I wanted to write a poem, a poem about injustice, no indictment, about what black life meant, then I realized I better have enough paper for every black and brown person terrorized, sodomized, left died on and in streets...even go as far back as our ancestor hanging in trees...because a poem with a list of names would turn this poem...epic, and the story it would tell would amount to years of fear...an oppressor allowed to destroy and serve the needs of anyone but the victimized...why do we get criminalized, criticized, and condemned...I would mention Bill Cosby, but you've already began a different kind on murder on him, but sha tem...me amour, this could never be, although hand in hand is how we tell our youngest kids to be, until the reality sets in, and in concrete jungles, even them kids on jungle gyms don't get to cross the monkey bars before being shot...12 seconds in, blood in sand play gun in hand and die ins don't account for all the countless people dying at the hands of the corrupt cop, the set you up to shut you up cop, the I will bust you up...bust a glock, then figure out WHAT to say cop, the cop that is as trigger happy as a beautician with scissors, as scared as a white woman clinching her purse, as excited on an adrenaline rush as a kid at Christmas...ya'll don't get it, I wanted to write a poem, a poem about injustice, no indictment, about what black life meant, then I realized I better have enuff paper to talk about driving while, walking while, eating while, playing while, shopping while, being scared while, being at home while...all BEING BLACK, has to now come with a updated survival guide, and don't get in a car accident and need help from a neighbor...he'll shoot thru the door and claim me as a female threatened his life...wait, that wasn't a cop tho...and that's why this poem, won't work yo, cause of the countless atrocities that daily leave black and brown bodies in the street, how do we count the ones that are loss senselessly at the hands of our own, It has to be said, and yeah, even in this NOT A POEM, there are millions of black on black crimes and that amasses to a million loss black lives...and we have to talk about the cause, the root, the stem...the TRUTH, or where it comes from...what can we do to change the culture of CARE LESS UNTIL IT"s A COP KILLING MY KID...until its' SNITCHES ARE STANDARD PLACE....See I was going to write a poem, a poem about injustice, no indictment, what black life meant and I realized the problem is bigger than the page, more controversial than the CIA...wait...does anyone see the correlation, I was sitting here patiently waiting for someone to notice the ties between the two, see I can't pause a poem for you to have enough time to, see I was going to write a poem, place it all on FB, let ya'll faces look and hope we can get change, but a word on a screen will not enrage you, take you to step 3 skipping step 2...you will continue to do you...and well, I can't breathe thinking about where no breathe on the issue will get us, and how I wanted to write a poem.
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Student Life
10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College
10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.
14h
454
Pexels
Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.
Your Schedule
You may have the perfect schedule that a person has ever seen...No Friday classes, no classes before noon and they all get out before 3 PM. But that doesn't mean, "party every night" cause eventually that will catch up with you.
The Library
Oh the library, its a great and magical place where you might actually do homework instead of napping or watching Netflix....but good luck getting a seat there.
Time Management
"You have 2 months to do this paper," says professor.
*inside your head* Omg I have so much time. I'll start it after I finish my season of New Girl on Netflix.
*night before it is due* OMG I can't believe I pushed it all the way until the last minute.
Trust me, it happens. You might learn after the first time or you might not.
Registration
Registration for your first semester is pretty easy. Usually, you do it at orientation so counselors are actually in the room to help you. But for the next semesters that are coming up...it's not so easy. Perfect teachers and ideal time slots will never be found, young freshmen. Hell week=registration week.
Housing
On-campus or off-campus housing is pretty nice. Just keep in mind: roommates will fight, even if it's just a little one they will happen.
The Dining Hall
FRIED CHICKEN DAY...good luck finding even floor space to stand.
Teachers
Get to know your professors. They are there to help you but keep in mind they really don't care if you fail. But they will help you if you show interest in not failing their class. Retaking a professor the next semester isn't a good idea cause they will remember you.
Clubs
First month of school is the Club Fair overload. Everyone is trying to recruit new members with anything money can pay for. Snow Cones, free t-shirts, popcorn, cotton candy. Keep in mind...recruiters for these clubs will jump outta nowhere to see if you want to join their club.
High School Friends
Try and keep in contact with your high school group of friends. "But I'm too busy to text them," you might say. Well, you text that girl from your Chemistry class every day and your sorority sisters, so you have time for them. Your high school friends are going through generally the same college experience, so reach out to them.
Finals
So actually Hell Week is here. Good luck finding a seat anywhere. But take a deep breath, take your time and actually study. Winging your exams in high school was easy, but college is very different.
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Student Life
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.
22 December
1232
morethanwheels
I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.
You can't just go to your room to take a nap in the middle of your classes.
Some commuters are lucky enough to live only a few minutes from campus, but I live 50 minutes away so I've napped in some really strange places. There's one secret spot on campus that is my go to, but I can't give that one away just in case I need it this finals week.
Having to spend all your extra cash on gas for your car.
There is nothing I hate spending money on more than filling up my gas tank. I have a car with pretty decent gas mileage but it feels like I fill the tank more than once a week.
 Speaking of money, you probably don't have a meal plan so you're forced to scrounge up some change or mooch off of your friends.
I tried to buy some chips the other day for lunch and my connect card only had 14 cents on it; I dug through my wallet to find some change but that moment was pretty embarrassing. I hate begging for someone to swipe me into the dining hall, but my friends usually have too many meal swipes left anyway. They're saints.
It can be harder to maintain the friendships you make with people from class.
The moment you tell them you're a commuter, they make that "oh god I'm so sorry face" and you don't really see them much after that. I get it though, it's easier to be friends with people who are convenient as opposed to the ones who are either working, in class, or driving home when you want to hang out.
Finding a parking spot.
For one, the parking lot you need to parking in is probably full, so you're stuck waiting for someone to leave then following them slowly to their car to take their spot. It's extremely awkward and I hate it but it's absolutely necessary. For some reason, my school made up of 60 percent commuters decided to put the parking garage in east nowhere instead of the parking lot everyone uses the most. I get that it would have been difficult to build on that lot because there would be nowhere for commuters to park during construction but I'm still bitter about it.
It can be harder to be involved on campus because between your one, two, or three jobs and school you don't have much free time.
Someone's gotta pay for all that gas.
When you try to be super involved on campus, it can kill your sleep schedule.
I decided to join a sorority and there are some nights where by the time I've finished my 50 minute drive home I just collapse into bed and pass out with my regular clothes on. I'm super glad I joined because it keeps me on campus instead of just driving home after class but the exhaustion is real.
It's impossible to do homework at home, but staying on campus isn't an option sometimes.
I can't concentrate on anything at home so I usually do my homework while I'm on campus, but it would be nice to be able to walk from the library straight to your room.
There are surveys and events that you can't participate in because you're a commuter.
Every semester I get the same email from ResNet telling me "you can win a free iPad by taking this survey" but to qualify you have to be a resident. It's like danging a carrot in front of a horse's face.
 Group projects are the bane of your existence.
It's already difficult enough working around everyone's class schedule, but then you have to factor in the days you're actually on campus and available to do the project. By the end of it you're all just emailing one another and hoping for the best.
Traffic.
There is nothing worse than adding extra time to an already annoying commute.
Your backpack rivals that of a survivalist trekking in the woods.
You need everything for all of your classes because why would you want to walk all the way back to your car in east nowhere then back to civilization?
Driving all the way to campus to find a note on the door of your classroom saying class was cancelled.
No email, just pure and utter disregard for everyone and everything.
There are a lot of struggles commuter students face, but I wouldn't trade home-cooked food, my own bed, and snuggling with my cat every night for anything.
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Entertainment
15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life
Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?
21 December
3932
NBC
Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:
1. When he just wanted bacon from his George Foreman grill
2. When he had money (and Jan) issues
3. When he got upstaged at Phyllis' wedding
4. When he unintentionally saved Meredith from rabies
5. When he wore a "bisexual" suit
6. When he had to apologize to Jesus
7. When his GPS drove him into a lake
8. When he had to deal with Ryan as his boss
9. When he couldn't fulfill his most generous empty promise
Jim & Pam's wedding, the proposal of Michael to Holly and his departure from the office "the goodbye episodes"
byu/vlamm inDunderMifflin
10. When this happened
11. When he struggled with a X-Mas break up
12. When he had to defend his generosity
13. When he threw a classy Christmas party for Holly but she had a boyfriend
14. When he had to stand up to peer pressure
15. When Toby was "Toby-ish"
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Featured
12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!
This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks
19 December
17992
StableDiffusion
When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.
Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face
StableDiffusionThis tradition is meant to drive away bad spirits of the past, but honestly, it's more like a free concert...your friends should really be paying you for your services if you decide to do this on New Year's Eve.
Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket
StableDiffusionIt's been sitting there since what, 8:00? You snooze you lose, and besides, no one's paying attention to you anyway.
Pop Twelve White Grapes
StableDiffusionIf you were in Spain, everyone would be doing just this. One grape for every month of the year. It's supposed to be lucky and stuff.
Burn Something
Photo by Ian Schneider on UnsplashIt's really not that odd-- families in Ecuador burn scarecrows every year on New Year's Eve. It's a symbol of diminishing the negativity of last year. Perhaps preform this one outside though, just to be safe of course.
Smash Things Against a Wall
Photo by Lidye on UnsplashWe can thank the Irish for this bright idea, they use bread specifically though. Who knows why this is a tradition, but it certainly seems like it could be incredibly soothing, don't you think?
Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig
Photo by Melissa Askew on UnsplashThis isn't lucky or symbolic of anything, but it'll give you something to do at the stroke of midnight and you'll look god damn cool doing it.
Call Your Mother
rotary telephone
Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano on UnsplashWell, she did give birth to you. Midnight on New Year's Eve seems as good a time as any to thank her.
Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window
Photo by Kinga Howard on UnsplashAccording to South African tradition, it doesn't necessarily have to be a coffee table. It could be a futon, an ottoman, an armoire, really any piece of furniture that's old. It's for luck of course.
Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs
Photo by Chang Duong on UnsplashChannel your inner Beyonce, or Mariah, or whoever your Pop Star Diva Queen is and belt that tune. It'll be fantastic mood music.
Do Some Squats
Photo by Meghan Holmes on UnsplashMay as well start the New Year off by working on your inevitable resolution to drop some pounds. Why waste a single moment, you're likely forget the resolution by February anyway.
Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water
Photo by Brayden Prato on UnsplashAnother foreign tradition, this one is practiced by Germans. The kick of it is, you've got to do it while holding a lit torch. Again, who knows why this is a tradition, but its certainly sounds like a fun little challenge to ring in the New Year.
Take a Shot
Photo by Duri from Mocup on UnsplashAnd by shot, naturally I mean a snapshot. Perhaps a group photo, a selfie, or even an unfortunate snipe of your best friend. You'll feel loads better knowing you'll have something to always remember the first moments of 2025 by.
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Entertainment
11 Christmas Songs To Put You In A Holiday Mood
Time to be merry and bright.
19 December
3616
Digital Trends
I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.
"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr
Leslie Odom, Jr. (a.k.a. Aaron Burr in " Hamilton") released a Christmas album this year, and his cover of "First Noel" warms my soul.
"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives
There's just something so merry about Burl Ives's version. Plus, it's a classic.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson
I'm sure some will say it's sacrilegious to like any other version but Judy Garland's, but the notes Kelly hits are on point.
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
I mean, y'all knew I had to include this song, right? One of my best friends and I send each other all the Vines of this song.
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble
No Christmas playlist is complete without Michael, and this is one of the best on his album.
"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift
One of my few complaints about Taylor is that she only released one Christmas album, and that was almost ten years ago. But her cover of "Last Christmas" is definitely a hit, in my opinion.
"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban
I'm pretty sure everyone has their favorite cover of this holiday classic, but in my book, Josh Groban is king. Have some chestnuts, y'all.
"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel
Of course the Bing Crosby version from the "White Christmas" movie is my preferred version, but Spotify no longer has it, so Idina's cover is my second favorite.
"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta
He has the voice of an angel.
"Believe" by Josh Groban
"The Polar Express" is one of my favorite Christmas movies, and this song absolutely puts me in a holiday mood.
"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion
I love all things French so obviously my playlist has a French carol.
So what songs do you have on your Christmas playlist?
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