Search This Blog
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Young, Gifted & Black - Yes Ma'am!
@that_crochet_gurl00 I was overwhelmed with compliments!🥹💕this is the best part of crocheting fr #crochet #fypage #fyp #crochetptomdress #prom #pink #fypviral #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound - Sarah🐤🧶💕
From High School Buddies to Champions
An excerpt from SBNation -
Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk were high school friends, now they’re both champions
The Celtics and the Panthers winning the NBA and NHL titles means these BFFs have PLENTY to celebrate.
By James Dator
The Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup Champions, winning a hard-fought Game 7 against the Oilers to win their first title in team history. It comes just after the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship — and at the center of both teams is a remarkable bond between friends.
Matthew Tkachuk: Stanley Cup Champion
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 25, 2024
Jayson Tatum: NBA Champion
Two kids from St. Louis 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/aT0gHfDWgP
Jayson Tatum of the Celtics and Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers are long-time friends, going back to their days at Chaminade Prep School in the suburbs of St. Louis. Tatum, a promising basketball player befriended Tkachuk, who wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps into the NHL (Matthew is the son of the legendary Keith Tkachuk).
The two spent time together, pushing each other, even making goofy videos together — as this assignment Tatum made for school stars Tkachuk briefly.
Old Ladies' Names Getting New Lives
From MamasUncut -
50 Popular Old Lady Names & Their Meanings
via Shutterstock (New Africa) |
https://mamasuncut.com/old-lady-names-making-comeback-2024/step8/
The Reason Why East Asians Don't Have Body Odor
An excerpt from NBCNews -
Social media is heating up over why Asians don’t have body odor
Between 80 and 95% of East Asians have little to none of that typical acidic body odor smell. And it all comes down to a gene mutation.
By Kimmy Yam
While some extra deodorant swipes can feel like a necessity during these sweltering temps, there’s one group that’s not really sweating it.
Social media users are using the heat wave as a chance to point out many Asians simply don’t smell. According to experts, there’s actually a gene mutation behind it.
Between 80 and 95% of East Asians have a dysfunction of the ABCCII gene, which is linked to smelly pits, a number of studies say. And this means their bodies don’t release the same acidic odor smell the rest of the population does when exposed to hot temperatures and perspiration.
“It’s just going to be a lot less pungent and a lot less prevalent,” Dr. Madalyn Nguyen, an Oregon-based dermatologist, said of those with East Asian ancestry, including herself. “So we can go a little bit longer without needing to mask our body odor.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Nguyen explained that body odor is primarily associated with apocrine sweat glands, found in the armpit and groin areas. For those without the mutation in the ABCC11 gene, protein in those sweat glands helps transport fatty compounds, or lipids, from the cell into the sweat. The bacteria on the skin breaks down those lipids in the oilier, thicker sweat to produce body odor. But for those with the mutation, the protein doesn’t function that way.
“That transporter doesn’t work. And we don’t have those same lipids that cross into the earwax and into the sweat,” Nguyen explained of East Asians, adding that a dysfunctional ABCC11 gene is also connected to drier, less goopy earwax. “So less of that means less body odor, and also translates to dry earwax.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/east-asians-no-body-odor-dont-need-deodorant-rcna156778
Questions To Ask Your Parents While You Have the Chance
An excerpt from LoveToKnow -
75 Big Questions to Ask Your Parents Before They Die
Of course you have questions for a dying parent, but maybe you're unsure where to start. Use these suggestions to get this meaningful conversation rolling.
By Gabrielle Applebury, LMFT
MoMo Productions/ DigitalVision via Getty Images |
Questions to Ask Your Parents Before They Die
Asking your parent or parents questions before they pass away can help you better understand their life, their choices, as well as how they'd like to be remembered after they've passed. You may consider recording their answers in some way to have as a keepsake. You can do so by writing the answers in a notebook, video recording their responses, or audio recording your conversation with them.
Family Questions
Family questions you may consider asking:
- What were your nicknames growing up?
- Can you tell me a little about your siblings?
- Who were you closest to in your immediate family?
- What were your parent(s) or caregiver(s) like when you were growing up?
- What lessons were stressed in your household?
- How was family conflict resolved?
- How was love expressed?
- Who was the funniest member in the family?
- Who was the most competitive?
- Did you have any family pets?
- Where did you live?
- Did you share a room with anyone?
- What memory exemplifies your family's values?
- What was a difficult situation that your family overcame together?
- What did your parent(s) or caregiver(s) do for work?
Got Food Poisoning and Others Didn't?
An excerpt from HuffPost -
So THAT'S Why Some People Get Food Poisoning And Others Don't
Yes, even when you have the exact same meal.
By Sydney Wingfield
Have you ever experienced food poisoning when none of your dining mates got sick from the same meal? It’ll make you question whether you really have food poisoning at all. But as it turns out, it’s entirely possible that several people can eat the same food and only one person can contract food poisoning.
“People always come into the emergency room stating, ‘I know I don’t have food poisoning because I’m the only one who got sick,’” said board-certified emergency physician Dr. Justin Mazur. “Patient education here is critical, as it is more common that not everyone gets sick from your garden variety food poisoning.”
If you’re not familiar with what food poisoning is, it refers to a plethora of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
“The symptoms are generally attributed to food that is contaminated with a virus, bacteria or, less commonly, a parasite,” Mazur said.
Why do some people get food poisoning and others don’t after eating the same thing?
To put it simply, your body may not be able to fight off food poisoning. Every single person is completely different in a multitude of ways, including their immune system and gut microbiome, the home of trillions of microorganisms that can influence your digestive system and overall health.
When it comes to food poisoning, it completely disrupts your gut microbiome, which is why you feel so sick. If you and your friend eat the same undercooked hamburger and you have an unhealthy microbiome while they have a healthier one, you may experience a bit of an upset stomach afterward.
Continue reading:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/food-poisoning-why-you-get-it_l_66699ffde4b076bcfea12fd2
Snoop Runs the 200!
Snoop Dogg runs 34.44s over 200m at the US Olympic Trials!
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) June 23, 2024
Ato Boldon & Wallace Spearmon were his pacemakers.😅😅pic.twitter.com/yhhA9LTw2W
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Blacks @ NASA!
An excerpt from Because of Them We Can -
BLACK NASA EMPLOYEES GO VIRAL AFTER SHARING OFFICIAL HEADSHOTS
By BOTWC
There’s nothing we love more than to see Black people unabashedly share their accomplishments and encourage one another. Especially when locs, natural hair and braids are involved!
Thanks to Tyrone Jacobs, and his recent viral post to X, Black employees at NASA have started sharing their official government headshots and we can’t get enough.
Official NASA headshot just dropped 😌✨🌎🧑🏽🚀🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/1I4o1Jiznq
— Tyrone (@tyisicecold06) March 14, 2024
HBCU Students Make History
An excerpt from YahooFinance -
These 3 Students Have Made HBCU History After Winning Astronaut Scholarships To Pursue STEM Careers
By Samantha Dorisca
Three Black women are making history at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC.
According to WXII-12 in Winston-Salem, NC, students Kristi Barnes, Maya Odom, and Breyana Robinson have been selected as recipients of the 2023 Astronaut Scholarship. The scholarship is offered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1984 by a group including the six surviving members of the “Mercury 7,” the U.S.’s first astronauts, per its website. The organization provides over 60 scholarships yearly.
Additionally, this scholarship is “among the largest merit-based monetary scholarships” distributed to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate juniors and seniors.” Those who are recipients are supported with $15,000 and will receive mentorship and guidance from astronauts, top-tier executives, and industry leaders.
“I was thankful to get the scholarship,” Odom, an aspiring computer engineer, told WXII-12.
Robinson, an animal science major, commented, “To be able to win this award, it was surreal. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh’… It definitely helps me towards my goals because I want to go to vet school. I want to go to grad school.”
Winning the scholarship is a notable achievement in itself. It also marks the first time a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has had more than one student honored with the Astronaut Scholarship simultaneously, WXII-12 noted.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-students-made-hbcu-history-210443887.html
Looking For Good Eats in Dallas? You're Welcome.
An excerpt from Travel Noire -
8 BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS TO VISIT IN DALLAS, TEXAS
Black restaurant owners are proving that Dallas deserves a seat at the table when it comes to the best culinary cities in the country.
By Mitti Hicks
Dallas will surprise foodies. While its southern sister, Houston, gets all the love for its flavorful food scene, Dallas is not lacking despite its nickname as the “City of Hate.” In fact, there’s a lot to love about Dallas’s food scene thanks to the Black restaurant owners providing some of the most flavorful and creative dishes throughout the metro.
Between fine dining, take-out, and gourmet fast food, Black restaurant owners are proving that Dallas deserves a seat at the table when it comes to the best culinary cities in the country. Get your appetites ready because the meals and flavors are big inside Black-owned restaurants in Dallas.
BIG CHICKEN
Retired Hall of Fame National Basketball Association star Shaquille O’Neal is the brains behind the national chain Big Chicken. While people know the center for his impressive stats as a professional basketball player, he’s giving people a taste of his childhood. The menu reflects flavors and favorites from his childhood.
Big Chicken is known for its finger-licking chicken sandwiches. Guests can pair the sandwiches with the brand’s signature dish: Lucille’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese, just like his mom made it.
- Location: Fort Worth
- Owner: Shaquille O’Neal
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich features its signature mac ‘n’ cheese, crispy fried onions, roasted garlic, and barbecue aioli sauce. A simpler option is available for people who don’t want the dressings. The Original Big Chicken Sandwich has pickles and the secret “Shaq sauce.”
- Before you go: The Fort Worth location officially opens in late 2024.
Chef Airric Heidelberg is the brains behind Invasion, a trendy and modern restaurant open for lunch, dinner, and late-night hours. He created a unique menu filled with what he calls “gourmet fast food.” His burgers and chicken sandwiches are a specialty packed with so much flavor that the restaurant is known as one of the best chicken sandwiches in the city.
- Location: East Dallas
- Owner: Chef Airric Heidelber
- Type of Cuisine: American, “Gourmet Fast Food”
- Menu Spotlight: The Kardi B is one of the most popular sandwiches on the menu. It comprises buttermilk-fried chicken breast, spicy mayo, and a pickled coleslaw jalapeno blend on a buttery toasted bun. Pair the Kardi B with Invasion Potatoes, country-style potatoes tossed in house-made invasion sauce and a sour cream ranch.
- Before you go: The restaurant is not open on Mondays. You can order before you go.
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Arabic Baby Names
An excerpt from Parade -
205 Beautiful Arabic Names and Their Meanings to Inspire You
From last names to baby girl and boy names—we've got them all.
By LAURA BECK
Canva |
1. Layla – meaning "night"
2. Omar – meaning "flourishing"
3. Fatima – meaning "to abstain"
4. Ali – meaning "sublime, supreme"
5. Zara – meaning "flower"
6. Ibrahim – meaning "father of many"
7. Noor – meaning "light"
8. Ahmed – meaning "highly praised"
9. Aisha – meaning "living, prosperous"
10. Yusuf – meaning "God increases"
https://parade.com/living/arabic-baby-names
He's Made New Fans All Over the World By His Kind Gesture, Including Me
An excerpt from InspireMore -
Coldplay’s Chris Martin Stops On Way To Concert To Pick Up 64-Yr-Old Fan Struggling To Walk
By Kelsey Bjork
As a result, Saundra took a moment to rest just as she was walking toward the accessibility box office. For a moment, she even considered going home to watch the performance. But the thought of never seeing Coldplay in her hometown again made her stay. Then, just in time, a black Mercedes parked next to her. A woman from inside offered to pick the struggling fan up — little did Saundra know, however, that Coldplay front-man, Chris Martin, was inside!
“The door opens and I said, ‘Oh that’s Chris Martin, I can’t get in with him’ and they said ‘yes you can,'” Saundra recalls.
As you can imagine, the ride to their destination is one that Saundra will never forget! In fact, the two of them became fast friends, joking around like “two old women,” as Saundra describes them.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
The Best Ads of All Time?
An excerpt from CreativeBlog -
The definitive best adverts of all time list, as chosen by experts
By Tom May
Ranging from the 1930s to the 2020s, we select the best ads of all time, and explain why they work.
(Image credit: Guinness, Old Spice, Always, US Government, Coca-Cola, Hovis, Malboro, Dove, Budweiser, Apple) |
These stellar ads from across the ages have a lot to teach creatives today. That's why over the last few months we've been pulling together guides to the finest commercials of previous decades, from the 1930s to the 2020s.
From whimsical illustrations to blockbuster TV ads to groundbreaking social media campaigns, these adverts have not only captivated audiences but also shaped the very fabric of our society. Now, in this article, we're reaching into our repository of the best adverts by decade to bring you a carefully curated selection of the best ads overall.
So join us as we delve into iconic campaigns spanning almost a century, each a testament to the power of storytelling, imagery and the human experience. These adverts go beyond just selling products to become cultural touchstones, reminding us of the profound impact that advertising can have on our perceptions, beliefs, and aspirations – and some already appear in our best print ads list, of course.
09. Levi's 501: Launderetee (1985)
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Monday, May 27, 2024
Kindness Quotes For When You'd Rather Say . . .
An excerpt from TiffyTaffy -
Kindness Quotes to Remember When Someone Gets on Your Nerves
By Jade Small
You should always try your best to be kind to others, even if they are starting to get on your nerves. Being a kind person is a strength in today’s world. If you can show inner strength and patience while someone else is trying to tear you down, you will inspire those around you to do the same. It’s a cycle of kindness that you can lead with positivity and gentleness. One way to remember how to keep your cool in a tough situation is by recalling quotes about kindness when you need them most.
Life throws curveballs our way all the time. We will not like every single person we meet, and we will likely encounter a few who truly try our patience. Overall, the most important thing you can do for your own well-being and happiness is to be kind to others. It will create less drama, and fewer trivial matters will consume your time. Lastly, it is the easiest thing you can do sometimes; just smile. Here are some quotes about kindness that might help you get there.
1. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan
Maybe someone is having a terrible day. Maybe they got some terrible news, or lost their job, or are reaching their breaking point. You never know what someone else is going through, and one simple act of kindness could be just what they need to keep going. You might change someone’s life simply by being kind and showing goodwill rather than retaliation.
2. “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams
When you are kind to someone else, that is an act that is reflected in others as well. They notice, and they remember. You might impact more than just one person, so why not choose kindness?
3. “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles Glassman
The truth is, we are all going through something. Some of us are dealing with more than others. There are those people who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, and they never let anyone know how heavy it is. Then one day, they yell or say something rude to express their frustration. Of course, it’s misdirected anger, and you can choose to attack them right back, or you can choose to remember that everyone struggles. Maybe they are struggling too.
4. “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey
Is there someone who is really getting on your nerves? The best way to calm the tensions is to do something completely unexpected and kind for them. Send them flowers at lunch, leave a nice plant on their desk, ask them out for drinks to get to know each other better. Maybe you have more in common than you know!
Tree Trunks Painted White in Texas
An excerpt from Newsbreak & ESPN 960 San Angelo -
Why Do So Many Texans Paint Their Tree Trunks White?
By Brad Elliott
Imagine a hot day in Texas, where the sun shines so brightly it feels like it's baking everything it touches. Now, imagine you're a tree in the middle of all this. It's rough. This is where the cool trick of painting tree trunks white comes into play. It's an interesting story that blends nature with some human ingenuity.
Why are some tree trunks in Texas painted white? According to an article from Taste of Home, it's all about protecting those trees from the sun's harsh rays. It's much like how we put on sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.
Canva |
Trees, especially young or thin-barked ones, can suffer from something called "sunscald". This is when their trunks get too hot from direct sunlight, causing the bark to crack and damage the tree. By painting the trunks white, the sunlight is reflected away keeping the trees cooler and preventing that damage.
But that's not the only reason. This white paint also helps keep bugs away. Just like how we use bug spray in summer, the white paint acts as a barrier against certain insects that might harm the trees. It's a simple but effective way to help trees stay healthy and strong.
Read More: Why Do So Many Texans Paint Their Tree Trunks White? | https://espn960sanangelo.com/ixp/143/p/white-tree-trunks/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Southern Etiquette
An excerpt from Newsbreak -
15 Southern Etiquette Rules That Should Exist in the Rest of the Country
By Amy Williams
It’s no surprise that many consider Southerners to be some of the most polite people in the country. If you spend a day or two in a Southern state, you’ll see how differently people treat you compared to other states.
Even though Southern hospitality and manners are a common stereotype of the South, there’s a lot of truth to the stereotype. While every Southerner may not follow the unspoken etiquette rules of the South, you will find that those from the South are generally more polite and friendly.
Southern etiquette rules are a vital part of Southern culture. Many of these rules are unspoken, yet they’re widely practiced by most people who live in a Southern town or city. Some of the unspoken rules of the South may seem strange or outdated to people from other areas. However, there are many Southern etiquette rules we wish existed in the rest of the country.
Simple things like saying please and thank you or holding the door for the person behind you should be common practice everywhere, but they’re a thing of the past in many places. Not everything about Southern culture makes sense for other regions, but when it comes to manners and etiquette, those in the South know how to make you feel welcome.
To create a list of Southern etiquette rules that should exist in the rest of the country, 24/7 Tempo reviewed some of the most common Southern manners and rules from publications like Southern Living, Town & Country Magazine, and Reader’s Digest. Here are 15 Southern etiquette rules that should exist in the rest of the country. (After this article, find out if you’re making these common etiquette missteps.)
Saying please and thank you
Saying please and thank is pretty basic when it comes to manners, but you’re less likely to hear those words nowadays. In the South, you always say please and thank you, no matter who it is you’re speaking to or what position they hold. A simple please and thank you can go a long way to show someone you recognize their effort and this etiquette rule should exist everywhere.
Holding the door for the person behind you
Holding the door for the person behind you is another aspect of Southern etiquette that has become less common in other areas of the country. While someone isn’t necessarily going to let the door slam on you if you’re walking behind them, intentionally holding the door for someone and letting them walk in first isn’t as common today. If you’re in the South, you can expect someone to hold the door for you and they’ll likely give you a friendly greeting along with the gesture.
Chewing with your mouth closed
No matter how beautiful your food may have been when it was on your plate, no one wants to see it once it’s in your mouth. Many of the unspoken rules of the South revolve around food and how you should behave at the dinner table. It’s not polite to chew with your mouth open or to talk with food in your mouth. We think those manners should be practiced everywhere.
Don’t eat until everyone is served their food
Another rule that we should all practice when sitting together at the dinner table is waiting until everyone is served before digging in. If you’re sharing a meal in the South, it’s polite to wait until everyone has food on their plate before you begin eating. Instead of worrying about your food getting cold, you should wait until everyone has their food before you chow down.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Black Cookout Laws Just in Time for Memorial Day
An excerpt from Travel Noire -
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: THE LAWS OF THE BLACK COOKOUT
To ensure that you are in good form this year, here is a little reminder of just how to act.
by Leah Freeman-Haskin
Photo Credit: monkeybusinessimages | Getty Images |
It’s that time of year. Memorial Day weekend is approaching and you can almost hear the claps of The Electric Slide and the smoky scent of ribs. To ensure that you are in good form this year, here is a little reminder of just how to act.
DON’T COME EMPTY HANDED
Unique Cruises
An excerpt from FinanceBuzz -
14 Unique Cruises You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Escape the mundane with cruise experiences that redefine the art of exploration.
By Lucy Clark; edited by Chris Kissell
Whether you’re a diehard cruise lover or a casual tourist looking to step up your travel game, cruise ships offer a wonderful way to see the sights in multiple locations.
There are plenty of recognizable cruise ships that specialize in specific experiences or themes. However, these lesser-known cruise ship lines may offer a unique experience for those seeking something a little different.
- Sea Cloud Cruises
Checkout This Black-Owned B&B in Gettysburg
An excerpt from Travel Noire -
INSIDE KEYSTONE INN, GETTYSBURG'S FIRST BLACK-OWNED B&B
Not only is the Keystone Inn making history as Gettysburg's first Black-owned B&B, but they are putting ownership and legacy at the forefront.
By Jasmine Osby
Photo Credit: Photo credit: Keystone Inn |
The Campbell family are no strangers to ownership. Back in the 1970’s the African-American family owned 14 properties in the United States. The legacy of property ownership began with their great-great-grandfather in Charlotte Hill, Maryland decades ago. Now, the family is making history in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Purchased by siblings Christine, Stephen, and Patrick in 2020, the Keystone Inn is Gettysburg’s first Black-owned bed and breakfast. Built on a family and community, the inn is the newest addition to the city’s rich history. The Campbell family wants Keystone Inn to help shine a light on Gettysburg’s often-overlooked Black history.
“One of the things we’re very proud of is adding to the story of Gettysburg and highlighting this unique aspect to it,” Patrick told Travel Noire.
Dedicated to ensuring travelers have experiential moments, the Keystone Inn wraps classic charm in modernity. Although the renovated, late-Victorian colonial home is unlike any B&B Gettysburg has had in the past, the Campbell family aims to make their inn an integral part of the city’s historical landscape.
The vision of the Keystone Inn extends far beyond the travel and tourism industry. Through their endeavor, the Campbells pride themselves on showcasing the power of Black ownership in real estate. After their great-great-grandfather died, he wrote in his will that his property couldn’t be sold until all 14 of his children had passed away. When the last one died in 2008, the home remained in the family, continuing a legacy of property ownership.
https://travelnoire.com/keystone-inn-gettysburg-first-black-owned-bb
2-year-old Math Genius on AGT
An excerpt from Meaww.com -
'AGT' Season 19: Simon Cowell demanded help after seeing 2-year-old Baby Dev's skills
After witnessing Baby Dev do the calculations during the 'AGT' Season 19 audition, Simon Cowell insisted on having a calculator
BY ARITRI PAUL
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: An early-release audition from the first episode of 'America's Got Talent' Season 19 has been released by the program ahead of its May 28 airing. It highlights 2-year-old Devan Defreitas, known as Baby Dev, a math prodigy who dazzled the judges with his abilities, even making Simon Cowell demand a calculator amidst it all.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
A Dad's Lesson For Us All
From Cafe Mom -
My Dad Watched Me Get Dumped Then Sent Me a Powerful Text I'll Never Forget
By Michelle Stein
Recently, a college student shared the text messages she received from her father following a breakup. Fallon Thompson, who plays volleyball at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, posted a video of her dad's touching advice, and the internet instantly fell in love with him.
https://cafemom.com/lifestyle/internet-praises-emotionally-intelligent-dads-message-daughters-breakup/scott-then-left-is-daughter-with-a-fitting-analogy
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Southern Comments to Avoid
An excerpt from the Wealthy Nickel -
16 Comments You Should Never, Ever Make to a Southerner
by Rebecca Holcomb
1. Sweet Tea
Image Credit: Shutterstock. |
During a trip to Michigan with my southern husband, we were invited to lunch, where my husband kindly asked the waitress for sweet tea. Word to the wise: If someone asks you for sweet tea, it is far better to say you don’t have any than to offer them iced tea with sugar from the table.
Anyone who makes sweet tea knows you cannot add sugar to cold tea and get good sweet tea. At most, you’ll end up with iced tea with gritty crystals.
2. Instant Grits
Having moved to Florida in 2003, I can tell you people in the South are serious about their grits. Cheesy grits are especially favored, but cooking them well is a big part of most “Southern” cooking. Creamy with a texture similar to cream of wheat, these savory grains are a great addition to Southern specials like fried chicken and excellent barbecue.
However, never are they “instant,” and asking someone if they are may get you disinvited from dinner.
4. Y’all
When I was growing up and in school, a contraction of the words you and all wasn’t a word. However, down South, it’s been an accepted part of everyday vocabulary since before I was born. One particular sticking point, though, is where you place the apostrophe.
Y’all is the correct way to write it; anything else is unacceptable. Also, ain’t, which wasn’t a word when I was in school, is now proper (according to Webster’s Dictionary) language and should be spelled correctly.
12. Bless Your Heart
While hearing this phrase may make you think that the sweet grandma you met at the grocery store is complimenting you, it’s more likely that she thinks you’re a bit dim. “Bless your heart,” or any version thereof, is not often given as a nice comment. Take a moment to evaluate the situation, and you’ll know whether someone’s insulting you. If you’re unsure, chalk it up to indifference and move on.