Medium Posts in 2020
Are you looking for one of my Medium posts from 2019? Click here. 2021? Click here.
This “Doggone World” publication is for dog lovers, dog walkers, dog owners and all bark-related, feel-good activity. She's completed 480 Wag walks with 80 dogs; eight dogsittings and six dog boardings.
67. Doggone World Bingo: Enjoy your dog adventures ~ The Bingo game that will make your dog mishaps more fun
66. Before you buy a Christmas puppy ~ Shopping pet tips to keep in mind for the holidays and beyond
65. I want my therapy dog to have a heartbeat ~ Why robotic therapy dogs don’t impress me as much as real therapy dogs
64. Christmas inspiration from the dog ~ ‘Raise the Woof’ and other pup entertainment
63. News outlets, you’re weirding dog owners out about Biden’s hairline fracture ~ If you’ve owned a dog, you’ve landed on your butt a few times
62. Should there be a dog size limit in your condo? ~ What leases and bylaws don’t always emphasize about pets
61. What’s up with Reverend Raphael Warnock and puppies? ~ Politicians know how voters feel about dogs
60. ‘Major’ news: First rescue dog makes his way to the White House ~ Biden’s dog choice brings up importance of adopting shelter dogs
59. Top 10 ways to decorate a dog crate ~ Make dog crate bars look dog chic
58. The accidental dog-napper ~ Tips to find your lost dog, with and without your neighbors
57. No pets, all scams: Recognizing the signs of pet scammers ~ Filling the pet void during social isolation without getting scammed
56. Potty training and pups: When carpet gets peed on more than grass ~ Tips for house-training and crate-training your dog
55. Prepping your child for a new dog ~ Always watch dogs and children closely, especially around each other
54. The dog trick we don’t test enough: Dodging cars ~ Why the ‘Pick of the Litter’ dog documentary should make non-guide dog owners pay attention
53. Dog owners date: What people-dating sites can teach dog owners about what to ask ~ Should dog owners choose pet dating sites exclusively?
52. Steps for getting an emotional support dog ~ Residents, here’s how to get an ESD in a building with a no-pet policy
51. When your dog gets mouthy ~ Acknowledging the difference between playful nibbling and dog bites
50. Recognizing early signs of dog arthritis ~ The one thing I’ll always regret about my first dog — the step fall
49. Will a dog treadmill help dog owners who don’t want to walk? ~ Your active dog won’t forget activity, even if you skip the outdoor walks
48. K9 bitten by dog behind fence, police blame owner’s dog ~ Dog walking 101: When you pass a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, keep your dog close
47. Getting rid of pests in your backyard ~ When your dog thinks wild animals are wrestling partners
46. Your dog can be your wingman, watchdog or a hater ~ If my watchdog doesn’t like you, then maybe I shouldn’t either
45. Let my service or companion dog inside! ~ Where ADA laws start, and local and state laws get involved
44. Hate face masks? Then you get why your dog hates muzzles ~ How you can use your face mask hesitancy for dog muzzle introductions
43. When the dog stops, is the walk over? ~ Reevaluating your dog walking routine
42. When your dog has to ‘go’ but you just want to go to sleep ~ Keeping yourself entertained during a turtle-slow walk
41. Unconventional ways to distract dogs from fireworks ~ The fireworks show is fun to hear and see — unless you own a dog
40. 5 supplies to avoid your house smelling like dogs ~ Warning: Your dog won’t like the couch rule
39. Dating apps: Cat men not welcome ~ Man’s best friend may be helping men get more dating action
38. COVID-19 is screwing pet owners out of bonding time ~ Why dog owners may need to find a relative or caregiver if infected
37. ‘Dogfather of Harlem’ is grooming pets for free Harlem ~ Doggie Day Spa takes its grooming on a 12-day tour
36. My dog brought a baby possum in our home — lucky us! ~ When hunting dogs love the chase and wreak havoc in your home
35. Making your dog’s crate feel like home ~ If your dog looks uncomfortable inside, she probably is
34. At least if you’re going to racially profile, don’t choke your dog! ~ Yet another dishonest 911 call risking the life of a black man
33. Amazon’s dog food Wag and curious marketing ~ Obviously Amazon has its own dog food, along with everything else
32. When your dog hates his new home ~ The four-legged roommate with moving worries
31. The dog is digging up the plants again ~ Tips to stop your dog from destroying your yard
30. Before you use your dog as a wingman … ~ Five tips to help read a woman’s body language around dogs
29. Strange dogs and strangers: Keeping dogs safe ~ When your dog has admirers, and you don’t know who to trust
28. I was Today Years Old when I learned of dog braces ~ Yes, Julia from ‘Desus & Mero,’ dog braces may be a ‘white woman thing’
27. Girl Scouts, earn a badge for making homemade pet supplies ~ Obtain the Senior Textile Artist Badge while in social isolation
26. Stalking celebrities’ dogs on Instagram: It’s not a crime ~ No use for Instagram — until it’s time to gush over dogs (and song battles)
25. Ditching the dog groomer during COVID-19 outbreak, yay or nay? ~ Pet groomers and dog owners are putting themselves at risk — unnecessarily
24. Dogs get major TLC and toys during social isolation ~ Don't be offended if your dog wants a bit of space from you
23. Michael Vick did it, overcame it, now get over it ~ From a dog lover who is tired of people reminding us of his dogfighting days
22. A natural disaster vs my dog: I chose my dog ~ When a Chicago tornado made me fully understand dog lovers
21. In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to … ~ Have you planned a foster parent for your pet?
20. What happened to the Dogs of Amazon? ~ When working from home means your dogs get to see you more
19. Stop giving your dog liquor ~ Why is Jessica’s dog on ‘Love Is Blind’ drinking from her wine glass?
18. Non-crazy ways to remember your deceased dog ~ What should stay and what should go when your dog dies
17. Adopting a dog during the coronavirus scare ~ How to socialize your pet during social isolation
16. Keeping track of your dog walking, boarding expenses for tax season ~ Get a handle on your 2021 tax filings in 2020
15. Puppy protests and know-it-all dog walkers ~ How to diffuse conflict when your puppy throws a tantrum in public
14. Walking dogs during the coronavirus scare ~ Be wary of instant Internet coronavirus experts, opt for proven results
13. Elizabeth Warren’s dog Bailey earned that burrito ~ Tips for dog owners to keep their kangaroo-hopping dogs from stealing food
12. Please stop lying about owning dogs in your dating app profile ~ Where I went wrong on dating sites: Not looking for men who own dogs
11. Before you buy a dog antler, know the risks ~ How a freelancing assignment made me concerned about dog toys
10. Safe walks on Wag, the fake home scam ~ Eight dog walking tips to feel secure while walking new dogs
9. When your fearful dog has an elephant memory ~ Five tips to help your dog get over a scary experience
8. Sleeping with dogs and bed hogs ~ When you finally give up on sleeping alone
7. Always pet proof your home and fence ~ Don’t let Animal Control take your dog away because it’s not built for control
6. No, your dog cannot always say ‘hi’ ~ Learning basic manners for socializing your dogs with strangers
5. Michael Bloomberg’s weirdo way to greet a dog ~ Avoid the snout: Choose these seven tips for first greeting with dogs
4. Your dog is your best speech evaluator ~ Why Toastmasters need to practice speeches in front of dogs
3. When your dog gets a new roommate ~ Socializing your adult dog with a new puppy
2. People will fear your dog so deal with it ~ How Musophobia made me respond differently to Cynophobia
1. My heavy-hearted love for senior dogs ~ You can teach an old dog new tricks — when it depends on survival
66. Before you buy a Christmas puppy ~ Shopping pet tips to keep in mind for the holidays and beyond
65. I want my therapy dog to have a heartbeat ~ Why robotic therapy dogs don’t impress me as much as real therapy dogs
64. Christmas inspiration from the dog ~ ‘Raise the Woof’ and other pup entertainment
63. News outlets, you’re weirding dog owners out about Biden’s hairline fracture ~ If you’ve owned a dog, you’ve landed on your butt a few times
62. Should there be a dog size limit in your condo? ~ What leases and bylaws don’t always emphasize about pets
61. What’s up with Reverend Raphael Warnock and puppies? ~ Politicians know how voters feel about dogs
60. ‘Major’ news: First rescue dog makes his way to the White House ~ Biden’s dog choice brings up importance of adopting shelter dogs
59. Top 10 ways to decorate a dog crate ~ Make dog crate bars look dog chic
58. The accidental dog-napper ~ Tips to find your lost dog, with and without your neighbors
57. No pets, all scams: Recognizing the signs of pet scammers ~ Filling the pet void during social isolation without getting scammed
56. Potty training and pups: When carpet gets peed on more than grass ~ Tips for house-training and crate-training your dog
55. Prepping your child for a new dog ~ Always watch dogs and children closely, especially around each other
54. The dog trick we don’t test enough: Dodging cars ~ Why the ‘Pick of the Litter’ dog documentary should make non-guide dog owners pay attention
53. Dog owners date: What people-dating sites can teach dog owners about what to ask ~ Should dog owners choose pet dating sites exclusively?
52. Steps for getting an emotional support dog ~ Residents, here’s how to get an ESD in a building with a no-pet policy
51. When your dog gets mouthy ~ Acknowledging the difference between playful nibbling and dog bites
50. Recognizing early signs of dog arthritis ~ The one thing I’ll always regret about my first dog — the step fall
49. Will a dog treadmill help dog owners who don’t want to walk? ~ Your active dog won’t forget activity, even if you skip the outdoor walks
48. K9 bitten by dog behind fence, police blame owner’s dog ~ Dog walking 101: When you pass a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, keep your dog close
47. Getting rid of pests in your backyard ~ When your dog thinks wild animals are wrestling partners
46. Your dog can be your wingman, watchdog or a hater ~ If my watchdog doesn’t like you, then maybe I shouldn’t either
45. Let my service or companion dog inside! ~ Where ADA laws start, and local and state laws get involved
44. Hate face masks? Then you get why your dog hates muzzles ~ How you can use your face mask hesitancy for dog muzzle introductions
43. When the dog stops, is the walk over? ~ Reevaluating your dog walking routine
42. When your dog has to ‘go’ but you just want to go to sleep ~ Keeping yourself entertained during a turtle-slow walk
41. Unconventional ways to distract dogs from fireworks ~ The fireworks show is fun to hear and see — unless you own a dog
40. 5 supplies to avoid your house smelling like dogs ~ Warning: Your dog won’t like the couch rule
39. Dating apps: Cat men not welcome ~ Man’s best friend may be helping men get more dating action
38. COVID-19 is screwing pet owners out of bonding time ~ Why dog owners may need to find a relative or caregiver if infected
37. ‘Dogfather of Harlem’ is grooming pets for free Harlem ~ Doggie Day Spa takes its grooming on a 12-day tour
36. My dog brought a baby possum in our home — lucky us! ~ When hunting dogs love the chase and wreak havoc in your home
35. Making your dog’s crate feel like home ~ If your dog looks uncomfortable inside, she probably is
34. At least if you’re going to racially profile, don’t choke your dog! ~ Yet another dishonest 911 call risking the life of a black man
33. Amazon’s dog food Wag and curious marketing ~ Obviously Amazon has its own dog food, along with everything else
32. When your dog hates his new home ~ The four-legged roommate with moving worries
31. The dog is digging up the plants again ~ Tips to stop your dog from destroying your yard
30. Before you use your dog as a wingman … ~ Five tips to help read a woman’s body language around dogs
29. Strange dogs and strangers: Keeping dogs safe ~ When your dog has admirers, and you don’t know who to trust
28. I was Today Years Old when I learned of dog braces ~ Yes, Julia from ‘Desus & Mero,’ dog braces may be a ‘white woman thing’
27. Girl Scouts, earn a badge for making homemade pet supplies ~ Obtain the Senior Textile Artist Badge while in social isolation
26. Stalking celebrities’ dogs on Instagram: It’s not a crime ~ No use for Instagram — until it’s time to gush over dogs (and song battles)
25. Ditching the dog groomer during COVID-19 outbreak, yay or nay? ~ Pet groomers and dog owners are putting themselves at risk — unnecessarily
24. Dogs get major TLC and toys during social isolation ~ Don't be offended if your dog wants a bit of space from you
23. Michael Vick did it, overcame it, now get over it ~ From a dog lover who is tired of people reminding us of his dogfighting days
22. A natural disaster vs my dog: I chose my dog ~ When a Chicago tornado made me fully understand dog lovers
21. In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to … ~ Have you planned a foster parent for your pet?
20. What happened to the Dogs of Amazon? ~ When working from home means your dogs get to see you more
19. Stop giving your dog liquor ~ Why is Jessica’s dog on ‘Love Is Blind’ drinking from her wine glass?
18. Non-crazy ways to remember your deceased dog ~ What should stay and what should go when your dog dies
17. Adopting a dog during the coronavirus scare ~ How to socialize your pet during social isolation
16. Keeping track of your dog walking, boarding expenses for tax season ~ Get a handle on your 2021 tax filings in 2020
15. Puppy protests and know-it-all dog walkers ~ How to diffuse conflict when your puppy throws a tantrum in public
14. Walking dogs during the coronavirus scare ~ Be wary of instant Internet coronavirus experts, opt for proven results
13. Elizabeth Warren’s dog Bailey earned that burrito ~ Tips for dog owners to keep their kangaroo-hopping dogs from stealing food
12. Please stop lying about owning dogs in your dating app profile ~ Where I went wrong on dating sites: Not looking for men who own dogs
11. Before you buy a dog antler, know the risks ~ How a freelancing assignment made me concerned about dog toys
10. Safe walks on Wag, the fake home scam ~ Eight dog walking tips to feel secure while walking new dogs
9. When your fearful dog has an elephant memory ~ Five tips to help your dog get over a scary experience
8. Sleeping with dogs and bed hogs ~ When you finally give up on sleeping alone
7. Always pet proof your home and fence ~ Don’t let Animal Control take your dog away because it’s not built for control
6. No, your dog cannot always say ‘hi’ ~ Learning basic manners for socializing your dogs with strangers
5. Michael Bloomberg’s weirdo way to greet a dog ~ Avoid the snout: Choose these seven tips for first greeting with dogs
4. Your dog is your best speech evaluator ~ Why Toastmasters need to practice speeches in front of dogs
3. When your dog gets a new roommate ~ Socializing your adult dog with a new puppy
2. People will fear your dog so deal with it ~ How Musophobia made me respond differently to Cynophobia
1. My heavy-hearted love for senior dogs ~ You can teach an old dog new tricks — when it depends on survival
This is a place for homeowners, condo owners, board association reps and contractors to chat.
21. Should you profit from guest parking passes? ~ A cheap way to make a profit from the parking lot
20. Working from home: The fine line in your insurance ~ In a COVID-19 world, can you run your business by the bylaws?
19. Should your condo association require a move-in, move-out fee? ~ Moving expenses are more expensive, thanks to stricter COVID-19 waste management rules
18. If condo boards are compensated, what should condo owners know? ~ Why waiving condo assessments is shaky territory
17. North Shore Towing nightmare: Hiring quality private parking companies ~ Every towing and patrol company isn’t created equal
16. Should activism signs be allowed in condo unit windows? ~ Freedom of Speech or suppression by condo rules?
15. Sell your condo unit or rent it out? ~ Know where landlord role starts and board role ends
14. As condo association president, I approve this Halloween message ~ Stripper skeletons and Halloween decor? Count me in
13. Landlords, tenant disputes and happy mediums ~ Lessons learned on the condo board that I wish I’d have known as a tenant
12. Pest prevention and problematic tenants ~ Hiring the one contractor you dread the most: Exterminators
11. Do condo associations need property managers? ~ Finding the right property manager for your condo board
10. Condo residents, face masks and common areas ~ Should board members make face masks mandatory in lobbies?
9. Before you hire a maintenance team, double-check the contract ~ Snow removal, handyman, plumber, painter, gardener: Don’t hire a contractor until you’re sure of the pros, cons and what-ifs
8. No dogs allowed? When to bend the condo rules ~ Is your no-pet policy doing more harm than good for condo owners?
7. Senior access while investing in a new home ~ Keep ADA compliance and elderly family in mind before renting or owning your next home
6. Lease or own appliances: Which should your condo association choose? ~ Know what you’re getting into after you purchase washers and dryers
5. Collaborate with condo board members the way Joe Biden chose a VP ~ Whether Democrat or Republican, leaders can learn something from the ‘last person in the room’
4. Before you join a condo association … Know exactly what you’re getting into as a board member
3. Getting past homesickness ~ From out-of-state students to recent moves, here are tips to keep ‘home’ close to your heart
2. What your next contractor will never tell you about his work ~ Why Yelp and Google reviews will always reign supreme
1. Yelp companies, you should’ve taken a writing workshop ~ How a writing workshop toughened me up for journalism, leadership, life and beyond
20. Working from home: The fine line in your insurance ~ In a COVID-19 world, can you run your business by the bylaws?
19. Should your condo association require a move-in, move-out fee? ~ Moving expenses are more expensive, thanks to stricter COVID-19 waste management rules
18. If condo boards are compensated, what should condo owners know? ~ Why waiving condo assessments is shaky territory
17. North Shore Towing nightmare: Hiring quality private parking companies ~ Every towing and patrol company isn’t created equal
16. Should activism signs be allowed in condo unit windows? ~ Freedom of Speech or suppression by condo rules?
15. Sell your condo unit or rent it out? ~ Know where landlord role starts and board role ends
14. As condo association president, I approve this Halloween message ~ Stripper skeletons and Halloween decor? Count me in
13. Landlords, tenant disputes and happy mediums ~ Lessons learned on the condo board that I wish I’d have known as a tenant
12. Pest prevention and problematic tenants ~ Hiring the one contractor you dread the most: Exterminators
11. Do condo associations need property managers? ~ Finding the right property manager for your condo board
10. Condo residents, face masks and common areas ~ Should board members make face masks mandatory in lobbies?
9. Before you hire a maintenance team, double-check the contract ~ Snow removal, handyman, plumber, painter, gardener: Don’t hire a contractor until you’re sure of the pros, cons and what-ifs
8. No dogs allowed? When to bend the condo rules ~ Is your no-pet policy doing more harm than good for condo owners?
7. Senior access while investing in a new home ~ Keep ADA compliance and elderly family in mind before renting or owning your next home
6. Lease or own appliances: Which should your condo association choose? ~ Know what you’re getting into after you purchase washers and dryers
5. Collaborate with condo board members the way Joe Biden chose a VP ~ Whether Democrat or Republican, leaders can learn something from the ‘last person in the room’
4. Before you join a condo association … Know exactly what you’re getting into as a board member
3. Getting past homesickness ~ From out-of-state students to recent moves, here are tips to keep ‘home’ close to your heart
2. What your next contractor will never tell you about his work ~ Why Yelp and Google reviews will always reign supreme
1. Yelp companies, you should’ve taken a writing workshop ~ How a writing workshop toughened me up for journalism, leadership, life and beyond
“Seeing” color is no more a problem than “seeing” height. Disrespect and discrimination are bigger issues.
71. BIPOC, we don’t have to be in competition ~ It’s OK to applaud one group while wanting more exposure for your own group
70. Black Santa has his ear to the street ~ What does Santa do the rest of the year?
69. The one piece of advice car salesmen often miss ~ Whether new money or old money, don’t treat people like they have no money
68. To white parents, one size does not fit all ~ Five tips for white parents trying to raise non-racist children
67. In 2023, pick anyone but Mayor Lori Lightfoot ~ Judging from Anjanette Young hidden video & onward, being a ‘first’ does not make her the ‘best’ political candidate
66. Scary factor: Sasha Obama and black boys with locks ~ Internalizing the intimidation factor hurts dark-skinned black men forever
65. Is Santa black? Or, does it matter? ~ Negotiating with kids about whether Santa is real or not
64. Matthew McConaughey, there is no ‘centrist’ side of racism ~ Trump-era presidency: Sexism, xenophobia, sexual assault, bribery have already become areas to ‘market’
63. Black people didn’t ask you to ‘save’ them ~ Why the savior complex is so exhausting to those who didn’t ask you to be
62. Why black women have mixed opinions on black men in interracial relationships ~ How my opinion went from indifference to frustration to acceptance
61. Trump’s karma is enough to make Jon Ossoff win Georgia Senate ~ Why this investigative journalist should win a Senate seat
60. Know what FAST means, not just one sign of a stroke ~ Strokes are 2xs higher for black people
59. 10 ways to figure out if (s)he really has ‘a black friend’ ~ Note: May not apply for all black people, but it applies to enough
58. 48 hours after Biden wins, black women get shunned again — Eva Longoria, know your stats before you dismiss black women
57. When Pennsylvania and Georgia prove the black vote counts ~ And all the other Blue States, we love you, too
56. Is it ‘not realistic’ or just not in your world? ~ Please stop saying positive black films and TV are unrealistic
55. HBCU graduate: Trump assists with $85 million for HBCUs and I still despise him ~ Funding black colleges doesn’t change America’s history
54. The invisible visibility of black women and police ~ Roll the dice: Women and privilege, or black women and discrimination
53. Yelp is calling out racist businesses ~ As an Elite member of Yelp, this is applaud-worthy
52. Trump supporters should learn from O.J. Simpson supporters ~ Know when to shut up because your guy is so very guilty
51. Dear New York Attorney General Letitia James, I wish you all the best ~ Somewhere between pessimistic over Breonna Taylor case and blind optimism, I cheer for Letitia James against NRA
50. Black book characters make black kids like me want to read more ~ Why Young, Black & Lit is onto something with its literature nonprofits
49. Yes, Millennials, the Holocaust actually happened ~ Almost 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, but we’re taking selfies
48. When math class becomes a black history lesson ~ How to engage a distracted crowd of black students during the Black Lives Matter movement
47. If you’re not a minority, why are you so sure of your anti-racism tourism? ~ White people, please stop telling me to leave America to escape racism
46. Yes, I’m black. No, I don’t eat chicken. ~ Frustrating food complexities of African-Americans
45. Mixed emotions when black women call the cops on black men ~ Both groups are on the losing side when police show up, even for deck disputes
44. 62 percent of black women say dating has gotten harder ~ Scams, lies and physical risks are the top culprit to blame in dating woes
43. Why, Adele, just why? “Adele should wear Bantu Knots,” said no one ever.
42. Chadwick Boseman’s acting resume could be your black history class ~ Virtual teachers, here’s your opportunity to teach what history books leave out
41. Black Lives Matter: The black heart for OkCupid members ~ Online dating site puts controversial topics front and center
40. Netflix gets it wrong again, cancels ‘Patriot Act’ ~ Who has a more valuable voice that fluidly connects African-Americans and Asians?
39. Black girls and Girl Scouts: It’s more than selling cookies ~ From girl’s guy to Girl Scout
38. Are your student’s poor grades due to boredom, laziness or racism? ~ SATs: The diversity argument that may improve a student’s grade
37. Why does your racism appear when the liquor does? ~ The real reason some of your black ‘friends’ and co-workers won’t party with you
36. Mixed opinions on Naked Athena: Is she helping or hurting the protest? ~ How Naked Athena is doing more exposing of police than her body
35. Dear white people, your black colleagues aren’t required to date ~ Just because your co-workers are the same race does not mean they’re compatible
34. Ban the Sagging Pants-profiling veteran from Walmart ~ What Walmart can learn from their own employees’ patience
33. You, as a minority, can relate to me — but know when you cross the line ~ The invisible line between Hispanics, black folks and racial slurs
32. I miss Terry flex-his-pecs Crews and the Old Kanye ~ Celebrities are voters, too, but some need to stay out of the lane of social justice movements
31. When a black inventor disguised himself as Native American ~ That other reason black folks say they have ‘Indian in my family’
30. Women of color, stop trying to change your hue in photos ~ The photo technician who knows you’re using skin bleachers
29. My first time celebrating Juneteenth was with Mos Def ~ Learning about Chicago’s Inner-City Muslim Action Network
28. Want to combat your prejudices? ~ Expose yourself to ‘others’ The German Shepherd question that explains my take on racism
27. The Black History Month party that made me remember the fine art of silence ~ Trump adds Juneteenth to his horrendous campaigning
26. My grandfather is not the only black birdwatcher I know of — anymore ~ Christian Cooper and Black Birders Week prove there are more
25. Coloring inside the lines with new shades of brown crayons ~ Black art teachers influence support for black artists
24. Dear white people, here’s your chance to speak up about George Floyd ~ Start talking to your own relatives about racism, vote wisely
23. Andrew on ‘Insecure’ is Issa Rae’s middle finger to Cancel Culture ~ How we learned to love Andrew more than Molly
22. The Joe Biden outrage over ‘You Ain’t Black’ sounds suspicious ~ Pay attention to who is complaining before you shun Joe Biden
21. Dating black women: Interracial dating gone right and wrong ~ Step one: Stop talking about slavery at dinner
20. The ‘seat’ I don’t want at the resume table ~ Why hiding who you are on resumes will only get you jobs you hate
19. Trump’s sketchy views on COVID-19 make sense now ~ The link between Nazism, Trump’s administration and the Spanish flu
18. Black teachers, please don’t tear down your black students ~ Contrary to popular belief, words do hurt
17. White teachers, please stop judging your black students ~ The fine line between empathy, pity and casual racism in education
16. Non-black people, stop telling black people who is ‘relevant’ ~ Just because someone isn’t mainstream doesn’t make them irrelevant
15. Prove Trump’s conspiracy theory right: Use mail-in ballots ~ United States Postal Service overlooked in $2 trillion stimulus package was not an accident
14. ‘Uncorked’: For black folks who love wine and Netflix ~ Can we get another round of ‘Uncorked’ comedy + drama films?
13. That awkward moment when you’re not rooting for Madam C.J. Walker ~ How the Netflix special left viewers with mixed feelings about Addie Monroe
12. Black people are not exempt from coronavirus ~ Stop listening to the do-it-yourself scientist in your barbershop (or polling place)
11. Why the Bernie EBros are a disservice to Bernie supporters ~ How Bernie Sanders’ followers made me support Joe Biden even more
10. If Bloomberg wins, I write in another candidate ~ Why my first time being racially profiled put me in the #NeverBloomberg campaign
9. Why are you rating black churches on Yelp? ~ Should churches receive travel reviews?
8. Stop using the term ‘racist’ unless you’re sure it is ~ Empty accusations on race can make you lose all credibility
7. Fashion designers need mandatory African-American history classes ~ Fashion Institute of Technology won at racism, not fashion
6. From childhood to adulthood: Simplest way to stop cultural appropriation ~ When imitation is more offensive than flattering
5. This black vegetarian is so tired of PETA ads ~ The 2020 Super Bowl ad from PETA that deserved a block from Fox Sports and the NFL
4. Harriet Tubman’s legacy made me lose a job ~ My proudest moment of being dismissed as an editor
3. ‘Stop acting light-skinned’ and other stupid colorism comments ~ Why black folks need to knock it off with skin color jokes
2. Stop doing these 5 things to your new black employees ~ I know you think it’s harmless, but it’s usually offensive
1. Why I filter new friends in this tense political world ~ The one thing Drake should’ve said about 'no new friends'
70. Black Santa has his ear to the street ~ What does Santa do the rest of the year?
69. The one piece of advice car salesmen often miss ~ Whether new money or old money, don’t treat people like they have no money
68. To white parents, one size does not fit all ~ Five tips for white parents trying to raise non-racist children
67. In 2023, pick anyone but Mayor Lori Lightfoot ~ Judging from Anjanette Young hidden video & onward, being a ‘first’ does not make her the ‘best’ political candidate
66. Scary factor: Sasha Obama and black boys with locks ~ Internalizing the intimidation factor hurts dark-skinned black men forever
65. Is Santa black? Or, does it matter? ~ Negotiating with kids about whether Santa is real or not
64. Matthew McConaughey, there is no ‘centrist’ side of racism ~ Trump-era presidency: Sexism, xenophobia, sexual assault, bribery have already become areas to ‘market’
63. Black people didn’t ask you to ‘save’ them ~ Why the savior complex is so exhausting to those who didn’t ask you to be
62. Why black women have mixed opinions on black men in interracial relationships ~ How my opinion went from indifference to frustration to acceptance
61. Trump’s karma is enough to make Jon Ossoff win Georgia Senate ~ Why this investigative journalist should win a Senate seat
60. Know what FAST means, not just one sign of a stroke ~ Strokes are 2xs higher for black people
59. 10 ways to figure out if (s)he really has ‘a black friend’ ~ Note: May not apply for all black people, but it applies to enough
58. 48 hours after Biden wins, black women get shunned again — Eva Longoria, know your stats before you dismiss black women
57. When Pennsylvania and Georgia prove the black vote counts ~ And all the other Blue States, we love you, too
56. Is it ‘not realistic’ or just not in your world? ~ Please stop saying positive black films and TV are unrealistic
55. HBCU graduate: Trump assists with $85 million for HBCUs and I still despise him ~ Funding black colleges doesn’t change America’s history
54. The invisible visibility of black women and police ~ Roll the dice: Women and privilege, or black women and discrimination
53. Yelp is calling out racist businesses ~ As an Elite member of Yelp, this is applaud-worthy
52. Trump supporters should learn from O.J. Simpson supporters ~ Know when to shut up because your guy is so very guilty
51. Dear New York Attorney General Letitia James, I wish you all the best ~ Somewhere between pessimistic over Breonna Taylor case and blind optimism, I cheer for Letitia James against NRA
50. Black book characters make black kids like me want to read more ~ Why Young, Black & Lit is onto something with its literature nonprofits
49. Yes, Millennials, the Holocaust actually happened ~ Almost 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, but we’re taking selfies
48. When math class becomes a black history lesson ~ How to engage a distracted crowd of black students during the Black Lives Matter movement
47. If you’re not a minority, why are you so sure of your anti-racism tourism? ~ White people, please stop telling me to leave America to escape racism
46. Yes, I’m black. No, I don’t eat chicken. ~ Frustrating food complexities of African-Americans
45. Mixed emotions when black women call the cops on black men ~ Both groups are on the losing side when police show up, even for deck disputes
44. 62 percent of black women say dating has gotten harder ~ Scams, lies and physical risks are the top culprit to blame in dating woes
43. Why, Adele, just why? “Adele should wear Bantu Knots,” said no one ever.
42. Chadwick Boseman’s acting resume could be your black history class ~ Virtual teachers, here’s your opportunity to teach what history books leave out
41. Black Lives Matter: The black heart for OkCupid members ~ Online dating site puts controversial topics front and center
40. Netflix gets it wrong again, cancels ‘Patriot Act’ ~ Who has a more valuable voice that fluidly connects African-Americans and Asians?
39. Black girls and Girl Scouts: It’s more than selling cookies ~ From girl’s guy to Girl Scout
38. Are your student’s poor grades due to boredom, laziness or racism? ~ SATs: The diversity argument that may improve a student’s grade
37. Why does your racism appear when the liquor does? ~ The real reason some of your black ‘friends’ and co-workers won’t party with you
36. Mixed opinions on Naked Athena: Is she helping or hurting the protest? ~ How Naked Athena is doing more exposing of police than her body
35. Dear white people, your black colleagues aren’t required to date ~ Just because your co-workers are the same race does not mean they’re compatible
34. Ban the Sagging Pants-profiling veteran from Walmart ~ What Walmart can learn from their own employees’ patience
33. You, as a minority, can relate to me — but know when you cross the line ~ The invisible line between Hispanics, black folks and racial slurs
32. I miss Terry flex-his-pecs Crews and the Old Kanye ~ Celebrities are voters, too, but some need to stay out of the lane of social justice movements
31. When a black inventor disguised himself as Native American ~ That other reason black folks say they have ‘Indian in my family’
30. Women of color, stop trying to change your hue in photos ~ The photo technician who knows you’re using skin bleachers
29. My first time celebrating Juneteenth was with Mos Def ~ Learning about Chicago’s Inner-City Muslim Action Network
28. Want to combat your prejudices? ~ Expose yourself to ‘others’ The German Shepherd question that explains my take on racism
27. The Black History Month party that made me remember the fine art of silence ~ Trump adds Juneteenth to his horrendous campaigning
26. My grandfather is not the only black birdwatcher I know of — anymore ~ Christian Cooper and Black Birders Week prove there are more
25. Coloring inside the lines with new shades of brown crayons ~ Black art teachers influence support for black artists
24. Dear white people, here’s your chance to speak up about George Floyd ~ Start talking to your own relatives about racism, vote wisely
23. Andrew on ‘Insecure’ is Issa Rae’s middle finger to Cancel Culture ~ How we learned to love Andrew more than Molly
22. The Joe Biden outrage over ‘You Ain’t Black’ sounds suspicious ~ Pay attention to who is complaining before you shun Joe Biden
21. Dating black women: Interracial dating gone right and wrong ~ Step one: Stop talking about slavery at dinner
20. The ‘seat’ I don’t want at the resume table ~ Why hiding who you are on resumes will only get you jobs you hate
19. Trump’s sketchy views on COVID-19 make sense now ~ The link between Nazism, Trump’s administration and the Spanish flu
18. Black teachers, please don’t tear down your black students ~ Contrary to popular belief, words do hurt
17. White teachers, please stop judging your black students ~ The fine line between empathy, pity and casual racism in education
16. Non-black people, stop telling black people who is ‘relevant’ ~ Just because someone isn’t mainstream doesn’t make them irrelevant
15. Prove Trump’s conspiracy theory right: Use mail-in ballots ~ United States Postal Service overlooked in $2 trillion stimulus package was not an accident
14. ‘Uncorked’: For black folks who love wine and Netflix ~ Can we get another round of ‘Uncorked’ comedy + drama films?
13. That awkward moment when you’re not rooting for Madam C.J. Walker ~ How the Netflix special left viewers with mixed feelings about Addie Monroe
12. Black people are not exempt from coronavirus ~ Stop listening to the do-it-yourself scientist in your barbershop (or polling place)
11. Why the Bernie EBros are a disservice to Bernie supporters ~ How Bernie Sanders’ followers made me support Joe Biden even more
10. If Bloomberg wins, I write in another candidate ~ Why my first time being racially profiled put me in the #NeverBloomberg campaign
9. Why are you rating black churches on Yelp? ~ Should churches receive travel reviews?
8. Stop using the term ‘racist’ unless you’re sure it is ~ Empty accusations on race can make you lose all credibility
7. Fashion designers need mandatory African-American history classes ~ Fashion Institute of Technology won at racism, not fashion
6. From childhood to adulthood: Simplest way to stop cultural appropriation ~ When imitation is more offensive than flattering
5. This black vegetarian is so tired of PETA ads ~ The 2020 Super Bowl ad from PETA that deserved a block from Fox Sports and the NFL
4. Harriet Tubman’s legacy made me lose a job ~ My proudest moment of being dismissed as an editor
3. ‘Stop acting light-skinned’ and other stupid colorism comments ~ Why black folks need to knock it off with skin color jokes
2. Stop doing these 5 things to your new black employees ~ I know you think it’s harmless, but it’s usually offensive
1. Why I filter new friends in this tense political world ~ The one thing Drake should’ve said about 'no new friends'
Laughing burns calories. Let's focus on our funny bones.
35. New Year’s Eve 2020 is going as expected ~ When the last day of 2020 sums up the ridiculousness of the year
34. Preemptive pardons: I played Monopoly all wrong ~ If I could’ve foreseen Election 2020, I would never lose at board games
33. The best way to meditate: Try not to laugh ~ If you could never focus on meditation before, these videos should help
32. 10 funny moments to be grateful for in 2020 ~ What helped save my mind in a 2020 world
31. Thanksgiving Turkey Protection Plan: Just order takeout ~ If your social isolation cooking skills are this bad since March, just give up
30. What really pissed me off about getting burglarized … is not what you think it is
29. Too old to be in the Secret Service but applying anyway ~ My Secret Service agent cover letter — but only if I get to throw Trump out
28. 10 people who call, text or visit while you impatiently wait on another ~ I don’t need dating fact-checkers because I know this is true
27. We can get married, but you can’t live here ~ Pretty good chance I’ll be 'Ms.' forever — cause I don’t like you like that
26. The condo unit that offended and intrigued me ~ We can be friends, but I don’t want to live here
25. 10 irrational gardening thoughts ~ Unsolicited facts from my social isolation gardening days
24. Gen Y and Z are missing out on landline fun ~ How my brother messed up my love connection
23. To woo me, he gifted me a pocket knife ~ The virtual dating gifts that I do not understand
22. Census workers make me run inside for cover ~ Census workers are starting to make me feel like ‘The Walking Dead’ cast
21. Gardening made me the grumpy old man on my block ~ My childhood neighbor would be so proud
20. Raccoons are the comical neighbor I don’t want
19. My dog knows more about men than I do ~ Two men I wish my dog would’ve saved me from
18. How to gain membership into the Annoying Caller Club ~ For the love of my sanity, stop calling me
17. Bring curse handwriting back in style so I don’t feel old ~ Generation Y and Z keep reminding me to grab my invisible cane
16. Jada set f — kboys up with a Word of the Day: Entanglement ~ The Word of the Day we simply didn’t need
15. Mom, I know your name isn’t ‘mom’! ~ The reason my grandfather wouldn’t pay his parking ticket
14. Dear business owners, stop asking me to get a fax machine ~ It’s 2020, update your B2B and B2C technology
13. Why do my beauticians like everything but hair? ~ My bad luck with finding the perfect beautician
12. Tall, dark and handsome is cool, but funny gets a bedroom invite ~ Men versus women: Make me laugh vs laugh at me
11. Laughing to keep from crying ~ When laughing is inappropriate but somehow still helps
10. When your reflection becomes the Fashion Police ~ Mirror conversation: The social isolation outfit
9. Why I love nightmare Zoom calls ~ No, I’m not dressing up so you can see me from the neck-up
8. What Kevin Hart and my mother taught me about exercise ~ Never underestimate your funny friend as a workout partner
7. Laughing in the hospital ~ No medication will fight off my grandfather’s sense of humor
6. Xfinity is the boyfriend who doesn’t know it’s over ~ Your TV wants to see other people but Comcast wants a monogamous relationship
5. Don’t judge Trevor Noah for his dead plant ~ When did YouTube users become interior design experts?
4. Go to White Castle on your honeymoon ~ Marriage advice from my grandfather, a real romantic
3. Online shopper just realized America lost its mind ~ When an Amazon Prime shopper learned America’s reaction to coronavirus
2. Why the ‘who cooked this’ guest needs to stay home ~ Outsmarting the food critic in your family
1. In 2020, be less weird during Craigslist pickups ~ Why do Freecycle people bring out their “inner weirdo” when getting free stuff?
34. Preemptive pardons: I played Monopoly all wrong ~ If I could’ve foreseen Election 2020, I would never lose at board games
33. The best way to meditate: Try not to laugh ~ If you could never focus on meditation before, these videos should help
32. 10 funny moments to be grateful for in 2020 ~ What helped save my mind in a 2020 world
31. Thanksgiving Turkey Protection Plan: Just order takeout ~ If your social isolation cooking skills are this bad since March, just give up
30. What really pissed me off about getting burglarized … is not what you think it is
29. Too old to be in the Secret Service but applying anyway ~ My Secret Service agent cover letter — but only if I get to throw Trump out
28. 10 people who call, text or visit while you impatiently wait on another ~ I don’t need dating fact-checkers because I know this is true
27. We can get married, but you can’t live here ~ Pretty good chance I’ll be 'Ms.' forever — cause I don’t like you like that
26. The condo unit that offended and intrigued me ~ We can be friends, but I don’t want to live here
25. 10 irrational gardening thoughts ~ Unsolicited facts from my social isolation gardening days
24. Gen Y and Z are missing out on landline fun ~ How my brother messed up my love connection
23. To woo me, he gifted me a pocket knife ~ The virtual dating gifts that I do not understand
22. Census workers make me run inside for cover ~ Census workers are starting to make me feel like ‘The Walking Dead’ cast
21. Gardening made me the grumpy old man on my block ~ My childhood neighbor would be so proud
20. Raccoons are the comical neighbor I don’t want
19. My dog knows more about men than I do ~ Two men I wish my dog would’ve saved me from
18. How to gain membership into the Annoying Caller Club ~ For the love of my sanity, stop calling me
17. Bring curse handwriting back in style so I don’t feel old ~ Generation Y and Z keep reminding me to grab my invisible cane
16. Jada set f — kboys up with a Word of the Day: Entanglement ~ The Word of the Day we simply didn’t need
15. Mom, I know your name isn’t ‘mom’! ~ The reason my grandfather wouldn’t pay his parking ticket
14. Dear business owners, stop asking me to get a fax machine ~ It’s 2020, update your B2B and B2C technology
13. Why do my beauticians like everything but hair? ~ My bad luck with finding the perfect beautician
12. Tall, dark and handsome is cool, but funny gets a bedroom invite ~ Men versus women: Make me laugh vs laugh at me
11. Laughing to keep from crying ~ When laughing is inappropriate but somehow still helps
10. When your reflection becomes the Fashion Police ~ Mirror conversation: The social isolation outfit
9. Why I love nightmare Zoom calls ~ No, I’m not dressing up so you can see me from the neck-up
8. What Kevin Hart and my mother taught me about exercise ~ Never underestimate your funny friend as a workout partner
7. Laughing in the hospital ~ No medication will fight off my grandfather’s sense of humor
6. Xfinity is the boyfriend who doesn’t know it’s over ~ Your TV wants to see other people but Comcast wants a monogamous relationship
5. Don’t judge Trevor Noah for his dead plant ~ When did YouTube users become interior design experts?
4. Go to White Castle on your honeymoon ~ Marriage advice from my grandfather, a real romantic
3. Online shopper just realized America lost its mind ~ When an Amazon Prime shopper learned America’s reaction to coronavirus
2. Why the ‘who cooked this’ guest needs to stay home ~ Outsmarting the food critic in your family
1. In 2020, be less weird during Craigslist pickups ~ Why do Freecycle people bring out their “inner weirdo” when getting free stuff?
Let’s chat about my oddball thoughts on family, relationships and activism — with a dose of comedy, too.
64. 2021 and beyond: Know what to wish for at 11:11 ~ And throw block parties for those who get in the way
63. He brought a bat to a gunfight ~ Two lessons I learned from fathers
62. Half on a mortgage: Is this the man you want to date? ~ 'Ready to Love'; My mixed views on Nyya’s dismissal of Kris and David’s take on raising another man’s child
61. I grew up on 2 Live Crew songs but knew not to twerk in restaurants ~ True Kitchen Kocktails restaurateur wants guests to stay in their seats
60. Donald Trump should befriend Tekashi 6ix9ine ~ When a man’s privilege gets in the way of logic
59. Meeting ‘others’: The other reason to go to college ~ Multiculturalism is the extra credit in your tuition rates
58. Under-voting is not illegal, and other Trump-level voting myths ~ The sore-loser-in-chief is at it again in Pennsylvania
57. The mindset of a Trump-level sore loser ~ If you think you can earn a win, there’s no need to get upset
56. ‘I May Destroy You’ takes on a holistic look at sexual assault, rape, relationships ~ Biagio and the passport scene: He was 100% right
55. His response to Beyonce and TLC tells you what he thinks of women ~ Your music playlist can help reveal his stance on feminism
54. COVID-19 drug offered to diabetics, seniors ~ Before agreeing to be a coronavirus cure guinea pig, know the side effects
53. Pastor pees on black woman on plane, but meds and his name are a secret ~ Missed opportunity to talk about side effects of dangerous medication
52. Parents, teach your sons how to approach women ~ Personal space and verbal communication will get men so much further with women
51. Stash app: The apology to my economics teacher ~ ‘Straight from the Hart’ made me want to pay attention to stocks and IRAs
50. ‘Crying through a Justin Bieber song’ was not on my 2020 Bingo card ~ Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper’s “Holy” song was what 2020 needed
49. I’ll take the handyman over the man in the suit ~ The things women in their 30s find sexy that may not happen in their 20s
48. PODCAST: Rich black men, politics and ‘hostage’ votes ~ Will famous black men speaking out against presidential candidate Joe Biden help Trump win?
47. If you can buy a value meal, you can buy new condoms ~ Unofficial sex-ed course: Let’s settle these condom myths here and now
46. Want a tattoo? Wait until you’re 30 ~ What melanin-rich people need to know about tattoos, tattoo removal
45. I’ll never wear weave but relaxers don’t bother me ~ Why I keep walking the straight-hair tight rope
44. To gentlemen in a COVID-19 world ~ How chivalry battles with a worldwide health outbreak
43. Becoming the ‘look it up’ adult ~ With the Internet at our fingertips, why do some still choose to not learn more?
42. Chadwick Boseman passed away: When the quietest wheel really needs the grease ~ Reminding oneself to check on your quiet friends
41. Weddings have gotten cooler in 2020 ~ Creativity and activism are top-notch in the COVID-19 world
40. What I learned from joining 17 online dating sites ~ It’s not always worth paying for, but dating sites teach you about your own hangups
39. Why I did a 180-degree turn on ‘WAP’ ~ Conservatives made me like the Cardi B., Megan Thee Stallion collaboration more
38. Yelp companies, you should’ve taken a writing workshop ~ How a writing workshop toughened me up for journalism, leadership, life and beyond
37. Is social media going to ruin black ’90s sitcoms? ~ Twitter is making the teen version of me fight with my adult self
36. What do you gain from being a difficult neighbor? ~ My mixed opinions on removing police from neighbor disputes
35. Can men and women truly be platonic friends? ~ While my immediate answer is ‘yes,’ attraction level is the barrier
34. COVID-19 is the ultimate Love Language blocker of flirting in 2020 ~ At what age do we outgrow flirting and say what’s on our minds?
33. Why must you be the decider of who is attractive? ~ The Jill Scott tweet that Kyle Queiro could’ve left in draft mode
32. Start-up companies, start your research first ~ Nothing says inexperienced like hiring people without knowing what they do
31. The careless danger in dismissing COVID-19 ~ Hoping the Chicago inspector makes it safely through quarantine
30. Newsroom editors can cripple or embrace reporters ~ Stories you want: Holding local and national news accountable
29. The smile behind the mask ~ How social isolation has made us master the art of the smize
28. TeaMarrr’s ‘Kinda Love’ proves even Build a Man won’t make women happy ~ Yet another reason clingy partners are awful
27. Tone deaf job posts in a COVID-19 working world ~ Take notes from Twitter and allow workers to stay home
26. I don’t care about your new shoes. Can you pay your mortgage? ~ An odd shoe turnoff, according to Harry from ‘Straight from the Hart’
25. The failed friend: Can they be trusted as a work reference? ~ Why I’ll never agree with Molly’s side of the ‘Insecure’ recommendation debate
24. We know about Ophiuchus, so stop blaming your zodiac sign for everything ~ Astrology is fun but don’t avoid dating someone b/c of it
23. Let’s CTRL + ALT + DELETE 2020, shall we? ~ The history class that’ll take up the whole semester for the next generation
22. Denzel made journalist Katie Couric ‘uncomfortable’ with her questions ~ Should journalists feel ‘shaken’ when interviewees challenge their questions?
21. In social isolation, baby boomers and Gen X grow nostalgic for drive-in movies ~ COVID-19: The one reason we didn’t know drive-in movies were better than movie theaters
20. Every boss can benefit from Phil Jackson’s coaching ~ Don’t try to make a Michael Jordan out of a Dennis Rodman
19. Saying ‘I miss you’ without saying it ~ How a jar of coins and 50 questions became a familial lesson
18. Creating a social isolation exercise video playlist ~ 22 free fitness videos to get you active indoors
17. Smokers, social isolation is your time to quit ~ Cigarettes lead to 7 million deaths annually, so why is COVID-19 scarier?
16. Domestic violence + social isolation = Mind-numbing combination ~ Helping abused friends seek help during COVID-19 outbreak
15. Play it safe instead of having coronavirus babies ~ Why safe sex is a better option during social isolation
14. Why single people need a will, too ~ Don’t blow off writing a will — even if you’re childless
13. Should recycling programs be suspended during coronavirus outbreak? ~ Recycling, reusing and reducing during a worldwide outbreak
12. Creating a ‘social isolation dream board’ ~ My ‘fix it’ dream board and other useful ways to spend your free time
11. What to love and loathe on Tyler Perry’s ‘Sistas’ and Ava Duvernay’s ‘Cherish the Day’ ~ Exploring positive relationships through the eyes of these couples
10. Hey toilet paper hoarders, you’re already in a bathroom ~ From the biased opinions of a bidet owner
9. Linking and un-linking songs from memories ~ When a song you love becomes a song you hate (and vice versa)
8. Why women should charge their salary ‘worth’ ~ How a dog-sitting assignment taught me a valuable lesson about the gig economy
7. That rape joke wasn’t funny — ever ~ When Twitter teaches you all the people you need to block
6. Don’t weigh in on positive black shows if you only support ratchet TV ~ How “The Photograph” supporters made me reevaluate my take on African-American entertainment
5. Everyone needs one ‘happy’ friend ~ How a college friend proved to me that birds of a feather do not have to flock together
4. A boy’s experience from the #MeTooMovement ~ How a childhood friend taught me about sexual harassment, from a male’s point of view
3. To the man who stood me up, thank you! ~ R. Kelly and the problematic mindset of 'consenting' teens dating older men
2. Who told comedians we’re required to laugh at all their jokes? ~ When comedians grew more sensitive than their audiences
1. Stop enabling liars ~ They can only upset you if you’re willing to believe them
63. He brought a bat to a gunfight ~ Two lessons I learned from fathers
62. Half on a mortgage: Is this the man you want to date? ~ 'Ready to Love'; My mixed views on Nyya’s dismissal of Kris and David’s take on raising another man’s child
61. I grew up on 2 Live Crew songs but knew not to twerk in restaurants ~ True Kitchen Kocktails restaurateur wants guests to stay in their seats
60. Donald Trump should befriend Tekashi 6ix9ine ~ When a man’s privilege gets in the way of logic
59. Meeting ‘others’: The other reason to go to college ~ Multiculturalism is the extra credit in your tuition rates
58. Under-voting is not illegal, and other Trump-level voting myths ~ The sore-loser-in-chief is at it again in Pennsylvania
57. The mindset of a Trump-level sore loser ~ If you think you can earn a win, there’s no need to get upset
56. ‘I May Destroy You’ takes on a holistic look at sexual assault, rape, relationships ~ Biagio and the passport scene: He was 100% right
55. His response to Beyonce and TLC tells you what he thinks of women ~ Your music playlist can help reveal his stance on feminism
54. COVID-19 drug offered to diabetics, seniors ~ Before agreeing to be a coronavirus cure guinea pig, know the side effects
53. Pastor pees on black woman on plane, but meds and his name are a secret ~ Missed opportunity to talk about side effects of dangerous medication
52. Parents, teach your sons how to approach women ~ Personal space and verbal communication will get men so much further with women
51. Stash app: The apology to my economics teacher ~ ‘Straight from the Hart’ made me want to pay attention to stocks and IRAs
50. ‘Crying through a Justin Bieber song’ was not on my 2020 Bingo card ~ Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper’s “Holy” song was what 2020 needed
49. I’ll take the handyman over the man in the suit ~ The things women in their 30s find sexy that may not happen in their 20s
48. PODCAST: Rich black men, politics and ‘hostage’ votes ~ Will famous black men speaking out against presidential candidate Joe Biden help Trump win?
47. If you can buy a value meal, you can buy new condoms ~ Unofficial sex-ed course: Let’s settle these condom myths here and now
46. Want a tattoo? Wait until you’re 30 ~ What melanin-rich people need to know about tattoos, tattoo removal
45. I’ll never wear weave but relaxers don’t bother me ~ Why I keep walking the straight-hair tight rope
44. To gentlemen in a COVID-19 world ~ How chivalry battles with a worldwide health outbreak
43. Becoming the ‘look it up’ adult ~ With the Internet at our fingertips, why do some still choose to not learn more?
42. Chadwick Boseman passed away: When the quietest wheel really needs the grease ~ Reminding oneself to check on your quiet friends
41. Weddings have gotten cooler in 2020 ~ Creativity and activism are top-notch in the COVID-19 world
40. What I learned from joining 17 online dating sites ~ It’s not always worth paying for, but dating sites teach you about your own hangups
39. Why I did a 180-degree turn on ‘WAP’ ~ Conservatives made me like the Cardi B., Megan Thee Stallion collaboration more
38. Yelp companies, you should’ve taken a writing workshop ~ How a writing workshop toughened me up for journalism, leadership, life and beyond
37. Is social media going to ruin black ’90s sitcoms? ~ Twitter is making the teen version of me fight with my adult self
36. What do you gain from being a difficult neighbor? ~ My mixed opinions on removing police from neighbor disputes
35. Can men and women truly be platonic friends? ~ While my immediate answer is ‘yes,’ attraction level is the barrier
34. COVID-19 is the ultimate Love Language blocker of flirting in 2020 ~ At what age do we outgrow flirting and say what’s on our minds?
33. Why must you be the decider of who is attractive? ~ The Jill Scott tweet that Kyle Queiro could’ve left in draft mode
32. Start-up companies, start your research first ~ Nothing says inexperienced like hiring people without knowing what they do
31. The careless danger in dismissing COVID-19 ~ Hoping the Chicago inspector makes it safely through quarantine
30. Newsroom editors can cripple or embrace reporters ~ Stories you want: Holding local and national news accountable
29. The smile behind the mask ~ How social isolation has made us master the art of the smize
28. TeaMarrr’s ‘Kinda Love’ proves even Build a Man won’t make women happy ~ Yet another reason clingy partners are awful
27. Tone deaf job posts in a COVID-19 working world ~ Take notes from Twitter and allow workers to stay home
26. I don’t care about your new shoes. Can you pay your mortgage? ~ An odd shoe turnoff, according to Harry from ‘Straight from the Hart’
25. The failed friend: Can they be trusted as a work reference? ~ Why I’ll never agree with Molly’s side of the ‘Insecure’ recommendation debate
24. We know about Ophiuchus, so stop blaming your zodiac sign for everything ~ Astrology is fun but don’t avoid dating someone b/c of it
23. Let’s CTRL + ALT + DELETE 2020, shall we? ~ The history class that’ll take up the whole semester for the next generation
22. Denzel made journalist Katie Couric ‘uncomfortable’ with her questions ~ Should journalists feel ‘shaken’ when interviewees challenge their questions?
21. In social isolation, baby boomers and Gen X grow nostalgic for drive-in movies ~ COVID-19: The one reason we didn’t know drive-in movies were better than movie theaters
20. Every boss can benefit from Phil Jackson’s coaching ~ Don’t try to make a Michael Jordan out of a Dennis Rodman
19. Saying ‘I miss you’ without saying it ~ How a jar of coins and 50 questions became a familial lesson
18. Creating a social isolation exercise video playlist ~ 22 free fitness videos to get you active indoors
17. Smokers, social isolation is your time to quit ~ Cigarettes lead to 7 million deaths annually, so why is COVID-19 scarier?
16. Domestic violence + social isolation = Mind-numbing combination ~ Helping abused friends seek help during COVID-19 outbreak
15. Play it safe instead of having coronavirus babies ~ Why safe sex is a better option during social isolation
14. Why single people need a will, too ~ Don’t blow off writing a will — even if you’re childless
13. Should recycling programs be suspended during coronavirus outbreak? ~ Recycling, reusing and reducing during a worldwide outbreak
12. Creating a ‘social isolation dream board’ ~ My ‘fix it’ dream board and other useful ways to spend your free time
11. What to love and loathe on Tyler Perry’s ‘Sistas’ and Ava Duvernay’s ‘Cherish the Day’ ~ Exploring positive relationships through the eyes of these couples
10. Hey toilet paper hoarders, you’re already in a bathroom ~ From the biased opinions of a bidet owner
9. Linking and un-linking songs from memories ~ When a song you love becomes a song you hate (and vice versa)
8. Why women should charge their salary ‘worth’ ~ How a dog-sitting assignment taught me a valuable lesson about the gig economy
7. That rape joke wasn’t funny — ever ~ When Twitter teaches you all the people you need to block
6. Don’t weigh in on positive black shows if you only support ratchet TV ~ How “The Photograph” supporters made me reevaluate my take on African-American entertainment
5. Everyone needs one ‘happy’ friend ~ How a college friend proved to me that birds of a feather do not have to flock together
4. A boy’s experience from the #MeTooMovement ~ How a childhood friend taught me about sexual harassment, from a male’s point of view
3. To the man who stood me up, thank you! ~ R. Kelly and the problematic mindset of 'consenting' teens dating older men
2. Who told comedians we’re required to laugh at all their jokes? ~ When comedians grew more sensitive than their audiences
1. Stop enabling liars ~ They can only upset you if you’re willing to believe them
15. The most efficient way for black businesses to never succeed … is to let self-hate and self-doubt get in our way
14. The award for tactless apparel marketing goes to repeat winner: Fashion Nova ~ Knowing the difference between responsible marketing and shameless advertising during the COVID-19 outbreak
13. Does My Editor Understand My Audience? ~ Know your marketing deal-breakers ahead of time
12. When and When Not to Submit Your Work to Medium Publications ~ Not every publication is meant for you
11. Using Volunteer Work to Market Yourself ~ How free work can lead to paid opportunities
10. Cultural Appropriation: How To Not Lose Your Loyal Audience ~ The case of Shea Moisture
9. Using the 34 CliftonStrengths to Understand Your Marketing Clients ~ This simple tool will provide helpful character types
8. Why Nike’s Move to Play the Fence Works to Their Benefit ~ How to do business in this politically charged environment
7. How To Properly Give Away Free Samples ~ Giveaways can increase sales, but only if you follow the rules
6. The Diversity Question All Graphic Designers Must Answer ~ Does this material match our target client base?
5. Marketings Lessons From 'The Jetsons' ~ What can a 58-year-old TV show teach us about modern sales?
4. What Neiman Marcus’ Latest Ad Can Teach You About Diverse Marketing ~ Taraji P. Henson trapped in a store was both fun and smart
3. 5 Ways to Ace Your Book Signings ~ Don’t just sit there — walk around!
2. Using Radio Shows to Market Your Book ~ How to connect with your readers through traditional and online broadcasting
1. Why Customers Choose to Insta-Boycott Fashion Nova ~ Turns out spamming and violating privacy rights still doesn’t work
14. The award for tactless apparel marketing goes to repeat winner: Fashion Nova ~ Knowing the difference between responsible marketing and shameless advertising during the COVID-19 outbreak
13. Does My Editor Understand My Audience? ~ Know your marketing deal-breakers ahead of time
12. When and When Not to Submit Your Work to Medium Publications ~ Not every publication is meant for you
11. Using Volunteer Work to Market Yourself ~ How free work can lead to paid opportunities
10. Cultural Appropriation: How To Not Lose Your Loyal Audience ~ The case of Shea Moisture
9. Using the 34 CliftonStrengths to Understand Your Marketing Clients ~ This simple tool will provide helpful character types
8. Why Nike’s Move to Play the Fence Works to Their Benefit ~ How to do business in this politically charged environment
7. How To Properly Give Away Free Samples ~ Giveaways can increase sales, but only if you follow the rules
6. The Diversity Question All Graphic Designers Must Answer ~ Does this material match our target client base?
5. Marketings Lessons From 'The Jetsons' ~ What can a 58-year-old TV show teach us about modern sales?
4. What Neiman Marcus’ Latest Ad Can Teach You About Diverse Marketing ~ Taraji P. Henson trapped in a store was both fun and smart
3. 5 Ways to Ace Your Book Signings ~ Don’t just sit there — walk around!
2. Using Radio Shows to Market Your Book ~ How to connect with your readers through traditional and online broadcasting
1. Why Customers Choose to Insta-Boycott Fashion Nova ~ Turns out spamming and violating privacy rights still doesn’t work
New posts for this publication have ended as of Sept. 2020. However, you're welcome to read the prior posts. It's for readers who are into retail and food news, business tips and Internet shopping, read on.
33. When Trump goes from voter fraud to chicken bullying ~ The exit-in-chief angering animal rights activists is so on brand
32. School uniform stores losing money: Are these retailers necessary anymore? ~ School uniforms are not nearly as fashionable but save parents’ money
31. Hardware stores are ‘essential’ for work-at-home employees ~ Why your local hardware store managed to stay above water during the quarantine
30. Jeans sales go down, money stays in pocket ~ Jeans apparel companies may be in trouble for socially isolating consumers
29. Make up your mind, stores: Use a plastic bag or don’t ~ Retailers brainstorm on new alternatives for plastic bags
28. Enough is enough: Save cashiers from mask-less, non-distancing customers ~ If customers are ‘always right,’ then make them do the right thing
27. Your commerce site should not just be social media ~ No matter how many people you think have Facebook, some potential customers don’t
26. Getting rid of male and female work uniforms in retail ~ If you’re wearing the work uniform, should it matter which one you choose?
25. The prom scene during COVID-19 ~ Dressmakers, retailers and duct tape are having a moment
24. Retailers, hire minorities in management and mid-level positions ~ Why entry-level positions simply aren’t enough
23. Store closings: Complex reaction to protesting versus looting ~ Protesters force retail America to speak up on social justice issues
22. Why Starbucks branding remains undefeated ~ Even during social isolation, people still act like they don’t know how to make coffee
21. Date night gets a little harder: Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works closing in large numbers ~ COVID-19 is still leading to more store closures
20. The hand-washing sensor more stores need ~ Can 2020 be the year we shame customers into washing their hands, too?
19. Death of the fitting rooms ~ Friendly reminder to tech gurus: Shoppers still need virtual fitting rooms
18. NRF releases blueprint for safety tips during store re-openings ~ Recommended statewide rules for retail stores after social isolation lockdown ends
17. Knock it off with the knockoffs ~ SHOP SAFE Act lets consumers know which products are legitimate
16. Realtors call retailers ‘bad actors’ for not paying rent ~ Customers will relate more to the retail chain than the property managers
15. Apparel retailers, read the room ~ Why have I gotten more COVID-19 emails from Victoria’s Secret than my mortgage company?
14. Beauty industry fights to survive during during social isolation ~ Small businesses learn from grocery store setup
13. Focus on how far 6 feet is, not buying face masks ~ Give people two Labs’ worth of personal space while shopping
12. Amazon, here’s your chance to safeguard customers from third-party scams ~ How Amazon could use the coronavirus outbreak to finally get a handle on unsafe products
11. State election boards need to take notes from retail stores ~ Grocery stores are making better decisions on coronavirus prevention than state government
10. Benefits: When the retail industry outranks the gig economy ~ The highs and lows of being a new parent or caregiver in a gig world
9. Is inventory-less shopping becoming the norm? ~ Nordstrom, where are all the clothes disappearing to?
8. Fashion designers need mandatory African-American history classes ~ Fashion Institute of Technology won at racism, not fashion
7. Coronavirus: When retail gets a dose of xenophobia ~ Shouldn’t retail employees of all races have more of a right to dodge their ‘sick’ customers?
6. When self-checkout feels more like racial profiling ~ Whether working or shopping, everyone black is not a thief
5. Millennials are buying second-hand makeup: Should we all do this more? ~ Finding high-end makeup for economical rates
4. The dreaded work birthday celebration — for a robot ~ Store robot getting a one-year celebration while being used as an alibi
3. My love-hate relationship with cashless stores ~ How retailers are working for and against making a profit
2. Americans and our indifference to rude customer service ~ When rude employees at the gym saved me money
1. Why do online retailers keep ignoring virtual fitting rooms? ~ Stop selling clothes long enough to help me make sure they fit
32. School uniform stores losing money: Are these retailers necessary anymore? ~ School uniforms are not nearly as fashionable but save parents’ money
31. Hardware stores are ‘essential’ for work-at-home employees ~ Why your local hardware store managed to stay above water during the quarantine
30. Jeans sales go down, money stays in pocket ~ Jeans apparel companies may be in trouble for socially isolating consumers
29. Make up your mind, stores: Use a plastic bag or don’t ~ Retailers brainstorm on new alternatives for plastic bags
28. Enough is enough: Save cashiers from mask-less, non-distancing customers ~ If customers are ‘always right,’ then make them do the right thing
27. Your commerce site should not just be social media ~ No matter how many people you think have Facebook, some potential customers don’t
26. Getting rid of male and female work uniforms in retail ~ If you’re wearing the work uniform, should it matter which one you choose?
25. The prom scene during COVID-19 ~ Dressmakers, retailers and duct tape are having a moment
24. Retailers, hire minorities in management and mid-level positions ~ Why entry-level positions simply aren’t enough
23. Store closings: Complex reaction to protesting versus looting ~ Protesters force retail America to speak up on social justice issues
22. Why Starbucks branding remains undefeated ~ Even during social isolation, people still act like they don’t know how to make coffee
21. Date night gets a little harder: Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works closing in large numbers ~ COVID-19 is still leading to more store closures
20. The hand-washing sensor more stores need ~ Can 2020 be the year we shame customers into washing their hands, too?
19. Death of the fitting rooms ~ Friendly reminder to tech gurus: Shoppers still need virtual fitting rooms
18. NRF releases blueprint for safety tips during store re-openings ~ Recommended statewide rules for retail stores after social isolation lockdown ends
17. Knock it off with the knockoffs ~ SHOP SAFE Act lets consumers know which products are legitimate
16. Realtors call retailers ‘bad actors’ for not paying rent ~ Customers will relate more to the retail chain than the property managers
15. Apparel retailers, read the room ~ Why have I gotten more COVID-19 emails from Victoria’s Secret than my mortgage company?
14. Beauty industry fights to survive during during social isolation ~ Small businesses learn from grocery store setup
13. Focus on how far 6 feet is, not buying face masks ~ Give people two Labs’ worth of personal space while shopping
12. Amazon, here’s your chance to safeguard customers from third-party scams ~ How Amazon could use the coronavirus outbreak to finally get a handle on unsafe products
11. State election boards need to take notes from retail stores ~ Grocery stores are making better decisions on coronavirus prevention than state government
10. Benefits: When the retail industry outranks the gig economy ~ The highs and lows of being a new parent or caregiver in a gig world
9. Is inventory-less shopping becoming the norm? ~ Nordstrom, where are all the clothes disappearing to?
8. Fashion designers need mandatory African-American history classes ~ Fashion Institute of Technology won at racism, not fashion
7. Coronavirus: When retail gets a dose of xenophobia ~ Shouldn’t retail employees of all races have more of a right to dodge their ‘sick’ customers?
6. When self-checkout feels more like racial profiling ~ Whether working or shopping, everyone black is not a thief
5. Millennials are buying second-hand makeup: Should we all do this more? ~ Finding high-end makeup for economical rates
4. The dreaded work birthday celebration — for a robot ~ Store robot getting a one-year celebration while being used as an alibi
3. My love-hate relationship with cashless stores ~ How retailers are working for and against making a profit
2. Americans and our indifference to rude customer service ~ When rude employees at the gym saved me money
1. Why do online retailers keep ignoring virtual fitting rooms? ~ Stop selling clothes long enough to help me make sure they fit
Additional posts (not in above publications)
21. Letters to Myself: Birthday plan: Hiding if Biden doesn’t win ~ No gifts needed, just don’t want my 39th birthday to be like 2016 Election Day
20. ‘Gift’ your junk mail ~ Don’t ‘Return to Sender’: Mail carriers are saving you money
19. Getting your neighbors to go green ~ Christopher Herz’s book ‘The Last Block in Harlem’ is a good guide for the green community
18. Wedding party pooper: Balloons are harming wildlife ~ Rice isn’t a threat to wildlife, but balloons sure are!
17. Cleaning green during COVID-19 ~ Finding eco-friendly ways to clean with kids or pets at home
16. Letters to Myself: Thanks to COVID-19, Mother’s Day will be virtual ~ 17th anniversary of my college graduation
15. Age of Awareness: The one thing teachers cannot teach — earning trust from their students ~ Why my Creative Writing teacher became my liaison in a sexual harassment incident
14. Take my checkbook from my cold, dead hands ~ My relentless fight against autopaying personal and business expenses
13. Stop releasing websites that don’t work ~ Four reasons why A/B testing and QA testing jobs should never end
12. The Startup: I’m on UberConference, so why do we have to download Zoom? ~ Make your virtual video call a win, not a bust
11. Memories and music: Bill Withers ~ A dedication to Black Music Month all year round
10. The Startup: Never work for an editor who has not been a professional writer first ~ There are some professions you must do from the ground up
9. The Startup: Coronavirus prevention tips for Election Judges on Election Day ~ Tips to maintain a safe, sanitized polling place during voting season
8. A Bernie Bro told me I was 50 years old ~ Unless you want Trump for another four years, give someone else a chance
7. Election Day: Here comes the judge … you don’t know ~ Don’t treat judge votes like the Scantron multiple choice test you didn’t study for
6. Pinterest is underrated for writer marketing ~ Ten tips to use this social media platform to organize your Medium posts
5. Live Your Life on Purpose: Write your photo memories down ~ When photos are lost but journal memories stick around
4. Six Upwork clients to avoid ~ Upwork clients who make you want to leave the freelancing site
3. Live Your Life on Purpose: I dance in the dressing room ~ The college life habit that never wore off
2. The train ride that made me decide tourists aren’t so bad after all ~ Dodging all tourists on my Amtrak trip to D.C.
1. Live Your Life on Purpose: The accidental jazz fan ~ The mental health benefits of music therapy
20. ‘Gift’ your junk mail ~ Don’t ‘Return to Sender’: Mail carriers are saving you money
19. Getting your neighbors to go green ~ Christopher Herz’s book ‘The Last Block in Harlem’ is a good guide for the green community
18. Wedding party pooper: Balloons are harming wildlife ~ Rice isn’t a threat to wildlife, but balloons sure are!
17. Cleaning green during COVID-19 ~ Finding eco-friendly ways to clean with kids or pets at home
16. Letters to Myself: Thanks to COVID-19, Mother’s Day will be virtual ~ 17th anniversary of my college graduation
15. Age of Awareness: The one thing teachers cannot teach — earning trust from their students ~ Why my Creative Writing teacher became my liaison in a sexual harassment incident
14. Take my checkbook from my cold, dead hands ~ My relentless fight against autopaying personal and business expenses
13. Stop releasing websites that don’t work ~ Four reasons why A/B testing and QA testing jobs should never end
12. The Startup: I’m on UberConference, so why do we have to download Zoom? ~ Make your virtual video call a win, not a bust
11. Memories and music: Bill Withers ~ A dedication to Black Music Month all year round
10. The Startup: Never work for an editor who has not been a professional writer first ~ There are some professions you must do from the ground up
9. The Startup: Coronavirus prevention tips for Election Judges on Election Day ~ Tips to maintain a safe, sanitized polling place during voting season
8. A Bernie Bro told me I was 50 years old ~ Unless you want Trump for another four years, give someone else a chance
7. Election Day: Here comes the judge … you don’t know ~ Don’t treat judge votes like the Scantron multiple choice test you didn’t study for
6. Pinterest is underrated for writer marketing ~ Ten tips to use this social media platform to organize your Medium posts
5. Live Your Life on Purpose: Write your photo memories down ~ When photos are lost but journal memories stick around
4. Six Upwork clients to avoid ~ Upwork clients who make you want to leave the freelancing site
3. Live Your Life on Purpose: I dance in the dressing room ~ The college life habit that never wore off
2. The train ride that made me decide tourists aren’t so bad after all ~ Dodging all tourists on my Amtrak trip to D.C.
1. Live Your Life on Purpose: The accidental jazz fan ~ The mental health benefits of music therapy
Medium Publications (with Shamontiel's posts)
- Age of Awareness (Contemplative letters commemorating special occasions)
- Black Voices in Marketing (Series on diversity tips, book marketing and minority advertising)
- Doggone World (For dog lovers, dog walkers, dog owners and all bark-related, feel-good activity)
- Homegrown (This is a place for homeowners, condo owners, board association reps and contractors to chat.)
- I Do See Color (“Seeing” color is no more a problem than “seeing” height. Disrespect and discrimination is the issue.)
- Letters to Myself (Stories providing creative, innovative, and sustainable changes to the education system)
- Live Your Life on Purpose (Feel-good stories on health and fitness, life and learning, personal finance, success)
- Medium @Shamontiel
- The Mile High Club (Travel stories from the stratosphere)
- The Startup (Entrepreneurial advice, creativity tales, freelancing, startups, investing, innovation, web development)
- Tickled (Laughing burns calories. Let's focus on our funny bones.)
- We Need to Talk (Heart-to-heart conversations that challenge unpopular views on family, relationships and activism.)
- Zora (Unapologetic. Ours. A Medium publication for women of color.)
©2008 Shamontiel L. Vaughn | All rights reserved
