Not so random thoughts – Page 2

Goodbye, Examiner.com

July 16, 2016 Brownie MarieLeave a comment

I can’t remember how I heard that they were hiring. Maybe it was on Craigslist? I started writing for them in December 2010 as a Cleveland nightlife journalist, and I really didn’t know what I was doing. I treated my articles more like blog posts than professional content, but Examiner.com gave me the freedom to figure out my writing style. I also had (nearly) complete latitude when it came to choosing what people, places, and events I wanted to cover. This autonomy is rare, and it was amazing.

When people ask me why I moved to NYC, I say, “Career.” The long answer is that Examiner.com gave me the inspiration, confidence, and contacts to become an entertainment journalist. Less than a year after I began writing for them, a publicist at Sony contacted me. They wanted me to come backstage at the Cleveland leg of the Scream Tour, and interview their artist, Jacob Latimore. I thought it was a joke at first. How would Sony know who I am? At the time, Examiner.com was getting tens of millions of hits per month, and was a top 100 site. That kind of traffic is extremely valuable, and opened up countless doors for me in New York.

After working with Sony, I thought I would try to make a career out of my passion for entertainment journalism. Examiner.com gave me the platform I needed to gain access to top celebrities and events, and I knew I had a knack for interviewing. Before Examiner.com, I co-founded an urban lifestyle blog called Media-n-DaHood, and created DoloHustle.com as an entertainment blog. One of my first interviews was with Dolla Boy (now known as Dillon Saks) of Playaz Circle. I met him and Tity Boi (now known as 2 Chainz) at a meet and greet in Cleveland, and Dolla asked if I wanted to interview him. Afterwards, he told me that they had just come from radio station Z107.9, and I conducted a better interview than the radio personality. And this was off the cuff! I remember my brother nodding approvingly as he listened to the recorded interview. I was on my way!

I informed Examiner.com that I was moving to New York, and picked up New York Nightlife and Music beats. It wasn’t long after I moved to Brooklyn that I was attending exclusive events, interviewing and partying with celebrities, and making memories that I will hold onto forever. As I started covering more celebrity charity events and product launches, I picked up a New York Celebrity beat as well.

Now, I get about 50 emails per day from publicists and business professionals who want me to cover their client or brand. I have interviewed dozens of celebrities, and some have become friends. I’m very happy and proud with what I’ve accomplished as a journalist, and I’ve had a wealth of amazing experiences in New York. I haven’t decided what my next move will be, but this is one chapter that is closing. Examiner.com emailed all of their contributors about two weeks ago, and told us that they were shutting down. Our content may or may not remain on online, and the full-time staff was laid off. I’m planning on reposting the articles that readers enjoyed the most on this blog, maybe in #tbt style. I am still writing for AXS, and am deciding what the next move will be. It has been an amazing journey, and Examiner.com was the catalyst for this adventure. I will always be grateful.

Bella Dahl photo shoot [PICS]

I am very excited to be back, and to share some awesome pics!

May 2, 2016May 6, 2016 Brownie Marie2 Comments

I am very excited to be back, and to share some awesome pics! Bella Dahl is a women’s clothing company that offers stylish, comfortable, quality clothing, and I was grateful to receive some samples from them. Of course, I had to have a photo shoot to show off the items, so I hit up my photographer friend, Decater James. The rustic location he chose was perfect, and the impromptu addition of his two pitbulls added to the All-American feel of the shoot. (Btw, I don’t normally let dogs lick my face. The things we do to get the shot!)

My article on Bella Dahl was published on Examiner.com, and you can see their full collection on BellaDahl.com. You can see more of Decater’s photography work on his Instagram page (he is also a stunt professional), and feel free to reach out to book a session! I used to model back in the day, and it felt good to be back in front of the camera again. Check out the slideshow for the Bella Dahl photo shoot pics, and there will be more photo shoots in the near future!

Brownie Marie in The Shirt Dress by Bella Dahl; boots by Wet Seal. Photo by Decater James.

Brownie Marie in The Shirt Dress by Bella Dahl. Photo by Decater James.

Brownie Marie in The Shirt Dress by Bella Dahl; boots by Wet Seal. Photo by Decater James.

Brownie Marie in a Bella Dahl Two Button Shirt; shorts by Abercombie & Fitch. Photo by Decater James.

Brownie Marie is wearing The Shirt Dress by Bella Dahl. Photo by Decater James.

I don’t even like peanut butter…

December 18, 2014May 2, 2016 Brownie Marie1 Comment

Once in a while I get random emails from publicists who clearly have no idea/do not care what I cover. I also get a lot of boilerplate messages that are inaccurate/do not apply to me. For example, one publicist this week emailed me saying we had worked together before and he would like to work with me again. Umm, we’ve never worked together and I have no idea who you are. Then I get the pitches for me to cover random things… like peanut butter. I cover nightlife events, celebrities, music, religious subjects, politics, lifestyle news, and a lot more… but within reason. If Matthew McConaughey came out with a new brand of peanut butter, OK. If Prince started endorsing Jiffy, OK. But not some indie peanut butter company (lol, “indie peanut butter”) that is trying to gain market share. There are plenty of food bloggers to whom you can pitch. There are plenty of bloggers in your hometown that might want to write about your company. There are plenty of bloggers based in the city where your factory is located that may want to write about the jobs you are creating. I am not interested. Sometimes I respond with “this is outside the scope of my coverage, but thank you for the information.” Most of the time I just delete the email. I don’t even like peanut butter.

Before you order my food for me

October 29, 2014October 29, 2014 Brownie MarieLeave a comment

This is certainly not the norm, but it does happen. You’re at a restaurant with a guy, and he decides to order your food for you. What? This is particularly bizarre when it’s a first date. Just because I say I like pork chops, doesn’t mean that I want a pork chop RIGHT NOW. Très bizarre.

However, I do like it when I tell a man what I want, and he places the order. Unfortunately, 99 percent of the time the guy either forgets something or messes the order up in some way, and I end up interjecting, and it pretty much ruins the whole thing. Once in a while I come across a man who gets it right.

I pretty much order the same thing from every chain restaurant I go to, and yes, I love chain restaurants. My fake ex-hubby used to give me crap about all the great restaurants in New York, and how he would never go to a chain, blah blah blah, but give me a chain restaurant any day of the week. I know exactly what I want, and I know how it will be delivered. If you order something from Olive Garden in Ohio, it will taste pretty much the same as if you ordered it from an Olive Garden in New Jersey. And I love Olive Garden.

P.S. Guys: It’s better to ask ‘Would you like the pork chop?’ to confirm it’s what I want before telling the waiter.

My faves, i.e., what I order from these restaurants pretty much every time I go there.

Olive Garden – Lasagna Classico, Strawberry Limoncello Martini
Red Lobster – Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Mai Tai (seriously, the Mai Tai’s at Red Lobster are AMAZE)
Applebee’s – Artichoke & Spinach Dip, Double Crunch Shrimp

Mmmm. Hungry now.

Brownie needs an assistant

April 22, 2014April 21, 2014 Brownie MarieLeave a comment

OMG has it been two months since I’ve posted something? Shame on me. I have been extraordinarily busy and slightly overwhelmed w/ work, and it shows. I started to fall behind when I went to Cleveland for Christmas/New Years, and have failed at playing catch-up since I came back in January.

I picked up two freelance journalism jobs that month, and then I started doing background work in February. Those three sources of income, although much-needed, made my Examiner work fall further behind. (Actually, instead of writing this blog post, I should be working. BUT, I feel like venting.)

Then I picked up ANOTHER freelance writing job in March that has me working 40 hours a week! Needless to say I am exhausted, and falling further behind instead of catching up. So, what is the solution? Well, I’m toying with the idea of hiring a temporary writing assistant… just until I get caught up. A few things holding me back: the process of weeding through and screening applicants, having to give up control through delegation, and lack of trust that people will actually get the job done. I’ve always believed that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself, and having an assistant goes completely against that.

Have you ever had an assistant? How did it work out?

A Woman’s Work?

February 25, 2014 Brownie MarieLeave a comment

A few weeks ago I added another side job to my list of side jobs. I am now a background actress aka a paid extra, and worked on my fourth production today. I didn’t get much sleep last night (usual insomnia stuff), and was on set for 8 hours 😦 When I got home I had to do some work for this video metadata writing project I signed up for (another side job), and that took me nearly three hours. So now it’s after midnight, and I’ve finally got a break. I go into the living room, and my fake husband goes into his bedroom. Here’s where things get hairy.

Part of me wants to take a picture of this foolishness. The following is a true account of the mess he left behind (yes, I am actually making a bulleted list):

On the coffee table: His underwear, socks, two drinking glasses, two empty cans of beer, and balled-up paper towel pieces
On the couch: His bath towel
On the butcher’s block: His shirt, empty bottle of seltzer water, balled-up receipts, balled-up paper towel pieces
On the cutting board: Empty can of Red Bull, a dirty butcher knife (the sink is RIGHT THERE!!), more balled-up paper towel pieces
On the floor: Random scraps of paper (?)
In the hallway: Two pairs of shoes. Strewn.

I’m not done, but the rest of the mess I am used to. Our place is way too small for that much crap! What the heck? Guess this is what you do when you know someone is going to pick up after you. So I did what a fake housewife does: Nagged a bit about the mess (his response: “That doesn’t sound like me.” What??), and then cleaned it up. Imagine if I actually had romantic feelings for the guy! 🙂

Blacks in the woods

February 19, 2014May 2, 2016 Brownie MarieLeave a comment

One recycled plot in sitcoms is the group staying in a cabin in the woods or somehow being in the wilderness. Sometimes there’s an avalanche, other times there’s a villain that holds them hostage or tries to rob them… anything that adds conflict and drama to the situation. Oftentimes they decide to go into the wilderness in the dead of winter, which is nonsensical, and something that blacks simply do not do. Then they end up running out of food or heat, are cut off from civilization, and someone exclaims “I don’t want to die!” Despite the ridiculousness, I do remember chuckling at some hilarious moments in these episodes, and will probably watch them again the next time they are on TV One.

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: “Boyz In The Woods”

Synopsis: Uncle Phil (R.I.P.) decides to take Carlton and Will camping. They end up getting lost, and have no camping equipment or supplies because Will secured the equipment to the wrong car. The car phone has no signal. Carlton and Will panic (“I don’t want to die!”). They end up on foot and come across a cave and a duffel bag full of money (part of some radio station scavenger hunt). They burn most of it, Will puts some in his pants.

Funniest scene:

Carlton (distraught and delirious): “For a long time it gave me nightmares having to witness an injustice like that. It was a constant reminder of how unfair this world can be. I can still hear them taunting him: ‘Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids.’ How come they just couldn’t give him some cereal?”

The Wayans Bros.: “Boyz In The Woods” (yes, again)

Synopsis: Pops misses hanging out with the boys, and wants to take them camping like he did when they were young. After trying to get out of it, Marlon and Shawn reluctantly go. Marlon ends up inviting Dupree, T.C., and a few girls, and Pops’ feelings are hurt. Pops leaves the cabin in the middle of a snowstorm, and Shawn and Marlon go to find him. The three of them are in a cave when an avalanche occurs, trapping them. Marlon and Pops: “We’re going to die!” Spoiler: They don’t die.

Funniest scene: Pops’ facial expression after Marlon slaps him. You can tell he wants to break character and crack up laughing.

Living Single: “Kiss of the Spider Man”

Synopsis: There have actually been a few “Living Single” episodes where one or more characters go to a cabin or into the wilderness. In this ridiculous story, Max defends an environmentalist/accused murderer (played by Giancarlo Esposito), and ends up falling for him. He owns poisonous spiders, and suspicion is renewed when it is found that the deceased was killed by a poisonous spider. The clan goes to Esposito’s cabin to save Max, and it is revealed that his assistant is really the murderer.

Funniest scene: When the assistant emerges from the bathroom armed, Regine yells “Gun!” and falls to the floor. She doesn’t get up. In a reunion special, she said that she just didn’t feel like being in the scene anymore. Hilarious.

The Jamie Foxx Show: “Uncle Junior’s Cabin”

Synopsis: Since the employees are stressed out, Uncle Junior and Aunt Helen offer them a weekend getaway at their friend’s cabin (?). After saying they don’t want to go because they want private vacations, it ends up being Jamie, Fancy, Silas, Braxton, Cameron, Junior, and Helen in the cabin. They get snowed in, the bridge is out, they have no food, heat, or supplies, and Jamie (the only one with a cell phone??) forgot to charge his cell.

Funniest line:

Jamie: “Braxton, why don’t you get that breath kicked up and jump start the fire?”

Martin: “The Cabin Show”

Synopsis: There were a few “Martin” episodes where they were in a cabin or ski lodge or in the wilderness. This time, Pam, Gina, Martin, and Tommy stay in a cabin, and take a hike through the woods. Pam sprains her ankle, Martin volunteers to take her back to the cabin (so he can watch the Pistons game), and they get lost. Pam and Martin exchange jokes about her winter fur and bad breath, and his big ears and short stature. We all know the jokes.

Funniest line:

Martin: “You know when I said your breath smelled like old bus seats?”

What shows did I forget?

10 Ghetto meals

January 9, 2014January 9, 2014 Brownie MarieLeave a comment

I’ve been there a hundred times if I’ve been there once. Hungry, broke, and have a bunch of random ingredients in the house. The goal is to make something that tastes decent (which it will because you’re starving), and is somewhat filling. Some of these recipes may be familiar to you, some will be new. Give them a try (if you dare) and let me know what ghetto meals you have made!

Bootleg breakfast taco
Ingredients: eggs, cheese (optional), soft or hard taco shell, BBQ sauce (or ketchup or taco sauce)
You scramble the eggs w/ cheese and put it inside the taco, adding BBQ sauce for flavor. I am eating a bootleg breakfast taco as I type. And the taco shell is stale
Rice cereal
Ingredients: white rice, milk, sugar, butter
Cook the rice. While still hot, add sugar and butter to taste. Add milk as if you just made a bowl of cereal (because you just did).
Pasta with chopped up hot dogs
Ingredients: pasta, hot dogs, pasta sauce if you have some
This is a ghetto alternative if you don’t have any chicken, ground beef, shrimp, or other meat in the house that you would normally add to your pasta. Cook your pasta and hot dogs separately. Chop up the hot dogs and add to the pasta. Extra ghetto points if you’re using Ramen noodles. You can also put a can of tuna fish in there instead of hot dogs.
Snickerdoodles
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 3 tblsp. of sugar (keep separate), 2 eggs, 2 3/4 cups flour, 2 tsp. cream of tartar, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 3 tsp. cinnamon
The full recipe is available on Food.com. I have routinely left out the cream of tartar and the baking soda, and the cookies came out just fine. No matter how empty the fridge and cabinets are, I usually seem to have butter, sugar, eggs, flour, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. So why not make some cookies? Not the most nutritious dinner, but none of these recipes really are!
Cheese and sauce
Ingredients: shredded cheddar cheese, pasta sauce
My brother used to make this. You simply put sauce on a plate (not a paper plate), and sprinkle cheese on top. Microwave until the cheese melts.
Crouton delish
Ingredients: croutons (preferably seasoned), pasta sauce, cheese (shredded or sliced)
You notice how many of these recipes involve cheese and sauce? Lol. One of my favorite food combinations. You put the croutons in a bowl, cover them with pasta sauce, and put the cheese on top. Microwave until the cheese melts. Mmmmm.
Biscuit sandwiches
Ingredients: Bisquick, milk, anything else you can find in the fridge
The possibilities are endless. Make some biscuits using the Bisquick and milk, cut the biscuits in half, and put anything in between. I like them with syrup or jelly, or my favorite combination– cheese and sauce. Can put any type of meat in there too. Things get creative when you’re hungry.
Doritos and salsa
Just pop open the bag of chips and jar of salsa, and scoop away. More of a ghetto snack than ghetto meal.
Boxed mac n cheese w/ hot dogs
Cook mac n cheese and hot dogs separately. Chop up hot dogs and mix in. You can also put a can of tuna fish in there instead.
Ghetto fried rice
Ingredients: white rice, onion, soy sauce
Cook the white rice, add chopped onion and soy sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add veggies.

Ghetto meal tips:

-When I have pasta but no sauce, I usually mix BBQ sauce and ketchup, and sometimes a bit of calamari sauce. Salad dressing also works.

-I try to add some type of starch to get and stay more full. Hence the use of croutons, taco shells, pasta, etc.

-You can use Saltine crackers instead of tortilla chips and make ghetto nachos.

-Cat food tastes gross.

The second wife

November 30, 2013February 11, 2014 Brownie Marie2 Comments

First wives have a lot of pressure. Pressure to be superwoman, pressure to have kids, pressure to hold the marriage together when you really can’t stand each other anymore. After all, marriage is supposed to be forever…

Well… the two of you realize that you can’t stay together just for the kids, you hate being around each other, and you decide to throw in the towel. Maybe the divorce is messy, maybe you keep it civil, maybe the kids aren’t too damaged. Either way, he’s glad it’s over and he’s back on the block. That’s where I come in 🙂

You can’t remember the last time you had so much fun or were so happy. You feel reborn! Haha! I have this guy who I used to date years and years ago. He’s married and divorced now and has a daughter that’s 23. He’s 53. He’s fantasizing about me being his second wife, and I can see why. His first wife was his age, dull, and suffocating. I’m exciting, 20+ years younger than him, and you can have all the space you want cuz I need space too. And I can still talk to him about the educational system and politics (his interests), and be completely comfortable around his executive friends. We also have a lot in common as far as our personalities and the way we view the world. (I have no interest in settling down with him, btw).

Then there’s this guy I’m friends with who is separated from his wife, living in different states. She’s not dull but older, and doesn’t share his interests. His interests being 19-year olds, drugs, and clubbing (smh). He’s not looking to get married again any time soon (hasn’t divorced the first wife yet), but he wants his next wife to be someone he can share girls with. An open marriage, or at least swinger/threesome-friendly. I’m sure he’ll find a girl more than happy to oblige, because he’s loaded.

On the second marriage, a man goes after the type of woman he realizes he really wants. Maybe she’s younger, has a similar personality to his, and is adventurous. Or maybe she’s submissive and is ok with the affairs. Or maybe she’s super hot and doesn’t speak English. Whatever tickles his fancy, he’s gonna make sure he gets it the second time around.

Some great generalizations about divorced men:

They take life less seriously. One day at a time, live for the moment, carpe diem type of attitudes. This means traveling, adventure, and less petty arguing (minor irritations don’t bother them as much). This can also mean that they don’t really want to get married again and have to deal with female drama.
They see their flaws. They know their strengths and weaknesses, and are better at communicating them. Marriage is like emotional boot camp for a lot of men. Take the fake marriage I’m currently in: When we used to argue, he would ignore me, not admit guilt, and let it fester for days. Now, we argue, he’s mad for a few hours, then we talk it out and apologize.
They know women. Similar to the way that older men in general know women, know how to treat women, and understand that sometimes she’s going to be hormonal, irrational, emotional, etc. because he has spent years living in the same house with a woman.

I could definitely do the step-mom thing. Most of the divorced guys I meet have kids around 7 years old. I skip out on the 4 a.m. feedings, potty training, and the terrible two’s (sorry, first wife). The kids are just around weekends (maybe) and school breaks. During that period we could do fun things, hang out, build a friendship. Hopefully the kids are well-trained and not complete brats, but who knows. By the time they become rebellious teenagers, hopefully we already have a good relationship and can survive those years.

Potential problem: The kids are complete jerks and the father doesn’t want you disciplining them.

Potential problem: The first wife is Satan’s daughter or psychotic or keeps the kids from their father or damages property or otherwise makes life difficult for you.

Potential problem: Divorced man is a single father, raises the kids full-time. Does he expect me to be a step-mom and a housewife? Hmmm.

Potential problem: The second wife starts having kids, and turns into a different person. She’s not as fun or submissive. Now she’s irritating and mouthy like the first wife! Oh no! LOL… keep that divorce attorney on deck.

Pick-up lines

October 16, 2013October 16, 2013 Brownie MarieLeave a comment

Just thought I’d share some of the more interesting pick-up lines that guys have said to me over the years! ALL OF THESE LINES/STORIES ARE TRUE!!

Guy: You dropped something…
(I look down and around the floor)
Guy: …your smile.
(I start smiling)
Guy: There it is. It landed on your face.
What’s up, dark skin?
You’re kind of pretty.
We look like we belong together.
(Bouncer approaches me while I’m sitting at a bar)
Bouncer: Someone’s messing with your car.
(I go outside to my car. No one is near it.)
Bouncer: I just wanted to get you outside. Can I holla at you?
Me: What?? No.
Bouncer: F*** you, b****.
Me: What?? (I immediately call my boyfriend at the time…)
You’re beautiful, sexy, and pretty. Where the strippers at?
I don’t normally like black girls but…
I don’t normally like dark-skinned girls but…
You look beautiful, mama. Don’t worry.
(What? Why would I be worried?)
I love your smile. Are those your real teeth?

I’m sure there will be a Part 2 coming eventually, lol.