Taraji, P. Henson, Halloween, Celebrities, Halloween, empire, cookie Lyon, fired, had to f**kin go

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 27, 2023

Taraji P. Henson Fired Her Entire Team For Not Capitalizing On The Success Of Her ‘Empire’ Character ‘Cookie Lyon’

Taraji P. Henson explains why she fired her entire team for not capitalizing on the success of her "Empire" character, Cookie Lyon.

Cookie Lyon was the certified breakout star of Lee Daniels’ hit scripted series Empire. But Taraji P. Henson didn’t feel like her team at the time did enough to capitalize off her character’s popularity. So she fired them all.

Henson recently sat down with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation as part of her press run for The Color Purple, and the Academy Award-nominated actress didn’t hold back when asked about the best business decision she has made in her career.

“Firing everybody after Cookie,” she said in a clip shared online. “Everybody had to f—kin’ go.”

“Where is my deal? Where’s my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where is my endorsement? What did you have set up for after this? That’s why you all haven’t seen me in so long. They had nothing set up.”

Taraji letting the choppa fly on this press tour… pic.twitter.com/6oPjAwbW1b
— And I won’t pass the aux aye (@KrystleDellihue) December 20, 2023

Henson revealed her team’s petition for her to headline a spinoff show centered around Cookie Lyon, which she wasn’t opposed to if it was done “right.”

“All they wanted was another Cookie show, and I said, ‘I’ll do it, but it has to be right,” she explained. “The people deserve; she’s too beloved for y’all to f—k it up.’ And so, when they didn’t get it right, I was like, ‘Well, that’s it,’ and they had nothing else. ‘You’re all f—kin’ fired.”

The moment is among the latest candid interviews Henson has given as part of The Color Purple press tour, which includes her recent sit down with Gayle King on Sirius XM, where she was brought to tears while admitting her thoughts of quitting acting due to being underpaid for her work.

“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do, getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Henson said through tears.

“I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over. You get tired. I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ I have to. The math ain’t math-ing. And you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. It’s a whole team behind us. They have to get paid.”

Taraji P. Henson explains why she might quit acting, how Black actors (especially Black women) are treated in Hollywood & why the math ain't mathing.

"20+ yrs in the game & I hear the same thing. I see what u do 4 other productions & when it's time for us u dont have any money." pic.twitter.com/RdLoKdjUt0
— Dana Abercrombie (@sagesurge) December 20, 2023

“They have to get paid. So when you hear someone saying, ‘Oh, such and such made $10 million,’ no, that didn’t make it to their account. Know that off the top, Uncle Sam is getting 50%, OK? So, do the math; now we have $5 million.”

Black History Month, Permission slip, parents, Florida, students

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 27, 2023

Protests Erupt After All-White School Board Ditches Black History Courses

It looks like it's up to parents to teach history.

A conservative-dominant Missouri school board voted to remove Black history electives just months after cancelling an anti-discrimination policy, the Associated Press reports.

On Dec. 21, the Francis Howell School Board voted 5-2 to stop offering Black history and Black literature courses that have been available since 2021. Throughout the predominately white suburban area, over 100 high school students took the classes.

In July 2023, the same board revoked an anti-racism resolution adopted after the 2020 killing of George Floyd and had copies removed from school buildings. The resolution pledged that the Francis Howell community would “speak firmly against any racism, discrimination, and senseless violence against people regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability.”

Both courses were removed thanks to a push from five new controlling board members who felt the courses pushed critical race theory. The decision earlier this month was met with protests from students and parents who chanted “Let them learn!” outside the meeting.

“Clearly, none of you see that your actions say loud and clear to us that you don’t care about Black and brown families in our district,” Harry Harris, a Black father and former school board candidate, told the board during the meeting.

The Black literature course is described as focusing on “contemporary and multi-genre literary works of Black authors and will celebrate the dignity and identity of Black voices.” The Black History course gives students the opportunity to “gain a Black historical consciousness and will become equipped as engaged citizens working toward an equitable democracy.”

Board president Adam Bertrand claims the decision had to be made before fall registration opens in January 2024. Board member Janet Stiglich inquired why the issue wasn’t presented before a committee first.

“We have a curriculum committee for a reason. Was this brought up?” she asked. But members Randy Cook and Jane Puszkar said that didn’t matter—their minds were made up.

Black History courses have been on the chopping block of school boards nationwide. Some are standing their ground. August 2023, despite new rulings by state education officials that students enrolled in Advanced Placement African American studies courses would not receive college credit, the Little Rock School District (LRSD) in Arkansas decided to continue offering the courses for credit.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was under fire for the state’s new mandates on how teachers are required to teach Black history— including the benefits of slavery.

Developed during the 2020-2021 school year, Francis Howell’s Black History and Black Literature courses were reviewed by teachers, administrators, the curriculum advisory council and the academic strategic planning committee before being approved in July 2021.

by Kandia Johnson

December 27, 2023

How The World Celebrates New Year

New Year traditions and celebrations around the world.

Beyond the ball drop in New York City, the parties and firework displays on the Las Vegas Strip, and live concerts in New Orleans, several other destinations worldwide celebrate the New Year, but at different times of the year.

Chinese New Year

Photo by Wan Shanzhao/VCG via Getty Images

Typically, the Chinese New Year begins in February. In the Chinese lunar calendar, each of the 12 years is named after an animal. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. According to Legend, Lord Buddha asked all the animals to come to him before he left the earth. Only 12 animals came to wish him farewell, and as a reward, Buddha named a year after each one. Many Chinese children dress in new clothes to celebrate the Chinese New Year. People carry lanterns and join a huge parade led by a silk dragon, the Chinese symbol of strength. According to legend, the dragon hibernates most of the year, so people throw firecrackers to keep the dragon awake.

Songkran Festival, Thailand

Photo by Chaiwat Subprasom/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

A three-day water festival that starts in April and marks Songkran in Thailand – the Buddhists’ celebration of the new year. Parades feature huge statues of Buddha that spray water on passersby. In small villages, young people throw water at each other for fun. People also release fish into rivers as an act of kindness. At Songkran, people tie strings around each other’s wrists to show their respect. A person can have as many as 25 or 30 strings on one wrist, each from a different person. The strings are supposed to be left on until they fall off naturally.

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur

Photo by Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In September or October, Jews believe that God opens the Book of Life for 10 days, starting with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and ending with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). During these days, the holiest in the Jewish year, Jews try to atone for any wrongdoing and to forgive others. A ram’s horn trumpet, known as the shofar, is blown before and during Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.

by Rafael Pena

December 27, 2023

Cam’Ron Recruits NBA Legend Mark Jackson For ‘It Is What It Is’ Podcast

Cam'Ron seized the opportunity to collaborate with Mark Jackson, bringing him on board for his sports podcast, "It Is What It Is."

Mark Jackson, a basketball veteran with a storied career as a player, coach, and commentator, found himself without a job after parting ways with ESPN at the conclusion of the 2022-23 NBA season. In a surprising turn of events, legendary Harlem rapper Cam’Ron seized the opportunity to collaborate with Jackson, bringing him on board for the immensely popular sports podcast It Is What It Is, according to BasketBallNetwork.net.

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A post shared by @mr_camron

Cam’Ron, known for his successful transition into the sports media landscape with the podcast he co-hosts with rapper Mase, wasted no time reaching out to Jackson after learning about his ESPN exit. Expressing frustration with Jackson’s treatment, Cam’Ron decided to extend a compelling offer to the NBA legend.

“I got tired with what the f*** they were doing to Mark, man. That s*** was some real bulls*** what they were doing to Mark… I’m like Mark, you could make some bread with this podcast s***, then we started talking numbers and s***, and he was telling me what he was making. I’m not gonna put his business out there with ESPN, but I’m like, ‘Mark, give me an opportunity to make you more than what you’re making now,’” explained Cam’Ron on All The Smoke.

Recognizing the value of Jackson’s commentary skills and basketball knowledge, Cam’Ron made a concerted effort to persuade the NBA legend to join It Is What It Is. Initially hesitant, Jackson questioned the motives behind the collaboration. Cam’Ron, aka ‘Killa Cam,’ took decisive action to demonstrate his sincerity in partnering with the basketball icon.

In the interview on All The Smoke, Cam’Ron elaborated on how he approached Jackson, “We were talking for months, soon as he got fired or let go of, however, you want to f***ing put it, from ESPN, I reached right out…He was kinda hesitant a little bit. He was like, ‘What you get out of it? Because I ain’t trying to get robbed or nothing.’ I’m like, ‘Bro, where the f in America am I gonna go if I rob Mark Jackson?’…I said, ‘Mark, can I come meet you?’ So I tell the n*** Mase, ‘Yo, I’m gonna take a duffel bag to Mark until we get these papers together.’ Mase was like, ‘How much you taking?’ And I’m like, ‘I’m taking a quarter ticket to him,’” shared Cam’Ron.

While the rapper’s gesture involved offering $250,000 in cash to Jackson, symbolizing his serious intent, it was a gesture rather than an attempted transaction. Mark Jackson, realizing the potential of joining It Is What It Is, eventually accepted Cam’Ron’s offer. With the addition of Jackson’s respected voice, the podcast is poised to elevate its status further in 2024.

Takeoff, davenport, ball, wrongful death, lawsuit

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 27, 2023

Takeoff’s Dad Joins $1M Wrongful Death Lawsuit Amid Reports Of Estate Dispute

Takeoff's family's wrongful death lawsuit is getting complicated after his father joined the filing against the venue where the rapper was murdered.

Takeoff’s $1 million wrongful death lawsuit is reportedly getting complicated after his father made an additional filing against the venue where the Migos rapper was murdered.

Titania Davenport, Takeoff’s mother, has been locked in several legal battles related to her son’s fatal shooting in November 2022. In June 2023, Davenport filed a $1 million wrongful death suit against 810 Billiards and Bowling in Houston, where Takeoff was killed.

Davenport accuses the bowling venue of knowing about the private party Takeoff attended but failing to provide adequate security. But the case has gotten even more complicated after Takeoff’s father, Kenneth Ball, joined the lawsuit as an “Intervenor,” a third party who joins an existing legal case, All Hip Hop reports.

While Ball was not listed in Davenport’s original filing, he decided to join the case due to the personal effect Takeoff’s death had on him. Like Davenport, Ball is seeking at least $1 million from Billiards and Bowling for the death of his son.

“[Kenneth Ball], the natural parent of [Takeoff], has suffered substantial pecuniary loss both in the past and in the future,” Ball’s Houston-based lawyer Brant J. Stogner states.

“Indeed, [Ball] has suffered past and future pecuniary loss, including funeral and burial expenses, psychological and psychiatric expenses, loss of advice, loss of counsel, loss of services, loss of care, loss of maintenance, and loss of support.”

Takeoff, real name Kirsnick Khari Ball, died Nov. 1, 2022, at 28. He left behind no will and an estimated net worth of $28 million. In addition to the wrongful death suit, there are reports that Takeoff’s parents are battling it out over the late rapper’s estate via Madame Noire.

Davenport also might be listed as a defendant in a sexual assault lawsuit filed against Takeoff prior to this death. Meanwhile, 810 Billiards and Bowling is denying any wrongdoing in Takeoff’s death, citing the implications of Patrick Xavier Clark and Cameron Joshua, who were charged in connection with the shooting.

Clark was charged with murder, while Joshua was charged with possession of a firearm. The venue says it should not be held liable for the independent actions of the two men.

by Derek Major

December 27, 2023

Conservative Pundit Jason Whitlock Slams All-Gender Bathrooms At Kansas City Airport

Jason Whitlock, a former ESPN personality, took to the social media site to express his displeasure with the new bathrooms at the airport.

The Daily Mail reported that Jason Whitlock, a former ESPN personality, took to Twitter/X to express his displeasure with the new bathrooms at Kansas City International Airport.

Men, women and CHILDREN using same bathroom at KC airport. Diversity, equity and indoctrination. pic.twitter.com/rTq2gIWpdC
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) December 24, 2023

Whitlock’s post includes information from Twitter stating the point of the all-gender bathrooms is “to increase accessibility and efficiency. Single-stalled bathrooms were implemented in Kansas City for universal use.” The post adds that all-gender bathrooms are essentially the same as family bathrooms.

Whitlock’s disapproval prompted a response from Justice Horn, the chair of the Kansas City LGBTQ Commission, who explained it in similar terms.

“Hi, chair of the commission who helped craft this policy in Kansas City. These are single stall, all gender bathrooms that allow for greater privacy,”’ Horn replied on X. “To make you also aware: The bathroom on the plane AND the bathroom at your home are single stall, all gender bathrooms as well.”

Whitlock, who has admitted he’s never voted in his life, has moved on from his daily attacks on Colorado football coach Deion Sanders, now that the college football season is over. He wrote a retort to Horn’s tweet.

“To make you also aware: toilets are for peeing and pooping,” Whitlock wrote. “The policy you crafted is to make you feel better about your sexuality and promote the lie that gender is based on a pronoun choice.”

Whitlock’s bathroom preferences isn’t the only controversy he’s currently involved in. Last week, the former sports writer told an audience at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix that women don’t deserve the right to vote.

“I will defend life before suffrage because a vote used to represent the family: when we were a culture that really valued family and really understood the natural order that God intended – man serving god, woman following man who serves God, man and woman developing and nurturing children.”

Manipulated News, New York Times, open AI, lawsuit, claims, information, articles, fair use, content

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 27, 2023

New York Times Sues OpenAI, Microsoft For Infringing On Copyrighted Works

The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft accusing them of using the newspaper's articles without permission to help train chatbots.

Originally Reported by Reuters

NEW YORK, Dec 27 (Reuters) – The New York Times (NYT.N) sued OpenAI and Microsoft (MSFT.O) on Wednesday, accusing them of using millions of the newspaper’s articles without permission to help train chatbots to provide information to readers.

The Times said it is the first major U.S. media organization to sue OpenAI and Microsoft, which created popular artificial-intelligence platforms such as ChatGPT and Bing Chat, now known as Copilot, over copyright issues associated with its works.

Writers and others have also sued to limit the so-called scraping by AI services of their online content without compensation.

The newspaper’s complaint filed in Manhattan federal court accused OpenAI and Microsoft of trying to “free-ride on The Times’s massive investment in its journalism” by using it to provide alternative means to deliver information to readers.

“There is nothing ‘transformative’ about using The Times’s content without payment to create products that substitute for The Times and steal audiences away from it,” the Times said.

OpenAI and Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment. They have said using copyrighted works to train AI products amounts to “fair use.”

The Times is not seeking a specific amount of damages, but the 172-year-old newspaper estimated damages in the “billions of dollars.”

It also wants the companies to destroy chatbot models and training sets that incorporate its material.

$80 BILLION VALUATION

AI companies scrape information online to train generative AI chatbots, and have attracted billions of dollars in investments.

Investors have valued OpenAI at more than $80 billion.

While OpenAI’s parent is a nonprofit, Microsoft has invested $13 billion in a for-profit subsidiary, for what would be a 49% stake.

Novelists including David Baldacci, Jonathan Franzen, John Grisham and Scott Turow have also sued OpenAI and Microsoft in the Manhattan court, claiming that AI systems might have co-opted tens of thousands of their books.

In July, the comedian Sarah Silverman and other authors sued OpenAI and Meta Platforms (META.O) in San Francisco for having “ingested” their works, including Silverman’s 2010 book “The Bedwetter.” A judge dismissed most of that case in November.

Chatbots compound the struggle among major media organizations to attract and retain readers, though the Times has fared better than most.

The Times ended September with 9.41 million digital-only subscribers, up from 8.59 million a year earlier, while print subscribers fell to 670,000 from 740,000.

Subscriptions generate more than two-thirds of the Times’ revenue, while ads generate about 20% of its revenue.

‘MISINFORMATION’

The Times’ lawsuit cited several instances in which OpenAI and Microsoft chatbots gave users near-verbatim excerpts of its articles.

These included a Pulitzer Prize-winning 2019 series on predatory lending in New York City’s taxi industry, and Pete Wells’ 2012 review of Guy Fieri’s since-closed Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar that became a viral sensation.

The Times said such infringements threaten high-quality journalism by reducing readers’ perceived need to visit its website, reducing traffic and potentially cutting in to advertising and subscription revenue.

It also said the defendants’ chatbots make it harder for readers to distinguish fact from fiction, including when their technology falsely attributes information to the newspaper.

In one instance, the Times said ChatGPT falsely attributed two recommendations for office chairs to its Wirecutter product review website.

“In AI parlance, this is called a ‘hallucination,'” the Times said. “In plain English, it’s misinformation.”

Talks earlier this year to avert a lawsuit, and allow “a mutually beneficial value exchange between defendants and the Times,” were unsuccessful, the Times said.

The case is New York Times Co v Microsoft Corp et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 23-11195.

Drunk Driver, Houston, police, 911, response, stab, mother, daughter

by Lauren Nutall

December 27, 2023

Family Seeks Justice As Houston Police Withhold Details In Domestic Violence Murder Case

The Houston Police Department has drawn criticism following its untimely response to a Black woman's call for help before her death.

A Houston woman’s family is calling for justice after her murder and the Houston Police Department’s inadequate response, ABC 13 reports.

Robin Simpson was killed on Nov. 1., and her husband, Michael Simpson, Jr. has been charged with the crime. The attack took place in front of the couple’s 8-year-old daughter. Addie Farrell, the victim’s mother, spoke to ABC 13 about the assault.

“My daughter’s body was stabbed over 60 times,” she said. “I asked the coroner for pictures before they had to cremate her because my daughter’s body couldn’t be embalmed because he destroyed all of the arteries, and I wanted them to know just what he did.”

Following the murder, Simpson, Jr. stabbed himself but recovered. He is currently facing charges for murder and aggravated assault.

Robin’s family has questioned the police’s response time and allege that, rather than enter the home as the attack was occurring, law enforcement instead remained outside.

“Robin called the police about her husband running around the house with a knife having suicidal thoughts and they were pulling up as her call dropped,” said Michelle Martin, Robin’s sister, in a post on Change.org. “Robin called the police twice as she was being chased and attacked. The one officer got there he waited outside the house for the other officer to arrive before they went out back. We want to know how long did it take from her call till the first officer arrived till the 2nd officer arrived.”

According to ABC 13, an officer did not go inside until the couple’s daughter ran outside, saying, “Daddy is stabbing Mommy.” The victim’s daughter has been relocated to Philadelphia, where the family is from. “She still wakes up about that time that it happened because it is here in her head, and she is here with her family, and we are all supporting her,” Farrell said. The family has shared that the Houston Police Department refuses to release the audio for Robin’s 911 calls and the time of the officers’ arrival.

Media outlets including ABC13 have also requested additional details via open records requests to learn more about the officers’ response time, but were denied. The Houston Police Department released a statement to the Attorney General’s office, claiming that such information would interfere with the ongoing investigation. However, Eyewitness News announced plans to counter this decision.

Robin’s family has created a petition on Change.org to revoke Simpson Jr.’s bail, which is set at $340,000. “The legal system’s response to such heinous crimes should be firm and uncompromising. Granting bail to individuals who have committed such brutal acts sends a dangerous message about our society’s tolerance towards domestic violence,” the petition reads.

“Michael’s father Michael Simpson Sr. has retained a law firm in Houston, retained Power of Attorney for his son and is now trying to help his son get bond because they have the means to do so,” it continues. “Ignoring the fact that his granddaughter was traumatized as she watched her father brutally kill her mother. Her own grandfather is willing to traumatize his own granddaughter as he knows she is extremely afraid her father will come and try to kill her.”

As the family awaits further information surrounding Robin’s murder, they are requesting help to retain an attorney.

Jim Jones, Thanksgiving, Harlem, NYC, turkey

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 27, 2023

Exclusive: Jim Jones Plans To Make Lue Cognac And Jade Sparkling Wine Household Names With New Partnership

The new brand ambassador stated, "It's a cost-effective brand. We still selling luxury and great taste at the same time."

Harlem USA, based in New York City, has been known for the hustling mentality of the people who inhabit the area through the years. From the jazz-infused days of the 50s and 60s to today, many hip-hop stars and entrepreneurs have come out of the borough. When Cam’ron exploded onto the scene, he brought a crew named The Diplomats, AKA Dipset, featuring homeboys Freeky Zekey, Juelz Santana, and Jim Jones. With an unexpected breakout hit, “We Fly High” solidified Jones’ entry into hip-hop superstardom that continues to this day.

Now, with a good music career and an entry into reality TV, where he became a household name, the hustle didn’t stop as the Harlem native ventured into his entrepreneurial spirit and went into several different avenues, from acting and fashion to several other ventures. He was previously involved in the spirits business with Sizzurp Liquor but has re-entered as he recently connected with Lue Jade as a Brand Ambassador for Lue Cognac and Jade Sparkling Wine.

BLACK ENTERPRISE got the chance to speak to Jones to discuss his plans as he intends to make both brands household names.

With his recent partnership with Lue Jade, Jones gets another chance to hone the skills he learned and incorporate new ideas he has to expand on the brand as the product is currently available in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington D.C., South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. With Jones’ help and guidance, the company anticipates being available in all major markets within the next year. Jones understands the spirits game a little more since his first go-round with Sizzurp. He is confident that he’s more prepared this time around.

“I wasn’t as knowledgeable as I needed to be when I first got into the game with the liquor business. I mean, I understand what marketing is because I’m an artist, and that’s one of the main things that you’re taught in the business when it comes to promoting who you are is the marketing.

“Coming back, like everything comes back full circle. So now I’m ready to attack with everything that I didn’t do before and cover all my bases. It should be fun. We gotta put the work in, but we got a bunch of dope ideas. Our creative ideas that we’re gonna start implementing.”

With Jones still doing shows, making appearances and just being Jim Jones, the opportunity to cross-promote the brand will be a natural for the Harlem native.

“Of course, cross-promotion is one of the biggest parts of marketing that we have. To be able to use my likeness with the brand and make it come, make it pop. So anything that I do, most likely, you going to see a couple of bottles around me and everywhere we go from now on.”

And although Jones lives the life of a rock star, he states you don’t have to be one to afford to purchase Lue and Jade. The price point for Lue Cognac is $29.99 for the VS and $44.99 for the VSOP. Jade Sparkling Wine ranges from $14.99 to $17.99.

“It’s a cost-effective brand. We still selling luxury and great taste at the same time. We’re not trying to tap nobody’s pocket. We want everybody to come outside and enjoy it and have a hell of a time.”

You will undoubtedly see Lue and Jade around the right parties and events, and Jones will represent the brands in the right way to generate interest and sales in the product.

In the meantime, Jones, being from Harlem, is not stopping his hustle. You will see him on the small screen (with aspirations to make it to the big screen). He’s gearing up to showcase an upcoming digital platform, and marijuana is another business plan. The life of a Harlem hustler never stops. Jim is a partner of Saucey Extracts. He launched Quarantine Studios during the pandemic. He also has Vamp Fit, a VL-mobile communication service, Vampire Life Clothing, and the VampBerry beverage brand.

In the meantime, you can catch Jones on “The Drip Report featuring Weavahman Jim” on Revolt TV.

nflatable Reindeer Antlers Ring Toss Game Set , stemless wineglass, spirits, black card revoked, Instead of spending New Year's Eve out on the town, try one of these three to save yourself money and the hassle.

by Selena Hill

December 27, 2023

Ditch Your NYE’s Party Plans And Try One Of These Alternatives

Instead of spending New Year's Eve out on the town, try one of these three to save yourself money and the hassle.

Originally Published Dec. 16, 2023

Spending New Year’s Eve out on the town can be very expensive and frustrating. Not only do clubs, lounges, and bars triple their admittance fees, but oftentimes, they’re too crowded to enjoy. Meanwhile, finding the right outfit and a designated driver or transportation can become a burden. Plus, we tend to set high expectations for special occasions like this, which leaves lots of room for disappointment.

There’s no need to worry if you haven’t had time or money to buy a new outfit, your friends are flaking out on your plans to go out, or your expense party fund is running low. Instead of spending NYE out and about, try one of these three alternatives to save yourself money and all the hassle.

Bring the Party to Your House

nflatable Reindeer Antlers Ring Toss Game Set , stemless wineglass, spirits, black card revoked, New Year's Eve — Photo by RyanJLane/Getty Images

If you can’t make it to a party, bring the party to you! If you have the space and the means to buy a few snacks, invite your friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate New Year’s Eve at your place. Even if you send invites on short notice, a few people are bound to stop by. Just let them know to BYOB or stop at a local convenience store to buy food and drinks.

Stay Home and Count Your Blessings

If you’re not in the partying mood, stay home, pop a bottle, meditate, and reflect on all the good things you’ve experienced throughout the year. This would also be a good time to start writing out some of your New Year resolutions and goals.

Catch Up on Your Favorite Shows

New Year’s Eve marathons are the best! Why not binge-watch classic comedy sitcoms like The Honeymooners, Cheers, and Good Times?

Go to Church

Many churches and religious buildings will be holding watch night service on New Year’s Eve, a great place to give thanks and appreciate your blessings. Plus, the energizing atmosphere, music, and positive energy will leave you feeling uplifted and ready for the new year.