The Greek Yard

DAMAGED Goods

2011-10-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

I have backed off Greek life so much that I am not sure that I can provide you with much more advice. I guess I can tell you a little bit here and there, but... not much going on on the yard right now. Maybe there is for those who are all into it, but I could personally care less about what these folks are doing because they are not paying my bills right now. Greek life has taken so much energy from me, so much money, so much love, and friendship, i can't imagine that it was worth it.

SIDE NOTE MY GRAMMA JUST PISSED ME OFF! UGH

ok... this is what happens after a few Jack and Ginger ale drinks.

But im just over it. Yes... I'm still active (financial with dues paid) but... LOW KEY. Will you see me at the next party? No. The next probate? MAYBE. The next program, I dunno. I've never been so annoyed with interests trying to friend me on Facebook. I have an alias so i dunno how these desperate stalking ass interests found me. UGH. leave me ALONE! HATE YOU! GO AWAY. WHATEVER!

So whats the problem? LACK OF EXCLUSIVITY!
Greeks are not exclusive or secretive anymore. People think they know what we are about and what it takes. They memorize our steps and chants and hops and strolls and affirmations cuz all we do is probate in their faces and they video tape us and memorize what we do. Thus we are just a circus and there are no tickets for sale. A bunch of clowns in a performance, acting. Because who is financial anymore? Just another thing to do.

Off to get a glass of something. Im thinking Wray and Nephew. what you think?

Quick Hello

2011-08-11T04:32:00.001-07:00

OH MAN I think every spring I have to take a break of this Greek crapola. It is becoming too intense. Too many personal beefs feeding into and finding its way into chapter business and the pledge process. I tell you. Its amazing how disgusting people can be when they hate you. Not because of Greek life, but all personal stuff. I have been through this myself, and I'm not even talking about my personal issues with people. I had a long conversation with a good friend and he is going through this in his own chapter and I have truly heard some shit.

Listen folks... this Greek shit aint that serious to lose friendships over. Go have a burger, hash out ya problems and keep it moving. Life is too short to even be bothered half the time. Taking time this year to really focus on my career has been the most rewarding. If Greek life cant be a safe haven, then fuck it!

10 Reasons You Should NOT Be Dean

2011-04-10T04:42:00.001-07:00

So you wanna be dean. You got a little hype and into the pledge process and you think you can do a good job making people. Matter of fact, you think you can do a BETTER job than everyone else around you. You got a couple of ideas rolled out. You have put your interest in the ears of a few chapter members OR you may have even told a few folks from other orgs that your are gonna be dean in the next go round before the chapter vote even took place. Well you know i have news for you. It's really not what you think it is. Half of your problem is you just want all the attention to yourself and you want the longest greet! Let me tell you this, being dean is NOT all fun and games. I know what i have been through and I see my neos go through it ever time they take on the roll. So... let me tell you why you should NOT be dean.

1. You can't see past your own nose. You think that its all about you and your desires when frankly, you dont even have half a clue of the pressure you will feel. EVERYONE wants attention and there is not enough time in the day for that. There will be days when you just wanna take ya boys and drive them off the cliff and say Fuck it! But you can't. Prepared to feel torn. And the biggest pressure will come from the ones you are closest to.

2. YOU DONT KNOW ANYBODY! what relationships do you have that will truly give your line a meaningful and fulfilling process. You was NEVER OWT! No one knows you like that for you to be teaching people how to be brotherly or sisterly.

3. What official ish do you know? You talk about making sure that people stay committed after they graduate, but will YOU? how many chapter meetings have you blown off? What programs have you fully supported? Remember, they are interests before they are pledges and they see how you roll. You are setting the trend one way or another.

4. You don't know the info yourself so how you gonna teach them shit!

5. You don't have any resources or access to them. Where they gonna pledge? How they gonna get there? How are they going to meet the demands of your process? Ok maybe how hey get there is on them, but you should know you cannot rely on these fools to get to and fro. you have to step in and provide assistance whether you want to or not. But where are they driving to? Your dorm room? Your auntie's house? Your basement? You dont even know cuz your ass got a roommate so they cant go there! So what now?

6. You are the center of controversy in your chapter. FORGET IT!

7. One of your GDI friends is about to apply... think again. This is shaky ground and really takes a person with good integrity to pull this off. Next thing you know you are being accused of doing favors for this pledge.

8. You have been diagnosed or accused of a mental disorder, eating disorder, drug or alcohol addiction or depression??? FORGET ABOUT IT! Go seek help. This aint the place for you to vent.

9. You have an abundance of kids. BYE! (lol now i know some people that have kids and have done a great job so, they are the exception) BUT!!!! in theory its SHAKY SHAKY ground and it's really hard when you have multiple children running around the house and you mad at them... next thing your kid is getting in the cut too? OMG NO!

10. You are pregnant. @___@ GO AWAY! BYE! How you gonna be dean and you got a baby on the way!? BYE!

Some of you hot headed fools are the last ones who should be thinking about being dean. Yeah its fun and all but there is more pressure than you think. There is a lot at stake and until you really think it through, you are only fooling yourself. You may just not be dean material. If you want someone to greet you, look in the mirror and say HELLO!

THIRSTY UNIVERSITY: They just wanna be Greek!

2011-03-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Prologue:
I had to take a break ladies and gents because Greek life has become a little of an annoyance in my life. I'm also pursuing a degree and writing a shit load of papers, so shit talking about Greek life has kinda been on the back burner, but i haven't forgotten about you. Trust me.

So whats going on on the yard??? OMG Do you really wanna know?
Greek life seems to be dying out folks. I see some whack ass, skating ass, cat ass, phony ass, org hoppin ass interests. People have lost their desire and do not see a real purpose anymore. One stroke and ya damn world falls apart. Niggas wanna cry to momma n shit! Chapters are getting SNATCHED over some dumb shit. GET SOME DAMN BALLS YOU IDIOT! I know chicks that have taken more strokes than you. HARDER strokes... LONGER and HARDER! You aint hurt, you just being a BITCH!

DAMN! had to get that off my chest. Now... what is this really about. There is a campus i know. I HATE IT SO MUCH. IMA CALL IT "Thirsty University" or TU for short. I remember when Greek life was poppin on that campus back in the day, then for many years, it died out completely. Suddenly the AKAs came back on the campus with a line of about 23 or so and some fat white chick was on the line. Pretty interesting. I remember some Deltas ran up on her and asked her to bust her DP greet and she was terrified. She didnt understand the question and well let me just say... I LOVE THOSE DELTAS! Anyway, the Deltas, Kappas and AkAs had a few on that campus and that was about it.

In the few years that passed, there has been a few orgs that chartered or reactivated chapters on that campus. Thirsty University began supporting Greeks again, opening accounts and allocating funds, established a Greek Counsel and even hired a Greek Advisor. HOWEVER... it hasnt even been a SOLID two years and things are falling apart. WHY???? CUZ niggas just wanna be GREEK. Niggas just wanna find the fastest road to ass! Greek life has sparked up some serious interest on the campus but there are some trends going on at Thirsty University. These folks know NOTHING about tradition and respect, GRADES!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF! How your grades fucked up to the point you cant even be a student, let alone an active Greek!?

So guess whats been going on at TU? Snitching, gossiping, CRYING LIKE BITCHES!!! ETC ETC!!! and whats happened... ALL GREEK LIFE SUSPENDED. GAY GAY GAY!
ANYONE OUT THERE NO HOW TO SPOT A THIRSTY UNIVERSITY IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS? let me tell you how!

1. Did you see that same guy crying NEVER ANOTHER OPTION for the next org, yet his ass was at your interest meetings telling YOU how he was oh so interested in your org? THIRSTY

2. Her man just crossed, now she suddenly wanna be Greek. THIRSTY! If she wanted to be Greek it woulda happened or you woulda knew long ago.

3. Someone who used to follow you around HARD suddenly hates Greek life... they indeed were THIRSTY and still are! trust me

4. Hanging around the campus plots... THIRSTY

5. REMINDING YOU how great your org is??? THIRSTY

6. When you are chanting outside after a party and just being owt, dude is in the corner looking mesmerized like he is getting the Holy Spirit... but then he pledges another org! THIRSTY!!!

AND YES THIS COUNTS FOR GREEKS TOO!!! cus some of yall thirsty niggas actually get in.

7. that BITCH used to be an interest for another org. Went to programs and there is evidence of stalking texts and emails. they aint want her but you took her... YOU ARE THIRSTY! BITCH you KNEW she was an interest in that org.

8. That bitch dropped line of another org and you took her ass!!! OMG VIOLATION VIOLATION VIOLATION you should be removed from all GREEK affiliation. THIRSTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9. Your chapter is fledgling. No one is feelin ya org cuz its full of whack ass niggas and you begin recruiting.!!! YOU ARE THIRSTY!

i hate that thirsty shit because straight up, you become a part of something you dont understand. or as a Greek you take in some clown who doesn't get it. you yourself prolly dont get the fullness. i say FUCK THIRSTY UNIVERSITY! THAT IS ALL!

Half Pint Theory

2010-12-24T03:47:00.001-08:00

How you suddenly become a G?

I'm a tad flustered by the Tom Foolery i have seen in the past year. I have NEVER in my life seen Greeks this thirsty. Rookies! Musta never had a girl. I'm not hating on a dude, but if you wanna increase your status with chicks, going through Greek life ain't the way to do it. Get a hair cut, put on some cologne or get a car like teenage boys used to do. Just do it before you become greek. I'm serious.

In thinking about School Daze, the movie of course, I think about the pressure half pint was feeling when he was forced to lose his virginity prior to crossing over. It seemed mean, but now i understand exactly why he was forced into that situation. Some of you young ladies get all hot and bothered over men that you would otherwise ignore, but now he is Greek. Oh shiiiiiiiiit he is poppin. Actually, he isn't. He is just wearing a shirt. He is the same old lame ass nigga no one wanted before. the same lame nigga that couldnt get a girl if he tried to, but he knew getting those colors would make you wet, so why not.

But here is why I agree with making these clowns get some ass before they cross.

WHY HALF PINT HAD TO FnCK:
1. How you got a dude in ya frat that Don't know what to do with women? Last thing you really need is a rumor that your Frat dont know where to put it or how to lay it down. That, my friends, is earth shattering. Half Pint HAD to get it in. It just had to happen.

2. You are not walking around with MY letters on trying to get your game up when you shoulda handled ya business years ago. You never had an abundance of ass, then you will not know how to handle a potential influx of ass when the time comes.

3. I hate having thirsty niggas around me. Relax. Enjoy the show for a while before you jump on the first thing walking by. We ain't even give you the run down on that girl.

4. You so thirsty you can't even tell when a chick is just being nice or "off limits." Especially our fellow Greek sisters. Some of them may NEVER mess with you, but they will definitely provide a hook up when off yard sorors come through. BUT YOUR dumb ass will mess that shit up acting stupid.

I know some of you think this is messed up, but I know a few folks that suddenly got some colors and now they poppin! But you know what you dumb girls who fall for this, the man has NO SKILLS! But... if you have a man trying to get into your frat who had NO SWAG before he showed up, maybe he shouldn't be in your frat bringing down your stats. HOWEVER, as long as you ladies get wrapped up in men with status, this is gonna continue to happen.

hope you know this is for entertainment purposes only, but some things just need to be said! typos??? BAH HUMBUG!

New Black Greek Book Coming Soon

2010-10-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

BLACK GREEK-LETTER ORGANIZATIONS 2.0: NEW DIRECTIONS IN THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES
Matthew W. Hughey & Gregory S. Parks, editors
University Press of Mississippi
Published: 2011

SYNOPSIS: Researchers have been publishing on the topic of BGLOs for approximately a decade and a half, but it wasn't until seven years ago that this research was accessible to a broad audience. And only five years ago did a significant body of scholars actually begin to explore and publish in this area. Over the past several years, Drs. Hughey and Parks have invited numerous scholars to this area of study, published several scholarly articles and books, and add BGLO 2.0 to the growing scholarship on these organizations. This book distinguishes itself by adding a more rigorous methodology to selecting scholarship for public consumption and looking at BGLOs more so in two ways--critically and empirically.

In this book, the authors do two things: First, they extend our knowledge about BGLOs by tackling a number of topics that have not yet been researched. Among them are (1) the role that religion plays within BGLOs and whether BGLOs are anti-Christian; (2) a biographical look at Alpha Kappa Alpha's Second International President; (3) an analysis of a movie that Delta Sigma Theta produced in the 1970s; and (4) an analysis of stereotypes associated with Black fraternities. Second, they tackle some familiar topics in new ways. Among them are (1) BGLOs involvement in civil rights; (2) racial diversity within BGLOs; (3) the debate around MIP/pledging/hazing; and (4) BGLOs' representation in film.

Get more Information or order here: http://gregoryparks.net/bglo2.php

Undergrads Unrepresented

2010-10-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Undergrads. You are unrepresented in the greek chains of command. YES YOU ARE. ok maybe not fully unrepresented but definitely UNDER represented. They tell you that one you cross you have the same rights as everyone else in the org. NOT TRUE. This conversation came about talking to an undergrad woman in a sorority we all have come to know and love. I'm not gonna drag this out but lets just outline a few issues.

1. Advisors for undergrads but not for grad chapters. Why is this unfair, because, lets face it. They make you have an advisor for the assumption that undergrads are going to need guidance and not break rules. Not because you are new to the org, but because you are young. They monitor your activity to make sure you are not hazing and to make sure you are not misappropriating funds and so on. Those are the main two reasons. But let's face it. Alumni/Grad chapters ARE NOT EXEMPT from doing this. Who is monitoring them? They are actually smarter too, so if they wanna steal and haze, they will be smarter about it. A determined man, or woman, is unstoppable.

2. National positions. You know very well someone who has not networked properly will NEVER get these positions. Takes years to get connected enough to do that. Not to mention, they kinda already know who they want for the position so occasionally there will not be any competition. Then your voting usually only happens at conventions and you know undergrads cant even afford to make it to those most of the time. So, the rules of your organization are being determined without you in mind. Oh BTW you may want to look at the spending practices of your organization. Your dues is paying for your top officials to ride in limos and take baths in Avion water. But anyway... you can't take on these positions as an undergrad.

3. Favoritism galore! If you are in the "in" crowd or if you are someone famous, you dont even have to be financial nowadays, you got the hook up! You don't have to follow rules. Its all about who you are and who you know. You got people who can barely scrape up the funds to participate in all the various costly trainings and be financial, but then if you know the right people, or can "make a phone call," you are all set. Talk about breaking rules.

My point is this... undergrads don't make the rules for the orgs. People who broke them in the first place make the rules. They are underrepresented in the voting, they are being pushed around and dont get breaks. Undergrads are being used to make examples. Undergrads, you guys need to rebel, this is nuts. The requirements of the orgs put a strain on what you can do. and you become limited because if you have to be babysat by an advisor, the advisor then has the ability to pull the plug and mess your shit up! REBEL... do not stand for it. You do not need a babysitter at a damn time management workshop. There will usually be a university/college official present and if something was fishy, well they will take care of it. If the undergrads wanna mess up they money, then you know what... let them get arrested!

You know i dont care about typos!

SKATERS 101

2010-09-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

There are some skaters in the building. YES I SAID IT. And they are learning how to assimilate because you dummies show off and expose your process to them. Granted, everyone has their idea of what a process should consist of. And everyone says or thinks they go harder than the next crew. But you can't be a self proclaimed "ass kicking" chapter. It has to be a reputation handed down from a neutral party. You have a legacy or a story that people hear about before they even know who you are kinda thing. Defining who has pledged is tricky because it's so subjective but we all have a basic sense of what pledging means. HOWEVER skating, in my eyes is easy to define. Some of us throw the word SKATER (PAPER) out there so readily, but you have to admit when a person has been through some shit, you know it. So I'm giving you ways to spot a skater. Follow my rules and you will weed them out quickly.

1. RUNNING FAST? They run from the W@@D. Even if you haven't taken a stroke or two in a HOT MINUTE... you aint runnin! IT'S TIME TO G.I.T.C!!! YEP dat shit hurt like hell. Reminds you of the first one you ever took, but its all good. If not... YOU SKATED!

2. NO STROKE GAME: They have no SWAGG with the stroke. DAMMIT I have my own little routine or style of swang. YUP I SAID SWANG. you aint got a SWANG... YOU A SKATER! EVEN NEOS got a swang cus you know they been practicing. pretty much if your stroke is weak you are CAT. You SKATED!

3. WEIGHT WATCHERS! Did they gain or lose weight! How you went on line and came off fatter? WHAT??? If you wasn't on the "No S. S. S. Pledge Diet" (yall know what im talking about my fellow pledgers) if you wasnt on that diet you SKATED.

NOW it's gonna get personal.
4. They come to your "meeting" and they squinting and looking shaky cuz someone got some good w@@d... show them the door. THEY SKATED!

5. Before you go to THEIR "meeting" they busy telling you more DO NOTS then the PLEASE DOS! THEY SKATED! Don't go! I can see a "dont touch him here or there! there because.... BUT HE IS CLEAR IN THESE AREAS!" Thats fair, but anything else is CAT! YOU SKATED!

6. The line was lined up in alphabetical order... SKATED!

7. Fresh cut or perm while on line... SKATED!

8. You do you DPs greet with a smile on your face... SKATED

9. DONT KNOW BASIC GREEK HISTORY... SKATED! Not every greek org was founded at Howard U FUCKTARD!

10. Your IP address over populated YOUTUBE's Server a week before your chapter's probate... SKATED!

If you are a skater. be proud. People can respect that. But don't try to be all up in the mix! Trying to G.I.T.C. now when your ass aint take nuffin when you were on line. Showing off at someone elses "meeting." People ARE LAUGHING AT YOU! Soon as you walk out the door, people are glad you left.

And those of you that allow skaters to stroll up in yall meetings, see ya boys (girls) and you don't censor what they see! For those of you that expose people to shit they aint supposed to see. those of you who allow these idiots to take notes so they can get Good according to what they have seen you do... YOU ARE A FUCKTARD TOO! Showing off. what are you trying to prove? Have some pride for yourself. they dont get privileges. How they speshing your boys? You let a skater spec someone from your line? CAT! DID you get Speshed by a skater? You better go have a de-speshing ceremony immediately. Email me for details. LOL OK im trippin! good night!

You guys know my motto> TYPOS... OH WELL! ITS A DAMN BLOG!

According to Whom?

2010-08-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

I guess a convo I had with one of my neos made me really think about who I am as a Greek and the lessons I instill in people that I teach. I never felt so weird like I had to defend myself or my morals and choices when it comes to gray area situations or chapter traditions. This particular conversation touched upon a few areas so I want to talk about these for a moment.

The issue of conduct came up. The "what we should and shouldn't do" with our letters on conversation came up and I felt like I was defending my position. I'm just a firm believer that unless it is written in stone (our protocol book), then it is not a policy. Point Blank. It's not even gray area to be truthful. I believe it comes down to personal ideals, which is fine, but to make another person feel guilty or "wrong" or less Greek because they chose not to follow your beliefs is ridiculous and unfair. A lot of these shoulds and should nots are subjective and unless the organization has written that something will not be tolerated or is totally against policy, then it is not fair to pick and choose which traditions others should follow.

Let's think about this for a second. I see hand signs, I hear calls, I see pictures of mascots that are clearly not accepted as official emblems and yet people use them all the time. YES... it is written in the books not to use these symbols in conjunction with official symbols and YET people use them anyway. So... why is it when we have a "gray" area situation people act like its Gods Law!?

Undercover Brother

2010-08-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

SPIES SPIES SPIES
Yes. This may be old news to some, but let me tell you, there are spies among us. The thing is that they are employed and deployed by YOUR organization, and mine. Do not be fooled. Do not be unwise. Be cautious and aware that everything you do can be secretly taped, monitored and used against you. These organizations are NOT playing. Of course this blog is being posted because it has come up. DO NOT TRUST ANYONE! Here are a few things I would say can help.

1. No new folks enter the fold. Everyone you know and meet does not need to see your line. Stop talking freely around people you know NOTHING about. ANYONE can be prepped as to what to say, how to answer a challenge, etc. Do not think that knowing a little buzz words makes a person good. Do not be anxious to show off. You have nothing to prove. New folks are not to be trusted.

2. KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT! No bragging necessary. Why you having probates with your pledges Getting I.T.C? what the hell? I have seen some stuff. Youtube, camera phones, cameras... need I say more? Be careful of your coming out show. Watch what you say in those as well.

3. WATCH YOUR ASS! Why are you having meetings in the same place every night with your line? Mix it up. If they want you, make them work. Stop making it easy for people to track and trail your ass into the hot zone.

4. Once a spy has been spotted, it's RED ALERT!!! Tell your people. Don't leave anyone in the dark. Keep you and your friends clear of the bullshit and tell them how to watch it and what to look for. You would be surprised what people know and do not share.

5. SCOPE OUT YOUR LOCATIONS. get a good look at where you are going before you go there. Dont have your pledges running into some place you haven't scoped out.

Know that spies are not just looking for misconduct when it comes to pledging but this is the area that will get you in the most trouble because there are many loose ends and the most to lose. Do not have people spectating when they come. Everyone gets their hands dirty. If someone wants to spectate, kick them out but make sure you get pics of them engaging in something "meaningful" so you can have some leverage too. Sorry but this is the game we have to play nowadays.

*spelling errors?? KMA! I dont care!

BACK IN BUSINESS

2010-07-22T15:36:00.001-07:00

So I got a T Shirt winner. I wont put her name out there but she is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc! I appreciate all of you who responded to me. I will give away another shirt in the future. Thanks for your Support.

My computer practically blew up on me from a plethora of viruses! LOL ok not exactly BLEW UP but it was overflowing of viruses to the point my university banned me from their network! LOL I was literally hearing Chinese people talking random Chinese chit chat at random times of the day. It was buzzing and and flickering. Maybe they got my bank info, who knows. They won't get much if they go into my account.

ANYWAY... its good to be back.

Greeks and Christians Alike

2010-07-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was pointed to a video on youtube about greek symbolism and how Greek organizations are worshiping idols and so on. I watched 4 parts in their entirety and I saw two rather weak responses (no offense). I think it's a heavy topic for some people and to the misinformed or those who know absolutely nothing, I can see why someone would feel uneasy about their decision. The person I spoke to said that she had two friends who saw the video and changed their minds about joining a sorority. I have a lot to say, and i enjoy debate and appreciate information that people like to share. I do consider myself Christian and my level of Christianity or how devoted I am is not up for debate with my comments so, don't even try. I am strong in who I am as a Christian and as a Member of a BGLO.

IDOLATRY: worship of any cult image, idea, or object, as opposed to the worship of a monotheistic God. (u have to remember that this is a Judaic concept, which is the root of Christianity)

WORSHIP: an act of religious devotion usually directed to one or more deities.

RELIGION: A religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a supernatural agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

In order to Idolize something you have to worship this something as a God in opposition or in replacement of God, the creator of the universe (this is subjective to the religion you follow). You must avoid or ignore and not give him his due. Let me speak for myself. Greek Mythology is MYTH, which any educated person would know is a story made up from human minds. Often those stories taught a lesson or sought to explain what people in the past could not explain. So in order to worship these gods, you have understand and consider them an integral part of what you feel has some sort of power of you, your "salvation" and the creation of what we know as life. This is my opinion.

I'm not even going to defend Greek Life, think what you want, but just because pagan items or mythological bodies have been fused into our organizations does not mean that we set up shrines, or bow down, or pray to or worship these beings. There is noting that says a SPHINX will give anyone eternal life or that Minerva should be exalted above God or Jesus Christ. These symbols have been fused into so much, dont get me started. When is the last time you referred to yourself as a Virgo or a Taurus? When was the last time you pointed out the Big dipper or thought something major about the constellation Orion? PLEASE! DO NOT GO THERE. Or even your college or university has a crest with laurel leaves or a PHOENIX. Should I not go to that School? But Since the brother in the video ignored all that and focused on Christianity... Let's take it there. Christianity itself is NOT exempt from the accusations made. FOR EXAMPLE... (yes i am cutting and pasting from various sources)

CHRISTMAS: First, the exact date of Christ's birthday was not known; and so it was suggested, "Why not call it the same date as the birth of Tammuz, which was December 25?" That, too, was the time when the sun had reached its lowest point on the horizon and started back up the heavens. The sun god had come to life, so to speak. Thus, gradually but surely, December 25 came to be known as the birthday of Christ. The papal church finally instituted a special mass on that day, "Christ's Mass," and so December 25 became "Christmas." The yule log burning in the fire, followed by the green tree lighted with candles, all came in from the pagans' worship, representing Nimrod's being dead, while his spirit still lived in the sun, and was alive again in Tammuz, his son.

INDISPUTABLE... look it up! this should be old news to you and yet, most of us observe this holiday anyway. Am I a bad christian? Idol worshiper?

EASTER:
Again, Christ was crucified and resurrected in the spring of the year, near the time of the moon festival. The devil was on hand again to bring in the idea of having a celebration the same time as the heathen and even doing as they did, but calling it "in honor of the resurrection." The cakes to the QUEEN OF HEAVEN became the "hot cross buns." (Read Jeremiah 7:16-18). The forty days of "weeping for Tammuz" became Lent, and at the close of Lent came Easter Sunday. (Read Ezekiel 8:12-18). This goddess Ishtar (Easter) came to be known as the goddess of springtime, "new life," or as history records it, the "goddess of reproduction." The pagans went out to some mountain side, early Sunday morning and worshiped this goddess as the sun was rising in the east. They gave themselves to immorality and indecency of every description. The eggs and rabbits were used as symbols of fertility and germination, "life."

Or maybe this makes me an idol worshiper.

SUNDAY: Most Christians go to church on Sunday, are you worshiping the sun?
Sunday (Dies Solis of the Roman calendar, day of the sun: because dedicated to the sun), the first day of the week, was adopted by the early Christians as a day of worship. The (Sun) of Latin adoration, they interpreted as the (Sun of Righteousness)...No regulations for its observance are laid down in the New Testament, nor, indeed is its observance ever enjoined." Think of it, the Sabbath (seventh day), which God blessed and made holy for man to worship the true God upon, was gradually set aside and the festival day of Pagan sun worship was taken into the church.

Don't make me talk about the CROSS!!! Please don't make me do it. Most churches are PLASTERED inside and OUT with Crosses and Doves... oh yeah didn't old boy in the video talk about the Zetas Dove? hmm. I am gonna get crucified for this, AND I CAN GO ON FOREVER! Let me say. I AM CHRISTIAN, but do my observances of Christian Traditions make me a devil worshiper or a pagan god worshiper? NO! ANYTHING and EVERYTHING we do is borrowed from SOMEWHERE! It is up to us to decide the magnitude that it will affect our lives, what we will follow and determine which aspects we will observe.

For those of you that hate me and will never read my blog again and you feel offended, that's cool. I don't mean to offend. You can question my Greek-ness, my christian-ness if you want. I am content with who i am, but the point is that people should not point the finger. Especially coming from someone who points out Laws in Leviticus to prove points about branding and tattooing, when there are over 100 laws in that book which would include not eating SWINE, lobster, shrimp, and other "unclean meat" offering up sacrifices when you have a boy baby and others when you have a girl... Most Christians believe that the Mosaic Laws were done away with, so dont quote them at your convenience when I clearly see Pork Chop Grease on those bumbling lips of yours. LOL ok you know i had to be an ass. But the brother makes good points overall. Read and learn and know and study and choose for yourself.

I have chosen where I stand, and I will not be told who I worship. I spend way more time in prayer than I do thinking about my org.

TYPOS? trust me i dont care. its a damn blog!

GREEK FAD IS OVER

2010-06-29T03:25:00.000-07:00

While driving home from my mini-vacation I was thinking of what I feel are booms and busts of Greek life interests. I sense a current bust/recession of interests. I could be wrong. Not so sure. What I mean is, people get hyped up about things and you see a sudden influx of interested parties shuffling to get involved. Lets think about the movie The Karate Kid. I mean the old one from the 80s, when that came out millions of kids suddenly wanted to learn Karate or some sort of martial art. Then a few Karate movies came out a few more Karate Kid movies came out until the Karate Kid wasn't a kid anymore. Grown ass man. Now 20 some odd years later... here comes The Karate Kid 2010. Good movie, but guess what I heard on the Radio? There's a sudden influx of kids rushing to learn Martial Arts all over the world. Hmmm.

This leads me to the movie School Daze. Back in those days, trust me when I say Spike Lee made a lot of Greek Orgs happy. Membership was POPPIN'!!! Dues getting paid. People were even wearing their Greek letters in Kente Cloth print. AND IT WAS ACCEPTED! Vendors were getting GUAPOLA! I thought after seeing Stomp the Yard or Drumline, there would be an influx, and there was a slight spark of interest, but nothing strong enough to really get attention. But thats ok... who wants to be a part of a fad?

Now is the time to harvest quality prospects and not numbers just to say your org runs the yard. A lot of your interests can be eliminated by just asking a few questions. Some people come with their friends or are legacies or they are bored. Weed them out! In a time of a recession of interests find those who are willing to work hard and do business. Stop being thirsty and desperate! Take the hit. There will be another boom, brace yourselves for that one. I hate thirsty ass Greeks. Sit down until you find some good people stop giving these losers letters. anyway. that's all i have to say about that. Drinking and blogging is not a good idea!

you know my disclaimer... typos? DONT GIVE A SHIT!

TOP 5 GREEK PARTY POOPERS

2010-06-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

DONT FORGET. IM GIVING AWAY A FREE CROSSING SHIRT AT THE END OF THIS MONTH courtesy of www.greekcrossingtees.com!!! EMAIL ME DIRECTLY IF YOU WANT at overseer00@gmail.com and I will pick a winner. 10 MORE DAYS! There is no catch, just looking for support.

OK so now I'm gonna talk about my TOP 5 Greek Party Poopers. There are some things I see my fellow Greekers doing and I just don't get it. Actually, a lot of people don't get it, some of us do them and I am writing this in response to a conversation I had with a fellow org member. Some of this I may be guilty of so bare with me.

5. INTERESTS. Stop pullin us Greeks over at a party. We here to party!!! Not talk about why you wanna be in my org. BITCH IM DRUNK. FUX OUTTA HERE! Running your damn resume like I'm listening. and If i tell you i dont wanna hear that right now, your ass gonna go make an "anti-greek establishment blog" cuz you mad. Go talk to some girls or some shit. I HATE YOU!!! LOL ok im trippin' but seriously you are getting annoying FAST! Check me at the damn program on Tuesday night.You're prolly drunk, your breath smell tart from rum and vodka and i cant hear you beyond the DRAKE song. GWAY!

4. EMBARRASSING YOURSELVES: PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE. MY BLACK PEOPLE! Some of yall get antsy about Greeks drinking in their letters, "OH NO SHE NOT DRINKING IN HER LETTERS." There are far worse felonies out there than that, especially since no org (far as i know) has any sanctions for drinking with letters on. "It's not becoming..." SHUT UP!!! ANYWAY... do not do any of the following with your letters on: stealing, fighting, getting arrested, fuckin in public (i seen that tiki rockin from the back shots in the bathroom stall), DRUNK and throwing up all over the place, etc. Let's talk about that for a second. Some of you same people that talk shit about people drinking with their letters on have no problem pre-gaming and showing up to a party drunk with your letters on. ok so... do not embarrass yourself dummies!

3. STROLL MUSIC REQUEST: you know what I'm talking about. You and your sawrahs done practiced that single ladies stroll all night and that nigga aint played it yet! yeah that song is old but you finally got it down and yall standing in line waiting for that shit to play. OK so... you requested it and 5 songs later... the DJ plays it the first verse and... ERRRRRRRR. SWITCH to the next song. you aint even finish the stroll. look ladies. make universal strolls that can rock to a genre of music and not one particular song. and stop letting people learn the stroll in the stroll line. UGH and why are you STROLLING THE WHOLE NIGHT? WHY??? dont you wanna chat with, meet up with, dance with the opposite sex? WTF??? you wanna spend the night behind your big brother. FUX OUTTA HERE! lol

2. ORG COLOR/PARA OVERKILL at the Party. EXCUSE ME! NEGRO... ITS YOUR PARTY!!! WE KNOW!!! Let me work this from bottom to top. Them red open toe shoes, with the red leg warmers, red and white booty shorts with the red belt with the red sparkles, white cut off shirt with the red trim, red numbers, red nails with white speckles, red and white wrist bands, red and white bangles, the red and white tiki hanging, oh and the red streaks in ya head... KAPPAS COME ON!!! lol jk jk but you know who you are. STOP IT NOW!

AND MY PET PEEVE OF ALL...

1. SET IN THE PARTY: Pulling someone from your org aside to "teach them" more stuff at a party. WAIT! You are telling me... that nigga couldn't learn that shit while he was on line? Better yet, in the car on the way? WTF? Can that neo go talk to some girls? Can YOU go talk to some girls? Ya'll spending the whole party whispering in each others ears some shit yall shoulda figured out on BBM, facebook chat, email, snail mail, Morse code... Let the boys party, they just got off line. They aint listening to you anyway, they looking at that girl's ass bouncing behind you. The one you are too busy to observe because you are "teaching." SHUT UP! I support our GLBT people out there, but for lack of a better word, that shit is gay. SCRAM!!!

ok. i got that off my chest! lol have a good one and hit me up if you want a chance at a free tee from www.greekcrossingtees.com

disclaimer: typos??? OH WELL!

OLD HEAD X

2010-05-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Seems no one wants a free shirt. Can't even give things away nowadays I guess. lol That's cool.

ANYWAY, this weekend was a rather interesting weekend. An annual event occurred this weekend that I had been waiting for for almost a year. Let me give you some background on this situation. For some reason, a particular "OLD HEAD" (lets say OLD HEAD X) feels that I am the reason that some of my neos do not know OLD HEAD X. OLD HEAD X told one of my neos that I am evil, and that I was lucky I arrived late at last years event because OLD HEAD X had some words for me. AND... OLD HEAD X can't WAIT to see me at the next one! So I was DETERMINED to be to this event on time. AND BOY OH BOY WAS I ON TIME OR WHAT! I was there long enough to watch OLD HEAD X prance in, look at me, walk around, talk shit, walk past me about 10 times (I purposely positioned myself by the door leading into the house) and OLD HEAD X said NADA! I mean, how much more opportunity do you need to put me in my place? GROW UP and GET A LIFE!

How can I introduce you to someone that crossed 4 years before I even met you my damn self. Are you fucking serious and unfortunately, after I met you, you were not a significant addition to my life to feel that I should call all of my neos who are now in their late 20s, doing other things, to tell them about YOU. lol You are Officially a CLOWN! a BIG CLOWN! All respect out the window. I would have respected a polite, "Can I speak to you for a moment?" That I can respect. I didn't even have an issue with you at all until i got word that YOU had words for ME!

I am sure many of my readers know exactly what I am talking about. How many of you have an OLD HEAD X prancing around? Let me tell you all about the OLD HEAD Xs out there maybe you can relate. Or maybe you are an OLD HEAD X yourself. Let's find out.
Let me tell you what OLD HEAD X does.

1. Old Head X calls LBs and LSs talking negatively about the chapter. Claiming to be "in the know" making issues between people who don't know each other, just in time for a chapter reunion.

2. Old Head X claims to know people in high places, but can't seem to deliver on those promises of help when it's needed. "I know the national president..." or "I know the handbook by heart..." yeah ok

3. Old Head X should eat less cheese burgers and reach for the fat free options on the food cart.

4. Old Head X is a coward. Old Head X has code names for his/her enemies because saying an actual name is implicating. It gives a way out like, "Well I never said your name, so maybe I wasn't talking about you" or "I was talking about someone else...blah blah fuckin blah"

5. Old Head X uses exaggeration, lies, and manipulation to round up the troops on a war that he or she really has no intention on fighting or resolving. Old Head X prefers to keep the drama going than to dissolve it, so Old Head X will never... ever confront anyone he or she sees as a threat.

6. Old Head X points blame for ANYTHING on people who seems to be a threat to his/her personal agenda. The agenda "attention." Old Head X takes this Greek Life stuff seriously, but only on the low because he/she NEVER wants to admit that they really wanna be involved.

7. Old Head X will run as soon as the shit hits the fan! Good thing for me I have PHOTOS!!! I will leave that to your imagination.

8. Old Head X will prey off her peers not really knowing whats going on. He or She depends on the fact that they feel they can "trust" him or her. Shit, they don't know me, and why would she lie? Right? The truth is OLD HEAD X is partially informed, misinformed and should shut up. Matter of fact, be bold and confront me. Make it easy.

Old Head X... I see you and I think you are very entertaining. Seriously I never even considered you as a person until someone told me you called me evil and a brain washer. Is it because when you called the chapter during chapter meeting from your living room to protest a vote I told the chapter to hang up the phone? Or maybe it's because you have yet to call back (years later) with this policy you assured the chapter existed so that you could put a person you wanted in a particular position? Is it because I don't call you and give you chapter updates? Is it because you have "better things to do" besides pull my neos aside and pop shit you wont say in my face? HA HA HA HA!

Truth is, I don't care if people know you or not. NO I am not introducing ANYONE to you, (you have yet to add any value to anything) but I'm not telling people not to get to know you. I don't care. You are no threat to me. I'm not sure what it is that I have that YOU want. Another thing is that I am a firm believer that I don't have to tell anyone who you are. So no need for me to pop shit about you. You will show it, as you have in recent weeks. And frankly 4 out of 5 agree... you are fake. So keep up the good work. Keep showing your ass. Be exactly who you are. And speaking of asses... you can kiss mine and lay off the carbs.

FREE CROSSING SHIRT THIS JUNE

2010-05-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

I decided my 100 follower thing is not working. I'm sure more than 100 folks read this blog, but I decided I'm gonna give one free crossing shirt away to a follower at random by the end of JUNE. I'm putting the reminder in my phone RIGHT NOW! The shirt will be courtesy of www.greekcrossingtees.com a new business of a friend of mine, and she needs some support, so I will support her since you guys support me!

Here is the catch (it's a simple one)
1. You have to be a follower
2. Tell me your favorite post title and why its your fav post in 5 lines or less. place it in the comments box for this post.

I will let you know who wins and email the winner. the winner will email me back their shirt info and i will have greekcrossingtees.com send you a shirt! that simple

Knowledge is Power

2010-05-22T04:55:00.001-07:00

Has anyone ever felt swindled by a chapter member? Well if so, this is for you. A lot has happened in the past few weeks and I have been extremely busy with school. Now that I have a few minutes of time, and I do mean a few (gotta get back to work) I am going to enlighten you on a few things about how important it is to keep your circle tight.

Think about it this way. Let's say you and your closest buddies were going to rob a bank. In no way am I promoting illegal activities, it's just an example. So, let's say 5 of you were going to be directly involved in robbing this bank. You spent hours planning and revamping your plan, casing the scene, working out details, etc. Let's say the heist is big enough to share with your family. Fine! It's your business how you spend your share. No one is knocking you for that. It's your mom! give her a lil something if you want. However, are you going to call your mother during the robbery, keep her afloat of your every move and your progress, inform her who is doing what and who is under performing? You would have to be a fool.

If you haven't caught my drift, then you may be one of these idiots that thinks you need to give a full, detailed outline of your pledge process as it is taking place. Listen, I don't care how cool or "GOOD" someone is. If they are not directly involved or in constant communication with the chapter from start to finish, there is no need for minute by minute commentary.

Now I know that some of you may find yourselves in the category of semi involved, and you wanna know whats going on, but you just cant seem to make those late night meetings anymore. Well, unfortunately you have no reason knowing anything that you haven't witnessed yourself. It's for your benefit anyway, because if something goes down and you were not there that night, it's better that your involvement is completely erased from something you had no control over in the first place. And if it's burning your soul to know what happened on any given night, call the DP, not the pledges or whimsical and simple frat that just blab to brag about there "accomplishments" for the night.

I know that many of you want to be proud of your line and you want people to know they are working hard, but the whole of the United States of America is not necessary for your line to get recognition. I know you are thinking, "DAMN!" when your prophyte calls asking what happened. And I'm not talking about the prophytes that call when you have a program or just to check up on the chapter, but the ones that call only to know how many girls or boys and what year are they and who is the DP and you don't hear from them for another year prophytes. Yeah those. What do you say to them? Well, you know me. I'm going to give some advice on this.

1. Let them call you for updates. Don't go volunteering updates like you are the 5 o'clock news... "THIS JUST IN..." SHUT THE FUCK UP!!! Some things are just not needed to share with folks. SHUT UP! Why you calling around? For my guidelines, you would be invited to meetings on an "as needed" basis until you got your mouth straight.

2. Are they fishing? This is a good one. Someone who you know MIGHT come around from time to time starts asking questions or talking about a situation but vaguely. Now, he knows you were there, but never give more details than they give you. Maybe it is not to be malicious and they just want to be in the know, but still if you know the person is shakey, and is talking about stuff they THEMSELVES did not witness, watch it. If there is a true concern, they will go straight to the DP and be direct with questioning and their intentions from jump. Do not get Swindled into yapping. If you do... according to my guidelines, you are staying home for the next few meetings. You are on punishment til further notice.

3. Is someone around you just texting and observing. Not really getting involved, just sitting there texting away! RED ALERT!!! RED ALERT!!! RED ALERT! Send your line on an errand, end your meeting and relocate immediately. When someone is not actively involved, there is no reason to be present. Sleeping is one thing. Shit I knocked out a few times. But just watching... NO! Go Home. Watch out for computers too. Occasionally glance and try and see what programs are running. Trust me when I say I saw someone taking notes once. Notes to be forwarded to prophytes who are not around, can be very judgmental and were pretty negative when it came to giving people a chance.

4. Ok so you got a bold ass prophyte who felt a tad neglected and showed up unannounced. IM GUILTY OF THAT SHIT! Nigga didn't call... I showed up... we fixed the problem expeditiously. So, what to do if one shows up? Be respectful, let them do what they came to do. Shit, at least he or she isn't trying to be one of those "in the know and outta harms way" people. Remember that information is power, so there will be no sharing of it. To avoid stuff like this, an occasional call won't kill you, so be wise. Know which one's are just talking and which ones are serious enough to take a random day off work to see their chapter's line. You know which ones don't care one way or the other, and you know which ones need attention and just want to be heard.

Maybe I strayed a little bit, but the point is, keep your circle tight and on board. Make sure that if a story needs to be changed then we all agree... this is what happened. End of story. If you find yourself calling and giving unnecessary updates, stop it! Yes, that's your LS, but she ain't been around in 4 years to see these girls she is complaining about. Yes, that is your charter member from 19-whatever, but understand that times have changed and some of the things you do have been banned for about 20 years, so open convo about what's going on... unfortunately is not an option. Yes, this person is "GOOD" however, if he or she ain't good enough to make a trip, then day to day details are not necessary. Let there be no mistake. One day I too will not be included and I accept that. I am not exempt.

This isn't for Me!

2010-04-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

Oh how the words ring deep in my loins, "This isn't for me." The cringe of frustration riddles through my body like electricity. How you just want to KNOCK this nigga out. Yes, that feeling crosses your mind. I can see the many sad faces looking back feeling ashamed that they spoke so highly of themselves and put on a massive front to get people like you and I to choose them to be a part of this Greek brotherhood. You or someone you know may have even vouched for this clown or even got into arguments for this idiot. So you may also feel a sense of shame and betrayal from this pointless piece of flesh staring back at you. Sometimes, it comes through a text message or an email, nevertheless it all feels terrible, so what do you you do after someone has dropped the line? You know i have advice, and if you have any sense, you may understand why I am writing this.

1.First things first is preventative measures. You don't just put people on a line cuz they are your homie, family, or whatever. SCRUTINIZE EVERYONE!!! No one gets a pass just cuz. It doesn't matter whose child, sister, brother or friend this is. Playtime is over. You letting your interests skate cuz ya'll friends? You set this up from jump. You can't chill with them all year all semester and then ok now GITC! Yeah ummm NO!

2.So the bitch dropped line, so what? You have to understand that it's not easy to get through for everyone. DONT YOU BRAG HOW HARD IT IS TO COME THROUGH YOUR CHAPTER? Well then, leave it at that understanding that there will be casualties of war. Crazy thing is, you dont even have to touch half these people to make them feel like they wanna leave. The mental stress and time commitment is enough sometimes to make them quit.

3. Maybe your chapter was whooping ass to the point where someone wants to leave. CHILL NEGRO thats OD! WATCH THAT SHIT. Call me cat, call me whatever, but your process can't be like that. You got shit to teach and shit to do. I'm not saying don't do it or do it, what I'm saying is don't let that be the focus of your process if that is what you do. You push, you pull, you give, you take. Let someones ass end up in the hospital cuz you wanted to prove a point. Even worse, let it be one of your traveling Prophytes who came down for the weekend who fucked this boy up and left yall behind to take the fall. Either way, it aint worth it. Balance!

Sound like I'm blaming all this on you? Oh well, I'm not done.

4. A dropper don't just drop overnight. They have a little pride and that shit been running in that head for a few days or even weeks now. WHY ARE YOU NOT WATCHING THE SIGNS? So busy running a muck, asking for assignments, fuckin' people up, not teaching SHIT and yet you take it personal when someone drops like they did something to you. Why are you not talking to these boys after yall meet or the next morning? How did you not see it in that girl's eyes that she had had it and didnt know how to tell you. Empty eyes. No enthusiasm. Lack of interest... the drive is gone.

GREEKS, especially my neo counterparts, you will hear this line "this isn't for me" so many times you may become numb to it. To be frank, the last thing you need is people who know your secrets, where you meet, who you are, who your prophytes are, digital evidence of interactions, the list goes on... dropping your line. Be smart. Look for warning signs and dont trust anything. Question them, make sure they want to be there. They look luke as an interest... kick em out! BYE! They dont want it. They just think Greek life is cool. This is how they wanna get girls or something. I know I kinda came at you Greeks, but we have something to lose here. Not the dropper. Who cares about them? BUT they can FUCK YOUR SHIT UP! So... if someone drops, change your locations, move things around, erase all messages and correspondence, stay away and act normal. Your shit is hot, so relax for a bit and guard your moves. Don't just say oh well and keep it moving. You see them on the yard, No need to be rude. If its not for them, oh well. Let them go to another org or something. No one needs dead weight around. AND DONT... don't don't don't don't DO NOT beg them to stay.

thanks for listening. OVERSEER SIGNING OFF. TYPOS? FUCK IT!

OH and BY THE WAY... I'm considering giving away a free shirt anyway to a reader even though I didnt reach my 100 follower quota... I will let you guys know when I will start it up!

Digital Hazing

2010-02-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

In a new time where everything is computerized, cell phones have taken over and computers are hailed as gods, we have also gotten a tad lazy. Yes, myself included has fallen victim to the digital plague. I can barely stand being in the bathroom too long without my cell phone on deck. I have even showered with the damn thing once or twice just because the conversation was too good to end. The digitization of communication has expedited our daily tasks and many of the things that used to take time are now done in seconds. But people, how did we get so lazy that we have allowed ourselves to be guilty of Digital Hazing?

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not condoning hazing in person as opposed to over the web or anything, but I am here to diagnose some of my fellow Greeks with Digitalia Haziolism (digital hazing syndrome). For those of you that do not know... this is how you know you are guilty of Digital Hazing:

You are guilty of digital hazing if:
1. You Skype meetings with so that your LB in Spain can be present 5000 miles away.

2. You vent your frustrations with your pledges on Twitter and in your FB status.

3. Your LB pledged while at a college 3000 miles away from you and the rest of your LBs. Hmmm. On line is not the same as Online.

4. Your DP lives 3000 miles away from you and your line and hosts sessions via private youtube links and gchat.

5. Your line is a part of your chapter BBM chat group to meet other chapter members or members of your org. BBM screen names: jigglenuts #1, jigglenuts #2, etc...

6. Your probate is live on Skype.

7. You take photos of your pledges and send them via MMS or bbm.

8. You send BBM voicenote threats or greetings. You sent out a request to blackberry to make a paddle smiley. They havent gotten back yet.

9. You twitpic your applicants from the rush so past chapter members can point out chicks that fucked they man and trying to get in the chapter now that your soror has graduated.

10. You can't give wood from Africa so you make the pledge touch the "W" key on the keyboard so you can send an electric shock by pressing Alt+F12.

Can you please bring pledging back to the good old days. Stay away from that digital mess, emails, voicenotes and all that leave trails. The Overseer is off in 5-4-3-2-1!

*disclaimer: i dont care about typos. I REALLY dont! KISS MY zipbomb.com

Dropping Like Flies

2010-01-31T08:46:00.000-08:00

There is a story of the Steed, the Mule and the Camel. They all intended to cross the desert. The Steed was the fastest, and ran across the desert leaving the others behind. His graceful strides pounded into the sand. Half way thru he collapsed and drug himself back not realizing he was half way, it would have been the same effort to drag himself to the finish. The Mule, not the prettiest or the brightest and rather slow and stubborn wandered in the dessert for days. He ended up going in circles for months. He never took the straight route across he just circled and circled and circled retracing his steps. The end was nowhere in site for him. The camel, not the most appealing, not the strongest or fastest, but the wisest. He paced himself, stored up on water and got to the other side. It was hard, but he was prepared and made it. WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH YOUR CRAZY ASS INTERESTS?

Since the season is in and has begun for many or on its way to commence, I must touch upon an epidemic that is floating round. Interests and Pledges are dropping like flies. This is crazy because I KNOW the heat hasn't even been turned up on you and your weak asses are running away like babies. So for those of you new to the game or those that have lost their inner senses to predict when this will potentially occur. I am going to present you the top 5 line dropping excuses and the top 5 signs to look for. This is getting ridiculous. They have no shame about it either. You would at least think that pride would get someone through it, but they are running like a stampede of roaches from the Raid can before it is even sprayed.

MONUMENT 1: I need to find myself... Meaning, this is too much time for me. Ya'll asking too much. Maybe once or twice a week, but every day? Umm no. I thought this would boost my ego but now I'm dating a hot boy and I wanna spend time with my boo.

SIGNS: New girlfriend/boyfriend, recent break up, new job, money issues.
RESPONSE: You will never find yourself if your grown ass hasn't already established who you are as a person. Go find yourself on someone elses' clock. There is never a good time or never a time to be sure you are ready. Only thing that is sure is that you have officially pissed some people off.

MONUMENT 2: I don't have the money anymore... meaning, I never had the money. Geez I really didn't think you guys would take me seriously. I just wanted to feel this out. Plus, I'm not trying to miss these parties my senior year. NO WAY! Ya'll ain't gonna mess up my final memories of college.

SIGNS: Disappearing acts, recent purchase of an expensive item, such as a new car or hair weave, not responding to text messages, late responses to messages
RESPONSE: If you had been calling people like you were told, maybe someone would have found a way for you or sponsored your ass. You knew how much it was for months and you were so confident then that you had the money, where did it go? Oh yeah... that spring break trip you planned with your homies.

MONUMENT 3: I need to focus on school... Meaning, I never had the grades. I lied about my GPA and I'm not trying to get caught out there. I definitely wasted your time. Oh and I got a non-refundable ticket to Jamaica. Can't miss this spring break for nada!

SIGNS: Hiding in the cafeteria, total avoidance, missing in action, always "busy" on the BBM, always "busy" on gchat but at every party.
RESPONSE: Scholarship is one of the major thrusts of just about every org and if you cannot balance that then go and get yourself together. Go away! See you in Jamaica!

MONUMENT 4: I need more time to figure things out... Meaning... I REALLY wasted your time. Maybe I'm not interested in this org like I thought. Maybe I should have done more research. Maybe I should have given it another year before I bothered you. Sorry boo boo.

SIGNS: hanging out with other orgs, girl friend or boyfriend is greek, recent break up, abusive relationship, you sign into AIM... away message pops up!
RESPONSE: You were a spy in the first place and we noticed. You weren't going to get accepted as a pledge anyway. You just wanna be Greek. Sorry this was too difficult a route for you. It didn't even get hot yet.

MONUMENT 5: This org doesn't define who I am... Meaning... Maybe I should have realized when I had been and interest for 3 years that a Greek org wouldn't define who I was, especially this one. And you guys are annoying me with the assignments and the other bullshit. I really don't even like you like that and your chapter doesn't do shit anyway... not gonna be the one to rescue you.

SIGNS: questions authority regularly, looking for reassurance to quit from others, yet... still hanging around.
RESPONSE: Do everyone a favor and be owt! No one asked you to kiss my ass for months and months to suddently realize how much you don't need this to be a better person. We are not here to make people better. If you are satisfied as you are, great. But remember, there is a reason you came here. You must have seen something here that you haven't found in your own life, so don't expect this to make you a better person. We want you to be great before you get here. Goodbye.

Please screen your interests and pledges. This just goes to show that numbers are not always important and sometimes it's just best to let the chapter close than to fall apart. Why are they dropping like flies...? The truth is, they just wanted something to do. They wanted to add another social circle to their belts.

Greeks... DO NOT be pledge hungry. Some of yall are having line after line after line, fall, spring, fall, spring.... seriously, you don't even give yourselves a chance to get to know the ones you just brought in. This isn't a numbers game. It is a quality game! There is nothing exclusive or special about an org that brings in sooooo many people it can't even recognize who they are. They fall back and then wanna come back. Don't let them, make them think about it.

disclaimer: TYPOS??? I DO NOT CARE! YOU CAN KISS MY zipbomb.com

Greek Love Affairs

2010-01-21T15:13:00.001-08:00

With Valentine's Day drawing nigh, I must admit that I have had my share of Greek love affairs. Not a lot but enough to know I'm all set. Don't worry, I haven't found a victim in every opposite sex org. One was serious and the rest, well, let's just say things happen. I have seen the good, the bad and the UGLY when it comes to who is dating who. It gets crazy very quickly when the love triangles build and people forget that Greek Life is like a small town with everyone knowing everyone and there exists two degrees of separation between your first, last and current lover. I have to tell you that the way men and women view this thing is totally different. And when people start claiming people who do not claim them... the real fun starts. It's not like some random street shit where you can just avoid a person by not going down their street or going to their favorite club. You guys have to see each other because of NPHC meetings, Progamming, or Probates... places people expect you to be. But im not a love doctor nor a love coach. I have my own issues with settling down and trusting people enough to be serious (as I have been told many times by disgruntled exes). I just wanna show you what it does, the damage it can cause, and the funny things that people do in the name of Greek love.

Greek Love makes you:
1. Make Coleman Love, PHIRST PHAM, and BLUE PHI paraphernalia (mostly paddles) for a person who is not your man. He is not gonna hang that shit up on his wall besides when you are around. And if it slips out the cracks and someone sees it, he is definitely gonna call you crazy.

2. Forget that you are college educated and start acting like a chickenhead once again over a man who is not your man, cuz EVERY girl you see seems to want him in your eyes. Get a life.

3. Tell your boys that you don't really like the hoe when you know you do. ACTUALLY... you dont and you prolly lying to her and tellin her you got the GOOD WOOD, so you can get the GOOD HEAD from a GOOD RED!

4. Date girls from the same chapter and make sure that each one keeps it secret, cuz of DISCRETION, and that way you can fuck and duck em both.

5. Rip a chicks "Legacy" plate off her car cuz you found out she fucked your LB in her former life.

6. Disinvite a chapter to set cuz you don't wanna see dat nigga! But when yall was fuckin he seen them every day.

7. Spec (pronouced SPESH) someone just cuz you got a crush on them and you need an excuse to get closer. DAT nigga aint really feeling you like that. Matter of fact, did you even see them online yet or at all?

8. Teach your grips and tell your secrets when you should know better. Lifetime commitment to your org and nothing else is guaranteed after that. Not even marriage. What the hell?

9. Pretend that your girls chapter is thorough when you KNOW you seen them girls on line and they was cat as hell. But that's nice of you to support your boo like dat. lol

10. Fight your chapter soror on Main Street in your crossing jacket, in front of everyone, messin up yo head, once again over a man who is NOT YOUR MAN! (as he giggles in the corner and records... posting to youtube..... now.) And a few weeks later, after he fucked you a few good times, he is going through too much to be with you. He is not ready and he wants to be best friends... cuz das Phirst Fam (Blue PHI, Coleman Love) and it's yall duty to be cool.

The Others

2010-01-20T16:09:00.001-08:00

Here we go again and people have not learned a thing. All of the wisdom I have showered down upon my fellow Greeks and yet, some of you still have so much to learn. Now, I'm notorious for talking shit. It's just what I do, but quite often the truth must be told. I want to talk about "Split Lines" for a moment. First of all, what is a split line? A split line is when a chapter decides to pledge some of the line and not pledge another portion of the line. This does NOT have to be a 50-50 split. There could easily be a line of 20 and 3 are not chosen to "pledge" but are allowed to partake only in the "intake" process mandated by the organization. There are various reasons for this. Maybe someone is a legacy or knows a prominent member of the org, so it may bring heat to the chapter if they don't make the line. Maybe they couldn't explain not voting in a stellar candidate who refused to "pledge," or maybe the candidate wanted to pledge, but was not trustworthy... whatever the reason, the chapter decides to pledge some of the line but not the whole line. If you do not see the RED FLAGS going up then hear me out for a moment. I guess I'm going to have to explain why its a HORRIBLE idea and why any and every chapter should either be ALL or NOTHING, though I am not condoning activities outside of the outlined pledge program accepted by the org.

I want to break this down into 5 major points. And this is especially for the women cuz you ladies be SNITCHIN' on each other like NUFFIN!

1. Split lines cause internal controversy amongst line members. I don't know about you, but if there is someone getting the same letters I'm getting from the same chapter and has not had to go through what I am going through, it will automatically make me resent that person. Granted, I made the choice, but when the heat is on and tempers flare, the last thing a pledge is going to do is reason and respect the decision "the others" made not to endure the "extra" drama.

2. Split lines cause animosity. This spills right over after letters are received. "The others" will not be invited places... then they band together, then they start to look for support, reassurance and validation. They start talking to each other, then other Greeks and may slip out a few comments to your alumni chapter members in the "I'm not gonna call people out...but" format that people like to use. Some of "the others" will be secure with who they are and not care, but there is a group of "others" who will feel slighted. They will feel like they made a bad decision or even that the choice was taken from them.

3. Split lines divide the chapter pitting vote against vote etc. Especially for you undergrads, just expect your intake process to suffer the most. Sure, programming won't matter that much, but you have half the chapter who pledged and half the chapter who hasn't voting on who will run the process, who will make the line, who will be on the line etc. not to mention that many of your interests may not know who is safe to talk to and who is not safe. Depending upon the perspective, each side sees the other as unsafe. Your interests will be confused. You will be confused and you are in for a bumpy BUMPY ride, because if interests are confused, they will not trust you and they will talk.

4. Split lines means split information, you know that pledging is not just about the physical but the mental part of it can be just as daunting, so many people will be taught secrets and information that "the others" will not know. CAREFUL NOW, because "the others" are quick looking for something to add to the memory bank so you can't talk too loosely around them. So be careful with name dropping, because that is ammunition against you in the long run.

5. Split lines are HOT. Different numbers... Different Line names...etc. you may even go as far as to have separate probates and get your ass caught for real. Facebook ain't the place to be on display folks. Leave your number as is if you are gonna take that route. You will be fine. Is it that serious to be a 10 and a 3 at the same time? Get over it, it's more confusing shit to remember and you are making shit hotter and hotter. And stop having open probates if your shit is not clean. If you know you have a split line, and you want to probate the portion that pledged, you better be careful and be discrete. INVITE ONLY. DISCRETE LOCATION TBA 3 minutes before the first march. What you gonna do when "the others" find out about it and show up? Don't make yourself feel better by saying "They know the deal," because you have just lost control of your letters. It's in their hands and you are one cell phone photo away from the BANNED list.

Remember, a line has to be all or nothing, or don't take the line. Everyone pledges or no one pledges. Split lines are HOT and most people don't understand the choice to pledge or not to pledge until its too late to reconsider. For both sides, respect peoples decisions. leave them alone and mind your business. You chose not to pledge live with it don't make it hot cuz you're mad now. And for those who did "pledge" you know what, leave "the others" alone. Being an asshole to someone makes the animosity even worse. Your founders didn't say be blood brothers, but be brothers. Go get some community service done and shut up. Most of the time you are just talking shit to them to make yourself feel better. Let them get flack from someone else, not you. If you don't like them reppin' your chapter, then talk to your prophytes for voting them in. I'm not taking a particular side on this one, but respect the decisions that others make. Split lines are a NO NO and will get your chapter pulled. Overseer signing off in 5-4-3-2-1.

It's Ghost Line Season

2010-01-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

Yes people... it is Ghost Line Season again in the wonderful world of Alpha Phi Alpha! So, before I go there, where is this coming from? For those of you not on top of your Greek knowledge, the order was posted that A-Phi-A was cutting all intake for until further notice. It is or at least was a message from the president of A-Phi-A that was posted on the site. The purpose was to curb hazing blah blah blah. Reality check sir. You and I both know, and anyone with common sense knows that half these chapters already started pledging boys and you really think they are gonna just drop these lines? Sorry, it is not gonna happen. Once the first (alleged) crack of wood is felt, no one is about to have to get themselves back in the mindset to endure that mess again for the next time.

So what do you think you will accomplish? You and I both know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in terms of ending hazing! It's your way of looking as if you are not tolerating an ongoing issue that will NEVER go away! Pretending that you are not a part of the problem by putting intake on hold is a waste of everyone's time. The same people that have been hazing for years will get right back into the "swing" of things once the ban is lifted. People don't change their minds about pledging people over night. I'm sure your brothers saw the message and said, "OMG yes... it's time we stop hazing." Umm, no! Not likely. All you did was create an even bigger problem, so be ready cuz you just initiated GHOST LINE SEASON!!! There are going to be ghost lines popping up all over the wonderful land of A-PHI-A and there is nothing you can do about it.

Sure you may catch a few, but you will not catch them all and eventually a few of these ghosties will become real Alpha men, and others will not, but will know ALL you org secrets and so on. SMH. If you want to curb hazing, you are gonna have to go harder, and you know very well how much money comes in from intake so your stunt won't last long. You know you need that dues money so cut the shit! The president of A-PHI-A is prolly wooding up someone right now talking about "Look what you made me do!"

see the article while it lasts: http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.com/PressNewsDetails.php?newsID=123&newsCat=News

New Year Rant

2010-01-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's 2010 and I'm sure we all have things that we want to do that we haven't done, or things that we want to do differently. Congratulations to those who've made it through and NEVER forget to those who have not. I lost a close family member this year, and losing her was difficult. She has an 8 year old son. His father never wanted to be a part of his life, he sure didnt try, and now he wants to take the boy away. Hmmm would it happen to be because the boy gets a $700 check every month? HE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW YOU! This man has made absolutely no attempt to see, call write, gain custody. It's crazy because the grandparents are extremely involved in his life, but the father refused. The last time he spoke to his son was when he was 2. I remember when my cousin was alive she told me she thought she wouldn't make it, but no matter what, make sure that her son stays with one of us. Now I feel powerless and we will see in March what the judge says.

Also, 2009 has been very back and forth. I have realized that certain people DO NOT belong in my life. I have people who want to spend more time with me and want to be around me. I do not need people around who are going to make me feel like I am a terrible person just because I don't tell people what they want to hear. No one can control me, so if I do not meet your requirements, STEP! I appreciate the time we had, but this is the year of being around people who make me feel safe and appreciated.

All this Greek stuff is fun and great, but DO NOT forget who you are and who made you, who raised you and loves you most. Make every moment count and do something new this year. Learn a trade, write a book, lose a pound... or 10... or 20, travel out of the country, do something, but most of all have fun, love your family and talk to God once in a while. And if you don't believe in God, talk to him anyway.

End of my rant. God Bless

Policies, Procedures and Politics

2009-12-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

BGLOs pride themselves on various things, who was founded first, or what principals or initiatives they were founded upon, prominent members of their organization, etc. But sometimes these organizations lose focus of what is most important- sisterhood/brotherhood. When did policies, procedures or politics become the focus of any organization? No one promotes this when you first stick your head in as an interest, but once you are in, you find out how members become so trapped and tangled in a web of laws, restrictions, and bureaucracy that the brotherhood and sisterhood goes out the window before you get to know what it's about.

I went to a training for my org this weekend (won't say what it was for) and it made me think about what the organization holds dear and brotherhood is not it. Policies, Procedures and Politics take the forefront when implementing ANYTHING. There is so much focus on going over the the fine details and intricacies of God knows what, we were all no longer paying attention, but we were watching the hands on the clock counting down the minutes til "quittin'" time. It was frustrating because most of what we talked about was already done, self explanatory, and whatever was left could have been put into a basic outline, reviewed and discussed. DAMMIT I can read!

Paperwork paperwork and more paperwork. There's a form for everything you do. Need to have a program... yup! There's a form for that! Might as well be a form to scratch your ass. There is a form for just about anything. My org is LOADED with forms. It never ends. It's disgusting. You would think that people discovered the internet and efiling or the purpose of the classic pdf file, but ummm no! When you see that you have forms, to fill out forms, to then fill out the form you were REALLY trying to fill out, there needs to be a review! PUT THE PAPERWORK DOWN! I'm 10 seconds for starting a revolution in my org, which I love, but it's polluted by paperwork and damn politics too.

How come people look at you funny when you run for office? Most of the offices, especially the highest positions, seem to be appointed. Democracy goes out the window. Running against the favorite, you better wear a bulletproof vest. But whats funny is you kinda have to have some bank to have these positions. A teacher or secretary or UPS worker could NEVER hold these positions unless they had some serious BANK saved up somewhere. Sounds like our country don't it. But this is not supposed to be what democracy is about and I'm not dishing out dues to struggle to pay for conclaves just so the "president" can bathe in Evian water on my tab.

Let's talk about that for a minute. These same people who scold and scream about hazing are the same ones pulling scheme scam scums defrauding the organization buying shit they have NO business buying. Please and about hazing (whether I agree or not) the same people that are banning and speaking out against hazing will be the same ones sitting there bragging about their process and how hard they pledged back in the day. Do not expect people to stop hazing if you cannot get over your process. Go sit your ass down. I'm so over you people! AND, next time you do a training, be prepared or SHUT UP! Overseer signing off!

FREE CROSSING SHIRT

2009-12-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

The Greek Yard doesn't have many followers and that's MY FAULT. I will try and be more consistent keeping up with my blah blah blahs about Greek life! So, I want to offer an incentive. For every 100 new followers, I will give away a FREE Crossing shirt (random selection). And to GDIs if you are selected, I will give you your very own Gamma Delta Iota crossing shirt. Choose your line name, number... all that! (lol. Don't feel bad, there are some Greeks who do it too.) Seriously, get your chapter on board and your friends too. Let's get more Greeks on the yard! All I ask is if you win, send me a pic of you wearing it or holding it up. Not sure how long im gonna run this, but i can afford to if you guys take a look at some of our advertisers and participate in the ads on the left side of this blog! (yes the "15 minutes" for the AKA shirt was intentional!)

Shirts courtesy of Greek Crossing Tees: Crossing T-Shirts

You Got a Big... GREEGO

2009-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

I promised I would write about Greego so here it is. The end of fall is coming and many of us have just crossed. The college campus has once again filled up with colorful maple leaves across the pathways of academia! But wait a minute... something is different. That smirk on your face, that stature, that confidence, radiating off your chest as you puff it up to show your... GREEK PHI GREEK letters! You wear those letters proud! you spent all of the semester on line, and you probably crossed with enough time to hit up the last two parties right before finals. Now is your time to shine and let the world know who you are and what you have become! But you know what... you are a neo... so this isnt for you. You haven't quite found your inner Greego... prophytes with Greego issues, I am talking about you!

So, I'm going to give my top 10 list of Greego identifiers so that we can all know what we are dealing with. This also helps those with Greego issues be able to take the first steps to recovery if he or she so chooses.

You got a big GREEGO...
1. If you wear your letters to church and tell the pastor there is no such thing as the "Alpha and Omega" only "Alpha".

2. If you suddenly feel the urge to throw up your hand sign in your student ID picture.

3. If you call out other Greeks for anything you can think of. "You shield is not centered directly over the left nipple! You are cat"

4. You like to show off and brag about your "battle wounds" in front of your graduate chapter advisor at the university "Meet the Greeks" event... which would be in front of GDIs of course.

5. You took the hook part off the candy canes on kids Christmas tree and told them you will not allow for such sacrilegious practices.

6. You constantly remind GDIs that they are GDIs, as if they dont know.

7. You have created all 10 of your chapter's "Diss Strolls" for other Greek orgs and you do them with such grace and commitment.

8. If you think everyone who looks at you wants to be in your org and it isn't because of the big piece spinach in your tooth...

9. If you think that attention you get is because you are cute and not because you are Greek....

10. If you grit in every facebook status pic because you pledged harder than any other org and chapter in your org, even harder than your dean and prophytes and founders and you were the rock and the pebble and the rock of ages and the stone and the anchor and the... yeah you know...

YOU GOT A BIG... uh uh uh... GREEGO!
But why? most people with big Greegos were little nothings before Greekdom gave you balls, so... have a seat and relax. Greego is cute on some, but not on many.

TOP 10 Greek "Whys"

2009-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Top 10 list of GREEK WHYs! And if I have spelling errors, WHO CARES!

1. Why do Deltas always have to OO-OOP longer than any other group at a Greek function? Damn, we know ya'll here. We could smell the Just for Me retouch a mile away. Relax!

2. Why do Omegas always wanna show they ass crack? No homo but, your booty ain't cute. Dark circles, stretch marks, and pimples are not attractive. Not to mention the sickness of putting your letters on your butt cheeks!

3. Why do Alphas always look like Kappas in black and gold. Just because you put on a suit does not make you classy. Take that money you bought your suit with and go pay your chapter dues for the fiscal year.

4. Why AKAs always let the Deltas punk them? Grow some damn balls. Seriously, we know ya'll must have a few diss/comeback chants up your sleeves. Go on YOUTUBE, collect, rehearse, and fight back.

5. Why are IOTAs trying to act like OMEGAS? Floor humping and biting bootys... leave that to the dawgs. Go finish establishing your single letter chapters. IOTA should stand for I-OWE-YA some damn strokes for coming in the game late, changing the Elite 8 to the Divine 9! Assholes.

6. Why was SGRHO ever created? SGRHO must stand for "Seeking Greek Relationships" or "Supplying Groupies and Rubinof" or "Someone Gotta be Retarded" or "Sweethearts Gone Rengade". No one is interested. Go jump off a bridge.

7. Why are Kappas denying the truth of their sexuality. I'm exposing them now...PHI-Sexual, meaning any Greek with a PHI in their name... they on that ass! PSI-Sexual is for the Sigmas. Watch it QUES yall got two groups lookin for ya.

8. Why Zetas trying to be the first BGLO with an official food. After a few failed attempts with Lil Debbie, their national president made the powered donuts from Hostess the official snack of ZPHIB! We still mad at yall for using the Greek letter SIGMA as Es. STOP IT NOW!

9. Why Sigmas trying to act like GOMAB is some secret saying? They know that shit stand for anything that fits. "Getting On My Acai Berry" or "Growing Outta My Aunties Bra" or "Greetings My Alien Brothers"... the O is actually silent and stands for nothing.

10. Why your crossing jacket gotta have a million and one symbols on it like a damn girl scout sash? No one understands them and no one cares. You know very well that symbol of a clock on your jacket meant nothing about "time keeper" it was cuz your ass needed to pledge longer cuz you aint know shit. You know that elephant meant your ass was fat and slow. Them ivys was cuz you didnt have tissue in the woods and had to take a dump. Ivys were your only option. Them canes (for all you greeks that use them) was cuz your ass can't walk like a real man on two legs.

Sounds like I'm gonna have to do a Greek Symbol post! I'm exposing secrets here. lol

The Effects of Half-Ass Pledging

2009-08-15T04:35:00.000-07:00

Ok so you made line. WHOO HOO!!! You deserve a cookie. You been learning your information, lining up on late nights, who knows, but now you think you are the shit. Yes! You THINK you are the shit. You think you are smarter than your Big Brothers/Sisters, you THINK you are clever telling them you are busy when you are not. So... if you are not busy, what are you doing? CHILLIN'! Yes you. So, I'm gonna tell you Half-Ass Pledging Pledges why chillin' when you are on line is just a bad idea. Not only does it effect the integrity of YOUR process, but the integrity of other organizations, their interests and their processes as well.

Now that you are Greek, you are extra hardcore aren't you, but before you let your Greego (thats my word for GREEK EGO, post coming later) flare up... let me give you some advice now that you have crossed the sands.

1. You were chilling when you were on line, people do not forget. Yes, that was you watching the soaps in your besties room eating chips and drinking Koolaid in your pledge outfit- laughing and rolling over with joy as you popped that Raisinet in your mouth. People saw you go there, and they saw you leave. Didn't you have things to do, things to learn? And now you act like your process was ultra hard. Well maybe 99% of the time (or not) you were getting smashed but that is hard to believe when we saw you chillin'.

2. You were at the club getting your two step on and poppin', and guess what, we saw you, and people do not forget. So you walked out your apartment or dorm, you checked the scene... looks clear to me! You stepped out with your leathers on and went to the club. You didn't see anyone, BUT we saw you! Yep. We sure did... you, my friend, were chillin'. Unfortunately, God only gave us two eyes, we can only see but so much. You were on line, what were you thinking? It's all eyes on you! So now that you profess that your process was ULTRA MEGA SUPER DUPER HARD... we don't believe you, you need more people! Maybe your process was hard 99% of the time, but that's hard to believe when we saw you chillin'.

3. It was a long day and you were running late, which you should not have been late in the first place, but you needed to make a move and damn that campus shuttle was right there. You looked around, to the left, to the right, and in your all blacks you jumped on the shuttle and got in the back. Yeah you lowered yourself in the seat, but enjoyed the ride and the AC was kicking in. You hopped off the shuttle like nothing ever happened and reignighted your pledge class strut. Sorry homie, but we saw you and we DO NOT forget! And now we have to listen to these stories about how your process was so hard... in the back of my mind I am rolling my eyes trying to figure out whose process you are talking about. So according to you, your process was hard 99% of the time, but that's hard to believe when we saw you chillin'.

4. Remember that time you stopped in your boos room just to get some "attention"? Well... we saw you go in... and we saw you come out. You even stepped out and popped on the grit TOUGH and marched out the room cutting corners... smelling like sex! SMH. We saw you, and we DO NOT FORGET! I'm gonna dig deep here, but MAYBE your process was hard 99% of the time, and maybe this was the 1% of the time that you had some down time, but my fellow Greek, that's hard to believe when we saw your CHILLIN'.

Unfortunately, I can go on forever, but I am not and you know who you are. The reason this is a problem is because, you are being seen by interests in YOUR organization as well as interests in others. They really dont know what to expect, but all it takes is that ONE time of you CHILLIN' and you have totally corrupted their expectations of what they can get away with. You can't tell someone how hard your process was if they even saw you slipping just one time. It only takes once, and they will be calling their friends and so on. Some of you have even had the nerve to tell GDIs or other interests how you plan to defy your process by "doing what you want" and guess what, they snitched. And when you act brand new like you have to set out a hop cuz the cafeteria lady gave you extra gravey on them "tatoes" they sit and shake their heads and let everyone know that you were half ass pledging.

Whether you know it or not, and many Greeks think this way, if you see someone from another organization doing his or her thing, there is a level of respect accompanied with that and we do look out. And if the relationship is there, we will tell your big bros/sisters when we see indiscretion. WHY? Because when you go to a campus like the one I recently visited and everyone wants to be Greek and they dont know why, which is awful, and they dont know what it takes, and they start org hopping, (I wanna be this.. no no I wanna be that) because they saw a few pledges in their pledge outfits chillin', so now I have to explain to my pledges why they have to respect my process and do as they are told, because we know somewhere down the line, that if they are caught slipping, the integrity of what we do will be questioned and challenged not only by fellow Greeks, but by future interests.

For the future, Half-Ass pledging does not give you a right to express your Greego! You might wanna "chill" now that you are Greek since you spent your entire process chillin' in the first place. Imagine you are holding a process and your interest/pledge is chillin' what can you really say? Especially when they saw you do it. So you can't truely be Super DP when you have no right to enforce upon your pledges anything that you yourself did not do. And this is how we start out with interests groups of 100 and end with 10, because they thought they could chill too.

Greek Etiquette 101

2009-08-12T05:56:00.001-07:00

Ok, so after a brief run in with a fellow Greek last night and his ambitious GDI side kick supporter, I think this is necessary to break out the etiquette list for Greeks because some of us, especially Neos, are not sure how to conduct ourselves in the presence of other Greeks. I am still drunk from last night so I am sure this is going to be full of grammatical errors that I really don't care about at this point. I will just come back and edit... or not! Don't care!

1. Present yourself as a greek in one way shape or form. Especially if people around you are OBVIOUSLY greek and have been talking GREEK talk for hours with your LBs!!! And you are laughing and slightly in the conversation being nosey. Yeah greek life aint all that to feel like you have to be greek all the time, but then don't be greek if the traditions are too much for you to handle. Sorry that being greek for you was a way to get you some girls, but for others we understood there is more than just the ass that comes with the letters. It's just proper greek etiquette to introduce yourself as a greek to greeks who are fellowshipping with you for HOURS!!!!

2. Keep your GDI friends out of Greek business! We always challenge one another in one way shape or form and they dont get that it's just a part of the game- nothing personal. Greeks get down like that all the time. So, what you do is, you pull your buddy chum and pal to the side and say, "Hey it's just some greek bullshit I got this." Many GDIs are content with not being greek and thats cool, but many of them are intrigued byt what we do and still wanna be nosey and figure out what the hell is going on. This translates into other aspects of things, like your pledge process and chapter business as well, but in terms of being challenged or questioned, your friend may think you are being disrespected. So, tell them to chill for just a minute and handle your biz like you were supposed to be taught to do during your process.- SIDE NOTE: This same ambitious GDI was playing with your LBs paddles and painted nalia on the side of the room. You didnt even say anything. Your LB gave that negro the dirty look and you sat there like last weeks lunch meat. Come on now!

3. Do not disguise yourself as a civilian because you feel more comfortable that way and get mad when you get called out. Just because your LBs are good, does NOT mean that you are. MANY people slide on thru on the strength of their LBs or LSs hard work. Trust me, I can't lie that I have played civilian a FEW times, but not with people I am sitting and talking and drinking with.

4. If you are being challenged by a female and you are a male, why are you even mad? I personally think it's rather funny. Honestly, the way you react to a challenge says a lot about who you are as a greek and who you were as a pledge. Challenge back. Set out a hop. Do a chant with all your might. People are drinking half the time and it woulda been extra funny. But you dont know WHAT to do so... NOOOOWWWW you wanna look to your LBs for support! SMH. They shoulda left you stranded.

I'm gonna have to come back with more because I am so done with this situation. Listen greeks. Being greek does NOT make you who you are- it shouldnt anyway. HOWEVER, don't play civilian and get caught out there. No you dont have Your org tatted on your forehead, but don't expect people to respect the fact that you sat there like a civilian. You just crossed last week and aren't even excited about what you accomplished... that's fishy!

SCHEME... SCAM... SCUM... SKATE

2009-07-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

There is an honor system in Greeklife from the very start of your interest. Greeks trust you to be discrete, and you trust Greeks to provide, protect, and share their organization with you. That's fine and dandy once you have been granted the opportunity to make the line, but getting there... that's another part of the game people don't give the same effort and attention. HOWEVER... these interests are on their A-GAME!!! Greeks beware.

We are living in the day of technological advances. People are forging letters, recreating transcripts... university letterheads are created from 5 minutes of Adobe Photoshop cutting and pasting- applicants are doing whatever it takes to make line. It's not very difficult to create an ideal candidate out of resume paper and googled recommendation templates. This is even more dangerous to a chapter who decides to take an interest's word about grades and finances, and puts the scammer on the line, because when that paperwork doesn't check out, you will be caught up in a mess. You better check every angle and make sure your candidates have their stuff together like they claim. If they can't produce a transcript for whatever excuse... leave it alone. There isn't one to produce- not with a 2.5 anyway.

It's one thing to be scammed, but so many people are allowed to ghost pledge on the basis that they will "get it together" at some point and cross officially with the next line. Now, if your chapter allows that, this is totally your business, but look at the drawbacks before you partake in such behavior. What are you going to do if the person fails out of school, transfers to another school, or better yet, never gets the grades? What will you do when that person is seen on Facebook, Myspace, wearing paraphernalia and throwing up signs? Is it worth it? Why not just make them wait? It's not that serious. If it's a senior and he can only pledge this semester before its too late... OH WELL... He had 4 years to get it together. Move on from it. I've seen enough idiots marching around campus for a few years and finally, three years later, they are officially crossing with their "neos" whose asses they just busted up the night before. That's how you get the zipbomb.com dropped on your ass.

Either way, a decision to pledge a ghost line is up to you and your chapter. At least you know what you are getting yourself into. However, these applicants that lie their way onto lines need to be crucified! LOL ok, maybe not crucified, but just double check. DO NOT TRUST AN APPLICANT. They are skating their way onto the line. YES SKATING because some of them really do not deserve to be there and they are not worthy and did not do the required work to be given the privilege of making the line. So, at least get the transcript and go from there. Cover your ass my fellow Greeks.

Sorry about the length between now and my last post, but this was one I had to get off my chest. Sorry about the typos. At this point, you should know I don't care!

I Don't Know You

2009-04-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

This phrase "I don't know you," is often thrown around at people who have pledged and didn't meet or talk to a particular person who came through a chapter before the recently crossed line. I guess there is a sense of entitlement when it comes to the lines that come after us. We feel that they should get to know us and when it doesn't happen, we take this out on the line and not the ones directing the line to do certain things. In my chapter, I have come to realize that some people have deemed themselves as "the one" that MUST be contacted, and others let it happen by catering to their undying need for attention. I have come to realize a few things about this "I don't know you," phrase and of course I will list them out for you as always.

1. There is a reason people are not calling you, and it could stem from any current drama that you may be in the midst of. Have you caused drama lately? No one needs their line talking to you for you to undermine their process, so you can tell the line what is not being done correctly or what is wrong with the dean or the way the chapter has decided to execute its process. Unless you are in tune with the current chapter completely, like not just calling when there is a line and you know what is going on on the campus and with their advisors, interests, programming needs, financial situation, then you really have no clue why the chapter is doing what it is doing, thus you cannot judge the decision because there are many factors that go into why decisions are made.

2. Maybe the line just isn't calling you even after being told to call you. The line has choices to make, and if you are not an immediate threat, meaning you are 500 miles away and less likely to be around every night to punish them, then they will continue to push back your calls and deal with the present danger. Remember, they don't know when they are going to cross, so they feel like they still have time.

3. What is the point of calling you, just for you to still talk about how the line still does not meet your level of satisfaction- for you to compare your 1972 process to the present day process. PLEASE keep in mind that the greater sacrifice in "pledging" a line is taken today and with each line to follow. Let me explain before you get mad... pledging wouldn't put you in jail back in your day. Most "official" processes were 3 times as long as they are now, and the chapter had more leeway to conduct a process as it saw fit in terms of length of time and so on. No, people are not on line for a year anymore, but remember that in a fraction of the time, they must memorize much more information than you had to. Keep that in mind as you grit your teeth at my message. Be mad, frankly, I don't care.

4. You are not the God of the chapter. You have line brothers and line sisters that, when you actually DO get to talk to the line, your selfish ass has the nerve not to pass on phone numbers. Is this your way to maintain control, because you can't call the line cat if other people have spoken to them. This will cause them to have their own opinions of the line and no longer look to your opinion for guidance, because THEY HAVE THINGS TO DO!!!

5. No you did not get a greeting. OH WELL. Who are you? Better yet, who do you think you are? You are not in the trenches every night up til God knows what time with the line, so you better be glad to get the attention you DO get. If you are not getting any attention, then get over it because that probably means your chapter is trying to keep up with the traditions that YOU set forth, if you have a pledging chapter. Give them the respect and space they need to do so. The more people in your circle... the HOTTER your process becomes so you are not anyone's priority but your own.

6. Pledging ultimately helps pledges gain acceptance amongst their peers... not YOUR peers. You did what YOU had to do to gain that acceptance, and so must the lines that follow after you. So, maybe it was road tripping your line all over the eastern seaboard. Maybe in recent years its been decided that, that just might be too hot and acceptance may need to come from a smaller circle. Maybe its better not to send the line on a trip, but YOU need to drive YOUR ass to see the line.

7. Have respect for those that assist in bringing in the line. Put your personal politics aside. You don't like the dean. Oh well. The dean doesn't like you, so be glad that you even got a chance to talk to ANYONE! If you can't respect who the chapter has chosen as dean, then you need to fall back until someone who caters to your ass will come around.

8. You make too much noise. Stop sending Facebook messages and emails talking shit! Get over yourself and move on. Stop pretending that you have better things to do, when in fact you should and yet you don't.

Damn, I tried to get to 10 but, I couldn't pull that one outta my hat so... where is this coming from? We recently crossed a line, and I fear they are going to deal with some of the foolishness. They are already being warned of DRAMA and choosing sides. Some things are better left unsaid, but YOU have opened a can of worms. I say to anyone who has recently crossed, make your own decisions. You will like some people that others don't like. All in all, if you pledged, you have your acceptance. If people didn't see you, tell them they should have road tripped to do so and keep it moving. No one will ever fully be accepted and many won't validate your process in an attempt to validate their own. Don't explain yourself. Trust me, anyone who has pledged can tell when something isn't right. Anyone who didn't see you, its probably because they didn't want to.

No Life Outside of Greekdom

2009-01-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to have a life outside of Greekdom? Well, most of us will say, "Yes." because it is possible, but many of us have not figured out how to actually live a Greek free life. Our lives are all wrapped and rolled into a little ball of Pan Hellenic mess! Many of us have new lives and new friends ever since the burning sands scorched our feet. So, you know very well you have no life outside of Greekdom and I'm going to tell you how I know with my "YOU KNOW YOU HAVE NO LIFE OUTSIDE OF GREEKDOM COUNTDOWN:"

You have no life outside of Greekdom if:

10. Your momma, your father, your sister(s), brother(s), auntie, uncle, boyfriend, spouse, cuddin nelly, mechanic, doctor, lawyer, professor, roommate, bus driver, preacher, lunch lady and your Avon representative is Greek.

9. Your wedding colors are the colors of your frat. So are the flowers, the cake, and the limo.

8. Your pets, cars, penis, ipod, cellphone etc. have line names or Greek related pet names, such as "Qpod" or "Nupe Coupe"

7. You tell your kids, named Athena, Zues, and Olympus that you are their DP and their mother is their ADP, and make them line up for further instructions.

6. You insist that you have two birthdays a year. One of those days is on your birth certificate. The other is on your membership card.

5. You have sex in your crossing jacket with your boots on, on a regular basis. One freaky night is cool, but come on! That's the same jacket you wear when you gripping up your frat and hugging your sorors.

4. You have a Fraternity or Sorority plot in your front or back yard.

3. You made your kids watch School Daze, Stomp the Yard, take notes and give a presentation the following morning.

2. You tattooed a crossing shirt to your body. Line name, and number on the back, chapter on the left shoulder, year on the right, letters in the front and you're waiting on your tax return to color it in.

1. The name of your construction company is "Monuments of Nothingness," "The Bridge Builder," or "Sisterhood, Scholarship and Slatwall" or "Good Wood Repairs" or "Don't Drop the Brick, Foundation Specialists"

I'm sure if this does not apply to you, you know someone it applies to. Forward this link to them and carry on!

Greeks... Please STOP Recruiting!

2008-12-16T04:12:00.000-08:00

In the past few months, preparations have been made on behalf of various orgs to host membership intake activities and so on. It's sure that interests are aware of this and so the swarm begins. Greek tramps bounce from org to org expressing interest in all or many of them. Others are clear and sure of their decision. Many are not secure enough to jump out on that limb and introduce themselves as an interest, so they sit on the side lines waiting for a Greek to approach them and make it easier.

Well I have news for you! This is not about being easy for you. It's not about being comfortable for YOU. We Greeks are tired of the unsure and wavering interests that come into our circles. We do not know you. We do not know what your intentions are and we do not trust you. Period. We are not friends, most of us aren't and we do not owe you niceness nor do we need to caress your insecurities with cookies and milk. Some of you interests are lazy and the second someone is stern with you, you float right over to the next desperate org and talk sh*t. You are not ready for a challenge because Greek life has never been that serious to you. The org you first looked at was never that serious to you, and if you "suddenly" feel the people in the chapter do not exemplify your perceived ideals of the org, which obviously are the opposite of you, then BE gone! Because if you are not strong, sure of yourself, ready, smart, about your business and confident, then I know personally my org will not suit you.

What is baffling me is why so much has changed on my campus that my "old way" of doing things is starting to become obsolete. Greeks are giving in to the complaints of potential applicants and being "nice" or "approachable" as they say it. I don't remember feeling comfortable. I never got cookies and milk, however, if another Greek from a different org tried to recruit me, I was very clear of my intentions and that conversation was nixed. Nothing to think about. I was dedicated to the org before I was in it. Matter of fact, I remember being told that people were NOT looking at me and that I may not be what the chapter needed at the time. This was all with what I considered to be a mediocre GPA (3.3) and numerous years of community service (about 4). If I questioned anything, it wasnt the character of the chapter, it was what I was doing wrong. It made me work harder to impress them and show them my dedication to the cause, and I dared NOT run to other Greeks and talk about the chapter I wanted to join, and I dared not complain to them about how I was made to feel because it wasn't their business. IN ADDITION, THEY dared not comment because it was normal proceedure.

I'm sorry if you forgot, but my fellow Greeks, Please stop recruiting and take it back to when interests came to you. When they understood that feeling uncomfortable was the easy part, when you could roll your eyes at them and they felt blessed for you acknowledging their presence (is that too far back for ya'll?). Take it back to those days when they felt like they had to practice their 30 second speech for the next time they ran into you on campus. Stop talking to other orgs left overs, letting these people feel like its okay to bounce around when turned down. They don't understand that its all a part of what we do. Making it easier for interests will only make them miss the point of reverance and they lose part of the struggle that is, in some cases, inevitable to follow.

The Conflict

2008-12-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've graced people with my opinions and problems with Greek life and I apologize for that, but fortunately a lot of things have come to the surface and the cream, most of it has risen to the top. I have realized that keeping my thoughts to myself and other people holding theirs has not really helped much. Yes, people are sensitive and I myself can be as well, but letting people know how you feel is always best.

Truth is that I have been very unsatisfied with my experience, maybe because I have been too involved, and I take things to heart that I should let go of. As I have said before, I intend to fall back, but it hasn't been as easy as originally thought. Not because I want to be involved so much, but because I have friends on both sides and I want to be involved in their lives. Some who feel I should fall back, others who don't get why I decided to take a break. I go with one, I'm abandoning the other and there is no rest on the fence.

I'm not really sure what to do, I haven't quite figured out where I want to be. I know where I feel I need to be, but the conflict is raging. Maybe its not that serious, but when you have been involved for so long in something that you love to do, it's a little hard to just cut it off at the neck and keep it moving. It takes a lot more effort than one would think, and a lot more than I personally imagined. So where do I go from here? Well, I think I will be available for advice, but personal time I will reserve for myself and getting myself in order, but who knows? I'm sure I will keep you posted on where this goes. Maybe I will change my mind.

Delta Sigma Theta Senator Corruption Arrest

2008-10-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

According to the Boston Herald

The FBI arrested Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, 54, yesterday following an 18-month undercover investigation during which she was allegedly caught accepting $23,500 in bribes in exchange for moving legislation. Some of the transactions were caught on tape, including one where officials say Wilkerson is shown stuffing a wad of cash into her bra.

Wilkerson was released on $50,000 bond. She did not address reporters as she left Boston’s federal courthouse yesterday.

Johnson said she has not spoken to Wilkerson since her arrest. One of Johnson’s children called her yesterday to deliver the news.

“Ma, grandma, Dianne’s been arrested by the FBI,” Johnson recalled one of her children saying.

Johnson said she’s “sick” of the media and others in Boston, whom she says hammer her daughter at any opportunity. When asked why she believes Wilkerson is the subject of so much negative coverage, she replied: “She’s a black woman that stood up for black people, that’s why. That’s why she’s in this mess and people don’t like her"
www.bostonherald.com

So, that is a lame excuse from the senators mom. What is going on in Boston? I will say that this doesn't necessarily mean that DST is a bad organization because of it, so let's maturely not take it there, but I do know that DST is very strict with its members and unlawful infractions. Do you think she should lose her membership? Keep in mind, this is not the first time corruption has taken place by prominent Black Greek figures.

10 Rules of BEOWTTEDNESS

2008-10-24T04:34:00.000-07:00

Some people have NO reason being OWT. I mean damn. I'm out and about visiting here and there, and I see all types of irresponsible behavior from undergrads and grads alike. You know I'm checking Facebook pictures, and there is always that chapter member that you close your eyes and shake your head to. So, as usually I would like to set up a condition, for "BEOWTEDNESS" as we shall call it. A few rules that will keep you in line and you may check yourself and think twice before you ride out.

YOU MAY BE OWT IF...
1. Be owt only if you are not going to lose your job. You must support your lifestyle and pay those chapter dues. Get your ass to work on Monday morning and be alert.

2. Be owt only if you are passing your classes. Remember the word "SCHOLARSHIP" as we head out to the next function. Most orgs require a minimum GPA for membership status in collegiate chapters. Greek life isn't going anywhere anytime soon. You can wait until your academic standing is in a better position to enjoy the benefits of GREEKDOM.

3. Be owt only if you have actively participated in YOUR OWN chapters events. Including, but not limited to planning and implementation of a program other than a party. Some of you have a lot of extra time on your hands, maybe because you do nothing, so that would make sense that you have time to be owt and criticize others for NOT being owt. Mind your business, being OWT does not mean "GOOD GREEK". I'm sure its not in you Protocol Handbook.

4. Be owt only if you have your OWN ride to and fro. Stop "resting on the shield" and be grown. Pay for a damn hotel or call in advance. People are grown and you messing up their after party booty calls for the sake of inconsiderate crashing and contribute some damn gas money.

5. Be owt only if you can afford to be OWT. Once again, "leaning on the shield". Unless a frat or soror says... "I got you" don't assume they got you or they owe it to you to cover your expenses. They may hold it down for the night, but I promise they will be talking about your broke ass in the morning. Why the most broke ones always the owtest? Pay your bills, including but not limited to your rent, car note, utilities and childcare and all outstanding loans, commercial and private. Your mom's basement is free and all, but hopefully the intention is to move out. Saving money is OK! You don't have to be at EVERY event. Pay your bills, take care of your family first. Being OWT in the cold is not a good look.

6. Be owt only if you know your information/ challenges and so on. Please do not get checked at a party... again! Go back on line if you need to. If you don't know your SH*T, don't be owt. I WILL BE COMING FOR YOU! And for the sororities, yall might wanna start checking some of your sorors on their owtness and their mouths when you and you they know they didn't pledge. Bring "SLAP A HOE" back. What happened to the Deltas and AKAs of yesteryear. Good ole shirt rippin', perp slappin'... ok, I'm getting excited, but I have seen too many owt ass sorority girls acting a tad bold. Know your place!

7. Be owt only if you are 8 years removed from the pledge line. After that, you may need to not be making rounds at college parties. Why 8 years? Well 10 years is a little ridiculous and 8 years that gives you double your college life to get your collegiate party on, plus you are probably in your late 20s and that's cool. You are more likely to have a relationship with your undergrad chapter so, it's cool within reason. But you should not be the first one strolling and rolling and acting a fool.

8. Be owt only if you are under the age of 35. After that you are a little out of your league. Pump your breaks. You should not be socializing with 19 year old students on a regular basis. It's not very becoming. For those nearing 30... 30 is pushing it! I'm giving you a 5 year weening period. and a little flexibility if you pledged later in life. If you pledged after 30, DON'T be owt at college functions. Shame on you. I promise they say "He is a tad old to be out." or "He needs to be home with his wife!" and "What the hell?" and "His old ass..." College parties are not for you. Go to a boat ride and bring your wife.

9. Be owt only if you do not have to remove your wedding band to do so. More people know you are married than you think.

10. Be owt only if you can handle your liquor. Some of you Greeks got that SNEAK ATTACK punch. I make a mean one myself, and you should prepare yourselves for the inevitable drunken rush that is about to take over. Take small sips and deep breaths. Otherwise, before you know it, your black ass will be all over FGS 4.0, 5.0... whatever and you will be the joke of the month. Laid out in vomit, "singing its so cold in the D" with your LBs balls on your chin.

Ok, so... follow those rules and you might be alright. Personal business first, Frat business second, Social life business last. GROW UP!

Be OWT Neo

2008-10-17T04:40:00.000-07:00

As an interest, there is a longing to be a member of an organization yet far too often the attraction is based on misrepresentations or distorted understandings of what it really means to really be Greek. Sadly clouded by ideals and excitement, the lure is possessing, creating cult followings and fans that truly have no clue of what it takes to be a member of a BGLO. Exclusivity, the magnetic hold of closed meetings and sacred traditions by invitation only appeals to many, and let's not forget... GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS! Even those who are not interested in actually obtaining membership are intrigued and obsessed with the presence of Greek life, love and drama.

General rule of thumb is that it takes a few years for one to really understand the fullness of what they have gotten themselves into and reaching that understanding should always be in the back of an interests mind as they approach membership. It takes many years to truly develop and retain that interest. Many become Greeks for the short haul of undergraduate years and never see their orgs again, unless there is intake. The ideal of "Lifetime Commitments" become an afterthought and every excuse to be inactive piles up, but I am not so much talking about those Greeks. I really want to talk to Neos about this concept of "Owtness" that gets in the way of Greek business.

Don't be fooled, some Neo Greeks that you see claiming to be OWT and criticizing others for not being OWT are NOT handling their Greek business. Some chapters are sadly doing nothing. Others are being carried by Grad chapters, allowing them the freedom to actually get their Greek on. Many don't care what's happening, as long as the opposite sex is around to hop on a lap, take a picture, and round up for the next party.

Really, this is where many prophytes and neos clash, when they 1. see the chapter holding itself to lower standards and 2. when they see a new breed coming in, changing what they see as traditions and forgetting about the ideals of the organization. Things are not so peachy behind closed doors, so don't assume that what you see is regular, accepted or acceptable behavior.

Maybe I am saying a lot here, but I will sum it up by saying to the Greeks ESPECIALLY NEOS, it's plain and simple. Handle your Greek business. Stop giving false impressions that Greek life is a cake walk full of strolling, stepping, hopping, set outs and women, because its not. It's a sh*t load of paperwork, policy reviewing and meeting after meeting. And if you feel it is a cake walk for you, reevaluate how much you do for your chapter. Being a neo should be fun, but not easy. Interests know what you are getting into. You are expected to work and work harder than your prophytes if you make line and become a member, so don't make plans to run from party to party to party, make plans to serve!

Why I Moved On.

2008-09-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

So, I'm here finally taking a step back from Greek life in a way that I have never before, and still it plagues my existence. I loved being involved, assisting my undergrad and graduate chapters, and I enjoyed the occasions of fellowship with other Greeks, however this year was time to fall back. Getting involved shows you just how political it becomes, where pledging become obsolete, loyalty a figment of your process' imagination, and dedication an even larger figment of your process' imagination. The worse part for me is the level of politics and slander, the he said she said, the deceit, the lies, the betrayal and the discontent that rests amongst Greeks. Neos are being pulled to make decisions and join sides, but how do you truly guide them from the heart with out seeming like you are campaigning for a particular or selfish cause.

One would think that stepping away would alleviate some of the agony and annoyances of involvement, but the accusations of an underlying alliance or sneaky tactics and schemes rest low in the hearts of many. Conjuring up ideas of inner circles and "dynasties" within a chapter that frankly do not exist. As if there is really a sole being that has risen as the head Patriarch or Matriarch of an undergrad chapter, getting in the way of allowing someone else to take over the thrown. So as these creative rebels have joined together to over throw this leader, campaigning and rounding up the troops, they have forgotten one major thing. THERE IS NO ALLIANCE!

The problem that I have seen is that some feel like they OWE their undergrad chapter something and need to have continued involvement, which is fine, but won't accept it unless it comes in the form of leadership; where they are the leader and their imagined leader is in the way and needs to step down. Because in their minds, no one else can assist because this person is in the way. Because, in their minds this person has nothing better to do than to go to chapter meetings, assist with money, raising funds, guide and protect, uplift the chapter and has nothing better to do but to than to host the chapter when no one else will. Because in their minds, they see a person who has received so much respect, and they don't realize that it's their own responsibility to earn the respect. Beacause in their minds, my involvement keeps them from being involved. Please! DAMMIT, I'm writing run-on sentences. So...

LET ME SAY WHATS REALLY GOOD! I assist my chapter with or without a position of leadership, always have and always will, until now. I assist because I love my chapter and my org and I will not be made out to be a leader of an Alliance or Dynasty with lieutenants running around executing my every command, because they don't. Yet, there are some that feel like I am in their way, so they make fusses and stir up trouble that doesn't need to exist and I feel like I have to beg my neos to understand that there is no hidden motive to my involvement. Head of an undergrad chapter... OMG get a life! Greek life is not that serious! It doesn't pay and I'm more concerned with money! I step back and I still hear my name fluttering from lips to ears. I step away, like they blatantly asked and... the next rumor is that I organized the chapter before I left. Like I am leaving the chapter to those who have pledged their allegiance to me. Do you not hear yourselves? Is it that you are upset because your own selfish desires are transparent to the chapter and they don't trust you? Or maybe you should just involve yourself for all purposes of supporting the chapter, with or without intake going on.

Be clear my fellow chapter members. I was not always the advisor of the chapter, and when I was, I had to humble myself to be advisor underneath a member who was not made in my chapter and was younger than me, in age and in GREEK years. Instead of pointing fingers, I humbly said "I will assist my chapter with or without a title." And I didn't harbor any feelings toward that person. The Next year I was BEGGED to be advisor, but second in command. I said, "No." to the position but eventually agreed and caught flack for that. You would think I would be eager for take over!!! Especially since the previous advisor made sure to campaign against me to remain in the position. Last year, I was asked to be head advisor to my undergad chapter and again I said, "NO!" I didn't want the responsibility or the animosity that I felt emerging. Another member was asked and after a month of that, that member quit. In response to that, the choices were slim, so I was asked again and I agreed. There was no automatic take over scheduled and I humbly waited my turn.

People... grow up. If you want to help your chapter, now is the time. Humble yourself and stop making up issues in your minds to excuse your lack of involvement. Save that for your creative writing class or do what I have done, start a blog and vent! But, get over yourselves and move on in life. When you can see something through, then maybe you will be worthy of the respect you desire and the clout you feel worthy of. Because as you stand you are NOT worthy of a thing! And frankly, you come off as a trouble maker, not a peace maker! A word to the wise: Stop taking this SPESH/SPEC thing so seriously! AND...Go work for your chapter and shut up!

SGRHO Product launch

2008-09-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

S.G.RHOs PRODUCT LAUNCH
S.G.RHOs PRODUCT LAUNCH

THE FEVER HAS CAUGHT ON! Sigma Gamma Rho has decided to follow suit of the ZETAS and also create its own products to increase its revenue streams, and we have the inside scoop... of course!

"Finally, something we can be proud of so I don't feel like joining this org was a mistake," says a member of the Rho sisterhood. The Rhos have chosen to pair up with the infamous Noodle KINGDOM known as Ramen Noodles (all rights reserved).

"We feel that Ramen Noodles are a staple diet of collegiate students and what better way to get our name out there, than to plaster our name on a students favorite food, and we need the money. We get $0.01 per 10,000 boxes. HEY, every dime counts nowadays," said one of the head members of the organization. "We just ad the slogan 'Proceeds to support community service projects of SGRHO' and we can maintain our nonprofit status."

Its no secret that flegling membership plagues the organization and chapters are using a "regional chapter" approach to disguise smaller chapters. SGRHO needs this to be a solid effort to raise funds since membership is not doing it. Thus SGRho put its gears into motion and has become the first organization to have an official food. "We have finally found a first of our own. The first BGLO organization with an official food. It's an exciting time," says another Rho member as she pulls up to the MacDonalds drive thru.

This food, though not very nutritious has been "Keeping the RHOs RHOTUND." Whatever the issue, organizations have been jumping on the bandwagon, I wonder who is next. We will keep you posted, as always!

Zeta Phi Beta Product Launch

2008-09-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

The BLUE BREAKTHROUGH is here!!! You know The Yard has the latest scoop so here is another huge discovery by our inside source.

Since about 2007 Zeta Phi Beta has been trying to recover from the devastating blow faced by its international president Barbara Moore, who was investigated for spending upwards of $400,000 on personal items, using the sororities money. The young woman and member of the organization who blew the whistle, was expelled from the sorority for her part in this mind-blowing discovery. Since then, the organization has made many strides to combat the financial struggles faced since then, and have sought various means of replenishing its bank account.

One way that many BGLOs regain capital is by creating products, books, CDs, DVDs, and workshop materials for example, that it can resell to the members of its organization, for profit, and with creative accounting practices, the org can maintain its "non-profit" status. One Zeta soror says, "In creation of this product, we have realized a need in the Zeta community. We are fulfilling a need of many of our Zeta sorors, and even many of our Sigma brothers have tried our product and have seen great results. Omega pearls in the Midwest have been used the product as a part of their Pearl Intake process this year. We've got great feedback! I use it myself!" Many maintain that it is a product long overdo, that will finally bridge the gender gap between the Sigmas and the Zetas.

Others are not so sure, "We will never be Sigmas. Our founders had natural beards and I'm not sure they will approve to artificial supplements that will encourage what should come naturally to all Zetas- chest hair, balls and beards. I didn't need supplements. This is all natural!"

Nevertheless, the products will be available this coming December. All BGLOs are free to participate in the use of this product. It has not been approved by the FDA. Be on the lookout for other products on the way.

Iota Phi Theta's eMarketing Initiative

2008-09-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Iota Phi Theta's eMarketing Initiative Hopes to Boost Membership

You know that here at on The Yard we have the exclusive inside scoop, here is one bound to knock you clear into a year after tomorrow. Our inside source has intercepted what he considers to be a serious cry for help. "Membership at the fraternity founded in 1963 has continued to plummet since the mid-nineties and the hope of this fraternity is seemingly bleak," says a Membership Intake Specialist (MIS) for the Iota camp, who was outsourced from Delta Sigma Theta. "Frankly, Iota is broke and seeks membership to recoup costs from overspending. The fraternity needs to create a brand and charge members for everything and anything it can- requiring updated books, trainings, meetings, etc. that members will have to pay for. We have been doing it for years and it is a lucrative source of income for our organization, so that we don't entirely depend upon membership intake in times like these," she insisted. In the mean time, the MIS will be reviewing the intake practices of the fraternity, acting as a consultant to develop a strategic outline to boost membership ensuring that DST has a killer strategy guaranteeing lines of 50 or more on the first trial run.

After failed attempts to combine the organization with Kappa Alpha Psi, Iota has turned to member retention and recruitment with eMarketing as its initial punch. Our source has intercepted what is believed to be Phase One of what the Iota's are calling "Project Underdog." Here, they will digitize materials, use infomercial jargon, and package the frat into a fraternal bundle, emailing, Facebooking, Myspacing, and texting material to registered college freshman, claiming that that recruitment is a "numbers game." Some members find this to be an outrage. "I don't think this is what the founders intended," one member cried on his way to a Weight Watchers meeting. We sent a request to the founders, but none were available for comment.

In the interim, we have included the first round of membership recruitment materials for your enjoyment (see the above flyer).

The text on the flyer reads:
Is this your story? Are you tired of rejection and letters of denial? Well we have the FRAT for you. JOIN Iota Phi Theta now. It is the ultimate FRAT PACKAGE DEAL. We deliver. You get all NPHC frats rolled and delvered into one.
DON’T WAIT: you will get the amazing “How to pretend to think like and Alpha, partially hop like a Que, while keeping it almost pretty like a Kappa” video along with a UPS hat.

Learn traditional songs:
“Lamp no more”
“Sphinx out of the desert”
“I Left the blue for you” and the national chant “I found my founders at UPS. 1-9- (bark)- you know. They packed and shipped, they are the best, brown the way to go”
And the national ballad “DOO DOO BROWN”

Delta's Code of Conduct Revealed

2008-08-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

My sources found an actual copy of the Delta Handbook on Ebay. We decided to purchase it for the asking price of $0.45 and many of the pages were missing. It's an old copy (1952), but we will share a portion of what we found. A particular section of interest stood out to us in our findings and we will share it with you. It was referred to as "The Delta Pledge." Enjoy.

1. I may only throw up hooks and stick out my tongue when in a picture with an Omega or if my man is an Omega.

2. I will remove all gold fronts for pictures and for all academic programs. Community service programming is fine.

3. I may only use Aquanet 3 times a day. 5 times is acceptable only for convention, conferences and boat rides.

4. I will not light any ceremonial candles near my Yaki.

5. I will not light my blunt or black and mild with any ceremonial candles.

6. I will only punch another soror if she slept with my man or disrespected me or wore the same outfit and popped off at the mouth.

7. I am grown, so I may drink with my letters on, but only if other sorors are drinking and its after 11am. If a soror has a problem with that we go back to number 6.

8. All AKAs are not the enemy. Pretty AKAs are the enemy, so I will always carry a switch blade and a jar of acid.

9. I will only OO-OOP in church in replace of AMEN if the pastor is speaking a serious truth and AMEN just won't do.

10. My sorority pin is sacred and will only be worn over my heart, however in a time of need it may be used in an emergency such as to remove a sliver, remove food from my teeth, or pop my Omega boos tires for being parked outside that AKAs house.

The Undergrad vs. the Alumni Story

2008-08-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

This is not a story about a fight between the two, but here I am talking to a friend of mine who wants to finally join a BGLO. We both went to school together. The org she was interested in was not present on the campus and she didn't get to pledge as an undergrad. Now here she is many years later asking questions about pledging and it's weird because I have been very blunt to her about what I have been through. Trust me, she wants to pledge, but I am not sure that she will be able to share in the fullness of that experience.

It's always a little "iffy" when it comes to the grad process. BGLOs do not make a distinction in policies for the official intake process. Undergrads and Graduate candidates are supposed to share in the same experience, but let's be real. The overall experience, even without the pledging is different. You have to find time to balance classes, and requests, in addition to homework, holding down a part time, sometimes a full time job, answering to professors and parents, ridicule from nosey GDIs and boyfriend/girlfriend drama. Yes graduate candidates may have families, but the pressures are not exactly the same and the expectations of time are not to the same extreme. I would rather be off campus and at work, dealing with family life than have my Big Brother or Big Sister living across the hall from me with their hourly requests plaguing my time. Maybe I'm a little biased.

Here is another situation. I know a person who knew very well that his org of interest was on the campus where he attended college. He decided not to pledge undergrad and went through the alumni chapter in his home town, but now he wants to hang with the undergrads and be accepted. I even remember a friend of mine from that org called to give him an assignment, maybe so he could feel some sense of accomplishment. He called back the next day and quoted from the conduct and policies handbook that it was against the policies of the org to do certain things and so on. Needless to say, that ended swiftly.

Looking at the two people I know in both situations, one really wanted to pledge and circumstance took that away from her. Whereas the other hid from the undergrad process, and now understanding why it was important, tries to assimilate to an extent. The issue is, that no matter who wanted to pledge and who didn't they both will have "GRAD CHAPTER" on that left arm of the jacket and the stigma that comes with it.

The undergrad process holds a different level of clout than a Grad process that is true, but lets not forget that MOST undergrad chapters DO NO PLEDGE! So they are not more worthy of more clout than the grad chapters. Funny enough, there ARE grad chapters that DO pledge, though I am sure it may not be on the same level as a pledging undergrad chapter. Either way, what do you really expect these grown a** people to do for acceptance? I'm not gonna lie, I will put a 50 year old man in the "C~T" without hesitation, (lol) but one of the things a "process" teaches is sacrifice and in their own way, they gave up something.

TOP 10 PLEDGE FOLLIES!

2008-08-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

***Pledging is NOT condoned by any of the BGLOs, so do not take this as proof that these things actually happen, and definitely do not take this as a means to validate yourself if your process was a tad shaky. This is solely for entertainment purposes.***

So, you made it on the line. Great! You are excited, you think you know what to expect, you warned your friends, but are you sure you are ready? Well of course I have seen it all and probably done a few stupid things myself. I'm just letting you know once again that I am a professional at these things- certified and proven. So of course I have compiled what I believe are the top 10 pledge follies. The silly and just plain old stupid mistakes made by pledges cannot be summed up in this article, but I just can't help but to touch upon this and I'm sure many of you can relate to this one way or another. These are not in any particular order here.

1. Talking Sh*t about your Big Bro or Sis, while he or she is in the other room listening. Or accidentally calling them, not knowing, and leaving your convo on their voice mail.

2. Spitting your "Hello" greeting or introduction to your mom when you pick up her phone call.

3. Saying "excuses" to your professors when you missed a class or assignment.

4. Wearing your pledge clothes to an interview.

5. Showing up to your pledge meeting with a hickie on your neck or make up on your face that you forgot to remove.

6. Using pledge talk at the wrong time- ie. saying "Affirmative" or "Negative" to a police officer who just pulled you over for speeding to your pledge meeting. Or, speaking in terms of "WE" to a professor, teacher or doctor, sounding like a schizophrenic.

7. Leaving your pledge book in your pledge pants and washing them both in the laundry.

8. Not realizing that you have the wrong clothes, shoes, pants, etc, until you have already arrived at your meeting.

9. Singing your pledge songs while showering in the dorm shower stalls.

10. Accidentally referring to your big brother or big sister, as the secret names you have given them, that only you and your LBs or LSs should know- ie. Big Brother A$$hole or Big Sister Bitch!

Here is the issue... some of you reading this do not know what this is all about so don't try to find out please. Pledging is NOT condoned by ANY BGLO! So, let me quote this statement from my neophyte:

** Do not use the info found on this site to fake a process, or use the lingo to join conversations about a process**

10 Pledge Commandments

2008-08-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

10 pledge commandments

Not sure how long I'm gonna keep this one up. Can't give away all the secrets.

"I been in this game for years, it made me a animal, It's rules to this sh*t, I wrote me a manual..."

The 10 Crack Commandments, so eloquently spoken, the words of the late great Notorious B.I.G. Maybe I'm a little aged so some of you youngins wouldn't be familiar but this is the appropriate time to talk about the Ten Pledge Commandments. These are simple rules to follow when bringing in a line. These are not my rules necessarily, and I'm not sure how this will go over, but some of you are making the yard HOT with reckless behavior. Maybe you forgot, so let me give you some tips to reestablish order on the yard.

1. Thou shalt know thy interests; no one makes line randomly and no late comers. Do not put them on the line, they can try again when you know them. Know who your interests know and find out as soon as you can. Know their campus, their family members that are Greeks and who they know in your Alumni Chapters. Let them know what your expectations when the time is right so there is no major shock they can't handle.

2. Thou shalt never let anyone outside of your circle know who is really in charge, who is doing what and where you are meeting. If they are not there, far as they know, nothing is happening. Never tell anyone including your pledges what your plans are, and if they need to know, let them know at the last possible minute. No time to plot. Never trust anyone, including your pledges. Drill in the "DONT TALK" concept and drill it in some more and spy on them.

3. Thou shalt be on the same page as your inner circle. Do not let anyone break your order. You know what order I mean. And do not be responsible for breaking the order. If you don't like what you see, speak about it openly, discuss it and drop it.

4. Thou shalt always cover thy tracks. For example, don't have pledges traveling far distances in cars with outfits and pledge books. You hold them and when you reach destination x, they can change and gather their things. Pledge books and pledge clothes are not a good look, God forbid there is an accident and the investigation notes pledge books in the car.

5. Honor thy Process. Keep traditional aspects of your process to yourselves. Some chapters do what other chapters do not, and there is no need to share those things. Do not take it upon yourself to eliminate traditions as you see fit, slight modifications may apply with new standards, but have the discussion with the chapter before execution takes place.

6. Thou shalt not keep meetings at the same time and place every day and night. Switch it up, even for your pledges, throw them off from time to time. Keep them on their toes and keep your haters on their toes as well. Always assume someone is watching and trying to shut your system down.

7. Remember to teach your pledges loyalty, respect, and discipline. However you do that rests in your hands. Understand the position you are in and never abuse your level of power. Never lose control or your sense of direction. Pledge with a purpose, not with a chip on your shoulder or a grudge. Had a bad day? Stay home and deal with it on your own.

8. Thou shalt not do anything to a pledge that you cannot defend after they cross or even while they are on line. Remember, a pledge will not always be a pledge. The process you give your pledges is most likely the process they will return to others. If you act recklessly, they are only inclined to reciprocate the behavior to the next line and they always turn it up a notch.

9. Thou Shalt never, ever conduct a process under the influence of any substance of any kind. Your mind should be clear. Run your meeting like a Karate dojo, not a fight club or a dog fight. Unfortunately for those of us who may believe this, weed does not help anyone focus, so stop making excuses and stay sober.

10. Thou shalt not covet the dean. The dean carries the most responsibility. If the dean says no it's no. Stop taking things personally and stirring up mutinies behind the deans back. Unless the dean is outrageous, what he or she says goes. Do not campaign to be dean. When you are ready to be dean is not up to you, let your honor, respect and responsibility show. Maybe then will the chapter give you the responsibility. Worry about the job you have been given and run it as effectively as possible.

I'm not saying that I do this per se. We all know that a "process" is not condoned by any of the BGLOs, so with that said, I'm just talking sh*t, but if I were going to conduct a process, there would be some rules and a plan from start to finish. Clearly laid out a designed to a "T" leaving flexibility for the unaccounted for and unpredictable. Needless to say, anyone seen as a hazard to the fluidity of that process, neo, prophyte WHOMEVER, would not be a part of it. But since we don't have "processes" anymore, this would never happen... I'm just saying.

Greek Tramps

2008-08-15T20:36:00.002-07:00

Greek Tramps

Greek Tramping, a phenomenon sweeping the Greek culture, where interests are over interested in Greek life, so over interested that their desire for Greek life has no true meaning, focus or direction, and any org will do.

What is a Greek Tramp?

You know you see them- following one org around all year, disappearing and showing up weeks later in a completely different org- rocking the color of the eager chapter, usually eager to increase numbers. A Greek Tramp also known as an "Org Hopper" is a person that expresses his or her interest in more than one GLO (Greek Lettered Organization) usually within a short period of time. This phenomenon is weakening the structure of GLOs, but it is Black GLOs that suffer more than others. This is due to the extended responsibility expected beyond collegiate matriculation, where as other GLOs do not have that expectation. The idea of a lifetime of commitment is absent. BGLOs rely strongly on Alumni chapters to carry on the organizations business acting as the financial hub and main contributer to the organizations overall budget. When weak candidates find their way into an organization, his or her commitment is often soft and easily shattered, and hence a lack of participation in the alumni chapter is inevitable.

Greek tramps are damaging to the organization because dedication and commitment is absent. With no real reason for becoming Greek, they begin hopping from one organization to the next, expressing interest here and there as if they are bargain shopping for the best deal. Searching for a place to plant their feet, they latch on to whomever is biting, whomever is returning the interest and he or she begins the blind journey into Greekdom. Damaging as it is or may seem, they enter, often without much weaseling, they are allowed to become a Greek. But, what happened to the skepticism? Why are we not double checking and investigating intentions? Do we really need more mediocre Greeks?

Well, let's put an end to this immediately, and of course I don't have all the answers but here are my suggestions:

1. We do have silly beefs from one organization to the next, as expressed in chants and disses, but they are really not that serious. Look out for a fellow Greek. If you see a tramp, tell another Greek. Greek Tramps are shaky and they make things hot. Hell... they make the entire yard hot. If they make it hot for me, they make it hot for you. You can never be sure of why they pledge, and they are not sure why either, but when the times get tough, they start talking, and talking does not do any org good.

2. Spend more time getting to know your interests. No one said haze them, pre-pledge them, but know them as a person and take initiative to ask around. Be observant and watch them while they are not watching you. Know their character in addition to their desire.

3. Do not be naive. If someone applied to another org and better yet, was denied membership from that organization... LEAVE THEM ALONE!!! This especially goes for tramps who actually made a line and dropped to join yours. Not a good look.

4. Remember to cover your tracks, much of what you say and do can be taken out of context, so watch it. Keep it clean until you are sure you have a winner. Org Hoppers have no loyalty to you, so anything you say and do is up for grabs.

5. DO NOT RECRUIT. Let interests find you. They know who you are and if your org is well represented or doing what the Frat is supposed to be doing, they know exactly where you are and how to find you. Do not waste your time trying to convince a person that your org is the "best" because if your org is not mine... then its NOT the best. Just kidding, but your org is not for everyone, move on from it. If you seem eager, you lose ground and the tramp has the upper hand.

6. Remember that what you do in you pledge process is not for everyone, and if you are sharing things with shakey people, they will take your secrets to the next org. Remember, they can always drop your line and move on.

7. Support other Greek functions and see which interests are hanging around. Show your face and let them know that you are watching.

8. Tell them about themselves if you need to. "Tramp... I see you." Maybe not so harsh, but often confrontation will subdue the tramping. Occasionally, interests do not realize what they are doing is wrong.

The efforts of just a few can't find a cure for this epidemic alone, and it is evident that we as Greeks are not securing the front. Gaining numbers should not surpass the preservation of BGLO cultural tenacity and traditions. These hoppers are not worth your letters and traditions, all tramping needs to cease immediately.

Prophyte/Neo-FIGHT!

2008-08-15T20:36:00.001-07:00

Prophyte/neo-fight

I have been drinking all night, so let's see if I can clearly render my thoughts. This idea has been running through my head and I need to get it down, so here goes nothing.

I was talking to a neo of mine the other day and I realized how much they have absolutely no clue of the pressures of being a prophyte- the responsibility of answering questions, solving problems and being a voice of reason, all while trying to let the chapter do its thing and not give too much advice that it seems like you are telling them what to do. I can't really explain how I have been feeling, but I have prophytes as well, some would consider me an "old head" as they say around here, and others, well, who knows. But I feel kinda in between, not that I am not letting go, but age is a perspective more than anything else. There are layers to this prophyte thing, no matter how long you have been in the org, someone is always your prophyte, and perspective is the final judge.

Now, in my experience and speaking with various colleagues, we have noticed a constant struggle between the prophytes and Neos. Even in my own chapter and it's interesting how this stuff unfolds. You have prophytes who are not even around trying to run the chapter from 1000 miles away and neos running to and fro to balance pleasing them and getting chapter business done. You have prophytes in the area that don't give a damn about what is going on with the chapter, so the prophytes that do stick around and offer support are often criticized for being a helping hand.

This issue is not unique to my chapter, in talking with other Greeks there is always a constant back and forth when it comes to decision making, including leadership choices and often chapter events. The biggest struggle usually runs between prophytes and neophytes when intake is going on. The MIA prophytes emerge from the cavities and depths of corporate jobs and the strongholds of family life. They want to know who made the line, what school he or she is from and such, often getting caught up in trivial matters or often politics that do not determine a candidates worthiness. Even the Alumni chapter can be frustrating when they write recommendations and their person does not get in. I once tried to explain to a prophyte that, "Yes an Alum wrote the recommendation, but the alum is not the there to see this candidates behavior on campus." A Neo has the responsibility to decide who will carry on the legacy of his or her chapter, so the pressure can be overwhelming.

I'm not blaming the confusion on prophytes. It's understandable why they are often concerned with the choices neos make. Neos far too often do things that they should not do, ESPECIALLY when it comes to interests, intake, and chapter management. A voice of reason and experience must be present. National Headquarters pretend that interests do not exist and there is no real training or discussion on what these crazy people do (see my article on Interests Gone Berzerk.) They practically haze themselves, but back to my point, Neos have no clue how to properly asses handling interests, and let's not get started on intake.

So, with all that said, my suggestions for are as follows:
You do not have a say if you are not actively connected with the chapter, and you must be the one contacting the chapter. Do not have one person acting as a representative from your line, who, if they disagree, will come back to you with an ill report. Be a mechanism of support, offering guidance and soft direction. Do not push the neos away. They are young. It's easy for them to take advice the wrong way and close themselves off completely. Also, do not find yourselves MIA all year, and yet feel obligated to receive phone calls and attention from candidates. Be consistent and patient. Keep in mind that the intake processes of yesteryear have changed and change each year. Stop making neos feel like no matter what kind of process they had, it will never be good enough or compare to yours. Be glad you get a phone call, that alone is enough to cause trouble with National Headquarters in most cases. Be available and offer your resources all year round. Stop making neos feel as if they have to choose between you and what's right, and DO NOT get involved in things that will potentially divide the current chapter.

Neos, stop being so touchy. Accept the fact that you have much to learn and often it takes years before you get a grip on how you should conduct yourselves in your organization. If you get advice, it's not always criticism, maybe it's just guidance. Especially when its coming from a prophyte who has been consistently there for you. Take heed to what they are telling you. Communicate with your prophytes, especially the ones who have just graduated, they may know some of these candidates better than you do. Remember that you have a vote, BUT be cautious and be ready to defend your decisions. Don't bring suspect candidates around your prophytes please. Ask questions and keep in touch with your prophytes. Remember that your prophytes generally have good intentions. The chapter needs to act as one. If you see division coming, nip it in the bud, communicate and communicate some more. If the chapter is divided, then it cannot make appropriate decisions and it cannot function as it should and safety becomes an issue. Then, you look reckless and prophytes WILL feel justified in wanting to take over.

Both need to remember that there is an overall goal, mainly when it comes to intake and chapter management- the two biggest issues causing head to head collisions between prophytes and neos. The challenge is knowing your chapter enough to respect both levels of insight- neophyte and prophyte, while knowing that decisions are not fool proof and often the unexpected can make the well laid plan seem like a rough draft. There must be a balance between the energy and enthusiasm of the neo, yet there is an undying need for the presence of patience and wisdom that only a prophyte can provide. All in all, it is better to work as one, communicating and operating as one body than to allow egos and lack of understanding to govern and preside. Understand that each has a part to play and a place of importance. Knowing ones place and boundaries is key. Overstepping either one can be detrimental.

Interests Gone Berzerk

2008-08-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Berzerk: an individuals behavior that is beyond control, out of the ordinary, often hazardous, offensive, crazy and outrageous... as defined by me. (smile)

So... a lot of my posts will come from conversations I have overheard and things that have been brought to my attention by Greek colleagues, friends and often my neos. We've been trying to figure out what is wrong with these interests.

I'm often baffled by the outlandish behavior of what many would call interests. Now, I know that many orgs do not like the use of the word "interest," maybe now they are called prospective applicants, or something along those lines, but maybe you are familiar with what I am talking about when I say that they often get outta hand and need a reality check, so this is mainly for the "prospective potential applicants" out there who do not understand Greek culture, therefore shouldn't apply (side bar), and have a tendency to say and do things that are a little offensive to Greeks. Assuming that you are smart enough to know NEVER to express your interest until you are sure you are ready... I mean MONEY IN HAND, LETTERS IN THE MAIL ready...

1. Do not refer to other prospects as your "future Frat or Soror, or LS or LB." Especially in front of other Greeks. If they are from the org you want, they will remind each other on voting day. If they are Greek but not from the org you are interested in, THEY WILL TELL ON YOU. GEEZ!!

2. Do not put frat or sorority colors all over your room, car or apt. You might be better off defamiliarizing (yes i made up a word) yourself with the colors completely for the time being.

3. Do NOT throw up any hand signs or gestures, or do any calls of the org of interest and wait until about 3 weeks after you cross (if you cross) to make sure it is not a joke.

4. Stay sober at all times. Don't ask... just take my advice. It will come back to haunt you.

5. DO NOT claim to be interested in one org and yet hang out with a bunch of members from another. You might be genuine but its not a good look.

6. Who cares if your father or mother is already Greek? You are not a legacy until you cross (if you cross.)

7. If you date a Greek SO WHAT? No one cares about that.

7a. Stop watching movies, we don't care if you know how to step either!

8. PLEASE do not refer to yourself as "FALL 09" or something like that because you THINK you are going to be on a particular line. (I actually heard a fool do this once.)

9. Ummm. Can you go to a program or two, stop acting like you can't speak on campus, yet blow up people's Facebook accounts, and PLEASE stop having a member of another org bring you over to a person in your org of interest and introduce you.

9a. Where did you get my number?

9b. Stop blowing up my Facebook when I'm not currently in the chapter. I can't vote for you!

9c. Can you not be standing outside of my dorm room when I get home?

10. Could you please stop "org hopping?" WE SEE YOU. We saw you filling out the interest email list at ORG "A" and then talking to ORG "B" expressing your interest to ORG "C" and then back to "A."

11. Do NOT haze other interests like you know it all- giving them assignments and telling them what they "should" do, questioning them like you are definitely in. WE SEE IT, we don't like it, probably don't like you, and you have no clue what to expect.

12. Ladies... don't give lap dances or be groupies and make out with the brother org of the sorority of interest. That is also not a good look!

I'm sure you other Greeks out there feel me. Do you have any suggestions or advice for these young people attempting to carry on the legacy of your org?

Can We Talk About Philly Greek 2008?

2008-08-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

OK. What is your budget? What was the overall goal of this event? What was the plan? What was your vision? You can't just go off a name when everyone knows that Philly Greek is not what it used to be, or so I heard. There should be a goal to make each picnic more and more of a success. Listen, if the intention is to have a stage with black folks on it and no agenda, you win, because I saw a QUE with a mic in his left hand a chicken leg in the other on a wooden stage in the middle of a gravel pit under a tree. (so I exaggerated on the gravel pit, but the rest is solid) Anyway, I'm sure the idea was to have a family fun, Greek unifying cookout and maybe a little entertainment. Something that will keep the crowd moving, strolling and amplified with anticipation, but mission not accomplished.

So, as I like to give suggestions lets run through a possible agenda shall we.

ENTERTAINMENT: If you have a step show, have people who can actually step in the show. Have a musician come down and do something. Hip hop, Jazz, Soul, FUNK, something. With all the talent in the area, I'm SURE you can find someone to get the crowd going. Yes the Picnic is free, but get a budget and spend some money. Charge at the gate or charge for food. People don't like it? OH WELL. Don't like it don't pay don't go! Sh*t aint free. Gas Prices are up. (lol)
The stroll comp was mediocre as well. Be familiar with who is out there really putting on shows and invite them to come and do their thing. No one said pay them, but at least invite them, I'm not a stroller/stepper myself, but... I'm not the one playing myself on the stage. Either way, increase your budget, you know you get money from vendors, get some entertainment, including a real host and DJ and some live music.

FOOD: Momma's Chicken and Waffle Biscuits was a little stereotypical, but I can't lie, the fried shrimp was off the chains. Maybe more food selections would have helped a little. Damn can we have some cotton candy? Thats just my fat moment coming forward, but more food selections would have been great.

BATHROOM: definitely ran outta paper. Guys don't mind but I'm sure all the ladies out there doing the pee pee dance looking for napkins were not amused.

THE CROWD: Thank GOD I wasn't completely sober. I feel sorry for all you attendees. OH LORD! I would have died from boredom. I have learned that it is best to go dressed as a civilian just in case my "Name, chapter, crossing year, line number and name" script starts to get on my nerves. Not like I ever remember anyones name after all that information anyway.

Coattail Riders

2008-08-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

To ride someone's coattails means to use your connection with someone successful to achieve success yourself. So... where am i going with this?

Often you see groups of Greeks from various chapters huddled together at Greek events, talking, fellowshipping, teaching strolls and steps, and most of all sharing the "I remember when I was on line" stories. Often, onlookers, Greek and non-Greeks see these groups an develop assumptions in their minds about who did what, who is validated and who is not. Let's talk about those who are mistakingly validated just because of who they roll with.

This topic is coming from a conversation I overheard.

How do you handle people who pretend to have an underground process? Well, not necessarily pretend, but hang around with people who they know pledged, as if to gain a sort of acceptance from those around them. Ever notice how the more they hang out the more they suddenly start to pick up on "pledge" phrases because they are around "made" Greeks? They start using buzz words that only certain people would know and their intake stories gets filled with key phrases that they never heard until it passed in conversation. Simple questions like "How is your DEAN?" passing an ear can do two things. 1. Introduce a new word for free usage and 2. expose that the person being asked may have had an underground process. Some intake processes as far as I know do not use the term "dean" as a part of the official membership intake ritual. And YES... some people have never heard the word DEAN!

There is no need for the shirt ripping tactics of yesteryear. Be civilized, but seriously, how do you interact with them? My experience is that people who do not pledge are still committed to their org. Let's be real. There are many people who contribute and have not had an underground process and those who had an underground process and do NOTHING. I see many of you out there. So pledging doesn't flawlessly or fully prove commitment in my book, I have to get that out before i bust! But...

I personally think that people should be careful of who they talk to and who they bring around themselves. I'm not saying that outing a soror or a frat is good to do in front of other orgs. Keep that to yourselves, but when at a party, or function of some sort, you know you see them and they wanna hug and grip. Onlookers don't know any better. They can and will be mistaken as someone who is... mmmm lets say "good." This could put others in jeopardy as well, thinking that you brought someone around who has pledged, so therefore loose lips are ok. And this can work in both directions, you may not have pledged and here you are with a friend who pledged underground doing and saying things that make you guilty by association.

Maybe I'm going in circles with my thoughts as I often do, but what are your thoughts? Call it like you see it!

Welcome to the Yard

2008-08-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry we had to move the Yard, but it was better this way. Unfortunately we had to change the url a lil bit, and some of your comments had to be deleted, cuz we detected a spy. But...

This blog has been created to give YOU, the Divine Nine Greeks, the wanna be Greeks, the Greek Tramps (gonna do a post about you later) and the nosy (I know everything about Greek life but cant find the courage to pledge) and Greek Onlookers, an outlet to say whatever you want, get mad, and get over it! So...connect, reconnect, find a friend, slam a chapter, be heard, share a chant, post a story, advertise an event or business, whatever you need to do to vent, let it out here!

I'm new to this blog thing and not very technical so bare with me if you see some issues. I started this blog because I've seen a lot of things since becoming a Greek myself and have a lot to say. I have seen the good, the bad, the ugly, the questionable, the dirty, and the downright funny involving the BGLO community. I myself have started a little trouble out there and would love to keep it going. So... welcome to the yard and stay connected. I will do my best to keep this blog updated regularly. Feel free to post ideas.

Sure there are many blogs out there, but only this one was started by me!