The BET awards 10th anniversary show opened with a performance of "Power" by Kanye West, whose been keeping a low profile since his last award show malfunction.
With MC Lyte announcing and host Queen Latifah, the BET Awards rolled along with Queen singing with a comedic routine to introduce some performances of the night referencing a tribute to Prince and Drake, who Queen Latifah took several splices of his songs' during her intro monologue.
Jada Pinkett Smith gave out the first award of the evening, reminiscing about the past 10 years of the show and presenting Best Female R&B Artist. Nominees included: Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Melanie Fiona, Alicia Keys and Rhianna, with Alica Keys taking home the prize. Alicia dedicated her award to all "superwomen" who "rise like a Phoenix".
First performance of the night came from Usher. In true form, Usher did it up well with smoke, MJ style dance moves and sweet vocals, doing what only Usher knows how to do.
Tajah Henson and Mike Epps, who wore a throwback outfit from the '90s and giving a shout out to B2K who was "opening for NSYNC" tonight. The crowd enjoyed the joke. The duo present the award to Best Female Hop Hop artist to Nikki Manaj, who was sporting a BRIGHT, BRIGHT "red?" (looking more like orange) wig. She looked great except for the hairdo as she gave a head's up to all the female rappers who came before, including the host of the evening, Queen Latifah. Manaj wanted to celebrate "a positivity among women".
For her third segment, Queen came out it true Latifah style with her basketball and jersey in tow to introduce T.I.'s performance, which received an A for AWESOME with Travis Barker on the drums. Camera's caught Jada Pinkett Smith's daughter jammin in her seat to the performance.
Nia Long presented the next award, quoting lines from her movie "Loves Jones" looking into the audience for her costar in the movie, Larenz Tate, who finished up the "heated" speech. The two present Best Male Hip Hop award to Drake, who truly deserved the win. Drake won over several superstar nominees, such as Jay-Z, Ludacris, B.O.B. and Fabolous . Drake gave shout outs to God, his mom, and Lil' Wayne for putting him on stage. This was the second award of the night going to the Young Money family, the label created by Lil' Wayne who is currently in jail on a weapons charge.
13 year old Gabi Wilson sang, "Fallin' to introduce the next performance by Alicia Keys. Gabi did it up well, with the crowd getting into it clapping the beat of "Fallin". Queen introduced Keys saying that she is one of the only performers who can mesmerize an arena of 20,00o with only her voice and a piano, and proclaimed Alicia was just given the title of Billboards Top R&B/Hip Hop's artist of the decade. Keys then opened her performance on the piano with "No One". As she moved away from the piano for her song, "Make It Without You", her baby bump was clearly visible and Alicia looked stunning. Though she quickly moved back to the piano for a rendition of "If I Ain't Got You". Alicia finished her performance with "I'm Ready".
For every costume change throughout the night, Queen came out in a different outfit representing each of her character from the films she did. Queen Latifah's next interlude included her costume from her movie, "Set It Off". She did a bit with T.I. where she went to take "something" out of her pocket. T.I. stopped her saying that he had "done did this befor'. Guns at an award shows was a bad idea." Referencing his 2007 arrest during the BET Hip Hop awards. Latifah told him to relax as she pulled out a camera to take a quick pic. The audience loved the humor.
The next performance was B.O.B and Keisha Cole singing "Airplane", later they were joined by Eminem. This led up to a solo for Eminem singing, "Not afraid". Though his mic seemed to being going in and out, the crowd was not noticing. Cameras caught "The Green Mile" star Michael Clark Duncan definitely feel Em's vibe, rockin in his seat.
Monica performed for the audience as she presented the award for Best Collaboration. Nominees included: Beyonce ft. Lady Gaga's "Video Phone", B.O.B ft. Bruno Mars "Nothin' on You", Drake & Trey Songz's "Successful", Drake's "Forever" ft Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Eminem and Trey Songz ft Fabolous with "Say Aah". But the award went to Jay -Z and Alicia Keys for "Empire State of Mind".
Diddy and Dirty Money hit the stage next amid lots of smoke for his performance of "Hello, Good Morning". Though you really couldn't see the performers due to the smoke, Diddy was joined on stage by Rick Ross, T.I. and Nicki Minaj, still sporting that orange hair. She was also obviously lip syncing her part, very badly I might add. Though later in the show, she won her second award for Best New Artist.
After the commercial break, Jermaine Jackson came on stage to thanks fans for the love and support throughout the difficult year as he and his family recovered from Michael's death. This was followed by an outstanding and VERY emotional tribute to Michael by Chris Brown.
Brown began his tribute without being introduced by name. Jermaine only announced that "There was one tribute performance that we've yet to see." clearly referencing Chris' performance being pulled from last year's show after he plead guilty to assault charges. Jackson then announced, "Tonight on the BET Awards, here he is..."
Behind a sheet lit up with back light in a standard MJ pose, Brown stood. For a moment, you really thought it was Michael. Hitting several Jackson poses and continuing with classic MJ moves, Chris began his performance with "The Way You Make Me Feel", decked out in Michael's signature outfit of black pants, white T, blue shirt and black fedora hat from the video. Brown also sported Jackson's signature silver glove. During the tribute, Brown seem to channel Jackson as he danced exact movements from the "Remember the Time" video. Next came a blackout on the stage and white lights outlined six dancers who could be seen as they danced to Jackson's "Smooth Criminal". It was an amazing performance, until Brown reappeared again, after a quick costume change. This time, wearing a black suit as the first beats from "Billie Jean" began to play. The audience was transported to the Motown 25th show, wear Jackson first did his signature, Moonwalk. Brown replicated all the moves from the show and left the crowd amazed at the accuracy of his movements. But Brown certainly saved his best for last!
As emotional pictures of heroic rescues showed on the screen, the music for "Man in the Mirror" began to play. Brown began to sing, but couldn't make it through the first line of the song, as his voice cracked with emotion of the words: "I'm gonna make a change for once in my life..." and Brown cried. Right there, on stage in front of millions, Brown broke down. It was emotional and heartfelt as he allowed his venerability to show as he struggled to get the words of the song out. The audience helped him out by singing the verse, and Chris, though unable to sing, began screaming out the lyrics without his mic, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. And no message could've been any clearer. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change."
Emotional and raw, with tears streaming down his face, Chris received a standing ovation from the audience as he finished the song and walking off stage, a hug from Jermaine. Cameras caught members of the audience clearly stunned and amazed, many seen just saying, "Oh my God!" and WOW!" This feeling was felt by all. Later returning to the stage to accept the Fandemonium award, Brown told the audience, "I let you all down before, but I won't do it again. I promise."
Queen Latifah returned wearing a tribute to South Africa to introduce the performer. Announcing that she "changed the game for women in 1989 with "Ladies first. This next performer changed the game with a mixed tape....give it up for Drizzy Drake." Drake lit up the stage with his anthem, "Over", singing the lyrics "I'm doing me," then was joined on stage with Jeezy.
Black-Eyed Peas came to stage next to present the award for Best Male R&B Artist. Nominees included: Chris Brown, Raheem DeVaughn, Maxwell, Usher, and Trey Songz, who took the award, thanking and bringing his mother onstage. Trey Songz returned to the stage to perform his steamy “Your Side Of The Bed” and attempted to cover Prince’s “Purple Rain,” a good effort but Prince clearly did not look happy considering his tribute was coming up with his hand-picked artist singing the same song.
Blast from the past, El DeBarge surprised fans next singing a medley of his classic hits, wrapping up with "Rhythm of the Night".
Coming back from commercial, the stage was pictured with a huge photo of Gary Coleman coupled with sincere shout out from his co-star, Todd Bridges. He stated that Gary was responsible for one of the biggest sayings of all time, proclaiming "that thing haunted me my entire life. Even when I was in prison, I heard that mess." But he got the audience involved when he wanted to honor Gary by asking them to say Coleman's famous saying. The audience obliged by yelling on three in unison, "Whatch you talkin' bout, Willis?" This introduced the In Memoriam segment which included pictures of Lena Horne, and Teddy Pendergrass with Tyrese singing Teddy's songs.
Humanitarian Service Award went to John Legend for all his work in music and in South Africa.
Toward the end of the nearly 3 and 1/2 hour show, was a musical tribute to Prince who was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The medley began with Janelle Monae, seeming to literally "go crazy" on stage as she sang, "Let's Go Crazy". This was followed by Esperanza Spaulding, and Alicia Keys who received a standing ovation from Prince himself. Legendary singer, Pattie La Belle contributed her vocals by singing a rendition of "Purple Rain" which was incredible, especially when she kicked off her shoes in the middle of the performance and sang right to Prince himself. He was tearfully moved. When accepting his award Prince stated, “I was pretty wild in my younger days and you don’t have to do what I did…you don’t have to make any of the mistakes I made. The future is in your hands now, the world is really yours.”
The last performance of the night was Ludacris’s “My Chick Bad” joined with DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj (wearing a white wig, still lip-syncing) T-Pain and Rick Ross, as well as Tommy Lee on drums. The show ended with a remix of “All I Do Is Win,” bringing in Diddy and the Dirty Money gang again, this time with Nicki Minaj wearing a pink wig but still lip-syncing.
Other awards included: Young Money (best group) and Marvin Sapp (best gospel). Absentees Beyoncé and Lady Gaga picked up the video of the year award for "Video Phone." Rihanna and Young Jeezy won the viewer's choice award for "Hard."
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
TV: Parking Wars = Stupid People
So I am sitting here watching one for my guilty pleasures, "Parking Wars" on A & E.I know this may seem absurd to some, but it is really funny to see grown people act the way they do. Like a little kid when they get caught breaking the rules, they throw temper tantrums.
One woman (and I use that term loosely) actually said, "But everybody does it? Why do I have to get the ticket?" Come on, people!!! Didn't your momma ever teach if you, if someone jumps off a cliff, it doesn't mean you have to follow them? Never, ever have I heard of someone who use this excuse and get away with it.Anyway, here's a couple of things you need to know about "Parking Wars".
The setting of our story is the wonderful city of Philadelphia and the show is about the PPA (Philadelphia Parking Authority). The show is broken up into 3 different sections: Impound Lot, Ticketing and Booting.Each department has it's own rules, it's on way of doing things, and it's own set of problems and complaints. But the similarity that each share is every person who gets "caught" on the show says, it's not their fault and/or "The PPA is ridiculous and/or unfair."
It's pretty entertaining how upset people get for something they did wrong. Well entertaining to me, not so much for them!Why can't people just follow parking rules? It's just like traffic rules, and we all have to pay attention to the rules, plan and simple. Plus, if you KNOW what you are doing is wrong, but you do it anyway, that's stupidity. And you're really upset with YOURSELF because you got caught. Just as I tell my students, you always have a choice!!!
As much as I hated paying for the two tickets that I recently obtained (no comments necessary), though it was frustrating and an inconvenience ultimately, I had to pay (and boy did I pay) the consequences.Ok, so back to our story. Here are a few situations from Parking Wars and my opinion on the situation.
IMPOUND LOT-
After 21 days of being in the impound lot, unclaimed cars are eligible for auction. Why do people wait until the last day and then demand to get their car immediately because they are now ready for it. It's amazing to me, the gaul that some people have.
The Blame Game - Excuses, excuses, excuses. I love to watch these people come out with all kinds of excuses as to why their car was towed. "There was a no parking sign in front of my car, and behind my car but not where my car was parked. So basically, my car was towed for no reason. If my car was parked illegally, it was purely accidental and if so, well that the city's fault." - Really? It what universe, does this excuse seem like it will work? I mean that's like saying,"Officer, I really didn't mean to shoot and kill my husband, but the gun was just sitting there and I pointed it at him and pulled the trigger, but it was purely accidental that the bullet hit him, and if it did hit him, well that's his fault".
The Run Around - Now I can understand people getting frustrated with this one. But please, it's the Department of Motor Vehicles. Most people are aware of the amount of time it takes there. But people still want to complain about, what they believe is, "The Run Around". The people who work at the PPA are just doing their job, and I am sure that they don't want to be there either. I don't think that the people behind the counter woke up one morning and said, "Ok, let me see how many people I can aggravate and piss off today!"
It also kills me that people drive without a license, registration nor insurance, get upset when they have to pay big $$$. One lady let her brother, who had a suspended license, drive her car and he was pulled over, she's furious that she has to pay so much $$$ for all the fees and fines to get her car back. Sweetie, it's not the lady behind the counter's problem that you let your brother "hold" your car and that he's an idiot. (Must run in the family.) I would take all the $$$ that my brother owes me out on his dumb ass.
Teenagers & "Their" Cars - I hate people. But I especially hate teenagers who feel obligated. One little girl complained about every little thing when people tried to help her."Well, why can't they call Geico? It's their job. They are not doing anything else." -Um, yes. Nothing except helping a whole line full of people."Why do the insurance people need to call my dad to get permission to release this information? I am 18 years old!" - Um first of all, if you're 18, and think you are a real "adult", why don't you handle your responsibilities your damn self!
Secondly, your dad is probably the one who is PAYING for your insurance, right? So stop complaining, and shut the hell up.Then she goes on to say how ridiculous the system is and how she is going to tell "important people" to fix it, because she knows a lot of "important people". -
Who? Who do you know that is SO IMPORTANT that they can "fix" the DMV? Because I need to talk to these "important people" about some other things going on in life that's also "unfair". And then I swear, that her little 18 year old friend says, "Yeah, we need to make a HUGE MySpace Bulletin." - That's the future of America talking, people!!! Anyone else scared?
Another woman got mad at the Parking Authority lady for being "too nice". Now if the lady was rude, she would have gotten even madder. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
TICKETING -
How come some people get mad at the city if they receive tickets, but then also get mad when there is too much traffic? Officers who write tickets are only doing so, in order for the traffic to flow constructively through the areas of congestion. Perfect example, a guy was double parked in the street next to a bank. He was an employee of the bank. The bank was knocked off twice in the last month, so the police were being extra cautious. The man gets angry and says, "The parking authority is bullshit. They take your money and don't give anything back."
Um, I think the giving back part is PROTECTING you and your bank from getting robbed... AGAIN!
And everyone HATES paying for tickets. But use some common sense and you wouldn't have a problem, case in point:
Meter Maid : "Did you know the parking meter was broken?"
Stupid Guy :"Yeah, that meter over there WAS broken."
Meter Maid: "But you parked there anyway?"
Stupid Guy, clearly seeing he was both wrong and stupid, "Well how much is this gonna set me back?"
Meter Maid: "26 dollars."Stupid Guy gets irate and commences to cussing.... over 26 dollars!!!
Seriously?!?Another person parked between two meters, and put money in the wrong meter. Why didn't she just back up? And if you are going to raise all kind of hell and begin cussing, do you really think that's going to let the parking attendants go easier on you? Negative Ghostrider!
Other excuses - "We just saw you up the street, and now you're over here ticketing my car?" Well, when you saw the man putting tickets on other peoples cars, why didn't you run out to feed the meter or move your car? STUPIDITY, plain STUPIDITY!!!
Some parents at a daycare drop off/ pick up were mad because other cars were parked in the spots in front of the day care. Their solution? They pulled their cars up on the side walk and then argued with the parking authority about why they should not be ticketed. WTF?
BOOTING -
In the city of Philadelphia, your car gets "booted" when you have received 3 or more parking tickets and have not paid for them. If the "booters" traveling around the city scan your tag and it comes up with violations, they will boot your car. Seems pretty simple to me!
Many people who are ticketed, reply with "I'm not paying this ticket!" and sometimes they will go so far as to throw the ticket on the ground or rip it up. Uh yeah, little kid throwing the tantrum? Yeah, you. Just because one destroys a ticket, does not mean that said ticket, goes away. So first they get pissed because they got the ticket, then they get pissed for getting a boot! You have outstanding parking violations!! No one WANTS to pay for a ticket, but getting that upset won't help, and it most cases it makes the problem worse.
There was one lady who parked to attend a funeral. She had two outstanding tickets and they booted her car, but she thought she could be given a reprieve since she was at a funeral. What's the difference between before or after the funeral, but not during? She still knew she had the outstanding tickets, pay it and you won't have any worries.
Other stupid questions/situations:
Booted: "Does it matter if those plates belong to that car? I mean, if the car doesn't have tags, they're gonna tow it anyway!" WTF? Why is this a question in your mind? Every driver needs to pay for license, insurance and tags. PUT THE TAGS ON THE CAR!
Booted: "My truck has been givin' me problems, that's why I haven't paid the parking tickets. If you look, it has a bullet hole, here, here and here." Dude, if you have multiple bullet holes in your truck, I think you've got WAY bigger problems than a boot on your car!
Heavy hitters - These are people who have over $700 in parking violations. They are given 6 months or more to pay and have been notified several times of these outstanding violations; therefore, their fees have accumulated.
Booted: Crying, "But I don't have a $1000 to pay my tickets." Um, this is not the first time you were "warned" about your parking tickets. Plus, guess where this "citizen" was, when her car was being booted? Getting her nails done!!! And once she was finished complaining about how she didn't have any money, guess where she went? Uh, that would be back into the nail salon. Here's a hint, stop getting your nails done, and use that money to pay your tickets!!!
Booted: Realizing his car is being booted and suddenly wants to pay the fines, "I have to wait an hour!" - Uh, the city has been waiting for more than 6 months to get your fine from you?
"I'm trying to go somewhere and I'm being prohibited from leaving." - Way to go Captain Obvious, THAT's the purpose of a boot.
"Ya'll don't have a copy of the tickets or know how much I have to pay?" - Nope! Your ticket = your responsibility. My job = My responsibility. See how this works?
"Oh, so you can put the boot on, but you can't take it off?" Yes, and you could have chose to pay your parking tickets or not. You chose the latter, so I guess we are even.
Supervisors - Now, I know that customer service is hard. Especially with a job like this. You are dealing with the public, but it's not necessarily in the best scenarios. People are going to get upset. This comes with the job and the territory. But when people are just trying to do their job, and not getting rude or being combative in any way, why do obligated people always ask for a "supervisor"? The supervisors usually still gives you the ticket. Is that suppose to make the PPA people scared? THEY WORK FOR THE PARKING AUTHORITY!!! They are not making cotton candy and popcorn. They HAVE TO have a thick skin. Just because you call the supervisor, doesn't mean that she's going to agree with you.
Here's a hint: Getting a supervisor does NOT equal you getting your way.
So now do you see why I love this show so much? If you get a chance to check it out, you will not be upset. "Parking Wars" is shown on A&E, check your local listings for time slots.
One woman (and I use that term loosely) actually said, "But everybody does it? Why do I have to get the ticket?" Come on, people!!! Didn't your momma ever teach if you, if someone jumps off a cliff, it doesn't mean you have to follow them? Never, ever have I heard of someone who use this excuse and get away with it.Anyway, here's a couple of things you need to know about "Parking Wars".
The setting of our story is the wonderful city of Philadelphia and the show is about the PPA (Philadelphia Parking Authority). The show is broken up into 3 different sections: Impound Lot, Ticketing and Booting.Each department has it's own rules, it's on way of doing things, and it's own set of problems and complaints. But the similarity that each share is every person who gets "caught" on the show says, it's not their fault and/or "The PPA is ridiculous and/or unfair."
It's pretty entertaining how upset people get for something they did wrong. Well entertaining to me, not so much for them!Why can't people just follow parking rules? It's just like traffic rules, and we all have to pay attention to the rules, plan and simple. Plus, if you KNOW what you are doing is wrong, but you do it anyway, that's stupidity. And you're really upset with YOURSELF because you got caught. Just as I tell my students, you always have a choice!!!
As much as I hated paying for the two tickets that I recently obtained (no comments necessary), though it was frustrating and an inconvenience ultimately, I had to pay (and boy did I pay) the consequences.Ok, so back to our story. Here are a few situations from Parking Wars and my opinion on the situation.
IMPOUND LOT-
After 21 days of being in the impound lot, unclaimed cars are eligible for auction. Why do people wait until the last day and then demand to get their car immediately because they are now ready for it. It's amazing to me, the gaul that some people have.
The Blame Game - Excuses, excuses, excuses. I love to watch these people come out with all kinds of excuses as to why their car was towed. "There was a no parking sign in front of my car, and behind my car but not where my car was parked. So basically, my car was towed for no reason. If my car was parked illegally, it was purely accidental and if so, well that the city's fault." - Really? It what universe, does this excuse seem like it will work? I mean that's like saying,"Officer, I really didn't mean to shoot and kill my husband, but the gun was just sitting there and I pointed it at him and pulled the trigger, but it was purely accidental that the bullet hit him, and if it did hit him, well that's his fault".
The Run Around - Now I can understand people getting frustrated with this one. But please, it's the Department of Motor Vehicles. Most people are aware of the amount of time it takes there. But people still want to complain about, what they believe is, "The Run Around". The people who work at the PPA are just doing their job, and I am sure that they don't want to be there either. I don't think that the people behind the counter woke up one morning and said, "Ok, let me see how many people I can aggravate and piss off today!"
It also kills me that people drive without a license, registration nor insurance, get upset when they have to pay big $$$. One lady let her brother, who had a suspended license, drive her car and he was pulled over, she's furious that she has to pay so much $$$ for all the fees and fines to get her car back. Sweetie, it's not the lady behind the counter's problem that you let your brother "hold" your car and that he's an idiot. (Must run in the family.) I would take all the $$$ that my brother owes me out on his dumb ass.
Teenagers & "Their" Cars - I hate people. But I especially hate teenagers who feel obligated. One little girl complained about every little thing when people tried to help her."Well, why can't they call Geico? It's their job. They are not doing anything else." -Um, yes. Nothing except helping a whole line full of people."Why do the insurance people need to call my dad to get permission to release this information? I am 18 years old!" - Um first of all, if you're 18, and think you are a real "adult", why don't you handle your responsibilities your damn self!
Secondly, your dad is probably the one who is PAYING for your insurance, right? So stop complaining, and shut the hell up.Then she goes on to say how ridiculous the system is and how she is going to tell "important people" to fix it, because she knows a lot of "important people". -
Who? Who do you know that is SO IMPORTANT that they can "fix" the DMV? Because I need to talk to these "important people" about some other things going on in life that's also "unfair". And then I swear, that her little 18 year old friend says, "Yeah, we need to make a HUGE MySpace Bulletin." - That's the future of America talking, people!!! Anyone else scared?
Another woman got mad at the Parking Authority lady for being "too nice". Now if the lady was rude, she would have gotten even madder. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
TICKETING -
How come some people get mad at the city if they receive tickets, but then also get mad when there is too much traffic? Officers who write tickets are only doing so, in order for the traffic to flow constructively through the areas of congestion. Perfect example, a guy was double parked in the street next to a bank. He was an employee of the bank. The bank was knocked off twice in the last month, so the police were being extra cautious. The man gets angry and says, "The parking authority is bullshit. They take your money and don't give anything back."
Um, I think the giving back part is PROTECTING you and your bank from getting robbed... AGAIN!
And everyone HATES paying for tickets. But use some common sense and you wouldn't have a problem, case in point:
Meter Maid : "Did you know the parking meter was broken?"
Stupid Guy :"Yeah, that meter over there WAS broken."
Meter Maid: "But you parked there anyway?"
Stupid Guy, clearly seeing he was both wrong and stupid, "Well how much is this gonna set me back?"
Meter Maid: "26 dollars."Stupid Guy gets irate and commences to cussing.... over 26 dollars!!!
Seriously?!?Another person parked between two meters, and put money in the wrong meter. Why didn't she just back up? And if you are going to raise all kind of hell and begin cussing, do you really think that's going to let the parking attendants go easier on you? Negative Ghostrider!
Other excuses - "We just saw you up the street, and now you're over here ticketing my car?" Well, when you saw the man putting tickets on other peoples cars, why didn't you run out to feed the meter or move your car? STUPIDITY, plain STUPIDITY!!!
Some parents at a daycare drop off/ pick up were mad because other cars were parked in the spots in front of the day care. Their solution? They pulled their cars up on the side walk and then argued with the parking authority about why they should not be ticketed. WTF?
BOOTING -
In the city of Philadelphia, your car gets "booted" when you have received 3 or more parking tickets and have not paid for them. If the "booters" traveling around the city scan your tag and it comes up with violations, they will boot your car. Seems pretty simple to me!
Many people who are ticketed, reply with "I'm not paying this ticket!" and sometimes they will go so far as to throw the ticket on the ground or rip it up. Uh yeah, little kid throwing the tantrum? Yeah, you. Just because one destroys a ticket, does not mean that said ticket, goes away. So first they get pissed because they got the ticket, then they get pissed for getting a boot! You have outstanding parking violations!! No one WANTS to pay for a ticket, but getting that upset won't help, and it most cases it makes the problem worse.
There was one lady who parked to attend a funeral. She had two outstanding tickets and they booted her car, but she thought she could be given a reprieve since she was at a funeral. What's the difference between before or after the funeral, but not during? She still knew she had the outstanding tickets, pay it and you won't have any worries.
Other stupid questions/situations:
Booted: "Does it matter if those plates belong to that car? I mean, if the car doesn't have tags, they're gonna tow it anyway!" WTF? Why is this a question in your mind? Every driver needs to pay for license, insurance and tags. PUT THE TAGS ON THE CAR!
Booted: "My truck has been givin' me problems, that's why I haven't paid the parking tickets. If you look, it has a bullet hole, here, here and here." Dude, if you have multiple bullet holes in your truck, I think you've got WAY bigger problems than a boot on your car!
Heavy hitters - These are people who have over $700 in parking violations. They are given 6 months or more to pay and have been notified several times of these outstanding violations; therefore, their fees have accumulated.
Booted: Crying, "But I don't have a $1000 to pay my tickets." Um, this is not the first time you were "warned" about your parking tickets. Plus, guess where this "citizen" was, when her car was being booted? Getting her nails done!!! And once she was finished complaining about how she didn't have any money, guess where she went? Uh, that would be back into the nail salon. Here's a hint, stop getting your nails done, and use that money to pay your tickets!!!
Booted: Realizing his car is being booted and suddenly wants to pay the fines, "I have to wait an hour!" - Uh, the city has been waiting for more than 6 months to get your fine from you?
"I'm trying to go somewhere and I'm being prohibited from leaving." - Way to go Captain Obvious, THAT's the purpose of a boot.
"Ya'll don't have a copy of the tickets or know how much I have to pay?" - Nope! Your ticket = your responsibility. My job = My responsibility. See how this works?
"Oh, so you can put the boot on, but you can't take it off?" Yes, and you could have chose to pay your parking tickets or not. You chose the latter, so I guess we are even.
Supervisors - Now, I know that customer service is hard. Especially with a job like this. You are dealing with the public, but it's not necessarily in the best scenarios. People are going to get upset. This comes with the job and the territory. But when people are just trying to do their job, and not getting rude or being combative in any way, why do obligated people always ask for a "supervisor"? The supervisors usually still gives you the ticket. Is that suppose to make the PPA people scared? THEY WORK FOR THE PARKING AUTHORITY!!! They are not making cotton candy and popcorn. They HAVE TO have a thick skin. Just because you call the supervisor, doesn't mean that she's going to agree with you.
Here's a hint: Getting a supervisor does NOT equal you getting your way.
So now do you see why I love this show so much? If you get a chance to check it out, you will not be upset. "Parking Wars" is shown on A&E, check your local listings for time slots.
TV: RHONY - TEAM BETHENNY!
Anyone who knows me, knows that my drug of choice is BRAVO TV. More specifically, Real Housewives of Anything. However, I must admit that there is a special place in my heart for the Housewives of New York, and this season they gave their fans all the drama we had been waiting for.
For those of you who don't watch the housewives, first of all, shame on you! (It's really a great show and everyone should be tuning in.) Secondly, let me catch you up on what you need to know:
Two of the housewives, Jill and Bethenny, have been friends for years. However this season, they are having a war of words. Basically, Jill is upset with Bethenny because she wasn't there for Jill's family this summer when her husband Bobby was battling cancer. Bethenny says that she was busy throughout the summer on tour for her new book, and was unaware of the seriousness of Bobby's conditions. Jill feels that Bethenny was apathetic to her situation and Bethenny feels that she was left in the dark.
Now here's where the issues get sticky and the drama begins to unfold. Jill is pitting everyone against Bethenny and taking this simple argument/disagreement to anyone who will listen. While Bethenny is trying to resolve the matter quietly, and in an adult matter, Jill is playing the victim role, stooping to child-like tactics of "who's are you friends with?" with the rest of the cast, as well as, the island of Manhattan.
Fast forward to the present, Jill and Bethenny are still not on speaking terms. During this season we have seen Bethenny get engaged, and get pregnant, all without her BFF. It is really sad to see a friendship dissipate on camera. Very entertaining, mind you, but sad nonetheless.
So for those of you who aren't a "Real Housewives" fan, (and again, shame on you!) I propose a thought provoking question. Have you ever had a "friendship" that was so broken, that you two never spoke again? And, if so, what was the cause?
If you ARE a "Real Housewives" fan, whose side are you on, Team Jill or Team Bethenny?
Let me start by answering my own question. I can never recall a friendship in my life that has be so hurtful that I cut the person out of my life completely. I have had arguments with dear friends that have lasted a long time, but we still remain acquaintances. I have also become less close to once good friends, due to distance and/or life (marriage and children) replacing our friendship. However with those relationship, I feel that if I ever needed these people, I know they would be there for me in a heartbeat and vice versa. The feeling and love of friendship is still there, even though distance and time are between us.
But I can't imagine a relationship where I was so close with someone, as Bethenny and Jill were, and then completely lose those feelings overnight. Especially to the point that I don't even want to share the two most important days of my life with them. I can't imagine a scenario where I wouldn't even be civil to that "friend".
But alas, dear readers, this is what has come of Jill and Bethenny. And it played all out on television. Drama is so good when it's someone else's. But I must say, while that comment seems very harsh, it IS reality television, so what did you expect? But as the season comes to a close, we can all take a step back now that we have all of the information (well an edited version at least) and choose to pick a side: Team Jill or Team Bethenny.
I must say, for as outspoken and "tell-it-like-it-is" manner, Bethenny seemed truly crushed over this "battle". She was very endearing this season, which made me like her even more than I already did!!
Bethenny surmounted several huge hurtles this season, from Jill conspiring to get everyone against her, to Ramona's "come-to-Jesus" attack on the Brooklyn Bridge, her father refusing to see her and then passing away, her marriage and baby news splashed in the tabloids, one would think that she would have thrown her hands up and gave up, or went psychotic or something (like another Housewife that will be discuss later in another blog). But no, in true Bethenny form, she has once again picked herself up, dusted herself off and moved on. Even getting her own show in the process.
BRAVO BETHENNY!!! (Pun intended! wink, wink, nudge, nudge.)
So where does Jill and Bethenny go from here? From what I've read and as we saw at one time or another this season, both Jill and Bethenny have said they "are DONE!" Although, I think Bethenny got her point across louder than Jill when Alex delivered, her now infamous, "message". Per her "Watch What Happens Live!" interview, Bethenny emphatically states that she and Jill will no longer ever be friends. I can't remember what Jill's statement was on her visit, but I do know that her new book is called, "Secrets from a Jewish Mother", since that's ALL she talked about during the 30 minutes with Andy.
I feel that Alex hit the nail on the head when she called Jill, a mean girl. Jill seemed to want to spin conversations with Bethenny, in order to make herself look innocent and to make Bethenny looked like a bitch. But alas, this did not happen, for Jill forgot one very important rule of PR spinning: When you have camera crews following you around 24/7, you can't spin what really happen because they catch the truth on tape and can replay both sides.
Wherever this friendship ends up, I hope that fans learned something from Bethenny and Jill. It's easy to "cut someone out of your life" with words, but it's harder to cut someone out of your heart.Good Luck to both ladies in all your future endeavors!
For those of you who don't watch the housewives, first of all, shame on you! (It's really a great show and everyone should be tuning in.) Secondly, let me catch you up on what you need to know:
Two of the housewives, Jill and Bethenny, have been friends for years. However this season, they are having a war of words. Basically, Jill is upset with Bethenny because she wasn't there for Jill's family this summer when her husband Bobby was battling cancer. Bethenny says that she was busy throughout the summer on tour for her new book, and was unaware of the seriousness of Bobby's conditions. Jill feels that Bethenny was apathetic to her situation and Bethenny feels that she was left in the dark.
Now here's where the issues get sticky and the drama begins to unfold. Jill is pitting everyone against Bethenny and taking this simple argument/disagreement to anyone who will listen. While Bethenny is trying to resolve the matter quietly, and in an adult matter, Jill is playing the victim role, stooping to child-like tactics of "who's are you friends with?" with the rest of the cast, as well as, the island of Manhattan.
Fast forward to the present, Jill and Bethenny are still not on speaking terms. During this season we have seen Bethenny get engaged, and get pregnant, all without her BFF. It is really sad to see a friendship dissipate on camera. Very entertaining, mind you, but sad nonetheless.
So for those of you who aren't a "Real Housewives" fan, (and again, shame on you!) I propose a thought provoking question. Have you ever had a "friendship" that was so broken, that you two never spoke again? And, if so, what was the cause?
If you ARE a "Real Housewives" fan, whose side are you on, Team Jill or Team Bethenny?
Let me start by answering my own question. I can never recall a friendship in my life that has be so hurtful that I cut the person out of my life completely. I have had arguments with dear friends that have lasted a long time, but we still remain acquaintances. I have also become less close to once good friends, due to distance and/or life (marriage and children) replacing our friendship. However with those relationship, I feel that if I ever needed these people, I know they would be there for me in a heartbeat and vice versa. The feeling and love of friendship is still there, even though distance and time are between us.
But I can't imagine a relationship where I was so close with someone, as Bethenny and Jill were, and then completely lose those feelings overnight. Especially to the point that I don't even want to share the two most important days of my life with them. I can't imagine a scenario where I wouldn't even be civil to that "friend".
But alas, dear readers, this is what has come of Jill and Bethenny. And it played all out on television. Drama is so good when it's someone else's. But I must say, while that comment seems very harsh, it IS reality television, so what did you expect? But as the season comes to a close, we can all take a step back now that we have all of the information (well an edited version at least) and choose to pick a side: Team Jill or Team Bethenny.
I must say, for as outspoken and "tell-it-like-it-is" manner, Bethenny seemed truly crushed over this "battle". She was very endearing this season, which made me like her even more than I already did!!
Bethenny surmounted several huge hurtles this season, from Jill conspiring to get everyone against her, to Ramona's "come-to-Jesus" attack on the Brooklyn Bridge, her father refusing to see her and then passing away, her marriage and baby news splashed in the tabloids, one would think that she would have thrown her hands up and gave up, or went psychotic or something (like another Housewife that will be discuss later in another blog). But no, in true Bethenny form, she has once again picked herself up, dusted herself off and moved on. Even getting her own show in the process.
BRAVO BETHENNY!!! (Pun intended! wink, wink, nudge, nudge.)
So where does Jill and Bethenny go from here? From what I've read and as we saw at one time or another this season, both Jill and Bethenny have said they "are DONE!" Although, I think Bethenny got her point across louder than Jill when Alex delivered, her now infamous, "message". Per her "Watch What Happens Live!" interview, Bethenny emphatically states that she and Jill will no longer ever be friends. I can't remember what Jill's statement was on her visit, but I do know that her new book is called, "Secrets from a Jewish Mother", since that's ALL she talked about during the 30 minutes with Andy.
I feel that Alex hit the nail on the head when she called Jill, a mean girl. Jill seemed to want to spin conversations with Bethenny, in order to make herself look innocent and to make Bethenny looked like a bitch. But alas, this did not happen, for Jill forgot one very important rule of PR spinning: When you have camera crews following you around 24/7, you can't spin what really happen because they catch the truth on tape and can replay both sides.
Wherever this friendship ends up, I hope that fans learned something from Bethenny and Jill. It's easy to "cut someone out of your life" with words, but it's harder to cut someone out of your heart.Good Luck to both ladies in all your future endeavors!
Monday, June 21, 2010
RHONJ : Dina's Farewell
Dina Manzo, one of the most beloved housewives of New Jersey, decided to leave the show this week. This was due to the unpredictable and unstable antics of fellow cast member Danielle Staub.
Dina has always said that she tries to live her life with around positivity and good positive people. She has also stated that she does not want to be associated with drama. I think this was a good decision made by Dina because whenever Danielle is around,drama ALWAYS follows. Though, Dina will be missed terribly. I do applaud her for knowing what was best for her and her family and not partake in any more toxic relationships.
I admire immensely!
Dina has always said that she tries to live her life with around positivity and good positive people. She has also stated that she does not want to be associated with drama. I think this was a good decision made by Dina because whenever Danielle is around,drama ALWAYS follows. Though, Dina will be missed terribly. I do applaud her for knowing what was best for her and her family and not partake in any more toxic relationships.
I admire immensely!
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