From the hallways of Pontiac Northern Senior High School, Home of the Huskies, in Pontiac Michigan during the mid 90’s so many friendships and bonds were created. While some friendships don’t always last throughout your young adult years, for various reasons, some just always seem to fall back into place like you never skipped a beat. One thing our latest interviewee and I have alway had in common is our love for clothes, ever since our days of working part-time at Hudsons Department store at Summit Place Mall, in Waterford, MI. Without further ado here’s the October edition of "The TALLK", with Terrain L. Bates!
Name: Terraine L. Bates
Age: 40
Height: 6’3 ½
Marital Status: Divorced
Occupation: Regional Human Resources Manager
So who is Terrain Bates?
I consider myself to be a connoisseur of great conversation and all things that make me happy. Originally from “The Inkwell” of Pontiac, Michigan avid watcher of sports and a lover of fine dining and the Caribbean islands. I find that good things come to those who wait and faster to those that pursue it.
When was the first time you realized you were tall? How did your height make you different?
The first time I realized I was tall was my sophomore year in high school and a girl teased me about my size 12 shoe. I realized most tall guys have big feet and that’s when I realized I was tall.
What’s the most annoying question you get asked as a tall person?
The most annoying thing I get asked as a tall person is “Can you get that for me” Most people always assume were here to help get items off the top shelf or screw in light bulbs. No ma’am that’s why step stools were invented.
Do you think being tall impacted your life differently than others?
I do think being tall has impacted my life somewhat. I believe certain positions in the corporate world are given to those more often with a certain look. People are more likely to respond and respect someone with above average height. Sad but true.
What are some of your biggest challenges when it comes to shopping?
Some of my biggest challenges when shopping comes when looking for suits, sport coats, and shirts. My shoulders and arms are bigger and longer than the average guy, which usually means shirts are too big or too small due to the arm length being too long or too short, causing me to have to get them tailored and alter the shirt and it’s hard to stay within a budget paying for the extra cuts.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as classic yet modern. I like a lot of classic pieces from European tuxes and double breasted suits to Stan Smith Adidas and the new trend Joggers which I was slow to embrace but I love know because it showcases my height and build. I’m business professional from Monday – Friday so comfort is a must and joggers are the most comfortable piece of fashion to come along in a long time.
What are some brands that you always wear?
I’m typically in dress shirts from Express for the office because they have so many different fits. Most men regardless of body type can find a shirt that looks good from Express. I’ve always been a fan of Nike and the Adidas track suit will always be a classic, especially if you’re getting the slim fit joggers. I still Love Levi’s jeans and their button down Lumberjack shirts. Shoe wise I wear all kinds from Oxfords to loafers to drivers and all brands. Gym shoes the Kevin Durant 10 is a dope comfortable looking shoe. I think every guy should own a pair.
What are your top 5 fashion must-haves as a tall guy?
Jordan 3’s and 9’sTimberland BootsNavy Blue suit Express V Neck T-shirtsHanes Men’s Lounge pants
Speed Round:
Nike or Adidas? NIKE
Biggie & Kim or Biggie Faith? Big & Fay
Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer? Spring
Obama or 45? Obama
Boyz in the Hood or Menace II Society? Boyz! Trey went to "The House" and lived Happily ever after!
Shoulda been a part two!
What are you currently reading? These questions
Nia Long or Taraji P Henson? Nia! Still in Love wit’er from Love Jones
Eat to live or Live to eat? Eat to live
R&B or Rap? Classic R&B 70’s-90’s
Bad Boy or Death Row? Bad Boy- They still haven’t stopped
Did O.J do it? According to the justice system No! They been tryna get that W back ever since! #Stay Free Juice
Team Issa or Team Lawrence? Team Lawrence
Do you care to elaborate on your reason for picking Team Lawrence?
My reason for picking Team Lawrence is because the good guy that every girl wants he was and when they get it typically the Woman ends up not wanting that guy because he’s not edgy enough.
We all have our dreams that we’d like to pursue and I feel like Issa didn’t know what she was getting into with being with a Man that was trying to work for his self and it adversely effected her feelings in a way she didn’t know that it would which cause a crack in their proverbial relationship armor.
He’s now becoming everything that she hoped he would even though it’s not his own company but I believe that you gotta stay the course in order for it to work.
In short, Lawrence has developed that "edge"
I know we have had a few debates on some of the episodes this past season, but what are your overall thoughts of the season?
The whole season was dope! All of the episodes were executed flawlessly! I was excited to see the other characters develop more and more revealed about their lives and relationships.
Molly is dope, fun, and her attitude makes her sexy. Wasn’t really surprised that she finally slept wit Dro, that shits been brewing since the 8th grade. I can’t believe she hasn’t put 2 and 2 together and figures out Dro doesn’t exactly have an open marriage.
How has fatherhood changed you? What are the most important things you aim to instill in your daughter?
Father hood has a way of making you clean up your act whether you choose to do it or not it’s a whole other thing. But definitely having a daughter I want to encourage her to push boundaries and learning lessons from failures is key.
What are your thoughts on this shit show of a Presidency?
This guy 45 has no respect for anything truly American! He has no respect for those that have truly made this country what it is today. He’s used very divisive trick in the book to incite racial fires. The unfortunate part is that it’s working. There is a certain section of society that feels empowered and emboldened by the rhetoric that he spews! However I still have Faith in Humanity and racial equality always has always had allies to ensure that racism doesn’t win.
Lastly, what does this world need now__________________ ? (fill in the blank)
What the world needs now? Is not another – challenge!
Photos by: Morlon Mosley
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