Not only does a 10 calorie drink being advertised as a man-only beverage unleash sexism so did a class field trip to KDKA-TV.

As my honors mass media class entered the doors for our KDKA tour today, no one would have thought that our tour guide would be sexist. And sexist to who? Me. Yes, today during the tv station tour I was called out for sitting in a chair. 

After standing on the main floor of the studio, we moved to the control deck where one person controls the cameras and the TelePrompter resides. As we make our way in this small long space, I end up in front of a chair and instead of dealing with that awkward feeling of “Oh there is a chair behind me and I am standing right in front of it, I don’t want to fall over.” So I sat down and within seconds the tour guide tells me that “Young men should not sit when young ladies are standing.”

I let her repeat herself a couple of times because I wanted to see what she is insinuating with her tone of voice. Well, I got the picture that she wanted me to move out of my seat for a girl who was around me. So I asked the girls around if they wanted to sit down. They all declined. Then I turned back to the guide and said they all said no. Well, I then asked if she herself would like to sit down in the chair. She smiled and said no. Then she muttered that we will suck it up and as she was about to turn to continue her presentation I explain to her that I am gay.

I said that because I wanted to get the point across that I am gay and by that I feel more like a woman as oppose to a straight male. I naturally feel more for women. She responded I know. And then I tell her that she was being sexist. She denied it and we repeated ourselves twice, then I quickly knew oh lets move on because obviously she wasn’t going to budge. So I say okay and with my look on my face told her that she needs to continue her presentation. 

_______

That was the story of the day for me. The epitome of negativity that I experienced thus far. I was appalled by the simple fact that she knew I was gay and still categorized me under gender specific qualities to tell me when to sit and when not to sit. Blatantly being sexist. It might be a misfire to manners, but like my mother said chivalry is dead. It has been dead for many years. And because I am Gay that should prescribe me with some notion that I have a feminine essence stored within my personality to relate to women and fit in more smoothly. Greater than that, no one cares about who got to the seat first. Males and Females, Females and Males are the same. 

I am deeply impacted by this situation and will not be giving KDKA my time or efforts for anything. What took place is uncalled for and even if the station is in the top 20 for the market, I rather not become sexist in any industry I choose to work for. 

My so called University (if you do extensive research, you will figure it out, but that is NOT the point), has the audacity to lie to me about my financial aid. Ok, so apparently, I was quote on quote “missing” a document. A verification worksheet document. I find out today that this document, this flimsy sheet of paper, is to verify my government standing based on my status as a student and how much money I actually make.

A week ago, my mom told me that I was missing a part of my financial aid packet and it was this Verification Worksheet. Well, I go to the office and the counselor ( I actually forget her name) informed me that “Oh, Bernard. I am sorry but looks like we lost this sheet when you filled it out before.”

Well, the Bernard who expects everything to be in order at all times courageously speaks up and asks for his file. The file comes and no verification form was present in there for this school year. Ok, maybe there was another office mess up. Of course. Every year there has to be something wrong with financial aid. Does anyone else have these problems? Leave a comment!

After I get a copy of this document, which mind you is on a piece of cardstock, I just had various flashbacks to the summer. My mom is into scrapbooking so feeling the weight of this paper immediately transported me back to when I was home in the scrapbooking room. My summer had some rumblings of family affairs, that honestly are out of my control and I am giving it all back to Mother Earth to deal with, because I choose not to.

So with the frustration of having to fill this sheet out to verify my life and to tell my mom that I needed her signature and then realizing afterwards we are not rich just hit me all at once. Yes sometimes, I wander outside of myself and believe that my family is secretly hoarding millions of dollars. Nope, not at all! My mother doesn’t have a fax machine and doesn’t work, so I am glad this school believes in a high-class lifestyle. I simply forget that it is a private school, and rich kids go here. Silly of me to have amnesia when it comes to class warfare. Well, I called my mom to tell her what happened and to get a signature nonetheless. We poor folks rely on the U.S. Postal Service, which in itself is a joke because they will shred your headphones if you mail them. So don’t mail your headphones!

Literally, my boyfriend (yes I am gay) received his headphones in the mail cut apart. Logically thinking would tell me that squishing would have flattened the buds, not slice wires into two pieces. Nope, the wires have been sliced! And I sure as hell did not do it. If I was angry or upset with him ( my Self-Observation skills are impeccable see Chakra Awakening to understand) he and everyone else will clearly feel the wrath of this fiery Aries more in-depth and it does not require destroying headphones to make my point clear. Yes, so I am not sure who exactly chopped up my boyfriend’s headphones, all I know and sense is that corporations, government, and ignorant (in its truest form) people are not reliable and we need alternative humanistic metaphysical practices to transform these times.

Coming back, from a small tangent, well in the course of a week. I learned much more about this paper and this school. I learned that the school will lie to its students in order to get a paper completed. I also learned today that this paper was to be  filled out not only because it was lost or misplaced, but because I was “randomly” chosen to verify my standing in money. I don’t know how accurate random means in this regard, because I am aware that governments, corporations, and mean people will do anything sneaky and clandestine without proper communication. 

All I know is that lies are being told instead of the truth, and this situation just proves to me that if you fall into the category of being “uneducated” then ignorant people, government, and corporations will assume you are stupid and just a number. So my advice is you need good self-observation skills and strong communication skills because anyone ignorant will abuse you and surround you with negativity so that it consumes your life and they will make sure you are in living in a fearful and oppressed state. 

If you ever had similar experiences, please do share, because you are not alone! 

Happy New Year to one and all! This is the second day of the bright future ahead of us and lets all take a minute to stop and breathe in harmony that surrounds us all. Great! Lets begin!

When I first discovered OWN, I was on my computer and there I was following my daily rambles of Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, then suddenly, I ended up on the OWN site and Oprah Winfrey was looking for the next TV star with Your OWN Show! My heart dropped to the floor and I paced around a bit before I made any hardcore decisions. Then I looked over my computer screen and  perused the site  and said YES, I can! After I mustered up enough strength I looked at the rules and regulations to enter the contest. The entrant had to be 21 years or older. I don’t know if this happened to anyone else, but this opportunity skyrocketed my passion and then my ideas suddenly crashed to the ground all in a matter of seconds. Really, Oprah! Twenty-one years old seems like the reason would be an alcohol-related ruling, but who really knows. So, I just subscribed to the site’s updates and I left it saying to myself, if they needed someone younger they will sure enough ask.

Since, the launching of OWN, it has come to people’s attention that Oprah carries a strong and faithful audience aged around 50-years-old. In this recent CBS news video that I found on YouTube, experts are suggesting that Ms. Winfrey should in fact consider reaching out to the younger population. This younger audience is not exactly said to be of a certain age, but my immediate assumption would be teens and probably the college era of youth. But only the terms young and youth are used, so who really knows. All I know is that the young people of today do know who this thriving successful black woman is and many students need just as much positive empowerment as the older folks!

Photo credit Lindsay Dill

I am certain that Oprah’s new age thinking is going to appeal to a younger audience by the simple fact that there is this giant increase of vampire loving and werewolf adoring young fans, Harry Potter fanatics, and even a newly rising following of The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanna Collins. Not saying new age thinking is about those creatures and themes entirely, but at the root of it all there is commonality among people today for something more magical and worthwhile like a real life adventure! That’s what kids these days want.

All in all, it is a matter of inspiring teens to believe again, help them create at their best, and then motivate them to  teach others to dream further by passing it forward. So ask me now how I feel about that rule on being 21 to enter Winfrey’s Your OWN Show. My response is going to be that I am going to bet on myself first.

January- I spent the first seconds of the new year with my best friend and fashion expert Antoinette Reason at mutual friend Kassandra Johnson’s house for a New Year’s celebration! It was fun minus that Antie and I got lost on the way there and could not make that dang turn down the alley way. Not to mention, the weather was icy and snowing and Antie never drove a van before, so we did make it work. I pumped gas for the first time too!

February- Nothing much happened in this month, besides that I shared V-Day with friends, no one in particular (not saying a lover was not wanted, I am all for not being single, but I did spend it with those who cares and loves me ). Also the Freshman Show: February 25, 2010 case at Point Park was in this month. My dear and close friend Brianna Boyle choreographed “Master of Puppets.” It was absolutely extraordinaire, since I guided her a bit in decisions and the story line for the dancers. Okay, I cannot take all of the credit. She is really talented and I commend her for her accomplishments thus far.

March- Here, I was able to attend Justice through Journalism, a gala benefit for The Innocence Institute of Point Park University featuring author of The Innocent Man and The Firm, John Grisham. It was exciting to hear Grisham speak about exonerated men and how his books stir controversy. Hence the security being so tight and the mob that was outside of the building protesting against Grisham and his beliefs.  Also at the event, there were these marvelous paintings “Voices of Innocence” displaying real exonerated men that local Pittsburgh artist, Daniel Bolick created to depict the very emotions that these freed men go through by his creative use of color and line.

April- Probably my favorite month, besides October. Why? Because of course it is my birthday! Got some gifts and cards from my friends. Oh so nice, which by the way folks, I still have them! So I could use them against you when you all become rich and famous. Well on the day of my birthday, there was a dance called “Spring Fever” at Whim Nightclub. Haha, I do not remember much besides that I have a ticket stub to prove it. Actually, I have more than one, which kind of scares me,not to remember that night. Well, on the downside of my birthday, I got to go and choose my room for the 2010-2011 school year. UGH! What a con that was. Something deep down inside me told me that this year’s room arrangement was going to be another rotten apple. Oh well. I do not talk to my roommate and we make minimal attempt to communicate. Just how things are rolling, not my toilet paper! Starting as soon as I get back to school, the TP is hiding in my closet. PERIOD. I swear he eats it for every meal. Moving forward, this month has been really eventful. I actually went to my first Pittsburgh Pirates game and loved it. Awesome photographer, Lindsay Brandt invited me along with her awesome floor and roomies and then we left early because it was too damn cold! It was amazing regardless. This is also the end of my freshman year! Departing was hard, but so much took place, I could never forget how amazing the year unfolded itself.

May- Home for a week and headed to Boston, MA! This is probably the most riveting life changing experience I have ever made possible. I started my first internship at The Theater Offensive, and met a wonderful extended family. Current President of Milton Hershey School’s Alumni Association (MHSAA), Joanne Gagnon ’85 took me into her home with such love that I certainly would never forget an amazing woman! Knowing what she has done for me, I cannot help but to appreciate Milton Hershey School even more. The alumni of your school should reach out and help you achieve your deepest potential, and I am proud to say that Joanne did that for me. She did not know who I was or what I was like, but she had an open mind and an open heart that I could not have wished for a better host-family. Her husband John was an inspirational father figure  and it was really eye opening to stay with them as a family whose life is similar, but so different. I am certainly going to have to go back and visit!  Also in May, I visited Harvard University, and the academia certainly pours over the buildings and into the spirit of all those people visiting. Especially the parents who were giving their sons and daughters a tour of the University. I did buy a shirt and a mug from Harvard’s bookstore. Why not. Now thinking back, I did visit Salem while I was there, and went to see Into the Woods at Reading’s high school.  I did so much that this post is getting pretty lengthy. LOL.

June- Two words! BOSTON PRIDE 2010. The Theater Offensive had me leading it’s 2010 contingent in the Boston PRIDE parade and it was amazing to lead the team of interns and to organize the whole lot myself. I did distribute the tasks, but as the leader it was my responsibility to not go over budget and to make sure everyone is safe. One word, now. STRESS. It was very stressful for everyone and I was going insane on the day of the parade because some parade participants did not follow procedures and just had me going bonkers to try and figure out where we were suppose to be lined up. What joy. Well, it was very fun and it did rain, but it was fun anyway. I enjoyed dancing in the rain with the crowd and making a fool of myself. Gosh, at the time of walking in the parade and keeping the float with the group I did imagine what it would be like to have my own nationally syndicated television talk show and how I would be in front of millions of people. It was GREAT.

July- I really like these “two word” phrase things. Here we go: LADY GAGA. Yes! I saw Lady Gaga in concert when she came to the TD Garden. It was amazing! .Period.

Wow that was short, lets continue.

August- A terrible time! I was coming back home and leaving Boston. This was a very emotional time for me well because I let so many people into my heart and I was now leaving them behind. My stay family, the wonderful TTO interns, and Boston itself. Ugh I do not want to think of it anymore, well  Sophomore year commences. Welcome back to PPU! Moved into my new room and met up with MaryBeth and Sarah. We had pizza at our favorite restaurant, Pizza Fiesta!

September- Point Park turns 50 years old! Point Park University celebrated its 50th anniversary with a moon bounce, food, and a rock climbing wall! I volunteered for the event and then went to a lovely dinner for alumni, students, university staff and faculty. It did feel like I was back at Milton Hershey School with the energy of alumni coming back for the celebration, but sadly I was not really back at MHS.

October- I can only think of one super duper event that is worth mentioning! ZOMBIE-FEST. (Sidenote: two words is really fun).  Yeah Madison Toy and I went to Pittsburgh’s Zombie-Fest and then came back to our dorms and got Zombiefied and went back. It was really spooky and a great way to celebrate the Halloween spirit.

November- Thanksgiving was the most surprising effort that exemplifies how cool my friends are! We agreed to go over to the one and only Michael DePiro’s house for thanksgiving. By the way he is a magician and because he is running his own business, I feel obligated to link you to his services. Actorshelper.com and The Miracles of Michael DePiro.  We went to his house and then to my house to surprise my mommy!

December- Semester ends! Nothing happened besides final exams and people leaving for Winter break. Well, Light Up Night for Pittsburgh in November, but I refuse to take Christmas and put it under November. So here is MaryBeth’s and me covering Pittsburgh’s 50th Light Up Night.

Now that 2010 ends, I will make 2011 even bigger and better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Should teachers get money/expensive cruises/Visa® Gift Cards?

No wonder why this was a hot topic! Traditionally for many families, gifts for teachers were/are cards, candles, and edible items like candy and fruit. What happened to the good ole’ days?

Well, personally I do not approve of teachers receiving money or these expensive gifts. Honestly, a good teacher may deserve these bonuses, but the essence of Christmas should be reserved to more domestic household elements. The meaning of Christmas is from the heart, not from your wallet.

I would probably keep in contact with my teachers that have made an impact on my life and then I would, if I had the funds, give them a more expensive gift within reasonable appreciation. I am simply amazed that these teachers ask for such expensive things.  I am aware of the economic situation in the US, but tradition and integrity should supersede such commercialization that goes on during the Holiday seasons.

Joy Behar from The View ,a former teacher, comments*

Teachers are like civil servants. Much like a mail man, cannot receive money as a gift. The city/government pays them to serve the civilians of the state.

*I was so engrossed in the show that I wrote this after the discussion was finished. So, I paraphrased Joy’s statement.

Well, here is the first clue for the big Surprise coming this Spring!!

Clue: ~Victor Hugo

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent

Keep reading to find more clues.

www.bernardtalks.com

I hit up the Light Up Night 2009 in Pittsburgh!

You can WATCH BERNARD!

Thank you Megan and Erin for allowing me the opportunity to do this!

Best Wishes,

Bernard (Future Talk Show Host)

Well, internships provide a great way for college students to learn the ropes, prior to  getting a job.

Like every other college student out there, I’m too looking for an internship that will seal the deal for me to get to the Ellen DeGeneres show and later my own show.

So, because my mission in life is to entertain and inform, here goes nothing! Here are some links that I found to be very helpful and that cover an array of career goals.

Arts Opportunities

Career Rookie

Careers in Business

Communications

Dice

Indeed

Theatre Jobs

University of Dreams

So, I went to these sites and began searching for internships that interest me.

I then looked for the qualifications needed and how to apply.

Either by e-mail or online, there is some form of application. So why not and apply any way.

Also, note you should have a resume and a nice cover letter to send along with your application.

If you do not know how to write a resume or need assistance with the internship process then go ahead and click here:

Interns Wanted

Thank you for reading and if you liked what you just read then subscribe now!

The Oprah Winfrey Show will air for the last time, September 2011.

Tomorrow, Friday November 20, 2009 Oprah will break the news on her show.

So where does this leave all her fans?

I am pretty sure, they will still be devoted Oprah fans, but they just may turn to Ellen DeGeneres or The Tyra Show. Who knows!

Finding this information out is semi-upsetting, but we can’t  last forever. Oprah has effected so many people across the globe. Her efforts will not be forgotten.

Oprah Show