Nicole be Thinking...

I'm ranking these because, unlike with the other lists, there is a clear favorite. Here you go, best things that happened in 2010: 5. Fourth of July Independence Day was so memorable because no one actually remembers what happened. We kicked it so hard that by Sunday, the 4th, I was absolutely exhausted. Michelle was working the door at MAI, and I decided to leave and come back when it was over. I left and came back and ended up falling asleep in my car before I could get out and go in. Further… any time we're trying to figure out when something happened we have to ask, "Was that the fourth?" It's kinda bad, but kinda awesome at the same time. 4. Memorial Day This was the first time we heard "Power." And it was a reeeally random night for a lot of reasons. This makes the list because a nice chunk of inside jokes start with Memorial Day. It's also perfect because I went somewhere I wouldn't have gone and made it an absolute blast. 3. My Birthday W...

I love music. (In case you didn't know…) This year has been... ok for music for the most part. I have this playlist called "ShitIUsuallyWantToHear" and it is just what it says… Following are the 5 albums that are always on that playlist: New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) Erykah Badu (March) When this album came out, I remember realizing that Erykah Badu (whose first album came out when I was a 5th grader) has been the voice of my romantic reason and growth my entire adult life. This album is the first one that was appropriate as soon as it was released (as opposed to me buying it because it sounds good and pulling it out 10 years later after a break up). She is a master at the mini epic. "20 Feet Tall" is simple yet profound. "Agitation" is beautifully calming. "Fall in Love" is my anthem. I'm convinced that "Out my Mind, Just in Time" was written with me in mind. The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III) Janelle Monae (Ma...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I love Twitter. It creates a two-way street between celebrities and fans that goes a step past an autograph. Sometimes it does create a really wack "celebrity by proximity" complex for groupies, but for the most part, my experience has been very positive. The experience has been so positive that there is a group of celeb tweeters that I love so much that I would love to marry. Following is a list of famous tweeters that I would (or have) proposed marriage to this year alone: @questlove. I've proposed to ?uestlove like… three times. He's a musician AND a music snob. He's a drummer. He's intelligent. He's an #angrybirds fanatic. He's the bomb. @jozenc. Jozen writes the blog Until I Get Married, and I love honest, creative men. He's a wonderful hybrid of ethnicities, an intelligent and mature man, and pretty darn cute. I had to create "ethnexy" to describe him. @MrDonaldGlover. Tro...

(from Gail Hill) On Monday, December 06, 2010, my son was escorted by police officers upon entering his school and held in the Hillsboro High School auditorium for TWO hours for being TARDY. He missed TWO classes and was made to sign a form affirming a "new" policy that requires him to bring a note for any absences. As far as I know, the note for absences has always been the policy. Further, my son was not absent; he was tardy. My husband was told that this sweep and holding process is a new, district-wide policy. This is a problem! Is it policy for Metro police to be at the school for tardy students? My son is a good student with no discipline problems. My husband, his father, was told he “probably got caught up," implying this is nothing to be concerned about. We should all be concerned! Why are these students being criminalized? If my son has an issue with tardiness, notify me. Don’t waste two hours of a school day sitting in the auditorium waiting for the OK to go to...

(from C. Michelle Wilkerson) I’m writing to you regarding the recent forced resignation of Ms. Lisa Howe. Until today, I had always been proud of my association with Belmont. I was the recipient of the William Randolf Hearst Scholarship, I was an active member of the student community, and two years ago I graduated with a degree in Entrepreneurship. I cannot believe that the same institution that helped to mold me into the professional I am today is responsible for such a blatant act of bigotry and hate. I am disgusted, at the very least. As an active alum, I would like to know who is responsible for deciding that Ms. Howe was in some way violating university policy. Who made her feel so uncomfortable that she was forced to resign? I want the persons responsible to step up and be recognized for the bullying bigots that they are. You should be ashamed for what you have done. How do you rest at night knowing that you are the reason that this expectant mother is now without a job? Appa...