The Book | Chapter 2 : THREE

“Yo! Hank it’s this kind of shit that pisses me off. I’m saying, where the heck are the parents? Don’t they even have a clue as to what these kids are up to?"

"Who the hell is raising who around this got damned community. I guess we are suppose to do that too; huh, baby-sit these out of control, no respect having little sons of a gun.”

The Book | Chapter 2 : Two

“Hey Chief, morning, Carney and Ray are bringing in some suspects in connection with the string of burglaries and carjackings over in the Meadowbrook Villa section of town. And get this Chief, it’s a group of boys ranging from the age of twelve to seventeen. They are in this gang called Kings of Kaos. I heard they had a log of stuff they are intending to do to the community and all the municipal buildings.”

The Book | Chapter 2 : ONE

“Morning Chief Doucan, what’s up?”

“Aah Turke you know same shit different day. The wife needs the kitchen remodeled; Cara and Tasha write home daily and call even more often begging for money. The dog’s always hungry and my feet hurt like hell.”

“Damn Chief, I’m sorry I asked.”

The Book | Chapter Two...Coming "Write" Up!

Good Evening;

I hope you are enjoying "The Book". It has been a work in progress for over 10 years.

I trust you find this communication medium both a unique and interesting way to read a book and will continue to indulge my literary unction.

Stay tuned as we delve into chapter two of The Book.

Ciao for Now!

*SMH* and Stomping my FEET!

Well I just had a heck of an experience at the PNC Bank on South Avenue in Plainfield. Talk about lack of customer service!!! First I go through the drive-thru and after placing my items in the container and sending it off, I noticed this tattered note that read: “The Drive Thru is for the Convenience of The Bank’s Customers Only”.

Well hello!!! Because I do not have an account there doesn’t mean I am not a customer when in fact I am presenting the instrument of your account holder who has extended the service of your bank to me by virtue of issuing me a check drawn on their account through your bank.

How friggin upsurd!!! (a value greater than absurd)

To add insult to injury they made me come in to conduct my business. I go in only to be told the check I have is too old to be honored. Which by the way – there is NO EXPIRATION DATE noted anywhere on the check. If I was not in such a state of pistivity right now I might find this funny. I mean WTH!!! You could not have taken the time to tell me that when you picked up my documents the first time!

Needless to say, I left there and left them with a few choice words, but MOM you would be so proud of me because I DID NOT utter a single profanity!

And to answer the young lady’s question – No I am NOT a Customer at this bank and Nor will I EVER BE ONE!

P.S. If any one banks there please let them know...they've been blogged about!

The Book | Chapter 1 : Thirteen

Exhausted and enraged, Raje turns and walks from the elevator towards the lobby. Finally able to speak Janet yells, “Wait for me honey, I, I, I can explain everything!”

Stopped short by the audacity of this bitch, Raje turned to face Janet. Only this time the look of love and longing that normally shone in his eyes was replaced with hurt and contempt and something new -- sadness.

Wordlessly, Raje raised his right hand, arm straight out in front of him and hand held palm out, and with such ease turned on his heel and walked out the Parker Inn never looking back.

The Book | Chapter 1 : TWELVE

“You dirty bastard! I’ll kill you!”

Caught in the throes of his passion, eyes half opened, Lemond’s eyes jerked open and with one quick movement he threw Janet aside, but it wasn’t’ in time. Before he could get his hands up, Raje connected with Lemond’s mouth causing blood to splatter randomly across the walls, the carpet and Janet’s cream colored Chanel blouse.

The pattern of blood looked as though an artist had ran his hand across the edge of his paint brush bristles.

“You fucking no good…” unable to continue with the litany of names, Raje punches at him again. This time connecting with Lemond’s left eye, then his jaw, his stomach and finally his groin. Smack dab in the “HE” spot.

Program Interruptous! ...---...

...---...

All,

I wanted to share a positive experience regarding the “NEW” Academy. My daughter attended the student orientation for the Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies this past Friday and it does my heart proud to see how absolutely EXCITED she is about this school.

When I came home from work she could barely contain herself in order to share with me her first impressions about PAAAS. From the cameras and dance studio, to the “iMac” computers, her graphic arts class, her friends and the TV studio cameras – her gittiness left my head spinning! Ooh and least I forget the big screen TVs...but she also reminded me that it is going to be very strict. "If you come home with a "C" or less for two marking periods -- YOU are OUT of the School!" LOL...I'm loving the dose of healthy pressure she's feeling from someone other than me about her grades.

Me thinketh a true partnership has begun!

It hasn’t been since her first day at head start that I have seen this wild-eyed amazement in her when it comes to school and all things school-like.

So – I’m thrilled my Plainfield Family and I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things ahead of our students, our city and our community.

Remember – Our WORDS create our reality… “LIFE, Camera – ACTION!!!”

Be WELL and Walkie Your Talkie!

The Book | Chapter 1 : Eleven

Slapping his hand away, Janet quickened her pace to catch the elevator door just before they closed. Aroused just from the scent of her Lemond grab Janet’s arm and pulled her so forcefully that they stumbled back into the corner of the elevator. Lemond cupped her firm ass and positioned her artfully so that her “she” and his “he” melded artfully against one another.

Meeting his obvious passion, Janet leaned her hips inwardly. Lost in the essence of their erotic love play, neither were aware of the stillness of the elevator nor the bell tone that signaled the elevator had arrived at its destination.

The Book | Chapter 1 : TEN

“Damn Janet your ass is getting expensive. What are you doing with all the money I give You? You Don’t have any bills!” “Here!”, handing her a fifty dollar bill. “You need to get a job!”

“Excuuuze me. A job? I’ve got a job, you and your brother and you are working me full-time baby, at a part-time rate.”

As they walked down the hall to catch the elevator Lemond reaches over to squeeze her round voluptuous petite ass, that he sooooooo admired. “My Love, if I didn’t have to go I’d ravish you right here, right now - piece by lov-e-ly piece!”

The Book | Chapter 1 : Nine

Knock, knock… “Janet hurry up in there I’ve got to go. You know I have to pick up the kids from school. Come on it’s 3 o’clock all ready.”

Janet opens up the bathroom door with one hand while trying to button her blouse with the other. She took a quick glance back at the mirror to have a last peek at her hairdo and with a resounding MUWAH offered herself a kiss goodbye. “Your fine honeyed self.”

Tickled by her own praise, Janet does her best May West swagger, finished buttoning her blouse, kissed Lemond on the cheek as she past him in the entry way of the bathroom, grabbed her pocketbook from the side table in the bedroom and yelled; “I’m ready! Let’s go I’ve got a nail appointment.

"Oh yeah and by the way, that reminds me -- I need fifty dollars.”

The Book | Chapter 1 : EIGHT

“Well Vince besides a flat out yes, that’s the best thing I could of heard. I’ll have that proposal for you by close of business Friday, that will give you all weekend to review it. No rush of course."

"I’ll call you the following Wednesday to answer any questions or provide clarity on any areas of concern.”

"That’ll be fine Raje, but enough about business, join me for a drink."

“I would love to Parker but it’s just 3 o’clock and I’m still officially punched in. You know I have to live life as an example to my trainees, but I’ll certainly take a raincheck.”

The Book | Chapter 1 : Seven

“Listen Raje, I’ll tell you what -- why don’t’ you type up a formal proposal and drop it by my office at the Parker Inn Bed and Breakfast with my secretary Teru."

"Now, understand I’m not making any promises Raje, but I’ll take a good look at what your workfare program is all about and after reviewing it with my accounting firm and lawyer, I’ll give you a call."

"That’s the best I can offer you right now.”

The Book | Chapter 1 : SIX

Oh, YES! Vince knew all too well how it felt to be poor and he didn’t like being reminded of it either.

It’s not like he could have forgotten; after all wasn’t it he that held the all day carnival for the community’s children and any proceeds went to pay for meals for homeless families and support homeless shelters. “Hell when was it going to stop! The guilt of being successful. The handouts."

"What’s enough?"

“I’m damned if I do or damned if I don’t. Once again I could hear the public outcry only this time it would be a sing-along chorus of “Oh Parkers gotten to high on this horse to reach down and help someone, or, imagine that bastard turning down the social service workfare program." "Whatever happened to the idea of giving back to the community?”

“Hell- why me?"

The Book | Chapter 1 : Five

Vincent knew what it was like to have nothing, to be considered worthless, to be hungry and not know when the next meal was coming or where he and his family would live.

He could remember sleeping with his five siblings in the stock room of his parents corner store because they had been evicted from there home. He knew all too well the mental anguish and living conditions these welfare families went through, and it was these memories that began to play on his humanity and soften his heart.

After all wasn’t he the one who neighborhood kids called “poor white trash“, "junkie’s baby", and “Sir Kid hand-me-downs”. Wasn’t he the one who had to run home from school more times than not to avoid the royal ass kicking the neighborhood kids would dispense every time they saw him.

Yeah -- it was he -- Indeed!

The Book | Chapter 1 : FOUR

Vincent Parker had invested and worked his entire life to develop his dynasty. First taking over his mom and pop’s corner store at the age of 19 and then five years later he opened up a bed and breakfast, a linen and bedding manufacturing and distribution plant along with both residential and commercial properties throughout New Jersey.

At the age of thirty-five Vince was a self-made multi-millionaire. His success, business acumen and reputation afforded him the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit organization, a bank and six terms on the city council, serving as President for 3 of those terms.

The Book | Chapter 1: Three

“Hey Raje, listen I’ve always respected you and your work, but I don’t know man this could be opening up a can of worms.

I can just hear it now, “Parker, Inc. turns to State Welfare system for Assistance”. We can’t handle that kind of publicity, Raje.”

Sobered by Vincent’s revelation, Raje unconsciously started rubbing his eyes with his thumb and pointer finger as his hand rested artfully across his forehead at an attempt to hide his face while simultaneously expressing extended audible yoga-like cleansing breaths.

The Book | Chapter 1 : TWO

“As I was saying Parker, I think Renee would make a wonderful addition to your staff. She’s young, energetic, intelligent and hardworking. I’ve been working with Renee in our new workfare training program and she’s come a long way.”

This meeting had taken Raje three months to set up. It’s just the kind of connection the Clarkston Social Worker’s Administration has been after, and Vincent Parker, self made millionaire extraordinaire, owner of fifteen businesses within the community could certainly provide the foundation for this new welfare to work program.

Just think of all the welfare cases he could place into jobs that would offer the income and benefits his clients needed to sustain their families and a future. The thought made Raje’s soul sing.

The Book | Chapter 1 : One

“Hello Concierge’s desk, this is Alice how may I help you?” “Ah yes, this is room 342 and we would like to order a bottle of Martini & Rossi and some fresh strawberries please.” “Sure, right away, would you care for anything else?”

“Honey,” turning to ask the room‘s other occupant, “you want anything else?” “Just you - -and with the quickness”, came the provocative voice of a woman in need. Roused by her boldness, Lemond reaches over to grab her and pulled her firmly against him and began to suck on her lips as though they were a sweet summer peach. A seductive kisser indeed, she thought as the pleasure of the exchange escaped from her lips to give Lemond the confirmation he sought.

“Hello…Ah Sir, Hell…LOW!” “Oh hey, um - sorry nothing else, thank you.”

What If...

What if we tried this: Click Here

And, This...

The Career Clusters icons are being used with permission of the States’ Career Clusters Initiative, 2009, http://www.careerclusters.org/

Which include all of these:

I'm just saying -- What IF...???!!!

Giving PPSD its PROPER RESPECT!!!

GOOOooooooooooooooooooooo BIG RED...I said Go, Go, Go Big Red -- Go, Go, Go Big RED!

Drs. Bilal & Gallon, III and ALL PHS Staff Hat's OFF to YA!

FRAME IT!!!

I applaud you for your efforts and SOooooooooo look forward to many more WINS/Successes and Proud Moments.

Keep up the AWESOME work!

Now that's Walkie Your Talkie!!!

It's a Hodge-Podge kind of Day!

Wow…talking about writer’s block; it really is an awkward condition. I’ve been rather busy with my Girl’s Mentoring group; creating and coordinating fundraisers, brochures and a strategic plan for future growth. You must check out the blog when you get a chance (http://tiaras2crowns.blogspot.com/) Yes, I write another blog – which explains the lack of regular postings here.

I’m in such a strange place right now. I am very much at peace with my world and all that it encompasses despite not knowing if or when I’ll have to move, how our city will revitalized its economic base, how we will markedly improve the quality of educational offerings in our city, who’s on first… etcetera.

If you ask me, and if you are reading this – then you did – only I had to read your mind; any way Plainfield needs to start working on our problems in tandem. We need an overall PROJECT PLAN for the city that covers economic stimulus (not just growth but SOLVENCY), educational rigor, community service, pride, mentoring and goodwill towards men. We need a visual representation of where we are and where we are trying to get. Most importantly we need to see the "CRITICAL PATHS" for getting us there!

A lot of the conversations I read and hear posit wrong versus right…truth versus non-truth… friend vs. foe. As long as we keep trying to pinpoint “who” is to blame as oppose to “what” is to blame -- we will lose opportunities and “time” to actually come together and work on fixing /repairing/ implementing the necessary changes.

The views of Plainfield’s issues are very disjointed which is extremely unfortunate given they are intricately and irrevocably connected. Take for example education and our property. The assessed value of our educational system (or the perception thereof) has direct correlation to the assessed value of our property (or the perception thereof). So the fact that people who own homes and either don’t have children or choose to send their children outside of the PPSD should in no way be seen as a pass for getting involved in reinvigorating our educational system.

Example two: our economic base – down town Plainfield. As a resident of this city you can ill afford NOT to patronize these stores. If you don’t then who will? And if you don't how can the tax revenues be generated to help subisidize the cost of things we need in our city. If the vendor offerings do not meet the needs of the citizenry than said citizenry should get involved on one of the city’s economic development committees to ensure we create attractive options for potential buyers. Where are our Economic Commerce Brochures, Programs, the BillBoards, the TV Ads and Inducements?

Example three: our local businesses should be linked into our schools creating summer job opportunities as well as yearlong learning and training opportunities for students to expose them to various trades, businesses and entrepreneurial experiences.

These relationships are reciprocal!

Come on you guys – we are too smart to keep traveling down the same old stupid avenues!