- better late than never
1. paul carrick brunson is for real
admittedly, i was a bit skeptical when paul first invited me to be on the show.
i wasn’t sure how well the panelists –dating diva jj smith (author of “why i love men”), charlotte burley (creator and host of BET’s “the turn on spot“), model and artist leah santiago kiarash, model reinaldo faberlle, dominic (one of the twins from season two of the tila tequila show), and yours truly– would mesh, and i wasn’t 100 percent confident that moderator nikki nokes (author of “maybe its you“) would keep us all on-point.
i thought the planned poetry/performance piece –with bassey ikpi, rasheed, and jonathan b. tucker– seemed a bit contrived. and, although i knew that a giant video screen, a live twitter feed, an albino monkey trained to dutty wine on cue, comedian lawrence jarrett, yesha callahan (from fungkeblakchik), video blogger tonya tko, the wb, and musician w. ellington felton were involved in someway, i had no idea how (or why) it would all fit together.
***also, to be completely honest, i was extremely anxious about how well my written “verysmart-ness” would translate on a live panel. you see, writing allows you to edit, re-read, and reflect on your thoughts before you actually put them out there, and i’m much more comfortable (and better at) doing that than speaking extemporaneously***
most importantly, i wasn’t sure about paul.
although i was familiar with his work around the web, the cynic in me wondered how genuine this modern day matchmaker thing he’s doing truly is, and if he was capable of pulling off this seemingly unnecessarily ambitious show.
but, somehow, someway everything managed to fit together. the show was sold out. the poetry was on point. the planned interruptions each provided a bit of levity and humor. w. ellington felton and his band did their thing. there was a ton of twitter and audience interaction, and the panel was a good mix of opinionated, informative, and entertaining people with distinct voices (although, admittedly, we were probably outshone by the women. and by “probably” i mean “definitely, without a doubt“)
although each of the participants contributed to the night’s success, the bulk of the praise should go to paul. seriously, i don’t know if i’ve ever met someone with as much perpetual genuinely positive energy as he has. he’s like a cross between anderson varejao, mike tomlin, johnny carson, and little randy from the first six episodes of season four of “the wire”.
this die-hard skeptic is sold.
2. morehouse moonshine isn’t half bad
before the show began, “matchmakers“ –a somewhat deadly combination of (i think) ginger ale, lime, strawberries, and rum on ice– were freely given to the show’s participants and audience. and, considering the fact that this drink was so subtly strong that three of them could make you tipsy enough to holler at and bag a velvet barstool, its name was definitely apropos.
anyway, after finding out this particular brand of rum (chairman’s reserve) was created by a morehouse college grad, i referred to it as “morehouse moonshine“, a joke maybe 157 times more clever while intoxicated than when i just typed it out.
3. charlotte burley’s a good sport
while behind the curtain and getting ready to be called on stage, i attempted to give dominic a drunken “good luck and shit, man” fist bump, but completely missed my target and punched the matchmaker out of charlotte’s hands.
although i could sense she was tempted to give me a strong “i know this pittsburgh-ass n*gga didn’t just punch the drink out of my hand?” side-eye, she laughed it off, and one of the women working backstage helped me quickly get her another drink. she also invited me to be on her show, so hopefully i won’t drop-kick her purse off her arms the next time i see her.
4. commitment and monogamy are not the same thing
well, at least they aren’t to jj smith, who made this extremely debate-inducing statement when giving her rationale for men not wanting to commit in a traditional sense. to paraphrase: (many) men (rightly) feel like they can be fully committed to someone without being completely monogamous.
5. if hungry (and drunk) enough, i’ll eat anything. a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g
this was proven at the event afterparty, when i (a person who makes sure to let waitresses know to tell the chef to make sure my burgers and steaks are “burnt like ron mexico”) practically swallowed an entire tray of bite sized burgers, even though the meat was the color of the chicago bulls away jerseys.
6. its a small f*cking world
in a one hour span, i found out that j. ellington felton lived in my neighborhood when he was a student at carneige mellon, learned that one of paul’s friends (brian hamlin, seen here as “the activist”) and i worked at the same summer camp when i was still in high school, and met a woman who drove down to the event from pittsburgh, left her first comment on vsb last week, and actually happened to be sitting next to my girl and i at a restaurant in the burgh a week earlier (and received the same shitty service).
with that in mind…
7. everybody assumed i was from d.c. (at least until they heard me speak), except for the people actually from d.c., who assumed i was from new york, chicago, or (no lie) savannah, georgia
8. i definitely need to write down names of people i meet to ensure i’ll correctly hear and remember them
this is especially true when meeting vsb-er’s. i know at least six or seven introduced themselves to me, but the only names i could clearly hear and remember were orangestar616 and natasha. i’d blame it on the alcohol, but, well, there is no but. i’m officially blaming it on the alcohol.
9. nikki nokes is the homie…for reasons i don’t feel comfortable revealing quite yet
10. in hindsight, i probably should have worn one of my verysmartbrothas.com shirts
although liz provided me with business cards to pass out, rocking a vsb tee probably would have done wonders for the “who the hell is this awkward accent ass n*gga in the grey suit, and where the hell is he from?” sentiment probably held by (at least) a third of the audience.
oh well. hopefully they all know now.
—the champ
Good for you, Champ.
Wow. It is a small world. I was in Jack & Jill with B. Hamlin all through middle school & high school. I’ve seen him on Paul’s modern matchmaker web shows. He’s a funny dude.
Savannah? Lol
@Miss Patterson,
at this point, it would surprise me to hear about someone you weren’t in jack in jill with. lol, I bet even if I said I met nikki giovanni there you’d have a jack and jill story about her.
@Miss Patterson, i’m just surprised you were in Jack & Jill. i always took you to be a hoodrat. lol
@Panama Jackson & The Champ:
surprise deez.
@Miss Patterson,
no
@Miss Patterson,
this might be a weird request, but i’m doing a story in which one of the characters is in Jack & Jill. do you mind me asking you a few questions about it from a past member perspective? trying to get as many opinions as possible.
@Miss Patterson, Is that a picture of a dollie?
Savannah co sniggle
@The Champ was you dropping Big Boi Dungeon family flow or something. & Morehouse Moonshine is funny if @ least for the alliteration’s sake.
Sounds like a great event. I would have attended had I known about in time to get a cheap ass ticket to DC. Just kidding (not really).
@meka,
cheap bastard (not really)
“to paraphrase: (many) men (rightly) feel like they can be fully committed to someone without being completely monogamous.”
Love it! A f’n light bulb just lit in my head.
“practically swallowed an entire tray of bite sized burgers, even though the meat was the color of the chicago bulls away jerseys.”
LOL! & Ewww! It wasn’t even pink? Yuckyyy!
@Made In Hawaii,
Lol, this shit was five shades past pink. if it was any more red it probably would have still been alive.
@The Champ,
*I’m crying laughing* That would keep me from drinking ever again….
I have been following Bassey’s tweets about this on Twitter…seems like it was a good time.
GREAT STUFF! I shoulda got out the house and came through.
@Saule Wright, I feel the SAAAAAME way….man, I was right around on 14th St too…..=/
@Saule Wright and mzpw
thats grounds for a two week ban from vsb
@The Champ,
see, what had happened was…
@The Champ,
(Sigh) Darn.
Happy that you engage in a wonderful experience there, hope that you tells us more about the EVENT and what yall discuss!!!
(Can you tell I wanted to go, but couldn’t cause I had to go to a wedding. I had to sit down next to someone who is an actual member of the teabagger party UUUGGGGHHH!!!)
@Mr. Gundam, -as happy as I am for the Champ, is as sorry as I feel for you, an actual teabagger* heavenstomurgatroy, don’t know how you did it, and to think they actually said that ISH out loud, i mean told someone they were one- DOUBLE WTF?..,SIDEEYE, SMDH & SIGHING all in unison…
@bajanflchick, Liquor. Lots and lots of liquor. That was the first time I drank Gin with ice cubes in it. Normally I add cranberry to anything(Yeah, it awkward but that’s my thing)but, the taste of good old-fashion gin really made me believe that he was kidding. I know he didn’t like it when I laughed every time he prove Obama is not an America.
@Mr. Gundam,
I had to sit down next to someone who is an actual member of the teabagger party UUUGGGGHHH!!!
you know, i never actually believed that those people existed (and still dont). i’m convinced that whenever cnn shows “footage” from a tea baggers rally, its really just an high definition loop of the deleted scenes from deliverance
@The Champ, I hope you NEVER meet one. Ignorance that up close causes motion sickness. The weirdest thing was how it started. He asked me what ‘I graduated with’ I said ‘Double Major in Law and Politics/Minor in History’ And all of a sudden it’s(And I QUOTE) ‘So you understand how fascist the heath care bill is, if Obama continues with his commie ways we are going to have a totalitarian rule…..’ OMG,I know this Grown-ass man just didn’t compare fascism, communism, and totalitarianism to the same person. WTF, is your MALFUNCTION!!! Imagine listen to this for 2.5 Hours……I was too drunk to drive myself home. These people exist.
@Mr. Gundam,
Wow man… I feel your pain. Yikes.
@Mr. Gundam,
Y’know….I would loooove to meet a Teabagger, just so I can confuse the crap outta them and see their response. I bet if you woulda asked him to DEFINE the words “fascism” and “totalitarianism”, he probably woulda just started cursing randomly.
“***also, to be completely honest, i was extremely anxious about how well my written “verysmart-ness” would translate on a live panel. you see, writing allows you to edit, re-read, and reflect on your thoughts before you actually put them out there, and i’m much more comfortable (and better at) doing that than speaking extemporaneously***”
Wow Champikins, even I knew that you would be *Greater than Kanye thinks he is, even in this environment -give yourself a little credit , you are so obviously not some ordinary regular ninja….and I’m sure your verysmart-ness hit em in the head*****KUDOS, KUDOS, & more KUDOS to ya….perhaps y’all can put this together like a TP stage play & travel the USA…:-) I heart when the Brothas & Sistas are doin some GREATNESS…this just made my Monday, just wish i was still livin in the north, cause I woulda been there (you know how ninjas are, coulda, woulda, shoulda) *snaps, claps, and alla dat.
@bajanflchick,
this made me all verklempt and shit.
I was fortunate enough to attend the Matchmaker event and I think Champ did a great job; he seemed to be the most rational and “realist” panelist on the stage. I felt like I was going to scream if another person said all you need is “trust and unconditional love” to make a relationship work. Ummm…. Hell no! You need much more than that!
Champ, you made great points when you equated finding a mate to finding a job, and distinguishing between a good person and a person who’s good in relationships. Those statements made me view things in a new light.
I didn’t walk away with much from the event though it was entertaining. However, if the Champ hadn’t been on the panel (and those Matchmaker drinks, which were delicious, weren’t free) I probably would have asked for my money back!
Good work Champ!
Champ, I hope you do a post on what More is More said, when you made a point about distinguishing between a good person and a person who’s good in relationships.
@Kit (Keep It Trill) cosign on the “distinguishing between a good person and a person who’s good in relationships.” info -Please Champikins, do tell…or do we need to wait for the book?
@Kit (Keep It Trill),
Co-sign. That would be a great blog post.
@Kit (Keep It Trill),
tomorrow and shit
@More is More,
thank you! again, i felt like i was talking in circles, but from the feedback ive received so far i guess i was able to get my points understood.
Can’t believe someone from DC actually admitted knowing anything about Savannah, GA…aww I miss home!
@sherylalx, not that it was intended for me (and The Champ is from Pittsburgh) but I love Savannah. My sister used to live there and aside from the hood areas, its a beautiful city.
@Panama Jackson,
“aside from the hood areas, its a beautiful city”
this is exactly what cory booker should be telling people about newark
@sherylalx,
Savannah is a great town. I only live about 90 minutes away, It’s sad that I have tons of family there but I haven’t been in about 10 years. My family reunion is there this year so now I don’t have any excuse not to go.
That’s awesome. Not you drunkenly punching a drink out of some woman’s hand, but most of the other stuff.
You definitely should have worn a VSB tee, tho. Advertisement and shit.
@Cheryl, yeah Champ. rock the damn tshirt.
me and you SUCK at self-promo on large stages.
@Cheryl,
“You definitely should have worn a VSB tee, tho. Advertisement and shit.”
Most def. Business cards are cool, but a t-shirt is 24/7 visual advertisement. I woulda worn mine, too, in support of ya’ll if I went to the event. Sounds like it was a great one!
@Cheryl,
That’s awesome. Not you drunkenly punching a drink out of some woman’s hand, but most of the other stuff.
i thought that was pretty awesome too, though. its not everyday you get to use a plastic cup as a punching bag.
Champ,
Tell us more about the content- the actual ideas that were presented at the event. That can be a new article all together.
And no, I will not ‘content deez’ nor will I ‘idea deez’, or any other ‘deez’ yo Savannahburgh talkin’ self can think of!
@Ivyette,
*’likes’ this comment*
@Muze,
Thank you *curtsy*
@Ivyette,
Tell us more about the content- the actual ideas that were presented at the event. That can be a new article all together.
be patient, grasshopper. want to wrap my head around some of the stuff discussed before crafting an entry about it
@The Champ,
“want to wrap my head around some of the stuff ”
Be sure to file this under things that can be taken in so many ways
@Ivyette,
(Head tilted back in laughter) Savannahburgh. I know someone from there…
Sounds like a great time….you should do something in the NYC area….
“4. commitment and monogamy are not the same thing”
yeah….I can see that being a thought process…they aren’t mutually exclusive……bang whoever you want, just come home to me (with your paycheck, preferably)…A lot of people have the belief that if their SO is going to screw other people, then it’s fine as long as they don’t COMMIT to them…have jump offs not mistresses.
@Dee,
“A lot of people have the belief that if their SO is going to screw other people, then it’s fine as long as they don’t COMMIT to them”
thing is, do you think this sentiment goes both ways? basically, would any man be cool with his girl playing the monogamy and commitment arent the same thing card?
i think that women who accept this accept it out of desperation rather than some relationship open-mindedness
@The Champ,
totally agree. no man besides mo’nique’s husband is going for that.
and i kinda believe her reason is desperation too.@Muze, now you know you are so wrong for this, but that being said I co-sign *snickering
@The Champ, Oh! I didn’t mean to imply that *I* subscribe to that school of thought, just making a comment on what I’ve observed.
If I find out you’re cheating, you got to go….but then again, I’m not naive enough to believe that men never cheat or that my man is incapable of doing so.
“except for the people actually from d.c., who assumed i was from new york, chicago, or (no lie) savannah, georgia”
When I don’t know where somebody’s from, I am the master of throwing out a completely random place if my first guess isn’t right.
Me: “You sound like you’re from New York.”
Person: “Naw man.”
Me: “Tulsa?”
Person: “wtf?”
@P., i do that too. i go even more random.
i be like, so your accent sounds like its from Itta Bena, Mississippi? no?
I also attended the Modern Day Matchmaker Live event in DC, and you’re right Champ, the men get outshone by the women lol. But that’s okay, at least you had some clear and consistent points. I definitely agree with #5 and #6. I hate hamburgers, I think they’re so gross. Yet, I almost scarfed down an entire one of those bloody helled critters, until I realized what I was doing and promptly put it down. And it really is a small world, I think I discovered like 4 different network connections that night. Great job though!
@Anike Love,
Yet, I almost scarfed down an entire one of those bloody helled critters, until I realized what I was doing and promptly put it down
damn, lol. you’re making me not want to ever eat a burger again (well, not really. but you get my point)
if hungry (and drunk) enough, i’ll eat anything. a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g
This can be taken in so many ways.
7. everybody assumed i was from d.c. (at least until they heard me speak), except for the people actually from d.c., who assumed i was from new york, chicago, or (no lie) savannah, georgia
New York, Chicago, and Savannah? Those accents aren’t even close to each other. What were they hearing?
@Humble_One,
Off topic: Did anyone see the new Erykah Badu video? I knew she was holding. But I didn’t know she was HOLDING. Especially after 3 kids.
@Humble_One,
yes. and i was a little shocked too!
@Humble_One, Alright…you’re like the 5th person I heard talk about this vid…I’m going to watch it now.
SB: Anyone know the name of that new Wu song? I know Meth is on the track…and I believe Raekwon…the hook sounds sampled…”…don’t give up our plans, don’t give up our dreams/no broken bridges, can turn us around/cause what we’re searching for will soon be found”
@LaBakir, “Our Dreams” and its Ghost, Meth, and Rae.. and their collaborative cd is bout to drop
@OrangeStar616, Thanks! Much appreciated…
So ummm…yeah…Erykah got a donk. The drawers didn’t stand a chance.
@LaBakir, I have the new wu-massacre joint. its alright, but not as good as the Rae and Ghost solo projects they put out, IMO.
@LaBakir,
“So ummm…yeah…Erykah got a donk. The drawers didn’t stand a chance.”
Right. With every step she was slipping out of them.
@Reecie,
What producers are on the album? Has it been released yet?
@LaBakir,
wow. just saw the vid for the first time. i remember when she was real skinty and i saw her in concert and she had a donk back then… all the guys were ooogling cause she turned around and shook it. lol.
wow though at the concept of the vid. iono.
@LaBakir,
@ Muze, hey lady!
Well I read some of the comments, and there was one I could get with. The author basically said that as she was stripping down she being her true self…soceity can’t accept that and killed her. Put that way, it’s really symbolic and I can on for day…but I’ll stop here.
@Humble One. I got a download leak so I’m not clear on the producers. It hasn’t been released yet.
@Reecie,
Yeah, I need to know the producer and that sample ASAP. Will probably do some searching tomorrow as I want to write about it for my blog
@LaBakir,
yeah after watching it a second time and getting over the initial shock of her stripping, i think it’s dope. i wasn’t sure if those were ‘extras’ or regular people and now that i know she did that with regular people around…
plus, paying attn to the beginning of the vid, twas brilliant to tie it into the kennedy assassination, taking the same route and same car and everything. very bold statement and message. verydope.
@Humble_One,
Rza produced the track I was wondering about…sampled the MJ track “we’re almost there”
album is SUPPOSED to drop tomorrow
other producers include Mathematics, Scram Jones, E Meal, Ty Fyffe, and Diggum Tracks Productions
@Humble_One, i saw that video. man, who knew. i always heard she was phat to death but i wasn’t aware she was working with all that.
no wonder what got them cats going insane.
@Panama Jackson,
“no wonder what got them cats going insane.”
That was the a$$ that caused Common to dress like he getting his clothes from the dumpster behind the Gap. Many of the questions that I had about Ms. Badu have been answered.
@Panama Jackson, c’mon guys…y’all just NOW realized she had a donk? You can see that azz in like 90% of her videos. smh…and you call yourself a verysmartbrotha. psssh.
@Humble_One, Off topic: Did anyone see the new Erykah Badu video? I knew she was holding. But I didn’t know she was HOLDING. Especially after 3 kids.
LOL@ Holding. Those panties had a choice: be swallowed up or hold on for dear life!
@Ivyette,
LMAO…those are panties you just wear for special ocassions. the just aren’t practical. I hate when I slip up and wear a pair like that to work. It’s like an unintentional thong.
@Ivyette, LOL at the panty pulldown…I always get a good chuckle when I see blk women “adjusting” cuz drawers done crept up….
@LaBakir,
“those are panties you just wear for special ocassions. the just aren’t practical.
You wear them under a nice outfit that has you thinking, “If he only knew what I had on under here!”
“I hate when I slip up and wear a pair like that to work. It’s like an unintentional thong.”
I agree. You walk around self-conscious wandering if others can see your panty line and how you have to go pull it out for the 35th time that day!
@Ivyette,
“be swallowed up or hold on for dear life!”
LOL. this describes the whole situation perfectly. LOL.
@DG
“I always get a good chuckle when I see blk women “adjusting” cuz drawers done crept up….”
It’s soooo not funny when you have to adjust on the sly. I have to act like I’m smoothing out my skirt while trying to slide my index finger under a thin line that is sadnwiched between fabric and my booty.
I don’t even want to think about what happens when the panties are um….way up yonder. That’s when it’s time for a total adjustment in the nearest bathroom.
@Ivyette,
LMAO…yeah you gotta be creative when trying to get them draws out. Ish can be like snorkling in the abyss w/ no flashlight
@Ivyette,
“You and these terms you create. What is “the foundation”?”
The “foundation” is a term I came up with back in the day. When we said foundation we meant that some women had the curves of a thick girl but they were slim. After having a child or children or taking birth control they filled out nicely.
@Humble_One,
“I knew she was holding. But I didn’t know she was HOLDING. Especially after 3 kids.”
Um, I think the 3 kids are the reason she’s holding….she was kinda slim back in the day. That baby weight/post-partum spread is crucial. Regardless, me likey a lot.
@DG,
“Um, I think the 3 kids are the reason she’s holding”
I know. But most women don’t have a body like that after 3 kids. She must of had what I call “the foundation”.
@Humble_One,
I concur…3+ kids will often wreak havoc on a body/shape, so she must have a rock solid “foundation”
@Humble_One
You and these terms you create. What is “the foundation”?
@Humble_One, Yeah, I had to tilt my had and go like ‘Wow’
@Humble_One,
I’m Sayin! Erykah got JUNK, now I see why she always had dudes shook…smh so thats the ass to waist ratio yall speak of
@Humble_One,
“New York, Chicago, and Savannah? Those accents aren’t even close to each other. What were they hearing?”
I think I can see it. Chicago itself is such a melting pot. As far as Savannah, I don’t know the regional accent exactly, but people have asked me if I’m from the south (I and a lot of other Black folks have sort of a southern twang because a lot of our people migrated from down south, so we don’t all sound like Rob Blagojevich lol…and my dad is from Savannah if that counts toward anything. lol). And NYC, well, a lot of Italians from here often sound like they’re from NYC so I can see how the three can be mistaken for each other even if they are distinctly different.
@Cheekie,
You are the first person from Chicago I’ve heard of having family in Georgia. It seems like most folks in Chicago and Gary, IN came from Mississippi and Arkansas. I have noticed that some Chicagoans have a unique accent. But I haven’t heard one Chicago accent. I think the whole Great Lakes region is like that. Here in Detroit I’ve heard people that are from here with southern accents and some with east coast accents.
@Humble_One,
“You are the first person from Chicago I’ve heard of having family in Georgia. It seems like most folks in Chicago and Gary, IN came from Mississippi and Arkansas.”
LOL, actually, same here. I’m the first person I’ve heard in the Chi that has family from Georgia.
@Humble_One,
if hungry (and drunk) enough, i’ll eat anything. a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g
This can be taken in so many ways.
yeah. i realized that this morning. i’m gonna file it under reasons why we probably need to hire a copy editor
and no, i havent seen that video yet, but everyone keeps talking about it so much that i’m scared now that i’ll be disappointed
@The Champ,
“and no, i havent seen that video yet, but everyone keeps talking about it so much that i’m scared now that i’ll be disappointed”
I didn’t see it yet either, but this is kinda how I felt about 2girls1cup except it was the total opposite (well, I was MORE disappointed than I thought I would be). When I was younger I thought it was a horror film that would scar you for life. I was right and wrong at the same time, so to speak.
LOL……. it was an interesting experience and yes Paul does seem very authentic, cool and alot taller in person LOL
I thought you did a great job on the panel Champ, it was nice to meet you vis-a-vis and I enjoyed myself for the most part.
I chatted with Ivy (hi) and Tonya TKO @ the afterparty, she had some very interesting thoughts that she shared with me about her blog, by the same name, like “10 ways to manipluate men” etc o_O which isn’t my style but hey some folk see nothing wrong with using those kinds tactics LLS O_o..scheming ain’t my thing,
I’m like Bugs Bunny, I will use my “talents” to counter the bad follks tho LOL.
It was cool, the women outnumbered the men as usual, a youngin worked up the courage and tried to holla but I can’t do nothing with a lil duece duece, altho he did approach correctly LOL
Didn’t meet any men I would actaully consider dating but it was a fun night out and I liked the venues.
@OrangeStar616, I’m like Bugs Bunny, I will use my “talents” to counter the bad follks tho LOL.
I use my powers for good LLS
@OrangeStar616,
it was nice meeting and talking to you as well (although i dont remember anything either of us actually said. blame it on the matchmakers)
@Champ, you are so right! Had I known about the event, I would’ve been on Priceline bidding for a ticket to DC and preparing to leave at 6:10am. Fareal!
But really, I would have loved to support you and other folks tryna address issues in black love.
Plus, I’ll do almost anything to get on the VSB BBQ committee.
@meka,
Plus, I’ll do almost anything to get on the VSB BBQ committee
EXTRA co-signery on this.
@Keisha Brown,
@Meka
“Plus, I’ll do almost anything to get on the VSB BBQ committee”
Good thing you said “almost” anything. You never know with Champ and ‘nem.
@meka,
I’ll do almost anything to get on the VSB BBQ committee.
Don’t hold your breath on this one… This VSB BBQ seems to be scheduled for the 32nd of Neveruary.
@Sula,
“of Neveruary.”
Can I steal this? Yes? Okay, thanks!
@meka, keisha brown
“Plus, I’ll do almost anything to get on the VSB BBQ committee”
hmmmmmmmm
applause!
i wish i could have been there..but alas…toronto to dc last minute…umm…i don’t have drake (young money) money.
and yes.. when out at an event you must ALWAYS wear a VSB shirt.
hell..give ME one and i’ll rep too! lol.
@Keisha Brown,
and yes.. when out at an event you must ALWAYS wear a VSB shirt.
hell..give ME one and i’ll rep too
rep deez
@The Champ,
CLEARLY that’s what i’m trying to do!
so there!
sounds like it was a good event! I’m so glad it went well.
from your recap it sounds like the event was a success. even if i was home i was kinda skeptical if i would have attended such an event. now i’m thinking i would have gone. lol
@Tunde, you woulda been one of the many guys that Paul Carrick Brunson mentioned that bought tickets a few hours before the show lol. It was legit, if for no other reason than to mingle, and there were so many women there that you would have definitely not regretted going!
@Anike Love, i figured it would be a lot more women than men there. lol
Good job homie. Way to represent the brand.
And we REALLY need to do a better job at promoting ourselves.
@Panama Jackson,
And we REALLY need to do a better job at promoting ourselves.
i agree. i think we need to hire a marketing director or something
A few quick things and then I’ll be running in and out of here sporadically since we’re busier than two jackrabbits watching carrot pron at work:
1. I didn’t know there were (my fave color) red VSB t-shirts!!
2. “a somewhat deadly combination of (i think) ginger ale, lime, strawberries, and rum on ice” << this sounds good!
3. Even though I knew about Paul (and some other blogs) from around the way, as far as some others, you gave me some great new sites to check out, thanks, Champster.
4. "if hungry (and drunk) enough, i’ll eat anything. a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g" #pause
@Cheekie,
1. I didn’t know there were (my fave color) red VSB t-shirts!!
yup. we have red, black, and purple and sh*t, each color in honor of my favorite flavors of kool-aid
@The Champ,
Dayum, where I been? I got the black one…I may consider getting the red one, too…one day. I can never have too many t-shirts.
lol @ it representing your fave kool-aid flavors.
Sounds like the event went well, and everyone had a great time. I though about driving up to DC for about 30sec, then decided against it. Still, glad things went well for you and the VSB brand.
@N.I.A. naturally,
I though about driving up to DC for about 30sec, then decided against it
why the change of heart?
damn!!! i was already looking at the event in Atlanta.. considering that S.Florida wasn’t a stop on the tour.. and now, i’m REALLY gonna have to get my a** in gear and go..
thank you for other websites to check out..
and red burgers.. #notagoodlook…
but you were drunk, so you get a bly.. (jamaican word..)
Nick
@Nick_L_Odeon, do you use the word “fluffy” too? My Jamaican friend used it the other day, so wrong!!!
@Anike Love, i haven’t heard fluffy yet.. currently, certain people are still on “bashment”.. and derivative “bashie”.. sometimes, i swear i don’t wanna claim my island..
but wi still dun di place!! lol
@Nick_L_Odeon,
brap, brap, brap!!!!!
@Nick_L_Odeon,
welcome and sh*t.
btw, bly deez
@The Champ,
“btw, bly deez”
It may make no sense why this is funny, but this is probably the funniest “The Champ’s deez comeback” to date, IMO.
@The Champ, lol@ “bly deez”… i’ll let you have that one.. because it made me alugh and all that sh*t…
wish i could’ve been there. seems it was a overall good look.
Danielle did a good recap on her Black Snob blog. idk if you linked it and i’m too lazy to scroll back up, so here it is if anyone wants to see. http://blacksnob.com/snob_blog/2010/3/29/looking-for-love-with-the-modern-day-matchmaker.html
i’m also interested in reading an expound upon post of these quotables you had, Champ. like good people don’t equal good relationships. very interesting.
@Muze,
I just finished reading the Snob’s post and the “good people don’t equal good relationships” quote stuck out. Props Champs.
@Muze,
good looks on the link. i forgot to mention that i met her at the event as well.
@Muze,
Thanks for the link. Finally got some content ’round here!
Paul Brunson is a real life Ken doll, he literally mesmerized me with his charm. I felt like I was meeting Denzel. Instead of matchmaking he should really be an image consultant, he could’ve helped the sloppier panelist get their ish together. Champ was the only man on the panel who looked like women wouldn’t laugh in his face at a club sitting between an out of shape former “model” (40 lbs ago) and a miniature Neyo. JJ was on point with her expertise and actually gave me copy of her book, I should’ve had her sign it. AND now that I know I B. Hamlin is from Pittsburgh I can stalk him conscience free.
B. Hamlin to me: “I can’t believe you said black men expire, I thought about that the entire car ride here.”
GREAT EVENT!! thanks for the mention Champ and you are not exempt from the stalking.
@Miss Solomon,
omg i was looking at the pics and i thought to myself “wait… they didn’t say NeYo was there too.” hahaha.
@Muze, where are the pictures posted?
@Anike Love,
http://blacksnob.com/snob_blog/2010/3/29/looking-for-love-with-the-modern-day-matchmaker.html
@Miss Solomon,
actually, i am exempt from stalking. it says it on my drivers license right next to the organ donor thingamajig
Bup Bup Chairman’s Reserve… I could care less about Morehouse! Made in St. Lucia West Indies!! Nice to start off my work week seeing a small big up for my country on vsb!!
@swg,
welcome and sh*t.
Thank you for the shout out Champ:) I heard that Panama was away, it would have been nice to meet you as well.
The night was a success but like orangestar616 (I did not know you live in DC sis we have to hang out sometime)said it was way more women then men. But the overall event was nice. Champ was a clear favorite along with JJ. Champ was very real and gave sound advice. I talked with the ladies on the panel after the show and they were beautiful women inside and out!
JJ was on point with the commitment and monogamy statement. I heard that for the first time years ago in a article in Essence mag when the writer challenged women to talk to their mates about their view on monogamy before the relationship gets serious. I loved JJ and will be getting her book!
@Natasha,
I talked with the ladies on the panel after the show and they were beautiful women inside and out!
i agree. each of the women (and the guys) were down to earth and cool as hell. there was no cattiness or extended side-eyes or anything like that going on backstage
im shocked and amazed you have on any VSB shirt other than the classic black w/ white writing in basic font.
wow. musta been one helluva weekend. glad youve switched up your style. *clap clap*
@Gem of the Ocean,
im shocked and amazed you have on any VSB shirt other than the classic black w/ white writing in basic font.
wait. you saw the gray one too, didnt you?
this was a great recap, I love it! I spoke to Paul on the phone briefly and came away with the same impression, really dynamic dude. I am proud of you for reppin VSB! Do more !!
@Wise Diva,
thanks, wise diva. and yeah, i’m a person who’s usually suspicious of really outgoing and energetic people, but he’s genuine.
also side note:
i want a i (heart) vsb shirt made. i could make y’all a fortune!!
#imjussayin…
@Keisha Brown,
damn. thats actually not a bad idea.
@Keisha Brown,
soooo cosigning this. i would rock that shirt.
i had a 2 t-shirts made with my blog title and logo on it for fun, wore them two consecutive days to a summer festival downtown and went to the mall. i posted pics and the next monday i had like 15 comments from ppl saying they either saw me, saw me and wanted a shirt, or just wanted a shirt. lol.
@Keisha Brown,
*adds name to imaginary petition for this idea*
@Cheekie,
I like the idea too. Hmmm….I (heart) VSBs!
Champ, let’s not turn this idea into a vsb barbecue thing. You know, an idea that is always mentioned, but never quite comes to fruition.
Im glad you enjoyed yourself and that it there was such a great turnout.
@shay-d-lady, hmm..
that there was a great turn out.
forgive the mistake, it was hard trying to find something nice to say.
j/k
good job very smart black people
@shay-d-lady,
forgive the mistake, it was hard trying to find something nice to say.
j/k
lol, i know how difficult it is for you to give me a compliment, so i appreciate it
Congrats and kudos!
*I hope/wish the next talk or reunion or sumphin’ will be on the West Coast
*
BTW When did they start making the orange vsb t? I like the marketing director idea so long as they don’t make me take off my vsb t when I do stupid stuff. BTW the black VSB T is the G’est ever.
@WuDaMan,
I saw red (and Champ says they have red, so I’m right *raspberry*), but I can see how one can see orange.
@Cheekie,
mmm raspberry watter ice or sorbet *happy mind’s palate place*
@Cheekie,
How about we truce @ tomato mmm tomato soup and grilled cheese
great post!
Sounds like a great event. I wish I lived closer I would have attended. I tried to get my newly separated from husband friend to attend but she wasn’t in the mood to hear it.
Tiffany
http://liferequiresmorechocolate.blogspot.com
I was actually part of the crew helping out. And the times I could sneak in watching part of the show, I really enjoyed what you had to say. Because you and J. Ellington ADDED something to the debate. The women were strong but hey I’m a woman..I hear “our advice” all the time. I enjoyed the commentaries you had. You came over as a grown man handling your business instead of bitter boys who’ve been beaten up and now want to blame women for all their problems.
I so wish I would have gone to this. It sounded like a very good event. But I had another event on that very night…le sigh
Some girlfriends & I attended the event and it was really good. You & JJ were on point! I think JJ’s comment about commitment & monogamy not being the same thing were what really struck as as well, and I had one of those burgers too :\ LOL Been reading your blog for the past few months but had no idea you were from the ‘burgh til I heard that twang!! I’m from Pittsburgh too, well I still call it home but I’ve been in the DMV most of my life. I was going to introduce myself to you & Paul at the after party and my friends & I were going to ask yall for some tips on why a lot of the men were just standing around staring but wouldn’t approach, but the hood boys had no problem striking up conversations with the ladies