The NBA We Ain't

OK folks POTUS has been inaugurated for a second term. Sonia Sotomayor swore in Vice President, Joe Biden.  Beyonce sang the National Anthem.  Roberto Blanco was the poet at today's ceremony, who's not only hispanic but also gay! To say we had an eclectic group as part of this historical ceremony would be putting it mildly.  However, what I will say is appreciate it now because it will be a long long long time before this much flavor is part of any future inaugurations!

In the words of Keyshia Cole, Trust and Believe the caucus of white politicians are getting ready for 2016 and will put a kibosh to all these ethnic shenanigans, LOL!  If there is one lesson to be learned is that the road to the white house will not be a repeat of the NBA.  Up until the early 1960's till the emergence of Wilt Chamberlin believe or not the NBA was mostly white players.  The players were not accustomed to a fast paced dunking game and as you probably can guess the rhythm was quite off.  Then in 1962 here comes Wilt Chamberlin and all of sudden all the Negroes got in, LOL.  Somewhere there's some white man in a grave regretting ever integrating the NBA.  But I assure you this will not be the problem with politics, because the NBA they are not.  So, peeps enjoy our President or as like to say the modern day monarchy (been watching Downton Abbey, forgive me)  cause I am not sure if we will ever again in our life time witness an historical event of such great magnitude!

Congrats Barack, now lower my taxes and stop bullshiting! OK on the real Congrats you're better than what we had, and I know in your conscious you will try to do your best!

Peace Out,
Blacktina

New Year New You!

13 is normally considered the most unluckiest of numbers, however I challenge everyone to take this year and defy the number 13 curse, with that being said here are my 13 Must Dos for the year:

1. Release toxicity - If you're not in my circle to compliment but to condemn then get out.
2. Learn something new every 30 days - Make time for growth and self knowledge, you'll never get  bored.
3. Increase my vocabulary - Just as mama use to say, use my words
4. Be self-positive - Stop self-doubting my actions and go for it.
5. Self-promotion - It's time to market me, my accomplishments and seek the spotlight
6. Take Passion Classes - No not the lovemaking kind, but classes on what makes me happy (i.e., writing, baking, and traveling) not that lovemaking doesn't make me happy I just don't need a class on that right now ;)
7. Tap into my spirituality - Be at peace with self and continue to seek peace
8. Drink more wine - This may work with Must Do #7, wine somehow gives me peace :)
9. Patience - Be more patient with others, with myself and with my endeavors
10. Cut down on Facebook - Facebook has proven to be toxic.  Honestly I can care less who has went where and with who. The Check-in app was the worst thing ever created!
11. Read a new novel every month - Imagination equals beauty, there is nothing more special than checking out for a minute or two :)
12. Willfully admit wrongs - I don't have time to ponder how can I argue a wrong.  If it's wrong, its wrong, admit, move on and learn.
13. Increase my FU Fund - If Must Dos 1-12 don't work out, at least I'll have a fantastic FU fund to tell those who are pissing me off FU, enabling me to vacation, spend frivolously, and provide me with some quick retail therapy relief!

Well folks that's Blacktina's Terrific 13 for 2013, may I suggest you do the same, build it, follow it, and embrace it!  Happy New Year!

Peace Out, 

Blacktina

Pretty Girls Rock!

Men will always be men, no matter how successful they are the one thing they cannot control is their penis! Just ask Bill Clinton, Mark Sanford, Jessie Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger and the countless other intelligent prosperous men.  For the past six weeks I had front row seats in watching a Vice President of an organization in which I was transitioning, trust me it was real temporary stop, lol, make a complete ass of himself as he fawned all over one very attractive lady.  It was so obvious you could literally see the erection every time he past by her.

The crazy thing is the young lady is of a highly intelligent caliber, therefore the excuse of her moving ahead can be merited based on her productivity and results.  The issue was not of her caliber but of the obvious display of favoritism.  This VP would visit our office every other week and would not talk to anyone but her.  When on a conference call anything she said was deemed GOLD, anything anyone else said was SHIT! The one incident that solidified this experience was a visit to the main office in which I accompanied this young lady.  While visiting the VP only met with me once and it was with the person who he was obviously in love with.  During the day we separated as we went about our ventures.  Towards the end of the day I was looking for the young lady to let her know we'll be departing. When I couldn't find her I approached the VP who abrasively told me she was in a conference room.  As I walked to retrieve her, he scooted through the office like the Tasmanian Devil and ran through the cubicle maze to beat me to the conference room.  He had no idea that I was once a sprint runner so when I saw him do his dart dance, I went into sprint mode and beat his ass.  As I opened up the door he was huffing right behind me, LOL.  As I started to speak he began to interrupt.  I kindly continued to talk and said I won't be long and all I wanted to tell her is we'll be leaving in 15 minutes please be ready. She kindly agreed and I walked off, smiling and cracking up to myself.   This little incident clearly let me know this guy is NUTS and I really don't want to work for him.

Some may think other women may become jealous of these actions. Actually when we get older its the contrary.  I've been in corporate America for 25 years. During my tenure I was admired by those of high distinction. What I do know is looks fade and they're always be a young honey behind you. What I also know is men can be vindictive especially powerful men.  What this young lady doesn't see is if his advances in any way are not met the backlash could be damaging to her career at the company.  I'm not referring to him trying to sleep with her, but the mere fact if she misses a deadline cause she was dining with her husband may be enough to set him off.  While some may think the VP attraction is flattering its actually dangerous.

After witnessing this debacle after two weeks I found another job.  Part of my reasoning for leaving stemmed from 1) I will not be part of trying proving myself and have my results overlooked and 2) The young lady is the one who referred me; with this being said if she's up shits creek for not responding to his advances where would that leave me.  After my fourth week I gave my notice to HR not to my boss the VP.  When he heard of my notice he called the young lady and asked her why was I leaving, she said I found another opportunity.  He then called me which I do believe he should of called me first and asked 1) Why didn't I tell him first and 2)Was it personal? My responses were:
1) I didn't call you first because we hardly speak and I thought it was best to go to proper channels.
2) How could it be personal when again we hardly speak.

He went on to tell me he had an open door policy, and of course I disputed his claim with an answer you may have an open door but that's reserved for certain people.  At the end of our conversation he told me to make sure I hug the young lady and ask her to never leave the organization! As I rolled literally cracked up, I told him I think we all know how you feel and I do believe its inappropriate to give a hug on your behalf.  I wished him luck and hung up!

Personally I am thrilled to be out of there, God is good! I found something else that is suitable to my aspirations.  Yet I am equally thrilled at the lesson learned. I am proud that I quickly recognized what was going on and refused to try to challenge the system in proving myself.  This was an unworthy cause and sometimes we need to know when to get out quickly.  Before leaving I informed my colleague of my thoughts. Prior to I let her know it had nothing to do with her ability, her work is flawless.  Yet it could be challenged if his attentions are not met, she needs to be careful and recognize if someone is over flattering you there's some sinister aspect going on.  For him to berate everyone and always treat her like a corporate princess is raised eyebrows enough for everyone to see.  All I want is for her to raise her eyebrows and beware!

Peace Out,
Blacktina

Interviews - Oh my God, Why!?!?!

There are millions of Americans looking for jobs and are in desperate need of one.  In the same token there are also millions of American who are just plain sick and tired of working, the interview process and just giving part of their life away to a company who quite frankly can give two shits if you live or die.  With that being said here are a few things we are tired of:

1. The interview process -  First of all stop asking applicants, "tell me about your resume", honestly didn't you look at it, did it seem to be a fit, why tell you about my resume and basically re-explain.  We are so tired of this BS question.  I am dying to tell an interviewer, "did you read it", "now what questions do you have", don't make me regurgitate what's already in front of you.  This process is stupid and a waste of everyone's time.
2. What can you do for me - This question during an interview makes me laugh.  What can I do for you? Let me approach this a few ways 1) what attracted you to my resume, apparently you think I can do something for you, so you tell me what is.  The reason I bring this is up is the interviewer should know the ins and outs of the job and therefore is the one who recognizes you are the fit accompanied with the reason.  So, the question what can you do for me is basically null especially when they know the answer already. What an interviewer should do is fill in the gaps about the position regarding company culture, co-workers, management, deadlines, etc. And then ask how do you think on personal level you can fit in.  Ah, that makes more sense as oppose to you wanting me to sell myself when apparently on the surface you already like the product!
3. The Callback - This goes out to recruiters, do not sweat me for my time, blow up my phone and emails; only for you to do the following: 
1. Have about 10 other applicants from your agency also interview; which in turns reduces my chances.
2. Refer me to a position in which some aspect I'm not completely qualified for just to pad your roster to the client
3. Feedback - learn how to keep in touch even when an applicant doesn't get the job.  It would be helpful if you gave constructive feedback instead of dropping an applicant like a one night stand.

Personally I view Corporate America as toxic as heroin.  With all its methodologies, titles and bureaucracy it is no wonder nobody is chasing to go back to work.  I know some of the smartest people who have been out of work for 2 years plus, while they may be stressful in paying the bills, they are however some of the most stress free happy people I know.  While this re-election may finally bring about some jobs, Corporate America needs a make over in particular the interviewing process.  Stop treating people like they don't have experience, or as if they're desperate.  It's time to treat people like guess what PEOPLE!  Treat interviewees as if they're intelligent stop wasting their time and exercising your bravado/authority.  Your actions aren't impressing anybody it just frustrating a certain sector.  Most companies like to complain they're aren't enough qualified applicants yet the real issues is they're aren't enough qualified interviewers.  Get it together people stop the BS and get with the modern times and learn how to be REAL!

Peace Out,
Blacktina

OJ vs Obama - Whitey Anger!

It may be just my imagination but white people are mad as all HELL!  They're mindsets are like OK we let you in one time, but twice, that's it, Damm it I am pisst off.  You know when white people say "damm it", all hell is about to break loose.  The clear realization that they are no longer the majority is freaking them out like no other! What makes matters worst they cannot even condemn one race, it's not a black, brown or yellow thing, it now seems like all colors are working together and white man particularly the Republican party is on the oust.  A perfect example of their venom towards this shift is the 400 crowd protest at Ole Miss.  Btw - what a waste of education if you're spending your time protesting a black man being president.  What the hell are you guys learning there? You would think this generation would have more sense than their Grandpappy's, but I guess not.  Blood is thick and so are the prejudices that run through it.  Check out this article courtesy of the MPB News.  Take note of the quote "The south will rise again."

Anti-Obama Protest at Ole Miss Opens Old Scars

Peace Out,
Blacktina

Tea, the Beverage of Choice?

He did it again! Barack Obama is officially the President re-elect! We can all breathe a sigh of relief, take a long nap and overall just feel proud that we live in a democracy. Despite all of the rhetoric we the people have choose our leader.

While on a personal note I am elated that Barack Obama has been re-elected, I am equally saddened by the state of our country in particular the division of parties.  Historically the parties are meant to be divided, however the separation of today is much more visceral to the point where it's dangerous and irresponsible, can you say Donald Trump.

Throughout the legacy of politics parties have worked together for the betterment of America. During the Reagan years many Democrats worked with Republicans in implementing some of the social programs that are privy to us today.  During the Nixon years in which by the way he's the President who enacted Section 8 and was a Republican, he too worked with the Democrats, despite his Watergate issues (yikes).  The point here is we always found a way to compromise.  As we look at our current times we can only wonder, what happened? Why the change?

One of the main changes that I've witnessed since Obama took office in 2008 is the emergence and the affect outside groups have had on a party, in particular the Tea Party.  The Republicans complain the Democrats do not have a backbone yet their the ones who succumbed to the whims of this radical party who give a poor reputation to the original intent of the Tea Party.  Never in the history of politics have we seen a party become demoralized, negatively influenced and exercise poor judgment as result of coupling with a group of radicals.  Republicans we need you, the nation needs to become one.  Despite disagreements we can still make this the America it should be.  Stop drinking the tea! Give it up, be you, regroup. Re-acquaint yourself with original morals of the Republican party.  After all you're the ones who freed the slaves, don't retract what your party has done all to align yourselves with a group who clearly lacks vision and intelligence.  Drop them peeps!

While I'm sure parties will continue to disagree at least the disagreements would be based on merits and not on radical speculation.  American let's come together and stop the bull! The people who have voted you in have done so with the confidence that egos and tea will be left at the door so you the elected officials can walk into chamber and continue to make this the land of the beautiful and home of the brave!

Peace Out,
Blacktina

The Vote - Am I My Brother's Keeper!

Every time I hear the phrase "Am I My Brother's Keeper" I think of New Jack City.  Contrary to the premise of New Jack City, this phrase has wandered through the minds of many within the Black community throughout this election.

Many pundits have insinuated that African Americans vote for Barack Obama because he's black.  While I disagree with the overall statement I have to concur that part of me does vote for Obama because he looks like me, acts a little like me and for some reason I kind of think he knows what we go through as a person of color. After all before he became President he was just another black man, regardless of the white in him, which biologically was clearly wiped out. When you see Barack Obama and hear his name you think Black, period!  But while white people love to contend this is a race thing, then they should also be brave enough to admit that they too will vote for Romney because he's white! Here's where the difference lies if Barack Obama was a "Herman Cain" for the most part black people wouldn't even bother; it would be Clarence Thomas all over again.  However with white people who are suffering just as much as we are and are part of the 47% will still vote for Romney not only cause he's white but because Barack Obama is black!  This act of ad hominem which appeals to the feeling of prejudices rather than intellect is what has drove this country apart.  I truly hope for the sake of this country and the well being of all Americans that we vote based on issues, resolutions and overall betterment of America!  Despite who you choose, choose for the right reasons not just for same color!

Check out this article by Slate, excellent perspective on white voting!

http://mobile.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/scocca/2012/11/mitt_romney_white_vote_parsing_the_narrow_tribal_appeal_of_the_republican.html

Peace Out,
Blacktina