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.

2015 Christmas Letter

What a year this has been! I cannot believe it's time for my annual Christmas/Holiday letter.

This year was a year of two halves for me. The first half of the year, I celebrated my 12th year of employment with The Robert Allen Group. Over the summer, I began a new journey and started working for Amazon in Spartanburg. It has been hard, but fulfilling and rewarding work thus far. I like having more opportunities worldwide and getting to participate in the company's two busiest times: Prime Day and Peak 2015.

I still maintained and exceeded my fitness status. At 37, I am in the best shape of my life. Running became more serious for me in 2015 as I ran my first half marathon, a 10K, and I am lining up my 2016 races. One of which is a full marathon in late April. My furthest distance ran to date is 20 miles so I feel I am on the right track with my training.

While I have joined other fitness and running circles, I have reconnected with some old friends and circles, and discarded others. It's life and  often this is necessary. I do enjoy the time with the friends and close family I have, especially with all of the holiday gatherings and socials currently ongoing.

Smokin Rita and Friends is still going strong, raising money for The Christmas Is For Kids campaign, and many others in need. This year, more than $10,000 was raised for such causes. I wasn't able to be as involved this year, but I hope that changes in 2016. 

Entertainment wise, I have gotten into more good TV such as Empire, Power and the classic ABC sitcom The Middle. I am currently watching an episode as I type this letter. The quality and appeal of movies has waned for me. Hollywood is seemingly running out of ideas, plus it's easier to stream them on Netflix. I did see a few good ones this year on the big screen, such as the new Star Wars movie and enjoyed it, but I didn't have the desire to see the midnight premiere.

2015 was definitely a year of change, progression and growth. My mom has gotta away from social media and is mostly a homebody these days. I have fallen back from most social media, but have gotten into Snapchat.

I would like to congratulate all of my friends/fellow writers that have books and blogs out. It appears everyone wants to be Shakespeare now, but I do admit writing is a joy and a rush. Keep writing!

As always, I will enjoy the holiday season and look forward to many new things in 2016. Continued fitness progress, my e-book, more gatherings (hosted by me), my 20th high school class reunion and a new President of the United States.

Happy Holidays friends and family! I love you all and encourage you to keep reading and reaching for the stars.

2014 Christmas Letter

This is the piece I honestly look forward to writing each year. I get to wish everyone associated with me a Happy Holiday season. Many prefer cards and that is fine. I prefer the letter format because it is more extra personal, and it is available at anytime. Plus it ensures I don't leave anyone out.

2014 was a resurrection year for myself in many ways: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. I finally got back on track with my fitness goals after a year at Anytime Fitness. I lost over 50 pounds but more importantly, I gained tools to help me sustain my weight loss better. I am eating more cleanly and loving it. Additionally I have made several fitness connections in the Spartanburg and Rock Hill areas, including my running club. I plan to continue toning up in 2015, and running at least one half marathon.

I attended two weddings this year. Both were coworkers of mine and were both different but enjoyable. My day will come but until then, I will enjoy the happiness of others.

Having a strong social circle has been a blessing to me as I get invited to many outings and events, and almost always feel welcome.

I have learned to do more cooking this year, including my own hash and macoroni and cheese recipes. Hopefully these and my grilling skills will help me to return the favor and host more gatherings in 2015.

Service organizations were big for me this year. I was still heavily involved with Smokin Rita and Friends, then became involved with Save Our Children Movement Inc and The Nemo Group. Service to others and helping young children are both near and dear to my heart.

Employment wise, I completed my 11th year at the Robert Allen Group. I was more successful with finding side income, including reconnecting with two of my long time mentors.

My writings were strong, diverse and aimed at covering many hot and controversial issues. I plan on starting an e-book and continuing to find ways for folks to take me seriously as a writer.

Family wise, everything is overall well. There were plenty of new additions. My mom decided in her 60th year on the planet to learn smart phones and even joined Facebook, which she loves most days. For the first time in 20 years, I was able to take her out for her birthday and Mother's Day. She still prefers the comforts of her home, but she made more of an effort to reach out in 2014.

Life hasn't been perfect, but it has been good. I can sit back and reflect on a lot of positive things from 2014 and carry them over into next year.

Happy Holidays to everyone out there! I love you all and I feel grateful for those that allow me into their presence. God bless each and everyone!

2013 Christmas Letter

2013 has been a year of ups and downs for me and mine, and perserverance.

It got off to a rocky start when my mother broke her ankle after a freak accident, pushing me into the role of caretaker. Both of us channeled strength we didn't realize we had. My mom has made virtually a full recovery, despite needing to replace her glasses and complications with a ruptured ear drum.

There were also plenty to celebrate, and lots of changes, gains and losses. I attended two weddings this year, one being my younger cousin Brittany, and another being my co-worker Rodney (whom was featured back in September. )  I also lost a few dear loved ones: one of my long time friends Tim Brown, my beloved cat Tiny, and two uncles, Robert Costner and Junior Dover. Uncle Junior recently passed last week after a short battle with lung cancer. 

There were also losses of another nature. I said goodbye to three restaurants that I adore greatly: Papa G's Restaurant, Huckleberry's Cuisine and Spirits, and Fish-Tales Fish Camp. I had personal ties to all of them, which hurt more to see each of these close.
I celebrated 10 years with my company this year.  I gave up my column with the Weekly Ledger. However, my writings can always be found right here, and hopefully many more outlets in 2014. We were still on short time much of the year, but through some extra funds and my writings, I was able to take care of some bills, raise my credit score, and spoil myself a little. I bought myself a new grill with a smoker for my 35th birthday, a laptop, tablet, went to my first ever NASCAR race, and my first ever MMA fight. Finally, I completed my man cave for now. Of course that is always an ongoing process. 

I also left Alltel's phone service and got with T-Mobile. The purpose was to have 4G LTE coverage, no contract, upgrade flexibility, and access to newer phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S4. Additionally, I said goodbye after many years of working out at Your Best Body Fitness Center and Day Spa and joined Anytime Fitness. They are a corporate, 24/7 gym, with over 2,200 locations worldwide that I have access to, including five locations within close driving distance. Both of these transitions were not easy, but have made a huge difference in my life going forward.

Overall, I feel very blessed. I have built a strong network of family and friends, and I seem to have a party, gathering or a shindig to attend almost every week.  There were folks I had to distance myself from this year for various reasons. However, this made me appreciate the ones that truly value my time and presence.  I've learned to invest my time and energy in those people and things that leave me the happiest and energized.

I pray that myself, and all of us, have continued happiness as we go into 2014 and beyond.  Happy Holidays everyone and I'm so grateful to all of my loyal readers.

2012 End Year Cowbell List

Ok it's that time of year again. Who needed more cowbell, and who has become a permanent fixture on my list? Joined once again by my lovely and intelligent sidekick Regina Wright, here's the list for the second half of 2012, starting with the repeat offenders.

Repeat Offenders:

-2Chainz, (along with Chief Keef, Lil Wayne, and any other garbage rapper) What is the deal with this awful music? Bands Will Make Her Dance? Hip hop is becoming less about lyrics and more about club and booty anthems.

-Mitt Romney: Did you really expect America to believe all of those lies? I'm guessing you will return to your faith and continue with the whoppers.

-Facebook: more privacy changes, making Instagram more controlling, and just doing too much period. It's still addictive and the #1 social network. Some of these changes, however, weren't necessary. At times it's best to leave well enough alone.

-The LA Lakers. First you don't even give Phil Jackson a chance. Then you play lost until Steve Nash returned.  Looks like another short season for the Lakeshow.

-Charlotte Bobcats. Slightly better but still terrible to watch. Perhaps regaining the Hornets name will make you play better.

-Apple. It appears the iPhone 5 has been a disappoinment thus far. Google has once again one-upped you. How's that iPhone 6 coming?

-Overcommercialism. Hey we all have to eat and live. But we should.be able to live and enjoy things and holidays without all the bs. 

-Tony Romo. You are just a choke artist. When will the Cowboys learn you are not Staubach or Aikman. You're not even Philip Rivers.

-VH-1. Still displaying coonery in the form of new seasons of Basketball Wives and washed up athletes and rappers with their own shows.

-World Star Hip Hop. Still exposing ignorance, from the Ramen noodle boy, to the infamous bus driver uppercut. Debra Lee must secretly own y'all.

New Additions:

-Mikalya. You may not be impressed, but guess what, neither is anyone else.
-The overall media. TV, print, and social media cannot stop overexposing a story and running it into the ground. That's when I find a good book and start reading.
-Christmas music and specials. How long can we endure the classics of yesteryear? We need fresh holiday tunes, movies and specials.
-12.21.12 (and anyone who believed it). When is the last time you ever saw a Mayan?
-Haters for no reasons, especially on Gabby Douglas, Notre Dame football, and President Obama.  No merit in your statements at all.
-Clint Eastwood. Looks like you had more than trouble with the curve during the RNC. The Republicans slipped you something strong.
-Modern radio. Still terrible, and still playing the same 20 songs/artists
-MTV. First your network has gone to Hell. Then you decide to put your highest rated program, the VMAs, on the same night as the final night of the DNC.
-Viacom. You should have known you couldn't bully DirecTV. You are truly greedy and vile.
-School security. It appears school children of every age are no longer safe.
-Big Lots. How do you accept debit cards, but no cashback option? That's like saying you can get into the club free , but the club closes at midnight.
-Brooklyn Nets. You didn't give Avery Johnson a fair shot. Now your inner city rival, my beloved Knicks, will dominate you.
-Texas Rangers. Welp you let Josh Hamiliton go. So much for getting that World Series title anytime soon.
-Spike Lee. You always have something to say. Now you're criticizing Django Unchained. Umm now weren't you an executive producer of the IFC mockumentary The CSA: The Confederate States of America? Need to borrow a broom to sweep around your front lawn?
-The 22 States that petitioned to secede from the USA. And the worst part: half of you are states that voted President Obama back into office.
-Rex Ryan. You talk too much, you don't give Tebow a fair chance, and now you may never be a head coach again. Good riddance.
-Nicki Minaj. Ok first you endorse Mitt Romney. Then you threaten Mariah Carey. Sit your fake self down somewhere.
-Kim and Kenya Moore from RHOA. Kim, why did you even return to the show, only to leave later?  Kenya, simmer down on the thirstiness. If you want to be married that bad, find someone that wants to be married right away.
-Phrases such as "flow", "real talk" , "gucci" and "swag". They all need to die in 2013.
-People going too crazy over the latest Jordans. Shoes above everything else huh?
-Chik Fil-A. Now everyone knows what you really stand for. Hope you're cool with that
-Honey Boo Boo and her mom. Need I say more?

Happy New Year to all of my readers and those stopping in for the first time. One of your resolutions should be to stay off of this list!

THE YEAR-END COWBELL LIST FOR THE 2ND HALF OF 2010!!

- Antoine Dodson, WTH???
- Alvin Green. C'mon man, stop trying to run already, and just get a regular job. Somewhere, anywhere!
- Nikki Haley. South Carolina, how in the world did she get voted in? Makes me wanna move to North Carolina with the quickness.
- Lady Gaga (and that meat dress). She just keeps getting stranger and stranger.
- Blockbuster. Y'all in trouble, Redbox and Netflix are eating your lunch. Y'all better get it together in 2011!
- Alltel in Gaffney, great service, signal, but refusing to merge with Verizon. What are y'all going to do when they get the iPhone, the new Droid, and 4G coverage?
- Brett Favre (again). Dang man you keep messing up and causing trouble. Just go back to Kiln, MS already and enjoy your retirement.
- Dallas Cowboys, y'all always seem to underachieve. Thing is, this is a pretty good team this year, y'all just lack effort and consistency.
- Carolina Panthers. Y'all just need to cut everyone and start from scratch
- Drake. Dang man you're all over the radio, every frikkin hour. Plus you sold out. You're a much better rapper and artist than you're showing. Young Money is making you a borderline coon.
- Award shows. They're waaay too many, especially country music shows. There's, what, like 6 of them alone/year?
- Health insurance. It's just rising waaay too high, and gets to where you can't even afford medication now. C'mon healthcare reform, take effect!
- The Shake weight. I'm sure it gets some results, but really? You can't take that seriously as an effective way to sculpt your arms.
- Phaedra Parks (of #RHOA). Seriously, did you think anyone was going to believe that you were full-term pregnant at 7 months? Why don't you just admit that your baby was conceived a couple of months before marriage?
- Minnesota Vikings. Y'all are just a halfway house and a hot mess right now. Y'all seem like the Raiders at the moment.
- Cam Newton. C'mon dude, how can you risk your college and pro career like that? Have you not learned from Marcus Dupree, the SMU debacle, and most recently Reggie Bush? You had a second chance already at Division I college football. SMH!
- Dr. Laura, you should have known better. Once again, a person that failed to learn from recent history.
- Lebron James (and "The Decision"). Maan talk about narcissist! All that aside, I'm glad you're going somewhere where you have a decent shot at a championship ring.
- Dan Gilbert. You acted like a scorned lover and an all-around crybaby over the Lebron situation. Granted, he left the Cavs high and dry. But you weren't making any moves to try and cover your behind in case he left.
- Waka Flocka Flames: c'mon man, stop rapping, just stop talking period. Go to Sylvan!
- Bishop Eddie Long. Another example of a corrupt, crooked minister, smh again
That's all folks! I enjoyed blogging this year, and wait and see what I have for 2011. Until then, Happy New Year!