Brookey's Cafe Blog

It's been a long time...I shouldn'ta left you....

Okay, so it hasn't really been a long time...but I missed you all anyway!

Happy Tuesday!

I spent a long weekend in Philly for my nephew's 5th birthday celebration. His party on Sunday afternoon was off the hook, and I was completely Chuck E. Cheesed out by the end of the day. That place is a riot, and he had a blast with all his friends. Great, great, great party!





His actual birthday was yesterday. While he was at school, I snuck down to Baltimore to meet with the infamous Dre Lew of blog comment fame so we could meet and so he could do my taxes. He hooked me up in more ways than one. First, he gave me expert advice on my taxes, buying property and simply all things investments/finance. But more importantly, he hooked me up with some catfish! Let me tell you, he put his foot in it! Fried catfish, mac and cheese, green beans and corn bread...all washed down with sweet mango iced tea! He INSISTED I don't be shy and take more (smile), so I made a plate to go (yes...complete with paper plate and foil) and will be having that for lunch today. Oh, and did I mention the Pineapple Upside-down cake for dessert? Heaven. It was great finally meeting you Dre, an absolute pleasure - thanks again!

Getting my taxes done was the only thing that could steal me away from my family for the day. I'd been away from them for a few weeks and my nephew Kyce was jonesing for his Auntie BIG TIME. I tell you, there's nothing like seeing their faces light up when I walk in a room. When they run to me and jump in my arms, I feel like my heart is going to burst. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Being Auntie has given me the opportunity to find a special purpose in my family. Although I'm not married or have children, I always feel as though I'm wanted, needed, and important when I spend time with my sister's sons. Thanks to them, I feel stretched in ways that I never imagined - but in a good way. I've stretched my idea of unconditional love to an understanding I didn't necessarily have as it related to a child before they were born - a feeling I didn't have to bear my own children to experience. I couldn't love them more than if I had birthed them myself.



Of course I realize there is no bond like the special one a parent has with a child. But I too have a unique relationship with each of my nephews. Kyce and I talk about any and everything. Ibrahim makes me laugh til my sides hurt. Kyce loves it when he cracks a joke that gets a reaction, and Ibrahim and I will dance to anything. They talk to me on the phone and they share their snacks with me. Kyce sneaks out of his top bunk to crawl into bed with me, while Ibrahim gives me big kisses that make loud smacking noises. I am the person they call when they want a special toy, to be rewarded when they accomplish something or when they want share something new that they've learned. I'm the one they want to go to the playground with, or who they find when they want to wrestle. I am Auntie, and I can do no wrong in their eyes.

Through them, I am able to experience motherhood - without the morning sickness and labor. I've fed them, bathed them, clothed them, changed diapers and cared for them when they were sick. I saw them take their first steps. I've gone to school functions and mediated over little disputes. I've disciplined them, taught them, encouraged them and loved them.

Last night before I left, I went upstairs to give Kyce a kiss goodnight. He had already fallen asleep and I was so sad that I missed him, but also glad that he wasn't awake to give me those puppy dog eyes he gives me when he doesn't want me to leave. I gave his cool little cheek a big kiss and was overcome with a love so deep - I didn't want to leave. In moments like those, I understand what it means to love someone so much that you'd lay down your life for him. I'd do it for either of them. Through my nephews and all the children in my life, moments like that give me a whole new understanding of why Jesus gave his life for all of His children. What a blessing, and my life is richer than it's ever been.

-b

TGIF!

I'm off from work (woo-hoo!) and going to be traveling to Philly, so I asked our boy Rameer to hold it down for me today! I'll still be checking in, just not as regularly as I normally would. He's on a bit of a rant today, so I'm gonna just get out of the Ninja's way! Have fun! And Happy Birthday Annamaria!



So...here I am with my second try at guest-blogging for my girl Ms. Brookes. It’s really kind of the first, cuz the last time she just kinda jacked some stuff I had put together, and talked to me about it to get clarification so she could effectively impart my ideas. This time, I’m actually penning this from scratch...so my darling Ms. Brookes actually had no pre-knowledge of the subject.

Brooke, I know you’d prefer me to address this whole "bitchass" phenomenon...but trust me, it would be too long of a read. I can go on for more millenia's than Mazda had on their car lots about that subject! Nah, I’mma talk about something I’ve been talking about on a damn-near daily basis since I graduated...

Stupid things people say.



LOVE that song. It’s from the original animated “Transformers” movie soundtrack.

I’ve been saying for eons – the stupid people are outnumbering us smart people, and they’re running the country. Business, government, law – all run by idiots. When I say idiots, I don’t mean unqualified, non-educated people. Many of these people have degrees and extensive resumes. My issue is people simply don’t use their brains – they don’t THINK. They say and do things without giving any thought to it. They have an intense lack of common sense. And – here’s the kicker – they have no individuality, so they follow behind the stupider people – making many of our community Stupid By Assimilation. It’s like a bunch of humanized lemmings running around, in all aspects:



It’s too deep of a subject to encapsulate in one quick blog. So, I’ve decided to post my Top 10 Stupid Things I hear people say regularly:

1. “I don’t see race or color.”

PUH-LEASE!!! As soon as I hear a fool start with this caca, I pretty much assume you’re the most prejudice, bigoted person around. OF COURSE YOU DO. You know damn well that there are things that people of different races tend to do differently. You also know we all harbor some form of stereotypes or know of some fallacies. How, then, are you able to get the humor of George Carlin, Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle? You have to already know what they’re referencing to get the joke.

But noooo – people insist on telling you they “don’t even see race”. Like Whitey McDaniels won’t cross the street if he sees some young Black men walking his way at night in Chicago. Or Raheem Jackson won’t arbitrarily call a Latino “Paco” or designate them as a Puerto Rican or Mexican – like there are no other Latin ethnicities.

Why does this make you fall in the SBS category? Cuz you’re more than likely saying it cuz you’ve heard it before, and it’s the “PC” thing to do. But you’re insulting my intelligence by saying it – I can get you to prove your racial hang ups within 5 minutes after saying that phrase in-person.

2. “What’s your nationality?” – Um, has anyone actually earned their grades in English?? My nationality is AMERICAN. As is true for most people you encounter. No one actually thinks about the true meaning of that word – “ality” meaning the quality of what ever word it’s enhancing. So, if you are not an American citizen or have dual citizenship, you might have a different nationality.

People use this word when they mean to ask what one’s ethnic background is. “I’m Persian” someone may respond. Um, last time I checked, Persia wasn’t a nation anymore. You’re more than likely American, and so are the people you’re asking that dumb-ass question to. I’m Panamanian in ethnicity, but my nationality is American. Get it??

3. “You shouldn’t judge/I don’t judge people”

Really, Genius of Moronville? Let me tell you something – every single human being judges. Every one. You know why? Cuz if you didn’t, you wouldn’t see the difference between a nun and a child rapist. How do you know one is evil and reprehensible and the other isn’t? Judgment call, moron. When you are raised, anywhere on this Earth, someone stamps a moral code on your psyche. Some people are more lax and free in their beliefs and morality, but everyone makes a difference between what they like and dislike, what’s right and wrong, what’s pure and nasty. And all those are judgment calls.

Don’t ask me or try to speak from some ideological perch as though me judging something is wrong. That’s a judgment in and of itself! I’m human – that’s what we do. Every single one of us. Do you believe in a Higher Power? Guess what – you judge. Atheist? Guess what – you judge too. Anything that makes you make a decision that something is remotely better or more okay than something else is a judgment call. Use your brain and think about the meaning of what you’re saying!!!

4. “That movie was too long.”

Really? Where did you have to go, Speed Racer? Maybe I’m nit-picking with this one, but when I sit down to see a movie, either in a theater or at home, I plan to involve myself in the entertainment presented to me. I’m not looking at my watch every 10 minutes measuring the movie. There is no set time for a movie. However long it takes to present the story, I’m cool with – as long as you keep my attention. Hell, I have DVDs that are literally 5 hours. And I can sit and watch ‘em any weekend, joyfully.

You’re telling me The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, Malcolm X, Watchmen, Braveheart and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly aren’t worthwhile movies to sit your ass still for if they go over 90 minutes? That’s why we’re failing – an entire country of ADD heads.

5. “I don’t eat meat – just fish.”

WHAT?!? Do you even know what your stupid ass just said?? Do you know what that word means?? Meat is animal flesh – ANY ANIMAL’S FLESH. If you eat animal, you eat meat.

Fake-ass conscientious eater…

6. “God says/don’t like/you’re going to hell cuz…”

Shut yo ass up. Look – according to every damned text on Earth, The Creator cannot be comprehended fully, right? And The Creator is omnipotent and omniscient, right? So how are you going to tell me what the Higher Power is going to do or not do? Oh, I get it – you got your little book in your hand – the one written by a bunch of men. Well, with the whole omnipotent thing, couldn’t a deity change its mind once in a while? No? I mean – WE all do. But nah – everything in that book is true. Word for word. No matter what the culture or customs of the time were...and no matter how many were lifted from ancient other faiths.

I like to tell these idiots that I’m God - which they usually spaz out to. But wait a sec – if God can do anything, why COULDN’T I be God simply testing you? “You curse too much.” Um, I made up the words – YOU determined they were obscene, not me. “You don’t go to church.” Why would I have to go to the place YOU worship ME? Dumbass! “You don’t live a pure lifestyle.” Um...I’m testing YOU. Get it? I do as I please. “If you’re God, prove it.” I ain’t gotta prove SQUADOOSH – I’ll prove it when you die. How ‘bout that?

Lol...my point is, none of us knows squat. Let’s try to stop acting like we know everything She has in-store for us. Just live the best you can, stay true to yourself and treat others as you want to be treated. Put out positive energy, and you’ll get it back. Stop trying to say this Muslim is doomed, that Taoist is going to hell, etc. And yes, by any definition, I could literally be God – so could you. So knock it off.

And yes, that wasn’t a slip. I called God SHE. Or is that not possible as well??

7. “Aw…don’t hate.”

What the hell is up with this word?? I kinda hate it at this point. Everyone misuses it – if you don’t like something, you’re hating. Huh?!? Hey – pubes for brains – here’s a thought – maybe I’m not feeling “Fergalicious.” Maybe I think men wearing pink is fruity as hell. And maybe me saying your underage girlfriend isn’t a good look is cuz it really isn’t a good look!

Hating is about jealousy and envy in large part. If I don’t like it, I don’t like it. Period. Use your brain and stop going with the crowd. I CAN not agree with you – especially if you’re a dumb-ass.

8. “You know he/she is gay.”

Okay, we all say this to some degree - sometimes jokingly, sometimes with a large hint of truth. I’m only talking about those idiots who say that as some deterrent. Like being gay makes someone or something untouchable. Example:

“I love that new Elton John song!”

“Elton John, ain’t he gay??”

What does that mean? The song is less hot? I got news for you – Luther Vandross, the greatest singer of love songs, ever? Yup – fruity as Del Monte.

I’m not Mr. Gay rights in the least bit – but whatever goes on in a person’s personal is THEIR personal. I’m not gonna stop being friends with someone or stop listening to George Michael or Me’Shell Ndegeocello cuz your ass is ignorant.

9. “I hope they lose – they win too much/already won.”

Really? You’re going to cheer against a team cuz they’re too successful? Um, now THAT’S some hater ish! I cheer for my favorite teams, but I don’t get mad that the Patriots have a dynasty or that the Bulls three-peated. If you’re the best, more power to you.

How would you like it if you always did your work well, but your entire office plotted/wanted you to fail cuz you “always do a good job”? Boss decides to fire you cuz “it’s someone else’s turn to succeed.” Doesn’t make much sense, now does it? Sounds real petty and stupid, doesn’t it?

10. “I hope my kid has good hair...” or “he/she has that good hair.”

Hello, self-hate! I was wondering where you went. Good hair? Really? Good hair? I mean, just the thought process alone to think that a style of hair is “good” compared to another makes me think you’re driving the imbecile bus waving a Re-Re foam finger! That’s some ol’ slave quarters 'ish – and if you don’t get why that’s messed up, well...you’re DUMB.

And don’t give me the whole “manageable” argument - all hair has its good and bad points. You’re just a nincompoop if you believe in that 'ish. You probably think the prettiest babies are when whites mix with Blacks too – like no other mixture or any other ethnicity can have prettier babies. Dumb-ass.

Oh, I’m sure all of you can add to the list. People say and do stupid things all the time. And I realize that growing up in the family I did, most of it wasn’t allowed. So when I get into the real world, and hear people tell me how they were “conversating” or how “those Muslims be blowin’ stuff up,” I just say most times...

“Oh – you’re stupid. I’m sorry – I didn’t realize. I’ll be moving along now…wouldn’t want to catch your affliction. You may be contagious, and I don’t want to find out”.

There it is. I’m interested to get your feedback and hear what stupid things you guys hear from people on the reg - and if I offended anyone with my declarations, chew on it – I’m God.

LMAO!!!

I feel like I’m forgetting something...hmm...


Oh yeah. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNAMARIA!!! With yo fine a$$...lol! Enjoy it, bonita!

-Rameer

Okay, I found these Vagina Fun Facts on a blog called Orgasmic Tendencies on the Honey site and thought I'd share them to kick off Random Thoughts Thursday.

*The clitoris is the only organ in the female body whose sole purpose is to provide pleasure and the average length is 5 to 6 inches? (think internal)

*The use of lipstick originates from the motivation to make lips look like the vaginal labia in their aroused state.

*When a woman is highly sexually stimulated she can ovulate out of cycle. (yikes!)

*By having 2 orgasms per week regularly you can add 2 years to your life. (I need to get on this pronto!)

*Only 10% of women can have an orgasm by intercourse alone. (so sad)

*The first vibrators were invented in 1869 as treatment for what was known then as hysteria. There was even a Chattanooga Vibrator made in 1904! (LOL!!...hysteria?!)

*The “horizontal mambo” is great for your health by lowering stress. Sex can help impede your production of the hormone cortisol, which can contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

*By doing Kegel exercises to strengthen your PC muscles, you will have stronger orgasms and ease the difficulty of menopause. (the "Lock")

just thought those tidbits were interesting :-)

now....

- Lately I've become addicted to Hot Pockets...no idea why.

- I can't wait to see my nephews this weekend! Kyce will be FIVE YEARS OLD on Monday!

- I hate my cell phone.

- My internet is down at home and I feel somewhat lost without it. But I will say I've been going to bed A LOT earlier lately because of it. I feel rested.

- I want to be debt-free.

- I got a promotion at work :) I guess being "Kizzy" finally paid off :)

- I can't believe it'll be April next week. Now if it could only stay in the 60's, I'd be GOOD!

- I have sex on the brain more often than not this week....

- I think Liz needs to take me shopping. I'll give you 3 guesses as to what we'd be shopping for.

- My cat will be 14 years old on April 3rd. That's my baby. He's also in love with Monica...and Liz.

- Happy Birthday Monique!

- REMINDER: Tomorrow is Annamaria's birthday. Don't forget! I think her qwerty keyboard has a "tase" button on it :)

- Did I mention I need a vacation yet today?

- All my bills are paid :)

- Still haven't gotten my taxes done. Soon...it'll be April next week right?

- I want spaghetti for dinner tonight.

- I love that The Roots are Jimmy Fallon's late night band! Too bad Jimmy's monologue is kinda painful to watch.

- The MTA is buggin with these proposed fare hikes! Paying more for less service... really?

- The Post Office may run out of money...how crazy is that?

- I'm off from work tomorrow and Monday - woo hoo!

Go!

-b

Happy Hump Day!

Speaking of HUMPING, a friend and I were having a discussion about sex last night. Topic of discussion: what makes sex good and what can make sex bad? Of course this is different for everyone, so I figured I'd put it out there for you all to weigh in.

What began the conversation last night was her saying that the best sex she ever had was with a guy who had the smallest penis she's ever had. Most women would be like, "Huh?" But she said this man was so passionate, so into her, would caress and lift her up and would do any and EVERY thing he could think of to please her. Where he lacked physically, he more than made up for it emotionally and mentally.

And....she was in love with him.

And he loved her back.

For women, sex is mostly mental and emotional. When we are in love with you (or even just really FEELING YOU), the sex is great! It's our way to connect. We turn on the emotional floodgates to allow you entrance into our world. It's very hard to allow someone to swim in your ocean you when you can barely stand the sight of them. More often than not, we NEED that connection...that passion, the feeling that is all enveloping.

Men...not so much.

Not saying women can't ever be strictly physical beings. But men can pound you, screw you, f*ck you - anything you wanna call it - without ever knowing your name. They don't have to "make love" for the sex to be good.

Women don't either, but it's funny how our perception of "good sex" changes AFTER the break-up. When we're all in love, sex is amazing. But after we break up, we're like "that little d*ck muthf*cka was WACK!" I find myself saying to my girlfriends, "wait...are we still talking about the same dude?" :-)

So, what makes good sex good? What makes the "Mo' Betta Mo' Betta?"

There's no right or wrong answer to this. Sex can be slow and meaningful or hot and sweaty. It can be athletic or kinky and perverted; but whatever flavor it is, good sex contains a jolt of electricity that makes the average bumping of the uglies a bit sexier and more satisfying.

Speaking of electric - remember this scene from Love Jones?

Every person is different. For me, good sex can be about a myriad of things - built up sexual tension being the main thing that does it for me. Ever talk MAD sh*t to someone - whether in person, on the phone, text, email, IM, whatever - saying what you're gonna do to them when you see them (especially if it'll be the first time you two ever have sex but the chemistry between you is pornographic)? That tension building usually results in an explosion when the deed finally gets done. That has always led to great sex for me.

What also makes good sex good is good old fashioned communication. Someone telling me what he likes, me telling him what I like...actually LISTENING to the answer and then executing. A good dose of curiosity never hurt either.

There are women that can cum just by merely touching them. There are some that can cum just by kissing. There are others that need oral stimulation to climax. Others need penetration. There are some women (like myself) that can cum with no manual stimulation at all. Let's just say I have very VIVID dreams.

(ADDENDUM: Craig asked me to post this video to prove that...uh...well...men don't need much either)



Ahem...my point is, if you ask a girl the right questions, and observe her, you will know a lot more about her sexuality. What really turns her on, what makes her explode, what she really likes doing, what she’s not good at, what she’s never done, etc. - knowing all of this will help you to have a fantastic sex life. The same holds true for most men. I'm sure we all think we're good lovers...but are we?

It's about paying attention to each other. It's about not being selfish. A good lover won't pressure you, or make you feel guilty. A good lover will make the entire experience about the BOTH of you. A good lover will mix it up. They'll try different locations or positions, seeking to make your sex lives exciting, or spice it up with some variety. All in all, it's about simply asking the question - what can I do to please you? A good lover will usually have no problem telling you.

What makes the Mo' Betta Mo Betta for you? :-)

-b

Happy Tuesday!

Sorry for the late post today. My internet is down at home, so I'm forced to do my blogs in the morning from work, and it's been meeting after meeting today. I try to think of something to blog about the night before I post, but it seems I have writer's block if I can't use my internet...how crazy is that!?! If I can't log on to Facebook or IM, I don't turn my laptop on at all. I come home, take a nice hot shower and then watch tv. And if I'm watching tv, that means I'm not thinking about my blog, let alone writing it. Maybe I just needed a break from the internet for a hot minute. Maybe this is forcing me to simply relax when I get home. But now, I feel like I have nothing to talk about :(

So this morning I asked my boy Jay what I should blog about. His response? "Do you really want to know the WHOLE truth?"

Hmmmm....this could be interesting.

I asked him to give me an example, and he said, "Do you really want to know if your girl has slept with the entire football team back in the day?"

Good question!

He then goes into detail a little further. He tells me that he was once "intimate" with this young lady, but things cooled down and they stopped seeing each other. They reconnected a year later....but this time she could do some "tricks." He said she was biting his nipples, juggling his balls in her hands (is this TMI Tuesday?) and slapping his ass....all things she had never done before. In his mind, she had learned all this from someone...but clearly not from him. He said it made him wonder who or how many guys she'd been with in that year they were apart. Finally he said he had to tell her to stop biting his nipples :-)

As curious as we may be, do you REALLY want to know who your man or woman has been with, how many, and what they did? There seems to be a double standard between men and women when talking about the number of sexual partners or past freaky habits, so women tend to struggle with this question. Here's why - fast forward to 1:25:



"I guess that's how you was raised" LOL!!

It may seem that women are a few steps behind men in the sex department...or so we'd like to think. This is why women may not ask the question as much as it's asked to us - women just assume men have been around. But women in this day and age may not be as far behind men as we think - which is why men nowadays are reluctant to ask the question too. I guess it depends on why you want to know. Is it a security thing? A health thing? Why do we want to know?

If you're prepared to be challenged, then go ahead and ask. If you're not ready to accept the reality of their answer, then don't go there. Don't bring it up, don't start something you can't finish, or that may bring more harm than good. Straightforward explanations may lead to an argument, insecurity or jealousy. In reality, no partner needs to know all the details of your entire life - especially if it may bring discomfort or have a severe impact on the relationship before the relationship is even ready to withstand such truths. Some of us can handle the REAL truth, some may not.

If you feel that you need to know, or that your partner needs to know your sexual past, then bring it up casually and let it flow from there. On a mature level, you should be able to discuss sex and simply ask or answer in an around about way - in a way that can provide comfort to you and your mate. Most likely they'll let you know if they want to know more; but if not, then simply ask them if they have any more questions that you can answer briefly. If they feel it's of importance and they need to go into more depth, be honest, but brief, so your mate doesn't have to pull teeth. If you hear something that you don't necessarily want to know, then stop. Just accept, believe, trust and respect what they say without making accusations or assumptions. When discussing the past, most of us might be shocked at certain revelations, but guess what? We all have a past. All of us do.

But we all should desire a future too. It's hard sometimes to keep in mind that every single one of us has a past, whether it's dirty, freaky, sweet or squeaky clean. We all need to have a past to appreciate who we are in the present and where we're headed in our future. When sex arises as a subject, some of us are not prepared to speak openly, for the mere fact that we really don't want to know or face the truth. It's about being comfortable in who you are and where you're going.

If you're not ready for or to face the truth, then wait for a better time to discuss the subject further...if at all. Detailed sex conversations of the past can be a difficult conversation if done truthfully, so remember to be compassionate and understanding. My motto is, the past is the past, and the present relationship is all that matters. Focus on that, and you may find that the two of you together - NOW - is all you need to know.

-b

Happy Monday everyone!

I hope everyone had a nice relaxing weekend; I know I did. With the exception of going to Annamaria's ridiculously fun SURPRISE birthday dinner/game night - I didn't do a damn thing! Felt good. I did, however, manage to get a bad nosebleed and headache last night. I was so out of it that the wonderful, thoughtful, amazing Anthony Otero (aka "Latinegro") generously agreed to guest blog for today. Show my boy some love!




Hello all! The Latino Negro will be taking over the Brooke Spot for today. This is my first guest blog so please write your comments in Spanish...(yeah right!)

For those of you who do not know, I am a Syracuse Alum. I also work at Syracuse University as an Assistant Director within Student Affairs and love what I do. Last semester, I had to deal with an issue with one of my students that I wasn't entirely ready to deal with. There was this site called Juicy Campus (it does not exist anymore), where anyone could post, anonymously, any rumor that they heard on any campus. So, essentially, you can log onto this site, pick a school and read these posts - or even create one. I guess if you are a teenager, it might be appealing to find out who the biggest whore is on campus or who's fraternity was the wackest (these were real posts).

So, I knew several students whose business was very much out there for the public to see. I have read some of these things, and my reaction was like...wow. How times have changed since I was a student! I mean, this isn't really funny when you think about how many people can read rumors about how good some girl is at giving head or if some guy has herpes. Just imagine how crazy would be if students on your campus read this, let alone people on another campus!

I remember when I started going to college, I thought that I was in a whole new situation. I wouldn't have to deal with the pettiness of high school - only to find out that it is ten times worse. People talk about each other like dogs! There is no shame in it!

Of course with black and brown people on a campus as small as Syracuse University, it is even worse! I have heard so many things about so many people; and I wont lie, it was fun to tell stories about this person or that person. However, it is NOT fun when YOU are that person being talked about. In the case of these students, I knew them - and whether or not what they did was true or not, it really is no one's business. I am one to believe that we all have the freedom to do what we want...and be as freaky as we want ;-)

Gossip is a hater's game. Only haters really gossip. Sure, we all like a good story about someone, but let's think about how much harm that does. For example, a hater will say that this girl is a ho. Does it matter if it is true? Maybe she likes sex...who are we to judge? Perhaps, the hater (male) was dissed and is getting none from her. Perhaps the hater (female) is jealous that this girl got it like that. Let's not forget that those who a point finger will always have 4 fingers pointing back at them.

One would think that perhaps after college we would not gossip, because after all, we are more mature, right? Well that is crap too. How many gossip magazines are out there? How many gossip shows and websites are out there? How many times do I have to hear about Jennifer Anniston, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie? It's crazy to think that we can tear each other down like this. But, when you look at the media (which I blame for many things), you can see how good we can get at it.

I bring all this up because I think that as we get older, we need to be aware of what is going on around us. Sites like Juicy Campus may be gone for now, but there are other sites popping up just like it. We all talk about how social networking sites like Facebook are wonderful - but we need to be aware of the downsides to social networking sites as well.

Granted, we are all adults here so I would assume we don't talk about each other... or do we?

- Latinegro

TGIF!!!

This week FLEW by for me! I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

Now...as I'm sure you've all probably heard by now, President Obama was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night. He was his usual charismatic, witty, charming self. He was at ease, yet answered the serious questions with earnest. He was comfortable and light, yet intelligent and forthcoming about the serious issues we face. Everything was going easy breezy...until...



I had gotten wind of his gaffe well before the Tonight Show aired at 11:35pm EST. The 11pm News on NBC teased it. This is what Keith Olbermann said on his program before the broadcast.



I already knew what President Obama was going to say, so my intent last night was to watch to see how it was said and what the audience's reaction was going to be. When it aired, I thought, "hmmm, not as bad as I thought it was going to be." The audience was laughing already, so most of them probably missed what he said. But the media being what it is picked up on it, zeroed in on it and ran with it. "Uh oh," is all I thought. Facebook was alive with status updates saying, "he's going to pay for that one." And everyone was right.

While the fallout isn't nearly as bad as I thought it'd be, he's going to hear about it for a while. I'm sure they had his apology half way written before he got up from Jay's comfy little chair. You could almost see on his face that he realized what he said right after he said it. I'm watching The View as I type to see what they have to say about it. So far, nothing.

Well, while I agree that you shouldn't use The Special Olympics as a punchline, I think we need to give him a break. He made a bad joke that perhaps didn't go over well, and I while I can see why some would take offense, it was hardly said with any malicious intent. While I think the President possesses a natural wit, maybe he just tried too hard to be funny in this instance.

Everyone knows how much I love Barack Obama. My crush on him continues. But if I had to think of one thing that I'd wish he'd do as President, it would be to have a more intimidating presence during some of these interviews. I'm not necessarily saying that's the demeanor he should have when he's on a show like Leno, but when he was being interviewed by Matt Lauer on The Today Show, I couldn't help but feel that Matt Lauer was a bit too lax for someone who is talking to the President of the United States. Matt Lauer is usually kinda smug anyway, and I understand he may be a little bit older than President Obama; but it wouldn't kill him to talk to him like he's the leader of the free world, not like he's just some "dude." I love that Barack Obama is "the people's President," but instead of trying to get everyone to like him, I would love to see him...just ONCE...say "Look, I'm the President, this is what I want, this is how it's going to be, and that's that. No back talk!"

I know he'd never do that though. The reason why is because our President is just too intelligent. He expects that if he speaks to people with reason and logic, that they'll understand and respond favorably. He feels that he shouldn't have to yell or get mad in order to be heard, because that would just be barbaric instead of smart. Too bad the people he has to deal with hate him so much, and want him to fail so badly, that reason and logic escape them. They'd rather focus on how he's going on Leno instead of dealing with the economic crisis, not realizing that he can multi-task and that the crisis can't and won't be solved within the hour he spent on television. It's absurd, but it's the government we have and the people we put there.

Hopefully we'll let the President get back to the job at hand instead of making him appear at every future Special Olympics event to prove he's not a meanie. We all know that he is a good guy who just wants to help us do better. It's not the first mistake he'll make, nor will it be the last. We just have to get out of his way, allow him to be human, and give the man time to be the great President he will be.

Have a great weekend!

-b