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A couple weeks ago I took a few shots at my gender with my post entitled “Don’t Be That Guy!” Well ladies, today it’s your turn. Without further ado, I give you “Don’t Be That Girl.”

The girl who trashes Britney Spears…and dresses just like her—don’t be that girl.

The girl who wears stiletto heels and a miniskirt to a baseball game–don’t be that girl.

The girl who thinks showing cleavage is a God-given right–don’t be that girl.

The girl who thinks Twilight should be nominated for Best Movie Ever–don’t be that girl.

The girl who breaks up with a guy so she can “date God” but dumps God 2 weeks later so she can date a different guy–don’t be that girl.

The girl who tries to show off her underwear in a way that looks like she stuck a slingshot down the back of her pants–don’t be that girl.

The white girl who actually thinks she looks good dancing and singing to rap–don’t be that girl.

The girl who only goes on dates cause she’s low on money and needs a free meal–don’t be that girl.

The girl who thinks she can actually sympathize with characters on Sex and the City–don’t be that girl.

The girl who thinks Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are disgusting but knows every word to their songs–don’t be that girl.

The girl who texts more than talks during a date–don’t be that girl.

The girl who has no problem proving she can out-burp any guy–don’t be that girl.

The girl who has her wedding date picked out before she’s met her groom–don’t be that girl.

The girl who constantly talks about her old boyfriend while with her new boyfriend–don’t be that girl.

Any girl who has ever said a Lifetime movie was “well done” or “deserves a sequel”–don’t be that girl.

The girl whose Christmas lists consists of the words “Prada” or “Coach”–you won’t be my girl!

The girl who thinks Matthew McConaughey is a good actor–don’t be that girl.

The girl who constantly says “Well at least you don’t have to go give birth!”–don’t be that girl.

The girl who can’t believe it’s not butter–just kidding. You can be that girl.

Tomorrow morning I’m headed to Dallas, Texas for the first ever D6 Conference. As an employee of Randall House, I’m honored and excited to be part of this conference. I’m looking forward to the speakers, the interaction with friends, and yes…even working while I’m there.

If you’re at the conference, stop by the D6 Booth and say hi. There’s a good chance I’ll be working it.

See ya in Dallas!

“You’re a racist!”

At least that’s what I was told. I was in 5th grade. It was the day of the verdict in the OJ Simpson case. Our teacher asked us to vote on whether OJ was “guilty” or “not guilty.” Like the majority of Americans, I believed Simpson was guilty. The evidence seemed overwhelming. Even though I was in 5th grade, I understood that a man’s blood and DNA didn’t make it to a crime scene unless something fishy was going on.

Some of my classmates didn’t see things the same way. As soon as I declared my belief, I was declared a racist and my freedom of speech and opinion was seemingly stripped away.

I was reminded of that incident this week when former President Jimmy Carter accused Congressman Joe Wilson of having racial motives when he yelled “You lie!” at President Barack Obama during a meeting with Congress. What Wilson did was wrong. In no way should he have addressed his president, my president, in such a manner.

However, Carter’s statements are a problem. Not a small problem either. No matter if his comments are politically motivated or if Carter truly believes what he said, it’s a problem.

Racism is a problem in our country, and it has been a problem since our foundation. I hate racism with a passion and long for a day when we can ignore the color of skin and look at people for who they truly are. Unfortunately, I believe comments like Carter’s only set us back in that pursuit. I do not believe Wilson’s comment was racially motivated. While it was out of line, it does not ring true of racial hatred. In fact, Wilson’s record and appointments prove he’s anything but a racist.

While racism is a problem, falsely accusing someone of being a racist is also a major problem. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Kanye West did this when he spoke out on national TV and said President Bush doesn’t like black people. Janeane Garofalo did this recently when she declared that those who protests President Obama’s policies are racists.

Calling someone a racist is a very serious accusation. It’s not like calling someone a dork, nerd, or idiot. It’s accusing someone of reveling in hatred and bigotry. Unfortunately, pulling the race card seems like such an easy thing to do these days. When people question the “Rev.” Jesse Jackson about his organization’s tax-exempt status, he uses the race card.

Just because someone opposes the President’s policies, opinions, or legislation does NOT make that person a racist. Unfortunately, we’re so quick to use that accusation. Being pro-life does not make me a racist. Being against universal health care does not make me a racist.

Yes racism does exist. It’s a problem that needs to be fixed. But when we use “racism” as our scapegoat to “1-up” someone with different political views, we only set ourselves back.

I submit to my President. Not because he’s black. Not because I’m scared of being called a racist. I submit to my President because he is the man that God has placed over our country at this time. However, I also disagree with many of his policies. Not because he’s black. I disagree because I don’t believe many of his standards (morally and politically) hold up to God’s standards.

Sorry I can’t add fuel to your fire, but I’m not a racist. I’m just a man with opinions who disagrees with the opinions of my President.

Kayne West has been called a lot of things in the past 2 days, including a “choice name” by President Barack Obama. The man who was once notorious for writing “Heartless” is now notorious for destroying the acceptance speech of Taylor Swift at the VMAs. And as far as Kanye is concerned…it’s been tremendous!

Have I caught you off guard yet? Maybe. Let me explain what I’m talking about. When Kanye stepped out during the VMAs and grabbed the mic away from Swift, it first probably seemed like a publicist’s nightmare. “He’s drunk!” “He’s gone nuts!” “What is the crazy idiot doing?” Like I said…nightmare, right? Maybe not.

Two days after the incident, EVERYONE is still talking about Kanye West and Taylor Swift. What should be a publicist’s nightmare has turned into a publicist’s dream. EVERYONE is talking about Kanye…even more so than Taylor Swift. While his stupid antic should be something that should bury his career, it won’t! In fact, I believe it might take it to new heights.

Right now, everyone thinks he’s a total idiot. Everyone “hates” Kanye West. But will that be longterm? Doubtful. Back in 2005, NBC aired a telethon to raise money for the Katrina victims. West appeared with Mike Meyers. Going completely offscript, Kayne uttered these words: George Bush doesn’t care about black people! Whether you like George W. Bush or not, those words should have killed Kanye’s career. Instead, all it did was temporarily cause outrage, yet make Kanye’s name even bigger and recognizable.

Honestly, I think Sunday night is an example of the same thing. The media and fans will be angry at Kanye West for a short time. However, once he produces his next album and big hit, all will be forgiven and his success will be taken to new heights because his name is more recognizable than ever. What he did to Taylor Swift was dirty. However, with all the media attention, appearances, and public apologies, it may actually help his career in the long run.

How can this happen? Simple! We can easily overlook the faults of celebrities as long as they keep giving us albums, movies, championships, etc. that make us happy. Fans in LA love Manny Ramirez despite his 2x (at least) steroid use. Why? He’s a great player. Rock fans overlook their favorite artists’ multiple trips to rehab and multiple relapses simply because they put out great music. When someone does something to please us, their faults don’t seem so big. As long as we are happy, everything else is excusable.

In this twisted world, maybe Kanye was “right” after all.

Friday September 11, 2009 was an exciting night! Here are a few things I learned from Rush Night:

- Videos aren’t as enjoyable when you watch them sideways and backwards

- When everyone tries to include “funny credits,” sometimes they’re just not funny

- Kyle Saunders, Matt Deckard, and Caleb Jones are awesome!

- Black leggings can make you feel incredibly hot and cold at the same time

- I am NOT a size 4

- Teachers and faculty members who have a good sense of humor are a gift to us all

- I can’t hang out with Shane Huey anymore

- Just because I’m wearing skin-tight Under Armour and tights doesn’t give you a reason to scream at me like some piece of me…Courtney Edwards

- I think Freshman are scared of me

- Apparently I’m a cross between Billy Mayes and Al Borland, meaning…

- I need to shave

- We are Arminians, my friend

- Dr. Jon Forlines is one of the funniest people I know…seriously

- Jacob Riggs can’t tackle very well

- After 4 takes of Jacob Riggs trying to tackle you, you get a pretty bad headache

- Swings are fun no matter what your age

- When you haven’t eaten in 10 hours, Chili’s is awesome!

- Chili’s with friends is even awesomer!

- Twitter feeds are the new Top 10 Lists

- I’m so thankful I don’t have to wear a coat and tie to work

- Jacob Riggs is going to be a father

- Not really

- Unity among students is a beautiful thing

- Adrien Brody and Halle Berry have nothing on Tina Tolbert and Alex Check

- Parachute pants will NEVER go out of style

- It’s never a good idea to drink bottled water that’s sitting backstage and half-empty. But…sometimes you just gotta do it!

Just wanted to write a simple note and encourage everyone to pray for Pusch (aka Eric Puschmann aka Pastor Pusch). He’s been in the hospital for a couple days and can use our prayers. Praying for you Pusch!

Have you ever seen a guy do something totally stupid like hit on a girl with a cheesy pickup line, drive a car with spinning rims that were made out of cheap plastic, or try to impress his friends with a mullet? We all have. In fact, we’ve all probably done something that stupid, or watched our friends do something that stupid, giving us reason to say, “Don’t be that guy!” Thus, today we have our first installment of “Don’t Be That Guy.”

The guy who sees a 30 second trailer for a movie and says, “That movie is gonna be awesome!!!—don’t be that guy.

The guy who uses “bro”, “bromance”, and “Broseph” more than once a week—don’t be that guy.

The guy who plays air guitar during a live concert—don’t be that guy.

The guy who spends more money on Axe Body Spray than groceries–don’t be that guy.

The guy who owns every season of The Girls Next Door on DVD–don’t be that guy.

The guy who comments on girl’s Facebook pictures with “hot”, “sexy”, or “OMG”—don’t be that guy.

The guy who puts a new sub in his Honda Accord and sits outside Arby’s with Jay-Z blasting trying to pick up teenage girls—don’t be that guy.

Any guy with a dirt stash—don’t be that guy.

The guy who gets around “No Shirt, No Service” by wearing a beater to The Cheesecake Factory—don’t be that guy.

The guy who goes to the pool in a t-shirt and jeans and just stares—don’t be that guy.

The guy who calls everything “gay” because using two syllables is too difficult—don’t be that guy.

Any guy over 30 who shops at Abercrombie—don’t be that guy.

The guy who follows Megan Fox on Twitter and tells everyone he knows that they’re friends—don’t be that guy.

The guy who still quotes South Park—don’t be that guy.

The guy who says he reads Maxim for the articles—don’t be that guy.

The guy who reads every plot description of every movie at Redbox—don’t be that guy.

The guy who is blushing and claiming he didn’t rip one—don’t be that guy.

The guy who invites girls over to “my place” aka his “parents’ basement”–don’t be that guy.

The guy whose lifelong goal is to catch every Pokemon–don’t be that guy.

The guy who hasn’t opened a book since he got one signed by a UFC fighter–don’t be that guy.