Corporate America: Modern Day Plantation

To:  Spike Lee 

The media is saying that you do not plan to see Quentin Tarantino's film "Django Unchained."  On the contrary,  you of all people should watch this film.  It reinforces the message that you were trying to send in the making of your "School Daze" movie.   People need to "wake up."  Sometimes our Black people need to see things from a "White" perspective to understand.  The point is:  as long as they get the message, then that is all that matters.  Please do not criticize the messenger.  Just watch the film with an open mind . . . respect the artistry.



To: the unemployed, the restless, and the openminded . . .

There are two movies that you need to see.  1) Beasts of the Southern Wild and 2) Django Unchained.

"Beast of the Southern Wild" will show you that all you need is food, shelter, and water.  You do not need a job. No.  You need to know how to fish, hunt, and farm.  You need to know how to build shelter. You need a water source.  No Louis Vuitton luggage.  No front load washing machine.  No artwork on the walls.

"Django Unchained"  will teach you about the plantation.  There are house slaves, field slaves, and free men.  Depending on the smoothness of your skin and the texture of your hair, you may qualify as a house slave.  Now, think about what I have said so far . . .  eventually, you may conclude . . . Corporate America is the modern day plantation.  Congress is fighting for job creation . . . plantation jobs.  The "house slaves" are already climbing the corporate ladder within limitations.  No one ever gets a higher position than the plantation owners.

So everyone is programmed to try to get skills to work in corporate America.  Imagine if you were in chains with no luggage.  Just the clothes on your back.  Now, imagine someone taking off your chains (unchained) -- you are freed.  What you are going to do?

Field slaves knew how to live off the land . . .  People need to stop looking for plantation jobs and find a way to get their "forty acres and a mule."

Get rid of these "homeowner associations" . . . they are not saving property values.  People need to learn how to be self sufficient.  They need to learn how to farm.  They need land.  They need to own their house and their land outright (no mortgages). The size of the shelter is irrelevant.

The elite live off their interest in the bank not their principal.  Their money saved within "savings accounts" makes them money without them having to work another day in their life.

Wake up everyone. The only people that you need to impress is your clientele and potential business partners . . . people that you are trying to sell something to.  Otherwise, you do not need a Range Rover, Bentley, Hummer, nor a Maybach.

As far as Charlotte, NC is concerned, the city is too small to have anyone to impress except your clients.  There are very few potential business partners here.  Visit a big city to see what the real definition of "foot traffic" looks like.


To:  President Obama  Can we get our "forty acres and a mule outright?"

From:  "Free wo-man" Benita Blocker

Friday Meal Deal in Huntersville, NC

So it's Friday . . .  Why not try Sushi Star restaurant for their buy one get one free (BOGO) sushi?  They close at 9pm.  They also offer Hibachi dishes.

Tree Bark can Consume

Apparently, the ropes that anchored this tree from breaking in its infancy stage was not removed quickly enough.  The tree consumed it.  This is not the first time that I have seen this occurence.

December 2012 Observations:

Plastic and rope can be consumed and hidden within a tree trunk.  Will this weaken a tree long term?  There is something to be learned from this growth behavior.

Jackfruit in Compare Foods Grocery Store

In August 2010, I stumbled upon these weird looking watermelons only to discover that they are called "jackfruit."  They grow from a tree according to my research.  Also, the inside of the jackfruit, according to youtube videos, reminds me of a cantalope.  I found these jackfruits at Compare Foods grocery store in Charlotte, NC.

13ft Sunflower that I Nurtured to Life in 2010

 What is it?   A huge hybrid sunflower!  Very strange looking right?

 Until it begins to open up.

 And open up . . .

 And open up . . .

 What a beauty!

About 13 feet tall . . . everyone walked by to see the sunflower(s) . . . .

Enormously Huge Tires

On March 16, 2010, I witnessed a flatbed tractor trailer/truck transporting these huge tires.  I was trying to drive and take pictures without wrecking. So unfortunately, I only got two partial photos.  These tires were so huge that the diameter of them had to be about 10 feet wide.  A whole family of four could probably sit inside these tires.  The truck was headed north on Interstate 77.  I researched construction equipment, but there was nothing that I found would have tires this big.  This has to have been governmental. 

Upside Down Christmas 2012 Huntersville Banner

So out of all the Christmas 2012 banners that the city put up on my street, the banner on the postlight that is closest to my salon is upside down.

Is Huntersville trying to tell me something?  Or were the folks hanging banners happy that they were putting up the last one on the street and just got careless?



I thought this was noteworthy.

Review: Charlotte's Gun and Knife Show 2012

The shooting spree at the elementary school in Connecticut took place after I attended the Gun and Knife Show.  I enjoyed the trade show.  Where else can you be surrounded by guns and feel completely safe?

The admission was $7.  If you had a weapon, then you entered one way.  If you did not have a weapon, then you entered through a separate door.  All the guns had to have their barrels locked/anchored.  There were plenty of police around.  A nice flow of traffic came and went.  All ages from 8 to probably 80 came through.

The show offered tasers, coins, survival food kits, books, knives, antiques, and a variety of guns.  From "pretty pink" to "mililary looking black. "  The Glocks were the lightest weight guns.  All the rest, from the Beretta to the Smith and Wesson were very heavy.  I had no idea how heavy the guns are.  Two hands are needed to pick up some of the guns, and two feet anchored are needed to hold some of them steady.  I have a whole new respect for gun fights in the movies.

I found out the gun permit application cost $5 US dollars to get started with the background check.

Would I go to another "Gun and Knife Show?" You bet!  It was fun!

Sweepstakes: Gambling in North Carolina

Can you believe this "quick pick" for the Powerball drawing?  44, 45, 46, 47 were four of the six numbers issued on this ticket.  I had to laugh.  As I figured, I did not win anything with this ticket.  It was just interesting to see that the computer can count consecutively.

Anyway, I noticed that the NC Supreme Court ruled that the "Sweepstakes" gambling computer setups are illegal.  Those sweepstakes places were popping up on every corner.  The windows prevented anyone from seeing into the facilities.  They just looked suspicious.  No advertising.  Just word of mouth.  I was beginning to wonder was I the only one noticing that those sweepstakes business centers were becoming the fastest growing franchise that I could see in the metro Charlotte area.

I am happy to know that they were operating legally.   It sounds like those centers will re-open when they find another way around the "red tape."

Review: Donut King in Huntersville, NC

I just dropped by for a glazed donut at 2pm, and they were sold out since 9am this morning.  I could not believe it.  They had filled donuts left and cinnamon rolls only.  Their business hours are from 6am to 3pm Monday through Saturday.  They are also opened on Sundays from 7am to 2pm.  This is going to be a great "before church" stop!

So are you wondering how the donuts taste?  Well, the glazed donuts and the glazed twists are at least as good as Krispy Kreme or even better than Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  I really, really love their "yeast" based glazed donuts with the heavy glaze.

On the downside, I tried the donut holes, and they were not good because they had not gotten a tool to assist in making them properly.  So they discontinued offering the donut holes until they know they have them right.  I also tried the cinnamon roll. I did not like the cinnamon rolls.  They were dry, firm, and not much richness.

I will stick with the glazed donuts.  Although, I tried a few muffins.  They were tasty.  There was a Chocolate one that was delicious, and the bananut nut one was pretty good too.

Donut prices start about $.99 for one donut.  They offer Green Mountain coffee for coffee drinkers.

Overall, this "mom and pops" business has great donuts; they just have to finish working out some customer service challenges keeping up with the demand.  Since, they have only been opened for a week, they are off to a successful start!!!!!

Whole Foods Store in Charlotte, NC

 First of all, the hot food bar at the Whole Foods store was an awesome buffet!  The selection was just magnificent.  From Smokey Collard Greens to Kale to Macaroni and Cheese to Black Cherry Pork Ribs.  Just delicious!!!!

Now, for the downside, the store does not carry the John Masters Haircare line.  They are still trying to get a feel for the Charlotte market.  I picked up these John Masters shampoos and conditioners from the Whole Foods store in Boston, MA while I was there taking my SisterLocks training. This haircare line contains over 70% certified organic ingredients.  I was excited to get my hands on them.

Also, on a separate note, my favorite facial moisturizer (Alba Botanicals) was priced at $20 at the Whole Foods store in Charlotte, NC but the same moisturizer was $15 at Walmart.  It was the same packaging, but literally $5 difference in price.  Most people in the metro Charlotte area are going to try to save $5.00 when they can.

So I was very pleased with the Whole Foods in Charlotte for their Hot Bar!  It was definitely the highlight of my visit!

Fitness Center Review: 9Round Kickbox Fitness

So this Nine stations Fitness Circuit has opened up nearby.  The first 30 minute workout is free.  The stations include everything from jump rope to push-ups to sit-ups to all types of punching bags to free weights.  The only thing missing is the "showers."

Their business hours are Monday through Thursday 9am to 2pm and then 4pm to 8pm.  On Fridays, 9am to 2pm and then 4pm to 6pm.  Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.  Sundays -closed.

This place is not really a lunch-time workout because you would sweat too much, and there are no showers on site.  It is not a "before work" fitness center because they do not open until 9am which is core work hours for most people.  I believe that they are the busiest from 4pm to 8pm on Monday through Thursday.

The best part about this fitness center is that you don't have to buy into a membership.  You can just pay $9 per visit which is a 30 minute circuit.  Also, remember the first 30 minute visit is free.  Careful not to over exert!

The Slow Economy in the Surburbs

At 12:30pm (lunchtime) on a Tuesday (weekday), this is the foot traffic of the Rosedale Shopping Center Huntersville, Exit 23.  Hello?  What is wrong with this picture?  After seeing all of the "hustle" and movement in Boston, MA this past August, this absence of shoppers is downright depressing.  The businesses are trying to survive, but there is no use in counting on "walk-in" traffic.  Northerners would probably go insane to see the quietness of an upscale shopping Center.  God Bless the US of A.

Carolinas Healthcare System's Corporate Communications List

As listed publicly on the Internet and duplicated here  . . . Corporate Communications Staff (as of 2012)

Below is a list of Carolinas HealthCare System corporate communications staff members and their direct contact information. A member of our team can also be reached from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 704-355-3141.  After hours, dial 704-355-2000 and ask to have the communications officer on call paged. Erinne Kovi Dyer, VP 704-446-1799 erinne.dyer@carolinashealthcare.org Amy Murphy, AVP  704-446-8814 amy.l.murphy@carolinashealthcare.org Gail Rosenberg, AVP 704-355-3800 gail.rosenberg@carolinashealthcare.org Heather Anderson 704-446-1772 heather.anderson@carolinashealthcare.org Ray Jones 704-355-3206 raymond.jones@carolinashealthcare.org Kevin McCarthy 704-355-3077 kevin.mccarthy@carolinashealthcare.org Katie Ratchford 704-355-3828 katie.ratchford@carolinashealthcare.org Scott White 704-355-5786 scott.white@carolinashealthcare.org

Shoe Heels made for all day comfort

 I had to dust these Liz Claiborne Higgins boats off and polish them up.  I was never known for a "spit shine," but I can handle the basics as far as polishing leather.

 I literally walked a mile in these shoes without any pain.  I will be holding on to these boots for dear life.  When they wear out, I plan to just get the soles replaced.

People are always complaining about the discomfort of modern day shoes.  I can definitely appreciate the old school shoe making.

I had stopped wearing these boots years ago because my calves on my legs had gotten too big to zip them completely up.  Truth be told, I can not get them zipped to knee level yet, but I am getting close!  No one will ever know as long as I wear slacks or long dresses.

Smoke Detector unit gone bad or not?

 So did all the detectors start roaring all at the same time?  Then you went through changing out all the old batteries for them to all start sounding off again about an hour later?  So you know that the batteries are not the problem.  But how to determine which smoke detector has gone bad causing all of them to sound off?

Well, for the Kidde Ionization Smoke Alarm Model i12060, you can put the battery in position, but leave it disconnected from the wiring.  Within an hour or possibly 30 minutes, if the detector unit is bad, it will sound off by itself just by having it sitting aside.  After identifying the bad units, replace them by going to a home improvement store like Lowe's or Home Depot.  Keep your home safe!

Obama versus Romney: Blue Collar vs White Collar

My clients are all asking me . . . so what's the story with the yard signs . . . I say:  I placed my "Obama" sign out first then three days later the "Romney" sign shows up.  That is the story . . .

Is not it interesting that the Obama sign is "blue" and the Romney sign is "white."  Our economy is built on "blue collar jobs" because everyone can not have a six figure salary.  The White collar workers usually do not need public schools and any public assistance. Often times the white collar workers are disconnected to the big picture of America.  I personally have been on both sides of the fence which makes me more well rounded.  I believe Barack Obama has been on both sides of the fence too which makes him more easily to connect.

In light of the damages from Hurricane Sandy, President Obama still comes across as a loving, concerned citizen.  Romney comes across as politically correct with little heartfelt emotion displayed.

This is just my opinion.  Election day is next Tuesday.

Movie Review: Alex Cross starring Tyler Perry

First of all, I went to see a $5.00 matinee of the Alex Cross movie because I was not a huge fan of "Good Deeds" nor "Madea's Witness Protection." So my expectations were low for this movie, but after seeing it, I actually liked the movie. Tyler Perry did a great job with the acting. The movie held my attention. It was just as entertaining as most of the movies that have been released lately. I actually would have been okay with paying $10.00 to see this movie.

I really hope that people will go out and see the movie. It features Tyler Perry in a non-Madea role in which he did NOT produce the movie. He was an actor for hire. Please support it! He really did well!

2012 United States Presidential Voter Information

Official "early voting" has begun for the popular vote tally. It took me about one hour and five minutes, but I cast my "absentee vote" early.

Sorry that these pictures photographed sideways. They looked fine on my camera. Anyway, the separate designation for casting one's presidential choice has been a controversy in South Carolina. Apparently, people are being mislead to think that a Straight Party ticket covers everything. Well, at least in North Carolina, it did not. You vote for the Presidential candidate separate from the rest of the offices.

North Carolina has a Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson on the Presidential ballot. After further research there are four other persons seeking the 2012 Presidential office besides Obama and Romney. Jill Stein of the "Green Party" is one of them. Virgil Goode of the Constitution Party is another. Third party candidates can be a write-in.

A Visionary Moment: Nursery Shelving Unit

Here's another great consignment find! I passed by this nursery Shelving Unit multiple times because I do not have a need for nursery furniture. Many people were doing the same thing. Well, I finally slowed down long enough to take a second look at it. Well, the price was reduced to $8.00. Well, what is going through your mind as you look at this unit? Are you envisioning this:

Well, as a visionary, the light bulb came on in my head without removing the drawer liners at the store. So for $8, I scooped it right up before anyone else began to see what I could see. Later, just by removing the drawer liners, I erased the nursery theme. Now, I have more storage options! Wondering where I found this treasure? At the Charlotte Style Exchange three day event! (Half off on Saturdays! It was priced at $16.)

Plus Size Fashion: The Stretch Belt

I just struck gold at the Charlotte Style Exchange three day consignment event. I picked up this stretch belt as well as a few others at a "steal." At $1.50 plus tax, I transformed my outfit from average to absolutely fabulously chic!

The belt is from the Limited and was a size Large. It has a heavy duty closure.

It is just a hook, but it holds it all together. I have to admit I questioned my ability to fully breathe, but I really loved the hourglass enhancement for $1.50! Hello!

The stretchy material makes it easy to store as well.

Okay, here is my outfit without the belt. The "before" picture and the "after" are only $1.50 difference. One picture is without the belt, and the above picture is with the belt. No other changes.
That belt probably should have retailed new for about $10 to $30. I was blessed to purchase it at half off of $3.00 on the final day of the consignment sale. I am becoming my own fashion stylist for plus size/curvy ladies!

Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking in the USA

After watching the movie "End of Watch," after reading survivor stories in Essence and Ebony Magazines, after reading that President Barack Obama has designated a $6 million grant to build solutions according to USA Today 9/27/12 edition, I was absolutely consumed with the topic of human trafficking and modern day slavery.

So let's look at all obvious angles:

The "Pimps" and "Madames" that rule the "modern day slaves:" They are men and women who see the world as a "hustle" to survive and make money. Only the strong will survive. If you deal with "humans" as commodity, then you can re-use the commodity without buying a new supply unlike if you were selling drugs. There may even be less punishment for those convicted of human trafficking versus drug trafficking. (I have not researched the difference in the sentencing trend.) So these people are trying to hustle "smart" versus working too hard at another human being's expense.

The Sex slaves: Some may be kidnapped and drugged and trapped into the lifestyle. Some may have left home because their mother's boyfriend or their mother's new husband or some other male has repeatedly sexually assaulted the youth. The youth can not get peace at home because of the abuse. Then the youth tries to find peace in the streets. Instead of finding shelter, the youth find similar predators as found at their home except the predators are now complete strangers. The youth find themselves in hell on the streets with a memory of hell at home. They give up on life because they can not seem to "win for losing."

Work slaves: Illegally transported from another country and promised a better life. They find their promises are broken and threatened to be sent back to a country that they do not want to return to.

So how do you solve everyone's problem? Find everyone a decent, honest, "good paying" job so that they can live their own American dream without the expense of destroying someone else's dreams. And to take this a step forward, encourage workplace fairness, diversity, and inclusion. And to take this topic even a step forward, consider this: if your $20 million dollar dream is at the expense of someone else's $100,000 dream, then it is called "greed."

Wednesday Meal Deals in Huntersville, NC

Photo Credit: Picture is from www.wellnessroadtrip.com
This is a part of my "7 day week Restaurant Guide" series. I am looking for great deals for under $10 in the Huntersville, NC area. So for Wednesdays consider:
1) Yoshi's Grill - for Half price sushi with a regular price purchase (ex. a soft drink) -- this deal is good all day. Kitchen closes at 9:45pm. I believe, there is also a six roll maximum (no mininum).
2) Weck of Beef and Wings- Killington's Restaurant - $10.75 (pictured)

If anyone knows of other great Wednesday meal deals in Huntersville, NC, then please let us know!
Restaurant specials are subject to change at anytime. As of April 2014, these deals are accurate.

Tuesday Meal Deals in Huntersville, NC

Photo Credit: This picture is from www.wellnessroadtrip.com
This is a part of my "7 day week Restaurant Guide" series. I am looking for great deals for under $10 in the Huntersville, NC area. So for Tuesdays consider:
1) Jersey Mikes Subs - Tuesday Special- $4.99 regular sub combo (chips and drink) -- this deal is good all day.
2) Earthfare Groceries - Tender Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes Special- $9.99 offered between the hours of 4:30pm and 7:30pm only every Tuesday.

If anyone knows of other great Tuesday meal deals in Huntersville, NC, then please let us know!
Restaurant specials are subject to change at anytime. As of August 2013, these deals are accurate.

Consider Leasing a Luxury Car!

The Audi A8L is a long wheeled base luxury car. A brand new one would typically start at $80,000.00 USD. At this price point, you are paying for the flagship of the Audi cars. You want it for its luxurious look. Maintenance is typically $1000 at a time for anything outside of an oil service.

So what happens when the luxury car gets 10 years old? Luxury is more appreciated when it is new. Eventually, every luxury car will become an "old" luxury car. Can the words "old" and "luxury" go in the same sentence? The maintenance for a luxury car will never go down. Insurance coverage will also remain on the expensive side.

Most people who want to drive a car based on luxury will want the next new luxury car within four to five years. So why buy? Just consider leasing when it comes to driving luxury vehicles. Save car buying for those vehicles under $30,000.00