Monday, November 12, 2012

Where are the black sitcoms?

Have you noticed the legal segregation on television? You're probably wondering how is segregation legal on television. How many black sitcoms do you see on television, on regular channels that is; CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, UPN and WPIX. As far as I can remember CBS never had black shows, interesting. Now we have to rely on TVOne, Centric and BET to watch black shows. It didn't happen over night. It was a slow unexpecting process. That makes me think back to a time when there was black sitcoms on television.

During the 1940's -1960's there were only white sitcoms. Yes, blacks had roles in sitcoms but I'm talking about an all black cast. But that changed in 1968 when a show called "Julia", starring Diahann Carroll aired. That set a mark for the 1970's and beyond. During the 1970's, there was
"Baby, I'm Back"               "Good Times" 
"Sanford and Son"            "The Bill Cosby Show" (not the one your thinking about) 

"The Jeffersons"               "The Flip Wilson Show"

"That's my Mama"           "What's Happening!!"




These were the most popular. Many African Americans could and still can relate to these shows. It was a hit. Television had color, people of color that is. Out of these shows, "The Jeffersons" was the longest running sitcom lasting 11 seasons going into the mid 80's.

During the 1980's there were 
"227"                                   "A Different World" 
"Amen"                                "Different Strokes" 
"Gimme A Break"               "The Cosby Show" 
"The Redd Foxx Show"      "Webster" 
"What's Happening Now!!"



All these shows and some others made it's lasting mark for black sitcoms on television. The major black sitcom of all was "The Cosby Show". "The Cosby Show" set a positive light on African Americans on television by projecting a hard-working mother who was a lawyer and a father who was a doctor at home raising 5 kids. "The Cosby Show" really shaped and shook television.

That show lasted through the mid 1990's coming into a booming era of black shows on television. Let's see there were
"Arsenio"                                             "City Guys" 
"Cosby"                                               "Family Matters" 
"Hanging with Mr. Cooper"               "Here and Now" 
"Homeboys in Outer Space"               "In Living Color" 
"In the House"                                    "Kenan &Kel" 
"Living Single"                                   "Malcolm and Eddie" 
"Martin"                                             "Moesha" 
"On Our Own"                                    "Out All Night" 
"Roc"                                                  "Sister, Sister"
 "Smart Guy"                                      "South Central" 
"Sparks"                                             "The Fresh Prince of Belair" 
"The Jamie Foxx Show"                    "Parent Hood" 
"The PJs"                                           "Sinbad Show" 
"Steve Harvey Show"                        "The Wayans Brothers" 
"Thea"






This is just a few. Black shows was a HUGE hit in the 1990's. We had our Thursday night line up after "The Cosby Show" went off the air. Thursday night line up on FOX consist of  "Martin", "Living Single", and "New York Undercover". Monday nights we had "Fresh Prince of Belair" and T.G.I.F. (Friday shows) was "Family Matters", "Own Our Own", Sister, Sister". There was so many options. It was heaven on television for black sitcoms.

The success of black sitcoms continued into the 2000's but began to decrease. There was 
"All About the Anderson"                      "All of Us" 
"Cory in the House"                              "Eve" 
"Everybody Hates Chris"                     "For your Love" 
"Girlfriends"                                         "Half & Half"  
"Meet the Browns"                               "Method &Red" 
"My Wife and Kids"                              "One on One"  
"Romeo"                                               "That's So Raven" 
"Bernie Mac Show"                              "The Boondocks" 
"The Game"                                         "The Hughleys" 
"The Parkers"                                      "The Proud Family" 
"The Tracey Morgan Show"                 "True Jackson VP" 
"House of Payne"                                 "Soul Food"


It seems like a lot of black shows but it was shown sporadically throughout the 2000's and the shows didn't last for too many seasons.

Between 2010-2012 there was only
"Hawthrone"                           "Rickey Smiley Show"
"Let's Stay Together"              "Love That Girl"
"Reed between the Lines"        "The Soul Man"
"For Better or Worse"



(What are major decrease of Black Sitcoms!)
But these shows are on black own television channels. African Americans have to rely on TvOne, Centric and BET to watch black sitcoms. Some cable and satellite dishes doesn't carry these channels. On TvOne and Cenetric, they play a lot of re-runs of the black sitcoms. So why aren't there sitcoms on "regular" stations anymore? Yes, it's the reality, singing and dancing contest era but there are still slots for t.v. sitcoms and hour shows. There haven't been ANY black sitcoms on the main stations since 2009. There is now nostalgia of black sitcoms as we now rely on the re-runs of black sitcoms. So where are the black sitcoms? Are the black television channels, TvOne, BET, and Cenetric, a new place for upcoming black sitcoms because "main television stations" have given up on black sitcoms?



Saturday, November 10, 2012

2 weeks after Hurricane Sandy

The last time I wrote was last Thursday, November 1st regarding Hurricane Sandy. Remember, I wrote about electricity being restored within 2 weeks. Well, electricity has been restored to majority everyone living in New Jersey. There's so much progress that has happened, along with setbacks and ongoing frustrations. Let's start with electricity.

When Hurricane Sandy pounced on us like a roaring hungry lioness, she caused 4.8 million people to loose electricity in 15 states as well as D.C., but here in New Jersey there were nearly 2 million people without electricity and over 1.5 million people without electricity in New York. The temperatures was in the high 40's in the morning and low 20's and 30's in the evening. Millions of people stayed in their homes praying that electricity will be restored  very soon. Dreaming of the warmth of their homes and normality of their lives only to wake up to reality. The loss of electricity also affected gas stations.

Hundreds of gas stations was without electricity. That's what gas stations need to pump gas to cars. They need electricity. That wasn't the only problem. Gas stations also ran out of gas and most importantly, hundreds of them were prices gouging their prices. There were miles and miles of cars lined up to get gas for 6 or sometimes 12 hours for some who slept in their cars to be the first ones to get gas; only to become extremely angry to find out that the gas station doesn't have electricity anymore or that the fuel trucks aren't coming. New Jersey only had 20% of their gas stations working. I chose to stay home to conserve my gas. I felt if I didn't have to be on the road, I'll stay home until I can get gas freely without waiting for gas. It was insane, especially when gas stations wanted to illegally raise their gas prices like a gas station in Patterson, New Jersey who raised their prices to $5.50 for regular, whereas, the average price in Jersey was $3.40. They're paying for it now. Gas wasn't just used for vehicles but for generators too. People powered up their generators to keep their lights and heat on in their home. So now, there were lines of hundreds of people standing in line at the 20% open gas stations here in New Jersey. Some people became so desperate, they would drive to our neighboring state of Pennsylvania to full up their gas tank and fill 3 or 4 red gas containers. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Then Governor Christie came up with a brilliant idea of gas ration beginning Saturday, November 3rd. If the last number on your license plate number is an even number then you can get gas on even number days of the month. If the last number on your license plate number is an odd number then you can get gas on odd number days of the month. Of course there were hundred of people that would find something to complain about concerning this gas ration. It seems as though people didn't understand what odd and even numbers were. HELLO!!!! Isn't that's something you learn in second grade during early elementary school. It isn't difficult 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 are even and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are odd numbers. Finally people figured it out within 2 days. Gas lines became shorter. People no longer waited in gas lines for 2 hours. By Thursday, November 8th, people was able to get gas freely. Governor Christie did an excellent job issuing the gas ration, unlike New York who decided to give out free gas to many people in the 5 boroughs which caused a lot of chaos and disorder; only to decide to issue the gas ration in New York on Thursday, November 8th. Why wait for a week and a half to go by to decide to issue gas ration? The government had an option to to give out the free gas or do gas ration. Well, we now see the best option.

Now we're able to go the mall, movies, hang out with friends, family and help others without worrying about waiting in line for 2 to 4 hours to get gas. Getting gas now means many people now have electricity. But there is still a loud cry for thousands of others who doesn't have electricity. We were making numerous and fast progress after Hurricane Sandy but suddenly we were hit with a Nor'Easter a couple of days later. People who regained their power, had lost it again because the state was hit with blistering winds, heavy snow and pouring rain, which brought down more trees and power lines. In New Jersey we have 3 main utility companies, Atlantic Electric Company, JCP&L and PSE&G. Atlantic Electric company restored nearly all of their customers electricity by the end of the week Hurricane Sandy hit us. That was an awesome job! PSE&G restored more than half of their customers by the end of the week Hurricane Sandy hit us, leaving 400,000 people without people. But that's better than nearly 2 million for Monday and Tuesday of October 30th and 31st. JOB WELL DONE! PSE&G is the largest utility company in new Jersey. It covers 2/3 of Jersey's population. But then you have JCP&L who hasn't lived up to their name. There are still thousands of their customers without electricity as of today, whereas, Atlantic Electric and PSE&G have nearly all customer's electricity restored. It seems as though JCP&L are sitting on their behinds not working to their fullest potential. I understand people must be patient but how long are they suppose to wait to get their electricity back? Well, by the end of today Saturday, November 10th, Governor Christie said all people will have electricity by the end of the night. At this time PSE&G has about 99% of their customers with power. Atlantic Electric Company has 100% of their customer's electricity restored. JCP&L has 85% restored. We have over 8,000 utility workers from other states here to help us. I'm hearing stories that JCP&L are unorganized and they don't know exactly what to do. Let me tell you what to do, take notes from PSE&G and Atlantic Electric. I'm sure you'll get some ideas about organization and know how to restore power within a timely fashion despite having being hit by the worst hurricane and Nor'Easter within days from each other.

But my heart goes out to those who lost their homes, businesses and land. There isn't enough money to help them get all those things back. Many people spent years and generations in the areas that was wiped out. Yeah, we may complain about long gas lines and not having electricity but what about those who lost everything? What about the young lady who dropped out of Rutgers University because her parents were killed by a tree during the storm, she has to now care for her 3 young siblings. What about homes and businesses that was tossed onto Route 35? What about the thriving Jersey Shore that everyone goes to for vacation which was filled with businesses and homes? But yet people like us complain about not having gas and electricity.
Who do we think we are? We are people who need to pull together.Jersey is already in the process of rebuilding. Sure, we're not as bad as New Orleans, but we suffered greatly too. Yes, this was the 2nd worst hurricane in US history but  we're making progress. As long as we pull together, help one another out, we'll do just fine. Its amazing of the improvements and restoration that has been done within 2 weeks of Hurricane Sandy and the Nor'Easter. It looks as though nothing happened. All the snow has melted away, down trees and wires are moved and debris has been taken to wastelands. I'm proud to be from New Jersey, I wouldn't trade it for another state. I think we will be better prepared next time this happens. Nothing comes to us as a shock anymore.

Like I said before by Thanksgiving we will have so much more to be thankful for. By Christmas, we will see the miracles and wonders I told you about that we have here in the Tri-State area. By New Years, all will be forgiven only to look ahead to the beautiful summer months. Of course, the Jersey Shore won't be there but other beaches will.  The faith, love and hard work of the people in New Jersey and New York will make that happen.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

My view on Hurricane Sandy in Central New Jersey

Hurricane Sandy hit us Jerseyans as an unimaginable storm. I live in Orange, NJ borderline West Orange, Montclair and Glen Ridge. I was like so many other people who didn't take the hurricane too seriously. I giggled at people rushing to the supermarkets on Saturday, October 27th stacking up on batteries, candles, can goods, fruit and tons of cases of water. I always make sure my home have cases of water and perishables if anything would ever arise. But on this day, I only needed three cases of water not knowing what Hurricane Sandy had in mind.

On Sunday morning, October 28th, I chose not to go to my home church in Rahway, New Jersey (Agape Family Worship Center) so I can have the perfect parking spot away from leaning trees. I had to follow my gut feeling. I played games and watched movies with my son and watched Sunday's service online. The clouds began to thicken, but I continued to look at Hurricane Sandy as a regular storm.

On Monday, October 29th, things began to take a turn for the worse. I had to make a quick run to a nearby CVS for some toiletries. The wind was intense. I remember while I was at a red light, I felt the wind shake my 2009 Toyota Corolla. I just laughed saying out loud, "Really, it's that serious." Yes it was that serious. Hurricane Sandy hit us with a mighty Mike Tyson TKO punch Monday night. I remember when I first got scared and became worried. As I was napping on my sofa in the living room, I heard a loud bang on my window behind me. When I opened my eyes, I saw Freddy Kruger laughing at me on my television screen. The wind and rain was pounding on my window. I looked out my window and saw the tree that is in front of my house began to sway. My heart jumped to my throat clogging my air waves. I quickly turned to the news to get an update. At 7 pm Sandy didn't hit landfall yet and we were already seeing her tormenting us. I sat on my love seat, not wanting to be near my sofa by the large window, hugging and rocking myself, as my son was in his room playing his PS 3 and my mother was sleeping in a bedroom. I went into his room to let him know that we may lose electricity so make sure all of his electronics are fully charged as I did the same thing. As the night went on the "unthinkable storm" got worse. I heard limbs of trees falling on the roof and trees falling all around. It sounded like a war zone outside my door. I didn't sleep that night. I began to hear about people losing electricity. I began to pray. At that point that's all I could do. I never prayed so hard and so long in my life. I kept praying for family and friends but mainly of individuals stories I would hear on the news concerning lost of life and lost of their homes. Then I heard of the news in New York where hospitals lost power and had to transport their patients to other area hospitals but had a hard time because of the flooding and had to remove the patients one by one down stairways. Then it was the story of a house that was on fire but firefighters couldn't get to the house because of the high waters, down trees and power lines. So the fire began to spread burning down hundreds of homes in New York. Photos of Hurricane Sandy in New York

By Tuesday morning, October 30th, Hurricane Sandy had sped up her demented anger. I never lost electricity nor did my lights flicker through her anger. But as the sun rose I saw the tearful and heart drenching image of her remains. What I saw angered me to the fullest. I'm not a violent person but I wanted to split Hurricane Sandy's neck, gut her like a fish then burn her until her ashes are no more. She left thousands my Jerseyans without homes in South Jersey. She demolished the Jersey Shore lit it was a piece of garbage, flinging it into the Atlantic Ocean. She caused the Atlantic Ocean to reshape New Jersey separating lands and drowning towns. I even saw the strength of her power when a tanker ship toss on land miles from the ocean. Fifty foot of Atlantic City's boardwalk was ripped up. I never imagined the magnitude of this storm. I didn't think it would be this bad but it was. My mother and I walked outside to survey the damage. Trees were pulled form the roots in the yards in surrounding areas and there was also a tree that fell in front of my car. Thankfully, my car wasn't damaged. But my heart and thoughts was with those who weren't very fortunate. Where homes once stood, there is now a vacant lot or a crumbled house. Where there once was streets and roads, it's now flooded with water, sand, trees and down wires. Where there were train tracks, there are nor rocks and debris because the tracks were lifted and scattered in Jersey, or maybe New York or floating in the Atlantic Ocean. I didn't sleep again that night because I kept praying for my Jerseyans and New Yorkers.  Photos of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey

But by Wednesday, October 31st, I experienced something breath-taking. As hardcore, unbeatable New Jerseyans and New Yorkers are, people began to move on with their lives. I saw neighbors helping each other clean front yards and clear road ways. Little by little people was getting electricity and babies were being born in hospitals and homes, bringing forth new life. That Northern hope began to take presence. New Jerseyans and new Yorkers were not backing down. We began to fight back with our hope and faith.

Toady, Thursday, November 1st, I now see people going back to work. Children are still out of school, thousands are still without electricity and miles and miles of cars are lining up for gas because 80% of gas stations in New Jersey doesn't have power. But we're still alive Hurricane Sandy!!!! We're stronger than you!! We may have to rebuild and it may take a many months or years but you didn't win. In two weeks electricity will be restored and by Thanksgiving we will have more to be thankful for. By Christmas, the magic of New Jersey and New York will be felt and seen all over the world. New Year's Day, we will leave all things behind only to look ahead to the summer months at the Jersey Shore, shows in Atlantic City, our mini Las Vegas. A year from Monday, October 29th, we will look back at the destruction but smile brighter and bigger because we rose back on top.

But until then......we have work to do and it WILL GET DONE.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

His Total Recall

Are you going to read Arnold Schwarengger's book "Total Recall"? I would read it if it wasn't 656 pages and if I couldn't watch this kind of story unfold on Maury, The Steve Wilkos Show or Bill Cunningham Show. It's nothing new about a man or woman airing out their dirty laundry. It happens everyday. You read about it on all social networks, celebrity gossip columns and gossip within the family.

Arnold is bringing out his secrets now because his wife Maria along with the world knows about his child from "the help". If no one knew about it or if Maria didn't have her suspicious, Arnold would of kept this secret hidden just like his other secrets he hid from his wife, such as a serious heart surgery and running for Governor of California. How in the world can someone hide a heart surgery? Dang Arnold, you're good.

During his interview on 60 minutes, he refused to go into details concerning if had a relationship with "the help" because he doesn't want to cause further pain with his family.
HEY GENIUS... you already did that when you had a child with "the help" and decided to write a tell-all-book. Arnold says that he keep secrets within himself. So, why would he write a tell-all-book? I don't get it.

So why now?
Why broadcast his secrets now? 

Is it his way of cleansing his soul?
Maybe he wants to come clean so he can stay single for the rest of his life. Wait, then again there are desperate females out there who would date him. Remember now, he was a body builder and still have a well defined body that still have females to this day raise their eyebrows. ( Not bad for a guy in his 60's huh.)

But you know what, I have to give Arnold enormous credit for actually writing his tell-all-book. Not many people would tell you their deep dark secrets of their past. It does take a man to admit his faults and accept ALL consequences for his actions but it takes a real man to avoid those harmful and/or hurtful acts that will hurt his family to the core.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Victoria's Secret Racist: ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!

After a long hiatus from blog writing, re-evaluating things, enjoying the rest of the summer, I decided to write a little something about this Victoria's Secret issue.


I am a huge Victoria's Secret shopper. I shop for my shower gels, body lotions, body mists, etc from Victoria's Secret. I wear only Victoria's Secret "secrets". Victoria's Secret makes every woman feel sexy, even women like myself who is a size 14 with delicious curves. Victoria's Secret give women that sex appeal that we want to feel. Some women even feel motivated when they see the ultra- skinny fun models walk the runway.
Oh please don't act like you don't feel some type of motivation to workout, eat healthy or not, when you watch them at their fashion show they have every year at the beginning of December.
Okay maybe you don't.

But they have signature lingerie that are must haves for most women. But Victoria's Secret has come under fire because of their "Go East" Geisha theme lingerie. They are being accused of racism. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ2m53joyI8fmv9dnOxNaJh7WsNWZX7yxS_ameOzEQCbWp20JdiMxC8HzxW

SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW EXACTLY IS THAT BEING RACIST?

Showing the lingerie in another's culture is considered racist, REALLY! People can be so sensitive. What about other lingerie from other lingerie sites who have different lingerie from other cultures or better yet costume lingerie like form "Fredricks of Hollywood". You can live out your lingerie fantasy there too. This isn't the freaking 50's and 60's. If I want to put on a Geisha lingerie, a nurse outfit, a police officer outfit with handcuffs as my accessory, or a short Chinese chenongsam with a fan to hide half of my face to role play with my husband, then I can and wouldn't feel like a racist.
Oh but wait, according to you I'm being racist because if I wear a nurse costume I'm giving off the idea that all nurses are seen as sex objects, or female police officers are seen as a dominatrix.

Stop being so sensitive over something that is so minor, and petty such as lingerie!
It's nothing tasteless about the Victoria's Secret Geisha lingerie. Maybe you need some spice in your life. Maybe Fifty Shades of Gray and Zane books aren't cutting it for you. Maybe you need some Geisha lingerie in your life. Also maybe you need to look up the definition for racism. Here let me help you:

Racism: 1. A belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races; usually involving the idea that one's own RACE is superior and has the right to rule others
             2. Hatred or intolerance of another race or other races

Hmmm, sounds as though these sensitive people need a vocabulary lesson.

Victoria's Secret has taken down the Geisha lingerie from their site and is no longer available:(
I only wish I bought one before they took it off the site.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Online Education K-12

I was born in the 80's. I remember doing research papers, researching information in the encyclopedias, and had to read books on the assigned topics. I remember the joy when I discovered the blue and white books called cliff notes. It cut down my reading time in the boring books I had to read for class.

Then when I was in high school in the mid 90's, I was introduced to the internet. Life was just made easier. I even had a computer in my home. Most middle class families had a least one. It cut down time writing reports and using my electronic typewriter that I had since I was little. I typed reports on my computer and printed them out at home. That was the beginning of easy A's because of the grammar and spelling check.

Then we I was in college, I was barely in my college library. I was on my computer getting information. Everything was at the tip on my fingers. Almost everything had a website. I even had "interesting" conversations online with other people and emailed my professors questions concerning an assignment or two.
But no one saw it coming. No one saw how fast our world was about to change just with a single tap of a finger. After graduating from college in 2002, in 2005 I took my first online class for Grad School. It began to spread like wild fire.
College on the internet!
There's now no excuse of not getting a degree or taking extra classes to enhance your learning. You're able to form classes around your personal schedule. Libraries, encyclopedias, typewriters and cliff notes are the thing of the past. We don't have to leave our home to go to school. Everything is online. Now everyone has a computer or two and a laptop in their home regardless of  their social class. Now since everyone have access to the great creation and is able to get a college degree and proceed on with a higher degree, the cyber world is now going the next step forward.

Online Education for K-12
There is now online education for kindergarten to seniors in high school. YUP! You read correctly. In my state of New Jersey, there are already two online schools ready for service. New Jersey Virtual Academy Charter School is a full time online public school. It is free tuition because it is a public school system. It's available statewide. All teachers are certified and students who live in Newark are able to have face-to-face instruction. http://www.k12.com/njvacs
There's another school called Newark Prep Charter School for grades 9-12 which is also a full time online public school with free tuition. This school is only for students who resides in Newark. Just like New Jersey Virtual Academy Charter School all teachers are certified and are able to have face-to-face instruction. http://www.newarkprep.com/
Brooklawn School District in New Jersey also offers full time online public school education. This online school is only for Kindergarten to fifth grade.
And George Washington University Online High School is a private online education for high school students of course. http://www.gwuohs.com/
Okay, so how exactly does this work? Do our kids sit in front of a computer all day? How can they have a healthy social life? How do the teachers know if it's the student doing the work and not the parent? Is this one way to keep the kids safe from bullies in school? Will this teach them responsibility and time management skills?
There are so many questions that come to mind.
Here's what I found out so far:

  • Students actually participate in academic and social outings. There are planned school trips and clubs. they encourage students and parents to take part of it. These academic and social outings are at the school that is signed up for the Online education.
  • 30% of  K-8 lessons are taught online. The percentage is actually higher for high school students. High school students have more research. There are printed handouts and textbooks that is also included with all the classes.
  • They would spend four to six hours on school work each day depending on the grade level. If the teacher have to contact the parent they'll do so by email or phone. Parents are also able to meet the teachers.
  • Students are still required to take standardized tests mandated by the state.
Some schools will begin their K-12 online education in the fall of 2012. Most of the others will begin in the fall of 2013. They're still being developed and enhanced so it can perform to its highest potential. Online education has worked tremendously with college education. K-12 shouldn't have a problem but I don't think it's for every student. Sure, it would give parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safer at home but then their social life will suffer traumatically. Kids don't have to worry about being bullied but how will they learn how to stand up for themselves and address certain situations. Kids will probably feel less pressure and learn more computer skills. But what if they get side tracked and become distracted with television, video games, social media and prohibited websites. There's pros and cons to everything but as online K-12 enhances and develop even more, I'm sure they'll work out all the kinks.



Monday, August 6, 2012

Good Enough?

Will black people ever be good enough?

There's Tyler Perry who was once homeless but was on the Forbes list as the highest paid entertainment man in 2010-2011 with $130 million, he has his own movie studio, Tyler Perry Studios, and lives in one of the biggest mansions in Georgia. Yet he's criticized with the stereotyping he portrays with black women and men in his movies and plays. tylerperry.com
There's also Gabby Douglas who recently won 6 GOLD, 1 SILVER and 2 BRONZE medals for her gymnastic performance at the 2012 Olympics in London causing her to be the first American and black female to win individual all around final with a GOLD medal. Yet people are criticizing her hair and her picture on a box of Corn Flakes instead of a box of Wheaties. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/08/02/gabby-douglas-takes-two-olympic-golds-and-hair-criticism.html
Serena Williams has won numerous medals and trophies on the tennis courts and is a successful business woman but people criticize her for her outbursts on the tennis courts and most recently her crip walk after winning her first Olympic GOLD medal. http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/serena-williams-i-dont-care-about-crip-walk-controversy-201268
There's also President Barack Obama who enhanced Chicago's lacking community during his early years and progress to becoming one of the best U.S. Senators, leading him to become the first black President of the U.S.. Yet he's being criticized for the economic failures and joblessness of the country. http://www.barackobama.com/
And what about Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson Sr. who are the voices of African Americans. They are active in the black community and help fight for justice but yet they are criticized for their controversial remarks. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45755884/    http://rainbowpush.org/

It seems as though, no matter how hard or how much black people succeed there is always some kind of criticism. I'm not saying other races don't get criticized but minorities get it the worst. Black people have to work twice as hard than the other race (white people). Sad but true.

Will black people ever be good enough? With all the criticisms and issues that has to be dealt with, it helped them develop a thicker skin. The criticisms and issues of past and present pushes them even harder. It's hard to please people and honestly you can't please people but pushing and succeeding personal goals is what matters. Tyler Perry gave us great movies with people of color. He keeps us entertained and is great at what he does. He shows us the other layers of the black community. Gabby Douglas still performed her best despite people talking about her hair and didn't care what kind of cereal box she was on. She made history! Serena Williams couldn't contain her happiness on the inside after winning her first GOLD medal at the Olympics. Who wouldn't dance? And as far as her outbursts on the tennis courts, oh please like you never got mad during a game. You probably did worst. President Barack Obama gives us his best everyday and even got the Health bill passed and is reviving a failing country that past Presidents did in the past. Why don't you try cleaning up someone else crap after it's left undone and harden? You'll have a hard time too cleaning it up. Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are the first ones there to give a voice to the voiceless in the black community. They fought for a lot of justice for people. They're the last of the fighting voices in the black community.

Crazy thing is, this is a few famous people but there are the non famous ones. Maybe your boss, co workers,  parents,siblings, children or yourself have been criticized. Doesn't matter what color you are. But just like these examples we have to keep pushing and not care what people say and think. Just succeed.                 So will black people ever be good enough? 
No.
Publicly, No one will ever be good enough. No matter what color you are.
Personally, Yes, you will be great enough. No matter what color you are.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Atlantic City moving on up!

I am a constant visitor in Atlantic City. I have been in awe with the transformation of Atlantic City's boardwalk and casinos. It has been bringing in quite a revue thanks to its expanding and creating of a new casino and entertainment on the beach. As a single mom who live in the urban area it's a good getaway and believe it or not it's quite reasonable for the family depending on where you stay. All you have to do is take advantage of the discounts that the casinos offer almost weekly or bi weekly. So, in this blog I'm going to tell you about two of the casinos, the atmosphere and entertainment that you and your family can enjoy at a price that you can afford.

Revel Casino :www.revelresorts.com

I had to start with this casino. This is a perfect hotel to go to without the kids. It has floor to ceiling windows with an outstanding beautiful scene of the beach. At night you can see the moonlight dancing on the ocean. With this view you will forget that you're in New Jersey. The rooms is like an upscale suite (the contemporary rooms). The bathroom has a marble tile and granite counter top with two sinks. Now I love this! There is a walk in shower that has multiple speeds and a small bench on the side. I never imagine having something like this in my hotel room. revelresorts.com/resort/rooms
The room also has a 52" flat screen. No more box televisions. There is also a touch tablet to offer you the hotel's directory. So high class!
The hotel also have quite a few fascinating restaurants. There are about 13 restaurants in the Revel. Now, some restaurants you have to be dressed in semi formal attire to enter, which I understand because of it's five star quality. Three of their restaurants have an ocean view: Azure, Amada and American Cut.www.revelresorts.com/dining/signature The prices are up there but I guess that's to be expected when dining at an upscale casino. You will get your money's worth though. The other restaurants are select restaurants as what they call it. It's more of a laid back feel, non casual.www.revelresorts.com/dining/select
Now the best features at this hotel is the Sky Garden. I love this! You are hundreds of feet high, which is overlooking the vast ocean and beach. There are numerous in ground pools in the Sky Garden. There's a long pathway that leads you around the resort with beautiful plants and flowers on the side. It also have large fire pits. I can lay out on their lounging beach chairs, looking at the bright blue sky and hearing the sounds of waves over take me.www.revelresorts.com/resort/venues/skygarden

Because the Revel just opened this year, it's a big attraction bringing in a lot of revue for Atlantic City. Take advantage of the deals. In order to do that, you must be a Revel Cardholder which is easy. Of course you must be 21. Then sign up for online deals. You can get great summer deals with rooms starting at $180. Fall prices will be a lower beginning mid to late September.
Cost:$$$
Atmosphere: A

Tropicana:  www.tropicana.net

This is the hotel I always stay at whenever I come to Atlantic City. I am always pleased with the rooms at Tropicana. We stay in the Havana Towers. No matter where you stay, you have a beautiful view of the ocean and/ or the city. At night, it looks like stars twinkling below you. The rooms are spacious. It's not as elegant as the rooms in the Revel. You have one sink and a simple shower. It has more of an inviting feel and relaxing state than the Revel. It may be simple but this casino/hotel has a lot to offer. www.tropicana.net/hotel/accommodations/

Tropicana is known for their Quarter. The Quarter is a mini mall full of clothing stores, a spa, mini market and delicious restaurants. There are palm trees and a soft tan-ish color on the walls. The restaurants consist of The Red Square, Cuba Libre, P.F. Changs (which is my favorite, they have a meal for two for $60 which include 2 drinks, 2 appetizers, 2 soup or salad, 2 entres and 2 desserts.), Carmins and The Palm. Upstairs you have the Missile Bar, A Dam Good Sports Bar (Yes that's the name of it) and a nightclub called Providence. They also have a karaoke bar called Planet Rose Karaoke Bar which was voted the best karaoke in 2010 and 2011 in Acweekly. There's also a Rumba Lounge in the middle of the casino and a Tango's Lounge at the beginning of the Quarter and at the edge of the casino floor.www.tropicana.net/the-quarter/

Now the Tropicana is no stranger to entertainment. They have an IMAX which shows the latest movies. We saw Dark Knight Rises there. (Great movie to see in the IMAX by the way.) There is also a comedy club called the Comedy Stop. Quite a few comedian legends past through here to give you a good laugh.www.tropicana.net/entertainment/  There is also a family fun station for the kids. Its not to big. I was a little disappointed but it looks as though everyone kids were having fun.

The Tropicana has something called Boogie Nights. It's a 70's and 80's dance club. It really takes you way back in the day. They have different areas that are created for it's stuck-time frame. It's every Friday and Saturday night. The dance floor lights up and there's a HUGE disco ball overhead. They even have celebrity impersonators. This is a great place to party with your friends.www.tropicana.net/nightlife/boogie-nights/

Tropicana has a lot to offer the family and just a great getaway. They always have great discounts and Room packages which is why I stay here. If you are a Tropicana Cardholder make sure you're signed up for their room discounts. I caught some summer discounts Sunday-Thursday stay for $49.00 at night. And sometimes that include a $20 or more gift card to take advantage of their restaurants and entertainment. Their fall prices are fascinating too. This is a better casino/hotel that is family/kid friendlier than the Revel.
Cost:$$
Atmosphere: A

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

When is enough, enough?

When is enough, enough?
I see so many women and men too, on television, hear their stories on the radio and even from my own friends, who would go back to their cheating partners. I don't get it. Why settle for someone who doesn't have respect for you? Aren't they good enough to find someone else who will treat them as they should be treated, with respect.

Now let me say this first, this is in regards to the women and men who are faithful, who doesn't dress like pimps and whores and are independent. Women who flaunt their assets all over the web and out in public have already degraded themselves. But when a woman or a man who go back to their cheating partner they have degraded themselves as well. Their cheating partner wins them over with the sweet talk, the sad sorry, begging for forgiveness on their knees and say that they're willing to do anything to make things right. Some would even go to the extent of buying them jewelry,( if they had the money). Okay granted most of them would take their partner back. Lol, I took back an ex when I found out he was cheating. Of course I wised up a few moths later.

But when is enough, enough?
How many times do women and men have to get the picture that their cheating partner isn't worth their time and energy. Will it be when someone gets pregnant (some will still take them back), will it be when they are finally embarrassed in front of friends or family or will it be when they catch a sexually transmitted disease? Some women and men feel as though they can change their partner. You can't change anybody. They have to be willing and want to change for themselves. If they have someone who they are trying to change, then they aren't the one they should be with. But that's another topic.

One male friend I know says that a woman would give them reasons to cheat when the nagging starts, her unattractiveness shows itself and when he feels as if he's talking to his mother. They don't have time for all of that. Women are needy creatures but when their neediness become unbearable, it's time to step elsewhere.

But why step elsewhere, when you can leave the person and find better. Psychologists will have a woman a and man look back into their past and analyze their relationship with their mother or father. Most of the time childhood play a big part in our adult life.

But when is enough, enough?
How many times do they have to use an entire box of tissue for their tears, flood their pillows with painful cries and get drunk with friends or by themselves to realize their self value. That they don't need a anybody to complete them. That they can do better than the cheating scum they keep taking back.

First, they have to stop lying to themselves. Most people are in denial and when they find out their partner is cheating, they can't accept it so they take them back.
Second, they have to realize their self worth. Women and men are valuable. They need to have enough respect for themselves to not tolerate the garbage that is dished out.
Third, they have to be strong. They have to be strong enough to say enough is enough.

Eventually, they will realize that they had enough.