Doc's Castle Originals Archives - Page 8 of 11

Hopping On That Train Back to 1990s

Not too far in the distant past rested a decade where a lovely young writer was born. That young writer’s name was Taylor, know to many of you as Doc. The decade was the 1990s. Oh, how I miss my childhood years so much.

I may have literally been a baby growing up during this decade, but there are so many things I’ve experienced as a child growing alongside a mature family, I think I can luster up at least 3 things a lot of people my age and older may relate to that we all might miss. So here they are, the things I want to bring back from my years of retro.

My favorite things I’d bring from the 90s would be…

Music has always had my heart, man.

The Box

The best music channel in the world is of the past. Forget about MTV. The Box was the best because they played variety with little to no commercials and absolutely no teen pregnancy shows. MTV has always been a little picky with what they wanted on there channel, in regards to music, and always remained mainstream. When The Box was around music lovers could see their favorite underground artists if they wanted. Of course, the music industry was very different then. But what I loved the most about The Box was the option to see what music videos were coming on next during the music breaks. WHY DON’T THEY DO THIS ANYMORE?!

Equivalent to The Box today, we have MTV Jams and MTV University, which can be found if you have Verizon Fios or Comcast Xfinity. These channels are “okay.” But I prefer a more organic and original feel for music. Too much of the same thing turns me off, so you can imagine how much time I spend watching either channel. If MTV Jams and MTV University were combined, they’d probably scratch the surface, but only the surface. Can we please bring The Box back?

The Cassette

I use to listen to the radio all day just to catch my favorite song to record on an audio cassette, and not just any audio cassette. When I didn’t have a blank tape available, I would rummage through my room to find an old “storybook” tape, which originally had Disney bedtime stories on it, and shoved some notebook paper in the top holes, close to where the tape could be found, so I could re-record over its boring stories. Talk about desperate to get a song! My only issue doing this was the radio dj talking through the tracks and the unwanted radio edits. If it wasn’t a Ludacris or DMX song, I’d hate to not hear what the artist was really saying. The struggles of downloading music was too real then. But it was worth it.

Now, life has made it easier to hear my favorites anytime I want. I can simply go to Soundcloud and YouTube with a swipe and click of a finger on my phone. Just type it into the search box and voilà, it’s there! But I do miss the struggles of getting my song from the radio. I knew every song that was played on air.

I’m a cartoon fanatic!

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Remember waking up early on the weekends to watch cartoons like Johnny Quest, Goosebumps, Bobby’s World, or Digimon Digital Monsters? I use to dread getting up in the morning for school during the week. But when Saturday rolled around, I was up watching cartoons right on time while I ate breakfast. Cartoons from my past could be the reason I’m so animated today because I still watch them. I recently rewatched the entire first seasons of Jackie Chan Adventures and Digimon Digital Monsters on Netflix. All it did was make me upset that I had to get ready for work later that day.

I feel so bad for kids today. They don’t get to have that Saturday morning experience like I had. The moment the clock struck noon, I was already outside hanging with my friends afterwards. Of course, going outside is another thing kids don’t experience, but that’s another story. On top of not having the Saturday morning cartoons to wake up to, kids rarely have a good variety of cartoons to choose from. Broadcast networks like The CW, FOX, and CBS rarely show cartoons, unless it’s the holidays. Plus, Every time I’m channel surfing the tv guide, I find marathons of the same cartoons running for hours on cable networks. It was never like that while growing up on 90s cartoons. There were too many that needed to be aired.

There is so much more that I can talk about that I’d bring back from the 1990s. But this blog post would be entirely too lengthy. So I literally shared with you the first three things that came to mind. Haha! What do you think you’d bring back from the 90s? Let me know in the comments below.

ALSO, this post is part of a local blogger competition The Mobbies, sponsored by Baltimore Sun and Creative Alliance. I’ve been nominated for three categories: Best Music Blog, Best Personal Blog, and Best Label Defying Blog. Thanks, Guys!

Voting begins November 3rd! I’d like to ask all my loyal readers to please add this date to your calendars to participate in the voting process and visit this link when voting begins, Baltimore Mobbies. Thanks for all for always reading! I have to do something special for y’all.

Doc Talks About Supporting Artists In Baltimore With @BaltimoreFlavaRadio

Last Friday, I was on Baltimore Flava Radio’s as a guest speakers to talk about the infamous topic that’s been stirring up quite a controversy; what’s wrong with these Baltimore artist’s that have this crabs-in-a-barrel mentality and why is it a lack for support for other artists here?

What did you do this past Friday? Did you tune into Baltimore Flava Radio, syndicated on Baltimore Internet radio station WPB Radio?

Antwon, one of the show’s hosts, came across my article, “#NewBaltimore or #OldBaltimore, We’re All Crabs,” while surfing the web, one day, and apparently loved it. I’m flattered, haha. But really, I’m glad he enjoyed reading it and offered the opportunity to come talk about it on his show.

I thought about all of you and made sure to have it recorded so I could share it with some of my readers who were out partying Friday night, instead of doing what my article says. It’s okay and I forgive you for missing it, haha. You may still have a listen, here.

Thanks for watching. I can’t tell you how much it means to have such a wonderful group of supporters supporting me talk about supporting one another.

This is a start to changing this city’s reputation. You choosing to do this is showing that you’re defying my theories of being crabs. This is exactly what I want you to do, show the rest of the world that we aren’t crabs. We care about our city’s talent reaching new levels of success. We want to see them do better. We want to show the rest of the world what we’re capable of. Let’s keep it up!

Let’s start by supporting Baltimore Flava Radio! Follow them on Twitter at @BatimoreFlavaRadio and Instagram at @BaltimoreFlavaRadio. Join their group on Facebook and get active. Share the love!

What resources do you think Baltimore needs to help artist here progress to the next level of success? Leave your comments below.

Do you think this city’s hip-hop scene is too worried about supporting who they know and not the art itself? Read Baltimore is Too “Cliqued” Up To Have Supporters on Doc’s Castle Media.

Time To Take A Doc’s Castle Media Break

Don’t let this come as a surprise to you. I’m taking a blogger’s break and here’s why…

You ever had one of those moments where you’re sitting around thinking of the many things you could be accomplishing but aren’t because you find yourself being too busy trying to keep up with what everyone else is doing? Have you ever felt that moment when you realize you’re losing interest in something because you’re seeking approval of your brand? I feel like that in the chase of trying to find a purpose for Doc’s Castle Media.

There are so many reasons I could list for why I’m losing interest in what I currently do for DCM. (I won’t be posting them here. I might be posting my reasons in a future post.) As I’m getting older, I’m constantly questioning what’s more important to me. I’d rather stick to things that will keep me happy than working for the approval of someone else. So as I’m working for Doc’s Castle Media, I’m seeing I’m losing the love I once had for my blog site because I feel the pressure that comes with being one of Baltimore’s sought after small entertainment bloggers.

I’m a drifter. I started to pick up on that as time passed by. People would often asked me what I wanted to do as a career when I get older. My reply always varied within the arts until I reached the age of 21, where I rarely gave an answer at all. My reply became “I don’t know, probably something in the communications field.” Today, I still don’t know and my reply is the same. I “lowkey” hate that. I just want to be able to do what the hell I want and be appreciated for it. I don’t know why something as simple as that is so hard to do. When I feel like it’s not happening, I know things have to change. So here I stand trying to use my drifter abilities the best way I can.

It’s important for me to let you know that I’ll be on a mini disappearance because a lot of you have kept a continuous and very loyal following by reading whatever new posts I’ve published to the blog. I definitely don’t want to leave anyone assed out. Some people even expressed on my status where I first announce me going MIA that I’ll be missed. Thanks!

Will I Be Gone Forever?

Not even! I might even publish something after I post this. I just wanted to let people know in case there was a delay in my postings and if any of you would start to question my absence.

I’ll continue to guest blog and write for other sites in the meantime. But I’m trying to figure what I can do for Doc’s Castle Media that won’t make me revert to thinking about all the negative thoughts that I’ve developed about writing for Doc’s Castle Media.

I want to stay far away from becoming a grumpy person who’s frustrated about her art as long as possible. I don’t want the fun behind what I do to be taken away from me. I seek that feeling of a childlike sense of wonder in majority of what I do. If the feeling I get from writing becomes a dreadful duty, I would not know where I’d choose to go for my future because writing about what I feel, think, and believe helps give me purpose. I can’t lose that. I owned this talent. I’d be damned to lose it!

I don’t know how long I’m going to take a time out, though I’m always writing.

What I’ll be doing in the meantime…

I consider myself to be an “artistic writer.” So I’ll be practicing different mediums of writing during my quiet time. If you guys haven’t already been keeping up with me on my social sites, I’ve mentioned my interest in doing some songwriting, screenwriting, and book writing. In the future, you may see new pieces done from any of the three. I’ll also be continuing to guest blog for people at their requests and keeping my spirits and other’s spirits high in supporting other writers. So I may be quiet here, but I’m not completely silent.

What I’m expecting to come from this…

First, I expect to gain some kind of wisdom. I want to know myself better. I want to be able to place a better focus for where I’m going with myself. Second, I’m expecting to exercise my creative strengths while practicing writing other mediums. Lastly, I’ll be grasping for all hope in keeping my childlike sense of wonder while doing this because I do not want to turn writing into a dreaded job. Writing is a career. It’s been a hobby since I was 12 and I plan to enjoy doing it for the rest of my life.

So please be so kind to have some understanding while I go on this mini break. I’ll be posting other writings on other platforms. If you follow me on any of my social sites, I’ll direct you to them with the proper links when done. Thank you for all your support!

#NewBaltimore Or #OldBaltimore? We’re All Crabs!

It’s official. I’m convinced that the entire Baltimore hip-hop scene is confused about what creating a “New Baltimore” should be about.

This post was originally meant to be a recap of #NewBaltimore2, an artist showcase event that took place last Saturday in Baltimore. But that obviously changed as the event, itself, changed unexpectedly. The event was scheduled to be from 7:30 pm to 3:00 am, but ended up shutting down approximately around 12:15 am, leaving some music fans disappointed that they didn’t see who they were anticipating to watch perform that evening. BUT that’s not what I want to highlight in this blog. I want to talk about the event’s mission and if it was truly met this weekend.

This was the second #NewBaltimore event. The first event was held around the same time last year and sponsored by the same people, DaCornerStore. I attended both events and have stated my opinion for both via social media. I will NOT be discussing how I’ve been scolded for my opinion on both events. I will say that people’s decision to attack me further pushes me to write why I believe we’re all still crabs looking for an exit from the rusted old barrel.

But as this topic of New Baltimore vs. Old Baltimore starts buzzing in the ears of people here, I want to emphasize my stance on the topic as a supporter of all art that comes from my fellow Baltimoreans. I attend all art events big or small; exclusive to the public or open to the public. I do not look to discriminate. I’m simply there to practice my art like many others who go to these artsy shows. I support everyone because I’m tired of this city’s talent being continuously overlooked. We deserve some recognition!

First, I want to say how proud I am of the turnout for #NewBaltimore2. There had to be around 200 people who showed up to support good music. I was even more proud to hear people in the crowd singing the lyrics to some of these artists music. It was all love and there was a lot of it. That’s something different from what I usually see while attending shows. I applaud the promoters for that.

So what’s circulating about this “New Baltimore,” (& I’m going off of what I’ve heard from talking to other artists on Twitter and Facebook) #NewBaltimore is here to provide a platform for the new, younger generation of artists, in Baltimore, as opposed to the older generations or vets in the city’s scene, who are said to have more chances and opportunities for their music be heard.

All of Sunday, I watched a few of the younger artists in Baltimore expressed their concerns, openly over Facebook, about how they’re not having the opportunity to “shine” alongside veteran artists due to a lack of support from those who throw, plan, and promote hip-hop events. Some say promoters are bias when choosing who to include in showcases and its unfair that they aren’t getting support similar to the veterans. But I say, this shouldn’t be a thought in anyone’s mind, at this point, because we all aren’t shit. (Excuse my French) But I believe it’s this state of thinking that’s causing a huge ruckus about what’s happening today. It’s when people dislike seeing other’s doing better than them that they make this artsy thing become a competition when in reality no one’s even signed to a major record label.

The controversy that comes with #NewBaltimore starts with its title as it points to the attention of something new happening within Baltimore. But what’s really new? I didn’t know that #NewBaltimore was meant to be a door for the newcomers to break into Baltimore’s hip-hop scene, rather than being about the attitude of people in this city, which is what we should be focusing on.

Everyone’s attitude is the same. We’ve proven this Saturday that we’re crabs, still, because why is it that we show up to this showcase and not the other numerous showcases in Baltimore that has new talent each day. Did we really come to hear some good new music or was it the names on the flyer that drew us in? Were we, as artists, really there to check out the competition because these performers have reserved spots in a show while some of us in the audience aren’t? Some of us only get to perform one song at Love and Hip-hop Open Mic Night held at St. Mary’s Restaurant.

The attitude of local artists has to change if we’re seeking to be recognized. ALL artists need to reframe from placing themselves on pedestals and for once, in this hard knock city, and learn to truly support. Aren’t you tired of lagging behind other cities’ reputations as society portrays them to be places of progression when we have an abundance of fresh new sounds right in our backyard and the potential to be as great as the people who come out of Atlanta, LA and New York?

Come on, now. Majority of the people at #NewBaltimore have made some dent in the hip hop scene here. So I asked myself this question when I left. “Taylor, when’s the last time you’ve seen any of these people at an open mic? If they claim they love hip hop so much, why is it so hard to support someone else’s event? Why are they showing up because they know who’s throwing this event instead of celebrating the art?” I have not seen one person that I saw at #NewBaltimore at any other open mic in Baltimore. Eargasim, Monumental Mondays, Be Free Fridays, Love and Hip-Hop, the list goes on and these venues are ghost towns each week. Answer that! We’re not encouraging the artist at these events. We’re not pushing for something new.

I guess #NewBaltimore really opened my eyes to how many crabs we’re dealing with, even with the entire city knowing we’re stuck in a barrel. It’s not people who aren’t artist we should worry about getting to these show. First, we need to worry about living the lifestyles we glorify and speak of. We need to be changing our attitudes and supporting talented people regardless of their names. We need to come together, then encourage others to come out to support.

But I’m just a blogger and my words have no value because I’m not an artists myself. At least that’s what some of these new artist say. I’m just tired of writing about the same thing. Seven months later, I’m still saying Baltimore Is Too “Cliqued” Up to Have Supporters. I shouldn’t be scolded for what I’m observing. My observations aren’t far-fetched. There isn’t a new Baltimore, not yet. We still have time to create it.

But what do you think? Am I wasting my breath? Will we ever escape this barrel? Will the newcomers and the vets come together? Will artist support these other showcases around the city? Let me know in the comments below.

Have you read my last music highlight? Read Music Highlight: Quinn Shabaz’s Day One ft. Jimmy Apoet & Leon Dominick on Doc’s Castle Media.

The Current Generation Doesn’t Take Part In Civil Rights Movements Because…

In the awakening of the protests that have taken place across the nation over the course of these past few weeks, I’ve seen opinions from different people all over the “interweb” about whether people should participate in the cause to stop police brutality. I have some opinions, myself, on such a subject.

At my nine-to-five job, I speak to older people often about the justifications for why younger generations choose not to participate in civil rights movements or protests. They are astonished at my answers but they agree with my assumptions quite often. So I made a list explaining why I feel the younger generation doesn’t put much effort in protesting in causes similar to Michael Brown’s.

1.) This generation is selfish and lazy.

If we can’t even make the choice to be in a monogamous relationship and stop glorifying side pieces, how are we able to commit to a few protests. It’s sad to say but really, how are we able to be positive if even the intimate situations are left unanswered? If we aren’t loyal to our own culture by not participating in genocide, how are can we march together? We also look for quick solutions because we’re too lazy to search for what will truly help. How can we organize a successful protest without passion for helping someone else, or without the urge to help?

2.) They don’t see protesting as often as previous generations so it’s hard to justify the reason for why they should do it. This generation is sort of “privileged” because we never had to march for the chance to be including in something “white america” has for themselves. Racism is still prevalent today but the difference between then and now is racism is a secret to majority of the white culture. It’s so secret that white people who look past color differences often look at black people’s complaints about racism as “nagging.” This generation turns a blind eye to racist acts, and when they do that, there isn’t further action for stopping hate crimes when they do happen.

3.) There isn’t a civil rights leader to lead this generation.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X are icons of the past. This generation looks up to Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Kanye West to be influenced to do something. I have yet to see either one of them do anything in support of the people protesting in Ferguson for Michael Brown. I think it sucks that what these artists think can influence other people’s thoughts and actions, especially when it comes to Kanye. People feed off this man’s negativity more than the positive. Now tell me, how would this country react if Kanye decided to be a civil rights leader. We need someone to provoke greatness in our culture, not meaningless idiocy.

5.) They’re unaware of what’s happening in the community.

This generation doesn’t read or watch the news unless it’s about entertainment. To add to that, the media also pushes the same stories 50 times like people didn’t hear it 30 times from a different media outlet. What happened to promoting awareness. I think we’re well informed about how great the 2014 VMA’s went. Let’s get back to what’s tearing this country apart.

6.) They don’t believe that anything will change.

Majority of this generation thinks negatively before looking at the positive in a situation. Just look at our Instagrams. There are thousands of memes that are used to describe our feelings about certain things. I see majority of memes that have negative undertones. I have people on my social networks who live by “twitter logic.” If they keep pushing negativity, who’s to say they’ll change? It takes strength to change. Can we say this generation is strong?

I don’t participate in every movement created in remembrance of Michael Brown. Not every cause is in favor of everyone. This week I was invited to participate in a protest that, in my opinion, doesn’t support the cause for equality at all. Have you heard of the Blackout Monday protest?

Blackout Monday is doing the exact opposite of fighting for equality! How are we working to become a better nation if we’re telling people not to support businesses because they are in support of “the system” (whatever the hell that is). Last time I checked, all of America owes other countries a piece of our shares. Everyone needs a little money to support their love ones. Why jeopardize how someone survives based off what’s currently happening? What is the reason for seizing shopping at stores that employ blacks or other minorities? What is one day shopping at Black own businesses going to do? If you’re going to support blacks, why let it be for one day?

So if I don’t shop at Best Buy or Wal-Mart on Monday, September 8, 2014 and support black businesses in America, we’ll be better as a nation? Somethings wrong with this logic. We should be pushing for EQUALITY and not aiming to be further SEGREGATED.

It wasn’t too long ago we chanted how we wanted change while Barack Obama ran for president. One man can’t do it. Let all generations come together to change. Let all people come together to change. Let’s stop talking about change and really change this time!

We should all be leaning on the proposition that we need a leader to point us in the right direction for making a change. There are too many people with multiple opinions inflicting their morals on others. Not everyone’s morals are for the good. We need someone like Martin Luther King Jr., someone who’s going to speak of protesting in peace and unity because the rioting in Ferguson is doing the opposite of what we’re expecting to change.

What do you think? Why do you think the younger generations don’t participate in protests? Leave your comments below.

Did you participate in the online protest in honor of Michael Brown? Read The Online Protests In Honor of Those Mistreated By Law Enforcers: #IfTheyGunnedMeDown on Doc’s Castle Media.

Doc Takes On the #IceBucketChallenge for ALS!

I’m on the roll with writing these trendy posts, lately. Ha-ha. This week it’s all about the infamous Ice Bucket Challenge in recognition of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

People all across the nation take on dumping gallons upon gallons of ice-cold water to spread the awareness of ALS. It comes as a big relief for many because as of 2 weeks ago what was catching media attention was the terrifying Fire Challenge. But thank the heavens I haven’t seen any of those posts since then.

My sister Kendyl Walker agreed to do the challenge as she was called out by a friend from college. At first, she was hesitant about doing it because she recently went to the hairdresser two days prior to the dumping. But we found a way for her to take it on and keep her gorgeous hairstyle all at once.

After I got some enjoyment from watching my sister squirm from me pouring ice-cold water on her, she challenged me to take on the huge bucket of ice. I guess, I deserved it.

Though we both did the challenge, we still donated money to a great cause. I encourage others to learn more about Lou Gehrigs disease and to donate to ALSA. Every little bit counts.

Lots of celebrities have taken on the Ice Bucket Challenge. Who’s your favorite? Leave your comments below.

Have you heard of the popular hash-tag #IfTheyGunnedMeDown? Read The Online Protest In Honor of Those Mistreated By Law Enforcers: #IfTheyGunnedMeDown on Doc’s Castle Media.

Lights, Camera, Fashion! Recap of the Boulevard of Chic’s Fashion Show

What a great feeling it is when I can say that I’ve completed another task from my Bucket List. Last weekend, I participated in my first fashion show. Boulevard of Chic asked me if I was interested in participating in their 2nd fashion truck rally, which took place on the Rash Field in the Baltimore Inner Harbor.

It was an honor to be apart of a fashion show that seemed better suited for the people and by the people. In a professional runway show, it’s apparent that the show isn’t for the people. The average person can’t be spotted at show like it. But at the Boulevard of Chic’s show, anyone can be seen there. The people spotted at last Saturday’s event most likely supported venues there by purchasing something from their tents. So to be wearing something that someone probably bought by the end of the day, I felt honored and pleased to know that the show was of good use to onlookers.

I worked my stuff in what I was provided. My make up for the fashion show was done by Candace Tingen of Metamorphose Industries LLC. She did a wonderful job. She also does professional makeup artistry for bridal, film, print, and any other special occasion a girl should look spazzy for. So if you’re seeking someone with professional work experience, check out Candace. The outfit I modeled, which is shown on the picture above, is from Hannah Mone’t, which is Maryland based fashion retailer that caters to women of all shapes and sizes, from small and petite to curvy and chic. So if you’re into that funky type of style, Hannah Mone’t is the place for you.

There were a lot of other nice clothing lines and small businesses that participated in Saturday’s show, check some of them out in the video below.

Did you see all the goodies from the 1st Boulevard of Chic Fashion Truck Rally? Read Fun at Baltimore’s 1st Fashion Truck Rally on Doc’s Castle Media.

The Online Protest In Honor of Those Mistreated By Law Enforcers: #IfTheyGunnedMeDown

People have taken to social media, again, to talk about concerns revolving what’s happening in the news and on our timelines this week. Popular hash-tag #IfTheyGunnedMeDown brewed up controversy as folks participating in an online rally/protest against the media’s decision of choosing an image that negatively represents the characters of black people. It kick off with the misrepresentation of Michael Brown, a young black male who was fatally shot in St. Louis by police this week.

The story of Michael Brown is a very sad one. A young man, who did nothing wrong at the time of his attempted arrest, was slaughter in front of a community and left in the street for hours before officials decided to clear the scene. The police decision to leave Brown hours after the shooting nearly provoked a riot between people in the neighborhood and the law enforcers. As the week continues to play out, protests emerge as and all I have to say about this is why are blacks still having this battle to be treated fairly?! Why do we continue to be labeled as a group of people who don’t deserve the same level of respect as whites?! We’re all human.

Growing up being black, I can’t help but ask “why does the media choose to publicize our worse?” There is so much good that’s being done by black people. But we have to dig deep into the underground media to see those who are doing good deeds. We have to go out of our way to hear positive things because what’s flashing in front of us doesn’t tell the truth about what’s happening in our communities. As the world watches these videos of police brutality acts towards black people, blacks must remember that they aren’t what society portray them as. They have the potential to be great no matter how much the world tries to manipulate their thoughts into believing they can’t. It’s pure ignorance to allow the media to choose the worst in deciding what will represent us as a group of people. You see what they’ve done with Michael Brown!

This hash-tag is something everyone should take part in as were watching what’s happening in St. Louis. What will the media portray me as if I was shot?

I’m more than judgements. Everyone deserves to be heard. So if you’re more than what on the exterior and more than what people judge you as, post a picture using the hash-tag #IfTheyGunnedMeDown to show the media that they must stop making us look ignorant. Stop treating us like we’re derogatory creatures. We help build this country to be what it is today like everyone else who lives here. We shouldn’t have to remind the world about it.

Share some of your #IfTheyGunnedMeDown posts with us. Post them to our comments. Leave your mark as someone who deserves a chance.

Will we have a voice?! Read Will Blacks Have to Wait Another 100 Years? on Doc’s Castle Media.

The HashTag That Lasted All Week: #ImSoBaltimore

Is it over yet?

For the past two days, I’ve watched my city shine with pride as people participating in a game online through their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. My online friends shared memories of growing up in Baltimore by posting photos and statuses about moments they remember while living in Baltimore under the #hashtag #ImSoBaltimore.

I recall there being other hashtags, like #ImSoDC and #ImSoHarlem. But because majority of my time lines are recipients of Baltimore City, I rarely saw those posts. So like a throwback Thursday turned into an entire week of nostalgia, I was swimming in Baltimore pride all week.

Just the other day, we complained about how we hated where we were from. Two weeks ago, we screamed of how no one will ever make it out of this city with the lack of support from other people who live here. But what I see, with the addition of support from people who attended Artscape, we’ve gain quite a supportive presence by showing our pride in where we come while simply posting statuses about things done in and only in our city.

I spent most of my Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday liking other people’s posts, thinking to myself: I remember doing that or saying I wish that place never went out of business. We aren’t just the home of the Wire. We’re more. We just needed to let others know for a sec.

I miss Baltimore the way everyone remembered it. We talked about it like we don’t do these memorable activities anymore. It opened up my eyes into looking for new memories to capture while I continue to live here. Although, I already have started picking up the habit of doing things that can only be experienced here, I hope that others developed that sense to do the same. We can create more of these Baltimore memories.

Check out some of the things people said while participating in this week’s popular #hashtag. (All these status updates were taken from my Facebook time line. These were not submitted to me. I simply stumbled across them.)

We had a few downers who complained about this online burst of Baltimore pride, of course. It never fail to have someone representing that “crab-in-a-barrel” mentality. I’m glad someone chose to speak up about it, though.

IKR! Just log out because it’s not over yet. Baltimore for life! We’re SO BALTIMORE!

What are some of your memories about Baltimore? Share some in the comments below.

Did you participate in the #TwitterPurge? Read WTF #TwitterPurge on Doc’s Castle Media.

What’s Love Got To Do With It

I recently watched the movie What’s Love Got To Do With It starring Angela Bassett, and I never realize how accurate the film was until I took the time out to analyze how real situations in people’s love lives over power their decision-making process. Have you ever come across someone who’s accepting of so much distress from one person only to find out it’s because they “love” this individual entirely too much?

People choose to stick with the wrong people a little too often.

When the bad outweighs the good in someones relationship, it becomes hard for me to comprehend why someone would stick around with another person for long periods of their life. If the heartache outweighs the happiness, what kind of repayment are you receiving after investing your time to this one person? I don’t get it.

In What’s Love Got To Do With It, Tina Turner was caught up in some warp spell with Ike Turner. No matter how shitty he treated her, she stuck around because she loved him. This man yelled at her over simple issues, beat her when he felt she was disrespectful, he basically treated her like she was his pet, in a way. This guy even raped her. What the hell was keeping her around?!

It’s sad the reality of a situation like Ike and Tina’s. So many others go through it everyday because of the fear of having to start over with someone new. I say screw that! That’s not a reason to refuse to leave a bad place in your life. What’s love got to do with it if you’re getting disrespected everyday dealing with this “love.” To me, it’s not love at all. It’s simply fear and confusion. The fear of stepping out on someone they’re obviously confused about.

Are you aware of what’s right and wrong in your relationship?

Communication is key in every relationship so why not address what the correct things are for the both of you in your relationship. Who likes what? Who believes getting beat is what happens in a relationship? From day one,a person’s wants and needs should be hashed out in a mature conversation with their significant other. Maybe not the first date, but while both parties are getting to know what they like. They’ll truly be spending their time getting to know someone they should care about.

Later when the both parties have spent so much time getting to know each other, they’ll be put in a better position to be happy with each other. If a person is unable to communicate their concerns, they won’t comprehend this most important step. Assumptions rule that person’s ability to make rational choices. Sometimes that’s what makes me believe influences someone’s decision to put their hands on another person, through their assumptions and inability to solve problems. Simple communication can fix that.

Know when their time is up!

When is the correct time to know you’re tired? Some people miss the point where they should say, “Look, I’m tired of this happening to me.” Should a person wait until they’re in the hospital while their health is not too great, should they wait until your spirits are sucked from within and they see it’s impossible to move on to something better for themselves. That cannot be me at all.

I’m sorry if I’m coming off a bit passionate about this subject. It’s just when I’m watching TV, why do I have to be reminded of the dumb things I’ve seen at some point in my life. I’ve known people who I’ve seen first hand go through what my generation may call the “Ike Turner.” Ha-ha! It’s no reason to glorify it.

When someone’s time is up, they’ll feel it in their soul and know enough is enough. It’s when that person will finally grab their dignity and say no! They’ve finally gained respect for themselves. They finally love themselves.

Move The F*%# On

So someone’s hand is slapping you across your face. Are you going to hit them back, let it happen with no consequences, or walk away with your dignity in tact. Uhh, I suggest a person to walk away because they’d look really retarded standing there getting hit, giving the permission to another person to continually put their hands on them like the person is above them.

There are billions of people on this earth. Forget that one crummy person who can’t respect someone they claim to love. We don’t bring down others self-esteem over here! We uplift them and this post is meant to uplift another. Rise up from what you’re comfortable in being involved in and change your life around.

Can you name a circumstance where you knew someone was in a bad predicament, like domestic abuse? Share them in the comments below.

Read Petition to Comb Blue Ivy’s Hair on Doc’s Castle Media