More Than Trivial

Token's Treat is Honesty

As I have typed before; Each and every one of the 'I Love New York' cast mates are real people. I have referred to Token as the 'Red Oyster' of the 'ILNY' cast. Yeah, I typed it and I told him so. And if he cared or was unhappy about it, I didn't hear it in his voice. He kept answering my questions with a surprising candor and pleasantness. As the interview began I felt a bit of caution, on his part. I continued to run my mouth like the babbling fool that is Quanda. He totally relaxed and gave me what I hoped for; a honest peek at the man we all know as Token.

Hello, may I speak with Token?
Hey, how you doing?

Not that good, I am hanging in there. I laugh I am Quanda from the Flavor of Love Blogspot.
Oh, yeah hey. So, how are we going to do this?

I am just going to ask you some questions. I haven't prepared any. We are just going to chat. All I ask is that you be honest with me. If I ask you something you prefer not to answer ...just say so and I'll keep it moving.
Okay, I can do that.

Okay, here we go. Where are you from?
I was born and raised in New Mexico.
( He told me the city. But hell I couldn't figure out how to spell it.)

Why the 'I Love New York' show?
I was asked to audition for a dating show. An old coach of mine is friends with Cyrus from the 'Real World'. Cyrus told me that I should audition for a new VH-1 dating show. His friend worked in casting. Basically, I did it as a joke. I thought no way am I going to get it. During the audition, I told them how I like to make fun of people and myself. They asked me to make fun of them and I did. This was around the end of July. They told me that if I didn't hear from them by the end of August, I didn't get it. ( The old don't call us we'll call you.) In September, I get a call with an offer. They would pick 20 out of 25. I ended up being chosen. I did the show for fun. I also had told friends I would be on TV one day and no one believed me.

Well they believe you now. We both laugh I am going to be honest with you. I didn't think you were feeling New York. Were you feeling her?
I was not necessarily into New York. She is out there.

What's up with the kiss on the cheek?
I am not going to kiss anyone after seeing them kiss several other guys. That's a turn off to me. So, when she asked me for a kiss ...I gave her one on the cheek.

You also wasn't feeling Mr. Boston. What's up with you two?
It started with him verbally insulting me.

Tell me what happened.
Basically we are standing by the pool. He walks over and starts calling me ignorant and dumb. I reply ' you should be gone first ... you are ugly ...no way, you have a chance.' He's the type of guy who gives his 2 cents and stirs up shit. And then walks away. If you press me the wrong way ...you are going to have to deal with the consequences. ( I have a funny feeling Token got a lot of satisfaction watching 'Total Stud' get knocked out. What do you think?)

Anyone else you didn't like?
T-Weed, we got into an argument about his being loud trying to get the cameras on him. He starts yelling for no reason. When I got eliminated, he says to me 'bye bye.'

Who did you like in the house?
I liked a lot of them. ( Me too! I like Whiteboy, T-Bone, T-Weed,Whiteboy, Onix, Romance, Whiteboy,Rico, Real, Whiteboy, 12 Pack, Bonez, Whiteboy, Mr. Boston, now Token and last but not least Whiteboy.)

Okay, give me four and why.
Real, Bonez, Tango, Onix ...I liked them because they weren't overdoing themselves. They were who they were and nothing more ... nothing less.

What guys were truly there for New York?
The person who won and Pootie.
( VH-1, he did not give me the name. But boy I swear I'd bet my last $$$ that I know. I can taste your secret. But I ain't one to gossip.)

Speaking of Pootie, have you talked to him?
Yes. ( Sometimes ...I believe that I am a dentist because it seems like I am always pulling teeth to get answers.)

You have! Is he alright? ( This is sincere concern!)
Yes, he is fine. He just needed to get out of the house. He is doing well. They tried to make him look crazy ...him and Romance. ( Wow, tried ...man they succeeded!)

Well since you brought up Romance ...did he cry as much as he seemed to?
Romance wasn't afraid to express himself. He did cry a lot. The dog scene ...that was editing for the most part. (Well I wish he would reply to one of my messages! Just once because I am getting teary eyed over his rejection. Romance isn't the only one who's sensitive.)

Alright, I am about to go somewhere you may not appreciate but I have to do it. I often refer to you as the male version of 'Red Oyster' from 'Flavor of Love' season 1. Our researchers allegedly stumbled on some information that you had a girlfriend during the taping of the show. Did you have a girlfriend?
Maybe I did and maybe I still do. ( Damn!)

Fair enough ...did you call her from the mansion?
Maybe I did. ( You gotta love his consistency.)

Alright you touched a little bit on the elimination ceremony earlier. Let's go back, your elimination was a rough one. What's your thoughts on the way New York's handles herself during these ceremonies?
She is trying to be a hard ass for the audiences' perception. You'll notice Flavor Flav did it with a little more compassion. She is just trying to put her spin on things ...make it her own. (Compassion would've been to not bring her back for a second time ...LOL.)

Alright, I perceived you as shy or not interested. What's up with not taking off your shirt during the Mangeant?
Well, I practiced without my shirt at first. But when it was time to go out ...I thought she thinks I am reserved and shy. So why not play up the shyness? Go out there with the shirt on, and then I thought about taking it off but I decided to tease, stir things up ...be different. Others were saying too much ...showing too much ...I am not here to follow others.

You have a opinion on the Tango and Rico snitching?
I thought it was funny. You get to a point in the competition and you have to make choices.

How do you like New York's look?
He laughs She's fake ...her hair, her contacts, her make up ...too much eyeshadow. She is trying too hard. Natural beauty is more attractive.

I am no natural beauty my damn self.
Well I am sure you don't wear your make up like that!

Your right, I don't. I am older. And if I wear a lot I'll show my age. So I keep it simple. What's your thoughts on Sister Patterson?
I don't have much respect for her. She claims to be so religious and spiritual. Yet, she participates in a show that degrades her daughter. ( I want to be a booger in Mr. Boston's nose for that Reunion show.)

Did you like Chamo?
I did like Chamo. He is a little girly. You know what amazes me is how Sister Patterson uses the term 'faggot' without regard for him. He has a good personality and plays a good character.

BTW...how old are you? And do you hang out with any of your cast mates?
23 and I've hung out with Bonez, Chance, Real and Heat. And I see Mr. Boston around at clubs sometimes. ( Yes, I know I am random ...sue me.)

I giggle I am doing an interview/ recap with Mr. Boston tonight you have anything you want to say to him? ( Quanda can stir the pot too.)
Yes, I have a message for him; ' Stay true to who you are. Pursue all your goals and ambitions. However, stop acting like you are a star and taking advantage of your fans. We are no better that anyone else. We are just lucky guys who got selected for a reality show. We eat, shit and live like everyone else. Also, watch what you say about Token.'

Alrighty, is there something you want the readers to know about Token?
I am not really into advertising myself. I don't have to be known. If you recognize me from the show ...great. If you don't ...great. I am a regular person. I don't think I am God's gift to women or the world in general.

So ...what are you currently up to? And do you have any future ambitions in the entertainment industry?
I am currently in school and bar tending. I would like an opportunity to work in the entertainment industry as a manager or agent. I wouldn't mind giving acting a try.

What's your major?
Criminal justice, but I am thinking of switching to public relations.

I have a friend who has her B.A. in Criminal Justice. She is making very nice money. You might want to rethink that switch. Anything else been going on?
Oh yeah, I was on Tyra but that was before 'I Love New York'. I was on a show about interracial dating. They paired me up with a black woman who said she wouldn't date white guys.

Omg ...that was you! I saw that show. You were a pretty cool date.
Thanks, after our date she decided to be open to dating white men. I had a nice time. And it was a great experience. Bone and I recently appeared at the Pan African Film Festival. We signed pictures for the kids. And also I volunteered for the AIDS Foundation and worked with kids affected by the disease. Some of the children were blind, I am glad I had a chance to help them. I enjoy community work. Actually, I like helping others more than helping myself. It's a great feeling to help others. ( True that!)

I am really impressed. Before we end this you want to give a shout out to anyone?
Yeah, I want to give a shout out to Crazy Casey and Leslie. And I want to give a shout out to all the kids from the Pan African Film Festival and all the kids who are living with the HIV and AIDS virus.

Token I can't thank you enough for your time. You surprised me.
Your welcome ....take care Quanda and thank you.

Bye.
Bye.

Per the powers that be's request catch ' I Love New York' on Mondays @ 9 p.m.
I feel like a commercial and that irritates my soul.

You have just shared a Qmoment!