23rd Season of Big Brother Had The Cookout

Reverse Racism Means No Racism

A well-known "Me" fact is I am a Fan of the competition reality show, Big Brother. Muh Diva is a total fan and I decided to watch with her for Season 5 in 2004. A good-looking houseguest named Marvin Latimore (the creator of the Big Brother Backdoor plan) caught my eye, but all the mind screwing in the game caught my heart. Marvin didn't win that season. No Black person won that season, the previous 4 seasons, or the 17 seasons after it. The 18th season I watched Big Brother, Season 23, was the game-changer.

Fueled by the facts & a former houseguest, Dayvonne Roger's speech about there never being a black winner in the show's history (Subsequently, Big Brother 23 is the first season of Big Brother after CBS' pledged to ensure that 50 percent of the houseguests on their unscripted series would feature BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) contestants.), 6 houseguests, who are Black, on Big Brother 23 formed an alliance called "The Cookout".  (Why that name? The Cookout metaphorical gathering of the black community usually exclusive only to blacks. Thank you, Urban Dictionary.) It was formed on Day 1. There have never been more than 1 or 2 (3 in an All-Star season) blacks in the house. It was quite obvious to Tiffany Mitchell, Xavier Prather, Hannah Chadda, Azah Awasum, Kyland Young, & Derek Frazier that they needed to join forces in the game. The objective was to make it to be the Final 6 players in the house to ensure there would be a Black winner in the game. The plan 1) Never be seen meeting up (Because like in society, most times in the game it is thought that the POC are working together. Whether they are or not. Most of the time, Not) and 2) Every alliance member must have a non-alliance partner (unsuspecting) to shield them in the game.

Unless you have been living under a rock you know The Cookout was Successful. They are Big Brother history makers. They survived 10 other houseguests being eliminated to be the Final 6. That is in no way an easy feat. 1) You or someone you are close to must win competitions to control the house. 2) You can't be a target of anyone in control. 3) Everyone in the alliance must be trusted. 

Ok, Ok The Cookout didn't get everything right. They failed at Trust before & after becoming the Final 6. I know there could only be one winner of Big Brother for the season, but 2/3 of the alliance was selfish. Some sub-alliances weren't formed soon or well enough.

And there were Kyland & Derek, one used harsh insults, especially the B-word when frustrated with women, including Tiffany, Hannah, & Azah in the game & one tried to egg on a fight with Xavier when he was evicted. But The Cookout fulfilled their goal, nonetheless.

Oh, The Cookout angered some of the "fans". It was accused of Racism. Funny because Big Brother was accused of racism & microaggressions so many times in previous seasons. There have always been All-White alliances. I mean there was Season 5 where an All-white male alliance lied to the only Black person in the house, Marvin, and said he was a part of them so they could receive his votes. I don't remember him working with them long. There is Season 21 when 2 of the first 3 houseguests evicted were Black.

And let us not forget Season 15, where the secret code name for the black man named Howard was"the black mamba" and "the dark knight and a white female houseguest called the hair of the sole black woman, Candice, "greasy-ass, nappy-hair" And when confronted yelled, "What You Gon' Do Black Girl" over & over & over. And those are some examples where racism affected the Black people in the game. There were offenses done & said to other non-white houseguests, homophobic slurs thrown around, and sexism showed previously in the game. To the point where some former houseguests were fired from their jobs because of their hateful actions. But when 6 Black houseguests form an alliance...

Why do I watch this show? Because believe it or not, this Mind-Screw of a game is a microcosm of our world.

It was a good season. An interesting example of the show's motto, Expect the Unexpected. Because at the end of last season, I wouldn't have ever imagined anything like it. 

Congratulations to Xavier Prather (a rather nice-looking guy *blushing*) on winning Big Brother 23! Congratulations to America's Favorite Player, Tiffany Mitchell! And Congratulations to The Cookout! Long Live The Cookout!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Best of Restaurant Bias: The Chicken List

If you ever ask me to fry chicken & give me a whole chicken, It's getting Fried Whole. The sound of breaking bones...

Anywho...

I'm not a major fan of most "Best of" lists, especially when it comes to restaurants. Chicken lists are useless in my opinion Despite stereotypes, the movies like Birth of a Nation shoehorn in,

Most people of every race, creed, religion, sexuality, & age eat chicken. Everybody has an opinion about chicken, strong ones. Trust me, pay attention in July when Fried Chicken Day arrives, after their grandmother's or mother's, the restaurant arguments get heated. I think any chicken lists need to take the Chick-Fil-A cow approach. Just tell the readers, Eat More Chicken!

Golden Chick For chain restaurants (Ok/Tx Region) this is good chicken.

It's consistent in taste. And it offers roasted chicken, also. Oh and enjoy the smell of the rolls baking.

Whiskey Britches When I spoke of this restaurant in the brunch list post, I made it a point not to tell about the main dish I have at this spot. The chicken is good on biscuits. The chicken is good as sandwiches. The chicken is good with mac & cheese & fries. The chicken is good.

Henderson *sigh* In spaces non-North of Main street in Dallas there is a constant discussion on who reigns supreme in Fried Chicken in the city. There are only three choices offered, Hall's, Henderson, and Rudy's. Many swear by Rudy's. Few like Hall's. I am in the numbers that love Henderson.  It's tender, tasty, and not over-salted. Fries & Chicken are so hot it toasts the bread on the bottom of the basket. I only eat at the Fair Park area location but I've only heard pretty decent buzz on any of their locations. One warning...Don't go hungry. This tastiness makes you wait for it. The others do, also, but my tastebuds only will wait for...

Well, I've clucked enough about this list. What restaurant yard bird (chain, local) do you prefer in your city or town? The comments sections here and on the social media site you see this on are open for your faves.

Oh yeah...Eat More Chicken!!! And Eat it fried in Moderation.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Baking Soda + Rubbing Alcohol or Lemon Juice & Make a Paste

Y'all Have Forced Me to Tear Y'all a New Washcloth.

As a Fat Black Woman, this "We Don't Shower All the Time" topic kinda irritates me. Trust me, comments come if you have any off scent moments when you look like me. And that is because I am both fat & black and because I am a fat & a black woman. I remember watching the movie, Mississippi Burning & the documentary interviews and it showed White people saying they think Black people didn't bathe. I think it's because Black people were sweaty because of the physical labor jobs many worked and that Black people were walking a lot because of the Civil Rights Bus Boycott. And all races think all Fat people of all races stink. But you know, Fat-Shaming based on stereotypes is still an allowed dialogue & mindset. And before you say I should be saying "Plus Size" instead of Fat, smell bad once, and listen to what adjective is used. You might get called Big.

Like many, I am tired of looking up and one particular race, White or Caucasian speaking & acting like their hygiene & grooming practices aren't weird to most POC & other non-POC alike. I remember when I found out washcloths weren't used by that race on The Tyra Show.

I was confused. In college, I shared bathroom spaces with four White female students, I thought I saw washcloths in their spaces. And washcloths are still being sold so, I took that info with a grain of salt. But then social media became the force that it is and up pops up, "We (White people) don't wash our legs & feet. We let the soap run down". I almost wanted to say it was b.s. because those shower shoes with the scrubbers exist. Then I thought about that product is an "As Seen on TV" item and it's a novelty to most. So, I had to believe them.

Then the "celebrities" like Dax Shepard & Mila Kunis had to start talking about their lack of hygiene practices. *sigh* On Twitter, I made mention of what our Black foremothers & forefathers warned about what they thought white people smelled like (add breath like baloney). And the famous just insist on proving them right. And lo and behold white rapper, Paul Wall said, hold on, me too. Yeah, Paul Wall, the former BHM (Big Handsome Man (He had gastric surgery in 2010)) who's career in a part of the music industry that is predominantly Black, doesn't bathe often or wear deodorant (Something about the aluminum, Hence why I titled this post as I did. Hope that alternative helps him). I hope the grandchildren & great-grandchildren of any 85+ racists don't tell them about Paul Wall's non-bathing ways. I can literally hear them blaming one particular race for corrupting him.

And these Entertainment & News outlets keep reporting this stuff like it is a fun chuckle. But with the same fingers type how bad bullying is. A lot of bullying is caused by the belief in stereotypes. And there are a few of those false beliefs about who is clean or not. But Hey, keep making the headlines because the "clean" folks of all races are bored.

Just Shut Up & Bathe, Everybody!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!!!

But I Have Thought About It

I hate non-communicated event no-shows. The crap is rude. And nothing is worse than when you make reservations for them still have to pay for them. Once I had reserved a table for 6 for my birthday. 4 of us showed up but we were charged gratuity for 6. And it was clearly in the restaurant terms and agreement. And I asked the attendees the day before and I got a yes from everyone. There was never an apology or even an "Oh, we forgot.", for not making the event. But there was visible interaction with the pictures posted on social media.

*sigh*

I haven't invited them to anything since. Matter of fact, I think most people have one time not to come to an event I'm hosting & not communicate and I no longer consider them as people I want to have at any celebrations I host. And yes, that is one of the reasons why you see the same faces in my pictures. I like reliability & communication.

Then this precious couple's story came across my newsfeed, Read about them HERE.

I think the fact that the couple checked 4 times before booking the island wedding and the 8 said they would be attending makes me side with the couple the most. It’s very bad etiquette to RSVP and just not show up without any communication. The couple, parents, or whoever is paying has to pay for your dinner because you're a head that is counted.

In some of the comments, people are using the Covid-19 pandemic in their reasoning to call the couple petty. But these types of things happened before the year 2020. And it's about time we stopped making excuses for rude behavior. People don't stick to their word anymore. And they're not being held accountable for it. I want to good for the newlyweds for sending that invoice.

I think this is only an issue or a discussed debate because no one has done it before to the masses' knowledge. This couple sent fake invoices, but one day somebody will send real ones. I doubt I will have a large wedding celebration that will require strict RSVPs (Just one for an estimated headcount with a promise of Absolute punctuality & Being in the moment aka No Cameras & Going Live). But if I do, accountability will be held. I probably let my guests know there is 72 hours fail to show notice in the fine print on the invitation with the No jeans sweatpants, or sports attire dress code on there.

So, what is your opinion on this topic? Leave them in the comments of the blog post or on the social media site you see this one. All non-hateful, respectful, civil remarks are welcomed.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Best of Restaurant Bias: The Burger List

I'm not a major fan of most "Best of" lists, especially when it comes to restaurants. To tell the truth, I look at Burger lists out of sheer boredom. Burgers are everywhere. Most people like burgers. Matter of fact, I've only met one person in life that didn't like them (A person who didn't like condiments and didn't eat any kind of sandwich.) Oh and there so I've been to maybe 5 actual burger joints in my whole life and maybe one is on any list. And that's a big maybe.

And my biggest gripe about Burger lists is the location in town where the spots are located, of course. Most are long standers that are in North & East Dallas. There is that one usual that is not. And that bone that was thrown barely misses one's head. Trust Me!

My Top 3 Dallas Area Burgers

Snuffer's Here is the one that might be on a popular list. It's a local chain known for its loaded cheddar fries, which are tasty. But the burger is tops in my book.

Griffs This is a Childhood favorite that I enjoy every so often. Nice simple menu and nice simple tasty burgers.

Blackjack Pizza This is the reason why this list title doesn't include the word restaurants. This good burger is from a pizza joint. And I can't tell you if the pizza is good because I've only had the burger. It's a nice size. And it's juicy & delicious.

Honorable Mention: The Rustic The burger is made with brisket...Enough said.

Alright in the comments, tell me your favorite burger in your neck of the woods. I or a fellow reader might be in them and want to partake in a simple meal. And a burger & fries are simple... Right?

As Always Talking To You in Adult Terms!

Pick 2 Shot Findings (Answering Questions)

Kinda proud of that title. Took me under 2 minutes and no thesaurus to make it. That's a record for me. I might not break it until decades later. LoL

Q: Are you asking any guys you meet for possible dates are they fully vaccinated?

A:  If he doesn't beat me to the question, I will. And Yes better his answer if he wants to advance in conversing with me. I'm not debating with him. Just going to bid him adieu.

Q: I saw this fun question on Facebook and decided to include it in this post.

A: As of this date, Groceries & Plane Tickets are my choices. Shopping & Travel are two expenses that have surged in my world. Airfare has always been the highest part of my trips. And groceries are a necessary part of living. What would you choose?

This Post's Video Q & A:

If You Can't See the Video, Click HERE

My Top 3 Potential Dating Research Sites

Sex Offender Lists(Government Official): I explained my reasons on the video. It disturbs & scares me that folks don't check these.

Social Media Accounts: You can learn a lot about a person by what they like, comment, share, & post. Some stuff you might agree or disagree with.

Google Images: I saw this on Catfish. Some people lie about how they look, check if their photos are their photos. Only did this once for a buddy. And those were that lady's photos. But HERE is where you can learn to do this

Again welcome to the dating world. Oh and don't let your dates know you looked them up. Let this be News You Can Use for deciding if you want to date them, not to use in an attack.

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

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As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Every Week Until Thanksgiving 2021...

...I am Posting This Blog Post on Twitter & Facebook.

Because in the 2021st year of our Lord Jesus Christ we are still having the "Fix That Man's Plate/He Got Hands" discussion. Because in the 2021st year of our Lord Jesus Christ couples are not having the "Make My Plate" discussion. Because in the 2021st year of our Lord Jesus Christ people are getting on social media to embarrass the person who didn't make their plate or wanted them to make their plate. Like this Twitter handle right here. (I got this screengrab from another public account because the man deleted it and went private. He got the attention he thought he wanted. And it became too much. That's My Guess.)

AND I AM TIRED OF IT!!!

Every 4-6 months and especially around the holiday times, this issue comes up.

I know I have said it on this platform (HERE it is) that I grew up in a home where my grandmother fixed my late grandfather's plate except during family events and when she was too ill to do so. During family events, plates are made for first-time visitors, children under the age of 10 & the elderly. All others make their plates. If someone makes a plate for their significant other, they make it in peace. There is No Fuss. No grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, or friends tell any lady that they need to make any adult, regardless of gender a plate. The "Who makes a plate for a husband or boyfriend" has never been a discussion in my family.

But that is my family. All families are different. The Rules are Not Universal. I think it is wise for all couples (dating, committed, or married) to have a conversation about plate preparation (at home, with family, with friends, with business associates, etc). Shouldn't expect actions for something that is not talked about. And I beg of y'all to talk about these things because the public conversation is tiresome. 

It's a Conversation is About Respect.

So respect your relationship & the public and learn. Because it is disrespectful to my brain cells to see some variation of the plate conversation pop up all the daggum time. Oh and if anybody who wants to make me a plate, remember hot food & cold food belong on separate dishes. And unless it is lasagna or a sandwich, no bread, please. 

Thank You!!!

And As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!