Happy New Year!

Fifth Ward Email

Merry Christmas

Barbie and Ken 101

Employed Poor

It's not Wednesday but this certainly goes with my earlier rant.

Ain't I A Woman

I ran into a friend from school yesterday. She's now working at the office I used to work. While discussing the supervisor, she mentioned how much she now makes. It really didn't hit me until I got home that she was making almost twice the amount I did for half the work.

Granted I started working under unusual circumstances. I started working as an office clerk part-time for the original business owner. She didn't really have enough money to pay me properly, but I took the job to help her out. When she sold the business, I was the only one the new owner kept. One would think I would have gotten a raise once I was hired full-time. I didn't. I worked for the new owner for 2 months before I got a raise...to a whopping $7/hr.

Now, I would have tried to tough it out until the next raise and/or promotion if it hadn't been for the supervisor the owner hired. This woman was so foul-mouthed and crude it was ridiculous. That's not including her being lazy, constantly late, and the list goes on. I would open the office at 8, she'd show up at 9:15 and leave by 9:30. She may or may not come back in time for my lunch hour. Matter of fact, she pushed my lunch back from 12 to 1. During the hours she actually was there, she mainly hung on the phone, talking loudly during incredibly personal calls. I knew all her business, and I never asked for it.

Somehow during the 2 1/2 months I worked for the new owner, my position evolved fom office clerk to whipping girl. I was the one responsible for cleaning the office. I was the one responsible for cleaning the office bathroom (and I never used it). I was responsible for cleaning the back counters and microwave (again never used it). One day, the owner spilled some soup she'd microwaved on the counter. Instead of wiping the soup up with the paper towels she was standing next to; she called me from up front, where I was taking payments, to come to the back to clean-up her mess. I took her and the supervisor yelling at me for a glitch in the computer system that they should have been aware of more so than me. I put up with the two of them yelling at me because people went elsewhere because it took too long for the supervisor to respond with a quote when they called. The last straw for me was when the supervisor looked at me one Monday morning and asked "So have any wild hot sex over the weekend?"

The one time I tried to have a reasonable conversation with the owner (I never got a chance to make my complaints), she basically told me that if I wasn't happy I could leave. I told her she wasn't paying me enough to put up with the supervisor (I'd just gotten my whopping raise the week before). So I quit (I was kinda pissed since I was planning on quitting on MLK day, she pushed me out a couple of days early).

I know part of the problem was my looks. Just because I may be built like a "mammy" doesn't mean I am one. If I had been skinny and cute things would've been a lot better for me. If I'd been skinny and white...well, one can dream.

It just pisses me off to think of how they tried to work my (generous) butt off. Sometimes I thought the supervisor had something against me because I had a college degree. Who knows with that fool. But it really burns when I think of what I went through a few years ago, and this friend makes twice as much for less headache (I'm not even sure if she ever graduated from high school). That's a bitter pill to swallow. I wish the friend well, she is about to get another promotion. Congrats to her, she deserves it working with that fool.

Black Santa

Now That's Funky

I Apologize

Why Black People Don't Go Ghost Hunting

Niggers Niggas & Niggaz

I Met This Scorpio...

Wishing a happy tolerable Monday to my fellow Scorpios.

Funky Worm

What They Do

Candy, Ghosts, and Sex Offenders

Good morning, and yes it is a good morning indeed. I've just come in from buying up my 1/2 priced Halloween candy (a good deal always makes the candy taste better). I'm in that halfway point of being hyper (excited thinking about all that candy) and sleepy.

I stayed up all night watching the Ghost Hunters Live Halloween Special. I wasn't planning on watching, but when I saw they had Elijah Burke as a guest, I knew I was going to have to watch. I'm happy to say brothaman did not let me down. He looked freaked out the entire time. Guess he realized you can't back suplex a ghost. There is a reason black folks generally don't run around after things that go bump in the night.

Laurens County made the news once again. This time, a registered sex offender delivered pizza to an Elementary School party, where an eagle-eyed parent recognized him from the sex offender website. The parent called the police to complain, but was informed that no laws were broken. Schools in the delivery area will be notified that the offender does work for the pizza company and may make deliveries to the schools.

Happy Halloween

Shake Your Pants

Spoken Word Wednesday - Coded Language

Funk Friday

Everybody Get Funky!

Dreams Are Not Illegal

Want To Improve Your Image? Try Arson!

Which is would you rather be, a registered (but free) sex offender or an arsonist behind bars? If you asked former volunteer firefighter, Samuel Thomas Moss, he would tell you arson is better. Monday he was charged with setting three fires within a three week time frame. His motive was to improve his image with fellow firefighters. Moss felt he was given a hard time because he was a registered sex offender. He started fires hoping to impress his peers with his hard work. He now faces up to 25 years in prison.

Let's Talk About Sex

It's been an exciting eighteen months in Laurens County. We are in the midst of yet another teacher-sex scandal. It seems that time we get one case out the way, another one crops up. The recent surge in teacher misconduct really makes me wonder "What's really going on"?

Students used to speculate about several teachers when I attended high school. Shoot, there was one teacher that used to speak openly about her desire for a student (which is creepy as heck let me tell you). Guys used to whisper about how they wanted a certain teacher for class because they knew they could "earn" a decent grade in that class. Was it true? I don't know. I can't even recall the teachers' names if you asked me about it. The point is, rumors have been swirling about for years. That kind of behavior was just as inappropriate 10, 20 years ago as it is now. School administration either swept everything under the rug or remained blissfully ignorant.

I can't help but wonder just how many incidents are there?

Six Million

What's That Saying About Lightning?

Another Laurens County teacher has been arrested for sex crimes.

Karen Robbins, a former teacher at Bell Street Middle School, is facing multiple charges, including criminal sexual conduct with a minor and committing a lewd act upon a child.

This is the second teacher accused of sexual misconduct. Allenna Williams Ward recently pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct with five students attending Bell Street Middle School.

There's got to be something in the water .

Hold On (Change Is Coming)

It Smells Nasty In Here

FRIDAY FUNK!

Throwback Thursday - Back in the Day

"Cotton"

Sunday Soul Food

Today's selection is is a Clark Sister Medley featuring "Jesus Forevermore" and "Hallelujah"

R.I.P. Luciano Pavarotti

Happy Labor Day

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Those Darn Republicans

Friday, Thomas Ravenel agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. Part of his 10 page agreement stipulates that he will be attributed to less than 100 grams of cocaine. This deal allows him to avoid 20 years in prison (with you know real criminals) and a million dollar fine.

Sen. Larry "I'm not Gay" Craig formally resigned after being arrested during a Minneapolis airport men's room sex sting . This announcement comes after fellow party members called for him to step down earlier this week. Craig maintains he has done nothing wrong and that his only mistake was pleading guilty Aug. 1 to a misdemeanor charge.

Craig opposed gay marriage and gay rights. There's been rumors about his sexuality since the 1980s. I'm going to have to agree with comedian Katt Williams on this "Don't nobody say the same s*#t about you for 20 years."

Throwback Thursday - Doggy Dog World

Talib Kweli - Hot Thing

The Devil Is A Liar...And So Are You

The Devil made him do it. That's the excuse "Bishop" Thomas Weeks III gave his Global Destiny congregation about his vicious attack on his wife, renown "Prophetess"Juanita Bynum. Weeks assaulted Bynum Thursday in the Renaissance parking lot. The good "Bishop" fled the scene when authorities were called finally turning himself in Friday morning.

While Juanita is recuperating under the care of her family, Weeks is busy passing the collection plate around for donations to his Raven Fund to pay his legal fees. The sad thing is many of his brainwashed flock are digging deep to help him during his time of need.

Since the Devil made you lose your frickin mind, he should chip in on the fees. Go ahead, tell him you want your money before you whup his azz like you did Juanita.

Like Toy Soldiers

The GOP has certainly been falling down. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales kicked the morning off by announcing his resignation. One can only hope he will "recall" his resignation and successful vacate his office by the 17 of September. This announcement comes just weeks after the resignation of Karl 'The Architect' Rove.

Idaho Senator, Larry Craig, confirmed that he pled guilty to disorderly conduct at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. He was originally arrested for lewd conduct in the Airport's Men's room. (Sounds suspect to me.)

Get "Crunk" About Reading

Your Body Needs Water--So Drink That Ish

It Was A Dark And Stormy Night...Thank God!

A weird sound woke me up sometime after 5 this morning. While trying to figure out what the noise was, I noticed a flashing light reflecting in my room. As I was walking over to Mother's side of the house, I could hear a the motor of a large truck. When we looked outside, there were 2 fire trucks and a host of other vehicles lining the street. The house next to us was on fire! There hadn't been any sirens going and if I hadn't heard the truck's horn, we would have slept through most of it.

This is particularly disturbing considering how close the house was to us. The flames got bad enough where we grabbed Monk (the chihuahua) and left the house. We were prepared to run back in for the cat at any moment.

If it hadn't have stormed all Thursday night, the fire would have spread to us. There is no doubt of that. Thank heavens for cliched nights.

10 Years

of prison for Wendie Ann Schweikert after pleading guilty to to sexually assaulting her fifth-grade student. Her sentence should have been 20 years but since it was her"first charge" the sentence was reduced to 10 with 5 years probation.

Why couldn't she just serve the 20? I don't think I want to hang around for her to acquire more charges. If they wanted to reduce years, why not give her 18, to remind her of the acceptable legal age for such activity.

Check out the video of her tearful 3 page letter of apology.

R.I.P. Tony Thompson

Hot Dang! Mo'Nique Repping The Big Girls Again!

Mo'Nique is hosting the 2007 BET Awards. I guess I'll watch the awards this year after all.

I'm serving it Southern Fried

I actually posted at Southern Fried.

Playlist Update

R-E-C-Y-C-L-E Recycle! C-O-N-S-E-R-V-E Conserve!

Just in time for Earth Day

* Yeah the quality is pretty crummy but it's the only copy I could find

Soul Food Sunday

I'm serving up "Everlasting Love" by CeCe Winans

Acknowledging What's Left of National Poetry Month

I don't know how in the world I forgot that April is National Poetry Month. Take the time to celebrate what remains of Poetry Month. Write a poem, go to a poetry slam, or just check out some of these links:

• Poets.org - The Academy of American Poets is offering a poem a day for the month of April. Sign up for your emailed poem or check the archives.
  


• Gwyneth Bolton (3) - Has posted some of her wonderful poetry
  


• NPR - National Public Radio offers an "April of Verse"
  


• Slate
  


• Ego Tripping - Nikki Giovanni reading "Ego Tripping"

Jukebox Update

Sunday Soul Food

Today's serving is "This Is Me" by Kierra "KiKi" Sheard

Screwing and Chopping

Since the playlist is so tiny in the jukebox, I'm posting the playlist here.

They Will Screw and Chop Anything

Happy Easter

Days Like This I Wish That Raindrops Would Fall

or a nice thunderstorm. I'm in a pollen induced hell. There's no nice way to put it. My car is a lovely shade of yellow and every time I set foot outside my face swells and I end up with a nasty sinus headache or worse migraine.

I really hate spring.

Do You Wanna Have Sex? Check Yes, No, Maybe

That's what went through my mind when I heard about the latest Laurens County teacher arrest. 23 year-old Allenna Williams Ward was arrested Wednesday for charges of engaging in sex with at least 5 of her 7th grade students ages 14 and 15. Clinton authorities say these incidents go back as far as December until 2 weeks ago.

Her reign of pleasure (sorry, couldn't help myself) was brought to an end when she passed a letter to one of her students. The student and several others took it to the school principle where she immediately began an investigation.

This arrest comes a year after the infamous arrest of Wendie Ann Schweikert in Laurens. I must say the Clinton school district handled this case much better than Laurens.

You've Got To Be Seen In Green

I'm over at Southern Fried.

Happy Valentine's Day

Love Is
By Brian McKnight

Love For A While

Love For A While (Ft Shanice)
By Jeremiah

Stepping Up The Game

It is a known fact(to us at least) that there is a racial disparity in the publishing industry. Many Black writers have complained about book segregation in book stores, lack of review site support, etc. I won't bother to go into detail, because WE already know the deal.

Knowing how rare it is for more "mainstream" review sites/blogs to take the time to review Black writers, nothing hurts my heart more than to see a poor review. See, every time they give us (I say us because when it comes to Blacks, we always serve as a representation of the entire race) it justifies their reluctance to review our work.

How many times have we heard a non-black reader claim that they don't read OUR books because they find them inferior? How many times have we heard Black readers make the same claim? It makes no sense to generalize all our work by one or two, since we all can think of several non-black writers that produce nothing but crap (I won't call names but everybody know). Unfortunately we have to prove our books' worth.

WE NEED TO STEP OUR GAME UP!

We need to stop sending out this poorly edited crap and calling in gold. I know, I know, WE don't get good editors. Well Honey, God helps those that help themselves. Invest in a dictionary and thesaurus, then USE THEM. If your writing still needs help, get an editor. You don't have to invest in those con artist editors, go to a local college and find some English majors. It's amazing the work you can get for $50 bucks. Stop depending on the Company editors, I'm sure they will appreciate the effort put behind your work.

Then we come back to the issue of lack of reviews. First of all, STOP GRIPING about "mainstream" review sites not reviewing you work if you haven't submitted any books. Stop jumping the gun. Don't give me that "I only get a limited number of copies". Pardon me, I know I don't have a publishing credit under my belt and all, but I believe that holds true for ALL authors, Black; White; Plaid with purple polka dots. This is a business which means you are going to have to invest in your BUSINESS. Ever hear the saying "It takes money to make money"? They don't say it just cause it sounds catchy. Buy some extra copies of your book and send them out (it's a tax write-off anyway). You don't have to keep sending to that particular review site if they keep refusing your work. Point is, stop accusing people of "hidden racism" if you haven't given them a fair chance. Now if they act a fool with you, that's a different story.

I'm not saying there isn't racism in the publishing industry. Heck, racism can be found any and everywhere if you look hard enough for it. We need to stop playing victim and take charge of our destiny. Work harder, smarter, produce the best darn book we can. Prove to the "mainstream readers" that Our books are just as good if not better than mainstream. Break down those barriers one at a time. But we can't until We make conscious decision to STEP OUR GAME UP.

Alma Mater (Not So) Dear

Last Saturday was homecoming weekend for Barber-Scotia. I didn't go, since Scotia and I did not part on good terms. Oh, I received my degree and all, we just didn't have a healthy relationship. If I were to describe my matriculation, I would compare it to living with a crack-whore mother.

Some people may call that a little harsh, but that's the nicest thing I could think of. The school was falling apart around us, literally falling apart. One of the girl's dorms, Graves Hall, was actually condemned my senior year. The student union (excuse me the college union as unofficially named by the then president) leaked and the ceiling was falling in on the upper level.
I can't even begin to describe what actual classes were like. So it was no surprise when the school lost its SACS Accreditation.

Fortunately they lost accreditation the year AFTER I graduated. Unfortunately they recalled 30 degrees from my graduating class (don't worry, I still have my worthless degree). The past 2 1/2 years have been a comedy of errors as the Alumni Association tries to keep the school going.

This year they celebrated homecoming at a school with only 8 students. I don't know if I should admire their spirit or call them crazy.

The Mathematics of Love

Oh this just made my week. One of my favorite songs from the children's math show, Square One. Now if only I could find the "Tapping Out the Rhythm" and the "Infinity" song.

Gimme a J-A-I-L

I know there has to be something in the water. Last week a Ware Shoals High School cheerleading coach was arrested for giving some of her cheerleaders alcohol and putting them in sexually inappropriate situations.

Yesterday, police arrested the principal for obstruction of justice in the investigation.

Sunday Soul Food

Today's selection is "Heard A Word" by Michelle Williams.

Heard A Word
By Michelle Williams

What Cha Really Know 'Bout Da Dirty South?

The lovely building in the background is a Klan museum and memorabilia store. It is located right on the town square, which is why you see the Martin Luther King Parade passing it. Makes you wonder how far we've really come.

*Laurens Advertiser 3/17/07

Sunday Soul Food

I was trying to think of what would be a fitting song for this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Only one song seemed to work with my spirit. Today's offering is "Stand" by Donnie McClurkin.

Stand
By Donnie McClurkin

You Will Know

Daaaaayum, Another One

Another teacher in Laurens County was arrested. This one was a Thornwell teacher charged with sexual misconduct.

One Of These Freaks Is Not Like the Other

Still Don't Get Myspace

I have never understood the appeal of Myspace. Even way back when it was a hang out for teens and pedophiles I couldn't see the point of it. Now everyone and their momma has a Myspace page. Everywhere I turn someone is preaching the values of having a Myspace page. Guess what, I still don't get it.

Last month my stupid behind cousin called me and had the nerve to suggest I set up at Myspace. This is the way the conversation went:

SAC : Man Ginny, You need to get on Myspace.

Me: Why?

SAC: Networking man, networking. I got this writer, spoken
word poet guy that friended (still trying to figure out if this is an
actual term) me.

Me: Uhh huh. So how exactly does this count as networking. I mean do
you exchange email, chat online or anything? Has he hooked you up with
some of his contacts or vice versa?

SAC: Uhh, no. Well actually, I haven't seen or spoke with him
since he friended me.

Me: Oh yes that's networking at its best.

SAC: Seriously Ginny, I'm just saying you should try it.

Me: I'm sorry but until someone can explain how having Peaches69
(sorry if that's an actual name) as a friend with the standard
hootchie club photo with her girls counts as networking, I'm going to have
to pass.

I attended an online workshop where the presenter repeatedly stressed we should get a Myspace page but still never truly explained it. The closest I've gotten to a decent explanation was Candice. She uses it to email newsletters and alerts or something to that effect.

I guess I'm the last stick in the mud refusing to join Myspace.

Soul Food Sunday - Optimistic

Since this is the first Sunday Soul Food of the Year, I decided to make today's meal a little special with a video sized portion of Sounds of Blackness "Optimistic". Enjoy!

Happy New Year