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.

HATIN’ on John Mayer… Because No One Should Write Checks Their “Hood Pass” Can’t Cash

This whole issue of John Mayer and his so-called racist remarks, has me profoundly HATIN' on so many levels.

If you are not in the know, here’s the back story:
In a recent interview with Playboy Magazine, John Mayer, an American Singer-songwriter, musician, mouthed-off, giving way too much information and crossing the line of appropriate when he, not so discretely dropped the N-bomb.

PLAYBOY asked: If you didn’t know you, would you think you’re a douche bag?

MAYER: “It depends on what I picked up. My two biggest hits are “Your Body Is a Wonderland” and “Daughters.” If you think those songs are pandering, then you’ll think I’m a douche bag. It’s like I come on very strong. I am a very…I’m just very. V-E-R-Y. And if you can’t handle very, then I’m a douche bag. But I think the world needs a little very. That’s why black people love me.”

PLAYBOY: Because you’re very?

MAYER: “Someone asked me the other day, “What does it feel like now to have a hood pass?” And by the way, it’s sort of a contradiction in terms, because if you really had a hood pass, you could call it a nigger pass. Why are you pulling a punch and calling it a hood pass if you really have a hood pass? But I said, “I can’t really have a hood pass. I’ve never walked into a restaurant, asked for a table and been told, ‘We’re full.’”

Now, of course I will have more to say on this specific remark, but this is what really caught my eye is found later in the interview:

PLAYBOY: Do black women throw themselves at you?

MAYER: “I don't think I open myself to it. My dick is sort of like a white supremacist. I've got a Benetton heart and a fuckin' David Duke cock.”

I’m going to stop right here. I could go on further about what he said of his relationships with Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Aniston, or his dialogue regarding techniques for Masturbating 101, but I will not do that. What I’m most interested in are the race remarks and the meaning behind his words.

In grabbing excerpts and following the story, including feeds from Twitter and his Super-LAME apology, I have gained quite a perspective of Mr. Mayer, and I must say, it’s not a good one.

To me, and I may be wrong here, but his comments were completely unnecessary. Do I believe he’s a racist? No. Do I believe he is an ill-informed idiot, who should be taken off of whatever drug he is currently on, that gives him the illusion that he is a deep and in-touch human being? Undoubtedly and emphatically, YES.

There are so many issues with this entire interview, that I will attempt to layout my argument logically, as opposed to just rant. Here goes:

First, John Mayer doesn’t know how to answer a question when posed to him. At the outset of the news breaking regarding said comments, I was rallying for John Mayer. I thought and asked myself “What kind of derogatory questions were being asked that he felt he had to retort in such a manner, whether using parody/ “intellectualizing” the context of the question or not?” Then I read that all he was asked was if he thought he was a douche bag, or not. How does this equate into him having a “hood pass?” Aside from his answer being totally uncalled for, it was extremely offensive.

As for his “cock” being a racist, I think I like the best analysis of this quote by Huffingotn Post journalist, Farai Chideya, who states in her article, John Mayer's Playboy Interview: A "Tweachable Moment" in Race, Gender.

“I've interviewed white supremacists, and the punchline to this joke falls... limp. I can roll with some pretty raw or adventurous humor, but this fratboyesque ahistorical cheap shot shows a profound misunderstanding of white supremacy. Today's white supremacists may decry "miscegenation," but white supremacy resulted in an awful lot of race mixing -- the forceable kind. Mayer's father is Jewish and I wonder how much he knows or cares to about the violent history of white surpremacists towards Jews in the US and abroad.

But what I just said sounds too on-the-nose and preachy even for my own tastes. The reality is that it's insulting to say black people love you and then profoundly misunderstand the difference between entitlement and humor.”

Lastly, I am disappointed in how African Americans responded to John Mayer’s statements. I just knew there was going to be uproar in the African American community. Just like the Jews protested Mel Gibson and his movies four years ago (and even today) after he made anti-Semitic remarks while inebriated, I thought black people were going to riot. I thought that John Mayer’s African-American fanbase would revolt, burn LP’s in effigy; but alas I was mistaken. I am truly disappointed at the lack of concern or care by the black community over what he said, whether intentional or in jest. Since when do we no longer care that we are being discriminated against?

Also, where are the African-American musicians and entertainment moguls? Don’t you care that this man just verbally assaulted the very culture that made you wealthy and the very women who resemble your wives (some of you), sisters and mothers? I’m not trying to make a mountain out of a molehill, I just find it terrible that no black person in the industry has said anything.

By saying nothing, we in the black community, both those who are visible in the media, and those who are not, are telling the world that this type of language is OK. That claiming because black people “like” you, you have an automatic “Hood Pass.” We’re also saying, in so many ways, that we can continue to disrespect our women.

But maybe I shouldn’t be surprised. Maybe this has been a long time coming. Maybe, just maybe, we are to blame for other races thinking poorly of ourselves. Weren’t we the ones that made African-American culture a fad, something that is cool for now but fades, as opposed to honoring our past and holding ourselves to a level of respect and dignity (at all times)? Weren’t we the ones that portrayed our women (and men) in a light that demeans them as opposed to lifting them up?

Maybe I shouldn’t HATE on John Mayer and his ignorance; Maybe I Should HATE on Us!

Philadelphia Complaint Choir- Sign Me Up!

This is HILARIOUS and a must share.

I have to find out how I can join this choir :)

Keep On HATIN'

New Year, New HATIN’… Because even HATIN’ has resolutions

Happy Belated New Year, HATERS!

My New Years resolution to you good HATERS, this year, is to bring you more news, pop culture and global happenings to talk about openly, dissect and rationalize and most importantly HATE On. I also resolve to do this more often.

So, as the first post of 2010, let’s jump right in…

SEPTA… Yup, they’re hiking up your fares

Oh, SEPTA

Philadelphia riders beware; you will see an increase in fares starting in July.

I predicted this in early November 2009, when SEPTA Transport Workers Union Local 234 went on strike (see SEPTA and the City of Philadelphia: HATIN’ Because They Deserve It), and sadly, it has come to fruition.

In the January 13, 2010 edition of the Philadelphia Metro, they alert riders that they may experience an increase anywhere between 2 and 10 percent. This means “base fares could go from $2.00 to $2.25, tokens from $1.45 to $1.60 and weekly TransPasses from the current $20.75 to $22.75.”

It doesn’t seem like much, but in the grand scheme of things, Philadelphia riders are paying more for the same lousy service; especially when we just endured a large fare hike less than three years ago.

The paper also details, “On the positive side, SEPTA riders could also get a glimpse of the long-awaited new payment technology and new Silverliner V cars on the Regional Rail.”

So, let me get this straight. I have to pay higher fares for the same lackluster services, but as a thank you, SEPTA, the organization, will pay for new machines and technology that makes it easier for me to pay them? Now, who wouldn’t want a deal like that?

Are they serious?

I’m HATIN’

People of Philadelphia, we have been taken advantage of, for far too long, when it comes to our detestable transit system and it’s time that we do something about it. Contact your local ward leaders, councilman and even the Mayor. Hold them accountable for fixing this reoccurring issue. If they refuse to cap the fares, STRIKE. We hold the POWER. Without riders, SEPTA cannot exist or stay operating.

HATE on Them!

What ever happened to Black History Month?

It’s February, and as an African-American woman, I have strong concerns over the lack of acknowledgement of Black History Month.

I remember, growing up, that Black History Month was a month of pride in the African-American community, especially in the churches. There were activities, plays and seminars/symposiums at community centers throughout the city, and even the suburbs where I resided, that brought together black people from all over and allowed us to celebrate our unique and distinct heritage.

In school, teachers made it a point to highlight the achievements of African-American pioneers, expecting more from black children during this month, to tell all students, of all different races, about what they knew about their own ancestors.

I can’t tell you how many times I dressed up as a former African-American leader and recited speeches and poems about their particular influence in history. As a young Nefertiti or Madam C.J. Walker, we were to exude and appropriately imitate these people of the past.

What happened to the appreciation of Black History Month?

Today, I see no REAL attempt by the African-American community; churches, retailers and afro-centric organizations alike, in retelling and celebrating our history.

Am I just out of the loop, or has commercialization of the holiday/month, in effect, let blacks off the hook from actually having to educate their own, about black history?

When McDonalds and other such corporations, attempt to popularize Black History Month, does it actually take away from the celebration, as opposed to enhancing it?

It’s like Valentines Day. Original intent of the highly debatable holiday aside, it is celebrated as a “Day of Love.” So why is it that so many people dread Valentine’s Day? Maybe it’s because businesses tried and successfully made this holiday about buying expensive gifts. Have businesses also “de-blacked” or inundated Black History Month?

I’m HATIN’

I believe that Black History Month is 365 days a year, but I also believe that this month signifies celebration of African American achievements, past and present, and should be honored.

Let’s Do Better!

Award Shows… No Longer Necessary

It’s award show season, where the best and brightest (based on popularity, not wits) stars are honored for their work in music and film, for the past year.

Please let me be the first to say that I’m HATIN’ on award shows and deem them no longer necessary.

It may just be me, but the award show format has not changed since its humble beginnings. It’s still a three hour show (that’s supposed to be 2 hours), where actors and artists are named and then given an award, followed by a super, long speech and the ushering of music to get them off the stage.

Each year, just to keep people interested, the organizations hosting such shows/events must come up with newsworthy distractions to keep the audience engaged. Kanye West, anyone?

Would you have remembered the MTV movie awards without Mr. West and his antics? Can someone tell me one big, standout moment at this years Grammy’s? Most likely, your answer is NO.

Lack of interest aside, the popularity of social networking sites has made it too easy to not care about award shows because celebrities are tweeting, posting pictures and adding videos directly from the awards, providing more entertainment than any network could possibly offer.

Mark my words, we may soon be saying goodbye to “award show season.”