The Weekend is here!

It has been a long day.  My colleague called out again, and it is BS because we have a session start on Monday and I cannot certify 100 students, answer all calls, check & clear emails and still cover everything on my and her plate.  Virtually impossible.  But that is why I am tired.  I guess she can get away with it because she is related somehow to the boss, or she used to boink her, or that whole buddy mentality they all have.  She called out because her new hubby is sick & supposedly in the hospital.  Now folks, when my daughter was in CHLA, I was not only given the third degree for calling out, I was to that I needed to come if if at all possible and work.  Why the double standard?  You tell me?  I was told I did good work this week, but when don’t I?  I am always working while people have power trips when they aren’t in charge.  In fact, we are finding major errors in her recent certifications as well as some that are coming back to bite her in the ass since she is out.  Funny how my expertise shines when she is absent isn’t it.  I had to catch myself starting to snap since the pressure and the fools were out and harder than ever the last 2 days.

While I was at work, I heard this guy in another department talking about that damn Baby Mommas show.  He was talking about how he and his fiancé planned to watch and DVR it.  WTF?  I know he is young and has no degree, but as a Black Man, hell forget that, as an alleged intelligent HUMAN BEING, you plan to watch this crap?  Really?  We need to pull all your cards you dim fool.  The IQ points are draining from my brain by sheer proximity.

That leads me to a story, actually a saying my late friend and I talked about, and he and most of the people I have encountered at this damn school are an example.  He was luck because he passed away, but he was always talking about “The Stupid Gene.”  You know those people who just make you question not only their existence, but their family and also your own.  People who just are dumb as a bag of rocks.  We all know people like this.  Tea Party members, the Klan, stupid people, The Kardashian family just to name a few.  These people if they get in power, fame or have the chance to procreate are the end of the world incarnate.  My friend said he wanted to die before the Stupid Gene takes over.  At least he got his wish.  They are taking over and more are being procreated every day.  The fact is that stupid gene replicates at twice the speed of intelligent people.  Shawty Lo is an example of this.  They are like horny rabbits. But it is out there, come on you know we all have one in our family.  My sister is one, her alleged husband is another so their bastard son is doomed to the Stupid Gene.  If you know them, well you know the story.

I was driving through Downtown LA, and was looking at all the skyline changes since I was yonger.  It is amazing to me that office spaces and old corporate offices and stock exchanges have been converted to overpriced residential building, so overpriced that they are 75% empty.  Why can’t landlords stop being greedy and driving people into homelessness with the bogusly high rental rates.  Why should we pay your mortgage because you were on the wrong end of the real estate bubble and you took a bad mortgage.  People need to live and salaries are not rising with the cost of living.  Most of us are at or below the poverty line, AND WE HAVE ADVANCED DEGREES!!!   Funny how you can go to college to be more marketable, yet you are always turned away as over qualified.  But the stupid gene always has a job.  People need to house families since the American Dream is priced so far out of the working class’ financial means, and renting is what they are doomed to.  Unless you are rich, born into money or are in line to inherit property the only ways to get the financing for a home is to marry rich, join the military and get GI Bill financing, or win the lottery.  Hard work is not rewarded, greed is.  It is now about kissing ass and not work quality.  Sad commentary huh?

One of the things I love is the love of my two kids for each other.  I watch the and see them tonight snuggled up to each other, and I realize that they will be alright.  No matter what this world has in store, they are one and always are there and have each other’s back.  We did something right!

Are You For Real? Really?

Well my friends today we are gonna see the more militant, opinionated side come out.  I have seen some things today that have me going there.  Enough warm up, I’m tired, on the real, and lets’ not mince words.

I saw a post on Facebook talking about a damn reality show featuring dome no-name wannabe rapper called Shawty-Lo and his 10 baby-momma’s and 11 kids.  The Black community is up in arms, but that isn’t the thing I have a problem with.  The show is another example of the Least Common Denominator in programming like all reality shows, and that is another issue in itself.  But who in the blue hell gave this a Green Light?  This is not just insulting to Black folk, it’s an insult to the intelligence of ALL folk and the perpetuation of the Black man as a sex craved savage.    And Oxygen is airing this?  The first network Oprah started and was run off of?  What an insult to her legacy, and to our intelligence.  No real intelligent person, let me rephrase no person who is not ignorant would want to see this show.  Why?  What value does this have?  The women are stupid because it truly denigrates them for a check.  He is stupid because he just wants to be famous without real talent, and sexing 10 women is not a talent, it is sheer irresponsible ignorance.  Reminds me of a guy who will remain nameless in my town who has multiple kids by multiple young women, and gravy trains off his semi famous brother.  Already 67% of people surveyed have vowed not to watch.  My question is who are the 33% who will?  Sheer ignorance.  And you wonder why they were gonna roll this out without any notice or advertising?

Like I said, I hate reality shows because they are not reality.  All these shows do is make characatures of these people and families.  People are getting famous because they make a fool of themselves or because they are marketing whores, yes Kardashians that means you.  People today are famous for no talent.  Doing a porno with Ray-J, another no talent, hoeing with athletes, being related to OJ’s best friend and your attention whore mother directing you to make her and your sister’s famous is not talent, no matter what you say.  You are a sperm depository, a whore, and that is why you are famous, not talented.  Honey Boo Boo Child is another joke in itself.  That is child exploitation at it’s worst.  That child would be up in DPSS custody back in the day.  That family is the epitome of ignorant & unintelligent hillbilly stereotypes.  The kid already has issues, is maybe slow, and is on a one way trip to Diabetes.  People watch these shows for laughs, but the laughs are at you baby, not with you.  Yet they keep on churning ideas out.

Game shows were cheap to make and the original reality shows.  You had to have knowledge which is a talent.  Then the shows like Survivor & Big Brother upped the game, but still are game shows.  Survivor became a caricature and unwatchable to me as all these new reality shows about backstabbing and lying to people.  It is sad that people have to manipulate to be famous.  I was on a show once about couples, and it was about knowing my partner.  I regret it, but when you need the college money, you do what you gotta do.

Ignorance and Reality TV, Fantasia is the main example.  Not only is she ignorant, but she just shows what a foolish woman she is.  When you compare being a homewrecking whore, making bastard children, laying with married me to Gay Marriage, you are a damn fool.  You talk about not judging, but what the hell are you doing?  I admit I am pro gay marriage.  Love is blind.  I am looking forward to many of my gay friends getting married and inviting me to be there, even maybe allowing me to officiate.  But bottom line is that there is a big difference in what she does and what they do.  They are trying to be a legal partnership; she is just looking for the next penis. 

Another thing that has bothered me is this whole Fiscal Cliff thing and how this last election was really a referendum on race, bigoted ideology by Republicans, and a country divided.  The Tea Party & Republicans are nothing more than playing race and going back to the days of The Birth of a Nation to play on the fears of a minority that still thinks they hold power, “White People.”  Caucasians are now the minority, and the rich ones they fear it and think by scaring people into stereotypes, lies and the way it was, life will bring them back.  But as long as there is the intermixing of racial groups, there will no longer be pure races.  Interracial marriage is only 40 years old, my folks are one of the first such couples.  I speak from reality, there is more love being blind now because we have erased stereotypes.

I hope I am not offending anyone, but what I am saying is an opinion, mine.  It may not be right or wrong but it is mine. 

2 Days Into The New Year, Already Curmudgeonly

Another day has come and gone.  Back to work for a 3 day week, and it was not pretty.  Sometimes I question what younger people get away with and if I was that bad back then?  The stories I have and the way I feel, well, we are going on a journey.

Over slept this morning, really didn’t feel like going to work.  Had trouble sleeping all night, the brain was in overdrive with work, so not a good start.  Left almost 20 minutes late and still got to work 20 minutes early.  Holiday traffic, but I tell you the Pasadena to Cypress drive is really wearing on me bad.  Anyhow, I walk in and low and behold, my colleague, the other person in the department, was not there.  Now, I know she claimed sick the day after Christmas and claimed it was a scheduled day off, but today was not.  How the heck, when you know we have 3 business days to settle students, do you call out sick?  I tell you, this chick is the epitome of what is wrong with some young workers.  She wants to do as little work and wants a promotion or to be in charge.  Yes, I have issues; I am more knowledgeable and have more experience.  I also have a degree, 13 years and critical thinking skills.  I am not bitching; I’ve only been there 3 months.  Look, when I am the oldest person in my department, most educated and experienced, it is obvious.  The lack of professionalism is apparent.  It’s a company where friends get jobs, competence is not rewarded and younger people get promotions.  When I say young, I am in an area where only 4 people are over 35, 18 are under 30.  Most are not degreed and they are working at a college?  But they get what they pay for.

The other thing, remember when jobs required you to actually be at work the day before and the day after a holiday or else you lost the holiday?  These young people don’t get that dedication or pride in their job.  Free check for as little work, and always looking to push responsibilities elsewhere and play around.  I have hated being the mature one, now I am the only mature one. 

Fitting end to my drive home.  The City of Burbank float coming down my street on the way back to Burbank with a Burbank & Pasadena Police Escort.  I worked in Burbank for 7+ years, and to see that float as the only float towed I saw made me miss my old job and the city that was very good to me.  I so want to go back there, time will tell.

I have been getting a laugh as my daughter is trying to get her brother’s turtle upright in his container.  It’s funny because she has always said she wants to be a doctor, but why did her mom & I both say she is gonna be a vet if she is a doctor.  She has the heart for it and wouldn’t be devastated as much if a patient died.

Heard that Rayenthal is gonna retire after the season ends, which really means after the Ravens get beat this weekend.  Yes Rayenthal is what I call him, cause he got away with murder like OJ.  He was a good player, but not as great as everyone thinks.  He was a system  linebacker, nothing more.  Hell, I’d be a great MLB if I had Reed, Suggs, Deion and the talented TEAM defensive scheme.  Sorry, but happy to see the gangbanger go.  And finally we get rid of his stupid pregame stomp ritual.  He has lost 3 steps the last year and has been in decline for 6.  Good bye, unless this is just for a big money contract for 1 year.

Today I saw what is wrong with today’s kids.  They want to dress older and not stay a kid.  I saw a 9 year old looking like a 17 year old, hoochie skirt and low cut top.  AT 9??? Parents, let your kids stay kids.  That’s what’s wrong.  Just like Honey Boo Boo.  That family would be all over DPSS radar.  That is just one nasty, rude and trashy family. 

I am so tired that I need sleep soon.  Gonna be interesting tomorrow at work.  Let’s see what I have to talk about tomorrow.

January 1, 2013...A Blog Odyssey!!!!

Well 2012 is in the rear view and I am one who is so freaking happy it is over.  The worst year of my life since 2005.  Worked for an unethical college in an office where the college has been conned and believes they are protected.  Reality check coming soon.  Lost my job, was unemployed for 4 1/2 months last year, found a new job that is good, but looking forward to a great year.  So looking ahead, it is hard to project the future, but there are some random thoughts today.

The Rose Parade is over, so is the game.  Now the tourists, fans and others can take their asses and get out of Pasadena.  Sorry, but over the years I am bitter seeing all the trash and slobbenly acting, dressing and looking people who camp out on the Boulevard, feeling what the homeless feel every night, and hang out around town in a hotel or RV for a few days.  Make a difference for the homeless after your experience.  Have a heart and feel for these people who the city drives out of town to make the city seem so special, picturesque and desirable.  They don’t want our crazy homeless, like Itchy/Scratchy at the post office, sleeping out with these people and driving people away.  I last camped out when I was 16 and I ran a Boy Scout food/souvenirs booth next to Starcruiser.  SO that was many years ago.  Sorry but I am too old for that and my kids know, unless we have a ticket for a grandstand, or my baby girl is a Royal Court Member, I am not going.  You only need to do it once, and I did it 10 times as a kid because I didn’t know better.

Congrats to Stanford.  Loved the comment by Coach Shaw, “We finished off what we stated!”  Nice potshot at USC.  They want to be the Alabama of the west?  Really?  That belongs to USC, maybe Oregon.  Stanford is not close.  Oh, Wisconsin is a joke as is the Big Ten!  You lose 3 straight Rose Bowls; have an annual losing record in Bowl Games?  Really?  It has become a joke, like the BSCS, I mean BCS.

The first commercial I saw in the New Year made my year and my heart is pumped.  I only wish I could get a job as the show announcer or some position on the staff.  Yes, I am talking about the show starting 9/9/2013.  I am talking about the return of the Night Thing, The Arsenio Hall Show returns!  If you didn’t know, I idolized Arsenio in college and he is my hero.  If you know Arsenio hook me up!  I just need an opportunity Arsenio, let me show you!

I am not a drinker, but lately I have been trying a few holiday beverages.  Not really my thing, but if I can have this Cupcake Sparkling Moscato, I’d try it each day for my heart.  Like I said, never been a drinker, even really casually.  I only drink at home, some people should take heed.  

I do really not understand how people wish to be lazy and never try to improve.  Why do ignorant Negroes, yes I said it, leach onto or try to leach onto good people and freeload off them?  Why do these same ignorant ass excuses of human life attempt to play women, have bastard children everywhere, and not want to raise his own, yet can tell you how to raise yours?  If you know a woman like this, give them a reality check and help them drop the loser from their life.  They are above it and can do better!

I told you, I go everywhere. 

 Speaking of, there is a website launching I think tomorrow.  www.lifepoetry1.com is an outstanding concept in poetry, small business, and artistic expression and education.  Please support my friend’s endeavor.

Day one, I have survived and have spent the required hour writing today.  Time to watch another bowl game before going to sleep.  Back to work tomorrow, not used to this, usually have 2 weeks off until Monday after New Year’s Day.  Different job, longer drive & different mentality, so until we blog again, or manana.    

THE INTRODUCTION...WHY I'M HERE

Decided to start the year more dedicated to being a Blogger.  Last year, I was broke, had no job, and was frustrated in life.  My best friend and my estranged wife, all the same person, suggested I become a blogger.  I asked her about what?  Well she said I’d figure something because I am a good writer and have opinions.  Well, I let it go when I got one job, thought about it when that job let me go after 5 months, but getting a job again 10 weeks later, I let it go…until this morning. 

I woke up this morning, the first of 2013, feeling incomplete.  Feeling unheard and feeling something missing.  So while watching the Rose Bowl on my computer, cooking a couple tamales in the microwave, looking at myself, I felt the need to write.   The blog idea came back and here we are.  There will be two blog entries today, so bear with this first one.  I call it THE INTRODUCTION!!!

So who am I?  Who are you Barry?  What are you gonna give us?  Better yet, what gives you the background for your blog & expertise?  Well, I’ am happy you asked.

I am many things, but the most important thing is that I am an experienced African American/Mexican/Arapahoe Indian male.  I have seen so many things in my life personally and professionally.  I have had careers in entertainment, non-profit organizations and in education.  I have recruited students, been a motivational speaker, managed organizations, tutored and counseled students and jobseekers, taught at the University level, was an on air radio personality, promotions specialist, paper pusher, writer, reporter, salesman, executive director, pro prospect, athlete, coach, scholar, Media, African American and Vegas subject matter historian and critic.  I am a renaissance man, and I left out the fact I am a sports nut and an expert on Professional Wrestling trivia, storylines and yes I am a critic too.  I have serious opinions on them and on the product.

That is a bit about me.  I am college educated, graduate school to be exact.  I hold a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership,  my Bachelors was a dual major in Radio Television & Film Production: Radio Production & African American Studies: Emphasis in Psychology & Sociology.  I hold an AA & AS in Telecommunications: Radio Production.  I started a Doctoral program, but money & desire stopped me.

 Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I am a stroke survivor.  A little over 7 years ago I had 2 strokes and almost died, but my daughter, who was 8, saved my life.  She will always be my heroine.

What you are gonna get is a bit like me, a hodgepodge.  You never know what you will get, but it will be my opinion on current topics and what is going on today.  I may give you a few movie reviews, DVD reviews, or even reviews of teams and games I see.  I might have a say on current events, pay per views, black topics, stroke issues, food or anything on my mind.

I will also be me, unabashed, opinionated and sometimes controversial.  I am an acquired taste, you may not like it at first, but give me some time.  It is all about truth and my reality.  I critically think and feel that we all need to think.  So that is what to expect.  Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride.