I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, technology has changed the landscape of interpersonal communication. Long gone are the days of walks in the park and looking somebody in the eye to end a relationship.
Now?
Hyperlinks to beaches and palm trees you’d sit under if you could afford to take your loved one there and text messages or emails saying that a relationship just isn’t working out. Which, for the latter, isn’t exactly a bad thing considering the increasing nutcasedness of both men and women lately. Shucks, you tell the wrong person on the wrong day that you don’t want to date them anymore and you might end up in the hospital with lead poisoning and an email box full of hate mail.
Remember, interpersonal communication has changed. The phone calls come, but the emails do too now. Which brings me to my point. Many of the things that we used to find ourselves doing are now being moved to the world wide web.
There are quite a few ways that communication has changed and since I’m in such a giving mood, I decided to share a few of the ways us human internet geeks (and if you are reading this right now, that means you) have begun to interact with other people.
1) Drunk IMing
Long gone are the days of strictly drunk dialing people. Now, we have the drunk IM convos where you divulge the same things, just with serious syntax and spelling issues. Par example…
luvmejubblies65: hey tashta…i mis u
mynameisnotsusan: You don’t miss me, you ruined this. I told you I never want to talk to you again. Leave me alone.
luvemejublies65: babie, i want us shuld haf sum kidz…i did wron but dat doesnt not change the fak we us can be gud twogether and itz not jus the lickher talking
luvmejublies65: lickher…LMAO…dats funy
mynameisnotsusan: Die, Dueteronimarcus! Die!
He’ll hate himself in the morning, but that’s what happens now. Folks trod in from a night of drinking and jump right on the computer and head straight for their buddy list.
Tragedy is just a font away.
2) Stalking
So you know how people send out those mass emails with everybody’s email on them? And as opposed to Blind Copies, they just either send it To everybody or CC folks. Now you’ve got nut cases out there who find your email and send you a little “Hi, I just wanted to say hello” email.
Harmless right?
Wrong.
Because soon after, assuming you respond in the first place, the emails become more frequent and start requesting information or conversations or underwear. Then they start telling you they know where you live and why won’t you email them back or call them since they are being so nice to you and are really a great person they just need a chance but if you don’t they’ll be forced to do something drastic like play a game of Hangman Online just to show you what could happen if you don’t ever at least email them back…hang that is, not play word games.
And all of that from the comfort of their living room.
And speaking of strange emails…
3) Awkward-Situation Inducing Conversations
Have you ever been having a conversation with somebody and you think they are hinting that they are interested, but you just aren’t sure?? Well, it seems people have figured a way to make this happen online too.
How?? I’ll learn you.
Say you meet somebody and you are emailing back and forth. How you meet is of little consequence, let’s just say you all have exchanged email addresses since people do that nowadays. So you email back and forth. Every email is ended with your name or their name.
Fine.
After a full day of email full of laughs and information, its time to go home and somebody does the one thing Amerie-style that gets you trippin.
What do they do??
You really have no idea??
Of course you do…
…they add their signature, complete with phone number. And of course, it clearly denotes their cell phone number.
Do I call?? Why did the signature show up now? Will Jay-Z release another album? Do brown shoes go with orange pants?? Did she put the number on there on purpose?? I mean if she wanted me to call she would have said to call…right??? Do I go? Do I stay? Which way is up????? SOMEBODY TELL ME!!!!
Utter confusion.
These are just a few of the things that have resulted due to technology and the internet. What are some other behaviors that have been altered due to technology?
-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka TANGLE JIG P
First, Umm NO ONE should ever wear orange pants. Unless you are wearing a floral print silk top with the top 2 buttons down, an afro, and some platforms with fish on the inside
Anyway, onward. The internet is ruining relationships. Now we find out everything about one another before even going on our first date (Facebook profles, anyone??) All the first date conversations can be answered by me just browsing through his facebook profile. Now first dates are more like 3rd and 4th dates (which makes for great excuse for Ho Sh*t)…
@Luvvie,
I don’t add current men as buddies on any online sites, personally. He!!, I don’t even ask folk if they have a facebook account unless we have gotten to know each other.
I don’t get why would you add someone that you haven’t been out with as a Facebook friend. Wouldn’t you want to wait to see if you’re going to get along before you add him?
@V.E.G.,
But if they add you first, then ignoring the friend request is like ignoring a phone call and voicemail. Especially if you update stuff like profile picture but their friend request is still waiting…
@Luvvie,
Hmmph. I ignored 3 friend requests and 2 blog requests just today. lol.
You can tell ‘em you want to get to know ‘em the old fashioned way…and want to wait on the Facebook/MySpace thing.
If he gets pissed you didn’t add him he’s a loser and should be vanquished (ditto for friends who get mad you didn’t accept their requests).
@V.E.G.,
Yeah… you really showing your age, lol. Facebook is the life of 20-somethings, who have been on it through college. And I ain’t saying people don’t take it too seriously, b/c they really do
Seeing one of my good friends updating her profile constantly but not adding my friends request will make me send a text message like “Soo… you just gon leave me hanging???” lol I won’t get irate but it is a bit of a diss, dontcha think? LOL
@Luvvie,
showing my age or my maturity?
:-p
I repeat: only a loser would get upset cuz someone didn’t respond to their friend request. Mature folk ain’t got time to worry about virtual disses.
@V.E.G.,
i gotta side with luvvie on this one. its just common courtesy…its not like it’ll weigh heavy on the mind or anything. its just like, wow! you had time to change your status to psalms 100, but you cant click the button to accept me as a friend?
its just the sorta thing that lets you know where you stand….
I’m gonna agree with Luvvie on this one. I just finished school in May and young people especially students take facebook seriously. Ignoring a friend request is a big insult to a lot of young people. I know a lot of people who put people on limited profile because they don’t want to be rude but still don’t want the person to see their full profile. I’m surprised by how seriously people take facebook. I updated my facebook status recently and this guy who I was just cool with called me and I missed his call, but he saw that I updated my status and was going off on me for ignoring his call but finding time to update my facebook status (he definitely falls under the “stalker” category)
V.E.G.-gie, girl, i’m with you. *hi five*
i’m still in my 20s but i don’t just be adding ppl all willy nilly on facebook (unless of course you’re a VSB-er, then you get an automatic pass lol). the 1st way to connect is not thru cyberspace, so i’m not even goin there. if a dude can’t understand that and gets a ‘tude, that’s just a sooner sign for me to realize he may be a stalker, and needs to get cut from the team. don’t need to add more crazies to the line-up.
@Luvvie,
Why’d you have to play the Age Card, woman??
@PBG,
B/c the generation and the era we grow up in dictates certain values, mores and etiquette. My generation has grown up in the age of everything being engrained into the web. Certain things are considered rude to us, including ignored chat messages, friend requests… what have you.
For people that spend a GREAT amount of their time on social networking, the way people choose to interact with one another is important.
@Luvvie,
Oh.
Well let me gon’ back out on the porch w/my cats. Somebody crank up that Victrola so I can hear that nice young man Duke Ellington play that pie-anna whilst I shell these peas….
@PBG,
LMAO @ shelling peas. Don’t forget to make that Sweet Tea just like I like it. And that rocking chair of urs sounds like it has a lil creak. Let me get some oil for you.
@Luvvie:
Sorry, Luvvie. Imma have to call b.s. on this. sort of.
I agree that 20 somethings have grown up with the web. But even though I am a ripe old 33, ready for the retirement home, I am extremely web and social networking savvy. I am actually building a social networking site, from scratch, as I peruse VSB (taking a break). So don’t tell me about folks who ‘spend a lot of time on social networks’.
To get upset re: an ignored friend request is not a sign of a generation, it is, personally, a sign of displaced priorities and/or nothing else to do with yourself.
Long before Facebook, folks of MY generation were using other social networking sites, long before the term was coined. Forums, message boards, all that…sharing it with friends, etc. And I cannot remember anyone ever getting upset cuz their thread wasn’t responded to. (that’s an old fashioned term)
A person who would get upset about some ignored friend request would also probably get upset about someone not returning their phone call immediately. Behaviors tend to follow people from virtual reality into reality.
@VEG,
I agree that some folks take it too seriously. I’ve ignored a couple of requests that turned into messages of “man, whats that about? you don’t wanna add me?”
But you GOTTA face it. Ignoring a friend request (for weeks, per example), is same as not returning phone call for WEEKS. Truly. Now that people have access to each other more than ever before, it is changing rules of etiquette. Surely you must agree…
Like sending a text and not replying for 3 days. I’ve been guilty of this… it ain’t nice.
@V.E.G.,
That’s true, VEG. I remember all the AOL chat forums and stuff (a/s/l, anyone?) We are fully versed in the workings of this sort of thing. We just have a more vivid memory of when it wasn’t the end-all-be-all of social interactions. There was a point in time when all roads did not lead to a network profile of some sort.
@PBG,
AOL chat forums. Memba when AOL ruled the world?????
Yup. These young folks need to get their minds right. We been doing this a lot longer and stronger. Just cuz they fancied it up….
@PBG,
AOL chat forums used to be the ISH! With that pinging running yellow AOL man. Oh I was there!!! I was 12, but so what? Them 6 minute page load times were the worst. I DAH when a page takes more than 10 secs to load now.
@VEG,
Remember how LIVE Black Planet was?? Does anyone still use it??
@pgh muse
Is Black Planet still up and running? lol.
But it was THE site for a minute…
@pgh and VEG, lol. i’m mad ya’ll just asked that. hee hee. i think that minute was more like a second. there was always some lame @ss trying to invite me to a private convo or injecting all kinds of chexual nonsense in the chat room.
I actually used to work at BP… that site is barely breathing…lol.
@Luvvie,
In the old days when someone ignored a message I left on their ANSWERING MACHINE, I assumed they were busy.
Now that we are in this era of insta-communication, I still assume that an unanswered text, email, voice mail message means that the person has a life. So I’d go out and fine me one. If it’s not a crisis, it’s cool. We shall connect eventually.
I’m known to have been assumed dead cuz I disappear from communication for days and weeks at a time. So I don’t trip if someone else does it.
@V.E.G.,
I underdig busy. But mofos aint INVENT busy. Not responding to a text in 3 days is ridiculous. If Barack Obama can text his buddies, then our silly *sses can too intermittently. I ain’t saying I want instant replies, but I’m thinking a 24 hr turnaround time is not too much to ask.
@Luvvie,
Girl someone may be laid up. Going through it. Need a mental break.
Any follow-up messages to the unanswered one, other than ‘are you okay? haven’t heard from you’ are a sign of crazy.
You can ask questions when they do get back to you. But to hound someone via text for not responding to you on facebook? crazy.
@V.E.G.,
Well I am open to mental breaks. But I don’t want the po-po to be like “well why ain’t you call us that they were missing for 24 hrs?”
Me: “well i assumed she was on a mental break”
Police: “sigh. we wished you would have said she was missing. we coulda saved her”
Me: *Wails* “OH LAWD!!! WHY???? I was just giving her space!!!”
lol
@Luvvie,
LMAO. literally.
I underdig busy. But mofos aint INVENT busy.
this is a good point. i dont care who you are, you can and will make time for sh*t that’s important to you.
@V.E.G.,
If you add him and don’t like him, you could always just delete his wack a$$. Simple.
@Luvvie,
And, personally, reading some ish on Facebook is not like a first date. lol. I get your point. But the generic stuff you read on someone’s profile does not and should not take the place of a real interaction.
@V.E.G.,
Facebook profiles can answer:
1. what do you do?
2. where are you from?
3. what are your religious views?
4. are you a loner or do you kick it a lot?
5. do you dress like stevie wonders would if he didn’t have an assistant?
These are a lot of things that first dates cover. So yeah. Facebook is a cliff notes on the person
@Luvvie,
And it can also be very fake.
People choose what to reveal on the web. They post only the most flattering pics. They post “favorite” quotes that they actually found through a Google search. They can post the name of their big employer but omit the fact they are the janitor (NTTAWWT). They list books they have heard of and the most popular movies, not the ones they really like. They can post that they went to ISU but forget to mention it took ‘em 8 years to get their B.A.
People who use cliff notes without reading the book barely pass the test. Folks who use MySpace/Facebook to learn about a person could possibly get their faces cracked.
@V.E.G.,
Yeah and the same folks who misrepresent their profiles will try to misrepresent themselves in real life. And truly, a person who fakes their profile will only make themselves look like a bullsh*tter when the actual date starts. And will give u good background that they cant be trusted much.
@Luvvie,
If you are using Facebook profile as a means to get to know someone, and go on a first date thinking you know so much about him/her, you could end up playing yourself before the game has a chance to begin. (i.e. ho-sh*t)
And, frankly, anyone who puts a lot of stock into a virtual profile isn’t gonna be quick enough to catch game when it is thrown at ‘em in real life.
@V.E.G.,
Lookie here lady. I for one, HATE to look at people’s Facebook profiles as a way of getting to know them. You shoulda seen the tantrum I threw when MMHMM *you know who* requested me as a friend. i’m like “NOOOOOOOOOOOO!! I don’t wanna!!”
But yeah, I just added but refrained from looking at the profile
@V.E.G.,
sho nuff… the internets and the googles can get that ass in serious trouble.
@V.E.G.,
I agree w/you here, VEG. I have met some lyin’ a$$ folks from internet connections. Not a lot, but a few. My question has always been “Why for, Senor/Senorita Perdedor??”
Blah, they’re wack.
@PBG,
Yeah. And sometimes people aren’t lying, they just omit tidbits that may be of importance (yeah…he’s single but was married twice before, or he went to ISU but took 8 years to graduate).
The web, email, online chats and texting have not and cannot replace what a real conversation gives you. Anyone who lets it…
@V.E.G., yeah, people can be very fake but the interesting thing is, even when people try really hard to construct an image of themselves, they generally reveal their true character anyway through what they do AND DON’T say…
i say facebook away, good people. i’ll be reading your pages.
My department and several other departments including HR (as in hiring departments) look at Facebook. I usually Facebook my students before I even meet them in class, and I have it on good authority that HR people look at FB for the same reason, to see how you promote yourself to the public.
Call me a stalker if you like, I consider it doing research, if I am going to trust with with $20K worth of equipment and the safety of other students I need to know you are at least smart enough to present yourself a certain way.
Oh and I am quick to google you if we have never met in person, I love public records and notices.
@Intellectual Hedonist,
If you google me, I pop up as a 1.) a nerd bowl contestant @ my school or 2.) the smart mom buying video games in a WP article from 3 years ago.
LOL!
@Intellectual Hedonist,
when I googled myself I got nothing even remotely fascinating. I like to stay under the radar with my foolishness. I basically got my CV spat back at me in Googlish (yes, its a language)
**I am a nerd.**
@Intellectual Hedonist,
I googled myself and got…. oops i was about to be nasty, but really i found a public record for when I was a reference for my ex-stalker/boyfriend/menace/douchebag/bastard for a loan officer licensure , and unbeknown to me had an earlier drug conviction, so basically i was giving a reference to a drug dealing future stalker and public menace. I wish I had googled his a$$ myself b4 we entered a 2 year relationship from Hades.
@Intellectual Hedonist,
If you google me, the articles I wrote for my college newspaper come up (especially the ones picked up by the University Wire and Associated Press).
In fact, I wrote one called “No IMs, No Text messaging. Just Get together” that ended up getting a lot of attention about this very topic. An excerpt:
“You know you’re living in 2005 when your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they have no e-mail addresses or your fingers have developed a permanent crook from your chronic typing.”
HA!! 2005. If I was to write this ish in 2008, it would be much worse.
not everybody reads all that info tho. i mean sure, there are facebook stalkers (hell, “newsfeed” made it easy!) but most ppl i know use profiles mainly to see what the person looks like and what kind ppl are posting on their walls lol.
i know lots of grad students from a few campuses here who i’m friends with on facebook that i see in person and they still ask the basics: “where are you from” “what program are you in?” “where did you go to undergrad”.
maybe they didn’t read my entire profile. maybe they did and forgot. maybe they know and just want to ask and make for more personal conversation. who knows??
facebook can be cliff’s notes, but the book is always better becuz you get the interesting details so intricately expressed through verbal communication.
@Gem of the Ocean, I’m definitely team V.E.G & Gem with this one. I am 24 yrs old (so I definitely fit in the age group where these behaviors are acceptable), and while I definitely understand the allure of the Facebooks and the Myspaces. I do not have an account for either. Why? I honestly can’t be bothered. If you have my cell,or my email, I have deemed you worthy, and that’s enough. If you are my friend, you know it, and an add-on to a networking website really won’t matter. Hell, maybe I fell out of touch with a certain individual (s) for a reason. You might smell bad. Or chew with your mouth open. That is all.
@Gem of the Ocean,
facebook can be cliff’s notes, but the book is always better
unless the book is “tender buttons” by gertrude stein, in which case, cliff notes has always and will always be better
@Luvvie, “First, Umm NO ONE should ever wear orange pants”
I second this.
@Luvvie, orange pants are that fly sh*t. i don’t actually own any, but i did see that combination out one day which is what prompted that questionating.
as far as facebook and myspace, etc…i rarely even check my joints. i usually only check them when folks send me friend requests.
and i only think that the ‘net ruins relationships for folks who live their entire lives online anyway. folks snooping around in other people’s profiles (just cuz its public doesnt mean you should go LOOKING for the problems) and emails, etc.
read a book.
@Panama Jackson,
“read a book.”
If more people used social networking sites to promote literacy or any other cause, the world would be a better place. lol.
I mean, if I am reading an interesting article I’ll share it on Facebook. That way my profile is not littered with crazy updates.
I’m personally on a text/posting on social networking sites diet till Feb. 1 (I’ll upload the obligatory vacation/event photos and change profile pics if there is a reason. But that’s it). There will be none of that unless its an emergency. It’s gotten to be too much. I’m trying to do things with my life and am saving time where I can.
@Luvvie,
That is so true. I recently went on two dates with this guy and about half the questions I asked him, I already knew the answer to thanks to facebook and google. Which made me have to come up with more creative questions.
But technology definitely has changed the game quite a bit, because more and more people are taking text messages as a form of great communication. And while it is there for convenience, it doesn’t beat voice to voice or face to face conversation to me. I’m just sayin.
Dueteronimarcus, though? wow….yeah he should die.
@shatani,
Maybe he is KitKatquicha’s brother, no?
…lol
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
lmao!! gotta be!
@shatani, that’s a good name, no?
@Panama Jackson,
I feel comfortable answering for Shatani here:
No.
Oh, and today is World AIDS Day. Folks need to remember to keep their Ho S*t wrapped up.
Hate to see you with “Fatal Ho Sh*t”
That is all.
@Luvvie,
Die Another Day Ho Sh*t.
Wrap Dat Sh*t Up, B, Ho Sh*t.
@PBG,
Tainted Hosh*t
Sullied Hosh*t
Unkempt Hosh*t
Untidy Hosh*t
To witness & continue the hosh*t fun visit: http://blackwomanlost.blogspot.com/2008/11/ho-sht.html
Philadelphia (with Tom Hanks) Ho Sh*t
Unsexy lesions Ho Sh*t
Pop 26 pills a Day Ho Sh*t
Magic Johnson Miracle Cure Ho Sh*t
@Luvvie,
AIDS is not a laughing matter…
*backs out of room, concealing wet blanket*
@V.E.G.,
Too late, VEG…we see it.
@V.E.G, not to mention the huge puddle your dripping wet blanket left, I mean the least you could do is mop up after yourself when sneaking in and out with the wet blanket
@V.E.G.,
Ho Sh*t ain’t stand up comedy. Those things remind me of AIDS. You and your wet blanket can go find a clothesline.
@Luvvie,
girl, pleeeease. Hoes are immune to the virus.
Jk. But we all know that ho sh*t and STDs, HIV are not synonymous with one another.
I do not down a girl for getting her freak on. Just use a condom. And find a single man.
@V.E.G.,
No they r not synonymous, I know that. Still, you and your wet blanket… GO SAT DOWN.
Thanks
SEGZY Management
@Luvvie,
Satting down.
@Luvvie,
What’sThatSmell? Ho Sh*t
FireCrotch Ho Sh*t
FreeClinic Ho Sh*t
WouldaShouldaCoulda Ho Sh*t
*sadness*
@PBG,
PoppinValtrexLikeTicTacs hosh*t
*why y’all get me started*
…&RidingThruForestOnHorseback4Commercials hosh*t
@PBG,
SourPatchKids Ho Sh*t
IBeenToJailButIt’sLikeVegas (stays there) Ho Sh*t
(pull yo pants up n let go of people’s pockets)
RanBackwardsThroughACornfield Ho Sh*t
ItWasJustOnce Ho Sh*t
SheepOnABoat Ho Sh*t
smh
@WuDaMan,
Ticklish Fancies Hosh*t
@WuDaMan,
LMAO @ ur Ho Sh*t list, WuDa. lol
@Luvvie,
woe woe wooe there Luvvie. the sour patch kids I heard on a morning radio show when they said some celebrity woman had a sour patch and so she had some …
jail=vegas is pointing the finger @ the AA comunities issues w/ body karate
Cornfield half baked
just once (ole Michael McDonald lookin boy) is all it takes
honestly sailors?! side eye all effin day.
@WuDaMan,
I’m gonna need those translation services today. I can almost understand him, which indicates I’m officially out of my VSB probationary period.
@PBG,
Sorry PBG
Hold on there Luvvie. These are not my personal experiences. These are gleaned from pop culture.
# 1 comes from a morning radio show. Where a dj was talking about Brittany Spears and how her (womanly parts) were sour. Thus she had a sour patch, and therefore had given birth to sour patch kids.
# 2 is pointing the finger at downlow jail ghey and the participants who act like it never happened when they get out.
#3 is a line from the movie half baked. When the friend is locked in jail he makes this remark to his visiting friends.
#4 is a recapitulation of the ‘war on drugs’ literature. It only takes one time use of drugs to get hooked, od, or catch a life long vd. Oh I thought it was Michael McDonald but I was wrong it was James Ingram who recorded this 1999 song.
# 5 is from a folklore rumor that sailors when going on long trips would bring a ewe claiming their womanly parts would tithe them over to the next seaport romp. This is the rumored source of the vd know as syphilis
@WuDaMan,
Your willingness to break this down for me make you the best e-boo I could ever ask for.
I shall bake you cookies. What kind do you like?
@PBG,
he probably likes pink cookies in a plastic bag……
@ Relax, Relate, Alise
Gasp! That is the Deaconess you referring I would refer to for e-relations. For shame!
(she fine though aint she ehehheh)
@PBG,
I’ll only accept the e-love cookie gift if I get to help, lick the spoon/bowl & share it w/ U. & I don’t think that there has been a cookie decadent, special, or sweet enough for this moment. So I say we make up a cookie w/ some of our favorite cookie stuffs.
@WuDaMan,
I think I made a mistake offering you my wonderful baked goods. There is simply nothing sweeter than me n’ shyt. How about some microwave popcorn?
@PBG,
I can agree to that (you being sweet n all). What about some chee toos, a suzie q, n a cup o kool aid? & uhm how is baking me cookies a mistake? I mean I may come off as indecisive but my focus is ‘what am I in the mood for.’ After all I did well on my visit home I totally resisted the drought, drunk, vacation goggles. So! What? Cookie me! God forsake it! Or should we make our own version of VSB HollyHood Sugarfoot episode?
Hey I got a box of Suzie Qs through the security check @ midway airport. I was spooked. The x-ray tech said, ‘RECHECKING THE DUFFELBAG’. I was getting my ‘creamy filling is not a liquid it’s an emulsion it’s ….’ speech ready in my head. Then this Asian Priest who I had just pushed past to get to the shorter line got pushy on a let me through tip. And security let me ride on out w/ my contraband snack cakes.
@WuDaMan,
LMAO @ contraband snack cakes!!!
Everyone cannot handle my delectable baked goods. I just e-boo’d you up. You’re hustlin’ for a spark and I prefer a slow burn…be patient.
Take the popcorn. It’s still good.
@PBG,
Aight, but I don’t like popcorn that much, because I’m from Indiana not even a 30 minute drive from Orville Redenbaucher’s home town.
@Luvvie,
i cant…. this whole thread… i just can’t. why y’all gotta be foolish on World Aids Day?
@blackberry molasses,
OK, BBMo. It is an important day.
PBGAckRight Ho Sh*t.
@PBG,
I was trying really hard not to laugh, since I’ll be downstairs rapid testing people today.
I can’t be snickering to myself while peoples are waiting for their results…. JUST.NOT.OKAY.
@blackberry molasses,
“I can’t be snickering to myself while peoples are waiting for their results…. JUST.NOT.OKAY.”
Am I wrong for chuckling at this?
@Monk,
**hands you a first class ticket to the HOT PLACE where Lucifer lives**
@bbmo, you know I totally agree with you it is an important day. I usually like to remind people to get tested and go with their partners to get tested. Today on facebook a former student has listed as his status something like “Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Happy World Aids Day” I was like WTF!!! it aint a holiday, a day you give customized gifts for. SMH
I think the ‘net and cell phone technology has ruined communication. Period. Between lovers, potential lovers, friends.
It has its place, but its getting out of hand.
I’ve noticed that I don’t have anything to talk to my girl about when we meet for drinks cuz she’s posted updates on facebook, sent texts, etc.
I too am guilty of this and have made it a goal to stop. I kept my cell off all day today. And, beginning tomorrow, and employing a no facebook, no text update rule. I will not send them or reply to them.
I want to get back to talking to people and communicating with them, in person. Makes a night out more interesting…
@V.E.G.,
You kept ur phone off alright! What happened to our brunch?? *mean mugging VEG*
@Luvvie,
Considering I slept late (missed church) and helped my nephews with their science projects for the second day in a row, brunch wouldn’t have happened.
But I forgot…I turned the phone off so I didn’t get the reminder!
@V.E.G.,
Add this to your crepes tab, and we’ll be even.
@Luvvie,
Maaan.
Who da h3ll wears orange pants??
How about stalking blogs?? Dude gets prickly w/you if you have time to update your blog but don’t have time to call him.
Whatever, Negro. If you were reading, why didn’t you comment?? Boooo! Be gone.
@PBG,
I repeat…he’s a loser. lol. No offense if y’all are serious/in love.
@V.E.G.,
“I repeat…he’s a loser. lol. No offense if y’all are serious/in love.”
LMAO!!! V, thats like saying “DAMMNNN your boo looks like Quasimodo round bout the face. I abhor his genetic makeup” and saying “No offense”
Or a man saying “I’d like to freak the heck outta Denzel” and tempering it with “No Homo”.
Your statement makes that null and void.
@Luvvie,
Stop picking on VEG.
@PBG,
V knows I love her like a play cousin named Pookie!!
@PBG,
Isn’t she mean? I was starting to cry a bit.
*sigh*
@Luvvie,
If a man said “I’d like to freakk the heck outta Denzel” …that is homo. NTTAWWT. lmao.
and, yeah…I guess the no offense was poorly placed…
@Luvvie,
“DAMMNNN your boo looks like Quasimodo round bout the face. I abhor his genetic makeup” and saying “No offense”
.
or starting off with “with all due respect…” lmao!
lmao gotta love Talladega Nights for making “with all due respect….” so fun to say
@Gem of the Ocean,
with all due respect…hee-hee!!
@Gem of the Ocean,
Too Funny!!
@V.E.G.,
Girl please. That was just some random comedic musing. I don’t know anybody in my inner circle that would do any ish like that. I deal w/strictly grown folks on that level.
*daps*
@PBG,
I would give a serious side eye to a grown man who said “why didn’t you answer my friend request? I see you updated your profile.”
Him telling me he sent a request is one thing. But him asking why I didn’t answer it and then letting me know he’s monitoring my online activities…side eye.
@V.E.G.,
Yeah. Serious side eye.
@PBG, the stalking blog thing definitely has gotten out of hand. well it was back in the olden days. like 2 years ago.
bump that…using blogs as retaliatory tools is really what drew my ire. i can’t run the whole story here since my lawyer JUST indicated to me that the case is still pending and i should just be easy. however…
let’s just say, i’m not a good person when you come at me sideways.
stones + glass house + panama = your ass mr. postman
@Panama Jackson,
I approve of your equation.
@PBG, yes, i approve as well in content and structure.
@Panama Jackson,
All day long my foot up a dog’s ssa *bang bang bang bang*
rofl
lmao!!!! i love Friday. on my list of movies to watch this week…
@PBG,
Oh I’ll tell you who wears orange pants. The Afrocentric Golfer. bwwuuuaaaahaahahahaha I blame cross colors.
@WuDaMan,
that image disturbs my fashion senses on multiple levels… *shudders*.
@blackberry molasses,
Yes, BBMo. Makes me want to send Tim Gunn a text message right away.
@PBG,
“Who da h3ll wears orange pants??”
First time felons.
@RedBeanzNRice,
Yep, they sure do. Ol’ easily identifiable in the event of escape lookin’ boys.
I’m not sure the interwebs has changed things too much for me. It’s not like I grew up in a time where there wasn’t a telephone. Plus chicks don’t give out their home addresses anymore (at least not when you first meet them), so writing letters that are snail mailed is out. Email only gets used with people who are good friends or classmate/work.
Voice to voice contact is my 2nd preferred means of contact, first being face 2 face. The only time my friends and I use text messages is if we’re doing something where we can’t talk (driving, working, school, f*cking) or we don’t think enough about you to actually call. Given that such people would have a hard time making (or staying) in our phone books, if we’re texting, it means one or both of us is busy.
@kamakula, lol.please tell me you’re not drive by f^cking aka texting during the deed. that was a joke right?
if chicks can think about decorating rooms while doing the deed, then I can txt while doing the deed myself. Besides, if both of you are putting it down well enough, neither will notice you’ve got something else going on
another good time to text, afterwards. by now, most guys know the proper way to position their arms to hold your girl while leaving one slightly above her head under a pillow so she doesn’t fall asleep on your arm. That free hand can hold a book (for those bruhs who like to read in bed) or a phone.
@kamakula, sadness. thinking something and actually having a gadget in use (other than for chex) in your hands is some b.s.
and if we’re putting it down that good, shouldn’t neither one of us have time or the mental capacity to be texting somebody. but that’s just how I get down
@SouthernGirl,
I’m sorry, I’ve just got way too much mental capacity. Unless what we’re doing simultaneously involves all 20 fingers and toes, my mouth, nose, eyes, and ears, which would require all attention not focused on enjoying things elsewhere. . . then i have the mental capacity to compose a magnum opus.
That said, if you want to prove me wrong. . .
@kamakula, lmao! luvvie, he started it!
@SouthernGirl,
I dumped Kamakula a coupla weeks ago after he stepped out on me with Pattiecakes.
It’s like that luvvie?
@Luvvie, lmao! this is so appropriate for today’s post.
@Kamakula,
Man, you stay messing up! LOL
YEak Kamakula hasn’t made up for it either. He was sposed to woo me with “Baby it wasnt like that” and take me on weekend getaway. But he did not. So BOOOO him. I’m taking apps for a new e-boo.
@kamakula,
I’m sorry, I’ve just got way too much mental capacity
potential t-shirt
@kamakula,
imma skip on by the texting while saxing comment! lol…i think i would die without text message capabilities. there are people would not have heard from me in months if not for texting. im told this is not something often heard coming from a woman but, i HATE talking on the phone. i love my peeps, and we can chat when i see you…but most of the time, i will text. i often let them leave me a voicemail when they call and return with a text.
The only reason the males among my group of friends would have anything beyond the minimum minutes plan would either be:
1. They’re on a family plan with their family (or in very rare cases, a gf).
2. They have a gf.
3. Work pays for the phone.
If it was just us guys, we may just all still be rocking beepers.
@shatani,
I am with you Shatani. I generally abhor speaking on the phone, and the list of people I speak to on the phone is extremely limited.
My unlimited text messages plan stays rocking. Do text me, and you’ll get a text back. Call me, and you might not hear from me.
Simple.
“…or we don’t think enough about you to actually call.”
which is why i typically ignore a dude who’s very 1st line of communication with me, post-exchanging numbers, is a text message. you don’t think enough of me to call me and speak with me one-on-one?? you just ASSume i have unlimited text messaging or if i don’t you’re worthy enough to text back even though you’re not IN?? gtfooh.
@Gem of the Ocean,
Sometimes though I can see why someone would do this. When people play they, I’ve gotta wait x days to call her after first getting the number, or x hours after the first date stuff, sending someone a txt message may be a misguided attempt to say “I really like you but I don’t want you to feel like I’m too sprung”.
@kamakula, yeah i agree with this.
it aint always on some, “i dont think enough of her to call” its just an intermediate step, b/c he’s generally pressed enough to call but doesn’t want to look like a straight herb. so instead, he sends you a text to test the waters.
now, it might not be the bright move with all women. however, being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed about somebody makes you do things outside of what you’d normally do. especially if the chick looks like lauren london or something.
i understand this mindset, really i do. i’m not mad at a “hey how are you doing” or “i hope your day is going well” text. but if you hit me up for the first time like “let me know when you’re free, i’d like to take you to lunch/dinner” that’s just unacceptable and i give a 2 thumbs down. dates should not be set up online or via text unless that’s the rapport you’ve established.
honestly, i feel like ppl make fewer real attempts to really get to know others. and really, too many ppl are just frauds and game players. if some one says “call me” in all likelihood they intend for you to literally dial their number on the phone. i can only speak for myself…
“which is why i typically ignore a dude who’s very 1st line of communication with me, post-exchanging numbers, is a text message.”
Finally, I’ve learned to do this, lol. If we just met and you claim you want to date me, the first (or second, or third) time we talk shouldn’t be by text. I understand if its a quick, “Hey, I’m at work, but wanted to say hi” joint..but that whole attempting to have an entire get-to-know-you convo via text….
Nah, playa.
@8th Wonder,
nah playa is right.
You know I was thinking of you when I wrote that, Twinny.
“but that whole attempting to have an entire get-to-know-you convo via text….”
exactemente! the very least you could do is call and listen to my out-going vmail msg. i worked hard on that! i’ve been told it’s professional and my voice is soothing and calm lol.
hmmmm- inappropriate communication aided by technology –
this is an ESPECIALLY appropriate blog, considering how you guys (VSB and the americans in general)just DISAPPEARED WITHOUT A TRACE on thursday – (pls refer to my and malaika’s panicked postings on the last blog)
hey, we had NO IDEA it was thanksgiving, and were in utter shock shock shock at the two day silence!
it’s nice to see everyone’s back, safe and sound…
next time, give us warning, panama & champ – the withdrawal symptoms weren’t pleasant. at. all.
LMAO Superwoman. I got all these panicked emails in my inbox but in my food-induced itis, I could not comfort you with a “We here. We just full of food!”
Thanksgiving did my soul and lifespace right.
@Luvvie,
I got all these panicked emails in my inbox but in my food-induced itis, I could not comfort you with a “We here. We just full of food!”
you’re not even shy to make this confession!!!!! *shaking my head in disbelief* this gel!!! thank jehova for the shatani’s of life!!!!
@superwoman,
Make u na no vex, superwoman. It no be my fault o! That jollof rice had me in a daze.
@superwoman,
i had your back when i dropped in! lol…i told you, we be forgettin! we think our holidays are everybody’s holidays…and thus, we will see you on presidents day! lmao
@shatani, yes darl – you were the sole ray of light in the darkness that was vsb, and for that the internationals will be forever in your debt…..
*genuflects*
@superwoman,
*looks up “genuflect”*
lol
@shatani, ha ha ha, you make me laugh. damn, let me go to work now…it’s monday morning….
@superwoman, aw dang. i agree the brothas should have posted something like a vacation status. They know they’re international and sh*t, shame on them. lol…
@superwoman, lol…oops?
*pointing at The Champ*
it was the other guy’s week. lol.
but just for bookkeeping purposes…
Dec 25 & 26…probably out like jheri curl
Dec 31 & Jan 1…probably out like the jerk
@Panama Jackson,
Out like:
*Boxing boots & Ponchos (’03 was a REALLY tacky year)
*Plaxico Burress’ leg (dumbass, thy name is Plaxico)
*FUBU jerseys (ol’ tacky ombre sh*ts)
*Remy Ma is NOT
*Foxy Brown’s Magenta Wet n Wild Lipstick and Wet n Wavy Yaky No. 57
*TRL
*Johnny Gill needs to be
I could keep going, but I’ll stop
not yaki #57!! lmao
@Luvvie, have thee any idea how hard i laughed when i heard about Plaxico Burress?
and ole dumass is facing charges. what an idiot.
@Panama Jackson,
I know I laughed when I heard it.
Real Hard.
@Panama Jackson, “have thee any idea how hard i laughed when i heard about Plaxico Burress? ”
I can laugh a little about it now. . .because we are kicking teams arses up and down the turf (sorry to all Redskins fans for the beatdown that y’all caught) . . . but any late season meltdown I am blaming on that fool . . .But how Antonio Pierce just gonna walk out the club with him like nothing happened . . . outta control . . . all idiots should be traded to Dallas
@Panama Jackson,
honestly, i think every football franchise (professional, amateur, and midget) should employ plaxico for at least two weeks just so they can personally experience his on-going comedic brilliance. he’s like a walking, talking marx brothers film
@The Champ,
Just think…he coulda still been in Pittsburgh with all that foolishness…
::shudder::
Not J. Gill!
*Walks out humming “Rub You the Right Way”*
@Panama Jackson,
***pondering the view from underneath the bus panama just threw me under***
@The Champ, i had a wager going with myself too…on whether or not i’d just let you handle it or i’d throw you under the bus…
my comedic urges won out.
lol.
@Panama Jackson, you should probably tell the Lizzard to post a VSB vacation schedule with the dates that there will not be posts due to vacations and ish… and yes it has come to this…
@Intellectual Hedonist,
I actually thought this too. Of course I hold no weight, but dang Liz…lol.
@Panama Jackson,
i.t.o. upcoming holidays, that’s fine, south africa’s about to shut down for 6 weeks on december 15th, I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!
i don’t appreciate you blaming champ, you guys are supposed to be BROTHERS! smart brothers, at that! nxxxxx! (sucking teeth/click of GREAT irritation that only Southern Africans can make)
BE THAT AS IT MAY…. i’m glad to have you all back…
@superwoman,
i wanted to respond to your panicked comments, but honestly, the food coma was SKRONG. I didn’t have the mental temerity to type coherent sentences. *hangs head in shame*
@superwoman,
i’m sorry and sh*t.
***btw, i read all of your comments, and was debating whether or not to just email you directly or see how long it would take for ya’ll to figure out what was up. i even had a little wager going (with myself) to see exactly how long it would take***
@The Champ, i don’t even believe you!!! as we say in Setswana… “I CAN’T BELIEVE!!!!!” YOU ARE SO WRONG, CHAMP!!!! sadistic, evil, twisted little bas&^%d!!!!!
thanksgiving is SUCH an american concept, it wouldn’t have occured to me EVER (having lived in that country for 6 years, mind you) that everyone was on thanksgiving break, we just have such a different context here. thanksgiving just never crossed my mind.
you are officially demoted as my fave vsb – i love panama betta. nxxxx!
@superwoman, “i love panama betta.”
I think you are on to something here… these would make great VSB shirts. Panama v. The Champ
@superwoman, umm…okay. thanks??
talk about your backhanded compliment. lol.
“champ you a**monkey. i’m taking your spot as my favorite. and considering how there’s only one other VSB…panama’s my favorite!”
lucky for you i’m a damn G or i’d have gone all Kanye on your arse and released an album about you.
Eh. I was just thinking the other day how things have changed. When you meet someone you don’t have to look for a pen or a scrap of paper to get someone’s number. No paper? Write on his hand (or on his stomach in lipstick….so I heard). Can’t really say you lost someone’s number. Oops, it was in my pocket and I washed my jeans. Sorry.
People send texts when they should call. I don’t want to send 15 texts back and forth to determine when we’re going to the movies. It’s just me and you. This whole thing could’ve been decided in a 5 minute conversation.
You get mass texts for holidays, birthday’s, etc. Depending on who they’re from, I’m not sure how I feel about this.
You’re posting things on facebook or myspace about the fight we just had that you’re not telling me. I shouldn’t have to look at your profile to know how you’re feeling or what you’re thinking.
@SouthernGirl,
Exactly. Which is why I am applying my no text, no Facebook update rule.
Folks are getting carried away…
I’m gonna start writing my number on paper…
@V.E.G.,
I actually agree with you on this one, V
@Luvvie,
*gasps*
aw shucks
@V.E.G.,
i feel ya veggiekins…i cant let go, though. im a person who hates to talk on the phone most of the time, so if i can text somebody, i most certainly will!
however, im seeing how bad an idea it is to do that with dates/boyfriends/etc. so, i will try and knock that off in the future….
but me, im prone to hermit-try….so, folks will probably get me via text before they get me on the phone…and IMs? hell yeah….i guess this whole thing works out well for someone who actually doesnt like talking to people unless we’re face to face.
clearly im torn.
@shatani,
“clearly im torn.”
Like a hobo’s clothes
@Luvvie,
indeed, luvs…indeed.
the ease of communication feeds my anti-social tendencies….but i know i should avoid feeding those.
@Luvvie,
“clearly im torn.”
Like a hobo’s clothes
hmmm. we need to upgrade your similes asap
@The Champ,
Upgrade DEEZ!
*chuckles*
@V.E.G., kind of unrelated, but i’m the King of telling folks that “i’ll never call so i don’t really need your number. but it was good talking to you.”
@Panama Jackson,
i’ll never call so i don’t really need your number. but it was good talking to you.”
Well I’m the Queen of “You give me YOUR number.” When they ask if I will call, I say “You never know” lol. Am I a jerk?
@Luvvie,
Nope. You’re just honest. I do it all the time, and I smile when I do. It makes them feel better about it.
@Luvvie,
No…I always get numbers.
Now IF I call, is another story…lol
@Luvvie, I always respond with “perhaps and a smile”
same with a guy who asks if we will be going on a 2nd date, “perhaps” **smile**
Despite me and VEG’s scrappings, I am a Gen Xer (or Yer. Who the hell knows nowadays) who wishes we could reverse technology by 5 years or so. I think we have WAYYYY too much access to each other, and I wish we didn’t. Now that I have a crackberry, I feel like I’m falling down a slippery slope. Too connected ALL the time.
*Sigh*
@Luvvie,
I turned my phone off at about 2 a.m. this morning. The texts were driving me crazy.
I need people to not be able to reach me for one month. lol.
@V.E.G.,
LOL ur wish will happen in approximately, 10 days.
@Luvvie,
YUP. Though my phone works internationally…I will NOT be using that mo fo until I am stateside again.
@V.E.G.,
lemme clarify: I will not use my phone unless there is danger. lol.
@V.E.G.,
lmao! where you goin? will you text me a pic?
@shatani,
Portugal. then Kenya. then New Orleans to kick off Carnival.
I will post many pictures on Facebook
@shatani,
ooooh, fabulous!!!
@VEG
enjoy new orleans for me.
no mardi gras for me this year…
@V.E.G.,
Yes cuz if u used ur phone while gallivanting around the world, I would send you an international kick to the throat (via Express DHL). No offense. hehe
@Luvvie,
I shoulda kicked myself when I was in Paris. lol. AND I memba you texting me while I was in Jamaica…no that was the YN. lol.
@Luvvie,
BTW:
Tell me what you want. I know you from the West side and all, but I will bring you somethin back. Fabric? Beads? A carving?
@V.E.G.,
Oooo I want fabric so I can make a nice outfit. My seamstress ain’t seen me since last year. She is worried.
@Luvvie:
Every body wants fabric! lol.
@V.E.G.,
you dont go to Africa and not come back with some fabric…that dont make a lick of sense!!
@V.E.G.,
“I turned my phone off at about 2 a.m. this morning. The texts were driving me crazy.”
Yes, V.E.G., Yes!! I used to not have a problem with the accessability, but now, I’m quick to throw my joint on silent if I don’t wanna be bothered.
@Luvvie,
ive never had the crackberry….i dont have unfettered access like that. i think all hell would break loose if i could access the internet from my phone and junk. bad scene!
@shatani, i just got an iPhone and i’m straight hooked on this damn thing. real internet at all times and gps like sh*t. not none of that bootleg arse sidekick mess…
woe is me.
Thank the sweet minty Jesus that you finally upgraded.
Sidekicks be damned!
@8th Wonder,
i literally just laughed mad hard at “sweet minty Jesus”!!! i love ridiculous exclamations!
the thing about iPhones is that they give some ppl a wrong/misguided sense of “cool”. like, i was in starbucks today waiting in a long line to get my caramel machiatto. and this geeky dude next to me is just playing on his iPhone. not doing a damn thing. not looking up world news. not buying/listening to music. not making phone calls. not googling the book that was propped up right in front of us. nothing. just playing on it (pretending to look through his “address book”) and looking over at me as if he expected me to say something about how great a phone he has.
maybe it was just my pre-SB psychosis. but i notice sooooo many dorky ppl that do this. everyone else with an iPhone seems to be real low-key with it. idk.
@Gem of the Ocean, Maybe he just got it and was still amazed by its awesomeness . . . I use my phone to decide what restaurant I want to try, listen to AOL radio, get anywhere I need to go (since I’m prone to being lost), recall who I drunk texted on Sundays, read the new york times . . . this phone can do no wrong . . except it won’t let me text today for some odd reason, but iPhone knows all, and I trust if it doesnt want me to text there must be a reason for it.
@IVR,
“but iPhone knows all, and I trust if it doesnt want me to text there must be a reason for it.”
I feel this way about my crackberry.
@Monk,
i too am addicted to my Crackberry… to the point I used it while i was in “jail” to check my blog….
LOL!!! my house guest and I spent Saturday evening updating our facebook statuses and havign a conversation with each other via Facebook status, she was less than 6 feet away from me on a couch oposite me. She was on the phone with a boy and I didnt want to disturb her conversation. Miss Patty Cakes and Jen were privy to our Facebook updates. I personally thought it was hillarious and great fun
@Intellectual Hedonist,
I saw that, too. Lol.
@Intellectual Hedonist,
My BFF and I do that all the time. That is always fun.
@Intellectual Hedonist,
IH, i caught that…i found it HILARIOUS!!! especially because i was texting my mother while she was sittin in the next room. thats like my favorite thing to do! in college i used to IM my roommates from across the house (as well as in the room next door) all the time
@shatani, even more hilarious was the people texting us that knew we were sitting right near each other telling us how ridiculous we were being. Then again we are usually the ones that text each other through dinner cracking on everyone else
@Intellectual Hedonist, ahem…i know someone like this.
@Luvvie, girl i hear you. show of hands… how many of us now log on to our IM accounts in the invisible status *raising hand* i got called out this weekend, because even though i was signed in invisibly, when i logged off don’t you know that my IM network had the audacity to alert my buddy list that i was now “signing off”…uh yeah, that didn’t play out too smoothly.
@Miss Patterson,
hahahah…im always in stealth mode! *raising hand*
i remember one time i was rollin on invisible on YIM and then i went to play literati with my boy and all of a sudden folks could see i was in yahoo games! blowin up spots like little sisters! lmao…
the voyeur in me likes to see and not be seen…and the anti-social part of me dont wanna talk to mofos.
@shatani, lol! @ the voyeur in you…
@shatani,
You sound just like me babygurl…I hit that “invisible” joint quick when i don’t feel like talking. “See and not be seen” should be my slogan.
Tx10inch aka cyber ninja.
@Tx10inch, heyyyyyyy tex.
@Miss Patterson,
“how many of us now log on to our IM accounts in the invisible status *raising hand* ”
not the kid. if i need to be invisible…i ain’t logging on.
@Panama Jackson,
Well GChat doesn’t let you be selectively invisible, and there are some folks I dont wanna chat with on some days. So I sign in invisible sometimes and chat with them. Others don’t know.
@Panama Jackson,
I don’t log in as invisible either. If I don’t want to talk, I just don’t. I mean really…what’s gonna happen?
And why do all these VSBers have IM handles and nobody chats me up? Don’t you all know I have LOOOONG periods of inactivity during the day, splattered w/crazy short periods of hurried tasks??
Help me idle my time away.
@PBG,
as soon as my internet starts working at optimum speed, i will waste your precious moments with you. everyone here is still on vaycay… wasting taxpayer $$$$
@blackberry molasses,
Or…I could go read an actual book.
Jesus be a REAL hobby for me.
Speaking of Jesus, I have a picture of the Tiny Brown Savior on my blog! He’s adorable!
@PBG,
I peeped that! the halo and errythang.
I stay in stealth mode when logged in at home, if my students know I am logged in I get and onslaught of questions and ish….
@Miss Patterson, i stays invisible on yahoo. i be dodgin’ ninjas.
@Miss Patterson, “how many of us now log on to our IM accounts in the invisible status *raising hand* ”
LMAO. I don’t have an IM, but I log on to yahoo as invisible all the time. I have a stalker. He won’t get the point.
It’s a Catch 22. Technology has made things less personal. But convenient. I like being able to know about someone from their blog/Myspace/Facebook page. If I see a guy posing with a gun and a blunt in his mouth, I know he might not be my speed. But men in orange pants with brown shoes…… They tickle my fancy.
@Ange,
i like to keep my fancy covered up til at least the third IM convo.
@shatani,
LOL @ “fancy” being used as a clever euphemism for female anatomy. *giggle*
@PBG,
daaaaaang! spell it out, whydontcha! lmao!
@Ange,
“If I see a guy posing with a gun and a blunt in his mouth, I know he might not be my speed”
coincidentally, that’s my album cover. except in mine i also have a laptop and two degrees and a phd from Devry on my back wall.
i had Pen N Pixel do it since No Limit doesnt really need their services anymore.
@Panama Jackson,
ahahaha lovage much?
http://www.amazon.com/Music-Make-Love-Your-Lady/dp/B00005RTSV/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1228145765&sr=1-1
@Panama Jackson, i had Pen N Pixel do it since No Limit doesnt really need their services anymore.
*dead*
Not Pen and Pixel!!!! hahahahha
@Panama Jackson, “phd from Devry”
dead!
Ah the drunk texts. I’ve only regretted one, but most of the time I just laugh about it the next day.
The stalking is kinda crazy now because the internet/technology makes it so easy. It kinda freaks me out by the amount of info that is out there.
The biggest change that I see is breaking up/cheating by announcing it on facebook/myspace/social networking sites. It hasn’t happened to me, but it’s so cold.
One thing that bugs me is that people think that you should be available 24:7. I miss the old days where people leave messages on the answering machines and didn’t trip if you didn’t call them back right away.
@Leila, yeah i hear you, and i agree it’s too much access. i think that call waiting was the first downfall of our generation. remember when folks were just busy because they had a busy signal? or the phone just rang endlessly because they were out shopping? the thing is folks, all of this ‘availability’ is misleading on some level. why are we logged on to our IM if we don’t want to be contacted? why are we chatting on fb at work when we have a deadline? personally, i can’t read minds or know when folks are busy if their status tells me otherwise. nor am i stupid…thanks to fb and a myriad of other IM networks you can actually see that someone is ‘writing a message’…and 10 minutes after you asked them a question and you realize it’s not to you is irksome. Especially for me because I type really fast and my friends tend to type like they’ve just learned the alphabet, so i get impatient. IM stands for instant message for a reason. If you don’t want to be contacted, or that person annoys the sh*t out of you, then log off or set your status to be invisible to that person permanently…or here’s a bright idea tell the person you.are.busy. Ya know that invisible feature does exist on yahoo, windows live, and a number of others. That way you can never be accused of ignoring someone. Many of us have way too many online friends, so when you log on the whole world sees you’re ‘available’ which may or may not be the case. I say, just tell folks you’re busy or talking to someone else and you can’t maintain 15 conversations at once. See? no hard feelings. What do y’all think?
@Miss Patterson, tell ‘em how you really feel.
lol.
@Leila,
“One thing that bugs me is that people think that you should be available 24:7. I miss the old days where people leave messages on the answering machines and didn’t trip if you didn’t call them back right away.”
I agree.
@Leila, One summer I chose not to have a phone (read too poor pay my bill) and it was freeing to be unavailable
@Nayhov about to change my name to Nay Peyso,
All I want to say is I love your new name!
I heart Jay-Z.
@Nayhov about to change my name to Nay Peyso,
Yeah, this name is up there with “Eff Yo Couch” and “LisaAngelaPamelaRenee”. ”I’m Feelin’ It”.
i think the stalkery aspect is my biggest concern. thats why i keep my page private on the social networky sites (although, really, who goes to blackplanet anymore? lol) i dont want clients gettin all up in my bidness! a couple of my co-workers have had former clients google them and whatnot. that creeps me out.
in addition to that. there is no information of any consequence on any of my pages…
@shatani, oh yeah googling people is no joke. i work with employers who use google and facebook as a means to weed out potential employees and graduate students. it’s no joke. bottom line, you need to keep your online personality clean…especially if you are in the type of profession that requires a certain no-nonsense image.
@Miss Patterson, I google myself periodically to see what pops up (read: slightly conceited) but the only thing that ever pops up are the GRE Books I bought off of Amazon.com.
@Ro, you should Google yourself periodically. I do (as a state employee everytime my department’s website is updated my info is too) I need to make sure the information others are accessing is accurate. Also there is a woman in CA with my same name that embezzled money, so I follow up with her case too
@shatani,
I swear, every time I see your name my brain goes into “Batman Decoder Ring” mode.
Like: Shatani = Ashanti scrambled
Shatani = Rhymes with Dasani water.
*sighs*
@RedBeanzNRice,
thats some deep crazy you got goin there! lol…actually, Shatani is Tanisha scrambled. which is my name! yay! you win, Nancy Drew!
@shatani,
Dang, why it gotta be “DEEP” crazy..lmao.
Well, Tanisha fits too, lol. Thanks for clearing that up, and saving me from a premature aneurysm. ; )
like many of you i too grew up in the development and progression of the internet age. back when yahoo had a storage limit and black planet wasn’t the equivalent of onlinebootycall.com, but only recently have i noticed that it has begun to steal the thunder from the traditional courting methods. some guys are texting/chatting addicts while others have simply added it to enhance their real (face to face/voice to voice) forms of communication. still in spite of the fact that the internet has changed the way we date and communicate, i still think its existence helps you weed out the truly invested from the passive potential mates.
check it out, if a guy is really into you he will exert the energy to pick the phone to ask you on a date/see how you’re doing/get to know you better, etc…even if all he had on his agenda that day was to scratch his b@lls and surf the internet. Although the internet has made us all lazy azz friends on some level, i think it’s a good way to measure a person’s sincerity in getting to know you and initiate a real conversation. Personally, there’s only so many chats i can engage in before i get tired of communicating with a man i want to date only via the internet.
True story: i know someone who got asked on a first date via text. my response: NEXT. her response: what time should i be ready? already this is not a good sign to me.
And finally, facebook & myspace are training camps for developing stalker behavior. we all know folks who add pron models to their friend list (on myspace) or women they met at the club (facebook) just to beef up their friend list. so, what do you do with this information? do you write it off? do you question them? do you make an assumption about their potential fidelity based on the fact that most of their ‘friends’ only wear thongs in their profile picture? or do you simply move on? this is the part that is dangerous…knowing too much. facebook is almost the equivalent of checking your guy’s caller id log every day. it’s just too much daggone information. still, i’m an fb freak. does anyone else chuckle when they think what else fb could stand for? ha ha. peace…
@Miss Patterson, you know…i dont have this problem right now since i have a girlfriend, but i probably wouldn’t even check somebody’s facebook page or myspace page…unless i’m specifically directed to do so.
hell, even all you folks that have added me via facebook…lol…i just add you and then log off…i RARELY send messages back and forth and stuff.
just ain’t my bag, baby.
@Miss Patterson,
you had me at “booty”
@The Champ, you need a new joke man.
@Miss Patterson, I agree with so much you said. In my students I see that they don’t know how to communicate. When they IM me or email me or FB me I still make them write correctly and address the note IM text as if they were writing me a letter.
as for “the internet has made us all lazy azz friends on some level” I have to totally agree with you there. I hardly speak to friends that aren’t electronically accessible, its sad I know. But on the other hand it has made me closer to those friends that are all over the world
wow, ya’ll….over a hundred responses in just over an hour and a half?!?!? i really think we have a problem! i feel bad for the folks that come to post at Godly hours! lmao!
@shatani, i know, i also wonder about that – for me, it’s 8h50am, and i generally do all my leisure/pleasure email surfing now-ish, then check in again late afternoon – but it’s so hilarious to see how @ 7h00, there’s nothing, then by 8h30, a hundred posts or so! little no-life having insomniacs!
@superwoman,
“little no-life having insomniacs!”
I take this to offense. If I had your IM screename, I would SO block you. lol jk
@Luvvie,
I would block her with no jk OR lol. that was just mean. I had someone say to me that online people need to get a hobby, and my response was, “That is one of my hobbies idiot!”
@Relax, Relate, Alise, as we say in Setswana – “nnete ea baba” = direct translation – the truth burns (like hot chilli pepper burn) – in american, i guess you’d say – the truth hurts…..
kisses.
@superwoman,
it does burn, don’t it…. by the way I was being faceitous, kinda….
@Relax, Relate, Alise, ‘kinda’ being the operative word, sweed’eart!
it’s 21h07 in south africa. i am logging off and going to do something exciting and enviable with my evening, because unlike others, who shall remain nameless …. I HAVE A LIFE! (cough *champ* cough)!!!!
@superwoman,
but it’s so hilarious to see how @ 7h00, there’s nothing, then by 8h30, a hundred posts or so! little no-life having insomniacs!
lol…says the person who had cold sweats and meth shivers because we didnt post a thanksgiving notice.
@The Champ, as our politicians say when indisputibly confronted with their own hypocrisy…
“I refuse to dignify that statement with a response.”
@superwoman,
niiiiice! just throw in a “i said good day!” and you’re all set!
@The Champ, or better yet…..
“i reject that with the contempt it deserves”.
@superwoman,
I like that response, Superwoman. I think I shall borrow it from time to time.
@The Champ,
“lol…says the person who had cold sweats and meth shivers because we didnt post a thanksgiving notice.”
Right? Ain’t she the pot calling the kettle colored??
@Luvvie,
The pot calling the kettle a ninja.
The thing I hate about e-communication and text messages is that people imagine the context/tone of your messages , you cannot effectively convey the emotion that talking or face to face allows. For example this statement can be taken in different ways.
You are doing it big girl!
It can be taken as you are doing wonderful things or if you are feeling insecure that day that mofo just called you fat. I have had many a miscommunicaiton via text, which happens often bc I often employ sarcasm…
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
lmao! girl, thats why punctuation is key!! ive had lots of IM issues because of my sarcasm. luckily thats only with the new folks…people who know me, know what im bout.
@shatani,
yeah, aherm…. cuz you did call me crazy this weekend *side eye*
lol. just playin
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
That is indeed my biggest issue w/texts, IMs and the like. I am always explaining myself to some extra sensitive, crybaby snickerdoodle-head. Boooo @ them.
@PBG,
and I get sick of putting a “lol” on the end of everything so you know I am joking, next time someone gets all “feeling some kinda way” about what I say I am gonna add this: layda (laughing at your dumb a$$)
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
layda (laughing at your dumb a$$)
i like this, i’m stealing it. i will give the appropriate creative by-credit though.
Internet communication tempts me to break the law and lay hands:) that is all.
Just kidding.
However, I hate this type of communication within a relationship because I end up feeling like I have done something wrong.
@Jac,
However, I hate this type of communication within a relationship because I end up feeling like I have done something wrong.
whys that?
i’m a poking fool.
the end.
@Miss Patterson, so many ways to take that.
about 99 of which would make a social networking neo question the “miss” in front of patterson.
@Miss Patterson, do woman mean something when they do this? I cannot lose a poking war.ever.ever
@Nayhov i can’t speak for all women, but for me poking is like saying “hey, what’s up”…i don’t really understand the purpose of the regular poke, but the superpoke has various fun meanings attached to it. i.e.) miss p wants to shake what her mama gave her with you. in other words, it’s just another way to waste time on the job.
@Miss Patterson,
i’m a poking fool.
yes you are.
the poke always confuses me, mostly because i’m always wondering what the hell am i being poke with
@The Champ, the poke always confuses me, mostly because i’m always wondering what the hell am i being poke with
*considers it….decides to leave this alone.*
Texting is da Debil.
Not only has it basically stripped people of the art of face to face conversation, it promotes clinginess. I mean really, is it necessary to talk (to anyone who will listen) all day long about nothing just because you’re by yourself? Are people that insecure that they can’t be alone with themselves for 5 minutes without needing to constantly reaffirm that they still have the same friends they had 5 minutes ago?
See, back in my day, if I wasn’t home, you’d just have to wait till I got home to tell me all about the boring drivel that took place during the day – and vice versa.
Now folks wanna give minute-by-minute details, with instant replay on minor events that are of little or no consequence just for the sheer fact that they can.
I blame Jim Jones.
@RedBeanzNRice,
girl, that twitter mess blows my mind! i mean, seriously? minute by minute updates about what youre doing? i need to know you tripped over the rug walking into the bank and dropped your purse? do i need to know youre standing in line at the fresh grocer cuz youre buying a box of condoms and a spatula?
hardly!
@shatani,
Yeah I have friends that keep trying to get me to join twitter. I keep telling them, I’m not that exciting…plus I would probably never update the thing…lol
@shatani, yes…bc of Liz, i have damn near every type of social networking apparatus available…hell, i just realized i even have a vox blog…lol.
needless to say, i dont log into or check any of them. you want me…IM.
@shatani,
Please don’t fall victim to the dark side like Luvvie did. *hangs head in woe*
@shatani, you know I was thinking about this yesterday when slim was aggravated about the traffic on the way home to Boston, and on Wed when Teech1 was complaining about the traffic on the way to his family’s…
For me Twitter is a good way to release something you just want to blurt out but cant really say to anyone cause honestly no one would care. Or just some nonsense you have on your mind! Sometimes its funny and other times its crazy
@RedBeanzNRice,
I have twitter just b/c I feel I’m sposed to. LOL and I’m not interesting. So I update it like once every couple of weeks if I remember. I try not to put mundane ish like “Luvvie is having trouble tying her shoelace”.
well if you were having trouble tying your shoelaces it could be a cry for help. perhaps you’ve gone blind, perhaps you’re drunk and disoriented, perhaps you have a brain tumor or some other neurological disorder preventing normal motor coordination.
we’d need to know so we could begin to help!
Gemmie, sat down.
@8th Wonder,
Thank you, Aif. Just… thanks
*satting down* i was just trying to help. sheesh!! *crossing arms over chest*
@Luvvie,
“I try not to put mundane ish like “Luvvie is having trouble tying her shoelace”
Ok, that made me crack up cause that’s EXACTLY the type of stuff folks have to say – not a damn thang. SMH.
@Luvvie, ummm, i’m just gon’ put it out there. wtf is twitter? i keep hearing about this joint but have no idea what goes on there. is it like facebook/myspace (which i only joined cause i cracked under the pressure).
@Luvvie, “I try not to put mundane ish like “Luvvie is having trouble tying her shoelace”.”
I use my status for mundane stuff such as my anger over Plaxico Burress being a twit or for important stuff like hawking my living room floor for the inauguration. It’s all in good fun.
@IVR,
Plaxico Burress being a professional classless wonder is Twitter worthy. Carry on, IVR.
P.S. Whats ur Twitter name? Mine is #Luvvieig.
I never did phone sex but I do have a friend that I SEXT (SEX + TEXT) alot.
Oh it’s gets nasty and I hope after every send that I don’t go out like Kwame Brown.
I won’t do twitter, I’m not that interesting and I don’t know anyone who is.
@Dakota Brown,
Kwame Kilpatrick maybe?
@miss t-lee,
It doesn’t even matter. Both those Kwame’s are wacktastical.
@PBG,
True…interchangeable wackness.
@PBG,
yeah, both kwame’s fit equally.
@miss t-lee,
OOO good catch, that’s who I meant.
His girl Beatty just got 4 months.
@Dakota Brown,
Oh yeah? Wow.
I do the whole text sex thing too and I have to say after every text I hope I don’t end up like Kwame either.
Tsk tsk.
@Jac,
lol…just dont text married men, especially if you’re a black bea arthur doppleganger, and you’re cool
@The Champ,
“…especially if you’re a black bea arthur doppleganger…”
But Champ, I thought that was your type. What changed?
I really, really want to know something from all of y’all.
What would happen if A met B, and said they:
1- Don’t use Facebook, MySpace, or twitter, nor admit they have a blog or site,
2-Don’t text to communicate under any circumstances except to confirm business appointments, and,
3-Would simply like to exchange phone numbers with the other so they can actually talk again?
@Kit (Keep It Trill),
Awwww…wouldn’t that be lovely? Let’s keep hope alive for that. It can happen again…we can bring it back! YES WE CAN!
@Kit (Keep It Trill), in today’s day and age? we’d probably think something was wrong with them..lol…
“you want to actually TALK? like on the phone? like…a lot?”
@Kit (Keep It Trill),
It would actually be a nice change. I think my verbal conversation is equally superb as my written, so it works for me.
I miss the old days (6 years ago)
i’ve actually met many ppl like this. except the text part–i know some textin fools!! and i’m not big on texts if you ain’t IN.
but fa real, i don’t like to talk on the phone. i mean, if we’re actually having a meaningful conversation, that’s cool. but i likely have other important ish to do–i am a grad student after all. and i’m not the type of person to just sit on the phone just for the hell of it. all you hear is breathing, their tv in the background, asking questions like “what you doing now?” “what you watching now?” “did you see that one commercial…?” “what’s all that noise i heard? oh you’re washing dishes” like that ish gets old and i am not in high school! do not call my phone just for random chatter, please and thank you.
@Gem of the Ocean,
Amen.
@Kit (Keep It Trill),
1. Fine with me.
2. We might have to work something out. I don’t over text but sometimes it’s necessary or easier.
3. I like actually talking to someone I’m trying to get to know so I say bring it on!
@Kit (Keep It Trill),
It would be a fabulous day in the neighborhood! I mean really, talking with someone is the only way you can genuinely “get” their jokes, or hear the sincerity (or assholisheness, whichever) in their voice.
Text sex, that is about the most odd thing I’ve ever heard of. I already think phone sex is a little wierd but at least you can hear a persons voice.
Anyway, technology has opened a lot of black holes in the relationship world. Internet stalking runs rampant, facebook getting people caught out there, people not getting hired for jobs based on their profile on a site. Crazyness!!!
@J. McFly, i’m with you. i dont even truly understand phone chex. not.a.fan.
@J. McFly, Yes, it’s weird but fun…makes you spit out your drink at work sometimes
I think technology definitely has its pros and cons as it relates to relationships. Of course face to face communication is usually best for nurturing relationships, it’s not always so black and white.
There’s nothing wrong with being “connected” to SO’s, friends, associates during most of the day as long as you know each other’s boundaries. For example, some folks don’t like to be called, texted, emailed or what have you before or after a certain time and as long as that’s established, people need to respect that. Or if you’re not the type who wish to hold long, drawn out texts, IM’s, or myspace messages,just let it be known.
As most of us do, I communicate with people out of town a lot so face-to-face interactions are somewhat limited, but you can still carry on a repore with someone from all the technology that’s out here.
As Panama expressed, there are some situations where it might be in both parties best interest in not communicating face to face. The “crazy…derranged” folks do exist.
Let’s not forget that blogs and forums like this (VSB) are also benefits of technology. Sure we can all hook up in our respective cities across the globe, but it’s not going to happen as frequently as we can party and bullshyt with each other online…lol.
@Monk, there is truth in what you speak. i do have a gang of e-friends that i party all the time with…during the work day via IM and of course this website.
@Monk,
DC VSBers are about to cut up together every dang-on week! Wooohooo!
Right? I mean, ummm…when I don’t have to go home to my kids or do some homework or something.
“For example, some folks don’t like to be called, texted, emailed or what have you before or after a certain time and as long as that’s established, people need to respect that. Or if you’re not the type who wish to hold long, drawn out texts, IM’s, or myspace messages,just let it be known.”
i’m so glad you said this, Monk. i totally agree with you. i’m a very straight forward, no time for games, kinda gal so i definitely put these things on the line before anyone has a chance to misstep… problem is, ppl don’t take me for my word. ppl often make up in their tiny minds that they are “special” and should get special privileges–like texting me at ungodly hours of the morning, blowing up my phone while i’m at work (and expecting a return call), etc. and i end up with quazi-stalkers. *smh* idk what to do about that.
Hmm and another thing I find that seems to bother people…tell them you have deleted them. What is the big deal about “deleting” someone from your contact list or cell phone? Not that I even tell people that I have, but I can remember saying to one guy (who I chose to reconnect with) that I didn’t have his email because I had deleted him and it about sent him over. I thought this was the most hilarious thing ever.
@Miss Mahogany, um…i’m surprised that you’d be surprised that somebody would be upset at being deleted.
thats like telling someone, “at some point, i realize i didnt need you in my life so i intentionally got rid of your contact information since there was NO reason i could possibly think of to ever talk to you again…like…EVER. the fact that i’m telling you i deleted you, which makes that realization even more real since, you know, i did it on purpose, shouldnt bother you…it is what it is. get over it.”
@Panama Jackson,
I think that is excellent language to use when letting go. It leaves no room for misinterpretation. I am in favor of this quote being used every time you have to boot someone from your personal technology base.
@Miss Mahogany,
Yeah consciously making the effort to delete someone is offensive. I like P-Money’s example. Thats like saying “Yeah I erased ur face from the family tree. But you know we still got the same last name.” WHAT??
In fact, scroll up and see why the phrase “No offense” is often null and void.
lmao.
“with all due respect, there was a time i thought very little of you. so little, in fact, that you were erased beyond recovery from my virtual memory. please re-give me your info, to possibly be re-deleted in the future if you take me there agian. thanks! xoxo”
@Gem of the Ocean, ‘ol eternal sunshine of the spotless mind self…
@Gem of the Ocean,
LMAO Gem. I love this.
Between Panama’s: “at some point, i realize i didnt need you in my life so i intentionally got rid of your contact information since there was NO reason i could possibly think of to ever talk to you again…like…EVER. the fact that i’m telling you i deleted you, which makes that realization even more real since, you know, i did it on purpose, shouldnt bother you…it is what it is. get over it.”
and
Gem’s: “with all due respect, there was a time i thought very little of you. so little, in fact, that you were erased beyond recovery from my virtual memory. please re-give me your info, to possibly be re-deleted in the future if you take me there agian. thanks! xoxo”
I’m laughing so hard, my stomach hurts…LOL!!
Man please…if you can’t pick up the phone we ain’t talking. Texting does not count as a convo. I’m not big on technology…consider me old school…lol
@miss t-lee,
I guess throat punches are more effective in person, makes sense to me.
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
Exactly…lol
actually, i find mental nose jabs to be quite effective. they make me feel better. but if i were to do it in person, i could potentially go to jail or be expelled from school. so really, mind violence is safest for all parties.
@Gem of the Ocean,
I’m laughing at you…for real.
damn, why you gotta be laughing AT me?? my e-feelings are hurt again…
@Gem of the Ocean,
I’m not like that…not at all.
It’s all love.
@miss t-lee,
see that?! internet ambiguity strikes again!
Exactly.
lmao. p.s. i was j/k by the way. my e-feelings do not get hurt. matter of fact, i think i removed the e-emotion software package from my computer. so ummm yeah i’m good!
I love computers and texts because it’s much better than talking on the phone. I can catch up with my friends all day and not even have to hear a voice. LOL. Not have to worry about having to repeat myself because this fool is on the phone with me while watching “Young and the Restless.”
BUT, I hate technology when men use it to send ambiguous texts… Wassup? (text rcvd out of nowhere!) What’s good? etc. I mean, seriously, how am I supposed to answer that?
Men: Texting should not be 70% of your communications with a woman, whether you are in a relationship or if you’re trying to “woo” her.
there was a time i was so serious i wouldn’t even as much as IM or text during commercials while Grey’s was on. i wanted no distractions during that hour….
i’ve grown up a bit and don’t take it that seriously anymore. mostly becuz i’m never home when Grey’s or The Office is on so there’s no chance anyone will ever interupt. i catch up online where i can pause/rewind as necessary.
@Gem of the Ocean, I’ve looked and most of the stuff I watch is online.
Why the F am I paying for cable?
becuz you can’t watch the randomness that might be on TV that can’t be found online.
for instance–right now i’m watching “The Wiz” on Retroplex (mind you i should be at work finishing this fellowship app). i don’t own this movie and it’s been YEARS since i last watched it. so i was thrilled to see it was playing on one of the 100+ channels i’m payin good $$$ for.
and can i just say Evilene scared the sh*t outta me when i was little. like seriously, i was scared to sit on the toilet for over a few seconds becuz i kept envisioning the scene when she gets “flushed” down her throne. omg i was traumatized.
besides, it hurts my eyes to watch my small computer screen all the time. i prefer the big screen of my TV. i do have the means to hook up my laptop to my TV but i haven’t the slightest idea how to do it (i hate reading manuals, yes i’m one of those….)
@Gem of the Ocean, “besides, it hurts my eyes to watch my small computer screen all the time. i prefer the big screen of my TV. i do have the means to hook up my laptop to my TV but i haven’t the slightest idea how to do it ”
Wow. I have never heard of this one.. you gonna make me go home and try. I will read a manual last step… first step, I try to figure it out myself.
@Gem of the Ocean, “besides, it hurts my eyes to watch my small computer screen all the time. i prefer the big screen of my TV. i do have the means to hook up my laptop to my TV but i haven’t the slightest idea how to do it ”
Wow. I have never heard of this one.. you gonna make me go home and try. I will read a manual last step… first step, I try to figure it out myself.
@Gem of the Ocean,
The Wiz is the greatest movie EVER from my childhood. Mother took my sister and I to see it in the theaters back in the day (so what, I just dated myself, ya’ll know I’m old).
I actually have been watching this nearly non-stop for 15 years. I had to hunt it down on DVD about 7 yrs ago. Paid full price and wasn’t even mad (got mad when I saw in Walmart last summer for $5.00).
The scariest part was when they were all in the subway and the trash cans came to life and tried to eat them! Eeeek! But I still love it, even w/the Poppy Prostitutes.
@PBG, I love the Wiz too guys…
“The scariest part was when they were all in the subway and the trash cans came to life and tried to eat them”
Why does this scare the h3ll out of me, even to this day?
Recently I took a flight from Indianapolis, and they’ve redesigned the airport. The hallway from the garage reminds me of this part of the movie. It was especially scary when we were walking through and all of a sudden these colorful blocks of light start and you hear “Freak OUT!” That da&n song from the 70s! LOL
Another thing I DO like about technology is the people I would have otherwise not met. I couldn’t imagine a workday without Luvvie, PBG, Champ, PJ and the crew. in the words of champ, ll cool j, and method man : word.life.
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
This is a good thing about technology…lol
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
Awww…U-Dub! I’m so glad I found you on the intrawebs too!
Speaking of which, I signed on to Yahoo IM 23 minutes ago and you haven’t even sent me a dayum smiley!! Oh, but you got time to be commentin’ on VSB!! Mmmhmmm!
I’m offended!!
@PBG, BUT, I did hit you up and you didn’t respond AND I wrote on your facebook wall, so take that, I am offended too, so I guess we cool because the two e-transgressions have canceled each other out, e-BFF’s again, HOORAY!
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
You hit me up? Oh…ok. GirlBaby must have my Sidekick then.
It’s all good in the Glittery Neighborhood! Yaaay!
@Relax, Relate, Alise, Amen!
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
YES! A definite plus is the meeting of the ePosse. Yall make work go faster (and possibly less productive. But hey…)
damn. now my e-feelings are hurt since you didn’t mention (pacifically) my e-name in your list. *e-pouting*
i think i shall remove Alise from my facebook friends….
@Gem of the Ocean,
I am sorry I did not stroke your e-ego, my bad, layda…. tee hee……
lol it’s all good, e-homie
@Gem of the Ocean, I was thinking the same thing… I am getting salty as h3ll up in here
@Intellectual Hedonist,
I e-lub u too!!! In the name of unicorns I swear I do!
@Relax, Relate, Alise, let me tell you how the new Nike commercial with Lebron James makes me think of you, the one where they are throwing glitter all around ( I know its not glitter)
@Relax, Relate, Alise, mmmmm, method man…
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
that was sweet and sh*t
Agreed, technology has made it more difficult to court young ladies in this day and age.
For example, I update my gchat/facebook status w/ random funny things I hear people say and/or lyrics from a song that I like or can relate to. A lot of my female friends tend to take my status updates personally and this only leads to trouble…
“i’m tired of using technology….” – JT
@Cornell Westside, thats cuz chicks are ALWAYS trying to find the hidden meaning in sh*t.
you say, “hello?” they wonder if that means, “hello, ive missed you.”
chicks are fun.
@Panama Jackson, read fun as quite silly and I agree
@Nayhov about to change my name to Nay Peyso,
“read fun as quite silly and I agree”
I don’t know why this made me laugh. Hold up… I’m a girl. I’m offended!
@Panama Jackson,
I have a serious issue with this:
1) What makes women think that we even LIKE to say things that have hidden meanings? That would go against our simplistic nature as men.
2) What makes you think that all we do is think about YOU all the damn time when there are things like the cute girls who work in retail at the local mall, NFL Network, NBATV, and ESPN?
Technology has fcuked up the dating world and relationships!!!
There was a time when you didn’t have to be a heartless prick. This is true for both male and females. Your at the club and your dancing with someone of the opposite, being friendly. When you try to leave to get a drink at the bar or something else, they decide it’s a good idea to ask for your number. I remember when you could just give that person a fake number and keep it moving, now ninjas are inputting your number into the cell phone and calling you right there on the spot!!! They say this is a quick way for you to have there number without it being recited, I call it premature stalking.
@eff yo couch, “I remember when you could just give that person a fake number and keep it moving, now ninjas are inputting your number into the cell phone and calling you right there on the spot!!! They say this is a quick way for you to have there number without it being recited, I call it premature stalking.”
I do this, so in the event that its a fake number I can call her a stank h* and take my drink back. . . (jk)
@IVR,
“I do this, so in the event that its a fake number I can call her a stank h* and take my drink back. . . (jk)”
Hilarious!!!
Unless it happened to me. But I know how to handle mine, so it wouldn’t. Holla! LMAO!!
@IVR,
LMAO IVR. I’m picturing you going up to a chick, snatching ur drink from her, and walking away in a huff and puff. And yell “YOU ain’t SH*T”. Awesome visual
@IVR,
“that’s banana cream pie, what the f*ck was i doing?….’b*tch you owe me seven dollars!’” – Katt Williams
@Cornell Westside,
Just saw this again on Comedy Central last night…Too Funny!!
LOL ohhhh the days of fake numbers. i miss them.
now i just tell a brotha flat out if i don’t want to give him my numbers. some dudes are hip to the game and give the slick “i know you probably won’t give me your number so i’ll just give you mine. if you call, great. if not, it’s cool”. putting the ball in my court. i dig it tho.
@Gem of the Ocean, yes, fake numbers.
anybody remember that phone line thing someone set up that pretty much rejected people for you? i think it was called the rejection hotline now that i think about it. but it was real numbers, so you went and looked up your area and they gave you a number you could give out. but when the person called a recorded message played that was all kinds of hilarious.
that probably wouldn’t work nowadays though what with the calling immediately thing. lol.
@SouthernGirl,
http://www.rejectionhotline.com
they still offer many vaulable services. I like “Telemarketers Worst Nightmare”
back in the day, this would have SAVED me from having a Relationship Crypt
@blackberry molasses,
They also have a hotline for people with stank breath
@blackberry molasses, lmao.
@eff yo couch,
“I call it premature stalking”
I second that.
Now on to Myspace . . .
I’ve seen a ninja about to get cut by their SO’s because there relationship status on Myspace says single/ looking for a relationship
I almost got cut because a accepted a friend request from some chick (who I didn’t know from a can of paint) who had a picture of her big round booty covered in soap suds as her main picture. I guess some woman don’t understand or can appreciate different forms of art!!!
@eff yo couch,
When I was single I used to “in a relationship” status to keep the vultures away… to no avail, “Ol’ If Ya Gonna Stalk Next Time Be Thorough Lookin Boys “
@Relax, Relate, Alise,
i used to change my status to “in a relationship” to get more chicks….know why? WOMEN ARE GRIMEY! That’s why. Haha.
@Cornell Westside,
TRIFLIN DESPERATE NEEDY women are grimey…
i will thank you NOT to make unsupported blanket statements.
@blackberry molasses,
Yeah, especially WET blanket statements.
many women may be grimey… but so are men!!! i get the most attention when i’m dating some one or in a relationship. dudes from the past come out the wood works to holla at the Gemster.
my mama used to say most men are like dogs–they smell another one on you and they come running. 66% of the time this is true ALL the time!
@Cornell Westside,
Hell…everyone’s grimey…lol
Chicks/dudes–some just don’t care, relationship be dayumed.
@eff yo couch, on facebook just make sure you create an alternate account and be in a relationship with yourself. Then no one will know if you’re really in a relationship or not.
@Nayhov about to change my name to Nay Peyso,
That is very extra, Peyso. Very.
@PBG, I just consider myself extra cool lol.
I didnt do it on purpose, my part time job required that I had access to a few different regional networks on facebook and thus I created an alternate profile. My lady friend said thats what she thought when she saw my profile…
I admit I am a serial texter . . . I hate being on the phone with people. Particularly artsy fartsy folks who want to talk, sing songs, and convince me that I am not a real friend. These normally tend to be ex girlfriends that do not have a man at the moment and wish to pass their idle time with me.
I am currently dealing with a young lady that is against text messaging, I am slowly trying to convince her of the error in her ways. . .lol We see ach other often, but as two working people we can’t be sitting up on the phone all day so a text every now and then is nice. She is converting.
Y’all stop hating on text messages! Old buncha smoke signal senders. Long live the iPhone (till something better comes along).
@IVR,
I don’t do smoke signals, I prefer talking drums or homing pigeons. Keep up.
@Relax, Relate, Alise, “I don’t do smoke signals, I prefer talking drums or homing pigeons. Keep up.”
My bad! I try to be as well versed in the low-tech underworld as possible. . . thanks! lol
@IVR,
I am not against texting @ all. I find it very useful because I am not one for all that sitting up on the phone. Send me the where/when/how info in a text and I’ll meet you over there…dang. We’ll talk when we meet up.
@PBG, “I am not against texting @ all. I find it very useful because I am not one for all that sitting up on the phone. Send me the where/when/how info in a text and I’ll meet you over there…dang. We’ll talk when we meet up.”
This makes you awesome . . . I will call the girl when I’m outside. The conversation will be a short “I’m here” at which point she will say “OK” . . . only one minute lost. (my rollover joints are expiring)
@IVR, i’d run kicking and screaming the other way… or not. the people i know who reject technology tend to be DIRTY DIRTY DOGS who have gamed soooo many women that their pimpin would be ruined with the presence of a social networking trail and any written evidence of flirtatious behavior.
@ladyb, “i’d run kicking and screaming the other way… or not. the people i know who reject technology tend to be DIRTY DIRTY DOGS who have gamed soooo many women that their pimpin would be ruined with the presence of a social networking trail and any written evidence of flirtatious behavior.”
True, I once knew a girl that only called unknown (i think it was *82) . . . this made me think she was a bird with stalker tendencies . . .I, of course, am a glutton for punishment (admittedly like em a little crazy) so I dated her – luckily I joined the military and got sent to Alaska so that one ended easily enough. . .lol
occassional texts are cool. but don’t sit there are try to engage me in long a*s convo via text. all this could be handled on the phone or in person. if i’m not working or in a meeting/seminar, it’s much easier for me to have a phone convo. texting takes too much, as it’s likely i can’t do other things at the same time–like run microdialysis samples on the HPLC, type up my fellowship, write notes in my lab book. i find texting to just be burdensome at times. and expensive if you ain’t IN dammit.
True Story:
A woman got KILLED by her husband b/c they separated and he moved out. Well she changed her Facebook status to single, and it got the husband in a blinded rage. He proceeded to go to their house, and butcher her while she was sleeping. The internet DOES indeed ruin lives.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7676285.stm
@Luvvie,
Lawd-a-Mercy.
@Luvvie,
Sad truth…he was gonna kill her anyway. Facebook had very little to do with his crazy.
@V.E.G.,
His crazy was totally organic. Her fate was sealed when she hooked up w/that bamma.
*sadness*
@PBG,
Yup
lol i drunk chatted AND posted saturday night.
and i drunk text often.
@Cheryl, “lol i drunk chatted AND posted saturday night.
and i drunk text often.”
I do the same cheryl . . . it used to be embarrassing, now I think of it as a privelege to make it to my drunk dial/text list to share in my ruminations on life peppered with slurred speech and slightly more profanity than usual.
Then I have to break them of the habit because they will be calling me when I’m sober and I can’t be having that yo.
@IVR, “Then I have to break them of the habit because they will be calling me when I’m sober and I can’t be having that yo.”
Hahaaaa…I can relate.
I’m kinda on both sides of the interwebs/social networking thing. On the one hand, if it wasn’t for places like MySpace (and now FB, come find me!) there are some people who wouldn’t even know I’m still alive and walking the earth. I am NOTORIOUS for falling off the grid, failing to return phone calls (and e mails) and just not picking up my phone. H3ll, whenever I call my cousins or college friends they are always on some “And to what do I owe this pleasure? You must be preggers. That’s the ONLY reason your a$$ would pick up a phone.” On the other hand, it ain’t that serious if I don’t log on for weeks or months. Sometimes, I just can’t be bothered. I have a life, I’m living it, and if you are a friend/family member of mine, I assume you are doing the same. We will connect. It took hounding me relentlessly to get MySpace and now FB because I really just didn’t want to be bothered.
As far as texting is concerned… I have a love/hate relationship with it. I HATE when my man or my bff try to have text convo’s with me. As far as the man is concerned… there is no point except to ask me if I need something picked up from the store or to find out what’s for dinner. Really, talk to me when you get home. I really only text people I know I won’t see in the near future. However, after a few messages, if it feels like we are getting into /need a convo, just call. That’s what roll over minutes and unlimited nights and weekends are for.
@blackberry molasses,
I just realized I didn’t answer the question.
when we first meet the initial “testing the waters text” is cool… after which, if I’m feeling you I will respond with “gimme a call, let’s talk”. That is the END of the texting (with some exceptions).
As for the intrawebs and relationships… I try not to let the internet dictate a relationship. I like interacting with my SO and my friends face to face when I can. Especially since once the newness (of either the person or the new web interface) has worn off, trying to carry on a relationship that way will do more harm than good. Now, MySpace become a novelty again, since me and the hubby use it to flirt with each other and start things up before we get home
As for using technology to break up with folk… THAT IS JUST FOUL. Be decent enough to tell them to their face…unless you think they might be crazy. In which case its not foul… its self preservation.
@blackberry molasses, i think there’s always gonna be some stank way of breaking up with folks. used to be one of your friend’s did it or you leave a message on their answering machine (or so i heard).
you think people grow out of these things but sometimes they don’t. while technology has been great in some ways, it also allows people who have always been @ssholes to take things to a whole new level of f^ckery and nonsense.
Technology has been good to folks with families distributed across the globe and in LDRs… aka folks like moi.
Besides, I like texting way more than I do talking on the phone. Having any type of device next to my ear irks me to no end, so no, a bluetooth device does not constitute a solution.
Aside from that, I am pretty technology reluctant. I work with and in technology, so the thought of being on the computer AGAIN at night just does not sit well with me.
Unless, I have a work assignment to finish that night or week-end, I usually spend very little to no time online during my off-hours.
Like everything, used in moderation it does wonders. Just don’t push it too OD levels, and you’ll be fine.
@mssula,
Technology has been good to folks with families distributed across the globe and in LDRs… aka folks like moi.
***shaking head in sorrow at the inescapable inevitability of your relationship***
PJ’s scenario #3
“Do I call?? Why did the signature show up now? Will Jay-Z release another album? Do brown shoes go with orange pants?? Did she put the number on there on purpose?? I mean if she wanted me to call she would have said to call…right??? Do I go? Do I stay? Which way is up????? SOMEBODY TELL ME!!!!”
something very similar to this has actually happened to me. recently in fact. we were back and forth on the emails, very long detailed convo going on. certain random in-person exchanges happened and i was just utterly confused. i mean i had to get reinforcement and have my friends (thanks Ivy) try to decode what it all meant. you can’t get “tone” or other hints that facial expressions and voice inflections help in the communication process. it wasn’t until dude finally just came out and said how he felt that i could properly respond.
re-reading those emails gives me a glimpse at what it must be like socially to have some autistic spectrum disorder. like certain verbal and nonverbal cues are so important in how we deal with each other on a daily basis. and written/typed communication can be extremely frustrating.
@Gem of the Ocean,
Co-sign, sometimes when I’m reading emails and texts is hard to pick up on sarcasm and jokes.
Also when your dealing with a females (sorry to generalize the ladies like that, but . . .) they tend to throw in hidden messages and shyt when your talking so it’s also hard to pick up on that when reading texts and emails
i think it’s safe to say both men and women throw in hidden messages. they try to get a feel for how the person will respond. that can be categorized as game playing and i ain’t wit it. say what you mean and mean what you say. i ain’t got time to play the da vince code with your a*s. sheesh.
@Gem of the Ocean,
i’m feeling every one of your posts. I think I love you.
@Gem of the Ocean,
You know I’m just messin w/u right? lol
Ain’t no cyber-Stans ova here.
damn you Tx!!!!!!!! i was about to re-install my e-emotions to e-love you back. *sigh* you coulda used your 10inches to…. nevermind. i’m done with you! *storms off into the e-fog*
@Gem of the Ocean,
Oh wait!! In that case I’ll stan 4 you anyday then…lol. Don’t leave..you can get all my e-luv since southerngirl dumped me. *wipes tear* Pimp down!
@Tx10inch, laughing at Pimp down!
@Tx10inch, don’t be telling folks i dumped you just cause you wanna jump ship with gem. i said heyyyyyyy to you up thread and you abandoned me *taking new apps for an e-boo like luvvie*
IDK, maybe it’s just me but it ain’t my thang to put all my business out there on the net. Even casual info about my likes and dislikes. If I gotta go through all that and post pics and keep updating my page, just email me dammit. I’ve only been on myspace 3 times in my life and i don’t have a profile and i’ve never even been on facebook. Seems like all the same to yo boy. But i guess the folks up run their own blogs wouldn’t see any hassle in it. Either way, I’m like the poster up top who said if you have my email address or phone number, consider yourself privilaged. Cause pimp’n only gonna let you know what i want you to anyway until i really get to know you.
@Tx10inch,
Cause pimp’n only gonna let you know what i want you to anyway until i really get to know you.
your name isnt really tariq nasheed, is it?
@The Champ,
No sir…as Bernie Mac would say “Just tellin it like it T-I-IS.”
I haven’t read the comments so I don’t someone has mentioned this.
But the craziest I’ve seen is my 18 year old sons’ stalkerish ex-girlfriend asking to be added to my face book as a friend.
My son had a cow!!!
@bballmom,
Hahahaaa! A boy that likes my daughter added me as a friend on FB! It was hilarious because she doesn’t like him despite him being smart and cute and well-mannered and all. He is unacceptable because I approve of him. He was one of my mom’s former students and his mom and I were classmates two semesters back. He’s a good boy, but she wants no parts of him! LMAO!!
I have all her lil’ girlfriends as FB friends, so I can see when they are plotting.
@PBG,
My mom has me e-stalking-snitching on my lil’ cousins, but I don’t tell her the juicy stuff, because I think of all the crap my big cousins hid from my mama for me when I was up to no good.
@PBG, that is the really funny thing about Face Book. These kids don’t think. Why post all those pictures of yourself as if no one can see them but 5 people.
HELLO!!
My son was having a party 2 weeks ago and I knew he was trying to sneak in liquor. Low and behold the idiot posted a coded message about jungle juice on his face book. This negro thinks I am stupid.
Not this bball mom!
@bballmom,
“This negro thinks I am stupid.”
All kids think they’re slicker than their parents. They don’t realize that parents have already “been there”. They continue to think that until you loc up on they lil asses one good time, lol.
@bballmom,
I tell mine all the time “I did not just fall to earth @ age 30!” Everything they’re trying to do, I’ve already done 3 times and got away with at least once. Neither of them get up early enough in the morning to put anything past me. Plus, their “bad” is so stupid. They just aren’t sophisticated at all w/their shenanigans.