Hollywood and Baby Photos.....

Jlo, Christina, Nicole, all new mothers and all within the last month; yet it seems like the only thing more trendy that actually giving birth these days, is pimping the first pictures of the precious little one to the highest bidder. Jlo is reportedly receiving 4-6 million dollars for the first glimpse of her little ones; Nicole was reportedly given 1 million… I mean shoot, I can have a kid, just give me a twenty. Ok maybe more…

Ok but seriously, it is kind of ridiculous of how some of these celebs will jump to stop a paparazzo from taking a picture of there child but be ready and willing as long as they get a cut in the profits. It sounds a bit scandalous, and so happens so often it’s like the new black. But is there a method to this madness? I mean is there a good reason why some of these A-listers are so quick to pawn off picture to People or OK! Magazine.

Well I thought about it, and in hind sight, it makes the some sense to kill the curiosity before our curiosity kills them. When a celeb is suspected pregnant they are subjected to constant “baby watch” or “bump watch”. They get followed until finally something that appears to resemble a bloated belly arises. (Or it might just be gas) When it is confirmed the media frenzy becomes fever pitched to get photos of the pregnant celeb out and about. Then finally, depending on the celeb status or notoriety, the first paparazzi pictures of the blessed child can go for top dollar. But some of these paparazzos are really aggressive and would stop at nothing to make that money shot; even if it means running people off the road, putting the new mom and child in danger. So when it’s put like that it’s forgivable that they are selling the pictures for top dollar. When these pictures are finally published the curiosity is dulled down and no one really cares until the next starlet or Hollywood train wreck gets knocked up… oh joy… can’t wait…

Personally, I don’t like it… I say shield your child for as much as you can for as long as you can. Auctioning off pictures may start an unhealthy fascination with your child and considering how many crazy people we have in this world; it may not be for the best. Put your kids first and your pocketbook last.

And that’s my Real Talk Toronto…

SNOW AND MORE SNOW.....

Now I know I’m not the only one fed up with the recent turn of events where the weather is concerned. I mean it’s almost like Mother Nature just said “screw it” and forgot that all that white stuff is going to eventually fall on us. Now seeing as how we have had more snow this year than the last I think that is something Mrs. Mother Earth need to take into consideration and give it a rest.

I mean it sucks that I don’t live on a major street so even days after a storm there are still mountains of snow everywhere. So walking up and down my street feels more like running an obstacle course; let’s just say I’m not impressed. I can’t stand hearing stories on the news about trucks going to all the secondary streets clearing all the snow banks left behind by the previous snow storms before another hits. I’m assuming they mean all the streets except mine, cause I saw some trucks on the street beside mine, then I saw one on the street in front on mine. Funny, I didn’t seem to see one actually on my street. Again, I’m not too impressed with that one either.

So, okay, I know that this sounds like mindless ranting. And in many ways you are right. This snow just brings the worst out of me. I mean, I don’t know about you, but my parents are African, which technically makes me genetically incapable of being able to cope in this weather. So basically I’m at a disadvantage.

So what to do? Brave it out… tough it up…woman up… and wait till March when snow will melt. OH GAWD… I can’t wait…

That’s my Real Talk Toronto…shoveling is good exercise

Valentine’s Day Blues - Survival Tips

Is there something in the air… or is that just frost bite? Well whatever it is, it’s hard to miss that all too familiar day on its way to a wallet near you. You know what I’m talking about…Valentine’s Day. Lovers crave it loners hate it. But I’m here to change all that. Yes me, Didi, your Valentine’s Fairy… ok well you know what I mean.

Now if you don’t have a Valentine this year don’t get “scurred”. Be your own Valentine. That’s right, nothing wrong with a little self love. This can be easily done if you follow a few Valentine’s survival guideline.

1)Surprise yourself with a little Val day card along with a nice breakfast in bed; and if you can’t cook it’s probably for the best that the breakfast is for you
2)Nothing wrong with a little candle light, flowers and a Hungry Man dinner at night… a great Salisbury Steak can always set the mood
3)And trust me if you are buying yourself a nice box of chocolate, don’t feel ashamed, no one knows it’s for you… (that’s unless you start to eat it in the store)

Really there are worst things in life that being alone on Valentine’s Day. But for some it may seem like the be all and end all. Just know that there is the rest of the year to find that special someone and have your own special Valentine’s Day. Until then look on the bright side, it will be better on you wallet and chocolate usually goes straight to your thighs anyway.

At the end of the day you’ll always have yourself… and that’s the best Valentine’s present of all.

Africentric school - TORONTO

Sometimes it feels like when we are taking on step forward in this city, we end up take three steps back.

This is exactly how I feel about the implementation of Africentric schools. I have gone back and forth with this issue, but always end up with the same conclusion. IT’S A BAD IDEA.

As a black woman, I am all for the betterment of my black people. But is it totally necessary to effectively segregate a whole race for this solution? To me this is like putting a bandage on a gunshot wound. Wouldn’t be easier to implement an Africentric curriculum in our existing schools? What about a social services program that aids troubled youth. But from the way this looks it’s almost is if the school board that voted 11-9 for the implementation of these schools are trying to extract one problem and sweep it under the rug. It’s just not that simple.

This problem that claimed the lives of Jordan Manner and other young teens in the GTA will continue persist, but now will be boxed into one building. Is this really solving the problem? Will this be the new stomping ground for the police activity? Will they be putting these schools on constant surveillance? What about funding? Can they assure that these schools will get the same consideration when it is time to hand out some money? I have to wonder if they have taken into consideration these questions before essentially turning the clock back 50 years.

I can be here all day and tell you more reasons why I don’t think this is not the brightest idea. But aside from that I remain hopeful. Ideally, I hope they prove me wrong… only time will tell…

That’s my Real Talk….Toronto

REALITY TV......STILL SIGNIFICANT????

I don’t know about you, but there really is nothing better than to come home, curl up with a nice bowl of popcorn and spend the night with a good… reality TV show. I bet you thought I would say book… Well the truth is, as much as we like to deny it, reality TV is as infectious as the common cold and so far here to stay.

Let me ask you a question. How many of you tuned into the ever popular first episode of American Idol? You may not have watched a full episode, but definitely grazed it for a minute or more. With each year we are subjected to a plethora of good talent mixed in with the usual “William Hung” variety. This year reports indicate that viewership was down compared to the last year. But do you really think it’s because the reality TV is out like the Jerry curl. Somehow I highly doubt it.

When you think about it, it’s not that viewership is down; it’s more like reality TV programming is up. Since the writers strike it looks as though reality TV is the new black. There really are too many to compete with and not that much time to watch it all. To watch one show mean to sacrifice watching another, or you could do like many TVholics do and watch a few simultaneously.

In a way it provides a momentary escape from our own realities. We get to see if there is any truth to that age old saying the “grass is greener on the other side”. Whether it is or not, I can’t say, it’s all about your own perception. But what I do know is that sometimes, “real” life can be stranger than fiction.

That’s My Real Talk…Toronto … you’re going to Hollywood!!!

DiDi's Rants - Common Courtesy…reality or urban legend….

Lately, I’ve been thinking urban legend. What happened to the days where men opened the door for you, or when was the last time you gave your seat on a crowded bus to the elderly or a woman with child. Now-a-days, those small acts of kindness are few and far between. It’s like this city is running ramped with people who act like they have never been breastfed.

But what’s the problem really T.O? Are we so in a rush that we forget to do one kind deed that might make someone smile? The answer is YES! I’m originally from a town where people aren’t moving so fast. So we tended to see those who sometimes get left behind. But Toronto has a different dynamic. Everything is faster paced so by the time we get to the bus we are too exhausted and may not notice the old lady with the can with no chair, or we notice but are too tired to get up. Or when we open the door, we dash right through paying no mind to the person behind us.

Now on the other side of the coin, common courtesy is also a personal choice. No one can enforce it, because in doing so, especially in public, you sort of are breaking that courtesy rule yourself. I heard a story of a friend who had just been berated by some loud mouth on the bus for not getting up for a woman and a child. Yet what that “Flapper Gap” didn’t know was that my friend did not see the lady and had she had the “common” decency to ask politely things may have ended different.

Lucky for us the solution is simple, be kind. Yes that’s it. Try to do one kind thing, or good deed, everyday. You’ll find that at the end of the day it’s kindness that makes you feel good.

That’s my Real Talk…Toronto

DiDi's Rants - Resolutions…we’ve all made them

Resolutions…we’ve all made them to some degree and now it’s actually time to keep them. This year I promised to take more time for me. So seeing how my resolution is so vague, I could stay at home and watch TV every night and would have still kept it…sorta…

But what is it about resolutions that are so hard to keep and follow through. You know they say that 35% of people break their resolutions within the first month. Now that’s only in January.

I figure it’s because it is so cold. I mean think about it. A lot of resolutions have something to do with health and fitness. I mean you might start well; you might really be into it, wake up at 5 in the morning for a nice jog or pay for a gym pass. But then eventually it does get colder, and eventually harder and harder to find your way to the gym. Then it snows and going for that jog becomes the furthest from your mind.

But that can’t be the only reason. I also think that the fact that some people make there resolutions under the influence, wouldn’t help either. You know what I’m talking about. It’s 11:30pm on New Years Eve, and you have been plied with all the champagne and Polar Ice that you can handle and someone pops the question “So what is your New Years Resolution?” Then when you can finally get your minds to think somewhat straight, you say the first thing that pops into mind.

Either way there New Year is here, and whether you keep that resolution or not try to remember one thing, It’s a new year, so technically, it’s a new you, so make it work and make the best of it.

And that’s my Real Talk… Toronto

DiDi's Rant - NEW YEAR!!!

Hello All…

I hope the Holidays are treating you well… but let’s get down to business. Now that the worst is over and you have pennies left in you account it’s time to go really in debt and celebrate the New Year!!!

Now it’s bad enough that your regular Friday or Saturday spot has inflated the price by 200% and now you have go broke just to get in but you eventually have to get your drunk ass home…somehow.

Now I know I’m not the only one who has had the displeasure of trying to hail a cab anywhere in the entertainment district at 3 am New Years day. So I know many of you understand how annoying it is. But really, who do these cabbies think they are. I mean you’re out there sometimes for 30 minutes maybe even an hour when you finally get someone to stop. Then you lean over to tell them where to drop you off, they practically pull a Britney and run over your precious feet to get away; muttering to themselves how you are not there fair. The main problem is because you don’t live far enough. I mean what they really are looking for is the big score. If you live in the city…well you may have to walk home. But if you live in Brampton or Mississauga you might be in luck.

So my solution…lie…that’s right…nothings wrong with a little white lie. When you lean over that window and the cabbie asks you where you are going. Tell them Oakville. At least that gets you in the cab. So as they head to the highway just tell them to make a pit stop at your place. They don’t know you live there and will just think that they’re making extra money for the little detour. When you get there, tell them you changed there mind, or fake a phone call, anything to get you out the cab. Pay quickly and leave. That way you get home safe and have finally beat the system.

And that’s my Real Talk… Toronto... Happy New Year!!!!

Tis the Season to be Jolly........

Is this really the season to be jolly???

You know for "the most wonderful time of the year", people sure are miserable now-a-days... but honestly I can't blame them. Think about it, between the over crowded malls, the long line ups, the overpriced merchandise; it's a little hard to keep all that merriment going.

The truth is, Christmas is as stressfull as tax season. If you are like me, you are planning to do all your shopping on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Yes last minute is bad, but that's usually when I decide that I actually want to by someone a gift.

So I have come up with a few survivor tips for the X-mas holidays....

1) Do not overspend (make a budget and stick to it, unless you want creditors on you ass)
2) Do dress comfortable and wear flats. (sure you want to look hot when you shop... but it's christmas...trust me... no one is looking at you)
3) Gift cards are your Friend (let's face it...some people are harder to shop for than other... this is the easy way out)
4) No line budding (yeah the line might be long, but deal with it...people are crazy during chirstmas)
5) No...the Beverly Hills Cop Trilogy is never a great gift for any woman (...trust me...it's not)

So good luck and happy shopping... ok we know you won't be happy but perk up... it's almost over...

And that's my Real Talk Toronto.....Happy Holidays

DiDi's Rant

You know what’s sad… when it’s a struggle just to get some your groceries double bagged at your local supermarket. I have had such struggle… and it goes a little something like this…

Well it was Saturday, just finished my class at the gym, and as routine I hit up my local Dominion… (Yeah… that’s right I’m calling you out!). Anyway, I head to the front to buy my chicken breast and lemonade and such when the cashier starts to scan my stuff. This was one of those bag your own shit type deals and I was ready and able when I realized that I only had two fancy shiny bags. Now I’m sorry I had more than two bags worth of stuff. And seeing as how I was riding in my favorite mode of transportation, (i.e. The Rocket), I would need some sturdier bags to hold my food.

So I asked the cashier for a few more bags (well actually at least 5 to be exact), and instead of being handed a handful of bags, I was handed a handful of attitude. So she took the nice bags away and gave me 3 of the lower end ones, you know the ones that already have holes in it. When I told her it wouldn’t be enough she argued I was forced to explain to her than 1) no, ‘m not Ballin’ and don’t have my own car and have to take the TTC, and 2) I did not want all my food to be all over Eglinton on the way home. By this point there was a bit of an audience and now everybody knew my business. (Très Embarrassing)

Finally she handed me the bags I needed, but by this point I was furious. I was hungry and tired and now embarrassed on top of that. This was not right. It was time for some action. “No Justice, No Peace”, I thought. Okay it wasn’t that serious, I wasn’t about to call the media and chain myself to a register. But I wasn’t going to leave defeated. So I did what any irritated customer would… I called for the manager. And I was please to see she came and heard what I had to say and gave me free air miles points, because I guess all angry people need point?

So my point to all this… is simple. If you are a cashier listen up… you don’t need to be doubling people purchases in bags on the regular. But if asked don’t put up a fight… you won’t win. The truth is, at the end of the day, “The Customer is Always Right”

And that’s my Real Talk…Toronto

DiDi's Rants - Topic: TTC

What's up T.O


Now let me set the scene, you head out, it's 5:30pm and 0 degrees but with the wind chill it's really -14. You check your watch: "ok five minutes". Maybe you have a friend with you, so you are chatting away passing the time. But suddenly the weirdest thing happens... The wind chill has successfully frozen your fingers and toes; and for some reason lips are so stiff words can barely come out... and remember your 5 minutes...well it has turned into 15. Then you finally get hit with that only to familiar realization: "wait a minute ...the bus isn't here". Now you could wait... but the bus might never come or you could walk, but the bus might pass you leaving you stranded.

This scene is only too common for Toronto’s masses and the Toronto's unionized TTC. Now I don’t think I ask for much when all I want is to get from point A to point B. So what's the problem? Shoot I'm paying enough for it. What do I have to do to get some real service around here?

And have you ever wondered why they call it "the Rocket" I mean it's not that fast; the fastest thing on the TTC is how fast they close the subway doors after it's reached a stop.

Here's the problem as I see it. The TTC is too busy trying to please its "stop…drop ...and strike" bus drivers and personnel and has forgotten that they are a service and ultimately at the end of the day they work for you and me. So simple things like showing up and picking people up so they can get home or work; or answering simple questions without giving attitude or ignoring you all together; or taking their sweet ass time when they are already late to leave the station seems to be beside the point. A job behind the wheel of the TTC bus is virtually now to get paid $25 to $30 to sit, read books, oh and occasionally drive the bus...

And don't bother complaining about it to them. Well at least not past 5:00pm, cause according to the TTC nothing happens between the hours of 5pm and midnight.

So what’s the solution? I dunno.. I have none...this is just going to be one of those things in life where you take it and hope for the best; or at least in this case that the bus shows. So in the meantime... it's cold...so bundle up, get comfy, maybe find a good book...cause you might be camping out there till you see that big red and white box on wheels.

That's my Real Talk... Toronto...see you on the bus