The Deck at 260 Volume 38

April is ending and I can't even hang on my Deck without a mask due to this thickening pollen. I've had to wear a mask the past two days and will likely have to due to lack of rain. 

WU, new license plate, pollen thickening, MJ movie , Kendrick v Drake 2?

This pollen is out of hand, driest April I can remember.  We need a good week of rain. Not just for the farms and plans, to end the burn ban, etc. These allergies are legit killing folks. I won't lie I can't hardly stand it. I pray for those that have to work outside because I cannot. I love the outdoors also. 

Racism is showing out almost as bad as the pollen. First we have the controversial Revolutionary War license plate for the state of South Carolina. It's commemorating the 250th birthday of our country. Now while not completely historically accurate nor blatantly racist, it's triggering. The images of those soldiers represents a time for black people where our ancestors did fight in the war but were not free. We were servants, in the cotton fields, etc. Our freedom would come decades later (largely because of winning the Revolutionary War). That said, I have no issue with the license plate but I understand the oppression. 

Now this nonsense going on at Winthrop University (the WU) I take great issue to. If you're not already aware, please follow @projectcato on Instagram for more. To sum it up, these comments/slursmade by board members and high ranking officials have been a long time coming. If you went to the WU when I did, it was evident that certain people in power were uncomfortable with the Black community, our organizations, values, styles etc. I've watched it all close up and afar. Removing the benches in front of Richardson and Wofford Halls. Restructuring the parking lot so that loud, vehicles couldn't park in front but still parked in the giant X in front. When the campus was remodeled, it was done in a fashion so that people/Rock Hillians couldn't cruise around during the day with ease (I wasn't very upset with that one.). Letting organizations such as SGA, AOE, and even some NPHC organizations go under. The manner in which WU Homecoming tailgating has been treated for so long once more and more Black people started coming and staying for a long time like a tailgate should be. Changing the official logo of the university from the Tillman Hall clock and allowing the WU Black Alumni to have a huge, successful 2025 celebration (still wondering why nothing happened in 2026). Now we have this mess. I'm over it now, I want answers, I want the folks that FINALLY decided to show their behinds to be held accountable. This is not a good look for the university I hold near and dear to my heart. They do not stand on what they're supposed to. Until further notice, I'll continue to support certain university events, games, Homecoming of course, alumni mixers. But no #drewfromdawu and I'm not giving the University any extra monies nor donations. I encourage ALL Winthrop alums to join me in this until this is made right! 

Ok now that I got that off of my chest, I will say the new Michael Jackson movie did not disappoint at all. Great performances, acting and choreography. It really focused on Michael in the early years until the late 80s when he FINALLY broke away from the controlling, abusive father Joseph Jackson. I am so awaiting how they are going to frame the 2nd part. 

The Internet debunked the rumors but will Kendrick Lamar actually release a "Fireman" type album to combat Drake's "Iceman"? I'm here for it if K.Dot does. It's been two years since Kendrick won that beef and I think it would boost both of their streams, sales and tour proceeds. 

Until next time

The Deck at 260 Volume 37

Welcome back to another edition back on the deck where it's warm, too warm. The burn ban is still in effect and lots of things are lighting up otherwise. I'm not Levor Ross or any other politics based guy so you better go on his forum for that. 

Annexing/building up the city of Gaffney 

Mother's Day baskets already? 

Younger people (Gen Z, YNs) potentially going to war?

Ok the only thing hotter than the Southern weather right now is the annexing war in Gaffney right now. The three council members, including Mayor Lyman Dawkins, are under fire for voting to annex city limits out to Hwy 11. This area is mostly farmland (the Grassy Pond community) with some notable areas such as Love Field and very little commerce. Approximately 150 homes would be built out there, including a fire station and add to the development near the outlet (Yellow) mall and the area that Spartanburg Community College has. The city is in a huge deficit tax wise since Limestone University closed last year and are trying multiple things to close this gaps. 

Here are my points of order and what I think will happen (I have allies on both sides so I'm merely playing devil's advocate). Gaffney will ultimately get what they want and at least some of that area will be annexed. The council keeps pushing it so a deal must be in place someplace. Gaffney is in a good position to grow. I don't think everyone wants Gaffney to turn into Boiling Springs, Rock Hill and Fort Mill. More homes are needed for this growth. Obtaining the Limestone property and even the dilipated Hwy 29 areas are other goals. There will be lawsuits, pushback and not everyone will lose their properties that date back centuries. It will get ugly for a while, council members may resign or not be re elected. City of Gaffney, change has to come either way. I live outside of city limits myself and although I have sizable work commutes, it's worth it at the end of the day from that standpoint. However I have to drive to Rock Hill, Gastonia or Spartanburg for many things. That gets taxing (no pun intended). If you want a Target, Krispy Kreme, Publix, etc., some of this vacant land between Grassy Pond and Union Highway needs to be developed. I take it the Grassy Pond area is a prime target given it's proximity to the interstate. I say continue to fight it but come with empathy and a civil mind (council and Mayor also). Both need to explore all opportunities. I'm still salty as a pretzel that Blacksburg still doesn't have a Waffle House and no growth near the interstate. Both parties need to ensure this is profitable and reasonable for the long term and to fix the other crooked areas in the city.

Now although my mother has been gone in the physical for nearly 3 years now, I make it a mission to make mother's around me feel celebrated especially in the workplace. I'm currently trying with my engagement team to do it within budget and still make it glorious. I'm ok with making something like baskets or bags but I need the time and people. Balance, balance, balance! 

Now that the US is fighting with at least two countries, there's talk of bringing the draft back. For those of you that don't know, it won't take much. At age 18, every person is required to register for selective service. The target audience are Gen Z (the YNs, main Tik Tok influencers, the BBL crew, etc). Laugh all you want but Druski, GloRilla, Sexy Redd, Morgan Wallen, even athletes such as Stefan Diggs, Deion Sanders's sons, LeBron James sons (well maybe not Bronny) could all go to fight. We have eligible national guard/current active duty soldiers so this may not be necessary. Just a thought though. 

Enjoy the last of winter/first of summer! 

The Deck at 260 Volume 36

Happy Easter/Final Four weekend! It's sizzling on the Deck and these are weekends I love. 

Pooh Sheisty v Gucci Mane, Good Friday, Lent is Over, CB kissing married woman on stage, SC beating UCONN, Dawn v Geno

Gucci Mane was confronted by Pooh Sheisty and his crew over a record deal gone wrong. Many were calling Gucci out for not reacting differently. It's called adulting and not knowing every angle of the situation. Plus you have to move differently when a person openly calls himself Sheisty. 

Speaking of reacting differently. the debate of the weekend was no doubt Geno v Dawn after the SC/UCONN women's game was over. Dawn reacted as she should have, like a lady. She has a region and culture of supporters that back her. Geno sadly does have a history of behaving this way especially towards female coaches. He has a huge inferiority complex that the late great Pat Summitt called out years back. It hasn't stopped UCONN's women program from countless wins, championships and high profile recruits. What we're witnessing now is the apex of Dawn's/SC dynasty run and the ending of UCONN's under Geno. Quite frankly after 54 straight wins he's highly salty about it. 

Let's not let this tiff take away from what SC girls accomplished last night. Outmatched on paper. Losing 3 key players, including the controversial transfer of Lay Fulwiley and SC is back in the championship game. UCONN star Sarah Strong was so shook at the real-time matchups she ripped her jersey. Joyce Edwards is developing into a star before our very eyes and Raven Johnson is the leader we always knew. Now they have to finish the job on Easter Sunday against UCLA. 

Good Friday is one of the most underrated holidays of the year. It's the start of one of the most sacred weekends in religious culture. I don't always get nor take off for Good Friday. It's quite a time even if folks don't always remember the reason. 

Another reason for the above is Lent is over! If you're a non-Catholic like myself that practices it I will say Good Friday hits differently. It means while your sacrifice is small compared to the one Christ made, it's meaningful as well. I come out of Lent every year feeling accomplished. I encourage anyone of any faith to try it out. 

Also Chris Brown can't stay out of the news long. With Cardi B shaking her booty on her way to our region soon, Breezy had a married woman on stage (didn't know) and she tongue kissed Chris. Now first of all, that doesn't speak well to the woman to be going around kissing anyone. Secondly, what type of marriage does she have? There are too many questions here and especially after watching the clip, I don't think this one is on C-Breezy. 

Happy Easter all!