No matter what station you turn to, every station has at least one reality TV show. You have America’s Next Top Model, Top Chef, Millionaire Match Maker and of course the numerous love shows on VH1 and MTV. You can’t escape reality TV. But I am almost at my limit with Reality TV. The sitcom and drama has died. Am I the only person not fixated on Reality TV? I must admit some of the shows are addictive and can be a guilty pleasure, but every form of media needs balance. For every reality show there should be a sitcom or drama to watch.
We are no longer in the days with Must See Wednesday’s on NBC or TGI Friday’s on ABC, so good thing for premium cable. If I didn’t have HBO or Showtime I would truly want to give up watching TV as a whole. Shows like Entourage, True Blood, Weeds and Nurse Betty just to name a few are great shows with great writers. I think the recession has part to do with the overload of Reality TV on the air. It is a lot cheaper to cast people who just want their 15 minutes of fame, instead of signing actors, actresses and writers who want thousands of dollars per episode. That still isn’t a good enough reason for me to make TV so monotonous. “Reality shows cost an average of $400,000 per hour to produce versus $2 million for a dramatic series,” (Rome Neal, CBS News). It may be the economy in more than just paying actors and writers. It may be the fact the average viewers are working extra jobs and doesn’t have time for TV anymore, which lowers the Nielsen Ratings which causes shows to cut back on the quality elements to make a good show. There are a few good network sitcoms and dramas around, (Criminal Minds, The Office), but not enough to balance all of the reality TV.
The CW had the sitcom The Game, it had rave reviews, it was interesting—good actors and storyline, yet it was still canceled. Honestly, it would be a lot better if it was on HBO or Showtime. But if network TV doesn’t see a show as a cash cow, no matter how good it is they will drop it. The industry just like the country is run on the dollar bill. So to the top TV executives “If it don’t make dollars, it don't make sense.”
Sad to say I think an abundance of reality TV will be around for another 4 to 5 years before it filters through everyone’s system. By then only the good reality TV will have survived for example Real World and all of the horrific ideas will fade to black i.e. Megan Wants a Millionaire. By the way, who would have thought they would come out with a show that promotes gold-digging? And they get mad at rap lyrics (that’s another story).
By the end of the next 4 to 5 years the balance of TV will be back. You will have your sitcoms, dramas, sports and reality TV and this media outlet will no longer be over saturated with bad reality TV shows.
According to the Associated Press, the rapper was ordered last week to pay $30,471 per-month in spousal support and $9,027 per-month in child support as well as $45,000 for Kelis’ attorney’s fees.
The amount of money per month that Nas has to dish out to his ex-wife and daughter is ridiculous. I understand paying the $9,027 for child support, but $30,471 for spousal support. The worst part of them all is the $45,000 in her lawyer fees. She filed for divorce—therefore she should be able to pay for her own lawyer fees.
Then when successful men get married and want a prenuptial agreement the women look at them like it is illegal and that the man doesn’t love them. No, they’re looking out for their best interest. No matter how much love you have for someone, there is always a possibility for that relationship to end.
The men are protecting themselves from a “Legal Robbery.” That’s what marriage without a prenuptial agreement is, “Legal Robbery.” There is no way the woman deserves that much money; especially in Kelis’ case. Maybe the question should be; is Divorce Court slanted to give woman the upper hand? Or better yet pay them back for years of not having rights. I don’t know what it is I know it needs to stop. A lot of women responses to this is “of course women deserves it,” yes I know, you take care of the children, clean, cook, love the man even when is his cheating or beating on you, but is that really worth 50 percent of your ex husband’s income.
I think it all boils down to the horrific legal system we have in the United States. You have a football player gets sentence to 18 months in Federal Prison for conspiracy of fighting and killing dogs, then you have another football player who was high and ran someone over and killed them, but he only serves 24 days in jail. I just don’t know.
I know I traveled so far off of topic, but each sentence a new question risen on why did Kelis get that much money. I honestly can’t find anything to justify that. She is also a celebrity she should be able to keep up with her lifestyle without Nas. That isn’t fair. Now I can understand why a lot of men rather stay in co-habitant relationships with the women they love because you can’t take their money. For non-celebs alimony and child support can ruin your life worst than the IRS or SallieMae. Please love carefully, because you do not want to end up like Nas.
According to CollegeGrad.com “Among 2009 U.S. college graduates, 80 percent moved back home with their parents after graduation, up from 77 percent in 2008, 73 percent in 2007, and 67 percent in 2006.”
Why should you go to college and become thousands of dollars in debt, to have a low salary job and still live home with you parents? This is not the American Dream, but it is the stepping stone to obtaining the American Dream in 2009. You earned your degree and this gives you hope. It becomes a lot easier to market yourself with that degree. Even though, now a Bachelor’s just isn’t enough to make it. After the degree you get a job, you gain experience you either move up in the company or you find a better job that pays more. Your college degree puts you in the place to become successful, but it’s your work ethic that will help you become successful.
Does moving home with your parents make you unsuccessful? No. It is a smart move and probably the best move most college graduates can make. Either you move in with a roommate and struggle or move in by yourself and struggle or go back to school and struggle. Either option you do more than likely you will be broke. Of course there are few exceptions. The best options are: go back to school and get your Master’s or Doctorate, or move back home with your parents and start your career. If you decide to move back home, most college grads still have their same room, unless your parents changed it into a office or nursery, you get home cooked meals which is desperately needed after 4 years of EasyMac and Oodles of Noodles. You will have a decent job that will be barely getting you by if you lived by yourself. Even if your parents make you pay a small rent and help with utilities it is nothing like living on your own and covering all of that by yourself.
Living at home allows you to save money. Money you can use to move out later, pay back your outstanding student loans, car notes, credits card and whatever else bills you have accumulated in your 4-5 years away at school. You even have extra money to buy clothes and help your club or bar habit on the weekends. Nowadays moving back home with your parents helps you to continue to live your life without the extra stress. You’re able to go on trips—homecomings, spring break—and yes you’re never too old to do those things. Don’t get me wrong living at home isn’t stress free, but a lot less stressful than handling everything on your own in the “real world.”
Yes, you love the independence of living by yourself, but most graduates had that feeling right after they moved out of the dorms sophomore and junior year to find out what living the “real world” feels like. So for most it isn’t that bad to move home with your parents unless they’re too strict and that would keep you from wanting to move back and you prefer to struggle by yourself.
Also, just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you’re going to be there forever. No one wants to be the 40 year old living in the basement. Have a plan—give yourself 1, 2 years, but not however long as it takes. I believe the maximum amount of years you should live with your parents before you attempt to try the “real world” is three. After 3 years you should have a steady job and moving forward towards your American Dream. And if your Dream is hit with an obstacle you can always move back with your parents again to try and get your head on straight. It is a must that you have goals and do not stay stagnant.
The American Dream isn’t all about money and cars, but more about happiness, even though money and cars make people happy. Strive for greatness and you shall achieve greatness.
So over the past few weeks or so I, like everyone else have been following news coverage, award shows, TV specials, urban gossip networks, memorial services, and whatever other media content available in order to accompany my Michael Jackson mourning/ life analysis/ listening sessions. In doing so, I’ve become increasingly interested in, and conscious of the portrayal of 2nd most controversial member of the Jackson family, Joe.
Joe Jackson, as a media figure, has not enjoyed the most glorious existence and public perception. As I skim pages, channel surf, and browse websites relevant to the life and death of Mike, I also come across a large amount of content related to Joe, his actions, and his influence in the family. From reading headlines which read “Shameless Joe” and “Joe Jackson…Just BAD”, to articles about Michael’s life which point out his negative relationship with his father, it has become evident to me that Joe Jackson has evolved into the archetype for the militant, destructive, overly aggressive, consciously insensitive, abusive, scary, and just holistically bad Black male icon. While the perceptions surrounding Joe are understandably conceived through a view of his relationships with his children and family, I feel that he has perhaps witnessed and been victim to one of the most detrimental examples of media sensationalism.
Given, I wasn’t there while the Jacksons grew up. Consequently, I don’t know the extent of the effects of his abuse, mean disposition, and relentless pressure. However, I do know a couple of things about Joe that people don’t really seem to discuss. Joe Jackson is a Black man, and a Black father who supported, cared for, and successfully guided his NINE children into not only adulthood, but an incredible amount of success and prominence. Providing for his family in a situation wherein they were Black in the 1950’s, poor, and not thinking big, Joe had a dream for himself and his family, took, a risk and worked incredibly hard to manifest his goals. While I don’t support many things about Joe, including his unapologetic demeanor regarding his abusive history, and his seemingly cold-hearted and selfish record promotion during Mike’s memorial. I can understand why the guy might be a little fed up, hard- shelled, and frankly apathetic in reference to his depiction by the public.
EVERYONE seems to blame Joe for the issues that Michael had as an adult. He took away their childhood and was verbally and physically abusive, Mike therefore never grew up and developed self image problems which led to a lot of his problems as an adult (Neverland Ranch, excessive plastic surgery, speculations of child abuse and the like). Interestingly people seem to ignore the positive influences that Joe’s actions had on Mike’s life. He only grew up to become one of the most celebrated people in the history of the world through music, something that Joe coincidentally pushed and trained him to succeed in. People also seem to forget that Joe has 8 other healthy, successful, skin bleach free children. One of whom is arguably the most celebrated female entertainer of the last two millenniums. So while you can look at Michael’s life to see what Joe has done, you can also look at Janet, or Rebbie, or Jackie or (you get the point), to see what Joe has done..
As I look twice and really analyze Joe’s exploits, the thing I could most concretely shame him for would be the sexual abuse allegations made by Latoya (who is also living comfortably) some years ago, which she later retracted. And while his relationship with his family might not be ideal now, we have to remember that people do have differences. I mean Jon Voight and Angelina Jolie are estranged to the point where he hasn’t even seen his grandchild to my knowledge, and no one accuses him of being a bad father or man. Sure Joe probably engaged in a number of highly illegal means of discipline, and pressured his kids more than the average person might. But I got pressured a lot when I was a kid, and am no stranger to the belt/switch/spoon/right hand. Conversely, I’m not a millionaire and I love and appreciate the hell out of my father.
What really concerns me the most is the Joe Jackson crucifixion that the Black community has partaken in. We really treat that guy as if he’s a cold baboon.( Male baboons are known to practice infanticide) For all of the dead, jailed, ignorant, irresponsible, and non-existent Black fathers out there, I feel that Joe has to be one that we can give a little respect to. It’s hard enough for any Black man to not only succeed for himself but successfully raise a family in American culture. When we do see an example of that responsibility and ambition albeit flawed, it is consequentially our responsibility to recognize it and establish its presence so that we can start to change this negative and defeating self image. I mean who else do we have? Chris Gardener, Matthew Knowles lightweight, and John Q….and he’s not even real. While Joe may not be perfect, I feel that it’s time to give him a little slack and a lot of respect regarding his role as perhaps not a person, but certainly as a father through the definition I understand. We give the benefit of the doubt to O.J., we give to Jim Brown, and we certainly gave it to Mike. I for one am willing to view Joe in a brighter light considering the all the darkness surrounding him right now. Happy belated father’s day brethren…
This is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of a nice summer drink. It does not matter if the drink is frozen or chilled it still relaxes the body and takes your mind off of the summer heat. The great thing about Margaritas is that they come in all different types of flavors so if you don't like one you can always move to the next. But, I'm warning you be careful when drinking these. A good margarita will sneak up on you in an instant and will take you to the place where you need to be.
Drink of The Week: Patron and Lemonade. I discovered this drink by browsing Twitter and rapper Fabolous said he was having this drink and ask people to try it. So while on my weekend getaway to Virginia Beach I tried the drink. It was actually pretty good and I'm not even a big fan of tequilas. So you try and let me know what you think. Enjoy!
As a man I think it is important that we put an end to this Nuvo nonsense. It’s a major epidemic of guys running around thinking they are really doing something with this bottle in their hands I just want to let all guys know that drinking Nuvo is not a respectable.
Here is my Anti - Nuvo Top 5 list:
5. It is not a stunt
Any dude walking around the club showing off his bottle of Nuvo is a straight up lame. First off as I have stated before, Nuvo is a chick drink nothing more nothing less. Secondly, there is only a short list of drinks that you can cop in the club and not look like a dweeb. They are: Goose, Belve, Ciroc, Absolute( which is a push), Henny, Remy, Courvosisier (only the high end kind), Various types of champagne(This does not include White Star Moet), and Patron. That’s it. Final.
4. Rappers don't determinate what’s cool
Just because you see Kanye and T – Pain with the bottle does not make it cool. As a grown man you should be able to identify what is and what is not acceptable behavior. The only thing more suspect than popping bottles of Nuvo trying to be like Yeezy is getting a lip ring to be like Weezy.
3. The terrible taste
I would go easy on this nonsense if it had a real good taste to it. But from what I have been told it does not do the job in this department either. Unlike real liquor which is made for its power and not being easy to drink, Nuvo should be a pleasure to drink and have a great taste. But, I’ve seen people get the bitter beer face off of this like they just downed a shot of vodka. And if a drink does not pack the power that vodka packs I’m good off of having to deal with the other side effects of it. This is pretty much like drinking an expired wine cooler.
2. It doesn't get you drunk
This is my major problem with this drink. Nuvo is supposed to be some special combination of vodka and champagne, but the fact that there is only 15% of liquor in the drink is a travesty. Champagne is made up of 12.5% liquor. Vodka on the other hand is made up of 40% liquor. This drink is nowhere close to being vodka. If I can drink the whole bottle and only get a slight buzz then I might as well stay with the champagne.
1.It’s a "GIRL DRINK”
On the official Nuvo website, they classify Nuvo as a Sparkling Liqueur". Which means if the color didn’t already let you know, Nuvo = GIRL DRINK. No man should ever try to stunt with any drink that is classified as a “Sparkling Liqueur”. If this info doesn’t make you believe me, just visit the www.sparklingnuvo.com. I am sure that will.
Today is going to be a major day in the NBA with two game seven match ups being played today. Like all other major sports moments beer is the only drink of choice. It clearly states in the Man Law book rule #43.
Since it is a must to drink beer today, I'm going to suggest that you indulge in one of my three favorite brews called Yuengling. Its one of the best beers out with a smooth, chilled, and relaxing taste. Trust me it wont disappoint.
This weeks hip-hop line of the week comes from The Louis Vuitton Don himself Kanye West. The line comes from The freestyle of Lady Gaga's Poke Her Face. The song also features Kid Cudi and Common.
"More champagne, more toasting, more damn planes, more coasting and fuck the bus cuz the Benz is parked like Rosa."
This weeks line comes from "Fabolous aka Loso Just Case You Don't Know So." This line comes from one of his best mixtapes ever. "There is No Competition." The name of the song is "Takin' Pictures."
"It's Loso Croft you can call me Tomb Raider/We break in homes we the living room raiders/Snatch wifey come back for the groom later/ Throw her in back of the van like she was on Room Raiders.
This is the drink of choice during the hot summer on the streets of NYC. To be honest the streets are the only place that you can find one of these. If you live in this area you know what I'm talking about. You wont find it in the liquor store or at the local pub. A few hood spots sell them but for the most part you will probably have to find the guy walking around pushing a cooler to get one.
Nutties will cost you $5, $7, or $10 dollars depending on where you get it from and the size. The crazy thing about nutties is that I have no idea what is in it, and I can usually tell what I'm drinking the moment I take my first sip. Nutties are a hit because they taste great and get you nice and drunk, very qucikly, and thats all I ever asked out of any drink. Lmao.
If you have someone you can bond with or call on, you have a friend or some people like to just say associate. A lot of people take the word very serious. I feel friendships are one of the most important characteristics of human interaction. Your family is chosen, but your friends you pick. Family members can also be friends. I value friendship. I believe I have the greatest group of friends anyone can ask for. I even include the friends of friends my friends. I don't take the word as serious as others. I can call someone I meet a few times a friend. What has that person done to me to downgrade them to an associate. Probably nothing. Just because you aren't in my inner circle doesn't mean we can't be friends. The people in the inner circle are a different kind of friend though. They are more like family. These are the people you will kill for, go to jail with and definitely make money and celebrate life with. I wouldn't take all of the money in the world if I couldn't have my friends around to enjoy it with me. I know this may sound a bit trite but it is very true. And not all people think like this.
The saying in my inner circle is "You must get 'juked'. It comes with the territory." Just basically expect things to happen. Your friends will ask you for some outstanding favors at moments you definitely don't want to do it, but you are almost obligated to do. For example, it is New Year's Eve and your friends a flight to catch. It is snowing and the airport is 30 minutes away and you thought they had another form of transportation, but they don't. You don't have anything super important to do, so you have to take them to the airport. Meaning of super important work, court, funeral and etc. If you need to go get a haircut or wanted to go to the mall or even worst want to go see the new guy/girl you just met(definitely forget that). Oh well, I'm sorry that will have to wait for another day. So you just except that you're friends just got you. But your day will come and you will be able to get them back with some off the wall favor. You don't get mad just except it. And don't do you favors out of spike. Situations will arise in your life where you will need to call on a friend and when you remember that they "juked" you a few weeks earlier a smile will come to your face.
All a friendship needs to be successful is loyalty and honesty. Just be real with each other. Of course there will be times that that person is pestering you. That is when you tell them. Or sometimes you don't have to because the friend will usually know when and when not to bother you. Love and respect your friends and thank each other for teaching each other how to be not just better friends but better people.
In the past couple of weeks. I’ve been exposed to some pretty fashionable people. Starting with my internship with the 2009 Charleston Fashion Week (don’t sleep on it, it’s a very big event and will only get bigger www.charlestonfashionweek.com) and then with my Spring Break trip to Aggieland (pretty much the most stylish HBCU on Earth), I saw the good, the bad, and downright UGLY of trends. But being the person that I am, having the sixth sense of fashion that I do, I was able to spot out a subtle trend lurking amongst us, the blazer.
For most the blazer is related to the staunch, rigid world known as Corporate America. While one can be very stylish in a 2 or 3 piece business suit, the upper half (and in some cases the lower half is cause for another discussion) is not limited to the board room. As I soon found out myself during CFW, the piece acts in the same way that it does with a business suit, by giving an outfit structure. In the same respect, it is also like a piece of jewelry because it can also act as an accent as well. Here are some ways that you can add the blazer to your outfits:
- The Wild Side- To bring that blazer out of the office, try finding ones that have fun prints on the inside so that the sleeves can be rolled up and your inner wild side can be exposed. Pictured here is one of the blazers I wore during fashion week that has my fav print. Lepoard!!!
- Sexy Black!!- Your can also use black as a way to pull a look together. For instance, when wearing an out that that has several different colors, putting on a black blazer can make it easier to find accessories and shoes to match.
- All Shapes and Sizes- The beauty of a blazer is that it does not only come in one type. To make an outfit fun, try blazers that have ruffles, tuxedo, or a cutaway style.
- Accessorize the Accessory- As with any item of clothing, adding just one accessory can carry the entire outfit to a new level. For instance, adding a belt that has color or jewels, or even a scarf can really make the blazer stand out.
- Vintage Style- Step outside of your own closet and raid whichever of these closets are closest to you: you mom, aunt, or even a very stylish grandma. There you will have access to all the padding that made the 80’s and 90’s were made of, especially blazers. These items will look wonderful over a cute pair or leggings or hot mini dress/ skirt.
With this trend, it will be hard to go wrong because the blazer in itself is a staple item. Whether you’re going out to a party or to a movie, the blazer is always a crowd pleaser.
Best Places to Find Blazers: Express, The Limited, J Crew, and Thrift Stores
In relation to his new album that dropped last Tuesday--I must put D-Block front man aka Mister Top 5 Dead or Alive for this weeks line of the week. This line comes from his latest album "Last Kiss" song "Cartel Gathering" featuring Ghostface Killer and Raekwon the Chef.
"My Clientèle is Supreme and it's proven/ that I'm only built for the Link and it's Cuban/I'm a pioneer not a vet/ The Last Kiss is a French one not a peck."
The NBA playoffs are finally here. This is where legends are made and all of the frauds are sent home packing. I need the NBA playoffs in my life to balance out the MLB season taking over Sportscenter. This years playoffs should be a memorable one. It has great teams and even greater players. I am waiting to see Kobe, Lebron, DWade, Paul Pierce and many more try to take the game in their hands to help their teams win the NBA Championship.
Teams are getting better by the year. You have the young teams such as the Portland Trailblazers and the Atlanta Hawks who could very easily creep their way to the NBA Finals, but then you have the teams with the superstar talent and a phenomenial supporting cast such as the Lakers and the Cavaliers. Teams will battle it out for 40 days and 40 nights over a span of two months to capture their childhood dreams.
For all of the fans who say NBA players aren't as hungry as college players--yes, that may be true, but when it comes to the playoffs there is no other sport I would rather watch. The playoffs is where the players give it their all. They dive for loose balls, take charges and actually get down in a defense of stance to lockdown a defender. And that is "real basketball." Even though, I did enjoy the NCAA tournament; especially after watching the UNC Tarheels cut down the nets.
So tomorrow, wash your car, give your dog a haircut and get ready for the NBA playoffs. There should be enough intriguing matches and scenarios hyped by the media to keep your attention brewing for the next two months and every now and then you can turn to a Yankee game and watch them lose. But it's time for the NBA Playoffs and I love this game!
Finals Predictions: Kobe vs Lebron, I'm sorry Lakers vs. Cavs. I'm going to give the series to the Cavs in 7 games. Home court advantage is going to be the key to the series.
In essence to my friend Greene throwing a "Bring back SpringBreak Party" right before the end of the semester and his main drink of the night is the Slushy. Therefore, the drink of the week is Slushies. Choose any flavor you like. If you've ever been to Wet Willies or Fat Tuesday's you know what I mean. I want a 190 octane with an extra shot as we speak. All you need is liquor with a high percentage of alcohol preferably Everclear, ice, blender and whatever you else you want to mix with it. It's a beautiful weekend for must of us on the East Coast; so take advantage of the weather and have a slushy. You can even go to 7-11 buy a slurpee and add the liquor yourself. Whatever you decide to do. Just make sure you drink responsibly.
Over the past few weeks I have had many conversations with friends, of both sexes, about the double standard that exists in our culture when it comes to sex. Many women feel that they would be slandered by men and labeled “sluts” and “whores” for doing half the dirt that men do and get away with. Almost all of these women felt like society should hold both men and women to the same set of standards when it comes to sex. Are these women right? Should we look at men and women equally when it comes to sex or is it right that they are held up to a higher standard?
The main reason that men are able to get away with more is because we have always set the rules. As far back as ancient Egypt men have always been the dominant sex. We were the ones who created the laws of the land and had the power to change those laws to our liking. We had free reign to do what we wanted to do, when, and whenever we wanted to do it.
Even though we have always wanted to please our woman and treat them like queens they didn’t have much power. A woman’s main responsibility was to mother our kids and make sure dinner was on the table when we came home. History makes us believe that their major responsibility was to do what we wanted and satisfy us.
I believe that this lack of balance in the relationship between men and women is a major reason why we have the double standard about sex that we currently have. Pharaohs in Egypt fathered countless children from different women. The women were supposed to remain faithful and loyal to him. Even though our society has moved on greatly to balance the relationship between the sexes, and that “old school” behavior is not acceptable today, some of those thought patterns still remain the same.
Men today who are not in a relationship are expected to run wild and have as many partners as they can. Men talk about the bodies that they have collected through their years like boxers talk about their wins in the ring. Even though this might not be the wisest and healthiest way to live today with the consequences that can occur, it is still the way we live. We never claimed to have always thought with our upper head when it comes to the opposite sex and sex.
Women though, are supposed to wisely pick and choose the people that they get involved with. Those who spread their legs quickly to many men are looked at as easy victories. While those who are selective and do not bounce from guy to guy to guy to guy are looked at as quality victories. Trust me ladies you want to be that quality victory.
Your buddies who are easy victories might get more attention, but it’s not the type of attention that you should want. We use them to help us train and prepare like boxers use sparring partner before a major pay per view bout. At the end of the day they are nothing more than confidence builders who keep us from getting ring rust and in fighting shape.
Ladies you got to understand that this double standard benefits you in the long run. We use this in determining who is used for random fun and who gets to come home in meet the folks. It may not always be the best way to make decisions, and its usually not the only criteria, but hey it works for us.
The Drink of the Week is: Ciroc and Welch's Passion Fruit
I have been doing a lot of reminiscing about my college days recently with friends. And most of my best times in college happened on drunken nights. One of these nights happened senior year when me and my homeboy decided to start pregaming at 2pm for a birthday party that was happening later that night.
Ciroc and Passion Fruit was the drink of choice that night. If my memory serves me right I think it was the first time we drank Ciroc. The sweetness of the passion fruit completely masked the taste of Ciroc and got me wastedddd. I had a great night. Lol!!!
Enjoy the beautiful weather out today with a nice Mimosa. You can either sip on this with your brunch or just randomly throughout the day to maintain a nice gentle buzz.
Here is Classmagonline's First Annual Top 25 Beautiful Woman Under the age of 25. The list consist of actresses, models, singers and more. All of these woman are gorgeous in their own personal way. This list took weeks of debating and surveying, but we finally came up with 25 beautiful woman that may have crossed your eyes on a movie or TV screen or in a magazine. So sit back and enjoy the beauty.
World renown playwright and screen writer Tyler Perry has been creating plays and movies that make you laugh, cry and think all at the same time. While creating his works some say he typecast African Americans in a never evolving perception. The critics want his characters to be more evolved and not like the black face of the early twentieth century.
While reading an article about Perry on Bossip.com, this question sparked some interest: Does Tyler Perry have a moral responsibility to use his influence to create more positive images of black people in movies or do you feel he owes blacks a quality product designed to entertain, which is what we pay for?
Well I personally feel he doesn't owe blacks anything or anybody else. I feel that his characters are well evolved and are great depictions of African Americans. He is writing about life whether it is from personal experiences or something he has read. There are crackhead parents, orphan children, battered wives and more. He is reporting everything you watch on the news and read on your favorite blog site. He shouldn't be accused of not having positive images of Blacks.
None of his films has young blacks killing each other on the streets, wanting to become rapper or athletes--if he did that then I might say he is perpetuating negative stereotypes about blacks. He does write fiction with very real situation but at the end of the day it is fiction and entertainment.Tyler Perry is an amazing writer and the stories he creates are easy to relate to. That is the main reason for his success. The people can go watch the movies and plays and feel like they can relate to whatever is going on. That is what causes the laughter and tears.
There will always be critics. We need critics to cause debates and disagreements. Because these disagreements create thought provoking issues that must be debated and both sides must be heard. And the thought provoking issues can possibly be the key to solving many of the issues of the world.
This selection was influenced by Keri Hilson. She mentions knocking down a few of these on her new album, which I haven't heard but I hear is worth the buy.
Ive never actually had it but if Keri can handle it I know I can so, I'm going to make a nice concoction sometime this weekend and let you know what I think of it.
So you do the same and let me know what you think.
Vacation is a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday,(Dictionary.com). We all need vacations. They are necessary to keep balance and peace in your busy life. Whether you are a student, astronaut, police officer or worker at McDonald's you need a vacation. And not all vacations require a million dollar budget--we all can't afford to go to the Cayman Islands on a cruise or Miami for spring break. But everyone can afford to set aside "me time." It is possible to vacation in your house.
The main reason for vacations is to rest and relax your mind and body. So why can't you do that on a regular day off? You can, I say you should take a vacation anytime work, school or life in general is becoming too much. Just sit back and put everything in perspective and restart your mind and body. The new refreshing state of mind will relieve stress and make most things a lot more tolerable. Now your next door neighbor's dog, or your professor or boss will not aggravate you as much.
But if you do have the means to travel on your vacation. By all means please do. Don't waste your time doing your taxes or cleaning out the garage. You can do that some other time. Book a flight to somewhere--where the water is clear blue, the sand is white and the liquor is cheap. And enjoy yourself. Life is about enjoying it. Try your best to keep a pollyanish attitude about the ills that life may offer because you always can say to yourself it can be worst. Because it truly can be worst.
A few vacation spots I recommend are: 1.Miami 2.Cancun 3.Bahamas 4.Jamaica 5.Cayman Islands
And if you don't want to go tropical:
6.Washington DC 7.Atlanta 8.New York City 9.Los Angeles 10.Las Vegas
A few weeks ago Ken Griffey Jr., the greatest baseball player of our generation returned back to Seattle to finish his career. Griffey returning to Seattle meant something special to me. I’m about 90% positive that Junior is my favorite athlete of all time. Even though basketball has always been my favorite sport, back in the 90’s I was trying to be the next Ken Griffey while everybody else was trying to be like Mike. Not only was he was the best player in the game, he was black, and he was left handed (just like me and all other great people) which put together made him an easy choice to be my sports hero.
Walking into Yankees Stadium with my Mariners hat on, No# 24 Griffey jersey on, and my Ken Griffey Jr. edition baseball mitt on my right hand and watching Jr. hit home runs against the hated New York Yankees on not one but two different occasions are two of the 10 greatest moments of my childhood. He single handily made baseball cool in my eyes.
By the end of the 90’s Jr. was named to the All Century Team and was named player of the decade in the 90’s. At the age of 30 he was on pace to be one of the youngest players ever to hit 500 home runs. Everybody knew that it would just be a matter of time before Hank Aaron’s Home Run Record would be his. Before the 2000 season Griff was traded to the Cincinnati Reds to be closer to his family. This meant that I had to change team as well and jump on to the Reds bandwagon.
Being a Reds fan lasted maybe a month or two at the longest. By the time school was out that year I was off the bandwagon and was just a Jr. fan. I just couldn’t get into the team at all. Ever since then things have been rough for Griff. He played in over 140 games once do to injury, after injury, after injury which was terrible to watch because it was clear as day that he wasn’t the player of old anymore.
During this same time Barry Bonds was going bonkers!!! In a 4 year period when Griffeycouldn’t catch a break if it landed in his glove Bonds was having the 4 best years that any player in the history of the game has ever had in row. The man hit over 200 hundred home runs and won BACK to BACK to BACK to BACK NL MVP AWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!! To the casual baseball fan Griffey was pretty yesterday news at this point. He could have run around kissing the starting pitchers wife before games and nobody would have cared about him. And to be honest,I wouldn’t have been mad at them.
Now we all know the problems that Barry Lamar Bonds is going through due to the popular opinion being that he was on the roids during those years. And personally I don’t know or care about what he was doing. But, one thing I do know is that Ken Griffey Junior was clean as a whistle and still put up numbers that some of baseball greatest players could only dream about which will easily make him a First Ballot Hall of Fame whenever he decides to hang them up. And that is why is the G.O.A.T. of our generation. Congrats, you did it the right way.
I know this post is a tad bit late. Reason is because a majority of us here at C.L.A.S.S. are heading to South Beach tomorrow. And, it's only right that you have a few Mojitos while you are posted up on Ocean Dr.
If your location is a little to cold for this, don't worry, I'm going to have enough for all of us. lol.
Respect your elders; no really give them attentive respect. Do not just hold the door and say hi because you feel like you have too. Treat them like the humans they are. They are more than capable of holding full conversations and unlike talking to your peers you can learn a lot of new old information. New to you, old to them.
Elders aren't aliens from out of space; they are YOU in a few years! Many youngsters find themselves too busy to slow down for grandma and grandpa; some are even too fast to deal with mom and dad. But imagine if they wouldn't have slowed down for you! HMMMM, where would you be?
Hey you cute girl strutting along in your 3 inch heels, song glasses and low cut top with your 3 letters on you chest, walking so high and pretty. Too high off yourself to see the older soror sitting on the plot looking hot and thirsty. Let me remind you if it wasn't for her working to build the foundation of this sorority you wouldn't be able to wear those colors and please believe back in her day she had on her bell bottoms and heels. Now arthritis has kicked in, like it will do to you one day. The moral of the story is DO NOT THINK YOU CREATED THE WHEEL, BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN SPINNING FOR YEARS. If anything talking to the elders can help you improve your spins.
Now imagine sitting alone at home everyday and that’s it, no real calls, no real activity. Sunday you go to church and then you return home. Family pops in for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Christmas/birthday gifts consist of ties, housecoat, Wal-mart gift card and that's as creative as it gets. To add to this the economy is a mess and you are just trying to live off your little retirement. You have 2 kids and 4 grand kids. The grand kids are in college or in early stages of their career, so they don't come or call often because they are so wrapped up in themselves.
This to me is bull. Cards are available at the dollar tree, 2 for $1. The same price or less than Wendy's value items, entrance to a club or new clothes. So why is it you haven't sent the family an "I Love you", "I miss you", "Just thinking of you", "Thank you for all you do" card? The card is 50 cent and the stamp is 42 cent. Add a few words from the heart and you just made grandpa/ma's day. When you are home for a break take them to breakfast or lunch, go to church with them and while you are out if you have a few extra dollars stop by the grocery store and picks up some things for their house, if they need it.
Life is short and there is no need to look back and think I wish I could see grandma again. Why so you can walk by her? Take advantage of what you have now, all it takes is a little time and attention. Help me take all the don'ts and DO NOTS out of this article but most of all take them out of your life.
HELPFUL HINTS TO STAY IN TOUCH (can be used for all family members and friends) 1. Set a weekly reminder in your phone to call home, grandpas and a random friend that you haven't talked to in months. 2. Go to dollar tree on pay day and spend $5 on cards, that's 10 cards. Get birthday, thinking of you and just because and sympathy. This way you can always have a card on hand when an occasion pops up (got that from my mom) 3. Do a family weekend. Invite the family to your new city or new home, including mom, dad, aunts, and grandparents. (You want to keep it to immediate family unless you are hosting the family reunion.) 4. Back to the lovely elders. Use your grandparents as venting tools. When you need to talk give them a call they would love to listen and more than likely they will be on your side. 5. Honestly sit down and think about your life in 40 years (if the world still exists by then), picture how you want to be living and see if that is how the elders in your life are living. Do you want to travel? Do you want to sleep all day and shop all afternoon? Do you see yourself alone???????? I'm sure you don’t and I'm sure they didn't have that plan either, so do unto others as you pray others will do unto you.
Ok enough of me talking go call your family especially the elders. They can't wait to hear your voice!
While watching my daily guilty pleasure Worldstarhiphop I was thinking about how the ignorance that is displayed on the site and how it bothers me at times, yet I still watch it. Sometimes the ignorance is too much. When I see people on camera talking about robberies, brandishing guns, burning money and a lot of other nonsense that I've witness a chill goes through my body and I wonder is this setting the black race back a few years. But the answer is no. There will always be ignorance in the world by all races and creeds. That is one small piece of the black race that is represented. We still have the blacks that are representing the positive.
Does everyone wants or have to be from the biggest and baddest place on the planet? Do we have to witness cracks sells and murders on a regular basis? No, then why do people always brag about where they are from--but only talk about the negative aspects from where they are from. That isn't a good mentality to have. A lot of people grew up in the "hood" and by all means rep it hard because it develops and mold a person and provides character that no other place can match. And just because you are from a place that a million of murder occurs, if you aren't doing the killing then please be quiet. You aren't the person that is going to spend life in jail or be buried six feet deep because of violence and other ills of growing up in the "hood".
I totally condone representing your "hood" and being proud of it, but don't boast about the wrongs that are taking place in the "hood". By all means definitely talk about it and make people aware of everything that is going on but do not glorify the negatives of the hood. So whether you from Brooklyn, Watts, Miami, Baltimore or DC no matter what hood you're from and represent your main goal is should be to grown. You should want to earn money, wealth and stability(financially and mentally). You should believe in social mobility--just because you are from the hood doesn't mean you should stay in the "hood" and just because you leave the hood doesn't make you a sell out as long as you don't forget where you came from. Drug dealers don't just sell drugs to sell drugs they sell them because they want to "live the life": fancy cars, diamond chains, stocks and bonds. It's about growth. So love the hood and learn how to make it out the hood. Don't fit in with all of the negative stereotypes that comes with being a product of a negative environment. Strive to be that rose growing from the concrete.
Every single person on this earth will always be ignorant to something. But it isn't true ignorance knowing that you don't know. Think about it!
“With no union with no dental plan I can’t eat off no 100 grand.” This is a quote from the rapper Beanie Sigel. His profession doesn’t have health insurance. He is rapping about how difficult it is to live a comfortable life with having to pay out of his pocket for health related issues. Despite his high salary he finds it difficult to pay for his everyday life essentials and healthcare. This topic is usually a determining factor when choosing a member of the house or senate, mayor, governor and especially the president. The American public wants to know what are you going to do about their healthcare. The healthcare quandary in America is horrific. Last week the healthcare issues in America finally hit me. I never seriously cared because I am a pretty healthy person, I rarely get sick and for the longest I was on my father’s insurance. Now I am a college graduate and my healthcare issues are all mine.
I have salary paying job with paid vacation and benefits. But the benefits aren’t as good as I first thought. The monthly payments for health insurance with my current job is about $360 a month—this past Friday I received a memo with my check and found out the insurance is going up to $470. Not only is it $470 a month, but you have to pay a co-payment. That is truly absurd. They are trying to find another vendor with cheaper insurance because I am not paying in health insurance what I can pay for in rent or a car note. That just doesn’t make any sense to me; especially since I don’t have any severe health issues. I think the $360 dollars is too much, that is why I am included with the other 10 million plus people in America without health insurance.
If I want health insurance I will have to do my own personal shopping on what healthcare out there fits me and my needs. When choosing healthcare pay close attention to monthly payments and/or whether it is a deductible or co-pay. Without health insurance can be tough. I wanted to go get a yearly check up to make sure I am as healthy as I think I am. I wanted to do a little bit of research. I was willing to pay out of pocket for a physical. As I call around I was in for a rude awakening. Most doctor offices and clinics required $100 plus just to schedule the visit then I had to pay for the actual physical, which the end amount would have been close to $400. And that is a lot of money to the average American. I can’t even imaging how it is for people working on $200 a week working minimum wage. A change in our healthcare system is truly needed in the United States.
In order to end my dilemma I decided to go to the Health Department in my area. It is free, the wait wasn’t as long as I expected and the staff was extremely helpful and kind. Health is very important because without good health it is arduous to lead a good life. You can have money and great family and friends but without good health you cannot not enjoy your money, family and friends. This is article wasn’t meant as a written attack on the U.S. Healthcare system but just to make people aware of their surroundings. We need change. Change will come, but change takes time. Be patient and optimistic and all will be OK.
Everybody who really knows me know that I LOVVEEEEEE TV. I can sit at home all day and find something to watch. I blame my parents for this addiction since I was not allowed to watch TV as a little kid growing up during the week.
Since the early years I have been glued to the tube. Some of the shows that sit in my TV HoF are Boy Meets World, Fresh Prince, King of Queens, Real World, Las Vegas, West Wing and the great Nash Bridges.
There are a few shows that I currently set my schedule around and must watch each week, that one day my get added to this list. The one show that is guranteed to be a First Ballot HoF'er is... drum roll please... THE BIG BANG THEORY on CBS. The show is simply comedic genius.
My words won't do the show any justice, but luckily we have youtube for problems like this.
Not much needs to be said to explain this one. Throw a few ice cubes in your glass, pour out some henny and sip on. It always gets you were you need to be.
I was randomly thinking the other day about how can Wal-mart sell guns and ammunition and Movies that are Rated "R", but they do not sell music with explicit lyrics. And everyone knows the majority of music with explicit lyrics are rap albums. Why? This entire thought is mind boggling to me. I wouldn't call it racist, but I will say that there is a prejudice with the reason why they don't sell rap albums with explicit lyrics. They can easily be accused for being bias towards the hip-hop industry but I will give Wal-mart the benefit of doubt. But they are taking away the artistic value of the rap albums--matter of fact disrespecting the artist value of rap music. They aren't selling edited versions of movies with less violence and profane language so why rap albums. Yes, it is cool to carry both edited and explicit versions, yes children are heavily influence by the media--so have the edited versions for them, but don't just have the edited versions for all of the customers. There isn't one Wal-mart executive can give me a valid reason why they don't sell these rap albums. Especially not when you sell guns in the same stores--unless they think the youth will buy that rap album in their store then go buy a gun in the same store and wreck havoc on their communities. No that is not possible because the youth cannot even purchase guns. So what is the problem?
At the register when you are buying a rated "R" DVD, it signals the register to check the ID of the customer to see if they are over the age of 18, so why can't they do the same thing with rap albums. They even check for an ID when you are buying Tylenol, Advil and other medicines. An employee told me "If it can be broken down, snorted or smoked we must check an ID." That is amazing. If they are willing to take the necessary precaution to stop drug use and possible lawsuits for using Tylenol, they should do the same for explicit rap albums. All they have to do is check the ID of the customer and if they are of age or with a parent they should be able to purchase the CD and get the entire artistic value of these rap albums. They shouldn't deny customers access to these CDs if they have the necessary actions to prevent from selling to minors, which is their "main concern" right? Or maybe not, or they are truly bias of the hip-hop industry--where the majority of the artist of African American. This little inconvenience to someone is rooted with racial connotation.
What can the public do to get Wal-mart to sell explicit rap CDs? Probably nothing, I honestly don't care I will just go to Best Buy, FYE or download songs from Itunes if I want to hear my rap music. However, I would love to hear a valid justification why they don't sell explicit rap CDs so that I can laugh. Because I feel there wouldn't be anything they can say to justify their statement. They can't be doing it for the kids safety. Safety from a rap album? Are the metaphors and limericks of rap songs that visual to force a young child to cause mass hysteria on the world around them. Or are the movies' visuals more or just as powerful than these lyrics. I am not sitting here saying that rap lyrics can't be influencing and very visual, but movies are the exact same thing if not worst. I believe a picture of someone killing a person will do a lot more damage to a child's psyche than some talking about killing someone.
If Wal-mart decides to sell rap albums with explicit lyrics or not--it will not change my life in any way, but it will ease my mind knowing that there is one less bias against hip-hop(black people)that is slowly but surely dwindling.
Drink of the week is a new feature here at ClassMagOnline. We know how life revolves around a good drink. So every week we will be telling you what you should be sipping on for the next week.
The Drink of the Week is: Belvedere and Snapple Mango Madness
Drink the Mango Madness down to the top of the wrapping. Pour 2 shots ( or more) into the mango madness. Mix well and enjoy!!!!
There’s been a lot of back and forth these past few months over whether or not we’re actually in a recession. Although everyone already knew, our gracious government has finally jumped on bored. For those of us however that not only pledge allegiance to the good ol’ U.S. of A, but to fashion too, we’ve been put in a bit of a predicament.
With all the layoffs, freezes on promotions and raises, our paychecks are slim, and our “little bit on the side” for our favorite dudes Prada, Gucci, Louis is practically non-existent. For the “talented tenth” of us fashionistas and fashionados, this is due cause for a new way of thinking, one that allows our creative juices to flow. For all others, here are a few tidbits that can help you save while still being on the cutting edge of fashion:
·Staples, not trends- Take a sec for a brief mental inventory of your closet. 35 percent of your clothes probably still have tags on them, another 40 percent was probably only worn once, and the other 25 percent….well that’s what you actually wear. The reason you wear these is because they are timeless, fit well, the right color, and can be worn many different ways. This should always be your focus when shopping. These reasons, added with the fact that they’re just your favorite clothes, equal an equation for focused shopping. Looking for such pieces will create staples in your wardrobe rather that having it filled to the brim with trendy clothes that won’t make it to the end of the month. It is also critical that you choose clothing stores that are known for their quality…so Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters maybe out of range. You may find that these pieces are a little costly on the front end. Even if these pieces take a couple pennies from your Starbucks fund, it will be well worth it.
oSuggested Places to Shop: The Gap, Express, The Limited
oSuggested items to buy when you get there: classic pair of jeans, little black dress, white collared shirt, pencil skirt
·Thrifty can be nifty- In the past few years, vintage has been in. because of it, many of the newer styles in your fav department stores have taken to this trend, but the price tags don’t match those from the decade the style first appeared. An easy and cost effective alternative is the thrift store. These stores (which can be good or bad dependent on your locale) have a wealth of fashion for a fraction of the price. Just be sure you have ample free time to sift through the good, bad, and the ugly….and make sure to wash thoroughly for wearing!
oSuggested Places: The Salvation Army Thrift Stores, or any local store in your area
oSuggested items to look for (that will be in abundance): clutch bags, corduroy pants, dresses, business suits and blazers
Hopefully these tidbits can help you survive the economic crisis, while also staying fashionable!
Remember, open your eyes and let the creative juices flow=)
Graduating from college is a milestone in anybody's life. It is the culmination of at least 16 years of class, homework, and testing. It shows the world that you have the focus and dedication to work your way through any problem. In a perfect world you walk across the stage one week and start your dream job the next.
But if you have graduated in the year 2008 you have realized that this world is far from perfect. We have graduated into the worst economic times since the great depression in the 30’s. At a time when job openings where suppose to be plentiful thanks to the retirement of hundred of thousands of baby boomers, finding a good job is harder than figuring out what really happened to make CB duff out Princess RiRi. Its like the truth (jobs) is out there somewhere, its just going to take a while before enough truth comes out to figure out what went down
(cycle through all the jobs you don’t want to find something worthwhile).
For all of us out there who are just finishing school and trying to figure out what’s next here is what we at C.L.A.S.S suggest:
The Safe Way
Personally the only reason I believe that you should go back to school after finishing undergrad is if you want to become a lawyer, doctor, or your undergrad degree was in complete nonsense. But the truth is going back and getting another degree is actually a smart move. It makes sense for two key reasons.
Companies have always loved the idea of their potential job candidates having advance degrees. A master’s degree can almost guarantee you a much better salary to start out with than just a plain bachelor’s degree. For some reason they believe that in that extra year or two or three you actually spent those your time in the library with your head in books instead of playing a few more hundred games of beer pong.
Hopefully after you have ruined your liquor some more (which we fully support!!!) and by the time you have crossed that stage for the second time this recession will be over or slow downed enough to the point that companies are once again hiring. This will make it a lot easier for you to get that dream job you have always wanted.
The I Need Cash Way
If you have nothing for going back to school and just want to deposit paychecks into your account, taking whatever you can get is the right move for you. I don’t mean you have to settle for working the cashier at the supermarket or flipping burgers. With your degree and a little bit of background work experience finding a so-so job should not be that difficult. You are not going to make the paper that you should be making but you will be able to take care of all your bills and still enjoy a decent social life.
The C.L.A.S.S. Way
Become your own boss and start you own business. There will probably not be a better time to try your hand and do what you want. If you have a passion for doing something make it happen. With some hard work, dedication, and a prayer you don’t know what can happen. There is not a company in the world that did not start out as an idea in somebody’s head. It does not matter what you just thought of it was an idea before it became reality. It doesn’t matter if it was Bill Gates, Queen Oprah, or the Donald they all put their dreams and destiny in their own hands and made a way. If they could take their pennies and turn them into BILLIONS, why cant you?
Life is too short to always play it safe. In times like these when a great job is hard to find, I see no reason not to say "F’IT" and make your own perfect world and follow those dreams...
It’s the American Way!!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Too much technology not enough power. As I sit in the Charlotte airport I look around and everyone is connected to some form of technology. Some more than others, some of the older crowd have a good old book or newspaper, when the majority of the people from my generation are texting (as my mom would say who you gotta talk to this early in the morning?) or on their laptops (hmm I wonder if they are blogging as well). Nonetheless, we are all slaves to that drug called technology.
How do you feel when your battery on your cell is about to die? Do you feel the walls closing in, shortage of breath, can you see the light? I mean really the thought of you without your phone is not one that most of the world likes to deal with. It connects us to work, friends, family, our accounts I mean the list is endless. Now I ask you to take a walk with me; take away your computer, your cell and your ipod tell me what you day is like. Start at the am and take me to the pm what will you do? Do you know how to do basic math anymore? Prove it what is 4+23 x 10 / 3. Do yourself a favor and do not cheat really work it out on paper. How would you stay in touch with your best buds if you couldn’t text? Do you know how to check the spelling of a word without T9 or ABC√? Do not get me wrong I am a techno freak too, but we have to hold on to our basic skills because the day will come when your faithful and true piece of technology will fail you and you will be left high and dry waiting on geek squad or waiting on your battery to be shipped to you from the corporate headquarters. Now back to the reason I began this blog. THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH power outlets in this darn airport. I walked up and down the area of 4 gates and saw one outlet, so that day that I spoke about just came crashing down on me. I sit here trying to rush my thoughts before my laptop starts to beep. My message to all public facilities is this: As we techno American freaks work on our addiction to technology you work on your power outlets to help up get things done. Yes we need to keep my basic skills together but when work needs to be it needs to be done and the worst feeling ever is your phone about to die. NOTE: Circuit City’s (A sign on the times, LORD help us out of this recession) are closing nationwide so stop by and get you some more technology for the low low! Next time you have a free minute write (using paper and a pen) your buddy a letter and drop it in the mail, it will be a friendly surprise.
Fashion is a major part of our life here at CLASS. We believe in getting fly and dressing your best at all times. As young adults there are certain things that you must have in your closet. We understand that everybody has their own style and all, but there are certainly do’s and don’ts when it comes to getting fly. Just because what you have on is wild and crazy does mot make you a trendsetter. I’m sorry; everybody can not be Kanye and Pharell.
DONT’S
First we are going to tell you what you do not want to be caught in when you are out and about. If you are reading this I’m going to believe that you have the basic understanding of how to dress. You should already know that Southpole and anything similar have not been acceptable for years (If they ever were???).
1. The OD Leather Jacket.
It is completely over for dudes walking around in leather with wild designs all over them. If your leather is not butter soft or a bomber please leave it in the back of your closet and do not bring it out for anything other than shoveling out snow (or donate it to a coats for kids, here at CLASS we care about our community). And please keep the colors basic. Do not buy the lime green leather before the standard black or brown one.
2. “Swamps” and Multi color Timberlands
These look terrible. They single handily bought down Timberland’s popularity in my eyes. Well I can’t give them all that credit. The 35 different colors Timbs started coming in didn’t help them either. Now, the only Timbs that can be bought are the standard Wheat Timbs, The all Black Timbs and maybe the beef and broccolis depending on your outfit (but I doubt it).
3. Fake Designer Gear
I know how we all loving being exclusive in the freshest gear but the knock off Louie is neither fresh nor exclusive. First off it is always easy to tell to what is fake and what is not. And secondly you’re taking away from people who actually do have the real thing. Remember there is no need to fake it until you make it, just look good in something else.
4. End of Era
The following labels are no longer fly and haven’t been fly for a while: Coogi, LRG, Black Label, Ecko, Enyce, Miskeen, or any rappers clothing line. The year is 2009 and all of these labels are stuck in 2003. We are all maturing and getting older and it is time for us to start dressing like that. Which leads me to #5…
5. Even after stating #4…it is time to throw away your clothes from Express. Express has not been fly for at least 2 years which is more than enough time to rotate some new items into the wardrobe. Notice I did use the word rotate, give those to your cousins who are just entering high school. They would love an Express shirt and a pair of jeans a little smaller than their baggies. We are in a recession and it is all about helping the next man.
Also on the dress up point let’s get away from the sweater with the zipper at the top over the dress shirt as well as the, I’m fresh in my cheap argyle sweater look. If you’re going to do this you would look much better in a cardigan over a dress shirt. It’s a simpler outfit and trust me, it looks 100 times better. Side note guys, the girls love a dude in a cardigan you have the sharp young sexy man look and she can throw on her cardigan dress for a night out on the town (this is what my sister told me anyway).
DO’S
The fit of your clothes is super important for guys now a day. Big baggy clothing is completely outdated and makes you look like you are stuck in yester years and clothes that are to tight pretty much have you looking like the opposite sex. Finding that perfect fit for your clothes is a difficult thing, but is a must. Don’t complain just make it happen!!!
These 5 categories are the basics you need when it comes to putting together your closet.
1. Casual Shirts
There are two different styles of shirt that are important to for every guy to have in his closet. You must have a nice collection of casual T shirts and casual button up shirts that allow you to be comfortable in any environment. You need the type of T shirts that you can wear to class in the day and on a date at night with a blazer or cardigan over top. A casual white dress shirt is a must have in any closet (please make sure it is freshly pressed, bleached and crisp collar). You can wear these any place at any time and look perfectly fine. They also give you a more mature sophisticated look than a polo styled shirt or any other type of collared shirt would.
2. Go Premium
The difference between premium jeans and regular jeans is amazing. Between the cut, the wash, and the quality of the actual denim you can tell major differences in what you are wearing. If you don’t have any already, I can understand not wanting to go out and pay $250 for a pair of jeans. Luckily we are all in luck. High end retailers are having sales so crazy that they are pretty much giving these jeans away for nothing and discounted stores are always important to visit TJ Maxx, Ross etc. As stated in “Watch it before you BUY it”, you can visit an item for a few weeks and wait for that price drop, it is worth it when you leave the mall with 3 pairs of jeans for $250 instead of a $1000. Just do a little research and you can find quality premium jeans at a store near you for a very good price.
3. Kicks
Good clean pair of solid black or white kicks brings an outfit together with such ease. While Air Force Ones, Chuck Taylor’s, and Shell Toes get all the hype, I would much prefer to have my feet in a pair of Stan Smiths. The classic Adidas sneaker plain almost bare look is casual enough to be worn as your kicking around with your boys and elegant enough to be worn with a suit if you are trying to be hip. This is the chance for you to bring your fresh style into the outfit using color and pop. SB’s, PF Flyers and some Creative Recreations can add unexpected appeal to a chill outfit.
4. Dress Wear
There is no excuse for any man over the age of 21 not to own at least two suits. You need a more formal dark color suit as well as a lighter color for the hot months and casual events. Purchasing a thousand dollar suit is not needed the first time around. You can purchase a suit from a variety of different stores off the rack and have it look just as well. The main thing about getting a suit to look good on you is the fit of the suit not the designer. Getting your suit tailored to fit your body is extremely important. A good tailor will take you from looking like a square off the street to the man of the hour. A few nice dress shirts, a quality pair of shoes, a solid belt or two, and a few pair of dress socks are all needed to pull this look together.
5.Accessorize
I know when most guys’ think of accessories they think about females, but adding minor accessories to an outfit works just as well for guys. Now please do not do too much, just add a few minor things that will take your outfit over the top. A few nice scarves, hats, and different watches is all you need to make your closet complete.
