2015 End Year Recap of Sports, Entertainment and Other Pop Culture Mishaps

It's that time again: the end to another year. Here's my recap of the good, bad and the ugly from the second half of 2015. Spoiler: Beyonce' and Kobe Bryant once again managed to stay off of this list. There are many others though.

Repeat Offenders: 

The Kanye award: Kanye West. You just couldn't stop "Kanyeing". It's like you've stopped caring about what you say and how you look. And apparently you're gonna be the Donald Trump of 2020.

Opportunists: The Kardashians: Y'all are the roaches of pop culture: just will not go away. Kim, I hope you got fixed after birthing this last child. Boy I tell ya, I haven't ever seen such attention whores in my life.

Dirty football program: University Of Southern Cal (USC): You managed another bowl eligible season, but you had an alcoholic coach (Steve Sarkishan) and not much continuity. The sins of the past have continued to haunt you.

Corporate rant: Krispy Kreme in Gastonia, NC. Ok I visited this place on a slow night and I still waited 15 minutes for two HOT  doughnuts when the HOT light was on. I am officially done with this KK.

Local business complaint: Skateland in Gaffney. I was always suspect about this place and their policies. But now it has gotten worse. Racism, disrespecting children, forcing them to skate all night on lock in nights. You guys will not see a dime of my money.

First to worst: Dallas Cowboys. This would have went to the 49ers, but their expectations were already low. After last season's controversial call in the playoffs, it seems injuries, trades, and bad QB play have you at a laughingstock once again. Now you should question if Romo should return, or possibly draft a QB like Connor Cook.

Television faux pas: Cliffhangers. Please please stop with these already! They are long played out, along with originality.

Newbies:

Racist award: Hulk Hogan. You were low key about it. However you cannot drop the N bomb, regardless of how famous you are or how fast your daughter is.

Clown politician: Donald Trump. Nothing else needs to be said that we aren't already saying or thinking.

Troubled singer:  Ariana Grande. Your post Nickolodean career is raising eyebrows as you raise your skanky skirt. I suggest taking 2016 to reboot and hanging with your "Nona".

Can't Get Right Athlete: Aldon Smith. You are a metaphor and a cliché for what you do not do in professional sports. Please get your life right.

Moron rapper: Meek Mill. Meek, come harder if you are gonna beef with the most notable rapper currently in the game (Drake). That was weak as well water and you deserved to get served.

Sport in Question: The NFL Preseason. When are you gonna shorten this, or at least not mandate that teams play their starters long? It appears more injuries occurred this past preseason than in the entire regular season.

Evil coach: Mack Breed, the Texas high school coach that forced his players to take out the ref. You don't go after the officials, period, nor coach teenagers to play in that manner.

Washed Up Actor/Actress: Vivica A. Fox.  Man what a trainwreck! My once celebrity crush has gotten crazier, especially when it involves 50 Cent. Apparently he put a spell on you.

TO award for inappropriate on field behavior by an athlete: Odell Beckham Jr. You were not well known before that awesome catch last season. Now you go and head butt defensive backs? ODB, you're better than this.

Happy New Year and always make it a goal to not live like this people.

More Money, More Problems,...

Perhaps Diddy was right in his song from years ago. The more money you have, the more problems arise.

Let's face it, we all need money, and strive to make and have more. It appears to make our lives easier. The bills are paid, and you tend to have more friends, especially if you're male. You get this sense of peace and pride. I've been there, its nice.

Greater earnings and a healthy bank account also tends to changes your spending habits. You wear nicer clothes, you go out to dinner, movies, and concerts more often. You vacation in Vegas and Hawaii rather than Myrtle Beach, the mountains or your uncle's cabin in Boone, NC.

However, one should be smart with their money, and never stop being thrifty. Regardless of how much you have, there are always pitfalls. You should always have a legal side hustle or two. You have to keep your financial self in shape as well as your physical and emotional.

Many musicians and profession al athletes from the NFL and NBA end up broke really fast. They aren't spending or managing their monies correctly, and are trusting the wrong people. Why are you giving so called experts you barely know the power of attorney, and letting them have all this access to your finances? One needs to learn how to handle your earnings yourself without the help of a third party.

The financially smart always have additional investments and are making their money work for them. Think Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, and Oprah Winfrey. These billionaires are just that for a reason. They spend wisely, are economically sound, and are seeking to increase their dollar through sound transactions. I'm talking stocks, bonds, stuff that draws interest and has long term value. People get themselves into dire straits by spending on 100 inch flat screen televisions, fancy cars, suits and such. These things depreciate fast in value.

Now of course one should enjoy the fruits of their labor. However, you must be aware of pitfalls such as taxes, unexpected expenses, upkeep, maintenance, and people with their hands out. Saying no is a powerful word especially when it comes to your wallet. You can't help everybody and save the whole world so do not try. Have a 40 year plan with your money, and also have a good short term plan. Learn to budget, and spend within your means.

It is easy to manage your own finances, but its also easy to get caught up. More are spending, less are investing.

Money certainly isn't everything, but no one wants financial burdens. You can create more for yourself by not taking care of your bank account. This includes being a millionaire, or making minimum wage. The principles are the same.

Therefore, continue to save, invest, be thrifty, and appreciate the simple things in life. Spoiling yourself and others are fine as long as you do it in moderation.

Here's another thought: have you ever tried drinking a gallon of whole milk in one sitting? I wouldn't advise it, and I also wouldn't recommend blowing all your money in one place. Reduce the problems, and spend your earnings wisely and humbly, especially when it involves others.

You will thank yourself later when you're retired and have a lot to show for it, and you're not depending on simply social security to get by. Recent history indicates that will not be the way to go in the next few decades. You have been warned so prepare now.

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