Etiquette 101: Black People Time

Black People Time (BPT) = Really. Really. Late.

Sorry I'm Late T-Shirt, conveniently worn by a black model.

It's no secret black people have been stereotyped with having difficulty getting to places on time. I can recall numerous occasions where I've had to confirm with my friends whether their event would be running on white or black time. Personally, I am always on time. If you tell me to arrive at 6:00pm, you can trust I'll be there at 6:00pm. This trait however, was not hereditary. My mom couldn't be on time if you paid her (sorry mom).  As a child after always being the last to arrive at birthday parties when the food was cold and soggy, I made a promise to myself that I would not be that black person. The worst part was when you actually did arrive hours later, everyone wants to know why you're so late... but there's no grand story to tell. 

"Wow, you're really late, what were you doing?"

"Nothing..."

"Did your parents car break down?"

"No..."

"Did you.."

"No...I'm just late."

So I was destined to break the mold and pave the way for my generation to arrive on time. But clearly I've failed. This is not to be taken as a rant. But I'm tired of Black People Time! This past weekend I celebrated my 23rd birthday. (Parrrtayy!) And having recognized the tendencies of some of my black friends, I told them the party started 30 minutes early than it actually did. Black People Time 7:30pm. White People Time 8:00pm. But little did I know BPT has been pushed back a few hours! Yes, hours! According to my beliefs and www.blackpeopletime.com,  BPT was only supposed be thirty seven minutes behind WPT. (Yes there is a website designated to BPT, this is how serious this epidemic has gotten!) My friends didn't arrive until 9:00pm and on wards. Outrageous! I mean, thanks for coming and all but like really?

Anyways, maybe this did turn into a rant. I'm sorry but young black people need to hear this. We need to unite and end the stereotype that our parents have created. I'm trying but I can't do this alone! 

HELP ME END BLACK PEOPLE TIME AND SAVE OUR RACE! 

A Debt-Free Long Weekend

Now, I'm no financial expert but I know what the red in my bank account means. I also know how it got there; The Long Weekend. Each Long Weekend gives you that extra day to spend more money on drinks, food and entertainment. When it’s time to go back to work I always find myself more tired than I've ever been but, taking an extra day off just isn't an option...why? Because I've spent every penny in my bank account for the sole purpose of enjoying myself! 

Whether its renting a cottage or hosting a BBQ, the long list of activities turns into a long Visa statement. But surly it doesn't mean we have to go broke in the process. So I've taken the time to make a list of free things that you can do on the next long weekend. That’s right FREE things. Things that will keep your account in the black.

Okay... I'm exaggerating just a tad. But, truth be told, long weekends are expensive. Half the time I forget what holiday it is or which royal family member is being honored. All I know is I'm going all out! Eating, drinking, movieing, CHA-CHING! Yes! Cha-chinging.

1. TAKE A WALK. Not to the mall! Head down to the beaches and just people watch. It may sound silly, but it is actually quite enjoyable and you never know what craziness you'll see, for free.

2. MOVIE MARATHON. If the weather is gloomy, this is the perfect time to catch up on old classic movies. Forget Cineplex with its $13.00 ticket, $20.00 popcorn and $1,000,000 tax! Go to the library and stock up on all those movies that you never got to see in theater, for free.

3. POTLUCK: Maybe you're a foodie like I am and the long weekend cannot end without some good eats. No problem, just make it a potluck. It'll relieve some stress off your wallet, free up some of your time and add variety to the menu. Just make sure everyone is bringing something different, one can only eat so much potato salad.

Having a blast with friends and family doesn't have to cost your winter's savings. Sometimes you have the greatest enjoyment when you are just simply do nothing.

T-MINUS 36 DAYS UNTIL THE NEXT LONG WEEKEND!!!

T-Minus Woke Me Up!

When I graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television, I simply assumed the opportunities would come knocking. Throughout my fours years there, I was consistently reminded of how Ryerson was the best school for broadcast media and that I'd have no problem finding a job. This actually wasn't far from the truth. I did an internship at a boutique production company, General Purpose Pictures, where I was hired on as production assistant and later promoted to production coordinator. This blog post is by no means a manner of me to give you my resume, because when the contract came to an end I learned a valuable lesson that I think everyone can learn from too.

People often say when one door closes another door opens. And yes, I do agree but many of us don't go looking for that next door. We sit and wait and expect opportunities to come our way just because. Well I was thinking that way too until I got a wake up call. I recently interviewed Canadian music producer T-Minus about his success in the biz and he said something that really woke me up.

"One thing about this game is you gotta constantly be working, you can't take too many days off. You know, you'll take a day off and somebody is working harder than you and they are going to come in and take your spot."

I don't know about you, but I don't want anyone to take my spot! Truth is there will always be people out there that are better than you but if you sit back and wait for things to come your way you'll probably never get to where God intended you to be. You only live once and at times you may fail but how many times did you fall off your bike as a kid but still got right back on? Are you working as hard as you could to reach your goals or are you just chilling around because you "deserve" to get what you want?

Think about it.

NYC in 3..2..1!

Time Square in New York City

If you know me, which I am sure you do somehow since you're reading this blog, then you know that I love to travel. You may also know that I can be a bit of a control freak when it comes to planning anything. So when I took on the challenge to plan a getaway trip to New York City in 3 days, it was exactly that. But the most rewarding one cause I had a blast (because of my nifty schedule of course). So I am going to share with you my experience of NYC and the places I think you just can't miss!

After a very impulse decision to get away with my best friend Alicia, Google became closer acquainted with me than a university student writing a mid term paper the morning of. I literally sat for hours without a washroom break like a teenage boy playing Call of Duty. All metaphors aside, I was glued. Having a love for television production it was only natural for me to want to sit in the audience of one of my favourite shows. But of course, The View, Nate Berkus and Regis and Kelly were entirely booked. This lead to me look up my one of my favourite shows from when I was like twelve years old called 106 & Park. If you haven't heard of it don't even bother looking it up because it was the most boringest (new word!) part of the trip. The show is hosted by Terrence and Rosci aka Fake 1 and Fake 2...that's all I will say about that. So if you're going to NYC, skip 106 and Park. Moving on...

I am all about giving my money to people who are on their "hustle". Meaning, they are not begging you for money for no reason. They are talented people who are trying their best to make a better life for themselves. I ran into many men and women in NYC that were on their hustle and if their service or product seemed good, they got my business. One of these men was Amadou. Amadou was our central park tour guide that took Alicia and I on a scenic route of the entire 6.2 miles park located in the center of Manhattan in his "limousine".. also known as a bicycle. The tour only cost us $35 per person and lasted one hour and a half and Amadou really knew his history of the park. So if your going to NYC, a bike tour Central Park is a must. Lets keep going...

Food is crucial when your on vacation or a getaway. I try to stay away from eating at chain restaurants that I can find back in Toronto. Whenever I cross the border to the US, Olive Garden is an absolute must. You may recognize the name if your from Canada because its just one of the many great things we used to have but no longer do. Yes I am bitter because East Side Mario is not the same. Another great place we ate at was Prosperity Dumplings in China Town. This little hole in the wall offers five fried pork and chive dumplings that are incredibly delicious for only $1! You tell me that last time you had a meal for $1....exactly. Both these places are delicious, but it was nothing compared to our last meal in Harlem.

Amazing fried chicken at Slyvia's in Harlem.

Alicia and I headed to the hood for some southern soul food at the famous Sylvia's Restaurant. If you're in a group, try taking the subway there just for fun. Getting lost in the subway system on the way will give you stories for the ride back. It did for us at least! Sylvia's wasn't just great fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and mash potatoes, it was an experience. From the live gospel singer to the happy birthday tributes, you felt like you were the guest at someones home. 

My last recommendation is to do the Hop On Hop Off bus of downtown and make sure you get out at Soho with some spending money ready. Shopoholic's Heaven, whats can be better than that?... Well, maybe getting taken out for drinks by that good looking waiter at Olive Garden?? Anythings possible in the Big Apple.

Disclaimer: If you do not listen to the travel advice given in this blog, you may have the worst trip imaginable.

Happy Travels!

If Love Is What You Found, I Don't Want It!

I've always been a true fan of Rihanna's dating back to her throwback single If Its Loving That You Want. Just this week she released the video to her newest song about "love" called We Found Love ft Calvin Harris. The song is absolutely great, a perfect fist pumping track in the middle of the dance floor with your bff. But the music video had me more like WTH!? 

After watching it, I immediately picked up the phone and asked my best friend Alicia if she's seen it. After fifteen minute of calling everyone I knew (not a lot obviously cause it only took 15 minutes) I realized that I must clearly be Rihanna's biggest fan because no one on earth has seen this video yet! I just wanted to discuss what the heck I just watched. 

The song is about finding love in a strange place, but rather it depicted Rihanna with a Chris Brown doppelganger heavly using drugs and intense make out sessions. The relationship was toxic and appeared to be more of an obsession with each other. Now I am no psychologist but I think its evident that Rihanna needs help. Not straight jacket help but guidance. There must be at least 30 instances of crazy ape shit behavior in that 4:36 min video!

After everything she's been through with Chris Brown you'd think she'd try to portray a more positive image... and my mom says I'm not allowed to watch it again.

I may not to able allowed to watch it, but you can. Here's the link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg00YEETFzg

Hello....is this on?

Wooohooo! Finally up and running. This is way overdue, I should have had this going months ago. But oh well, better late than never. Now, I just wanted to clear up a few things about my new blog. You know they say, never judge a book by its cover...or title. So this blog is not going to be one continuous rant after another. Because BENT is really just my last name and it in no way describes my emotions on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong, time to time I will eloquantly express my dislike on a particular subject. I already have a few in mind, but I'll try space them out so you don't think I suffer from ASBF Syndrome = angry.single.black.female syndrome. BUT speaking of ASBF leads me perfectly into my second blog....read on!
...see what I did there? Created some suspense, no?