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I’ve always had an interest in social behavior. Having worked on the editorial side of the publication world for the past seven years, I realize that people in this world tend to assume that certain things are just known. Whether it be information about the latest music/fashion or the current political climate. I meddled with this notion for a while and came to the conclusion that this is true in life, in general. The way this online generation speaks mostly in acronyms and assumes everyone else will understand. Or the way people at my job speak in designer slang.

From the macro to the micro, some of us unintentionally or waywardly act as if we are all on level playing field as far as communication goes.

How detrimental is it to human connectivity that most of us think everyone else knows what we mean. How much day-to-day drama can be avoided if we all started at the base by finding out one another’s method of communication. Not just how we communicate but what the things we communicate mean.

I decided to conduct a little experiment a month back. I began to ask a random-pick of associates/friends what ellipses used in an online conversation meant to them. The responses were wonderful. I learned that what many of us assume to be common knowledge is not that common at all.

The responses via iChat (names have been omitted to avoid judgment and … humiliation):

cyu: “What do ellipses used in an IM convo mean to you?”

sarcasm or you’re transitioning into something else to say

————————————————–

Two things

When the moon passes the sun and earth

and a car company

… are you serious?

that’s an eclipse

… oops

————————————————–

yada yada

or silence

like i dont know what to say

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lol I guess it means the person who uses it is unsure what something means

i associate with uncertainty or like “what?”

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thinking

or…

fill in the blank

or

…

pause for effect/time elapsed/poor mans montage

————————————————–

i dont think i use ellipses on ichat

haha

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oh lord

what miscommunication happened now?

No, I’m really asking. I’m taking a survey.

oh…

————————————————–

hey…

ha!

basically an unfinished thought

or waiting for the other person to get the point of what i’m saying

like, “yada, yada, yada”

“so…?”

————————————————–

i think it’s a lingering in the train of thought especially when it’s at the end of the statement

like “i could go more into detail but you get the point and i should be working anyway”

————————————————–

trying to convey

“what the f&^k are you talking about”

————————————————–

or “why would say that”

or “you should be smarter than that”

————————————————–

or something the reader can intuit that doesn’t need to be said

————————————————–

:

… << that

?

or the shoes?

lolol

huh?!

“…” <<this

i’m so confused

lol

dont judge me

A group of engineering students from Purdue University reported that its licking machine, modeled after a human tongue, took an average of 364 licks to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Twenty of the group’s volunteers assumed the licking challenge-unassisted by machinery-and averaged 252 licks each to the center.**

**this result (as listed on tootsie.com) is one of many that have been recorded. they all vary. one may never know the true answer. that is, unless you are this guy ——————————————————————————->

I entered the contest to be Oprah’s next host on her new network, OWN. Click HERE and cast your Vote! Thanks for your support!

I’m hitting the big 3-0 this year. (Wow, I am finally comfortable with divulging my age LOL) I call it the big 3-0 not because I look at it as the beginning of the end, but because I see it as the beginning. I know my thirties will be some of the best years of my life because I have come into my own power enough to know that I can make them just that. I can make my life whatever I want it to be. Something I wasn’t so much aware of in my twenties when I was more a victim of life’s circumstances lol. Being knocked around a bit by its tumultuousness. Now? I’ve learned a thing or two about riding the waves. So, I decided to compile a bucket list. No, not a list of things to do before I die, but a list of things I want to accomplish before I turn 30 on the last day of this year. I call it my “29 before 30″ list. Of course, item 30 would be seeing my 30th birthday which in and of itself is an accomplishment in the world we live in today. I haven’t decided if I am going to share my entire list (maybe at a later time) but I will share one of the things on my list.

I registered to run in the NYC 27-mile MARATHON. No, I’ve never run a marathon, or more than 3 miles for that matter. Yes, I am scared shitless. I attended a meeting for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Team-In-Training) the other day. As you may or may not know, I’ve lost quite a few loved ones to cancer. I walked into the meeting knowing two things: 1. I’ve been looking to assist in the fight of the disease in some way, shape or form and 2. I wrote marathon down on my 29 before 30 list as one of the biggest fears I’ve decided to confront.

After hearing the stories of the cancer survivors–one who ran and FINISHED a marathon 8 days after finishing chemo–I have no choice in the matter. If they had the strength to fight this malicious disease and win, I knew I had the strength to run 27 miles for a great cause.

I’m excited, scared, emotional, courageous and anxious all at the same time. It’s a wonderful thing.

I am inviting friends, loved ones, and total strangers to share in this feat. I have to fundraise $1000.00 to claim my spot in the race and $3800.00 or more for the cause. Proceeds go toward furthering cancer research. Every little bit helps. SO please please please find the link to my fundraising page below and help donate towards this cause. I’d love for you to share in this special time with me as I prepare to run in honor/memory of my daddy, my sister, my two aunts and so many more that the disease has affected. Thanks in advance and Much Love! ♥

My Fundraising Page!

ms. sade’s album drops today (ALL SMILES) SO giddy. and here is ms. badu’s latest single. my my my. Bey, girl, you gave us body and kept us pattin’ our weaves but this seems to be the year for the return of soul. And I’m Lovin’ It.

…fresh

Mos Def – “History” (ft. Talib Kweli) from Downtown Music on Vimeo.

I’ve been gone for a minute. I’ll soon be back with a vengeance. But for now, here’s something to brighten your day… to restore your love for and faith in real music. Soldier on, Miss Ma’am. Please soldier on.

I will always love Janet. She is such a strong yet gentle, genuine, humble and beautiful person. And she ignited my early passion for dance.

Qlaps to Donk for always being true to herself. I am praying for her continued strength and constant growth and evolution.

I know I stink! lol I’ve been away for a while but I will return soon! Just handling some business. Check back in soon. -CYU