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Black Friday: What it says about Humanity today

by Alex David Jimenez

Black Friday 2013
Black Friday 2013

When looked at from a business perspective, Black Friday is anything but negative. The fourth friday of November, specifically the day after the American Holiday of Thanksgiving, is easily and consistently the busiest and most profitable shopping day of the year. Where many retailers might be “in the red” (pertaining to sales, in-the-red refers to a business not turning a profit, but instead losing money), Black Friday serves as a jump-start to the season where these businesses can move their sales “into the black” (turning a profit) – and then some. It’s true – the deals and the steals are an attractive and magnetic aspect of bulb-flashing and glitzy persuasion, if not coercion. Yet at some point in the rise of the blackness of that single day we seem to have lost sight of what it’s all for. Sure, you can cry recession: We’re all trying to save as much money as we can nowadays, and Black Friday serves as the opportunity to do just that while expertly amassing the perfect collection of gifts for our loved ones. And yet, is it all worth it? The camping overnight, clamoring, clawing and bickering? The arguing, belligerence, and warmongering mobbing? Does the gift of giving hold its purpose when we lose ourselves to achieve it?

The Origin

The origin of Black Friday is not completely known. It has been referenced on several different occasions throughout recent history. The earliest known coining of the term occurred in the late nineteenth century during the Financial Crisis of 1869. During the Grant Presidency, the event was named, quite aptly, “Black Friday” – imputing the somber darkness of the term with the desolation of such a crisis. The term was not used specifically as a description for the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy until the year 1961, in which it can be argued that the current use of the phrase originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The police departments in Philadelphia began to call the day after Thanksgiving “Black Friday” in regards to the terrifically obnoxious volume of overcrowding, traffic jams, chaos and crimes which did occur on that day every year. The Friday known as black held its title, and a gradual spread of the adjective quickly erupted. Soon it was a household date. Soon the department stores began to use it to their advantage.

It did not take long for major retailers to realize the full potential of what Black Friday could mean for business. There had been sales and deals on that friday long before the color graced its presence, but now there was power behind those two words. Instead of simply printing “50% off” on billboards and newspapers, retailers started to put “BLACK FRIDAY SALE” as their headline. People started paying attention. The words held a sort of ominous and dark-side implication. This drew in the crowds. Human nature took over. This wasn’t generosity-friday; this was Black Friday. This was no longer bargain shopping – this was war.

The Numbers

Black Friday is profitable. That much is certain. The numbers jump for consumers, small businesses, and big businesses alike. Yes, it is good for the economy. What is an economy, however, distributed among a commune of tyrants? Some may say it’s inhumane. Some may say that’s America. Both assumptions are quite correct.

Jumping back seven years, the profits from the Black Friday weekend have nearly doubled. The numbers are, in a word, astounding. Two-thousand six saw roughly 140 million shoppers grace the malls and department stores on Black Friday, each consumer spending an average of $360.00 dollars. Last year’s 2012 Black Friday saw about 247 million shoppers, each spending a much improved average of $423.00 dollars. Below are the total gross profits in billions, yes billions, each Black Friday weekend since 2006:

Black Friday weekend profits

2006 – $34.4 billion

2007 – $34.6 billion

2008 (U.S. Recession) – $41 billion

2009 – $41.2 billion

2010 – $45 billion

2011 – $52.5 billion

2012 – $59.1 billion

Clearly, the number rises significantly each year. It can be called astonishing that in the midst of a global recession period during 2008, the country as a whole still traveled in droves to spend money on the biggest friday of the year. Some may call this positive and patriotic; others might call it irresponsible and greedy.

The numbers for 2013’s Black Friday have not yet been accurately reviewed, but given the trend of the chart, it can be assumed that this year topped over 60 Billion dollars in sales.

Update: In fact, for 2013 the sales went down. Total in-store sales topped-off at 57.4 billion dollars, while cyber monday sales rose significantly.

The Violence

Where there is Black Friday, there is violence. That has become the norm; that has come to be expected. Each year there seem to be more reports of growing violence and tragic accidents as a result of the mobbing crowds of the holiday weekend. Where there is an expectation of joy and giving, there is bloodshed.

Unruly shoppers charge into stores as soon as they are opened. They trample. People are injured. Stores present gimmicks, like dropping coupons from the ceiling once their doors open. And in moments like those, people seem to lose a piece of the humanity they claim to be shopping for. They charge at the idea of a discount without a second glance at what or who stands in their way.

In 2008, a Wal-Mart in Valley Stream, New York opened its doors for business sharply at 5:00am. The crowd of over 2,000 people charged the doors like a stampede, killing a 34 year-old employee in the process. Two others were needlessly shot to death over a product altercation in California that same friday.

courtesy abcnewsIn 2010 there were multiple stabbings, arrests, and another trampling of a man in Buffalo, New York.

In 2011 there was a violent pepper spray incident pertaining to an altercation over the new Xbox 360. A man in California was shot.

In 2012 several people were shot, some over a parking space.

And this year was no exception to the curse of the friday known as black. On Thanksgiving evening, as it has become the beginning of the shopping frenzy recently, an alleged shoplifter dragged a police officer from his car while trying to escape in Illinois. The assailant was shot. In Las Vegas, a thief took a TV from a man who had just purchased it. While trying to retrieve the television, the victim was shot in the leg. There were multiple scuffles at stores across the country (especially Walmarts) involving several stabbings, fights and small crowd riots.

In Minnesota a man named Serge Vorobyov, who wanted to give cheer during Black Friday, dropped 1,000 one-dollar bills down to a crowd on the Rotunda of the Mall of America. It quite literally was snowing money. The crowd, in a disorderly fashion of course, went crazy for the money. Vorobyov was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

And in Philadelphia, where the entire Black Friday culture is thought to have originated, two women were caught on cell phone video fighting violently after an argument escalated. It seemed to be like any other Black Friday scuffle – one of many emerging amateur videos catching the instigators in the act – until one woman suddenly pulled out and began to use a taser gun. A security guard quickly broke up the fight – a potentially deadly fight which took place mere feet from a baby in a stroller.

The Humanity

So where do we stand? Where does society go from here? It can be said that the overall goal and purpose of Black Friday is to create a win-win circumstance for both the consumer and the nation’s economic well-being. And yet each year, as profits grow, so does the bloodshed. Are those who are injured or even killed simply “casualties of war” in the skirmishes that we create? No. That’s absurd. This isn’t a war. No bargain, whether it be a 20% or 100% discount, is worth the price of blood on our hands.

It is important to note that with each year, overcrowding and needless arguments are not the only problem on Black Friday. Robbery is an escalating trend. It’s not enough for some people to have the advantage of mega-deals and bargains for the items they seek. They want everything for nothing. Black Friday, with its growing reputation for irresponsibility and lack of morality, is becoming an open-door of opportunity to thieves and criminals. And rest assured – those things they do steal are not going under anybody’s tree as gifts.

It’s very simple. The only thing we still lack on Black Friday is patience. Nothing is worth violence or hatred toward another human. Nothing that comes in a box is worth letting yourself become a monster for a single day. You may not get that last big-screen TV for your husband, but you will be there on Christmas Day. And that still must be the most important gift we can give. And the good news – it’s completely free.

Filed Under: BUSINESS, OPINION Tagged With: black, Black Friday, crime, Culture, Friday, manhattan digest, opinion, sale, Thanksgiving, violence

Racism in the Bear Community- More Prevalent than Ever

by Ryan Shea

bear

Off the bat, there is going to be a variety of opinions regarding this matter yet I feel like this is a very taboo subject to talk about.  It is an issue that just like some of the more mainstream issues that we face in America will never really have one agreement on it.  The fact of the matter is for many people that I know of and a general consensus that I have seen, racism is a huge part of the bear community.  For me, this racism comes in many different forms, some of which I have experienced and some others have as well.  This can be broken down into several different ways people can view racism in this community, so feel free to share your opinion on what you think. [Read more…] about Racism in the Bear Community- More Prevalent than Ever

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, LIFESTYLE, OPINION Tagged With: america, asian, Bear Community, black, gay, gay bear, lord of the rings, online, racism, stereotypes, white

The 2013 MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet

by Ryan Shea

The 2013 MTV Movie Awards were last night at the fashion never fails to intrigue me.  The MTV Movie Awards bring out all walks of the celebrity life.  From movie stars to musicians to your favorite reality stars.  There were a few great ensembles on the red carpet last night and, true to Movie Awards tradition, there were some outlandish fashion train wrecks!

Actress Crystal Reed looked classy and trendy in her coral and nude lace overlay dress.  The bottom was pumped up with a tulle and looked like a beautiful tutu.  And the nude pumps made her legs looking miles long!

Crystal Reed
Crystal Reed

 

Bridesmaids’ Melissa McCarthy rocked all black with gold accessories.  I think the was a great pick for Melissa the funny girl looks slim and glowing!

 

Melissa McCarthy
Melissa McCarthy

 

Model Karlie Kloss’ all white skirt and crop top was sexy!  The shoes were by far my favorite part of the outfit!  I am obsessed with ankle straps right now!  So chic.

 

Model Karlie Kloss
Model Karlie Kloss

 

My best dressed male goes to my secret crush … The legendary Taylor Hanson!  He is so handsome and well dressed.  This MMMbop boy surely grew into one handsome man.

 

Taylor Hanson
Taylor Hanson

 

And now for the worst of the worst … drum roll please !

 

Ke$ha…

What is this chick thinking?  I think she is so talented and beautiful and yet she insists on looking like a hobo.

You would never believe this girl had hit songs almost every other month.  Apparently hippies have gone goth, which is not a good look!  I don’t know what the worst part of this look is … the hat … no the fringe vest … nope definitely the pants … This outfit is just all wrong!

Ke$ha
Ke$ha

 

This next one is really hard for me to do … I am absolutely head over heels with musician Macklemore.  I think his style and look are perfection, most of the time.  I love his swag and his ginger features!  But his outfit last night was really disappointing.  The royal blue did look cool but the cape was such a let down.  I would have rathered a big fur jacket and a onesie.

Don’t worry though I still love you!

 

Thrift Shop rapper Macklemore
Thrift Shop rapper Macklemore

 

There’s always one who has to be a statement maker, and expecting it to be Lady Gaga again, I was surprised to see a burnt cigarette butt hat on Pitch Perfect’s Hana Mae Lee.  Lee was one of my favorite characters in Pitch Perfect and her one liners were the most laughable moments in the movie.  My favorite line “I ate my twin in the womb.”  Befitting to her character’s, shall we say, uniqueness, Mae Lee rocks a interesting hat at the Movie Awards.

Hana Mae Lee
Hana Mae Lee

 

Last night’s MTV Movie Award fashion definitely had some note worthy looks.  But the overall trend for the awards had to be the pointy toe pump.  I have to say I was a little worried about this trend coming back but the new style of pointed toe pumps has a shorter point and is something I am actually excited to try out.

 

Kim Kardashian really was the first celebrity to rock this look when she stepped out in her neon green Loubitan’s.  Last night she showed off her baby bump in a sleek black dress and black satin pointed toe stiletto’s.

Kim Kardasian
Kim Kardasian

 

Carrie actress Chloe Moretz kept it casual in a denim romper by Louis Vuitton and stunning t-strap pointed toe pumps.  The shoes were the focal point in this outfit, beautiful!

 

Chloe Moretz
Chloe Moretz

 

Kim K in training younger sister Kylie Jenner looked fabulous in her nude pencil skirt and white crop top.  The nude pointed toe heels were to die for!  I am absolutely passionate about these pumps.  I must go buy a pair now!!

 

Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner

 

I have to say, I am totally into trying out this re imagined trend.  The only issue I have is after I take my shoes off at the end of the night they usually get thrown in a pile of my collection of shoes and then they get all smushed.  After they are flattened enough you can never get your toe in right and if someone steps on it, forget it, a little heel dent can ruin a pair of pointed toe heels.  Luckily in my never ending online shopping habit, I found the answer!  http://www.tiptopshoesaver.com/ sells all different tools to keep your hoes in new condition.  Their product, conveniently titled, The Tip Toe Shoe Saver, is a triangular piece that you insert into the toe area of a pointed toe shoe to keep the shape.  I ordered a pair and can’t wait to use them in my new heels.

 

So all in all, I think the fashion at the MTV Movie Awards last night was interesting, but slightly disappointing.  The one’s that got it right last night definitely brought in the Spring 2013 trends.  White was big and nudes, as well.  For accessories, I was happy to see the ankle stap and pointed toe heels were back and modern.

 

 

 

*Just on a side-note, I’d like to send my prayers out to the families involved in the tragic terrorist bombing at the 2013 Boston Marathon today.  This is a sad and frightening event and if there is anyway I can help I will and hope my fellow Americans will do the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION, MOVIES, MUSIC, OPINION, STYLE, TELEVISION, U.S., uncategorized Tagged With: 2013, 2013 mtv movie awards, Album Review, black, boston, bridesmaids, celebrity, chloe moretz, christian loubiton, coral, dance moms, fashion, gay, hana mae lee, help, j woww, jamie foxx, jersey shore, jewelry, justin timberlake, ke$ha, kim kardashian, macklemore, melissa mccarthey, movie, mtv, mtv movie awards, music, nude, pitch perfect, pointed toe, pumps, rebel wilson, red carpet, rupauls drag race, selena gomez, snooki, spring, the boston marathon, the situation, white

Time to Suit Up; Summer 2013 Swimwear

by Ryan Shea

Floral High Waist Bikini

One of my most feared and yet favorite times of year is Summer.  From October to May I long for the heat and sunshine and beach days!  I start purchasing my swimwear well before the Summer season begins and by the time Memorial Day hits my bathing suit drawer is over flowing!  Growing up on Long Island, the beach is not just a place to soak up a tan and cool off in the Atlantic, it is an endless, sandy, runway where every girl wants to have the most eye catching bikini or one-piece.  And, thanks to Facebook and Instagram, the pose off continues off the beach.

I have to say I am really excited to write about the swimwear trends for the 2013 Summer Season.  They are fresh and bold.  I will also give you some affordable options so you can rock these looks on any budget.

Retro is huge this year!  Not only in clothing but in swimwear as well.  If you read my last article you know all about my affinity for high waist!  And thankfully this trend is showing up for beach wear too.

Floral High Waist Bikini
Mix and Match High Waist Bikini
High Waist Bikini
High Waist Bikini
Floral High Waist Bikini
Floral High Waist Bikini
high-waisted-bikini
Polka Dot High Waist Bikini
High waist bikini
Mix and Match High Waist Bikini
Retro bathing suits
Retro Swimwear
Retro Swimwear
Retro Inspired Swimwear

 

These Retro vintage-feel bathing suits are my favorite for this season. The high waist bottoms look great with a variety of tops; bandeau, halter, string…  Mixing and matching only make this look feel more vintage and I especially love the idea of mixing prints.

Speaking of prints,  bold pattern and prints are another trend this year.  Aztec, houndstooth, floral, etc…  Pretty much any pattern you can imagine is showing up on Runways for Summer.  So feel free to stand out and make a statement.  Mix and match patterns and colors!  Also,  a look resurfacing this year is graphic prints.  The prints I have seen so far are animals, people, and landscapes.  These prints work best on a one-piece otherwise the effect is lost.

Graphics and Patterns
Graphics and Patterns
Floral Pattern Swimwear
Floral Pattern Swimwear
Pattern Swimwear
Pattern Swimwear
Face Graphic One Piece
Face Graphic One Piece
Graphic Swimwear
Patterns and Graphics
One Piece Pattern
One Piece Pattern
Unique One Piece
Unique One Piece
One Piece Pattern
Graphic Pattern One Piece
Lion Graphic Bathing Suit
One Piece Lion Graphic

Now something for the sexy women out there.  Boudoir bathing suits are another hot trend this year.  The lingerie look is not something everyone would feel comfortable in but as long as you are confident you can pull this off.  Black, chic, and sexy are just a few of the details in this look.

 

Lingerie inspired Swimwear
Lingerie inspired Swimwear
Sexy Black Swimwear
Sexy Black Swimwear
Sexy Swimwear
Sexy Swimwear
Lingerie Inspired One Piece
Lingerie Inspired One Pieces

Lastly, I’d like to quickly mention some bold looks that are trending this Summer.  The Rocker look is hard and accessorized and textures are also a fun look to try out this year.

texture 3 rocker rocker 2 texture texture 2

 

Now obviously we can’t all afford Vivienne Westwood or Versaci bathing suits (myself included), luckily many affordable retail company’s offer a variety of these popular looks for reasonable prices.  Take a look below and hopefully you’ll find something that suits you!

www.forver21.com has some cute options as well as www.target.com.

Another site I’d like to mention is something you’ve heard me talk about before www.wanelo.com.  Just search your favorite look and browse from hundreds of retailers.  Also, www.etsy.com is a great place to find vintage and handmade swimwear.

Also, for you bling lovers out there, a friend of mine, Danielle, has created a business where she customizes beautifully decorated bathing suits.  Her one of a kind designs are stunning and the best part is you can request a look that is just for you.

Bikini Crush Swimwear
Bikini Crush Swimwear
Bikini Crush Swimwear
Bikini Crush Swimwear
Bikini Crush Swimwear
Bikini Crush Swimwear
Bikini Crush Swimwear
Bikini Crush Swimwear

Check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Bikini-Crush-Swimwear

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, FASHION, LIFESTYLE, NEW YORK, OPINION, STYLE, U.S., WORLD Tagged With: bathing suit, Beach, Bikini, black, graphics, high waist, high waist bikini, lingerie, mix and match, ocean, one piece, pattern bikini, patterns, prints, retro, retro bathing suit, retro bikini, rocker, sand, summer, summer 2013, summer 2013 swimwear, summer 2013 wardrobe, sun, swimwear, two piece, vintage, vintage inspired, water

Gay Marriage debate- you silly bible thumpers

by Ryan Shea

Credit to: Facebook
Credit to: Facebook

Two days ago my Facebook News Feed was flooded with red and more red and more red.  The constant change of several gay and straight friend’s profile pictures was a significant eye opening experience as the DOMA (Defense Of Marriage Act) and the ban on California’s Prop 8 have come into severe play on the Supreme Court.  What made it so amazing to me is how many of my personal friends and thousands of others are for the ban and challenge of both acts and propositions and really how the support for gays in this country has increased exponentially in the past ten to fifteen years.

The funniest part of this whole thing is the opposition.  Now, I always do my best to come into things with a mature look on both angles regardless if I happen to be biased on one side.  This time around, there is no defense for the conservative bible thumpers who ONLY have one defense in this whole thing- the bible itself.  Really people, you take one line in an entire book and turn it into something that is so beyond catastrophically stupid that we even have these ridiculous and time consuming debates, court cases and millions of people feeling like second class citizens.

I will only speak from my experience here.  I always get the sense that these right-wing, old fashioned homophobic people view gay men in particular as only one way.  They fear us for several reasons and blame a lot of what they think we are on their own huge insecurities.  It wasn’t too long ago that interracial marriage was banned, now that is over.  It wasn’t too long ago that white and black people drank from separate water fountains, now that is over.  These things are all over because people stood up for what they believed was right (and actually was), spoke the fuck up and silenced the morons that were raised on their own bigotry because their parents and people around them taught to be hateful, simple minded jackasses.

This has even gotten to a point where the most right wing, conservative people like Bill O’Reilly and Karl Rove have stated somewhat in jest but really saying that gay marriage should happen.  Yes, Bill O’Reilly and Karl Rove.  Several other conservatives have stepped forward, in particular ones that thanks to Andrew Cuomo were a big part in legalizing gay marriage here in New York.  I am fortunate, because I live in one of the states that when I do get married (gotta find the guy first, hit me up I’m cute) I can do it in a legal fashion and not have to tip-toe around a civil union or drive thousands of miles to another state to make it real.  If this issue has become that drastic where the most conservative of conservatives are siding with gay and gay friendly people on this matter, then I don’t see why this whole process can be taken care of, prop 8 thrown away, DOMA taken down, and that EVERY MOTHER FUCKING STATE legalizes gay marriage.  Everyone, and I mean EVERY PERSON deserves equal rights.  This has become our civil rights movement, and we deserve what everyone else has.

As Miranda Priestly puts it so easily yet to the point, “That’s All”.

Credit to: The Sewing Space
Credit to: The Sewing Space

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, OPINION, POLITICS, REVIEWS Tagged With: bible, bible thumpers, bill o'reilly, black, california, conservative, doma, gay, gay marriage, gay men, interracial marriage, karl rove, NEW YORK, prop 8, right wing, white

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