Archive for April, 2009

blackberry blogging

April 30, 2009

Good morning. I’m sitting in newark airport as I type this. So weird to post on my Blackberry as opposed to on my laptop.

A few random thoughts as I prepare to board this flight…

1. What are the odds that I’ll come in contact with swine flu? Didn’t see anyone in the airport this AM with surgical masks. But I *am* traveling to the south. And frankly, I’m worried. We’re at a level five people. And the new york times says “containing flu is not feasible.” Yikes.

2. I’m going to Florida to write a travel piece on what is known as the Emerald Coast. (Yes, I love my job.) Do I throw my “eat better forever” campaign out the window and dive into the free-but-fatty food I know I’ll be offered all weekend? Or do I ask for sauce on the side and count carbs and all that crap? What Would Paul Cantor Do? (He’s my weight loss idol of the moment. Search the comments of one of my weight-loss posts and you’ll see his story) I’d give you the link but I can’t. I’m on my blackberry. Work with me people!)

3. Really random question. I perused the magazine racks and I could not find anything I wanted to spend four or more bucks for. Granted, I get a few magazines in the mail. But I stood there for ten minutes and walked away with a newspaper. And I write for magazines! What magazines do you buy on the regular?

4. Ultra-random question. There’s a man sitting next to me who is super loud on his cell phone. He just checked in with someone and asked about an email that should have been sent. Then he made another call and said, “my secretary emailed you this morning.” Who uses that word anymore? Don’t people usually say “assistant”? Thought that was weird.

He’s given out his email address a zillion times this morning. I have it committed to memory: mlra402@aol.com. Maybe I’ll email him and ask him why he doesn’t just call her/him an assistant. Do I have any readers who are assistants, present or former? Male or female? Would you care if your title was secretary?

Swine flu, carb counting, magazines, assistant Vs. Secretary. Thoughts?

Even while traveling…I’d love to hear from you…

Quickies: Rashida, Dennis, Souljah, Prince…

April 29, 2009

1. Rashida Jones:

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Recently saw her in what may be her first starring role in a major film. She plays Paul Rudd’s betrothed in I Love You, Man.

‘Shida is a capable actress. (Like how I drop the first syllable of her name and just start calling her ‘Shida? That’s how we do. Though she doesn’t seem to be the ‘Shida type).

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Out and About: Free Chicken at KFC

April 28, 2009

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So last week, inexplicably tied to Earth Day, Popeye’s offered eight pieces of fried chicken for 4.99. People were tee-hee-ing on Twitter and blogs about how Black folks were going to be acting up.

You know how Black folks are about fried chicken. Some of us anyway.

I don’t mess with the stuff.

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10 Questions*: Obama’s First 100 Days

April 27, 2009

Time recently published a series of photos from photographer Callie Shell. The images are stunning and speak volumes about the monumental changes taking place in the White House. I urge you to check out the complete photo essay. In the meantime, my six favorites. And a few questions…

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The Doomsday Budget

April 24, 2009

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So. I sold my first novel for a nice piece of change.

And while it’s not pay-off-your-student-loans-in-one-fell-swoop money, it’s still a welcome addition to my day job as a freelance writer.

Thing is, the freelance hustle ain’t what is used to be.

Michael, one of my dear readers, hit me up and asked me to write a post for his column, The Recession Diaries, which runs on TheRoot.com.

He wanted my thoughts on coping with the recession. At first, I didn’t want to do it. I’m blessed. Really blessed. How dare I whine and moan about how I’m still broke?

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