Daylight Saving Time
A trip around the world reveals that time isn't a synchronized science
by John Gettings
At 2 a.m. on October 30, groggy Americans will turn their clocks back one hour, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST).
The federal law that established "daylight time" in this country does not require any area to observe daylight saving time. But if a state chooses to observe DST, it must follow the starting and ending dates set by the law. From 1986 to 2006 this has been the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, but starting in 2007, it will be observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, adding about a month to daylight saving time. (See: New Federal Law.)
No More Sunlight in Arizona and Hawaii
Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii and the territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa are the only places in the U.S. that do not observe DST but instead stay on "standard time" all year long. And if you've spent any time in the sweltering summer sun in those regions you can understand why residents don't need another hour of sunlight.
The Dawning of DST in Indiana
Until April 2005, when Indiana passed a law agreeing to observe daylight saving time, the Hoosier state had its own unique and complex time system. Not only is the state split between two time zones, but until recently, only some parts of the state observed daylight saving time while the majority did not.
Under the old system, 77 of the state's 92 counties were in the Eastern Time Zone but did not change to daylight time in April. Instead they remained on standard time all year. That is, except for two counties near Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky., which did use daylight time.
But the counties in the northwest corner of the state (near Chicago) and the southwestern tip (near Evansville), which are in the Central Time Zone, used both standard and daylight time.
The battle between the old system and DST was contentious and hard-won—bills proposing DST had failed more than two dozen times in the past until it squeaked through the state legislature in April 2005. The old, familiar, bewildering system will remain in place for 2005; Indiana will join 47 other states in observing DST in April 2006.
New Federal Law—Springing Forward in March, Back in November
But just months after Indiana got in step with the rest of the country, the federal government announced a major change in Daylight Saving Time. In Aug. 2005, Congress passed an energy bill that included extending Daylight Saving Time by about a month. Beginning in 2007, DST will start the second Sunday of March and end on the first Sunday of November.
Comparisons Around the World
More than one billion people in about 70 countries around the world observe DST in some form. Here are interesting facts about some of these countries:
Most of Canada uses Daylight Saving Time. Some exceptions include the majority of Saskatchewan and parts of northeastern British Columbia. In the fall of 2005, Manitoba and Ontario announced that like the United States, they would extend daylight time starting in 2007. The attorney general of Ontario commented that "it is important to maintain Ontario's competitive advantage by coordinating time changes with our major trading partner, and harmonizing our financial, industrial, transportation, and communications links." Other provinces have indicated that they may also follow suit.
It wasn't until 1996 that our NAFTA neighbors in Mexico adopted DST. Now all three Mexican time zones are on the same schedule as the United States.
Also in 1996, members of the European Union agreed to observe a "summer-time period" from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Most countries near the equator don't deviate from standard time.
In the Southern Hemisphere, where summer arrives in what we in the Northern Hemisphere consider the winter months, DST is observed from late October to late March.
Three large regions in Australia do not participate in DST. Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland stay on standard time all year. The remaining south-central and southeastern sections of the continent (which is where Sydney and Melbourne are found) make the switch. This results in both vertical and horizontal time zones Down Under during the summer months.
China, which spans five time zones, is always eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and it does not observe DST.
In Japan, DST was implemented after World War II by the U.S. occupation. In 1952 it was abandoned because of strong opposition by Japanese farmers.
from http://www.infoplease.com/spot/daylight1.html
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
It's been a minute...
Okay, I know it's been a minute, but hell, I've been tired & busy.
Considering I have nothing else to do tonight, I might as well get caught up in the online world of blogging. Last weekend, I went to Chicago to kick it with my girls. Let me backtrack. Thanks to the wonderful music of John Legend, I happened upon the flyest, FIRST Unofficial John Legend Fansite, www.johnthelegend.com. Via that site, I encountered the messageboard and met some amazing women, who just like me, enjoy John's music, performances, his band, etc. The site is maintained by Nikki Noble, an amazing chick from Chicago whose creativity and computer savvy has knocked on the doors of some of hip hop and R&B's heavy hitters and up & coming. In June of this year, I attended the very first Chicago/Midwest Meetup and met who are now, my friends. Well, I went to the Chi again for the weekend to kick it with them and have a messageboard Meetup outing. It was a good time...check out the pictures:
We also spent some time with poet, J. Ivy, who was featured on Kanye West's "College Dropout" and John Legend's "Live from the Knitting Factory" and his wife, singer, Tarrey Torae, who was featured on John Legend's "Live it Up" and various Kanye West tracks. Check out their sites www.jtoraeday.com, www.tarreytorae.com and www.izntitivyous.com
Overall, it was a good weekend. Bigg upps to my girl, Adjoa
for the hospitality and bigg upps to my girl, Nikki
for creating such an outlet for all of this to take place. Last, but not least, bigg up to Jessica-Lashawn
for being Jessica-Lashawn. And bigg upp to Sergio & Sandria
for coming out to chill this weekend, as well!
And they say Chi city!
I had some bomb Key Lime Cheesecake from the infamous Cheescake Factory.
and some Harold's Chicken
I didn't get the full Harold's experience because I didn't get the sauce. I just don't do sauces & shit on my chicken...not even hot sauce. Yeah, I said it.
So yeah, that was last weekend in Chicago.
Considering I have nothing else to do tonight, I might as well get caught up in the online world of blogging. Last weekend, I went to Chicago to kick it with my girls. Let me backtrack. Thanks to the wonderful music of John Legend, I happened upon the flyest, FIRST Unofficial John Legend Fansite, www.johnthelegend.com. Via that site, I encountered the messageboard and met some amazing women, who just like me, enjoy John's music, performances, his band, etc. The site is maintained by Nikki Noble, an amazing chick from Chicago whose creativity and computer savvy has knocked on the doors of some of hip hop and R&B's heavy hitters and up & coming. In June of this year, I attended the very first Chicago/Midwest Meetup and met who are now, my friends. Well, I went to the Chi again for the weekend to kick it with them and have a messageboard Meetup outing. It was a good time...check out the pictures:
We also spent some time with poet, J. Ivy, who was featured on Kanye West's "College Dropout" and John Legend's "Live from the Knitting Factory" and his wife, singer, Tarrey Torae, who was featured on John Legend's "Live it Up" and various Kanye West tracks. Check out their sites www.jtoraeday.com, www.tarreytorae.com and www.izntitivyous.com
Overall, it was a good weekend. Bigg upps to my girl, Adjoa
for the hospitality and bigg upps to my girl, Nikki
for creating such an outlet for all of this to take place. Last, but not least, bigg up to Jessica-Lashawn
for being Jessica-Lashawn. And bigg upp to Sergio & Sandria
for coming out to chill this weekend, as well!
And they say Chi city!
I had some bomb Key Lime Cheesecake from the infamous Cheescake Factory.
and some Harold's Chicken
I didn't get the full Harold's experience because I didn't get the sauce. I just don't do sauces & shit on my chicken...not even hot sauce. Yeah, I said it.
So yeah, that was last weekend in Chicago.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
RIP Rosa Parks
RIP, Dear Mother of the Civil Rights Movement
NPR.org, October 25, 2005 · Rosa Parks, the woman known as the "mother of the civil rights movement," has died. Parks turned the course of American history by refusing in 1955 to give up her seat on a bus for a white man.
In 1999, when former President Bill Clinton presented Parks with the Congressional Gold Medal, he said her short bus ride went a long way for civil rights.
Born Rosa Louise McCauley on Feb. 4, 1913, she married Raymond Parks in 1932. By the early 1950s, Rosa Parks and her now deceased husband were long-time activists in Montgomery Alabama's chapter of the NAACP.
Parks worked as a seamstress at a local department store, and on her way home from work one day, she engaged in a simple gesture of defiance that galvanized the civil rights movement.
It was nearly 50 years ago, Dec. 1, 1955, when Parks challenged the South's Jim Crow laws -- and Montgomery's segregated bus seating policy -- by refusing to get up and give her seat to a white passenger.
When the police officer boarded the bus, Parks, who was 42, had one question for him: "I said, 'Why do you push us around?' He said, 'I do not know, but the law is the law and you are under arrest.' "
Parks' grass roots activism had prepared her for this moment. She had attended a session the summer before at the Highlander Folk Center, the educational center for workers' rights and racial equality in Tennessee. Several years earlier she had been thrown off a bus by the same bus driver.
There were other black women in Montgomery who were arrested in 1955 for violating the segregated busing policy. But this time, the black community fought back in force. The NAACP had been looking for a test case to challenge segregated busing and Parks agreed to let the group take her case.
Parks lost her job and had trouble finding work in Alabama after her public stance. She and her husband moved to Detroit. For many years she worked as an aide to Congressman John Conyers, and she remained a committed activist. In the 1980s, she worked in the anti-apartheid movement and also opened a career counseling center for black youth in Detroit.
She received numerous awards and in 1999, President Clinton presented her with the nation's highest civilian honor, a Congressional Gold Medal. "We must never ever, when this ceremony is over, forget about the power of ordinary people to stand in the fire for the cause of human dignity," Clinton said.
Parks died Monday night in her Detroit home of natural causes. Her attorney said close friends were by her side.
NPR.org, October 25, 2005 · Rosa Parks, the woman known as the "mother of the civil rights movement," has died. Parks turned the course of American history by refusing in 1955 to give up her seat on a bus for a white man.
In 1999, when former President Bill Clinton presented Parks with the Congressional Gold Medal, he said her short bus ride went a long way for civil rights.
Born Rosa Louise McCauley on Feb. 4, 1913, she married Raymond Parks in 1932. By the early 1950s, Rosa Parks and her now deceased husband were long-time activists in Montgomery Alabama's chapter of the NAACP.
Parks worked as a seamstress at a local department store, and on her way home from work one day, she engaged in a simple gesture of defiance that galvanized the civil rights movement.
It was nearly 50 years ago, Dec. 1, 1955, when Parks challenged the South's Jim Crow laws -- and Montgomery's segregated bus seating policy -- by refusing to get up and give her seat to a white passenger.
When the police officer boarded the bus, Parks, who was 42, had one question for him: "I said, 'Why do you push us around?' He said, 'I do not know, but the law is the law and you are under arrest.' "
Parks' grass roots activism had prepared her for this moment. She had attended a session the summer before at the Highlander Folk Center, the educational center for workers' rights and racial equality in Tennessee. Several years earlier she had been thrown off a bus by the same bus driver.
There were other black women in Montgomery who were arrested in 1955 for violating the segregated busing policy. But this time, the black community fought back in force. The NAACP had been looking for a test case to challenge segregated busing and Parks agreed to let the group take her case.
Parks lost her job and had trouble finding work in Alabama after her public stance. She and her husband moved to Detroit. For many years she worked as an aide to Congressman John Conyers, and she remained a committed activist. In the 1980s, she worked in the anti-apartheid movement and also opened a career counseling center for black youth in Detroit.
She received numerous awards and in 1999, President Clinton presented her with the nation's highest civilian honor, a Congressional Gold Medal. "We must never ever, when this ceremony is over, forget about the power of ordinary people to stand in the fire for the cause of human dignity," Clinton said.
Parks died Monday night in her Detroit home of natural causes. Her attorney said close friends were by her side.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Safe & Sane
So I made it through the day without maiming myself or anybody else.
I made my deadline and have myself organized with what I need to do over the next couple of days at work.
I can't wait until Friday. Right after work, I'm driving to Chicago to hang with my girls. I'll post all about it next week.
In preparation of the weekend, I got my nails done today. $13 fill in.
Tomorrow, I'll wash my hair & finish packing.
Well, it's late and I don't feel like typing too much more. I'm out, peace!
Chi-city, here I come!
I made my deadline and have myself organized with what I need to do over the next couple of days at work.
I can't wait until Friday. Right after work, I'm driving to Chicago to hang with my girls. I'll post all about it next week.
In preparation of the weekend, I got my nails done today. $13 fill in.
Tomorrow, I'll wash my hair & finish packing.
Well, it's late and I don't feel like typing too much more. I'm out, peace!
Chi-city, here I come!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Got me workin workin day & night
I feel like I've been beat with a blunt object.
Do I work outdoors? No.
Do I work in a factory? No.
I work in an OFFICE with frequent deadlines.
My job is exciting because of this, but as this season has picked up, my inboxes look like grizzly monsters have settled in and I spend 11-12 hours of my day there.
I'm a food & beverage revenue auditor for a prestigous club and I reconcile the daily f & b sales, then compute the gratuities for the waitstaff and turn them in weekly. My deadline is Wednesday, so Monday & Tuesday, I'm swamped. I'm pretty much a bitch those days, because I'm on edge and don't want to be disturbed. Once I've turned in my work, I have 1/2 of Weds and all of Thurs to do my end-of-the-week duties/reports, then get back into the swing of things for the next week. I'm the only one in my dept that does my job, so my inbox is nonstop.
I'm not complaining, but man, am I tired. My neck & back hurts, from holding my head down, in my work all day, and I'm exhausted when I come home from work. I can count the number of hours I spend in my home, on my hand.
Monday, my immediate supervisor asked me why I had overtime last week. I almost cursed at her. I just looked at my desk and asked (jokingly), "Do you see all of this?" She understood and *remembered* how busy it's been and how busy it's going to be.
I mean, did she forget the influx of business we get around this time of the year? Did she forget I had a weekly deadline? Did she forget why she hired me? Because I'm capable of meeting my deadlines and doing what I have to do to provide accurate reports and information at the time they are due?
I could go on & on (this IS a blog, isn't it?), but I digress...
Do I work outdoors? No.
Do I work in a factory? No.
I work in an OFFICE with frequent deadlines.
My job is exciting because of this, but as this season has picked up, my inboxes look like grizzly monsters have settled in and I spend 11-12 hours of my day there.
I'm a food & beverage revenue auditor for a prestigous club and I reconcile the daily f & b sales, then compute the gratuities for the waitstaff and turn them in weekly. My deadline is Wednesday, so Monday & Tuesday, I'm swamped. I'm pretty much a bitch those days, because I'm on edge and don't want to be disturbed. Once I've turned in my work, I have 1/2 of Weds and all of Thurs to do my end-of-the-week duties/reports, then get back into the swing of things for the next week. I'm the only one in my dept that does my job, so my inbox is nonstop.
I'm not complaining, but man, am I tired. My neck & back hurts, from holding my head down, in my work all day, and I'm exhausted when I come home from work. I can count the number of hours I spend in my home, on my hand.
Monday, my immediate supervisor asked me why I had overtime last week. I almost cursed at her. I just looked at my desk and asked (jokingly), "Do you see all of this?" She understood and *remembered* how busy it's been and how busy it's going to be.
I mean, did she forget the influx of business we get around this time of the year? Did she forget I had a weekly deadline? Did she forget why she hired me? Because I'm capable of meeting my deadlines and doing what I have to do to provide accurate reports and information at the time they are due?
I could go on & on (this IS a blog, isn't it?), but I digress...
Monday, October 17, 2005
Throwback
While the pre-hype of the vh1 Hip Hop Honors was going down, Vh1 Soul played some throwback videos that included videos by Kwame of Kwame & the New Beginning. I always thought he was a cutie back then and my, is he handsome now. ---------->
Speaking of throwbacks, how about, I ran into the video for "Spread my wings" by Troop...
How about Salt n Pepa, Kid n Play, MC Lyte and Queen Latifah come out with Greatest Hits cds?
Speaking of throwbacks, how about, I ran into the video for "Spread my wings" by Troop...
How about Salt n Pepa, Kid n Play, MC Lyte and Queen Latifah come out with Greatest Hits cds?
Syndicated
So I've discovered a new radio station today. It's new to me because I'm in Detroit and this station is out of New York. I listen to WBLS in the morning for the Steve Harvey show, then just keep it on during the day (at work via internet) because of the good R&B (classic & today's hits). I listened to the "Wendy Williams' Experience" 
and actually enjoyed it. This Disc Jockey Diva is brutal, and she just doesn't care. She's nice to listeners, though, when they call in.
Off topic, I learned that John Legend has cancelled his November 23rd show at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, MI.
Further off topic, I'm gearing up for an eventful tv watching week. It kicked off last night with Desperate Housewives, which has been pretty slow & lame, thus far. One would think that Alfre Woodard and her man-trapped-in-the-basement
would put a twist on the show, but that, combined with the sleezy, stupid efforts of the other women is really making this season start out to be a dud. However, all that said, it was actually decent last night.
Tonight is "Las Vegas" night. The woman that bought the casino and runs it (over Big Ed Deline) is a bitch and makes the show uninteresting. Not to mention that the sista on the show, Marsha Thomason,
is no longer there.
Hmm, nothing important comes on tomorrow night (Tuesday). Oh, "My name is Earl" and "The Office" and last week's re-run of "America's Next Top Model".
Wednesday, is of course, "AMTP" and Martha's Apprentice. Then Thursday is the big tv night: "Everybody Hates Chris", Trump's Apprentice, Making the Band and Run's House. (I'll give Run another shot and see what he has to offer this week).
and actually enjoyed it. This Disc Jockey Diva is brutal, and she just doesn't care. She's nice to listeners, though, when they call in. Off topic, I learned that John Legend has cancelled his November 23rd show at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, MI.
Further off topic, I'm gearing up for an eventful tv watching week. It kicked off last night with Desperate Housewives, which has been pretty slow & lame, thus far. One would think that Alfre Woodard and her man-trapped-in-the-basement
would put a twist on the show, but that, combined with the sleezy, stupid efforts of the other women is really making this season start out to be a dud. However, all that said, it was actually decent last night. Tonight is "Las Vegas" night. The woman that bought the casino and runs it (over Big Ed Deline) is a bitch and makes the show uninteresting. Not to mention that the sista on the show, Marsha Thomason,
is no longer there. Hmm, nothing important comes on tomorrow night (Tuesday). Oh, "My name is Earl" and "The Office" and last week's re-run of "America's Next Top Model".
Wednesday, is of course, "AMTP" and Martha's Apprentice. Then Thursday is the big tv night: "Everybody Hates Chris", Trump's Apprentice, Making the Band and Run's House. (I'll give Run another shot and see what he has to offer this week).
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Blog Shopping
I swear, when I'm not online, I think of things to type about, but once I sit down at the keyboard, I forget everything. In this case, I'll scan blogs and see what other people type about. It's pretty much about nothing. (as is here)
I guess that's the point of these things. To ramble on & on about nothing in particular. Hmm, I'll continue ramble later....when I think of something to ramble about.
I guess that's the point of these things. To ramble on & on about nothing in particular. Hmm, I'll continue ramble later....when I think of something to ramble about.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Makeup Art Cosmetics
Yeah, I'm a fan of MAC. I faithfully collect my used containers to recycle 6 of them for a free lipstick.
Well, I recently switched from StudioFix to StudioTech. They're always trying to get you to try something else. I fell victim this time. And stupid me bought that $30 brush to apply it with. Right now, I hate StudioTech and don't think I'll ever like it. Although, once I get out & about the results are pretty darned nice. It feels like mud when I put it on and makes my face feel and look wet. But once it dries and settles, it looks great. I still miss my StudioFix.
Well, I recently switched from StudioFix to StudioTech. They're always trying to get you to try something else. I fell victim this time. And stupid me bought that $30 brush to apply it with. Right now, I hate StudioTech and don't think I'll ever like it. Although, once I get out & about the results are pretty darned nice. It feels like mud when I put it on and makes my face feel and look wet. But once it dries and settles, it looks great. I still miss my StudioFix.
Short & Sweet
Another Hallmark Holiday? Well, let's read the history of the day most of us know as "Sweetest's Day". (Most commonly mispronounced as "Sweetie's" Day)
Happy Sweetest's Day, folks
Observed the 3rd Saturday in the month of October, Sweetest Day observance originated in Cleveland in 1922. Herbert Birch Kingston, a philanthropist and candy company employee wanted to bring happiness into the lives of orphans, shut-ins and others who were forgotten. With the help of friends, he began to distribute candy and small gifts to the underprivileged.
Primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast, Sweetest Day is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. People tend to take the Sweetest Day tradition with them when they move. Ohio is the top state for Sweetest Day sales, followed by Michigan and Illinois. Texas, California and Florida are among the top 10 states in sales.
Over the years, Sweetest Day has evolved into a time to express romantic love and also to show appreciation to friends.
Happy Sweetest's Day, folks
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Who's House?
I love Thursday nights.
TV watching has never been so much fun. First, "Everybody Hates Chris" has me in tears. The Black Wonder Years...how funny!
Then, there's the "Apprentice".
Business Principles, backstabbing and bitching, all in one show. Can't beat that.
Now, I will add MTB3 to my Thursday night schedule. If you're not in the know, MTB3 means "Making the Band 3". Didders' 4th attempt to make a "band", which we all know that hip hop groups and/or all-girl-groups are not considered "bands" in the R&B world. Maybe that's why these "bands" aren't really "making it", which totally goes against the title of the show. But the Diddy won't give up. He "can't stop, cause he won't stop". Or "won't stop cause he can't stop". One or the other. I don't know, though, what they do to make people like me tune in to the annoying bickering and everyday struggle/rich-and-fabulous doings of these wannabe up & comers. My guilty pleasure was watching the last "band" whose creativity soared through the roof by naming themselves "Da Band". (no wonder they flopped) Who cares, though...they had 5 things: 1. Dylan 2. Dylan 3. Dylan 4. Dylan 5. Dylan
Last, and least, for my Thursday night schedule, is "Run's House". Now...I've been looking forward to this show, based off the commercials. That's how they get you.
This Angela (the 18 yr old daughter) is turning my stomach. She's totally being a Paris Hilton from the suburbish hood (which makes no sense, but I just made it up and she's acting like it). Justine (Mother Run) is a ditz, the youngest boy annoys me--actually, both the younger boys annoy me. They're equally annoying and I can't tell which is which (shows how much I pay attention to them) and everybody else just...exists. Puffer Dad was the executive producer on this. Doesn't surprise me. Oh, and he gives his "moral thought" at the end. This show isn't right.
Don't get me wrong...I LOVE hip hop, I love Run D.M.C., I like the Simmons brothers (Run & Russell) and respect their business endeavors, but this one is one stone that should have been unturned.
Okay, off subject, but I can't wait for the Boondocks to air on Cartoon Network.
TV watching has never been so much fun. First, "Everybody Hates Chris" has me in tears. The Black Wonder Years...how funny!
Then, there's the "Apprentice".
Business Principles, backstabbing and bitching, all in one show. Can't beat that. Now, I will add MTB3 to my Thursday night schedule. If you're not in the know, MTB3 means "Making the Band 3". Didders' 4th attempt to make a "band", which we all know that hip hop groups and/or all-girl-groups are not considered "bands" in the R&B world. Maybe that's why these "bands" aren't really "making it", which totally goes against the title of the show. But the Diddy won't give up. He "can't stop, cause he won't stop". Or "won't stop cause he can't stop". One or the other. I don't know, though, what they do to make people like me tune in to the annoying bickering and everyday struggle/rich-and-fabulous doings of these wannabe up & comers. My guilty pleasure was watching the last "band" whose creativity soared through the roof by naming themselves "Da Band". (no wonder they flopped) Who cares, though...they had 5 things: 1. Dylan 2. Dylan 3. Dylan 4. Dylan 5. Dylan
Last, and least, for my Thursday night schedule, is "Run's House". Now...I've been looking forward to this show, based off the commercials. That's how they get you.
This Angela (the 18 yr old daughter) is turning my stomach. She's totally being a Paris Hilton from the suburbish hood (which makes no sense, but I just made it up and she's acting like it). Justine (Mother Run) is a ditz, the youngest boy annoys me--actually, both the younger boys annoy me. They're equally annoying and I can't tell which is which (shows how much I pay attention to them) and everybody else just...exists. Puffer Dad was the executive producer on this. Doesn't surprise me. Oh, and he gives his "moral thought" at the end. This show isn't right.
Don't get me wrong...I LOVE hip hop, I love Run D.M.C., I like the Simmons brothers (Run & Russell) and respect their business endeavors, but this one is one stone that should have been unturned.
Okay, off subject, but I can't wait for the Boondocks to air on Cartoon Network.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
What You Crave
I know White Castles are good. Especially after a night at the club, it's the only thing open and you're actually hungry enough to sit in line for 30 mins waiting for about 4 greasy sliders.
But why, tell me why my co-worker brought some into the office to eat at 9 am?? I'm sorry, but that's just....not healthy. It's way too early to digest grease in the form of a burger-like substance. The smell permeated throughout the office and made the entire surrounding area STANK. I tried my best to avoid it so the smell wouldn't seep into my clothing.
I understand White Castle is open for 24 hrs. I understand it's "What You Crave", but damn.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Saturday, October 08, 2005
No More Technical Difficulties...
I can't wait for the Alicia Keys Unplugged cd to drop. I'm really diggin the song, "Unbreakable" and I love it when MTV Jams plays the entire "Unplugged" set with Alicia doing her thing. Her performance is amazing and I'm glad I got to see her live on the Diary Tour. Who could ask for anything else? Alicia AND John Legend in one show! JL is a whole 'nother subject, I can go on for days, so I shall digress here.
ANYhoo, I've been listening to "Diary" a lot lately. It's so soothing while at work, dealing with the daily b.s. of the working world. I can't think about Ms. Alicia without thinking about her #1 fan, Ivana, from Norway.
First of all, how amazing is it that music can bring people together all over the globe?? I met Ivana through a John Legend messageboard and we've been friends ever since. All the way in Norway, with today's technology, it feels like she's right next door in the house next to mine.
She listened to me boohoo about some things, she's listened to me rant about some things, she sends me the BEST chocolate from Norway, she's sent me some really G.O.O.D. music, she's been so thoughtful, caring and sisterly and I just want to tell her THANK YOU for being you!
Ivana, this one's for you!
ANYhoo, I've been listening to "Diary" a lot lately. It's so soothing while at work, dealing with the daily b.s. of the working world. I can't think about Ms. Alicia without thinking about her #1 fan, Ivana, from Norway.
First of all, how amazing is it that music can bring people together all over the globe?? I met Ivana through a John Legend messageboard and we've been friends ever since. All the way in Norway, with today's technology, it feels like she's right next door in the house next to mine.
She listened to me boohoo about some things, she's listened to me rant about some things, she sends me the BEST chocolate from Norway, she's sent me some really G.O.O.D. music, she's been so thoughtful, caring and sisterly and I just want to tell her THANK YOU for being you!
Ivana, this one's for you!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
The Grunt
My musical tastes vary from hip hop, r&b, soul, gospel, funk, old school, some pop, some rock, you name it. Well, except country and metal.
The topic of today is “old school”. There are many songs out today that sample from old songs, which I’m still learning. You have your regulars that are easy to pick out, but sometimes, you may have a favorite song, and may not even recognize the fact that the current artist sampled the beat of an old song until you come across that song. You may come across the original in a commercial, in which companies have started using old tracks for advertising, or a tv show. I’m still finding out that some of my old school favorites are actually covers of OLDER ones.
In honor of VH1’s “Hip Hop Honors”, for several days, VH1 Soul played some nostalgic hip hop videos. These artists are the pioneers of the rap/hip hop game and it’s important we pay homage to them. As I age, gracefully, I forget that those younger than me didn’t come up with Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, LL Cool J, Run DMC, KRS One, BDP, Get Fresh Crew (Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Kwame), Sugar Hill Gang (a lil before my time, but well known in my eyes), Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Salt n Pepa, Oaktown’s 357, JJ Fad, MC Lyte, The Real Roxanne, Roxanne Shante, YoYo and so on and so forth. I know I left out many good ones, but you get the point.
I urge people to delve into their hip hop history…notice how I said “Hip Hop”, not “rap”. There IS a difference. Well, I can give two differences: Quality & Content, besides the obvious contributors to what defines “hip hop”. Anyway, if you haven’t heard of some of those artists, take a listen, use all the (legal) downloading services to do some research.
Same for other genres…funk. Parliament, Gap Band, Cameo, Kool & the Gang are all groups that made a mark in funk music. The J.B.'s, George Clinton, James Brown…look into these people, turn off the same ol crap that you hear everyday on the radio for just one day and listen to music that gave you the urge to move your feet, bob your head, dance in your seat at work, turn it up loud in the car, dance in your car seat.
Listen to the old school that you don’t hear everyday on your local “old school and today’s r&b” stations. Listen to some B-Side music. You’d be amazed at what you find.
Listen, Learn and have a Funky Good Time...
The topic of today is “old school”. There are many songs out today that sample from old songs, which I’m still learning. You have your regulars that are easy to pick out, but sometimes, you may have a favorite song, and may not even recognize the fact that the current artist sampled the beat of an old song until you come across that song. You may come across the original in a commercial, in which companies have started using old tracks for advertising, or a tv show. I’m still finding out that some of my old school favorites are actually covers of OLDER ones.
In honor of VH1’s “Hip Hop Honors”, for several days, VH1 Soul played some nostalgic hip hop videos. These artists are the pioneers of the rap/hip hop game and it’s important we pay homage to them. As I age, gracefully, I forget that those younger than me didn’t come up with Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, LL Cool J, Run DMC, KRS One, BDP, Get Fresh Crew (Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Kwame), Sugar Hill Gang (a lil before my time, but well known in my eyes), Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Salt n Pepa, Oaktown’s 357, JJ Fad, MC Lyte, The Real Roxanne, Roxanne Shante, YoYo and so on and so forth. I know I left out many good ones, but you get the point.
I urge people to delve into their hip hop history…notice how I said “Hip Hop”, not “rap”. There IS a difference. Well, I can give two differences: Quality & Content, besides the obvious contributors to what defines “hip hop”. Anyway, if you haven’t heard of some of those artists, take a listen, use all the (legal) downloading services to do some research.
Same for other genres…funk. Parliament, Gap Band, Cameo, Kool & the Gang are all groups that made a mark in funk music. The J.B.'s, George Clinton, James Brown…look into these people, turn off the same ol crap that you hear everyday on the radio for just one day and listen to music that gave you the urge to move your feet, bob your head, dance in your seat at work, turn it up loud in the car, dance in your car seat.
Listen to the old school that you don’t hear everyday on your local “old school and today’s r&b” stations. Listen to some B-Side music. You’d be amazed at what you find.
Listen, Learn and have a Funky Good Time...
Monday, October 03, 2005
Cracks me up...
In my disappointment of the change of the Boondocks' premiere on Cartoon Network, I turned to Adult Swim anyway and caught Family Guy. That show has me in major tears watching it! I hollered at Stewie's grown wisecracks and Peter's ignorance. But November 6th? It's on & poppin.
This morning, on the way to work, I listened to Steve Harvey, who also had me screaming laughing in the car. I miss my Russ Parr and Tom Joyner was cool, but Steve's morning show is where it's at.
If I may change the subject, I must say that Common's video for Testify is very cinematic and enthralling. I find myself watching it every time it comes on. It contains well put-together cast and definitely pulls you into the song. I rate it a perfect 10!
This morning, on the way to work, I listened to Steve Harvey, who also had me screaming laughing in the car. I miss my Russ Parr and Tom Joyner was cool, but Steve's morning show is where it's at.
If I may change the subject, I must say that Common's video for Testify is very cinematic and enthralling. I find myself watching it every time it comes on. It contains well put-together cast and definitely pulls you into the song. I rate it a perfect 10!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Shave it bald and start fresh
It's too often that I get frustrated with my hair. For one thing, I don't have the time or patience to run to the shop every other week. In a day & age where hair stylists schedule 5 people at one time, then another 3 people on the next half hour, I've given up on shops.
Plus, in a shop, you walk in and people gawk at you like they've never seen another human being before, then you spend the rest of the DAY (because that's how long you'll be there) trying to avoid eye contact with these people. You know how when you're looking at someone and you make eye contact, you're supposed to look away? Well, these chicks (& grown women) don't.
Then your ears are bleeding because you're hearing a language beyond slang. It's just downright incorrect english: liked = like-ded, seen = seent, and God knows what else.
ANYway...
I'd perm my own hair, color my own hair...switch up from wearing tracks to a ponytail to a wig or two. Well, I recently got my hair done in the shop, super early, for a wedding. I got a relaxer and a good conditioning. I've worn my own hair for the past few weeks. I don't want to weave it just yet...I want my hair to be able to breathe and be comfortable. However, I find myself curling it every morning. So now, I'm back to the drawing board. I want to cut my hair--no, I want to SHAVE my hair and start anew. I've cut my hair short before, but it's hell growing it back. Mine will get to this one point, then stop growing and that starts my level of frustration.
Well, I put some color in it 2 weeks ago. I can't stand going too long without some hair color. Another damaging enemy to my hair, but hell, what can you do?
So, either I'll pull it out from frustration, it'll fall out due to damaging agents (hair glue, curling irons, dryer, relaxer, color) or I'll take the clippers and shave it off myself.
Plus, in a shop, you walk in and people gawk at you like they've never seen another human being before, then you spend the rest of the DAY (because that's how long you'll be there) trying to avoid eye contact with these people. You know how when you're looking at someone and you make eye contact, you're supposed to look away? Well, these chicks (& grown women) don't.
Then your ears are bleeding because you're hearing a language beyond slang. It's just downright incorrect english: liked = like-ded, seen = seent, and God knows what else.
ANYway...
I'd perm my own hair, color my own hair...switch up from wearing tracks to a ponytail to a wig or two. Well, I recently got my hair done in the shop, super early, for a wedding. I got a relaxer and a good conditioning. I've worn my own hair for the past few weeks. I don't want to weave it just yet...I want my hair to be able to breathe and be comfortable. However, I find myself curling it every morning. So now, I'm back to the drawing board. I want to cut my hair--no, I want to SHAVE my hair and start anew. I've cut my hair short before, but it's hell growing it back. Mine will get to this one point, then stop growing and that starts my level of frustration.
Well, I put some color in it 2 weeks ago. I can't stand going too long without some hair color. Another damaging enemy to my hair, but hell, what can you do?
So, either I'll pull it out from frustration, it'll fall out due to damaging agents (hair glue, curling irons, dryer, relaxer, color) or I'll take the clippers and shave it off myself.
*Insert Cool Title Here*
Okay, I see this as a problem. For blogs, you have to come up with some cool title and some cool worthless topics to ramble about. All throughout the day, I think of random funny things, but once I sit down in front of the computer screen, I can't think of ANYthing.
- Let's see... it's been 7 days since I've had an 8-track on sale on Ebay and nobody bid a dime on it.
- I'll be 27 in exactly one week and I find 19 yr old Brandon T. Jackson (Roll bounce, BET Comedy Awards, Teen Comedy Tour) attractive --->
- I sure hate the Boondocks' debut on Cartoon Network has been pushed back a month.
- I'm kicking myself for falling asleep on Saturday Night Live last night
- Note to self: Watch "Everybody Hates Chris" this week
How random was that? Not very...but who cares? ha, I love this thing! I'll holla!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
I hate fads...
Main Entry: blog
Definition: to author an online diary or chronology of thoughts
Usage: blogged, blogging; blogger, n
I knew sooner or later, I'd be sucked in. This blog craze has swept the nation and then some and here I am, caught up in it.
Well, as you can see, it's my season and you've just entered the marketplace. From here on out, you'll know what I want you to know. I'll invite you into my sarcasm, randomness, ability to not make sense, ability to make plenty of sense, love for vocabulary, broad range of music, googlehood and anything else I feel like inputting. Here's your evite. Enjoy!
Definition: to author an online diary or chronology of thoughts
Usage: blogged, blogging; blogger, n
I knew sooner or later, I'd be sucked in. This blog craze has swept the nation and then some and here I am, caught up in it.
Well, as you can see, it's my season and you've just entered the marketplace. From here on out, you'll know what I want you to know. I'll invite you into my sarcasm, randomness, ability to not make sense, ability to make plenty of sense, love for vocabulary, broad range of music, googlehood and anything else I feel like inputting. Here's your evite. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
