Loud Music Murder...........

     Florida is YET AGAIN the host for a murder trial involving a black teen and a middle aged white man.  This time, the players in the game are Micheal Dunn, a 47 year old software developer, and Jordan Davis, who was a 17 year old student with military based aspirations at the time of his 2012 murder.  Many comparisons have been made between this and the Martin/Zimmerman trial........but the media and civic attention is by no means CLOSE.
     I digress.....let us journey back in time to the night that intertwined these lives for eternity.  It was a November night at a gas station when Dunn's girlfriend went inside the station to make a purchase.  Next to Dunn's car was a Dodge Durango with 4 teens inside.  They teens were playing loud rap music, that according to Dunn rattled his car tremendously.  Dunn asked the teens to turn their music down and when they refused....he pulled a 9mm handgun from his glove box and shot into the vehicle subsequently killing Davis.
    That sounds pretty bad as is correct? Oh but WAIT.  Dunn began making racially based comments as he pulled into his parking space at the gas station and BEGAN the tense argument with the MINORS in the vehicle.  After shooting up the SUV, Dunn left the scene WITHOUT calling the authorities and checked into a local hotel.  While at the hotel, Dunn enjoyed an evening of pizza and romance.  The NEXT morning when he was apprehended by police Dunn claimed that he was the VICTIM and that he acted out of SELF-DEFENSE.  According to Dunn, he felt threatened when [allegedly] Davis yelled a threat from an open window.
      Now to me this is an OPEN SHUT CASE.....BBBBBUUUUUUTTTTTT this is Florida.  So one NEVER truly knows how this will turn out.  MY TRUE issue is all of the people that cried out during the Martin/Zimmerman trial claiming that they would stand up and shout out for any CHILD shot down unnecessarily.  Where are they now?
    Where is Hollywood? Where are the FaceBook campaigns? Where is the call for local [peaceful] demonstrations and blacked out profile pictures?   What happened to the resurrected black empowerment movement?   What happened to the outraged citizens that were willing to come to arms in defense of any black child that was MURDERED?! I stand by my sentiment of a few months ago.......people are just like cats following a laser pointer......they follow the hottest racism based trend to the fullest.  It's not about the actual person, its about who has the greatest media coverage and how egregious the prejudice is.  This case is fairly CLEAR CUT.  Dunn had NO regard for the life of any one who's skin was kissed by the sun.  He picked a fight with a CHILD and opened fire wild west style and went to celebrate his kill with his girlfriend!
    Davis was a student that was HIGHLY praised by his teachers and peers.  He wanted to go into a career in the military.  This was a young man that wanted to make a difference in the world. He NO LONGER HAS THAT CHANCE due to an overzealous BIGOT.
     How to you just open fire on someone simply because of a disagreement over VOLUME?  How do you LEAVE the scene and NOT call the police if you feel threatened and in the RIGHT?! Oh yea......did I forget to mention that the Dunn family has ALREADY settled a civil case launched against them via the Davis family?

So You Don't Like Black History Month, HUH?

     This morning I read an article regarding a private school in California that thought it was a good idea to serve fried chicken, cornbread and watermelon in recognition of Black History Month.  BUT.......that isn't what truly ruffled my feathers.  What crawled under my skin and laid eggs were the NUMEROUS ignorance fueled comments that were made.  I was utterly astonished at how many people believe that black history is NO more than tales of slavery and the bitterness of its descendants.  There were people who honestly could not wrap there heads around why there is a need for the month or the importance that it holds for ALL......not just black people!!!!!!!
      OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH....but my shock and aw regarding how little we as a country has progressed continued to be fueled and 100's more comments came in on the article and the tone went for ignorance to sheer stupidity.  PEOPLE OF THE USA.........NOT EVERYONE WITH A BLACK FACE IS OF AFRICAN DESCENT!!!!!!  Stop saying that in order to honor black history, one should simply "research Africa".......... NOT all of us arrived on a ship in shackles.  Black people hail from VARIOUS countries around the world and have made MAJOR contributions to WORLD HISTORY.  Unfortunately, the history of black people was excluded from books and teachings as well as altered to suit others who's egos needed the credit.
     You can disagree with a month being set aside so that people can be encouraged to exploring and exposed to portions of history that are often glossed over and/or sensationalized all you please......the one thing you can't do is ignore its impact on your life. Don't think so? Look around at things you rely on EVERY day, and ask yourself, who made this possible? Who was the first?  I can guarantee, one way or another. there is a degree or 2 separation from a black person.
      And for those that hold on to the myth that ONLY black people have history months.....jump out of your bubble post haste!!!!!!!!

• March - National Women's History Month
• May - Asian Pacific American Heritage and Older Americans Month
• June - Gay Lesbian Pride Month
• September - National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month (9.15 - 10.15)
• October - National Disability Employment Awareness Month
• November - National American Indian Heritage Month

     Why don't they get more attention? WE AMERICANS AS A WHOLE!!!!!! We are so stuck on 'me, me,me'/'mine, mine, mine' that we won't allow ourselves to see outside our own boxes.  We would rather argue about why someone else is special instead of asking why we haven't made ourselves special.

What's Your History?

     Many have said that, "Before you can know where you are going, you must know where you have been".  For many, we believe that we know.......but do we really?   February has been Black History Month (officially) since 1976 and since then, many that it was created for believe that the only history that is pertinent to them is what has been taught or captured in POPULAR books.  It is as if the intent behind its creation has driven its core demographic in reverse.  Rather than explore and educate themselves on the rich history of their immediate forefathers, they gravitate towards iconic figures, events that birthed martyrs as well as sensationalized conspiracy theories.  
      I realize that there are some that don't believe that anything further is needed, since in their minds, only a few people made a dent in history.  BUT....there is a wealth of contributions that people of color have made to the world (NOT just the continental United States).  NOT to mention your own PERSONAL black history information.  Have you taken the time to discover the vast historic quests and tales your elders have to offer up? Instead of reading YET another book about MLK or Malcolm X, why not just open up your ears and hear grandma or granddad tell you what is was like when their school desegregated.  Hear how their neighborhoods and families reacted during certain events.
     What does it serve you t know so much about one or two people in black history and know nothing of the history it took to ensure your existence?  Why rely on the bountiful words of another to tell you what happened and why.....we are not that far removed that eye-witnesses are not in our reach.  It is time that we once and for all embody Black History Month by finding out our own history FIRST.   The SECONDARY priority should be challenging one another to uncover a "lesser known" historical figure or event.  
       BEFORE OUR WALKING, TALKING, BREATHING HISTORIANS are no more than pictures and fond memories, we need to take it upon ourselves to learn what they already know so that we may keep our own history ALIVE and unedited.  Honor those that came before by passing on the truth and NOT remaining stuck in an endless loop of what is already known.  Let your own future generations gain pride by knowing what roads were traveled before them and what roads still need to be uncovered.

GIVING THANKS

       Tis the season that for a moment we watch people PRETEND to NOT be selfish and completely self-evolved.  They decided to FINALLY spend time with their respective families for a few hours out of the year.  Proclaiming thanks for bobbles that they acquired after countless hours of laboring.  Each one missing the value of what they have surrounding them.

       My father has always told me that he was a millionaire, not because of what is in the bank, but because of the people surrounding him that love him.  He taught me to take stock in those that love you in spite of what you have….those that have loved you since before you could wipe your own butt.  Therefore, while there are people freaking out wondering how to shuck and dive family in order to make it to a friend’s house for a holiday feast……or how to get to the hottest event during the holiday….. I will be thanking God that I have a wonderful village.  A village compiled of family and friends that love me through mistakes and triumphs. 

      By NO MEANS are any of us walking this earth perfect….BUT there are people out there that feel the need to give thanks for bobbles acquired after countless hours of laboring rather than the precious gems that have been around them throughout the year.  I have NEVER been able to fathom placing value on frienemies and material items.  None of those things are there when you suffered a loss….when heartache broke you down to your core….when your day was less than stellar.  Why avoid those that have loved you even before you knew what love was? Why plan outing around the holidays taking you away from your very first playmates?

    True we all grow older and begin familial extensions……but should this keep us from giving thanks for the guidance passed down through generations that have kept us out of prison and or the grave? Should you fail to see the immeasurable value of those that got you through hard times? Maybe that concert or that piece of tail is will one day see you value and learn your history so thoroughly……doubt it, but people believe in aliens so why can’t you believe that you mean something to people that revel in airing your dirty laundry and birthing your tears as you strive for reality TV stardom.

    WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!! What you should be thankful for is very, very, very SIMPLE.  Your health……your wealth of familial love surrounding you!!!!!!!!!!!! I urge you to visit….break bread with….call a relative and let them know that you are THANKFUL FOR THEIR EXSITANCE AND LOVE.  Tomorrow is NOT promised and once they (or YOU) leave this earth, telling them on a social media profile page or as their shell lay in a casket is POINTLESS!!!!!!!! That message delivery system is for YOU….NOT THEM.  Reaching out and TRULY being thankful for sacrifices made on you behave just may SAVE A LIFE…….It just might remind someone that what they did was NOT IN VAIN.  You have the all year to go and be the bell of the ball.  Take this time to be the angel.

    This is just my two cents, take it and place it in our back pocket or leave it on the table.  Just know, a millionaire NEVER leaves ANYTHING on the table.  As for me, I will be boiling over with love and appreciation.

Honoring Our Veterans

A Listing of freebies/promotions/etc available for Veterans on their day

***Due to the sheer volume of discounts, etc, my apologies for any that where not included).

Free Items

Oil Change @ Grease Monkey (via 6 states and certain locations)

·        Must show solitary ID or DD214

·        www.greasemonkeyinti.com/veterans-promo.php

Whitey Combo @ Notorious Burgers

·        Proof of service required

·        Dine-in ONLY

·        Whitey Combo à 1/3 lb all natural burger, lettuce, tomato, red onion, Notorious sauce, fries, and side salad

Hair Cut @ Great Clips

·        Also a coupon for a FREE coupon for ANOTHER FREE hair cut 11.11à12.31.2013

·        www.greatclips.com/promotions/veterans-day

 Hair Cut @ Sport Clips (many locations participating but NOT ALL)

·        Proof of service Required

·        www.sportclips.com/events-promotions/HAH2013.html

 Meal @ On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

·        Proof of service required

·        Pick from “choose 2” or “choose 3” combo

·        Dine-In ONLY

·        www.ontheborder.com/PDFs/Veterans.pdf

Meal @ Golden Corral

·        4pm-9pm

·        Dine-In ONLY

 Meal @ Olive Garden (From a special menu)

·        Family dining with a vet will (also) receive a 10% discount

·        Military families will receive a 10% discount ALL November

 Entrée @ Applebee’s (from a limited menu.  Beverage is NOT included)

·        Military ID required

·        www.applebees.com/veterans-day-menu

 Pizza @ California Pizza Kitchen (participating locations ONLY)

·        Proof of service required

·        Dine-In ONLY

·        www.cpk.com

 Lunch @ TGI Fridays (11am – 2pm)

 Tavern Double Burger & fries @ Red Robin

·        www.redrobin.com/newsroom/article/648

 Bloomin Onion & beverage @ OutBack

·        Valid military ID required

·        10% discount 11.12à12.31.2013

 Meal @ Hooters (up to $10.99 value)

·        Proof of service required

·        Drink NOT included

 Appetizer @ Red Lobster (from a list of 10)

·        Offer valid 11.11 à 11.14.2013

Lunch Entrée OR 1 topping mini deep dis pizza dinner @ BJ’s Brewhouse

·        Proof of service required

·        www.bjsbrewhouse.com

Doughnut & SMALL coffee @ Krispy Kreme

·        Military ID OR Uniform required

·        Must pay sales tax

·        NOT valid at grocery or convenience stores

Bagel @ Einstein Bagels (5:30am – 5pm)

Entrée @ IKEA

·        http://tinyurl.com/k5lau77

TALL brewed coffee @ Starbucks

·        Valid for vet’s, active military and military wives

Appetizer @ Carrabba’s (participating locations ONLY)

·        Military ID or uniform required

·        www.carrabbas.com/locator

Meal @ Chilli’s (via special menu)

·        Proof of service

·        www.chillis.com/Documents/veteransdaymenu2013.pdf

Lunch @ Texas Roadhouse (via special menu)

·        Proof of service required

·        Dine-In ONLY

All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes @ Denny’s

·        6am-2pm

Whole Chicken @ Boston Market

Individual Pasta @ Buca di Beppo

Slice of Pie @ Carrows

Burger & Fries @ Champps Americana

All American Burger (with the purchase of a $1.99 drink) @ Cheeseburger in Paradise

Slice of Pie @ Coco’s

Burger @ Fox & Hound

Crazy Bread @ Little Caesar’s

Texas Tonion & drink @ Longhorn Steakhouse

·        Valid 11.11 à11.14.2013

Cheeseburger, soup OR salad and chocolate ship cookie @ Max and Erma’s

Magnificent 7 Meal @ Perkins

Donut @ Tim Horton’s

6 oz Frozen yogurt @ Menchie’s

Meal @ O’Charley’s

Medium 1-topping pizza (when you buy a pizza at regular price) @ Pizza Inn

Free Admission

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

National Parks

·        www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreepaprks.htm

Whaley House

·        www.sohosandsandiego.org/main/whaley2.htm

Marston House

·        www.sohosandsandiegao.org/main/hoursmh.htm

Discounts

20% off @ JC Penny

·        Print coupon @ www.jcp.com/military

20% off @ Bed, Bath & Beyond

·        Proof of service REQUIRED

Exceptionsà Alessi, Arthur Court, Breville®, Britto™ Collection, Brookstone®, DKNY, The Elf on the Shelf®, kate spade, Kenneth Cole Reaction Home, KitchenAid® PROLINE, Costa Boda, Le Creuset®, Lladró®, Miele, Monique Lhuillier, Nambe®, Nautica®, Nespresso, Orrefors, Riedel, Shun, Swarovski, T-Tech, Vera Wang®, Victorinox Luggage, Vitamix, Waterford®, Wusthof®, or Zwilling; Baby Brezza®, Baby Jogger™, Babymel™, BÉABA®, Bugaboo, Bumbleride™, Clek, Destination Maternity®, Ergobaby™, Foundations®, Maxi-Cosi®, Mountain Buggy®, Oeuf, Orbit Baby™, Peg Pérego®, Petunia Pickle Bottom®, Phil & Teds®, Quinny®, Romero Britto™, Stokke®,storksak®, Svan®, Under Armour®, UPPAbaby®, disposable diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, or portrait studio services.

 Valid for 10% off Dutailier® products.

10% off @ Lowe’s

·        Proof of service required

Walgreen’s

·        15% off ELIGIBLE products

·        20% off ‘Nice’ & ‘W’ brand products

15% off @ Red Roof Inn (350+ properties)

·        Valid ALL November

·        Proof of service required

Quit Being a Zero and Get a Hero

     WTF is going on in 2013 that people are causing their own misery by LYING to themselves and any and every one they can get to listen.  The FIRST step in achieving the healthy, productive relationship that you desire is………this is groundbreaking here…….ADMITTING THAT YOU WANT A RELATIONSHIP.  Quit with all this “I’m good by myself”………”#TeamSingle”……….”I’m not lonely, I’m just not being lied to”……..”I’m too independent to be settled down”.  It’s total and complete BULLSHIT.  Did you get that?  You are not even fooling yourself with that rubbish!!!!!!!!!! Every other word that you utter and or type tells your truth.  The misery that has taken up residence in your being and actions……..has unmasked you boo boo.  So just QUIT IT!!!!!!!!! If you keep saying you don’t want something…..NO ONE WILL GET IN LINE TO GIVE IT YO YOU…..they will simply move to the next person who does and build upon that.

     From there, you need to take time to get over/make amends/learn from/grow from your PAST relationships.  Stop buying into this pop culture, music based crap brain washing you into thinking you should be in competition with your ex’s NEW MATE.  News flash silly……IT DIDN’T WORK FOR A REASON. That person took the time to get past you and learn……..now they can be a better person for themselves and the new mate.

     If you believe in your heart of hearts that you are better than the person that your ex is with…..go get you a mate that matches you! DO NOT lessen your self-worth by behaving in a manner than toddlers would not even stoop to.  BE the person that you claim to be and relax the immaturity.

     What do you think you are accomplishing contacting an ex about what they didn’t do for you that they are doing for another? What message are you sending by asking around town about your ex’s new fling? What good comes your way from lying to an ex about their new mate? UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM… let me answer those for you.  You come across as desperate and needy and pathetic and still OBSESSED with your ex! YOU will NEVER look better to your ex by doing this…..they are an ex…..THEY DON’T WANT YOU. IT DIDN’T WORK OUT FOR A REASON……..LET THAT SHIP SAIL.

     Take the energy that you are so vehemently putting into destroying another’s house to satisfy the misery monkey on your shoulder and put it into fixing you! DO NOT buy into the myth passed from one broken heart to the next that you had not a damn thing to do with a relationship not working.  Rather your picker was off or you lied, cheated, showed little to no affection or interest……you played a part.  It takes two to make it work or to make it fail.  PEOPLE PLEASE STOP LIVING IN THE PAST.  Move toward the future HONESTLY.

      Do not get me wrong…..there are people that are happier than a kid in a candy store with casual dating.  There are also people that truly have no desire to ever have a mate.  BUT let us be truthful with one another here……the vast majority of the planet wants their happily ever after! If they didn’t….dating sites would not exist………make-up would not sell……Steve Harvey would not have written a book……..advice columns would merely tell you where to shop………body wash wouldn’t have pheromone infusion……Valentine’s Day and Sweetest Day would NOT be celebrated.

       Last…..but by no means least……. STOP LOOKING FOR LOVE.  It’s called “falling in love” for a reason.  Love will find you when you LEAST expect it and take you on a whirlwind journey.  You can’t force it. You can NOT MAKE ANYONE love you.  You can NOT MAKE YOURSELF love someone either.  All you can do is properly prepare yourself to be noticed by your happily ever after.

Discipline 2013 Style

     Recently, the guardian of a girl in Sacramento was criticized for her brand of discipline.  This guardian is raising her younger sister who has been lying and stealing (most notably, the dog of a friend).  The punishment (that now has members of the community upset) was for the young lady to stand on a busy street corner holding a neon green sign that read, “I lie to and steal from my family and friends.” 

     This brand of punishment in NOTHING new in our current climate…….hell, there have been judges that have sentenced people to hold similar signs………BBBBBBBUUUUUUTTTTTT because this intersection gets 1,000’s of cars that pass by it and the girl cried when asked what she did people are saying that her guardian went too far.  ******Wait while I scratch my head********* Ok……..sooooooooo, it is NOT ok to spank……..it is NOT ok to yell……time out clearly is NOT working for our society as a whole………and NOW children should NOT be humiliated in order for a lesson to be taught?!

    Well golly gee Gomer, why don’t we just keep on breeding spree shooters that throw murderous fits when they can’t have their way because they have NEVER been held accountable for crap!!!! Oh dang, I almost forgot……we don’t like when that happens……we as society want to criticize the parents for not being strict enough when the kids go postal.  So can someone PLEASE tell me what is left to do? If you are one of those bleeding heart idiots that is mad because this could be delinquent had to stand with a sign because she STOLE and LIED…..would you be happier if she were beat to a pulp? Or would it make your day if NO punishment was rendered and then one day she is stealing your belongings at gun point?

     I would also like to know why this brand of punishment is ok for girls who twerk……boys that steal….bullies…..shoplifters…….sexters……BUT not this girl who STOLE FROM HER FRIEND? I have sat back and watched other parents get pats on the back for IDENTICAL punishments when their daughters were caught wearing short shorts or twerking it like Miley…….but this guardian makes the news and people are criticizing. HHHHHHMMMMMMMMM…….something is rotten here folks.  Who exactly is setting these new discipline rules? When did it become a scarlet letter sentence to be a parent? Why is it so bad to want to set out into the world: well behaved, educated, respectful, law abiding citizens? When did being a kid’s buddy become the standard?

    Wait….wait….wait…….I am asking all the wrong questions here.  WHEN DID HYPOCRACY CONSUME US? That is the proper question.  We don’t like to hear about sexualized children, mass shootings, prison sentences for minors, etc……YET we don’t want them disciplined.  We want them to feel equal.  We want them to like us.  We want them to live the childhood and adolescence that we desired (even though maturity SHOULD reign supreme in us currently).  We want all of this while simultaneously rolling our eyes at the mother whose child is cursing her at Walmart……….whispering about the father whose son got arrested for stealing…….shaking our heads in disgust at the teen who shoots up his high school cafeteria because he didn’t get the latest game console. 

    Wake up America!!!!!!! It is time to take a side and it is far past time to grow the fuck up!!!!!!!!!! Be a parent and support fellow parents by ACTUALLY DISCIPLING YOUR CHILDREN……..by STANDING TOGETHER FOR THE SAKE OF EVERYONE’S TOMORROW. This generation that you are trying to make your besties are our future EVERYTHNG……….take a good long hard look around and ask yourself……..

WILL I FEEL SAFE WITH THEM IN CHARGE?