This might come as a shock to you but people all over the United States that went to Black colleges are calling in to work “SICK” Homecoming week. Productivity at plants, grocery stores, schools, restaurants and of course WALMART is down during Homecoming week. I can’t speak for other cities but here in Greensboro for NC A&T’s Homecoming this is common practice.lol  Here’s a question for all employers…Why do you think almost all your black workers are sick the same weekend? The answer isn’t H1N1 it’s HOMECOMING! I can stretch the truth a little but I’m probably right. We are playing Golf, at the mall or shopping center, and most recently the buzz is going to Day Parties. Yes partying in the middle of the day! We can find somewhere to party at any time of the day!lol We are floating light bills, water bills, and car notes to get that perfect outfit, shoes and yes PARTY FAVORS if you know what I mean. Have fun this weekend or your homecoming weekend but make sure you got your story together to tell the bill collectors. What did you buy this week for Homecoming weekend? Be honest.

With the technology we have today…computers, dvr’s, cell phones, mp3’s, ipods, iphones, digital cameras, and I could go on and on and on and on…have you totally abandoned the old fashion methods of communication through let’s say taking the time to sit down and actually WRITE a letter to someone, or reading a good 300-page novel, or you’re still willing to take it back to the days of old….

I guess I would have to call myself an avid televion viewer, first and foremost for local and nation news(lol), since it’s a main component of me sharing news and other information with you on the TJMS. BUT since the debut of reality television, a lot of, if any, news or information of interest people here about or even discuss with others comes from a reality show and it’s really beginning to look like this format of  entertaining viewers is here to stay…so if you had a moment to live your ‘15-minutes’ of fame, (1) would you do it, (2) what would you do to keep people coming back for more!!!

The Best R&B and Old School had the pleasure of sharing with our wonderful listeners a sneak preview of Micheal Jackson’s movie, “This Is It” at the Palladium 14 Cinemas in High Point and by all accounts many of you left the movie theater giving a ‘thumbs up’. Did you feel you were seeing Michael at what could have been his best stage performance in a number of years, or was it bittersweet as well knowing that it’s now the concert that will never be…..

I’m ALWAYS saying how great the Michael Jackson “Bad” Tour was, even though I never had the pleasure of seeing it live (I did see him on the “HIStory” tour….AMAZING!!). The dance moves were spot on, every song was sung LIVE and the energy was electrifying! Here’s a clip from the “Bad” tour (“Rock With You”)…FLAWLESS!! If you look closely, you’ll catch a glimpse of a young Cheryl Crow (on background vocals), who went on to become a big pop star in her own right some years later. R.I.P. MJ!

These are just my thoughts, which come from my everyday experiences….which prompts me to ask the question, “Why are we so quick to think the worst of each other?” Why can’t we just take people for what we see (or hear). Is it THAT hard to believe that ‘what we see (or hear) is REALLY what we get? There is so much negativity circling, I just think that we ALL need to do what we can to combat that with as much positivity as possible. You know where it starts? WITHIN! If you love yourself, there is no room to hate others or assume the worst of others. I’m not saying be gullible. You can still take things people say and do with a grain of salt, and be positive at the same time. What it all boils down to is if you truly love people, there’s no room to judge….I’m just sayin’.

Ok, tell me if this sounds like something that has happened to you or a friend. Your in a good relationship so you think and right after the holidays he/she dumps you without reason. Or maybe you’ve been apart for years and always at the holidays you become sad or lonely because that’s whom your still in love with. Now this is probably the most popular one,  you broke up with someone just so you didn’t have to buy them anything! Stop laughing and listen up.lol Don’t let these past transgressions get you down at the holidays! Stop putting all your happiness into a mate try putting it into your family and friends and do what Rick James said “Enjoy yourself be marry! It’s a celebration!”lol Tell me about your holiday horror stories.

Our society is one that is the fast-food capital of the world…with longer working hours(and in a lot of cases LESS money)and shorter time to spend quality time with family. Are you still able to make the time to have a real sit-down meal at home, or do you and other members of your family feel totally caught up in the, “would you like to super-size that order”syndrome?

When did we become so depended on phones, Ipods and such? I’m including mself in the we because I have a cell phone and it seems to be always on my hip or pocket. Here’s and experiment to try with your family, friends, and co-workers. Ask them without looking in their phone to tell you a phone number of someone. Many of us(including me lol) only know numbers by the name in our phone. Now on a broader scope just imagine our kids with their undeveloped brains and all the devices WE as parents allow them to have and use how do you think they can retain or remember anything? Think about that and tell me what you think.

When was the last time you’ve been on a date? I mean actually someone came over to pick you up and take you out somewhere. Fellas going to pick her up and bringing her over to your house that doesn’t count. lol  Ladies telling him to meet you at your mama’s house when he gets off work doesn’t cut it either. lol  There’s nothing wrong with having company over and cooking or watching a movie. I enjoy both but there’s something about her looking good and smelling good with heels and perfume on and ladies your man with some slacks, a button up and no sneakers right? If the flame is flickering and about to blow out inject some life into your relationship and try something different……. DATE YOUR MATE like you did in the beginning! If you didn’t do anything like that it’s OK you can start now. It will work if both of you put the time and effort into it. You get out what you put in……that’s the saying right? What do you think?