A (Slightly) Skewed Perspective

Hi:

This blog is currently undergoing renovation to include a cleaner format, more humor, pithy subject matter, great site links, anecdotes, opinions, webcam updates and information, and a plethora of photos.

Progress may be slow but it should be worth the wait. Thank you in advance for your patience, and please feel free to check back for periodic updates.

Cheers,
CW

Being forty, I often wonder if I do all those quirky things my mother use to do, when she was my age. Of course, I often wonder this most when I catch myself mumbling outloud, something my mother use to do.

I have learned though, that most of the quirky, unplanned events, usually occur when I am either tired, or stressed, so I think, perhaps, that I have had all these quirky issues all along, I just pay more attention to it as I get older.

For example, there was this one day where I was taking my kids through a fast food drive through, and as I was talking and driving to the second window, I was completely immersed in conversation. Upon reaching the second window, I sat and waited. I waited and waited, and wondered to my children, who were busy smiling and giggling, where the attendant was.

Eventually, the attendant came to the window, and I frustratingly asked where my order was. It was then that she informed me that I had gone straight past the microphone box where I was to place my order, and that they had nothing on order for me. Well, my kids burst out laughing, and I tried to compose myself long enough to enquire as to whether I could place the order now.

I also have those lovely days where I get in my car, start it up, start fiddling with a cd, my purse, or some other distraction, before I try and restart my car. I am getting use to that horrible grinding sound, thats how often it occurs.

But, I still don’t feel that old, stressed, or tired yet, as an older friend relayed a tale to me that made my eyes water, and my quirky events seem mild and tame.

She took her sewing machine in to be repaired. Upon leaving the shop, she opened the back passenger side of her car to toss her purse in as usual, before getting into the seat. She sat there for a few minutes, until she realized that no one was “Driving Miss Daisy”. She got out of the car, walked around and got in the drivers seat, before speeding away, hoping that no one noticed her quirky error.

Yes, aging can be a fun and entertainiing process, and the results, at times, can be either embarrasing, or hilarious, depending on how seriously you take your quirks

Logging into my CameraWare broadcast, I pull up my CameraWare standalone viewer, and click through the list of people. What I love about CameraWare is that everyday is a new experience. There are lots of consistent CameraWare users, and that is always a comfort;  however, there are also new visitors each and everyday.

Being a woman, I always want to look somewhat presentable on CameraWare, although, I have to admit that somedays, It’s a good thing I don’t get graded on it.  What is even better for me, and better still for my viewers, is that I prefer to view rather than show. There is nothing more spectacular than a sexy man, being a man. Whether he is wearing comfortable jeans, or nothing but a cowboy hat, he is bound to get my attention.

The men on CameraWare certainly know how to get, and hold my attention.  And, let’s face it ladies, we have cornered the market here on CameraWare. When it comes to sensual, and sexy men; There are so many to choose from. They are friendly, courteous, or downright sexual in their talk, or visual expressions. What woman could not feel perfectly at home with so much attention, and so many men? It’s like visiting a candy store!! The CameraWare men certainly make my mouth melt with desire.

Out of all the places I have visited, CameraWare will always be my home, and the CameraWare men will always be in my heart, and running up my hormones.

Let’s celebrate our CameraWare men! If you know of a male CameraWare user that makes your buckles melt off, let me know! I would love to know who I may have missed viewing! Perhaps, we can start a “Tribute to CameraWare Men” list!

Let me know your thoughts, and your favorite CameraWare men!

On Wednesday, April 4 2007,  a nationally syndicated radio host, Don Imus,  spewed forth derogatory, and shocking remarks about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team. He called them “nappy headed ho’s”.

What I want to know is who paid this man to speak to begin with? Of course, I have never heard of this particular person before the media jumped on this bandwagon, but I am inclined to believe that all words by Mr. Imus, prior to this incident weren’t of any more intelligence.

What is it with the broadcasting companies and their shock jocks? What type of people support, and listen to this type of entertainment? Do we really want to know?

I was under the impression that “shocking” was a past fad. I guess some things never die as long as there is an audience.

In any case, since this whole incident was brought to our attention, another person has jumped aboard- The reverend Al Sharpton. Yes, I know, he jumps aboard just about anything. However, in this case, I tend to agree with his thoughts.

Don Imus is being condemned for his comments against intelligent, educated, and athletic women. Al Sharpton has stated that we cannot condemn one man alone, that rap music has been condemning young, black women for years. This is true.  Rap music does degrade, insult, and provide a bad reputation for black women of all ages. However, rap does not discriminate. It tends to believe that all women are “ho’s”. Why is it that rap music has been allowed to get away with this type of behaviour for many years, yet one man who makes a comment is condemned immediately?

Is it alright for black rappers to put down black women, but it’s not ok for any other culture to do the same? If Don Imus sang what he said in song, would he be condemned, or be offered a bigger contract?

The difference is that with the music industry, they are making a ton of money, and no one is complaining loud enough to make them change their guidelines, and music formats. With the broadcasting industry, you know the advertisers would immediately pull out the big bucks. So, essentially, you can degrade women, whether they are black, white, Chinese, or Arabian, as long as you do it in song, but you can’t do the same in any other entertainment format.

P.I.M.P 50 cent

I spit a little G man, and my game got her
A hour later, have that ass up in the Ramada
Them trick niggas in her ear saying they think about her
I got the bitch by the bar trying to get a drink up out her
She like my style, she like my smile, she like the way I talk
She from the country, think she like me cause I’m from New York
I ain’t that nigga trying to holla cause I want some head
I’m that nigga trying to holla cause I want some bread
I could care less how she perform when she in the bed
Bitch hit that track, catch a date, and come and pay the kid

 Snoop Dogg A Bitch I Knew

When I start gettin pussy every day of my life
It really didn’t matter what the bitch look like
I remember one night, after the Sugar Ray fight
Wouldn’t you believe it, Dogg like a retriever
I went up in this big fat bitch named Treva
She had a best friend with titties named Vanessa
She told me to undress her, yessir
Ain’t no pressure, later that semester
She put me down with her homegirl name Tanisha
She was so vicious, lips so luscious
Suck a nigga dick and have it shinin like some dishes
Patricia, Patricia, she love the way I stick her

Well, maybe Don Imus can get a record contract now, and continue shocking while a funky beat plays in the background. Afterall, it seems to be acceptable. Or, better yet, maybe he can return to broadcasting by creating a whole  new entertainment format; The rapping radio host!

The problem with the entertainment industry in general, is that it has become so blindsided by it’s own bank accounts, that it doesn’t believe it needs to be responsible anymore. The “shocking” factor has manifested itself in so many formats, it’s hard to keep up. However, the entertainment industry won’t hold itself accountable, as long as there are listeners, purchasers, and supporters of this type of entertainment.

The good news is that rap music is declining in popularity, the bad  news is that it already opened a can of worms. What the entertainment industry is missing, is accountability, responsibility, and someone in charge who truly has a handle on what entertainment, and talent really mean.

Did Don Imus deserve to be terminated? Absolutely, as does negative rap music. It needs to go. It’s done it’s time, and it’s done it’s damage. It is time to let real entertainers, artists, and talent back into the entertainment world.

As for the Reverend Al Sharpton, I am glad that he is taking a stand against rap music, however, per his website (http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net/), he has currently “suspended”, not terminated, but “suspended”, “plans to honor the head of Island Def Jam Music Group - whose stable of singers includes foul- mouthed Ludacris.”

                                            
Being that I am still relatively young, attractive, and the rest of my
has yet to defy gravity, I tend to occasionally venture out into the
dating world. However, I try not to do this often, as I can usually
find a much more interesting book to read.

But, having experienced the dating world, I have created a few
categories of interest, that most people I encounter fall into.

LEFTOVERS

Leftovers are those people who harbor issues from the past, emotional
baggage, or other descrepencies that keep them from moving forward.
These people tend to spend most of their evening talking about their
divorce, their lawyers, the one that got away, and just about anything
from their past that you can’t relate to.

KLINGONS

Klingons are those who believe that once is never enough. These people
will call, email, page, text, or use any other form of communication
they can think of to keep you busy from morning until night. These
obsessive/compulsive types are too needy, too clingy, and too annoying.

CHOPSTIX

Chopstix people are always trying to pick someone up. They don’t care
if they are on a date, they tend to believe that multitasking applies
at any event, venue, or social setting. You will always find them
staring off, up, or under someone, while trying to slip their phone
number discreetly to anyone who will accept it.

BANKERS

Bankers are those who spend most of the evening talking about their
money, your money, the money they have, the money they want, the money
they had, and whatever else monetary they can get in before you fall
asleep.

PASSIONFRUITS

Passion fruits are passionate people. They are passionate about
themselves, their perfect hair, perfect smile, perfectly matching
outfit, perfect car, perfect job, perfect, perfect, perfectly all about
them. You don’t even need to be there, honestly.

EARMUFFS

I like these ones, you never have to listen or speak to them, because
they are so busy taking calls. There is nothing more unrefreshing than
being out, while your date has a cellphone in each ear, talking to
their mom, their boss, their next door neighbor; just about anyone who
has a phone number. Well, at least they keep their ears warm!

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I read an article this morning on how youth should be encouraged to speak up about crimes
that have been committed, that they have knowledge on.

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/191546

The article reiterates some of the thoughts held by youth in regards to speaking up.
However, that’s where it ends. There are many factors in why those who have knowledge about
crimes do not come forward.

One of these reasons is the silence. The silence that is perpetrated by the City and the Media.
Gang activity is high on the daily crime scale; however, most of these incidents never appear
in the local papers. Of course, one of the main reasons for that is because if you were to
read about every stabbing, or gunshot that occurs; the tourist industry would suffer, the
cities population expansion would slow, and housing markets would decline. Granted, these
are all important issues, however, at the risk of many lives, I don’t think it’s a viable
excuse. It also prevents information coming forward, as those who may know about a pre-planned
action, will not be aware that the action was carried out. Therefore, they will remain silent.

To assume that those moving into, or already living in a city plagued by gang activity, are
going to be completely oblivious in their pretty homes, with their pretty lives, is completely
irresponsible. People have a right to know what is really going on in the cities.

Perhaps, if the citizens had informed knowledge of just how much crime is trafficked through
their cities, then they could opt to push for changes within the laws, or within their
own jurisdictions.

As an example of how well crimes are hidden, I will tell you a non-fictionalized tale.

A few short months ago, one of my sons friends died. He was walking down
a street with his 4 year old brother when a car pulled up beside them and shots were fired.
This 19 year old young man was hit in the lungs. He died the next day.

My son hadn’t seen his friend in quite sometime, and was greatly affected by the news.
However, he came across this information via other friends, not the newspapers, or radio.
These outlets were silent. There wasn’t a mention of the incident, with or without a name included.

Last week, a friend of my son ended up in the hospital after being stabbed in the eye. He has
completely lost his eye, but is recuperating. Again, there was no mention of this incident occuring either.

I asked my son why his friends are often the target of a terrible demise, and he explained
a few of their situations.

1. A 21 year old, released from jail after being charged with a gang related crime, is trying
to turn his life around. However, he can’t get a job, and he is constantly depressed knowing that
the events of his teenage years are going to affect his entire life. Did he know this when
he committed the crimes? Of course he did, but, he had lots of “at the moment coercion” to
keep him from realizing the effects of his actions. He was told by superior gang members that
he wouldn’t do much time, and that he would be out quickly. He was told by those same superiors
that his status in the gang would improve, as would his financial status.
The problem now is that having been incarcerated, having matured, and not having the influence
of gang manipulation, he has grown into a young adult, wanting the path in life he
should have had. However, now it is a bleak, and frustrating thought. There isn’t anyone willing
to hire him, trust him, or mentor him. He is left on his own, with nothing but the pull of
the gang, money, and status. They still belive in him-society doesn’t.

2. An 18 year old girl thinks the glory, and affiliation of a gang life is the path to
enrichment, and financial enlightenment. She comes from a broken home, left with a parent who
drinks too much, parties like a left-over sixties hippie, and has not stability of family life
to fall back on. Her friends are gang members, her boyfriend thinks he wants to be a gang member,
and she is thrilled to be associated with them.
3. A 17 year old man lives in poverty. His parents live on assistance. They are not white.
He lives in an area where gang activity, and crime are an everyday occurance. Most businesses shy
away from youth in this area, and especially those who aren’t white. Unfortunately, that
is a fact, and can easily be verified by youth who have applied for jobs, and were
never called back.

There are many reasons why youth turn to gangs, and the main reason is poverty. They tend to live in
a low income area, with very few businesses, and very little employment. To a youth who comes from poverty,
the lure of any money, legal or not, is a great attraction. They often don’t have the financial, or emotional
support at home to provide them with the confidence they need, or the options they require. However, for the City
and the Media to lessen their lives, or the ending of it, as a means to keep the tourist peace, is completely, and totally
irresponsible. If there were better guidelines, policies, and options for these children, they would not want to
be associated with a gang. However, they are usually raised on government assistance, which doesn’t even begin
to provide enough money to sustain the general nutrition for one child, or the hope that everything isn’t bleak.
Perhaps, the answer is to fix the initial problem. Increase the amount of assistance to families, so that they aren’t
left wanting, and needing. If these children are provided a comfortable life, they in turn, would want to achieve more.
Pretending these children never died, or were harmed to convince the public that the city isn’t overrun with gang activity,
is a truly reprehensible act. Speaking out in the Media will not only encourage the public to offer ideas, assistance,
or support, but will also encourage gang members, or those who have knowledge of an incident or activity to come forward.
Sweeping these children under the city’s carpet isn’t going to make it go away, it will only help increase the problem
by offering silence. For all the writing done by the City and Media about speaking out, I would think it is a lesson
they need to learn before they attempt to get the publics help.

Stop the Silence.

Dating is a difficult process. It is a process that I just don’t have patience for. Of course, most of this is of my own doing, and results from the choices I have made.

I do date occasionally. Let’s just say that when I do date, I have to sweep the dust off of it first. I don’t do it often, and I can think of a million things I’d much rather be doing.

Most people look at me and say “Gee, your pretty, how come your single?”

The answers to that are simple:

1. I don’t like to answer to anyone who isn’t God. I hate questions such as:

* Where were you?

* Why are you late?

*Where have you been?

I wouldn’t answer these questions to my parents, I certainly won’t answer to someone I haven’t known very long.

2. My past is mine. You keep yours, I’ll keep mine. If you weren’t in my past when it was occurring, me telling you of it now is not going to enrich your life in any manner. You can’t change it, and neither can I, so talking about it isn’t going to do a darn thing.

3. Money. Most men I have dated, with the exception of a small, select few, hold onto their money as if it the very air they breath. That’s fine- in some cases. There are those who have never had it, and once they get it, define themselves by every cent. But, there are those, who put their money first, period. My problem is, I don’t care how much money someone makes. It can all disappear tomorrow, and what is left when it’s gone, is what is important. Unfortunately, for most, if their money disappeared, what would be left would be nothing, period.

4.  Don’t try and parent my children. They don’t need any more parents. They can always use a new friend, and a great friendship can build from that, but they don’t need a new parent. I’ve done that job for nineteen years, and I’ve managed to do it quite well.

5. I like space. I am not use to being around someone 24 hours/7 days a week, and I like my freedom. You should have your interests, and I will have mine. You have your friends, and I have mine. I’ve never needed a chaperone, and I certainly won’t start now.

What I have learned from dating is that you always have the freedom to walk away. With a marriage license, it isn’t so easy. It isn’t as if I have anything against marriage, I think it’s a wonderful committment, and a valuable, rare, relationship, when two people think along the same lines, want the same things, and know they can live their lives together, building and growing stronger as they go. I just haven’t found anyone who thinks like me.

I always end up dating cling-on’s, for the most part. I call them this because they are constantly calling, smothering me, and making me feel as if they want to own me. I am not own-able. I don’t define my life, and who I am through other people, and if I ever do get married (don’t hold your breath), it will only be with someone who thinks exactly like me. I just can’t do opposite’s.

However, for now, I am left with the choice of dusting off my dating skills, or driving in my car. Which one do you think I choose most often?

The other day, I woke not looking forward to the long, highway drive ahead of  me. I was stressed. I knew I was stressed before I got in my car. However, this knowledge did not prevent the days events from occurring.

Stopping long enough to grab a coffee in the popular drive-through, I headed through the city, and on my way to the hustle and bustle of highway life. Signalling my intentions, I stepped on the gas, and merged with the fast, flowing traffic.

With my head full of thoughts, and the music playing in the background, I settled in for the long drive. The Mac truck ahead of me was moving at a slower pace than the suggested signs posted along the highway, so I opted to move into the middle lane. Keeping in mind to check my mirrors constantly, I kept my foot on the gas pedal, while I continued my thought process, while the music drowned out the hum of the engine.

As I began to pass more cities along the highway, more drivers merged into the road. I was beginning to get frustrated with them, as they seemed to push their way in front or behind me, without the manners usually applied to driver etiquette. I could feel my pulse begin to race, as I glanced at the angry drivers passing me.  It just seemed as if everyone wanted to own the highway that day. I could feel my little car being pushed this way and that, and I decided that I would need to step up the gas in order to keep up. So, that’s what I did. I moved along the highway at a brisk pace, keeping those rude drivers in their place.

Feeling confident, I went back to my thought process, and lulling music. Singing along to music playing, my mind began to sort out the heaviest topics on my mind, when I was suddenly overtaken by some ungracious driver who believed me to be his personal psychic. I was forced to deal with a car that just quickly veered in front of mine. Checking my mirrors, I stepped heavily on my brakes to slow my car down enough to prevent me from slamming into the car in front.

Passing this driver, I issued an immediate scold unheard by him, but greatly heard by me. I stepped on the gas, and proceeded to reach my destination. Moments later, I heard a loud horn being tooted. I paid no attention to this other than noting that I heard the sound. Moments later, I heard this horn again. Looking in my mirror, I saw nothing that told me a reason for the horn honking. I immediately assumed that this driver was in a rush to pass me. I was in no mood for race car drivers today, so I ignored his horn, and stepped on the gas.

The car behind me was slowly becoming a distant memory in my mirror. Driving on, I was comfortably coasting, when I once again heard this horn. Looking in my mirror, I could see that the distant memory had caught up, and brought something new with it: a siren.

Pulled over, I was informed that my irratic driving could have caused an accident, and that he had been following me for quite sometime. He accused me of driving in, and out of traffic, exceeding the speed limit, paying no attention to those signalling to change lanes, and wide range of other infractions.

It was then that I realized that because of my stress, I had not been paying attention to the road, other drivers, or the speed I was going. It wasn’t the other drivers who had bad, driving etiquette, nor were they wanting to be race car drivers; It was me.

I was a horrible driver, putting the lives of other people in danger, because I chose to drive while focusing on other issues.

So, what became of my situation?

Well, it’s like this:

None of the above is really true; However, having watched bad drivers zoom by me, forget to signal, and watching those mouth the words their mothers would wash out of their mouths pass by me; It dawned on me that many people drive on roads when they shouldn’t. Tired people, stressed people, and those who may be late for a very important date, should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Although, this story may not be true for me, I am certain that there are a lot of drivers out there, who can certainly relate, whether they are the ones being pulled over, or the ones passing by those pulled over.

Driving can be a deadly privilege when the wrong hands are behind the steering wheel.

Some young, hip pop star by the name of Justin Timberlake created a popular song titled, Sexy Back. There are those whose first question was, “Did it go somewhere?”. Well, I guess it all depends on your idea of sexy.

 Sexy means many things to many people. Some people think wearing next to nothing is sexy. Some think flaunting their thighs,  shoulders, or undergarments are sexy. And then, there are those who believe that the classic looks of era’s past are sexy. It is all a matter of taste, sense of style, and whatever turns your passion crank.

For me, sexy never left. I don’t find my sexy in clothing, or lack of it. A man with a rippled chest, abs of steel, and a thong that hurts my eyes can definitely get a look, but certainly not a spot on my sexy list.

I find my sexy in the thought process. A man with a strong mind, good values, intelligence, and humor is always a strong contender in the sexy department.

Afterall, who wants an empty body? They are good to look at, but once your eyes have taken it all in, there really isn’t much left over to continue on with. That’s not to say that all good looking packages don’t have the sexy requirements on my list- I am sure some do. However, I would much rather start on the inside and work my way out. It’s much more intersting, intriguing, and usually worth the slow, backwards unwrapping. So, in essence, sexy to me, is who someone is, and not too many people have left themselves; therefore, sexy hasn’t really gone anywhere, at least not for me.

However, maybe the younger generation really did lose it. Afterall, youth tends to come with a short attention span, so I am sure it’s easy to misplace sexy. But, at least Justin has found it. It was probably buried under a book, or a pile of laundry somewhere.

But, the future generations are now safe from a world lacking sexy.  Wow. What a catastrophe that would have been. It’s a good thing Justine decided to clean his room. Imagine all the future generations who would have to find and determine sexy on their own had Justin not brought it back

It was announced that Stonewall Jackson, who has been a member of the Grand ole Opry for over 50 years, filed
a $10 million dollar lawsuit against the Opry’s owner, and general manager. Since this filing, a great debate has risen.

There are those who believe that there is a certain age limit to being seen, and heard. There are also those who believe that
talent has no boundaries, and entertainers are ageless.

I guess it all comes down to money. Afterall, that is what the entertainment business is about- how much money they can make.
Most of the entertainment industry bigwigs believe that visual sells. Unfortunately, they have pushed it so much, it does.
However, that leaves the viewers, and listeners robbed of real talent for the most part. Music these days is dubbed, overdubbed,
hacked, edited, and tossed through the rinse cycle a few times, before it is heard anywhere. And, artists are so dolled up, that if
you seen in them in person, you wouldn’t recognize them. The entertainment business is about young, beautiful, and sex.

It isn’t about talent, respect, or paying your dues, which is why there are so many dsyfunctional young entertainers who either
can’t sing live, or are too busy getting drunk, or becoming front page tabloid news.

As a listener of country music, I try not to listen to too many new artists these days. Most of them are only around as long as their first
album, and their first album is usually so cheesy, they don’t return for a second.

There are a lot of good artists out there in a variety of genres, however, we tend to only see and hear those who have spent hours
in a makeup chair, or those who have been primped and propped on how to speak, move, sing, walk, or shave in the morning.
Everything is an image. It just isn’t real anymore.

I don’t spend my money buying cd’s. I use to, when I was offered a variety of music through radio. However, most talented artists
aren’t given the airtime they deserve anymore. They are either not pretty enough, or they are over the age of 25.

Personally, I am tired of seeing the same artists pushed in video, and radio. I am tired of hearing them. The sad thing is that I use
to enjoy listening to the radio. However, nowadays, when listening to the radio, you can be certain that you are gonna hear the
same songs over, and over, and over.

I would much rather have a great variety of music. I would much rather hear music I haven’t heard before, or haven’t heard in a long
time.

Of course, Stonewall Jackson was before my listening time, but I think he would make a wonderful addition to the Grand Ole Opry
anyday. I would rather see, and hear  George Jones, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, or a wide variety of others who came before
the pretty artists of today. I could sit and listen to Loretta Lynn, or Dolly Parton sing well into their 90’s, and I would feel honored; However, I can’t
say the same about Shania Twain, and a number of other people considered talented artists these days.

If the music industry can support most of the young, attractive people without talent today, it should have the common sense, gratitude, and respect
for those who came before them. I don’t watch the Grand Ole Opry because it is predictable, and I know I am just going to the same new artists, over and
over, and over. I don’t watch music videos, because I know I am just going to see the same video over, and over.

I do buy cd’s occasionally. For example, I bought Charlie Pride’s greatest hits, I bought Johnny Cash’s greatest hits, and I bought George Canyon. These
are talents worth investing in. For the rest of the music or songs I might like, but consider country fluff, I just download.

I don’t plan to support record labels whose main goal is to stuff their own pockets, with the belief that as a purchaser of music, I can’t think for myself, and
only rely on what they push as image, or music. I am not into supporting narrow-mindedness, age-discrimination, nor do I want to be told, or shown what
I should believe talent to be.

I think Stonewall Jackson is taking a great stand, I applaud him for it, because he is right. We have witnessed the Grand ole Opry sink into the selling business
rather than the expression of talent. The Grand ole Opry wasn’t created to sell sex, looks, or youth, it was created to honor those with talent who have contributed
to the music business. However, you really wouldn’t know that today.