Publix Changes Lives

QOTD: "I believe that Publix changes lives." - SYR

If that ain't the truth!

Ever since I left the South and moved to the "East Coast," (yeah...I know...DC is still the South...lol), one of the biggest voids in my life has been Publix. Yes, you read that right...a damn grocery store. But, Publix is not your ordinary grocery store. It is where shopping is a pleasure.

And, why is shopping a pleasure at Publix? One word: QUALITY! Quality food and quality service. These are two qualities that these grocery stores in DC lack. I mean...true Whole Foods is quality...but you can't get Kellogg's Corn Flakes at Whole Foods. And, every single time I leave Whole Foods, I spend damn near $100 dollars, and come out with only 2 bags of stuff. There's no pleasure in that.

So what's so quality about Publix, you ask? Outside of EVERYTHING...specifically, for me....the Deli and the Bakery. Before I moved to the District, I hadn't had a sandwich from a "sub shop" in YEARS! I'm like...why in the hell would I go to Subway or Potbelly or Jimmy Johns or wherever when there is Publix deli near? I mean....hellloooo Boar's Head meat...and the fact that I get to decide whatever meat and cheese in the deli counter I want on my sandwich. (An aside: do you know I had to go to a special deli to actually get Boar's Head meat in DC...like...Safeway and Giant do not carry it...WTF!!)) And, then they actually give you more than two or three pieces of meat. I am a grown ass man....what in the hell am I gonna do with those two slices of meat and cheese? And, then there is the chicken? WHAT! That joint rides! And normally folks don't like store bought side salads....well, Publix doesn't have the problem. Them joints are tasty! And, now that I think about it...Publix is the ONLY grocery store that I can think of that people use religiously to cater their entire Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, or any other holiday for that manner.

And, then the Bakery. I must admit that I love fresh out of the oven Publix doughnuts wayyyy more than fresh out of the oven Krispy Kremes. I know...I might be crazy, but it's true. And, who doesn't love Publix cakes and ice cream cakes. And those calyspo cookies! Yes sir! Sign me up!

I mean...everything thing there is top quality. Even all of the Publix brand items are quality...so why pay that $6 for a gallon of Edy's when I can get Publix brand for $2 cheaper and it tastes just as good.

And, let's not forget the Publix has the freshest produce, meats and seafood in the business. And, when they steam the shrimp in the Old Bay. Woo lawd!!

I promise you that nearly everytime I go home, or visit a state/city that I know has a Publix, it is one of my VERY first stops. Like...before I even get to my house to see my parents, I drive directly to Publix and order my favorite meal: sausalito turkey and pepper jack cheese on white sub; hot and spicy wings; some King Hawaiian rolls, sweet tea, and a glazed twist from the bakery. My mouth is literally salivating just thinking about it.

Yes...this whole post came about b/c my ass is hungry. But, I'm about to fix that soon. Too bad there is no Publix around. #kicksrocks #homesick

*this is not a paid advertisement...but I'm just saying...maybe they SHOULD pay me. LOL!*

The Etiquette of "Reply All"

Your first instinct should NEVER be to hit "reply all."

Even after that first instinct, you should really have a moment with yourself and truly consider whether hitting "reply all" is necessary when responding to an email that has numerous recipients -- particularly, random recipients. Because, once you hit "reply all," you open the flood gates for everyone else on that list to do the same thing. And, I cannot STAND when folks unnecessarily reply to all of the recipients of an email for no damn reason. In fact, if you do that, kill yourself!

OK...maybe that was harsh...but I meant it. I mean...what makes you think that everyone on that email wants to know your response? It's one thing if the initial sender purposefully initiates a debate to which all recipients would need to see the others' responses. It's also another thing if the sender specifically asks the recipients to reply all.

If someone sends an email, however, to their random group of friends (friends who may or may not know one another) saying, for example, "I'll be at ABC Bar on Thursday...Let me know whether you can make it out"...you should reply directly to the sender -- not to everyone on the list. If you DO reply all to that email...you really deserve to be hit by a bus. I mean...what makes you so important that you feel the need to respond to every single person on that list, whether you know them or not? Why do I, who just happened to be on the list just like you, need to know that you are not going to be able to make it because you have self defense class; or because you will be working late; or because you have a hair appointment; or because you have to go to your kid's choral recital. Why do I need to know all of that? I don't even know you and could care less about what you or your tone def kid has on their schedule. Wasting my damn time reading a pointless email.

See...that was just an example and my pressure is already up. Anyways, email etiquette tip of the day, DO NOT reply all unless it is absolutely necessary.

Columbus Day

So...apparently...today is a holiday.

Clearly, I didn't get that memo, and neither did the powers that be at my firm.

All day yesterday, folks are trying to get me to go out and do this and that because "we don't have to go to work tomorrow." Newsflash: I do...and every time that you remind me of such, I want to punch you in the eye.

And, what makes it even worse is that instead of taking the Metro, as usual, I decided to drive because all of the parking restrictions are lifted today. And, I'm like...why not just drive and park at the meters in front of the building since it's free?

Yeah...soooo...what I didn't think about this morning is that the folks that are like me and had to work today had the same idea. I get to the building and drive around for a good 15 minutes looking for a park. No dice. Finally, I end up just parking in the garage because I was over looking for a street park. So, now...not only am I at work when many of my friends are not -- I also have to pay $20 at the end of the damn day to get my car out of the garage. #losing

And, let's not mention how beautiful it is outside today.

Hmph! Yep, I'm in a mood.

Farragut Food Truck Fridays

The first step is acceptance.

I accept, and admit, that I am a fat boy trapped in a skinny boy's body. I love food. No I'm dead ass serious...I really do.

And, one of the things that brings me much happiness is Farragut Food Truck Fridays -- particularly, on a day like this, when it is so beautiful outside.

What is Farragut Food Truck Fridays, you ask? Think a mini-Truckeroo. On most, if not all, Fridays, there are at least 10 mobile food trucks out surronding Farragut Square. There are a few that are always out there on Fridays, including, Sol Mexican Grill, Tasty Kabob, CarnBBQ, The Rolling Ficelle, the Cheesecake Truck, etc. But, others, rotate.

And, I look forward to going out for lunch on Fridays to try a new food truck. It's so well known at my firm that I am food truck stan that many of my colleagues call or email me now for suggestions on which food trucks to try out...especially on Farragut Food Truck Fridays. In fact, one day, I sent an email to the entire firm with the link to www.foodtruckfiesta.com, and the subject line said "The Website that Will Change Your Life." HA!

Anyways, today I'm going to try out chicken plate from the AZN Eats truck, which specializes in Korean BBQ. Let's hope that they are good.

Farragut Food Truck Fridays. #FTW

Kanye Didn't Do ISH!!

OK. So Taylor Swift's Fearless won Album of the Year at last night's Grammys. And tons of my friends were in uproar. Facebook statuses consistently displayed how folks thought that it was a travesty that she won...and how she is just America's little princess...and more often that not, she ought to thank Kanye West for making her career. And, each time that I read one of those statuses, I gave the side eye, and thought...I'm going to need to you know the facts before making such an ignorant statement...particularly if you have never listened to her album or tracked its success.

Now, I am by no means a Taylor Swift stan. In fact, I think her performance last night with Stevie Nicks was horrible. They sounded a hot ass mess. However, Kanye West has NOTHING at ALL to do with the quality and popularity of her album.

Let's look back:

1. The 2009 MTV Awards, where Kanye acted a damn coon, and jumped on the stage while Taylor Swift was accepting her award for Best Female Video aired on September 13th, 2009.

2. Kanyegate happened AFTER MTV had already chosen her to win Best Female Video. I state this because I think people forget that she was on the stage to accept an award before Kanye entered her life.

3. Fearless was released November 11, 2008, selling nearly 600K copies in its first week. Though released at such a late date in 2008, the only two albums to sell better than that in 2008 were Lil Wayne's The Carter 3 and Coldplay's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. Indeed, Fearless sold 2.1 million copies in 2008. And, as a reminder, Kanye didn't happen into September 2009.

4. In its debut week, seven songs on the album charted in the Billboard Hot 100. Debut Week: November 2008. Kanye: September 2009.

5. Two of Taylor Swift's albums were in the Top Selling Albums of 2008, Fearless at No. 3, and her self-titled debut album, at No. 6. With this feat, she became the first artist in the history of Neilsen Soundscan to have two different albums in the Top 10 on a year end album chart. This was 2008. Kanye: 2009.

6. Fearless continued to sell like no other in 2009, staying in the top 10 for weeks on end. In fact, the album topped the Billboard 200 for 11 non-consecutive weeks and topped the Billboard Top Country Albums for 35 non-consecutive weeks. This was all prior to Kanyegate.

7. On July 3, 2009, it was announced by Yahoo! Music that Fearless was the top-selling album of the first half of 2009 in the United States. Kanye didn't happen until September 13, 2009.

8. Prior to September 13, 2009, the album had spent an unprecedented 42 or 43 weeks in the Billboard Top 15...and in fact, I think the Top 10. Again, this is all prior to Kanye. And, yes, the album is STILL in the top 10 more than a year later. In fact, not only was this album the 3rd top selling album of 2008, it was THE top selling album of 2009, most of the sales coming PRIOR to September 13, 2009.

I'm sure there are many other facts...but now let me talk about some of her awards and nominations, prior to Kanye:

1. In Feb 2009, she was nominated as Best New Artist at the Grammys.
2. In 2008, she won Top Female Vocalist, and her debut album was nominated for Album of the Year, at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
3. In 2008, she won Female Country Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards.
4. She won 3 BMI Awards, which are awarded to songwriters, in 2007 and 2008.
5. She won 3 CMT Music Awards in 2007 and 2008.

OK...so there are countless others that came before September 13, 2009...the day that Kanye decided to act like an ass! But, you get my drift.

And, another thing. Let's not forget about that fact that she wrote, produced, and composed every track on the album, with only half of the songs having a co-writer. And, I'm not talking about 12 co-writers for one song like many other artists have; I'm talking about one, maybe two, other co-writers. All of the rest of the songs she wrote by herself.

And all of this by a COUNTRY artist...which makes her MTV Video Music Award all the more amazing b/c we all know that MTV isn't a haven for country artist. The fact that she won that award signifies her stellar crossover success.

So...chill out on saying that Kanye made this girl's career. No ma'am. No sir. SHE made her career long before Kanye acted a fool. And, yes...maybe YOU didn't hear of her before Kanye, but that's because YOU don't listen to country music, or any stations that play Top 40 music. That ain't her fault...that's yours. But, clearly she has been killing it before Kanye, and has continued to continued to after him.

Now, I will say that I still wanted Lady Gaga or DMB to win Album of the Year last night. LOL! I mean, Gaga KILLED it this year, and her album was excellent. And, DMB...well, they consistently come with an amazing album, and Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King did not disappoint. But, I can understand and agree with Taylor winning.

That is all.

Carry on.

Crashgate: Who's to Blame?

So, I'm reading some articles, blogs, and posts about the Salahis crashing President Obama's first White House state dinner. It's funny to me that many people in their comments, and on blogs, seem to be blaming Desiree Rogers, the White House Social Secretary, for the party crashing scandal.

Maybe I'm missing something here. It was my understanding that the Salahis were not on the guest list. So, if this is truly the case, how is Desiree to blame? The real culprit is the Secret Service as it's their responsibility to protect the President. Desiree's responsibilty was to organize the dinner and create the guest list, on which the Salahis did not appear. People are commenting that she should have been there, or had someone on her staff there at the gate with the Secret Service. What is the White House...the club or something? I mean...is it like...me standing at the door in front of Station 9 or Jin or Posh with the VIP list to an invite only party, yet letting other folks in as well on my own accord. Hell no! It's the WHITE HOUSE! If you are not on the list, you are not getting in. Point. Blank. I mean, I went to the White House a few weeks ago to see the Christmas decorations, and one of my friends who was supposed to be on the list, could not get in because his name wasn't on the list. And, it didn't even matter that the President was not even in town, he had to go right back to his car and go home because he was not getting in, even though the White House employee that invited him was there to vouch that he was supposed to be on the list. Secret Service said...NO SIR! And, in the few other times I have had the opportunity to visit the WH, it was the same...no name on the pre-approved list...no entry!

So, in the case of the state dinner, when the First Family would be present, as well, as the First Family of India, and the many other dignataries and luminaries that were rightfully supposed to be in attendance, the Secret Service should have put the brakes on the Salahis when they were indeed not on the list. They are the ones that dropped the ball, not Desiree.

For Real, Alex Rodriguez!

I just had to say something about this b/c I am still pissed off about it.

So, last night, I'm sitting and watching our President give his first prime time conference. President Obama walked in, his usual cool and collected self. He began the press conference by giving about an 8-10 minute speech on the urgency and importance of Congress to pass an ecomonic stimulus package. Following the speech, he fielded questions from the press.

First of all, though this was an open press conference, it was CLEARLY called as a result of President Obama wanting to influence Congress to pass the stimulus package. In other words, this press conference was about the economy...and I cannot STAND when folks go off topic. The first reporter to do so was the lady from Reuters who took it upon herself, though she was only the second reporter to ask questions, to "shift gears to foreign policy." (insert side eye) The first thing I thought was...is it me...or did he just give a 10 minute speech about the economy...and you stand your triflin ass up and immediately ask about Iran. GTFOH here with that.

The next person to break protocol was Ed Henry from CNN who asked about the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. Though this is tangentially related to the economy, I still felt, in my spirit, that he was off topic.

Two questions later, President Obama calls for a question from Michael Fletcher of The Washington Post. I sat up b/c I realized this was a brotha! Not that I wasn't intently paying attention to the other questions and answers, but I really wanted to see what this brotha had to say.

But...then it happens. Of ALL of the questions in the WORLD that he could have asked, particularly related to the economy, which was the de facto topic of the press conference, THIS BAMA gets up and asks President Obama about his reaction to Alex Rodriguez's admission to using steriods. Very loudly, I said...you HAVE TO BE F**KIN KIDDING ME!! I wanted to jump THROUGH the TV. And, b/c I feel like I know President Obama personally (lol), I feel like, in his spirit, he wanted to say, SIT YOUR TRIFLIN ASS DOWN asking that dumb ass question! Folks are losing their jobs, homes, livelihoods...and you are asking him about BASEBALL?>

I can't.

I just can't.

That is all.

Carry on.

Fireworks over Lake Michigan?

OK...so I went to Chicago over the Fourth of July weekend to experience that annual event that is the Taste of Chicago. And, tasted is exactly what I did. I had toasted ravioli, and jerk chicken, and a ginormous (yep, that's my word, and I'm trademarking it) turkey leg, and some mango dusted fries with chutney, and some noodles, and...well...you get the drift. My favorite taste came in the form of a sweet potato cheesecake. That joint was off the chain.



Enough talk about the Taste...let me get to the point. Anyways, picture it. Chicago. July 4, 2008. I am in the 3rd largest city in the nation, and of course, I expect to see fireworks to celebrate our country's independence. I had heard that fireworks were done on the 3rd, but I was like...what real American city in their right mind would do fireworks on the 3rd and not the 4th? Anyways, we find out that there would be fireworks both at Navy Pier and Grant Park at 9:30. So, my friend and I make our way through Millennium Park, through the Taste (of course, while scoping out what we were going to be tasting the next day) and Grant Park, take a few pictures, and then go to find a spot along the waterfront so that we could enjoy the fireworks, particularly since the Fourth is one of her favorite holidays. So, we find a spot, sit in the grass and just people watch. Then, 9:18 rolls around and the fireworks begin! Mind you, everyone was told that they would start at 9:30; however comma, clearly someone's watch was wrong. Anyways, we are enjoying the fireworks and hearing all of the children in awe. And, then it happens. The fireworks stop. But, here's the catch: it's 9:22/9:23. My friend and I look at each other and both of us are like...I know that's not it. This silence and dark sky must MUST be indicating that it's time for intermission. That is what we thought...that is, until we start seeing people get up and headed out. And, in my spirit, I'm thinking...I just know that the great city of Chicago did not just try the tens of thousands of people that came out to see fireworks with that 4 minute show? I just KNEW that good ole Chi-town didn't let all those masses of people drive from the suburbs to see that short ass sh*t! But, apparently, I was the one that was Boo-Boo the Fool b/c that is exactly what reality was.



Thoroughly disappointed, we got up, made our way through a massive crowd, and met some friends for dinner and drinks.

Pet Peeve #7653547

...bad ass kids in church, or better yet, the parents who let their kids act a fool in church. Here, I am...sitting in church...trying to get my Word on...and my inspiration for the week. Unfortunately, for me, there were two bad ass lil boys in the row in front of me, whose parents seemed to be oblivious to the fact that they were acting a fool. But, I told the devil that I was not going him stop me from getting my Word...so I tried my best to tune them out and to concentrate on the message. That is, until these lil fools decided to get down on the floor and start climbing under the seats. And, I'm talking about...they were wayyy under the seat to the point where one of their mothers had to get on the floor and pull the kids by their ankles to get them up. My thing is...is you had not let his bad ass get down on the floor in the FIRST place, there would not have been a scene. But, now, b/c you didn't make your little terror sit down and be still in the first place, you have managed to interrupt my Word. And, now I have to say an extra prayer to put myself back in the right spirit.

So, for all of you parents out there, if you are not going to control your child at church, send your child to children's church or sit in the balcony...because I go to church to get uplifted...not to have to pray for forgiveness for sitting in church and giving you and your child the evil eye!

Throwback Songs that Make You Go Hmmm...

OK...after many requests, I've decided to resume blogging...so here is what is on my mind right now...

My Launch internet radio staiton has me evaluating the songs that I'm listening to.

OK...now, though this song is that joint, I find it disturbing that Tevin Campbell was singing about breaking it down in 1993 on his "I'm Ready" album, which was a classic, by the way. Clearly, he was like 14...talking about...breaking it down...doing it like some homework...and doing it on the kitchen on the table top...and dripping all over like balls of wax.

Nucca...you fast!

And, the next song that comes on...

Last Night. Why did I forget all about Az Yet? That album was actually pretty hot. But, for real...last night you saw the sun, the moon, the mountains and the rivers. For real?

Nucca hush!

That is all.

Carry on.

Les Moonves -- You're FIRED!!

Well, not necessarily Les Moonves, but whomever was in charge of programming on CBS today needs to be fired. Now, I realize that there were several games that had to be broadcasted today for the NCAA Tournament...but, how in the HELL are you going to leave the Florida game with less then 2 minutes left in the game to switch over to the VA Tech game which was in the beginning of the 2nd half. I mean, for real? You just decide that we don't need to see how the end of the game featuring the overall #1 seed...especially with the game being very close. I mean, are you serious? Yeah...who ever made that decision is a jackass and should be fired, as I now only get to see the HIGHLIGHTS of how the damn game ended. (kickin rocks)

I Can Die a Happy Man...

ONLY IN THE DISTRICT...

yeah...so this evening, I had one of the experiences of my life. And, here is the play by play:

So, today, my boy B that works on the Hill informed me that he had heard of reception that would be occurring tonight where Stevie Wonder would be performing. So, I made plans to go up to the Hill...however, I left work early. And, apparently, at work, emails went back and forth as to when my group of friends should meet at the Hill. At home, I did chores, ran errands, and then took a nap. When I woke up, it was 6:50 p.m. I go to check my Gmail and B's status says" My DC family and I are off to see Stevie." So, I freak out! I call him...no answer. Finally, he responds and says that we are meeting at 7:30. Praise God for dry cleaning b/c I was able to put on a fresh shirt and suit w/in minutes and off to the Hill I go. Then, when I get to the Hill, he calls and says "Um...yeah...so I don't think it's open to the public." And, now I'm sitting in my car with heart broken. However, my boy J sends a text and says he is en route to the Hill. When he gets there, he confirms that the event is indeed a closed event. However, he says that he is standing outside the reception room talking to some friends (he formerly worked on the Hill)...he also says that as he was walking in, he saw Chaka Khan outside. So, he planned on just standing outside and people watching. Since I was already there, I decided to join J. I get up to the lobby outside of the room where this "reception" is occurring...and there are people going in. I was indeed jealous, but not hating. As we are standing there, Wynonna walks up and enters the room. And, then J's friend, a Capitol cop says let me see if we can get you guys in. You may not be able to sit down, but you may can stand. So, he says, just follow me in. And, we did. So, we are in.

Turns out...this wasn't just a reception. It was ASCAP's tribute to Stevie Wonder. In fact, they were awarding him with the American Troubadour Award. As I am standing in this small intimate caucus room (with about, I guess 250 other people, most of whom are seated and eating), I get the feeling that I'm about to be in for something special. And, then I look up, and two tables from where I was standing sat Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. At this point, I'm about to lose it. Then, at a table right in front of me was India.Arie. Still, I had no idea what was about to happen. So, the program starts...and then it happens:

First, the famous trumpeteer John Faddis performs Sir Duke.
Then, Joan Osborne performs You are the Sunshing of My Life.
Then, Brian McKnight performs Lately.
Then, Wyclef Jean performs Master Blaster (and he was gangsta as he freestyled about the war until his guitar was ready)
Then, India.Arie performs
Then, Wynonna performs Signed Sealed Delivered
Then, jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves performs
Then, Ashford & Simpson perform their hit You're All I Need to Get By
Then, Chaka Khan performs Tell Me Something Good
Then, Smokey Robinson performs Tears of a Clown
Then, Tony Bennett performs For Once in My Life
Then, Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder perform the duet For Once in My Life
Then, Stevie Wonder performs My Cherie Amour, Ribbon in the Sky, Overjoyed, AND I Just Called to Say I Love You, in addition to a song that he just wrote two weeks ago and has never performed.

Yeah...you read that right. I was done after Wyclef...and literally felt like I was about to pass out after Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder performed. I'm talking about my knees were shaking and I was trying to contain my happiness and awe. And, I'm not one that gets starstruck. But, the experience was completely surreal. And, I'm still on Cloud 9. Only in the District can you have such an event, which was also attended by numerous members of Congress and the Armed Forces (yeah, I even saw one of the Joint Chiefs of Staff).

Anyways, I'm on my way to bed...but if tonight is it...I'll die happy!

Smorgasbord

It's been a while since I've posted and I have so many random thoughts. So here there are:

1. Pedophiles amaze me...especially the ones that clearly don't watch Dateline NBC. I'm like for real...first of all, you are stupid and going to hell for preying on these young girls. And, then, you are dumb as hell b/c the Dateline guy, I feel like, does this same story (To Catch a Predator, that is) ALL THE TIME! And, then you are going to get on TV and act like your 50-year old ass was just coming over to some random 12 year old girl's house to play cards....talking about...she didn't really say her age. Do you mean to tell me that you don't think that Dateline NBC has been tracking your child stalking ass long enough to know that YOU KNOW how old this child supposedly is? Old dumb raggedy ass...you DESERVE to go to jail...and DESERVE to get what is coming to you. Don't drop the soap, homie!

2. The girls on this season of American Idol are leaps and bounds better than the dudes. And speaking of American Idol, if you know that you have pictures out there with you slobbing someone's knob, how about you just don't try out b/c guess what, those pictures are going to get it. So, Antonella Barba...you're a dumb ho! And, if you ask me, it's your best friend (the one that got cut in the first round) that is responsible for those pictures surfacing.

3. So, I didn't have to go to work today b/c the power was out in my building. It went off at 3:00 p.m. YESTERDAY, and I guess, by this morning, they didn't have it completely restored. Of course, I'm not complaining by any means, b/c I enjoyed my day off. But, I think it is ri-damn-diculous that the power couldn't be restored. Also, why is it that power went out in certain parts of the building but not others. In my office, the lights were on but all of the electronics were out. One of my friends on the second level had no power, not even lights, while the other never lost power. Craziness!

4. Is it me, or did Jennifer Hudson look like Puff the Magic Dragon at the Oscars when she was wearing that damn jacket/wings get up?

5. I wonder who is going to pay for Bobby Brown to get out of jail now...and even after that, who is going to continually pay for his child support?

6. So I went to a club with my frat brother and his friend on Sat. She was like...I think that music will be real good...and the crowd diverse. We go. As soon as I go in, I'm like...I'm clearly not staying here all night. It was a different crowd, but not as diverse as she made it seem. Basically, a whole lot of white and Asian people...with a very black folk here and there. Now, I don't have problem with mixed clubs...but what I do have a problem with is the fact that we were there for 45 minutes to an hour and I'll be damned if the song that was planning lasted for the entire time. I was like...this is like the neverending song. And, then the song didn't even have any words...all I heard was bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump...at the same pace...yeah for like an hour. Everyone else seemed to be enjoying it...but after awhile, it was more than time to go. Apparently there was a DJ, but he needs to be fired...like ASAP!

7. Why in the SAM HELL is there a new reality show where they are supposedly auditioning a new Pussycat Doll? I mean, for real, aren't there like 20 of them already?

8. I hope the Groundhog saw its shadow...cause I'm ready for Spring...and Sundays at Sequoia.

9. Isn't it a tragedy that we are now going to have to break in a new bartender (at Play) after the Cloud debacle last Thursday?

10. Why is it that crackheads always ask for a quarter? For real, a quarter. What in the hell are you going to do with a quarter? Buy a bouncy ball or some bubble gum out of the quarter machine?

Milton County, GA

A Georgia county divided against itself

A potentially explosive dispute in Atlanta -- the City Too Busy to Hate -- is taking shape over a proposal to break Fulton County in two and split off Atlanta's mostly white, affluent suburbs to the north from some of the metro area's poorest, black neighborhoods.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16773267/from/ET/

After living in Atlanta for 3 years, why does this not surprise me? This type of mentality is the same exact reason why MARTA will NEVER be allowed to come into Cobb and Gwinnett counties. As progressive as Atlanta is becoming (especially since the Olympics), it still has a long way to go b/c there is a clear racial divide which still separates that city...the North from the South...the black from the white.

Hollerin Babies.

OK...so instead of watching the State of the Union, I finished watching Little Miss Sunshine last night; and thus, can't comment on any Bush-isms from last night. But, what I will comment on is...hollering babies on the plane. On Good Morning America yesterday (and this morning, they talked about the incident as well), they had this family who were asked to deplane an AirTran flight b/c their 3 year old daughter was throwing a tantrum. The parents were talking about how she is typical 3-year old...and didn't feel that it was necessary for AirTran to ask them to deplane so as to not disturb all of the other guests. The dad was talking about how he will never fly Airtran again, despite AirTran giving the family vouchers for free flights.

And, I'm thinking to myself. AirTran was justified for their actions! If you can't control your bas ass kid, you need to get OFF the plane. There is nothing worse than having a toddler terror sitting next to or near you on a plane hollering and acting a damn fool. And, I'm talking about...they said the lil girl had done sprawled out on the floor and was hollering non-stop. Furthermore, on this one blog, one of the flight attendants chimed in...and what about the flight attendant said that the girl was not even sitting with the parents. The parents sat in the two seats on one side of the aisle...and let the little girl sit on the opposite side to sit by the window. And, THAT's where she started having her tantrum...and acting up!

WHY in the SAM HELL would you sit a 3-year old child across the aisle next to some other people...so that you can sit next to each other? If it were my parents, it wouldn't have taken AirTran to ask us to leave...I would have been praying for the cops or someone to come b/c Monster Mable (my mama) would have been all over my ass!

But, I digress...maybe I'm insensitve to those types of things b/c I don't have kids. But, don't be mad at AirTran for considering the feelings of the other 100 people on board.

Happy Hour: The Tragedy

So...I had a rough night last night. But, it starts earlier in the day. I ate lunch at 12...got off at 3...came home and took a nap...arose at 6 to go to my favorite happy hour spot.

And, this is where the tragedy begins.

I go to my favorite bartender...who begins mixing my drink as soon as he sees me walk in the door. (TRAGEDY #1)

I have that drink...plus about 6 more (TRAGEDY #2)

I'm feeling real good....nothing out of the normal for me for a Thursday night.

But then...it hits me. The stomach cramps...and my head begins to spin...and I realize...oh wow, I drank all of that on an empty stomach...I'm drunk and about to vomit. Being the controlled drunk that I am, I take a seat on a stool near my friends...put my head down....and then quickly grab a cup so that I don't vomit all over the place. (TRAGEDY #3) Cup #1 - FULL!

At this point, my friends are in awe b/c I never create this sort of scene. They are actively attending to me...of course, while everyone is watching. (TRAGEDY #4).

At some point, one of my friends is taking a napkin and wiping my forehead. My drunk ass, thinking that this is hilarious, bursts out into laughter...enough so to throw myself off of the stool and onto the floor. (TRAGEDY #5)

Three or four more cups of liquid vomit later (TRAGEDY #s 6-10), I am ready to go. I stand up with head high and proceed out of the door. My friends are trying to figure out who is going to drive me home. As they are formulating the plan, I am steady walking to my car like I'm about to drive myself home. I get to my car...crank it up...and then notice my friends running across the street to stop me. (TRAGEDY #11) I oblige her and then she drives me home...and makes sure I get to bed.

This morning, I awaken to go to work. I hop out of bed, pull a suit out of the closet, and then my head and stomach simultaneously say, "Sit your black ass down!" (TRAGEDY #12) I run to the bathroom, vomit some more, call in to work, and go back to bed for the rest of the day.

At some point, I crawl out of bed...and try to head to the kitchen to get a carbonated beverage. Open the refrigerator and NOTHING!! No carbonation; not even a damn bottle of orange juice. (TRAGEDY #13).

Dark...dark...and special dark!

Needless to say, I stayed my black ass home this evening.

The Truth Serum

So, I'm at a holiday party on Friday evening. Wine and beer were a-flowing. A group of judges were talking. One judge says...jokingly in response to another..."yeah...you can be my date to the party next year." Other judge: I'm not into that brokeback nonsense.

LMAO! Needless to say, though I was planning on leaving, I stayed until they left to see if anything else colorfol would be said.

And Then it was Frigid...

So, yeah...I wake up this morning to go the gym before work. I'm one of those strange souls that is OK with waking up at 6:00 a.m. to go and work out before I go to the office. So, anyways, I walk outside...and it is freezing. I mean...like I almost start to turn around and go back in the house. But, I was already up...and out...and so I just ran to the gym. Yep...a little adrenalin builder before the actual adrenalin builder.

So...it was cold.

But, what about, I came home from work tonight...and walked in my house...only to find that it was not too much warmer than it was outside. I look at the thermostat and it says 65. And, now I'm like...who in the SAM HELL would turn a thermostat to 65 in DC in the winter. I mean, fuck being cheap...that's just downright triflin. So, of course, I turn it up...way up...and now I'm in my room so as to avoid a conflict with the triflin roommate, as I was a little touched a minute ago. He better be glad that he is not home.


On a lighter note...I read the funniest complaint that I have ever read in my life today. A homeless person, whose address was "The Bench outside of 13th and G NW" is suing DC. Among many other things, she is suing for breach of contract after she bought something "that was sold back to her reused." LMAO!! Sad, but funny!

A H.A.M.

Orenthal James Simpson is a HOT ASS MESS!! Period. Point blank.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/15/simpsoninterview.ap/index.html

Nothing more. Nothing less. Except for this...OJ is dumb ass...ole raggedy ass bitch ass needs to get back to his roots ass H.A.M. sammich!

Carry on!

The Red Light District

So...on Saturday...a couple of my frat brothers and I visited Baltimore's "Red Light District." We went there after attending a ball. Yes...we were suited....which is issue #1. So, here were are 6 black guys...in suits...looking like we are coming from a MBA conference...in downtown Baltimore...in the Red Light District. Let's just say...we looked out of place. So, we turn the corner after getting directions (yeah...we were walking...in downtown Bodymore)...and there it is....the District. We are walking down the sidewalk...and at the very first door, this bouncer convinces us to come into his establishment...and since there was no cover, we checked it out. All I can say is...YUCK, BARF, ERLL, GAG! I'm talking about...just as SOON as we walked in to the door (us 6 black guys...clearly NOT from Baltimore...and all dressed in suits) we were approached by Becky the stripper. Now...Becky wasn't your Player's Club-type, Magic City/Strokers stripper...she was...err...GROSS! She had more gut than booty...and just looked plain dirty! But, she was happy as hell...as she thought she was about to make a killing. (insert long 3 minute BORAT pause) NOT!! She was trying to get my attention...and it clearly was NOT working. She then proceeded to tell me that she could tell that I was married and scared to be in such an establishment. I then proceeded to give her the "Bitch, back up" stare...and it STILL didn't work. Then, she started telling me her life story...and why she was working there...and why she needed the money. Mind you...all this time, I'm still giving her the "Bitch, back up" stare. She wasn't taking the hint. Then she proceeded to explain that she needed the money to take care of her son...who she had that particular weekend...because she was just given weekend visitation rights. LOL! Yep, you read that right. This heffa had her son for the weekend...but was in the club trying to make a dollar! First of all, why are you JUST getting visitation rights...and why only on the weekend? Isn't that your child? What did you do? Are you a crackhead? She finally got the hint that I wasn't going to bite...as I started to finally round up the troops...she made sure she pressed her ass against me....but clearly...no rise...because you are an ugly ass, more gut than ass having, visitation on the weekend crackhead beyatch!

Needless to say...we left there...and ended up at the real deal strip club called Norma Jeans. Let's just say...though we were only there shortly...like 15 minutes and then it was closing time, I will be going back. :)