NABJ and Tennis - My August and My Friends

 I love August.  I go to two different events and I love them both.  And the bonus of August is that I get to hang out with my friends I love and cherish.

From August 2-6, I'll be in Birmingham for the National Association of Black Journalists.  I hob nob with journalists -- trying to make contacts, even though I'm pretty much retired.  It's an exhilarating atmosphere.

But a bonus in going is seeing my friend Kathy Times.  I met her when I played a small role in her victory as NABJ President.   Since then, our friendship has grown and blossomed.  I love her and so look forward to my Kathy hug.

Then there's Michelle.  I met her over 13 years ago when she was looking to buy a ticket to an AKA event.  Why?  Because she wanted to be an AKA.  I just happened to answer the call.  That began a 13-year friendship.  

She's from Birmingham but lives near me in the South Suburbs. When she found out I was going to Birmingham to this conference, she volunteered to show me the historic sites and some not-so-famous -- but still intriguing -- sites.  And, she's DRIVING!

I appreciate and love both of them.

But August includes my annual trip to Cincinnati for tennis.  As much as I don't like driving, it's better than flying.  I get to see the top tennis players -- upfront and personal. And I hang out with my friend Tony Burroughs.  It's a great experience and the vibe is so great.

I also see my friend, Soror Sharon White, for an annual lunch.  We have such a great time talking and laughing and being REAL!

So, August is my favorite month:  I take care of businesss and enjoy seeing the top tennis players.  But most of all, I get to hang with my friends

Taylor Townsend

 OK.  I just finished watching the French Open tennis.

It was pretty predictable with Djokovic and Iga winning.  

But the standout for the slam was Taylor Townsend.  She and Leylah Fernandez, her partner, mounted a gritty doubles effort to reach the finals.

And while, they came up short, they gave it their all.

But what was most impressive was the love Taylor showed for Leylah when she got down and burst into tears at the loss.

Taylor consoled her, gave her a pep talk and they accepted their second-place win with class.

But it was Taylor who was strong amid her winning shots.

Taylor Townsend has endured so much crap from the tennis officials and pooh-bats that she would have deserved leaving the sport.

But she prevailed and won my love, admiration and respect.

Tired of press one for....press two for.... I'm pressing out!

 On Saturday, I wanted to make a quick deposit at a branch of Chase near Downtown. I had an appointment near Downtown and, due to lack of time, I decided to make the deposit rather than at my neighborhood branch.

Problem is, I was in my car and I wanted to make sure there was parking.

So, I called the bank.

There is a rolling message that says:  If you're looking for _________, press 1.  If you are asking about _________press 2. 

This went all the way to 5.  Needless to say, it didn't cover parking.  I pressed 0 thinking I would get a human.  That only brought back to the beginning.  And, they suggested you go to their website and, if you run into a problem, call back!  Huh?

After the third try, I gave up.  And I made the decision to leave Chase.

If this is the direction of banking, then Chase -- and all the other banks that follow suit -- are tone deaf.

So, I called another bank.  Same issue.  But when I called Fifth Third, I happened upon a human being.  I was so happy.  Today, I'm taking all of my $ out of Chase. 

No more pressing anything.  The only thing I'm going to press is the door on my way out of Chase -- for good!

Traveling to Vietnam was so GREAT!

While I complained in my last post about the hassle trying to get to Vietnam with all the forms....I had a change of mind once I got on the plane.

That's because I went Business Class.  I was treated like a diva....great food...very attentive and the chair folding into a bed made for a peaceful ride.

I slept like a baby in my own little kiosk where I closed everyone away.  

During the nine-hour layover in Istanbul, I went to the private club where I had free food, free drinks and I was able to sequester myself in the lounge.

Of course, I did some shopping in this massive airport.

All in all the trip was heavenly.

And I made some friends too.  In that long layover, I chatted up with others in Business Class.  It was great!

So I had food, fun and made some new friends! 

The hassle of traveling

Grrr...

That's the sound of me trying to navigate all I need to do to get to Vietnam.

Fill out visas, convert money to Dong (just in case), review all of the documents and make sure you adapt and bring the correct clothing.

Then there's the 20 hours in the air (40 when you include return) and trying to find a way to keep moving and stay busy during that time.

Then, there's the nine-hour layover in Istanbul.  

I'm tired and I haven't even started.

Chicago Police Department

The criminals in Chicago have a field day carjacking, killing, robbing... Why?

Because the solve rate is only 12%. That means 88% of the time, the thugs don't get caught and only continue to terrorize the innocent citizens.

And, where Blacks are concerned, the police don't care and don't expend the effort.

I don't know if there's a city that does it right by investing the time, resources to track down these thugs and hold them to account.

One thing's for sure:  Chicago Police don't give a ___ and the stats prove it.

Sad.  But true.

Bamenda Fresh Grocer

So happy to be working with Bamenda Fresh Grocer, a new Black-owned grocery in the Black community.  

Felix Leshay is the owner whose vision is behind this successful enterprise.  It's a way of countering the trend where major chains are fleeing the inner city.

The store is filled with the usual items but also has a section with African and Caribbean items.

Bamenda Fresh Grocer -- and Felix -- are blessings.

And I'm happy to be part of his success!