Pat's Pet Peeves Daily Blog
Sometimes Contraversial - Somtimes Humorous - Always Thought Provoking. Join The Discussion!
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Author - Pat White, BBA
Pat owned and managed a local Entertainment/Events magazine - "The South Florida Party Scoop." She wrote a regular commentary column called "Pat's Pet Peeves." Peolple enjoyed it, so she decided that it would be a perfect platform for a Blogcast. Pat holds an Associates Degree in Advertising and Marketing; a Bachelors in Business and a Minor in Political Science, hence her interest in Politics. She also completed one year of Law School. This is a medium for peolple to voice their views on news, politics and different happenings in their community in a fun environment. In addition to sharing her views, she hopes to engage the community, so please feel free to Join the discussion! Contact - Patpetpeeves@comcast.netMedia Player
Pat's Pet Peeves
Baby (Pictures) for Sale
Tabloid Magazines
Is this the latest way for so-called "stars" in Hollywood to make some extra cash on the side? Lately, there have been so many famous people posing on the cover of magazines with their new born babies. Some seek out the highest bidder, some refuse to sell their baby's pictures to a tabloid magazine, and others have decided to take the money and give to a charity organization.
There has been a surge of pregnancies in Hollywood lately and it makes one wonder if part of the goal is to sell their baby pictures to a magazine. Do they sit around during their nine months wondering who they would sell their first baby pictures to. Are they taking calls and negotiating with agents and bidders? Why are people so anxious to see the baby pictures anyway. At that stage, they kind off all look alike - don't they? I hope that does not sound insensitive, but as we know, they are still forming their little baby features as infants.
I guess it makes sense (if some magazine wants to pay big money for your baby's picture) to give it to a meaningful charity that is going to do some good - perhaps for other babies and children. I respect those who refuse to sell their pictures to the tabloid magazines, but if they are bidding, I also respect those who give the money to a meaningful charity. Selling your baby pictures to the tabloids seem to be sending mixed messages, because on the one hand you complain about the paparazzi stalking you and taking pictures and on the other hand you are encouraging them by selling your baby pictures for big bucks.
If you don't want them to take your picture and put a possibly less than flattering profile on pages for all to see, then maybe you should take a stand and not sell your baby's pictures either. Maybe its true what they say - that "they" have a love-hate relationship with the paparazzi, because their actions certainly send mixed signals.
Some Like it Hot!!!
After eating food from a Jamaican restaurant a couple days in a row, I wondered why they are so heavy on the pepper. We know that hot peppers are a big part of the Caribbean and Hispanic cuisines, because we do not like our food bland, but I wonder if we douse the food with pepper because we are limited in our knowledge of spices. Take for instance, the spice Rosemary; I did not really discover that spice (and many others) until sometime ago, when some friends of mine (a couple) gave me a spice rack as a Holiday present. It was a very pleasant discovery for me. I think it works great with poultry. One of the ways I use it is to put it under the skin of the breast as well as seasoning the entire chicken with it, before putting the roaster in the oven. The end result after an hour is wonderful aroma and a fresh, sultry taste.
I'm not saying the food isn't good from these restaurant. They are, but why does my nose have to be running, my ears burning, and my eyes watering when I'm trying to enjoy the meal? Its crazy!! Advice to anyone with a stuffy nose - eat some spicy Jamaican food and your sinus will flow and clear up. It makes you wonder if - without the pepper, would the food still be tasty. Do we need to experiment with other spices to bring out the flavor of the food? Cloves is another spice we do not use a lot of unless we are cooking ham, but I discovered it is also great on your everyday pork chop, or stew pork. They are all from the same meat group. I believe Haitians use this spice a lot too.
Historically, we used peppers to cure the meat, because there were no refrigerators to keep the meet fresh. Peppers and other spices do the job of keeping the meat from spoiling. The practice continued during the ages and has been passed from generation to generation. Some people will not touch their food unless it has hot sauce or peppers in it. I think just enough should be used to bring out the other spices in the food. I guess its kind of like salt. Without it you can't really appreciate the other seasonings. Therefore just enough should be used to wakeup the other flavors of the food. So much should not be used to the point where you cannot enjoy the meal.
Are you one of those that like it piping hot??!!
Honk If You Feel Me
Is it the heat, or do people just like to blow their vehicle horns. Do they just like to hear the sound of it? The horn is a very important part of the vehicle, because it can alarm others that they are coming too close to your car, especially when you are in their blind spot. But, some people just seem to be horn happy. The light changes and they are ready to blow their horn. The car in front of them are not going fast enough for them and they are ready to blow their horn. Some use their horn to tell others a thing a two if they were cut off.
What if the person you are blowing at is not that stable. What if they just came back from a war zone and are easily irritated? An acquaintance of mine blew her horn at someone some time ago, and he ended up following her for miles until she finally had to call the police.
Remember a lot of people are under economic pressures and you don't know who you might be blowing at. Remember to drive defensively and exercise a little patience. Also, practice being the bigger person. For instance, if you arrive at a four-way stop at the same time as the other guy, stop and wait on them and allow them to go. He will feel small for trying to race ahead of you, then he will allow you to go. Yes, its Reverse Psychology. Think about it, if you are the bigger person, they have not choice, but to feel like an ant.
Yes, I know there are times when some drivers are plain rude and you feel like you have no choice, but to blow for a good 5 seconds, especially when you had a rough day; but try to remember about being the bigger guy. By the way, I think its also contagious. That person will probably do the same thing (allow the other person to go first) at the next stop sign.
Furthermore, if you blow that horn out of impatience, all you will do is tick the other person off and they will probably do just the opposite of what you wanted them to do, like slow down.
Results Not Typical
I am sure you have all seen them - Infomercials about weight loss products or an exercise equipment that promises fabulous abs. So they show these models or actors with great, chiseled abs working the equipment - usually not the average Joe. Then they show the before and after pictures (of the average Joe or Jane,) with marked differences, and at the bottom in letters that are sometimes barely legible they would have something to the effect of "Results not typical - this person was on a low-carb diet and a strict exercise routine.'" Here is my question - If results, from this product or equipment, are not typical - 'THEN WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME ABOUT IT????!!!!!!"
I don't know about you, but I always look for those three words - "Results not typical" somewhere on the screen. Either that, or I try to read the very fine print which they flash on the screen for 2 seconds. If I see those words or anything that resembles them, that is my queue to click to another channel.
Weight loss products and exercise equipment infomercials are not the only culprits here. These real estate programs or cash flow programs that promise fast money, also flash those three words on the screen. I ask again, if it's not typical to make the money that your actor says they made, then why tell me about it or better yet why should I hop on board?
The worst part about it is, something must be working for them because they keep selling and they keep running the infomercials. Do yourselves a favor and look for those three words and/or try to read the fine print as quickly as you can. If you do this, you will save your money, enough to buy a mansion, a boat and fancy race cars. Oh, by the way, "Results not typical."
Shame on Shaq
Shaquille O'neal
It seems Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal) is still holding grudges stemming from bad relationships with some of his former Lakers Basketball team mates. How long has it been? Four years since he separated himself from the Lakers team and moved to Miami? They say success is the best revenge. Did he not get his satisfaction and gratification when he, as part the Miami Heats, won the Championship 2 years ago? You would think that would have helped him get over his grudge with Colby and the Lakers. I have three words for him - "MOVE ON SHAQ!!!!!!!" Whatever went on between him and Colby is such old news.
I just hope Colby Bryant (even though he is much younger than Shaq) will be the bigger man and take the high road and not respond to Shaq's immature rantings. Many kids, and adults for that matter, look up to Shaq. He even became a Reserve Officer with the Miami Beach Police Dept. (It is reported that they have since asked for him to return his badge.) He has stooped really low, rapping with racial slurs and being verbally abusive to his former team mate - Colby Bryant. Has he forgotten about Biggy-Small and Tupac Shukur and their East-West wars. It reportedly began with verbal abuse aimed at each other in rap music and then escalated to a gang-like war. Both are now murder victims which allegedly stemmed from these gang wars.
Its public knowledge that Shaq has been dealing with some personal battles of his own. That coupled with a challenging professional year with the Heats seems to be taking a toll on the Big Guy. Still, many people would count him as lucky and fortunate based on his achievements. I think Shaq needs to take a chill pill, sit back, do some reflecting and get himself in order before the next season begins. This might include speaking to a therapist.
Shame on you Shaq!!!
All Girls/Boys Schools Vs. Co-eds.
The British might have gotten it right. Teenagers with raging hormones - Hmmmmmm - I think its best if we separate them so that they can actually learn something. All-Boys Schools and All-girls Schools I think stems from a brilliant idea. It just makes sense. There are already so many distractions in schools, what with the latest fashions, peer pressure - then you have to think about the opposite sex - all while trying to solve that algebra problem.
Going from a co-ed elementary school to a All-Girls high school was a huge difference for me. First of all you feel special because this club was not for everyone - only girls allowed. Secondly, less distractions - the environment was right for learning. Thirdly - good social atmosphere - not this big competition for the opposite sex' attention. And last but not least, like most all-girls and all-boys schools in Jamaica, it had a religious foundation. Religion was not forced on you, but there was assembly in the morning and that gave a sense of fellowship and belonging.
Wearing uniforms is another aspect of school that came from the British system. One, which many think, is also a good idea. It gives students from any one particular school a sense of camaraderie, belonging and, hopefully, pride.
The statistics for high school drop out rates are alarming these days. Why is this? Is the work load too overwhelming? Is it that the kids are not motivated? Are there too many distractions? Someone mentioned that we have to bring back apprenticeship and hands on vocational skills, like wood work, mechanics and even home economics.
I don't know what its going take to save our kids, from dropping out of school, but maybe we need to look into other alternatives like charter schools and maybe All Girls and All Boys schools to instill some discipline and pride.
Its Probably Cheaper to Eat out these days.
Vs. 
Grocery Shopping Dining out
With the rising prices of groceries, we need to take another look at eating out these days. With the way many of us were brought up, we just take it for granted that we have to go home and cook every night. We do this out of habit without a second thought. And with a pot full of food on the stove, we go back for seconds and thirds and this contributes to the weight gain for many of us.
After picking up take-out two days in a row, I felt guilty and told the restaurant owner that I had to cook the next day because I picked up take out 2 days in a row. He told me its probably cheaper and easier to eat out or take out because of rising grocery prices, especially when you think about the time and labor spent cooking. Of course, he is expected to say these things because he wants to make sales; but I mull over this dilemma all the time, and wonder if we are saving by buying groceries and cooking. Of course it depends on the size of your household. If its just 2 of you in the household I definitely believe that its cheaper to eat out. With three in the household I think it could go either way. Nowadays when you go to the grocery store it's so easy to fork out $50.00, even when you only went in for a few items. if you are really shopping, its easy to spend $60-$80.00. If its 4 or more in the household you have to really sit down and do the math to see if eating out is cheaper.
Now, I am not talking about dining out in a fancy restaurant, but reasonable take outs like a Chinese, or pollo tropical or a Jamaican restaurant. Think about the mental aspect as well; less stress from not having to labor in the kitchen. Also, you are not going back for seconds and thirds. While it is nice to treat yourself and yours to a fancy restaurant now and then, this is out of reach for many on a budget. However, there are reasonable sit downs and take outs that sometimes seem cheaper than grocery shopping and cooking. We should all take the time and do the math or find a happy medium like eating out 3 days and cooking 4 days or visa versa. Bon A' Petit!!
Bill Clinton's Lie Never Killed Anyone
"I Never had sexual Relations with that woman." That was the lie Bill Clinton told and was crucified for. Yes, lying to a Federal Agent is against the law, but no one was hurt by the lie. There is another lie, on the other hand, that has caused thousands of casualties. That is, Iraq was harboring weapons of mass destruction. No one as yet has taken accountability for this debacle.
It started with one friend deceiving another by encouraging blow by blow replays of an intern's sexual escapades with a powerful leader. We all know how it is when we are in an exciting (sometimes forbidden) relationship. Its too much to keep to oneself. So this young naive intern confided in someone she thought was a friend and a confidante. She perhaps subconsciously was looking for motherly advice at the same time. Instead, what she received was perhaps the biggest betrayal she ever experienced. The Republicans grabbed at their chance to smear the name of the President who it seemed could do no wrong, what with a track record of a booming economy, low crime rate, low unemployment rate and a budget surplus. So, with this, President Clinton was dragged through an embarrassing lengthy impeachment, from which, in the end, he was acquitted.
The deception (lie) which led to the war in Iraq, has resulted in thousands of casualties of not only soldiers, but innocent people. How can these deaths be justified, if the reason for the war is not justified? If the deaths cannot be justified, then shouldn't someone or some persons be held accountable? Just recently, another proposal arose in the house of senate calling for the impeachment of the Nation's Leaders, but everyone expect it to fade just as the other proposals for impeachment did.
Are we more concerned about personal choices our President makes, rather than foreign policy choices and other political choices; Choices that greatly effect our youngsters who have so bravely served and continue to serve their country? Shouldn't we be more concerned with political and economic decisions - decisions that affect the people?
Again, even though his private, personal choices may not have been the best or smartest, Bill Clinton's lie never killed anyone.
It's Easier to be a Sexist than a Racist
Now that the Primaries' dust has settled, I believe many should look in the mirror and ask themselves the hard question - Am I a Sexist? Many - mostly men - have expressed such bias toward Senator Clinton with absolutely no factual basis behind it. She has been described as someone who feels she is entitled. Just because she spoke with conviction and determination she was described as someone who thinks she is entitled. Men have spoken just as passionately but they were not described as being entitled. Senator Clinton has been crucified by haters just because she had the audacity to say that she deserved the Presidency of the United States. How dear she? There were organizations and individuals who campaigned against her, for no other reason but for her audacity.
There are leaders in our community that refuse to even give her the profound acknowledgment of her achievement of being the first woman to come so close to being the Democratic Party nominee. These so called leaders need to take a hard look at themselves and ask themselves the hard questions as well. They make no bones about elevating Mr. Obama as a leader and role model for youngsters as to what they can achieve. They refuse to acknowledge Mrs. Clinton as a role model for young women in the same way. These men have daughters of their own and they could in the same breathe acknowledge Mrs. Clinton as a role model who made history just as Mr. Obama did.
Their hatred and bias have gotten the best of them. And, now that the voting is over, they are speaking out of the sides of their mouths in a patronizing way about the achievement of women. Women have come a long way since earning the right to vote, but some men still think there is a place for women and they should stay in their place. Think about the women in the Middle East who have to cover themselves from head to toe in black and dear not be seen in public. They are property of men and are controlled by men, and have no real individuality. Even though most men in the West are not this bad, some still cannot accept the possibility of a female President.
People tip toed around Obama and made sure not to say the wrong thing, for not wanting to be called a racist. However, there was no holding back when it came to attacking Senator Clinton. People knew they could not and would not get away with a lot of the stuff that was aimed at Clinton, if they were aimed at Obama. Hence, it is much easier to be a sexist than a racist right now and get away with it.
The Work Week
If you are like most people, you can't wait for Fridays, when you know you will get a break from the sometimes grueling work week. No, we are not complaining too much, because we are happy to be working and making an income, however most of us would like to be doing this on our own terms and scheduling our own hours. Aren't Mondays the hardest? That's when you plummet from the high that you had over the weekend. Usually on a Monday its best not to approach me before 12:00 or 1:00pm. That's if you don't want to get your head bitten off. Believe me I'm working on and I'm getting better. By Tuesday and Wednesday, most of us are slowly getting back into the work week groove and we can actually manage a smile and a conversation. By Thursday night, usually I am back into the work week groove, preparing for Friday, and anxious and upbeat and ready to get through the day on Friday.
Then, if its not hard enough to get through the day, how about when the supervisor brings work over at 4:30 and says they need it by the end of the day. Even though in this instance I was not obligated to stay and finish the project, I stayed out of courtesy. However, on this particular day I was watching the clock and was really anxious to leave at the scheduled time - 5:30,because I was very tired and beat and pooped. Because I was already in this stressed out mode, and had to stay an hour on top of this, my nerves were extremely tender at the end of the day and I was irritated and snapping at everything and everybody.
And if you think I had it bad, I have friends that have to work 12 hour shifts that are quiet depressed and fed up about the work week. I believe the best way to deal with this is to have some type of positive outlook or it will certainly suck you dry. I don't like to use the word "attitude" too much because it is used too loosely, but in this regard, I believe we have to have a positive attitude about the work week. Whether its money as your motivator or something else, like a goal to buy a house or just saving up enough money to start a business. You just have to keep your eyes on the prize and use as many tools as possible to make it easier. For instance, bring a little radio if you can and listen to your favorite music or programs to help the time pass quicker.
It is also good to be with a Company that believes in, and offers, flex time. This is when they give you a window of options as to when you want to start working and just do your 8 hours from there. Flex time is a very good thing. Number one, we are not going to feel the same way each morning. One day we might be up early, another day we might have to run an errand in the morning and another morning we might just feel sluggish. Its a good thing because we are not robots. Number two, flex time helps with traffic congestion. If we are not all rushing to work at the same time and rushing back at the same hour, then traffic would flow much smoother.
Go ahead and vent about your work week. Is it your co-worker, your boss, your workload, traffic congestion or just getting out of bed?
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season begins June 1st and the anxiety begins for many in the tropics, including people living in South Florida. For others, it is another day and they do not give the Hurricane frenzy too much attention or too much mental energy. The media have already began reporting about Hurricane preparedness and some meteorologists have already started pointing out and fostering some blobs on the radar.
While it is important to be cautiously aware of and prepared for a storm, some in the media take it to the next level, because it is a news maker (or filler) even when there are no storms as yet. Between the predictors and the forecasters, they have managed to put some people on main alert as to what could lie ahead in the season. While I am very grateful for the technology that can forecast coming storms, some reporters are just overly anxious at any spot on the radar and are only too happy to get viewers excited and in panic mode.
While some believe the high amount of storms which occurred about 3 years ago was due to Global warming, others believe they were due to the cyclical cleansing and re-birthing of nature. These people base their theory on major storms that have occurred over the years some 10-20 years apart. I tend to want to agree with this theory. "Andrew" happened in 1992 and the other major storms "Wilma" in Broward and Katrina in Louisiana and surrounding areas, occurred in 2005. Of course there were other storms in between, but not as severe. What are your thoughts. Do you agree with the Global Warming theory or the Cyclical - Nature's Way of Cleansing - theory?
Enough with the Sex and Shoes
Jimmy Who? Jimmy Ouch!!
Its a shame that women should pay between $750.00 and $1500.00 to ruin their feet. Have you seen the position of one's feet inside of the famous Manolo Blanhks and the Silly Shoe (Jimmy Choo), made famous by that nauseating show, "Sex and the City" - I grimace at even writing the words. Its ridiculous! Its enough to send you rushing to the podiatrist's office.
As if we didn't have enough reruns over the past couple of years, here comes the movie. I don't know about you, but I have had enough. I'm sick of hearing those women act as if sex was invented yesterday. All that pink is sickening as well. Between that show and the Sopranos, its disappointing to see where our priorities are. If a show does not have sex or violence, it does not seem to get the audience's attention. I am very surprised at how we have glorified the mob and their devious behavior, by keeping this show at the top of TV ratings. As for the other (Sex & Shoes) show, what is so fascinating about a woman changing sexual partners at a drop of a hat? While, on the other hand we are preaching abstinence to our youngsters and marveling at the STD rate among teenagers.
"Sex and the City" - you tell me, what is so original and fascinating about this topic. It would have been better if it were called "The City" and the episodes tell of all of the different things that happen in the city - from Wall Street Brokers to drug dealers; From inner city schools to "The Julliard" School; From the Subway to Lincoln cars; From Tavern on The Green to hot dog stands; and everything in between. "The City" would also have characters of different races, as the City (NYC) truly depicts. Four white female characters with the same old man-issues, episode after episode - just a huge yawn to me. Besides, the average woman, with the average income cannot afford those silly shoes anyway!
Socialists Who Live in (and Enjoy the Amenities of) Capitalistic America
On a recent talk show, this famous - infamous caller spoke ardently with disgust about a certain privileged Jamaican Politician. He is always talking about the poor and underprivileged and I gather from his calls that he is a Socialist. I am all about the poor and underprivileged myself, but the difference between us is I don't have to hate the rich in order to sympathize with the poor. This caller spoke with such disgust at the particular politician and the only thing the politician was guilty of (according to the caller) was being privileged. It made me realize that this and other Socialists views are based on hatred, envy and jealousy. They hate the rich merely for being rich.
This particular caller is a fan of men like Chavez and Castro. People in Venezuela are now in fear of the government coming in and taking away their hard earned wealth. You see, the government's philosophy is that the wealthy should not be so wealthy while there are people living in poverty. My view, where this is concerned, is there are ways to help the poor without stripping the rich of their wealth. One of Governments' duties is to help those who can't manage on their own. You see, the premise of government was built on a "help thy neighbor" concept. We all put money (tax) into a pot and those in need gets help when they need it. This is the same philosophy Credit Unions are built on. We all are not going to need the help (loans) at the same time; but when we do the money is there from members contribution.
The other thing that I am angry with this caller about is that he constantly spews his Socialist views and yet enjoys all of the amenities of a Capitalistic America? Why hate a man for his hard earned wealth? Remember the Bible verse, "by the sweat of a man's brow shall he eat?." Don't hate the rich just for being rich. It is up to the rich and his conscience to help the poor, but he should not be forced to. Many wealthy people join charitable organizations, because they would rather make decisions on where they give their money rather then have the Government make that decision for them. I'm sure they are also giving out of the goodness of their hearts.
Rather than hating the rich, focus on carving your own path to the pot of gold. There is enough to go around. That way you will really be able to help the poor. In anticipation of making my own millions, I have no bad feelings for the rich.
Is Patois a Language?
Loise Bennett - Coverly
Known for popularizing Ja.'s culture.
In my last blog I used some Patois and a lot of people got a kick out of it. It led me to wonder if Patois is an actual language. The dictionary defines a language as "a body of words and the systems of their use common to a people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area or the same cultural tradition." A second meaning is "communication by sound, in a distinctive human manner, using arbitrary sounds in conventional ways with meanings; speech." Following this explanation , then patois is definitely a language. Some people in Jamaica, are very proud of their patois dialect. Louise Bennett, traveled the world with her books of patois poems and stories, making it popular and famous. She was on, and some would say fulfilled, her mission of formalizing Patois as Jamaica's Folk language. I must add though, that her Poems, stories and plays that utilized the Patois language were mostly for entertainment.
Some people (from Jamaica) on the other hand, dislike the sounds of patois. They believe it depicts ignorance and regression. They will have nothing to do with the dialect and discourage others from using it. They are embarrassed and ashamed of it. Patois is embedded in the Jamaican culture. I don't understand how any Jamaican can be embarrassed by it. I do believe, however, that it has its place. As immigrants, living abroad, we have to assimilate in order to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of whatever country we migrated to. In a professional environment I do not believe the dialect should be used. However, in a more casual, relaxed atmosphere, I believe one should feel free to express themselves in Patois. Some non-Jamaicans actually like to hear it. And, when you are in the company of Jamaicans, it is just a beautiful, warm, fun sing-song way to communicate. Some of us dip in and out of it, in between proper English, because it brings the point across just so.
Its important to use your common sense as to when to use the dialect. For Jamaicans living at home or abroad, I think the same rules apply; Professional environment - use English; Casual environment - choice between English and dialect, where appropriate. What are your thoughts on the whole Patois thing. Post below.
Quick Poll
Only one vote per computer is allowed for this poll. Thanks.
There are other polls in this blogcast. You can also vote in any of these.
There are other polls in this blogcast. You can also vote in any of these.
Weh De Likle Stimilus Money Deh?
First let me apologies to non-patois speaking people, but I just couldn't put it any other way. I'm sure you were able to decipher your way through the title anyway. By now, you know that I am referring to the Stimulus Rebate Checks that were scheduled to be sent out, some of which were not, so far. This one particular co-worker of mine has been talking about the deposit that she was expecting since Friday, that has not reached her account as yet. I'm dying to tell her stop talking about it so much - maybe thats why you have not received it yet. I did tell her, however, that it was in the News that people that were expecting their rebate deposits last week, might not be receiving them until a later date due to some human errors of having the wrong routing and account numbers at the IRS.
Another co-worker called up the IRS to inquire why she did not receive her deposit when expected (because her husband received his). She was told that there was a digit off in the routing number. Many people are questioning the legitimacy of this reason for the delay. Are they just stalling? Some say they probably do not have enough money on hand. Because of this error, the checks that were supposed to be electronically deposited will now be mailed at a later date. My question is why couldn't they fix the error and electronically deposit their funds as planned? Another thing, when she originally filed her taxes, it was the same routing number and account number used. So what happened between that deposit and this deposit?
Also, they gave people a schedule as to when they can expect their funds, and people have been relying on this schedule. And, usually they are very good at sticking to their schedules, especially as far as tax refunds go. I am just hoping the mailed payments are being sent out on schedule - 'Cah me a wait pan de lickle stimilus money to.' Did you get your funds as scheduled? If not, are you as frustrated as my co-worker?
Pass (on) The Salt Please
Pat and Gina Neely
Yey! There is another Black couple on the Food Network and thats great. I must say, the Food Network does make an effort to find diverse hosts and cooking shows. So, hats off to them. The new couple - The Neelys - have presented quiet an array of dishes that are mostly southern, but some that they have put their own spin on. I was disappointed to see, however, the amount of salt and seasoning that was used in this one particular episode. They were making hot wings. They seasoned the wings, then they seasoned the batter for the wings and believe it or not, they sprinkled more seasoning on the wings after they were cooked.
I was surprised to see the amount of (seasoning) salt they put on those wings. I know we like our food tasty and spicy, but in this day and age when we are more aware of the dangers of sodium and high fatty content, you would think they would be more conscious of this when they are presenting their recipes for the world to see. I realize from other episodes that the Neelys are making some kind of effort to include salads and vegetables into their recipes, but they should make a stronger effort to put a healthier spin on the down-home southern cooking with all of its seasoning, grease and heavy doses.
More and more of us are becoming aware that some of the diets we grew up on might not be the healthiest. The heavy seasoning, the heavy starches, the grease. Mind you, nothing is wrong with Carbohydrates in moderation, however it is a storage food as opposed to protein which is a food that is easily burnt for energy. The problem is that some of us have had an over abundance of starches and this resulted in extra storage (fat). The high sodium can result in High Blood pressure and other illnesses. So, I think the Neely's need to be more responsible when they are showing off their southern recipes like barbeque's, wings and scrumptious deserts. With that said, congrats on making it to the Food Network!
John Edwards - Spineless GrassHopper
John Edwards
The question everyone is asking is why wait this long to endorse one of the Democratic Party Candidates. I mentioned in one of my earlier Blogs that John Edwards should take a stand and get behind one of the candidates, from a long time ago. What was he waiting for - to jump on the side of the candidate that seems most popular? His plan and his strategy is so obvious and so spineless and lacks integrity and honor. If I were the candidate he was supporting I would say take your endorsement and shove it!
For either of the candidates, why did he not get behind one of them when they were struggling to get where they are. Can you imagine you are building a house and you have all of your helpers around, hammering nails, mixing slab, setting foundation, putting up walls, etc., breaking sweat day and night and then some big executive comes up dressed in his three piece suite, takes off his jacket, rolls up his sleeve, dusts off his hand and say where do you need me and takes a power screwdriver, and fastens a window frame in place and wipes a bead of sweat from his brow. You come along almost when the work is done, because you have your own agenda. You don't know if the foundation was set right. You don't know if the house can withstand storms, etc. I am about integrity, nobility and loyalty. Take a stand, based on what you believe in, not what you think can get or what you can sell your soul for.
Senator Edwards shared a lot of the same views that Senator Clinton shared during the earlier debates between the candidates. Based on this, one would think that he would support that candidate. Putting that aside though, he should have still taken a stand for either of the candidates, a long time ago. He is spineless and cowardly and I no longer have too much respect for him.
Golfers Attire
Long Pants, belts, well manicured green lawn and heat, just do not seem to go together. I know that golf has always been a sophisticated sport, but isn't it time they change the golfer's outfit to fit the times? Why the long pants? Some even wear leather dress shoes on the green! I might be wrong, but I have never seen Tiger Woods in sneakers. I notice, however, that most of the golfers are now progressing to a more sporty looking shoe, something between sneakers and spikes.
We now have to work on the pants. Is sweat pants too casual for golf? What about long shorts? I notice that the caddys wear long shorts. Maybe, the golfers need to be a step above the caddys. The golf shirt and the cap seem to be the only pieces of their outfit that fit their surroundings.
Golf has always been the Executive's sport. Maybe they feel they have to take a piece of the board room unto the course. Was this meant to keep out certain undesirables? I'm so glad that women golfers have "mowed" their own path and have not followed the men with the stiff, straight laced dressing on the green. Most women tend to wear long shorts, or skirt, golf shirt and sneakers on the golf course. That confirms it. We do have a better sense of fashion.
When you think of it, golfing outfits have always been weird over the times. Remember the plaid knickers and the tie? The high socks and the Sherlock Holmes Cap? Even jackets were acceptable. I guess they have come a long way with golfing attire, but I still think there is room for improvement. I believe the more the sport continues to become more widespread and popular, the attire will change to conform to reflect practicality and good fashion sense.