. Moniker aside, the hype surrounding the birth of this kid is RIDICULOUS and Jay and Bey seem to be LOVING it. How was the baby born Saturday and papa Jay already has a devotional song, featuring baby Blue (already got her singing hooks and writing credits) on the Billboard charts? WTF? Also, the fact that the supercouple dropped $1.3 million dollars to buy the floor of the hospital, to have the baby, is insane. If they wanted privacy, why not have it at home and take the $1.3 mil and buy themselves an entire hospital staff? No, instead they piss off new mothers and fathers who, ultimately, want the same thing they want – to see their child brought into the world, happy and healthy.

Republican Primaries – Referencing the post “I’m HATIN’: Because A Rant, By Any Other Name, Still Sounds SWEET” is this REALLY the best we can do America? REALLY? Also, voter turnout at these things is so low, saying that any one candidate is a “frontrunner” is nonsense, hogwash and hooey.

Casey Anthony – PLEASE SHUT UP! This woman narrowly escaped murder charges as it relates to the death of her one-year-old daughter, Caylee, and now she just won’t go away. First, she start’s putting out YouTube videos, then she fires her lawyer (the one who got her off, mind you) for not securing her a high-priced, high-profile interview with media and now she claims that little baby Caylee was the result of date rape. SIGH! Casey Anthony, you escaped life in prison; do us all a favor… DISAPPEAR

I’m HATIN’: Because is “Minimizing” the military REALLY the best option

I’m not sure if it’s just my paranoia, but when news regarding the 2012 Pentagon and Military budget was released, and I hear our Commander in Chief say that it is necessary to “Minimize the Military” and its spending, I began to pack my bags. Next stop… anywhere but HERE. Needless to say, I don’t believe this new tactic will bode too well for the American people, and for that folks, I’m HATIN.

Let me explain.

I believe that cuts should be made in our military spending, but the issue lies in where our limited, almighty dollar, will garner the best return on investment.

Obama’s proposed cuts to the military, as a New York Times editorial explains, “Is based on the idea that the country must be smarter and more restrained in its use of force… It will mean a significant reduction in the size of the Army and Marine Corps. But it doesn’t minimize the fact that the world is a very dangerous place and says the country must still be ready to fight a major land war — although one lasting for years would require another buildup.”

The new tactic shows perceived confidence in dealing with national threats by air power, intelligence, special operations or innovative technologies, like drones.

The Times explains that Mr. Obama wants to “spend less on nuclear weapons and focus more resources on naval and air power in the Strait of Hormuz, to contain an increasingly assertive Iran, and in Asia, to moderate and counterbalance China’s ambitions.”

And, the Pentagon plans to shrink the Army even below current targets, dropping to 490,000 soldiers over the next decade.

Now I’m confused… I thought he wanted to cut spending to the Marines? Are the powers that be aware that the Marines are a large part of the USA's naval-based defense? And what about the idea of cutting the number of "land" soldiers, only to build it back up if a war breaks out and lasts longer than expected? Wouldn't that take time (that we don't have... Hello, we're engaged in war) to build up a new force of soldiers, ready to fight?

#DidntThinkThisThrough

This is where I begin to raise an eyebrow… It doesn’t make much sense to me to shrink/cut soldiers, who, mind you, just returned from fighting two land-based wars, and are trained to kill. Talk about a reason to go "postal." Do we REALLY think that taking away their jobs and cutting their benefits is a proper "Thank You" for their service, or that they would actually stand for it? I think NOT. Why are we eliminating their jobs as opposed to reassigning them to DEFENSE.

I feel that we have a backwards way of thinking here and believe our country to be a bit delusional when it comes to how the world perceives U.S. To put it bluntly – Everyone HATES us. So, as we end our respective wars, and perfect our naval and air strike tactics, it is IMPERATIVE that we reallocate some of those budget dollars on protecting our borders.

Someone please explain to me the usefulness of an unemployed soldier, especially when cuts could be made in many other areas of the military, without the dangerous backlash the current plans could evoke. Here are just a few areas the US could scale back on:

• Hiring/Pay Freeze for Government Officials, Congress and the Pentagon – It’s not fair that the civil service folk and soldiers are the first to experience cuts when we acknowledge a deficit.
• Wasteful Spending on Unsubstantiated/Unnecessary Weapons – If we’re focusing on Air and Water attacks, put a halt to, at least for the time being, on the development of weapons that cannot be used in those two ways.
• Payments to NATO - Obama sought in his address to minimize the military costs to the United States by saying NATO will now take the lead. But the fact is that the United States pays the largest share of NATO’s budget — a key omission by the president.

Live Free, Die HATIN’

I’m HATIN’: Because A Rant, By Any Other Name, Still Sounds SWEET

Good Day, HATERS!

I write this post today, feeling conflicted.

In writing a new post, I typically go through a process where I collect my thoughts on any particular topic, research all there is to know about said topic, begin drafting, what I like to think is witty banter, and the complete essence of HATIN’ and then deliver it in a package for you to enjoy.

Well, today, my good HATERS, I’m not going to do that. Call it lazy, a complete lack of time or whatever you like; Today, I just feel like RANTING! So, I am going to do an I’m HATIN first and just throw a bunch of thoughts, ideas and view points your way and hopefully encourage you to converse about these topics and essentially write the post for me.

So, here goes…

Sandusky and Penn State- I DON’T UNDERSTAND. This man, at the time of this post, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse against 10 minors, and for some reason unbeknownst to me, he is allowed out on bail. Grant it, the bail, most recently set at $250,000 for the two-most recent charges, is a hefty bill to the common man, but Sandusky, as any Penn State supporter will tell you, is not just ANY man and can afford the minor inconvenience of bail. His connections and money are obviously beating out our beloved ethics and concept of “right and wrong.” Every person has the right to be defended, YES, but comfortable bail set for someone who has been accused of heinous acts against children? I’ll let you be the judge

2012 Presidential Race – I can sum up my opinions in one question “Are these candidates REALLY the best that America has to offer?” I’m just sayin’.

Shouldn’t we expect more from the man or woman who is to lead our country out of debt, war, economic and social depression and into an era of REBIRTH?

In a country where the national unemployment rate is at 8.6%, I feel, with a pool of prospects that large, we can be a bit more selective in who we hire to be the next Commander and Chief. I mean, who is in charge of HR here? I feel that congress, with the help of the American people (because let’s face it, they need all the help they can get) should begin recruiting for the next President of the United States. We’ll narrow it down to the best candidates, i.e. experience, business background, community involvement, accounting, conflict resolution issues, etc., and put them up against our current President. Then, let we, the people, vote.

If you have a better idea, I’m all ears. It can’t be worse than the folks running now.

The following joke by comedian and political commentator, Bill Maher, sums up my thoughts on the candidates: ''If Bachmann and Palin get in, that's two bimbos. And there there's Mitt Romney, the millionaire and Newt Gingrich, a professor. We just need a skipper and a buddy and we've got 'Gilligan's Island.''

I will say this now, and I hope you good HATERS keep me to this promise: If in 2012 we have a President named Bachmann, Palin or Gingrich, I’m moving to another country!

Kim Kardashian and the entire Kardashian Klan – PLEASE STOP THE INSANITY. If we spent half the amount of time we waste daily on talking, thinking and even caring about Kim K. and her two-bit krew, on real issues that actually affect us, such as hunger, the poor, unemployment, healthcare, the economy, education, the war and our soldiers, racial and gender inequality, etc., we’d have most of the world issues solved before the evening news.

If I see one more photo or hear one more story about her real marriage, her fake marriage, her sister’s marriage, her unmarried pregnant sister, her cheating mother or her dancing brother, somebody might have to die.

Let’s stop getting sucked in and let’s start using our head… that’s that great lump that, for most of us, is still two feet above our ass.

Obama administration refuses to relax Plan B restrictions – I agree! Having this emergency contraceptive option, behind the pharmacy counter ensures that the intended user is made aware of the drug’s effects as it relates to their body and any negative interaction with other medications. By making it available next to the condoms and other prophylactics, we're sending a message that this is an option of birth control, which it is NOT. It is only to be used if other modes of birth control fail, within a 72-hour window of time, of course.

I think naysayers are relying too heavily on the common sense of people who, consequently, failed at birth control to begin with.

Unemployment Benefits – The whole concept of Unemployment needs to be revamped. I understand the basic mechanics of how the system works, but what I don’t understand is how some millionaires collect benefits while some of the most impoverished former workers get nothing.

The system needs a complete overhaul, starting with the criteria for “Unemployment” and oversight as to how the funds are distributed. Let’s also look at the time spent on unemployment, proof of looking for work, reporting and how employees, employers and taxpayers pay into the system, is done. I feel that these could use a good revamping, too. I’m all for using these funds to supplement your bills and necessities, until you are able to find a new job, or perhaps, start a business of your own, but when people take advantage of the system, everyone loses.

Pyramid Schemes- JUST DON'T DO IT! Maybe it's a symptom of the times - people laid off and out of work - but I have been approached by more people selling me the notion of untold FORTUNE through secondary income. And the sales pitches are so awkward, especially when I see the pay scale resembling an all too familiar unsustainable business model. Whether its beauty, consumer goods, energy or life science... I'm just not going for it.

Keep HATIN’ Alive!

I'm HATIN'... But Not On This!

POSTWORTHY!

This video was HILARIOUS to me, but, more than funny, this man actually makes a VERY, VERY good point.

Take a listen...

WARNING: Language used in the video may be considered offensive.

I'm HATIN': Because We The People Just Aren't That Organized

I received the email, enclosed below, this week, about what the American people should do regarding the debt crisis situation, and thought, "What a FANTASTIC idea... Now, if only we could come together to make it happen!"

Sad to say, but we, as American taxpayers and voters, are just not organized, passionate or pissed off enough to illicit the changes we wish to see, in how our country is run.


Here is the email:

Thought this was worth passing on....if it would only work!

I have totally cleaned this e-mail from all other names, sending it to you in hopes you will keep it going and keep it clean. This is something I will fight for and I hope you all read it all the way through. You will be glad you did.

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

I'm asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

1. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12.
The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!


I swear, I LONG for the day where we, the people, collectively say enough is enough, follow the footsteps of our ancestors and rebel/revolt against injustices done to us, each and every day, i.e. inappropriate taxation, inequality, racism (yes, it still exists, no matter how much we'd like to believe in the heavily marketed "Post-Racial Society") cuts to federal programs, healthcare, education... the list could go on forever.

I get excited at the thought of marching on Capitol Hill, boycotting in some major way or one day being able to say to my kids, kids, that this country was going to "hell and a handbasket" (random saying, I know, but that's what you say when you're old and you're kids have kids) and I took a stand to give them a better future.

Honestly, I want to pull out, my "Power Fist" afro hair pick, and not just for nostalgia!

But, the one thing that this otherwise AMAZING email is missing is the ACTION STEPS! Emailing it to eachother is just the beginning. After everyone has seen it, what then? How are we to get it passed? How are we to apply pressure and get what we want? Lots of questions, very little answers!

Keep HATIN' Alive, People!


Just for fun, I've also included, for your viewing pleasure, a HILARIOUS... but kinda sad, take on the debt crisis situation, as told by John Stewart and the Daily Show.

SMH

The Daily Show - Armadebtdon 2011 - Nonfiction Captain America
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

I'm HATIN': Summer Madness

Now that the summer is in full swing (almost over, as a matter of fact), there are a few happenings and running trends that should be stopped immediately, if not sooner, for the sake of all that is holy and non-stupid.

Fall into the HATIN’

Flash Mobs
Philadelphia this means you.

Leave it to the “City of Brotherly Love” to take something jovial and lighthearted and turn it into something violent and ridiculous. You’ve seen the stories… citizens being threatened, physically accosted and robbed at the hands of young boys and girls, who collectively plan, through use of social media outlets, attacks on City residents.

Where did we go so terribly wrong?

Historically, “Flash Mobs”are typically a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, and perform an unusual and sometimes seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment and/or satire (Wikipedia). When did it get violent?

I’ve actually seen a Flash Mob in action, first hand, and it is a bit terrifying. Hundreds of kids (aged 12-20 approximately) screaming, fighting each other in the streets or even running into people, like some sort of riot.

This must end. Flash Mobers, please find something constructive to do. Thanks!

Planking
This is just stupid. I’m almost tempted not to HATE on it because planking, if done correctly, is actually kinda funny. But the mere fact that people are dying as a result of this ridiculous act, leaves us just cause for HATIN’

As defined by Wikipedia, planking is an activity consisting of lying face down in an unusual or incongruous location. The hands must touch the sides of the body and having a photograph of the participant taken and posted on the Internet is an integral part of the game. “Plankers” compete to find the most unusual and original location in which to play. The location should also be as public as possible, and as many people as possible should be involved.

Below, I’ve pictured some of my favorite planking shots.

Again, this seems like harmless fun but when people begin being hit by cars for planking across a three-lane highway or falling to their death as a result of planking on a balcony or fire escape, we must speak up.

SMH HATIN’

Livin’ the Lyrics
OK, so this may not be a new phenomenon, but it is seemingly making its way back to popularity so let’s attempt to “nip it in the bud” before this goes too far.

Now, I hear you asking, “What are ‘Livin’ The Lyrics’?” Good question.

“Livin’ The Lyrics” is when an individual incorporates language found in popular songs of the day into general conversation.

For example,

Gentleman 1: So, after you told your boss that you weren’t coming in, what did he say?
Gentleman 2: Oh, he flipped like he was “ON ONE*.” But he knows what time it is. I run this!

Or

Lady 1: So, how was your date last night?
Lady 2: Girl, he was straight trippin’. Acting like I’m not his Motivation*… But I made sure to let him know who Run The World*

*Songs referenced: I’m On One by DJ Khaled, Featuring Drake, Rick Ross and Lil’ Wayne; Motivation by Kelly Rowland and Run The World (Girls) by Beyonce.

Yea, it’s just that bad.

HATIN’ Since 1984

I'm on Facebook at work too... But, In my defense, I am NOT in charge of running a country

House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, pictured standing, far right, speaks while colleagues Rep. Barbara Lambert, D-Milford and Rep. Jack F. Hennessy, D-Bridgeport, play solitaire Monday night as the House convened to vote on a new budget. (AP)

The guy sitting in the row in front of these two....he's on Facebook, and the guy behind Hennessy is checking out the baseball scores.

And these are the folks that couldn't get the budget out by Oct. 1. The same ones in control of your health care, cap and trade, etc. This is how they spend one of their 3-DAY WORK WEEKS that we all pay for (salary is about $179,000 per year, per person).

Certifiably 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’