Can I be honest? I mean, can I really be honest? (Permission granted.)
I've been in Chicago for just slightly over a month now and it has its negatives and its positives, but I what I love best is the support among its residents for the president. President Obama.
I guess because this is kind of his home. As the election approaches, conversations are starting...political sidenotes from us, "the people." Though I'm open-minded to others' opinions, different from my own, I (as most) enjoy hearing conversations among strangers that I actually agree with. It's pretty awesome!
Unfortunately, I missed last night's debate between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. From the news, I didn't miss much. It seems as if the media outlets (outside of FOX) have been leaning towards conservative Romney. Next week, I will be able to see the debate for myself and I will be the judge of who I think did the best, as un-biased as I can possibly be.
Look for a post. I will be covering the points I deem as important and how each of the presidential candidates did.
But until then, I'll enjoy this good 'ol Chicago talk.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
"Celebrate Tonight"
Graduate school is no joke...(duh). So I have been writing a lot...kind of, but clearly not on my blog. My apologies!
Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing singer Allen Stone perform live at Lincoln Park in Chicago. It was great! As part of Chipotle's "Cultivate Festival," Mr. Stone sang all of my favorite tunes from his latest EP and I won a free burrito! (If you don't know who he is, please Google him.)
I just wanted to share these photos. Don't worry! I will be back to my sports and political writing very soon. Don't think I haven't been paying attention to football and politics lately...I have :-)
Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing singer Allen Stone perform live at Lincoln Park in Chicago. It was great! As part of Chipotle's "Cultivate Festival," Mr. Stone sang all of my favorite tunes from his latest EP and I won a free burrito! (If you don't know who he is, please Google him.)
I just wanted to share these photos. Don't worry! I will be back to my sports and political writing very soon. Don't think I haven't been paying attention to football and politics lately...I have :-)
Friday, June 29, 2012
You didn't care about politics before Obama.
Politics.
You hear the word all the time in reference to behavior in the workplace. It's not something you like to see. On the other hand, you may hear about "politics" amongst co-workers...The other kind of politics I mean. You know, Presidential stuff and talk about the donkey and elephant. I prefer not to discuss either in the workplace, especially if it can lead to talk about morals and heated arguments that will make you temporarily or even forever hate your co-worker(s). This is why I have this blog...and I'm going to say what I want.
Not too long ago, a Twitter follower of mine posted something while President Obama was giving a State of the Union Address that basically said "y'all didn't care about politics before Obama." I thought to myself...maybe not. Then I realized why I wasn't as concerned before.
Before the age of 18 years (2006), I didn't know much about politics. I knew who the President was and I knew about certain laws, terrorism, and the then-President Bush's declaration of the War in Iraq, but before that age, there wasn't much I could do. One year, I served at my high school as a class representative, but I don't remember having the power to do much of anything...so I quit. We had certain awards and nominations we democratically voted for at school...but as far as politics of the United States, I was pretty ignorant.
When I went to college, I began to take classes, some politically focused, and my classroom experience did what it was supposed to do: it taught me. When I turned 19, I was still not registered to vote...but I was summoned for jury duty. Something about that moment and all that I had learned within that past year made me realize just how important it was that I become a registered voter. So I registered, and I became more involved.
I began to write about how the importance of voting. I was so excited that I would have the chance to vote for the next president of the United States... (a chance I clearly had never had before.) At the time of the election, I was taking an African-American political thought class...one of the most memorable classes I would ever take in college.
After carefully evaluating the candidates and doing my own research, I decided ultimately that I would cast my vote for Senator Barack Obama. I went to the campaign headquarters in Memphis (where I was at the time) with a couple of my friends close to election day and we held signs and stood on the corner of a busy intersection to campaign for the man I believed was best qualified to lead our country.
When Election Day came, I had to drive about three hours to Nashville to cast my vote at my home precinct. Since that day, I have never regretted my decision.
I have benefited in a few ways since that day in 2007 and am now directly affected in ways I can see...and I DO CARE.
-As a student and former student with student loans, I am very appreciative of some of the governmental changes that have occurred. Many students loathe paying back loans, but the 2009 enacted Income Based Repayment (IBR) plan has made it possible to me to afford the payments based on how much I earn. The plan was originally introduced under the Bush administration in 2007 and became effective in 2009. It has since been amended under the Obama administration, capping monthly payments as 10 percent of an individual's income, versus the previous 15 percent. It also forgives any debt remaining (after consistent payments) after 20 years, rather than 25, along with allowing borrowers whose incomes are less than $20,000 per year will pay $0 in monthly payments. Though it may take a while to pay them in the case that one has a low-paying job, at least they will be able to pay something without defaulting. http://business.time.com/2011/10/27/can-income-based-repayment-on-student-loans-save-the-economy/
-I will soon return to school, and as a 24-year old, I normally would not have insurance. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act-ACA (Obamacare), I can now stay on my parents' insurance until the age of 26, or until I can find a position that offers insurance to its employees before then. If in the case, I can't find full time employment with benefits, I will be able to pay for insurance at a much lower rate than before Obamacare, based on my salary (hence the term "Affordable"). I don't mind paying for my health...especially if it costs me a lot less than it would have in the past.
-As a woman, under the new healthcare law, I can receive recommended preventive services, like contraception, mammograms, new baby care and well-child visits, with no out-of-pocket costs, (if needed)....Also, just a little FYI, birth-control is not always prescribed solely to prevent the birth of babies! Lol
-Under President Obama’s leadership, the government is trying to help students and recent graduates find job opportunities with the Federal government through USAJOBS with "Pathways." The programs are new still in progress, but they are a major step for someone like me who maybe doesn't have the full time experience a lot of jobs require right out of college. It's another great opportunity that directly affects someone like me.
There are a few other things I was going to list, but this post is too long at this point, so I won't.
I'm still young...but I know a lot more than I did when I was younger and with that knowledge, I care and pay attention. The fact that the President cares about policies and laws that affect people in my age group and women, (along with so many other groups that together comprise this country), makes me proud that I have and had the opportunity to get ever involved with POLITICS...and I still won't stop paying attention after him.
You hear the word all the time in reference to behavior in the workplace. It's not something you like to see. On the other hand, you may hear about "politics" amongst co-workers...The other kind of politics I mean. You know, Presidential stuff and talk about the donkey and elephant. I prefer not to discuss either in the workplace, especially if it can lead to talk about morals and heated arguments that will make you temporarily or even forever hate your co-worker(s). This is why I have this blog...and I'm going to say what I want.
Not too long ago, a Twitter follower of mine posted something while President Obama was giving a State of the Union Address that basically said "y'all didn't care about politics before Obama." I thought to myself...maybe not. Then I realized why I wasn't as concerned before.
Before the age of 18 years (2006), I didn't know much about politics. I knew who the President was and I knew about certain laws, terrorism, and the then-President Bush's declaration of the War in Iraq, but before that age, there wasn't much I could do. One year, I served at my high school as a class representative, but I don't remember having the power to do much of anything...so I quit. We had certain awards and nominations we democratically voted for at school...but as far as politics of the United States, I was pretty ignorant.
When I went to college, I began to take classes, some politically focused, and my classroom experience did what it was supposed to do: it taught me. When I turned 19, I was still not registered to vote...but I was summoned for jury duty. Something about that moment and all that I had learned within that past year made me realize just how important it was that I become a registered voter. So I registered, and I became more involved.
I began to write about how the importance of voting. I was so excited that I would have the chance to vote for the next president of the United States... (a chance I clearly had never had before.) At the time of the election, I was taking an African-American political thought class...one of the most memorable classes I would ever take in college.
After carefully evaluating the candidates and doing my own research, I decided ultimately that I would cast my vote for Senator Barack Obama. I went to the campaign headquarters in Memphis (where I was at the time) with a couple of my friends close to election day and we held signs and stood on the corner of a busy intersection to campaign for the man I believed was best qualified to lead our country.
When Election Day came, I had to drive about three hours to Nashville to cast my vote at my home precinct. Since that day, I have never regretted my decision.
I have benefited in a few ways since that day in 2007 and am now directly affected in ways I can see...and I DO CARE.
-As a student and former student with student loans, I am very appreciative of some of the governmental changes that have occurred. Many students loathe paying back loans, but the 2009 enacted Income Based Repayment (IBR) plan has made it possible to me to afford the payments based on how much I earn. The plan was originally introduced under the Bush administration in 2007 and became effective in 2009. It has since been amended under the Obama administration, capping monthly payments as 10 percent of an individual's income, versus the previous 15 percent. It also forgives any debt remaining (after consistent payments) after 20 years, rather than 25, along with allowing borrowers whose incomes are less than $20,000 per year will pay $0 in monthly payments. Though it may take a while to pay them in the case that one has a low-paying job, at least they will be able to pay something without defaulting. http://business.time.com/2011/10/27/can-income-based-repayment-on-student-loans-save-the-economy/
-I will soon return to school, and as a 24-year old, I normally would not have insurance. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act-ACA (Obamacare), I can now stay on my parents' insurance until the age of 26, or until I can find a position that offers insurance to its employees before then. If in the case, I can't find full time employment with benefits, I will be able to pay for insurance at a much lower rate than before Obamacare, based on my salary (hence the term "Affordable"). I don't mind paying for my health...especially if it costs me a lot less than it would have in the past.
 |
| Me, a friend, and a fellow campaigner in Memphis before the 2008 Presidential election. |
-Under President Obama’s leadership, the government is trying to help students and recent graduates find job opportunities with the Federal government through USAJOBS with "Pathways." The programs are new still in progress, but they are a major step for someone like me who maybe doesn't have the full time experience a lot of jobs require right out of college. It's another great opportunity that directly affects someone like me.
There are a few other things I was going to list, but this post is too long at this point, so I won't.
I'm still young...but I know a lot more than I did when I was younger and with that knowledge, I care and pay attention. The fact that the President cares about policies and laws that affect people in my age group and women, (along with so many other groups that together comprise this country), makes me proud that I have and had the opportunity to get ever involved with POLITICS...and I still won't stop paying attention after him.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Thunder strikes the Spurs in Game 3
After being down 2-0 in the Western Conference finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder proved the reason for their playoffs spot Thursday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Oklahoma City.
The 20-point victory came after two back-to-back wins by the Spurs on their home court in San Antonio.
The final score was 102-82 at the end of the night. The teams will meet again in the Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma on Saturday night, where the Thunder to tie the series 2-2.
Meanwhile, drama almost but didn't quite make it to the "Will Call" in the Chesapeake Arena lobby. Check out this story about rapper Lil' Wayne (and other random sports news).
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Can Grizzlies Force Game 7?
written by: stacia_doss.
Since the start of the NBA Playoffs, there has honestly only been one series I have been following: The Memphis Grizzlies v. the Los Angeles Clippers. Right now, L.A. leads the series 3-2.
Wednesday night, the Clippers were one game away from ending the series, but the Grizzlies managed to survive the game, winning on their home court at the FedEx Forum.
This is how the series has played out so far (in case you haven’t seen it).
Game 1 in Memphis: Clippers win
Game 2 in Memphis: Grizz win
Game 3 in L.A.: Clippers win
Game 4 in L.A.: Clippers win
Game 5 in Memphis: Grizz win
So, you see, the Clippers managed to take advantage of their home court, winning both games, along with a victory on the road. The team heads back to the Staples Center to face the Grizzlies in Game 6 on Friday night. Game 6 is an absolute must-win for Memphis if they want to make it past this first round of the playoffs.
During Wednesday’s Clippers loss, the L.A roster and coach certainly got a little hot under the collar, earning the team a total of five technical fouls, four amongst the players and one for coach Vinny Del Negro.
The Grizzlies have managed to keep their composure, but have not been playing like the seemingly "unstoppable" team they seemed like near the end of regular season.
While Grizzlies Coach Lionel Hollins was grateful for the victory in Game 5, he feels the momentum of the team is still not where it needs to be.
Memphis closed the game with a 92-88 winning score, and at one point had a 24-point lead. But the faces on the fans during the last five minutes of the game were fearful as the lead at one point became as small as six points.
Can Memphis manage to stay in this NBA Playoff race? I sure hope so.
Since the start of the NBA Playoffs, there has honestly only been one series I have been following: The Memphis Grizzlies v. the Los Angeles Clippers. Right now, L.A. leads the series 3-2.
Wednesday night, the Clippers were one game away from ending the series, but the Grizzlies managed to survive the game, winning on their home court at the FedEx Forum.
This is how the series has played out so far (in case you haven’t seen it).
Game 1 in Memphis: Clippers win
Game 2 in Memphis: Grizz win
Game 3 in L.A.: Clippers win
Game 4 in L.A.: Clippers win
Game 5 in Memphis: Grizz win
So, you see, the Clippers managed to take advantage of their home court, winning both games, along with a victory on the road. The team heads back to the Staples Center to face the Grizzlies in Game 6 on Friday night. Game 6 is an absolute must-win for Memphis if they want to make it past this first round of the playoffs.
During Wednesday’s Clippers loss, the L.A roster and coach certainly got a little hot under the collar, earning the team a total of five technical fouls, four amongst the players and one for coach Vinny Del Negro.
The Grizzlies have managed to keep their composure, but have not been playing like the seemingly "unstoppable" team they seemed like near the end of regular season.
While Grizzlies Coach Lionel Hollins was grateful for the victory in Game 5, he feels the momentum of the team is still not where it needs to be.
Memphis closed the game with a 92-88 winning score, and at one point had a 24-point lead. But the faces on the fans during the last five minutes of the game were fearful as the lead at one point became as small as six points.
Can Memphis manage to stay in this NBA Playoff race? I sure hope so.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Grizz Fever
written by: stacia_doss.
 |
| Memphis Grizzlies victorious against Dallas Mavericks on April 7, 2012. |
This weekend was just what I needed...some time away from the St. Louis area and a visit back to my home state, Tennessee.
The Memphis Grizzlies faced the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, April 7, at the FedEx Forum for a game that was pretty integral to securing the Grizzlies a more favorable playoff spot.
The team successfully defeated the Mavericks 94-89, placing the Grizzlies at fifth place in the Western Conference.
Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph led the team in scoring with a combined 40 points. Recent addition Gilbert Arenas looked almost unstoppable, bringing high energy and contributing 14 points to the team's victory, spending just over 17 minutes in the game.
Overall, every player that stepped on the court for Memphis in some way contributed to the win over Dallas. It was "team work" in every sense of the phrase.
Dallas was led by Dirk Nowitzki, who had 17 points and 2 assists. Jason Terry led the team with assists, ending the night with 8, and 12 points total.
Sadly, this was the first and last time I'd see the husband of one of my favorite reality stars in a Dallas jersey (Lamar Odom).
*The Grizzlies faced the Los Angeles Clippers Monday night at home, and added another victory to the list with 94-85 win.
This was the first regular season Grizz game I have attended in a long time. The atmosphere was great, the attendance was great, and I had an overall good time. It felt just as good as the playoff game I attended last year. Check out my pictures from the game. I had some pretty amazing seats!
*=updated
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