View Points

Susan G Komen Foundation Is Not Playing Fair

2012-02-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

Here is what I have to say. Why would the Susan G. Komen Foundation stop giving women a chance to know if they have breast cancer or not. For some reason unknown to me, they are now attacking the Planned Parenthood Foundation. This is not the right way to help women.

Many women do not have health care and depended heavily on being able to have a free breast screening through Susan G. Komen Foundation. Why stop the funding of the breast screening now? Where will the women without health care go now? Thousands now will not be able to learn if they have breast cancer or not. Yet, Susan G Komen Foundation is asking us to do a 3 day, 60 mile walk to save those who have breast cancer. How dare you ask people to participate in the walk when you want us to accept the defunding of breast screening.

Women you must go online and sign the petition to stop the defunding of free breast screening. All you have to do is go to http://act.credoaction/campaign/komen/?rc=share_email and sign the petition.

Detroit Science Center Needs Assistance

2012-01-15T04:49:00.000-08:00

With the North American Auto Show in town, I feel the organizers of that event should assist the Science Center in its time of need. Did they not hold a charity event last Friday night? Someone needs to approach the auto industry and literally ask for assistance. It is a non-profit and like the auto industry, it too is all about science. What better way can children learn how cars are built and the engineering process involved.

Now this will affect the children in the Detroit Public Schools real bad. Go ahead and take a chance, it couldn’t hurt. Who knows, one of the big three might just say ok and arrange for some monetary assistance. The Science Center has been around for many decades and served the Detroit Public School children well as it supplied tours and trips for them to attend. Now how will the children learn about science hands on? Here is my question. What are you waiting on Detroit Science Center? Go ahead ask them directly for help, what have you got to lose?

That’s all I got to say.

Stealing from Babies?

2012-01-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

Now the thieves have gone too far. They are now stealing from babies. What are they stealing? The babies’ social security numbers and going out getting credit with them and ruining their credit before they are even able to get a job or buy a thing. Why is the question? What did the babies ever do to you adults out there?

Maybe the government needs to go back to the way it used to be. You see when I was growing up you could not get a social security card until you were 14 years of age. That might just help deter individuals from stealing from babies before they are adults.

Here is my suggestion. As soon as your new baby is given a social security number. Sign up with an Identity Theft organization like the one you see on the TV commercial, where the guy that tries to get a credit card and the paper catches fire as soon as he starts to write on it.

Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

The event is now reaching every major city in the US. And now is the time for Congress to take it seriously. Enough is enough is what the people are saying. It’s time to fix things and put people back to work so something can be bought and restore the economy.

Now here is my opinion stop buying the goods these corporations have made overseas. Remember L.L. Bean? They are based in Freeport, Maine. They still make some goods here in the US. The famous Bean Boots, Main Hunting Shoe, dog bedliners and canvas boat and tote bags. Yet, due to the lack of facilities that could accommodate the production they had to go overseas too.

If the corporations made no money on their goods made overseas, they would then realize they must come home. Sure I know they made deals with companies over there but, how much did they get out of it to pass on to their customers? Looks to me like not a dime. Just enough to put into their own pockets. Come on corporations bring the jobs home will you! Did you not know that if you brought the jobs home, more people would actually buy what is made here and the economy would actually do a real turn around.

Lastly, I live in the city of Detroit and Detroit has taken part also in this revolt. But, here is why I bring it up. We here in Detroit have not had one arrest, not one fight and why? This city was one of those who became famous for one of the 1967 riots. So, we know how to demonstrate without causing controversy, how do we know; we have had experience since the marching during the Martin Luther King Days, when he once marched here with us. We know that we must be civil to be understood and heard.

Why Are The Schools Not Listening to Their Students?

2011-10-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

More and more children are killing themselves because while attending school they are being bullied. As I watched the Anderson Cooper show today, I was horrified by how many children live a daily life of terror.

My question is this, when will we begin protecting the children from bullies? When will we put ourselves in their place, so that we can truly understand what is happening to them? When will we stop being scared and frighten to face the bullies and their families?

There is no other way to fix this, then to confront them one by one, or even as a group. My desire is to have a wake up call. Contact the schools, contact the families, contact the government and tell them to take control again of the kids that bully. You see when I was growing up and going to school, no one could attack another student. No one could call a child out of their name. No one could hang around in the hallways to play.

Now here is my last thought on this. If my child had been a bully going to school, I would have done what I did one time to him. He had been disruptive in a class and I pulled him out of class and gave him a good old fashion whipping right there in the hallway.

Disrespecting Other’s Privacy

2011-08-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have noticed lately that on many emails I get that no one is blocking all the people they are sending it to. And mind you that is disrespectful. Stop and think about how many people’s computers are hacked daily.

One way the hackers get into other’s computers is by email addresses. So please show respect by adding email addresses through Bcc and not CC. I have spoken about this before but, apparently nobody is listening. Now, here is my last comment. If I get one more email that does not show blocked email addresses, I will block you from sending me one. When people get emails and it was sent to a number of people, there should be a line that says, “sent to undisclosed recipients”

Creating Jobs in America

2011-08-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here is what I think is the way to create jobs in America. First, everything you buy, look on the back of the product or it’s label and see where it has been made. If it doesn’t say made in the USA or some city and state in the USA, then don’t buy it. You see, it is up to the Americans themselves to create the jobs here. If companies lost money on their products that are not selling, then they would bring the factories back here to the United States.

Second, if they found they had to do that then that would become the source of a flux of job creations. Without any profit, due to no sells from foreign products, the companies would have to return to the US to be able to make and sell their products. Lastly, here me loud and clear, stop buying products made outside of America.

Another thing we can do here in America is insist that the country uses the natural gas that we have plenty of below us. Talk to the Congressmen and Senators and tell them drilling for natural gas would also create millions of jobs.

Now where does all this leads? To more consumer spending and more profits for us all, more houses bought and more construction jobs.

Here is Something Everyone Should Know About CVS Pharmacies Here in the Detroit Metro Area

2011-07-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

While I lived in Westland, Michigan, I had medicine I had to take that cost me only $20.01. Why? It was a generic. When I moved to Detroit, Michigan and transferred my medications to a CVS Pharmacy. Only one stayed at the $4.00 cost. It was for my high blood pressure. But my medicine for my intermit seizures was $180, simply because I had no insurance. I was told if I buy a discount card from CVS that it would be only $153.00.

Here is my question, are you kidding me? Weren’t generics invented to assist those who have no insurance? What is CVS using that would cause the cost of the exact same drug to be $159.99 more than what Target charges at $20.01. That is 13% higher. As far as I know all drugs are the same. They are put together the same to provide the assistance your body needs to recover from whatever disability you have.

My suggestion do not use CVS Pharmacies in the future, they are ripping the uninsured off. And that commercial on TV about how caring they are is a lie, not one individual at the pharmacy I went to gave a dam about the situation I was in. So I had them return the prescription back to Target and will continue to use Target to fill my prescription for my anti-seizure medicine. Oh by the way, JD Powers has award Target for the last 4 years the award for providing great service as mass merchandisers of medications

Comments are welcomed. I would like to hear from anyone else who has had problems with CVS pharmacies.

What Is This World Coming To?

2011-04-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have noticed that we are turning against each other. We don’t seem to care anymore that God did not put us on this earth to hate and destroy. He put us here to help and preserve. But what are we doing; killing not just the earth, but attacking each other.

I live in Southeast Michigan and the infamous Pastor Jones is here in the city of Dearborn to protest and defile the rights of those of the Islamic faith. How dare him is what I am thinking. And he says he is a follower of God? God has and never had any favorites. One God is all there is and no matter what you call Him, He is the same one and holy being. Call Him, God, Allah or whatever, He is the only one. Pastor Jones has a lot of gaul to assume he should be the only person who knows God and then he calls himself a Christian.

I just don’t get it. How about you? Do you get him? Do you understand his train of thought? I don’t. What is it that makes him think that he has the right to be against anyone that doesn’t see things his way. All I know is this must come to an end. This hate must stop. This unholy train of thinking also must stop. Get with the program Pastor Jones, you are not a chosen being. You are not the one to decide who does and who doesn’t get into Heaven. Know this to be true Pastor Jones, you are confused, but I will still pray for you. And hope somewhere down the line your eyes will become open.

This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Learn To Use The Connections That Are Online Correctly, Please!

2011-01-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

Here is my beef. Yes, I want to connect with more on LinkedIn and Twitter, but the problem is I don’t know you and using just the friend connection click is not enough. When I find someone I want to connect with on LinkedIn or Twitter, I first go out and look at their profile and find a commonality between us. Then I go to their web site and check out what that person does and what we have in common.

From that simple research, when I click us to be friends, I can now add why we should be and what we have in common. People, it is just that simple. Not a lot of work. And by the way, if you want me to connect with you, I need to know that you do research. Connecting just to add up and compete with others and their numbers is not my style. I don’t want 500+ friends; I want only those who I can do business with. Remember, it is a business connection, not a party.

So I am warning you right now, if you send me an invite to join you on LinkedIn or Twitter and you don’t tell me why we should be friends with a little more detail showing me you did some research, I will simply click the ignore button. Sorry to say, that is how I feel about it. This is post number two on this network/connection thing. Is anybody out there listening?

Gainful Knowledge Unexpected

2011-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hey friends out there. I went to a seminar today to learn more about retirement strategies. As I spoke with the gentleman sitting next to me, I learned that the Ford Focus is built in Mexico. How many of you out there own a Ford Focus. Do you realize that many people here in the US are not employed because of that?

How dare the Ford Empire based in the city of Detroit/Dearborn build their taunted Ford Focus as the car of the future? When right before them are tons of unemployed people needing jobs where they are based. Now I’m just saying this because the Detroit Metro Area has the highest number of unemployed people in the country. I think residents here should not buy the Ford Focus until they bring it back to being built in America. You stopped buying the Toyota until they stated building them here. You stopped buying many other cares until they started building them here.

Now I am beginning to wonder how many more cars is the Ford Empire are built elsewhere. Is the Escape built in another country? How about the Edge? Where is the Expedition or maybe the Flex built? I don’t have anything against Ford itself, I just don’t like the idea of them selling cars here that are built elsewhere when resident of the Detroit Metro Area - where they are based - are in need of jobs. Before you buy a Ford, find out where it is built first.

Do You Really Understand What Being Friends on Social Networks Are?

2011-01-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

I am hearing more and more about connecting through networking. But I don’t think many really understand what networking is exactly. Yes, you need to make new friends. Yes, you need to work with new groups. Yes, you need to join some associations. And last, yes, you need to connect and network.

But here is my beef with this whole connect and network thing. It does not mean to connect on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook just because you heard of someone and think you should follow them on either of those web sights. Why, that is not real connecting/networking. Lately, I have gotten so many invites from LinkedIn and Twitter, I am about to discontinue my association with both sites.

People, being my friend is not just linking with me. Being my friend is helping me get work, supporting my workshops on your web sites or in your newsletters. And how about, when you need a speaker, did you think of me? All my real friends on LinkedIn and Twitter know that the minute I know they have something going on such as, online conferences, upcoming workshops, etc. I post it in the Scribal News Calendar. And I know they post my information in their newsletters, on their blogs, on their web sites, etc.

So if you want me to be your friend, connect and network on any of the aforementioned sites. Support my career and I will support yours. But until then, we can not connect and be friends and don’t invite me to be one.

Freedom of Speech Can Cause Damage

2011-01-11T05:03:00.000-08:00

Since the shooting of the congress woman from Arizona, people are debating whether it was caused by words spoken or actions not taken. Yes, I am for freedom of speech, but we must learn how to say the right words at the right time.

It seems that guy who did the shooting was up in arms about things the congress woman said and did. Although it looks as if he also might have had mental issues too, sometimes words are misunderstood.

For example, let’s say someone cussed you out on the street. What would you most likely do? The odds are you would begin to pick a fight. It seems to be human nature here in America. What would be the best way to deal with this to me would be to ask a simple question first. Like, did I do something to offend you? I think that would throw the person off. Why? Because that individual would want you to pick a fight.

I remember while I was growing up, I would here the phrase; a little kindness goes a long way. And I know it works. Once when I was in a shopping mall, a lady was irate about a purchase and she went off on a clerk behind the counter. Anyway, when I asked her what was she mad about. She told me she had been treated badly by a salesclerk. Well, I told her don’t do the same thing. Act like a lady of stature. And when she did, the manager proceeded to assist her with the utmost care. When her problem was over, she came back to me and said thank you.

Now back to what I said at the beginning. It not what you say, it’s when you say it and how you say it. Freedom of speech is a blessing we here in the United State have. We are not to misuse it, but appreciate it. Not everyone in the world has the choices we have. That’s what freedom of speech is all about. Not an excuse to berate, kill, or maim another that doesn’t agree with you. I would love to hear you comments on this.

Really Tight Airport Security, Why Not?

2010-11-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

Here is my beef with those who don’t want to be screened at the airport. What have you got to hide? You object to the body scanner and then you don’t want to be patted down. Well, if you don’t want to be made safe and secure on any flight across this country, then take the bus or train. I personally will not fly on any airline that allows people to board without being searched.

Don’t you remember that young boy got on a plane without being searched and if he had succeeded in releasing some kind of explosive many people would have died all over again. Do you want another 9/11? Only this time it would have been called 12/25; one hell of a way to remember the Xmas of 2009. People give me a break. Again, I ask, what have you got to hide? Are you a terrorist?

All of you know that the reason for the searching is because the best and easiest way to hide something is in a body part cavity. I remember when I was growing up, I would hear how female junkies hid their dope in their panties when trying to avoid the police busting them for possession. Get real people!!!! If junkies do it, why wouldn’t the terrorist do it too? I don’t know about you but I have had enough of terrorist getting away with so much due to lack of tight security.

Take it or leave it is what I have to say. That’s just the way of the world now. You either want to be safe on airplanes or you don’t. As I said before, if you don’t like the way airports are handling things now, take a bus or train. And by the way, you would save money doing it too. That’ all I have to say.

Dig Deep First

2010-07-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

Your's truly is back.

First, let’s talk about Shirley Sherrod. She was vilified by someone who took snippets of a video and turned it into “spoken evil.” Why? To make a mockery of Ms. Sherrod. My take on this, make sure you dig deep into a story, video, tape, etc. before you pass judgment. None of this was done by the NAACP, neither the director of the government’s Agricultural Department nor the mass media. How dare them all!

Second, let’s talk about the whale coming down on a yacht. Everyone and I mean everyone said it was a photo shop picture. Now they all know it was not. It was a video shot by someone on another boat that saw it all happening.

So, here is what I have to say about the garbage that is used to defame people and the things that happens to them. What you see on the surface isn’t always what you think it is. Like a detective, you have to dig deep. For example, what would we do without DNA now? Because of it, many people falsely accused of a crime, spent decades in prison to be found later not to be the criminal involved in the crime. Shall I say it again? Dig deep before you pass judgment. Pieces of anything will not answer any questions.

Now as to the apologies, if I were either of the victims of defamation of character, it would be hard for me to accept them. First, Ms. Sherrod was not even allowed to explain the video that was used to defame her. And the couple on the yacht kept saying they were not the ones that shot the video. But did anyone listen? No. The results have now led to the media, people, and organizations saying they made a mistake. And I don’t think I need to mention the culprit behind Ms. Sherrod’s defamation, saying he did the right thing. Are you kidding? What right thing?

All I can say is, if you have a question on something, remember what the characters always said on the old Dragnet television show, “facts, just the facts.” And that’s my belief too. Facts and only the facts.

General Motors has Lost It’s Mind

2010-06-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

Now I have heard it all. GM wants us to stop using the word "Chevy" for Chevrolet. Ok, there is new management in the “new” GM, but are they aware of what the brand name “Chevy” means?

As long as I can remember, using the word Chevy was the only way to describe a Chevrolet. It was cool, it was hip and it was upbeat. Do you remember famous Bob Seger singing about the Chevy truck? “Like a rock” it was called. We as writers know nothing can destroy a company faster than not having a brand name that can be remembered for centuries. Again, has the new GM team forgotten what a brand name means?

How do you feel about it? Are down with not using the word “Chevy” when you talk about the Impala, Corvette, Malibu or the classics like the Nova or Grand Prix? Not me. No matter what the new GM team says, I hope that you, like me, will never, ever stop using the word “Chevy.” And I hope that all of you will let the new GM team know it too. Go to their web site and tell them what you think of their request to abolish the use of the word "Chevy." Show them you care about the brand name for a Chevrolet car. Let them know you will continue to use the word no matter what they say. Now that’s my two cents on the subject.

Detroit Metro Area Wake Up!

2010-05-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

Since the month of May came upon us, there have been two murders, two-three car accidents and a police raid that has brought the death of children; school age children. The perpetrators have been young and old. Come on now, we have got to get our acts together and fix this atrocious attitude some resident in the area have.

We all know what to do about earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes. Why can’t we figure out what to do about this disastrous condition the metro area seems to be in? How long before we get tired? How long before we take control of our lives again? You tell me. I grew up in the metro area when racism was the problem and gangster we aplenty but, we fix that. Why can’t we figure out what to do now?

Here is my suggestion. Stand up and stand tall. Remember that old movie that ran the line, “I’m mad as hell and I am not taking it anymore.” People you need to get mad again. And I mean really mad. Too long this has been building because you can bet money this didn’t just happen. It started a while ago. But we turned our heads and said, “Not my problem.” Well guess what, it is your problem now. All of you need to start at home and explain to your children this is not the way to resolve disagreements. Shooting a gun and running wild is not the answer.

Are you with me? Are you ready to put your two cents in? Or do you want to live in fear behind barred windows? Stop and think about it, this is the future. It makes me think of the movie in which cars were burned and people were slaughtered. I can’t remember the name of it but if you can drop me a line because I know you know what movie I’m talking about.

Again I ask, when are you going to jump in and take control again. Run the show and get rid of the hooligans. Take charge. Do the right thing as Spike Lee said. Detroit Metro Area it’s your turn.

The Purple Book of Sucess Chapter Review

2010-05-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine who is very much spiritually led asks that I review the first two chapters of the book The Purple Book of Success: How Every Woman Can Create Her Very Own Success by Nickcole Byrd. In both chapters one is led off with sound information as to how to start a journey to success using Christian principles and plain old common sense. The chapters discuss how mixing the two will ultimately lead you to the end of your journey/goals that has been ordained by the one and only God.

It also reiterates how nothing is worth anything without walking hand in hand with God. It discusses that which you can touch and that which you can only feel or sense is the right direction in your success journey. As the author so aptly put it, “The tangibles, the bank account, the career, are the overflow of the underlying successes in your life. Working toward these sets you up for the ultimate success -- and that is balance and true fulfillment in mind, body and spirit. There should be one defining emotion about success.”

The author also talks about having strength, courage and obedience to fulfill your dreams of success. She expresses that without any of the three, you are setting yourself up for failure. As a spiritual person herself, the author says through her Principles of Power that if you follow them, you will become successful.

Do I feel that it is all possible? Of course; it only takes what you are willing to commit to.

When it Comes to Health Care Reform

2010-03-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

All I can say is Republicans give me a break. Let go of the politics and get off your butts and help fix the health care system here in America. Bi-partisan, do you even know what that means? Let me feed you a scenario. I am 56 years-old and do not have health care insurance. I have high-blood pressure and in 2009 had two mini-strokes (TIA) four days apart. I also have high cholesterol. I take medications to curb the aforementioned issues. How do I get help for my health issues? I go to what used to be a free clinic for those who had no insurance. Now I have to pay $15 for each visit to the clinic because of the economy. My income is a small pension I get after turning 55. Here’s the catch. Each week I get the hospital bills for the stays in the hospital after my TIAs.

How did I get into this situation? I quit my job as an economic analyst with a financial company back in 2002; changing careers to writing. I planned it all out and in the beginning was able to keep my Cobra for about six months. But because of 9/11 this country went to war and nothing but money was wasted. Oh, did I tell you I live in Michigan? Since the gamble I took changing careers, the two newspaper columns I had dissolved, prospects for getting back into a newspaper dwindled and the only thing I was able to keep were magazine assignments from a publishers in the state of New York and writing workshops in continuing education programs in a few community college school districts.

What does this have to do with health care reform? Everything. Since I am considered self-employed, I can’t afford health care so I go wherever I can to get assistance for free. Since I live in Michigan, the worst of all the 50 states when it comes to the economy, I am caught in the middle. Remember that old saying, “I am caught in the middle and I’ll be dammed.” What I am caught between are Democrats and Republicans who both think they know what’s needed. Well, not a single one of them called me.

The House of Representatives passes a health care reform bill and President Obama signs it. Now the Senate wants to go after everything in it and cancelled it. Answer this for me do I have to have a heart attack before you realize that I need assistance with insurance? Will every small business owner have to go broke before you realize they need assistance with insurance issues? Will every individual have to go through emergency to get treated have to do so before you realize they need assistance?

Let the fight come to an end please. Stop arguing about who got what, when they got, how they got, and pass the bill. It is why we can amend things later. No body knows what works when they first start something. But because of the constitution we can fix problems later. And by the way, no abortions are funded by the government. Who ever is stuck on that is not listening. Get with the program Congress or I will seriously start thinking about starting an organization to make sure none of you get re-elected. Don’t think I can’t? I was an activist back in the sixties and I help bring change to Detroit and its racial problems by taking a stand. Believe me when I tell you, I have no problem doing it again. Now that I think about it, maybe I never should have stopped.

Letter to the TV Networks: The Decade is Not Over Yet!

2010-01-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

Ask any mathematician or check your dictionary and you will see that the decade is not over. It doesn’t end until December 31, 2010. A decade is a period of ten years starting with the number one! You know counting years of ten, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Why do so few know this?

It is so sad to see news anchors and journalists at/on the top TV stations such as NBC, FOX2 and CBS that don’t even know when a decade starts and when it ends, for shame, for shame, for shame on you. And you call yourselves professionals. And you even have staff to check on it for you. You should fire them. They are not doing their job from what I’ve heard and seen today on TV about the so called “past” decade.

By the way, what schools did you television people go to? The teachers would fall down crying knowing that you don’t remember all they taught you. Especially your past elementary school teachers because that is where you first learned about decades. Please, whatever you do, don’t retire from TV and start teaching. We already have enough people that can’t count. Remember Murdoff and all the Wall Street giants like AIG and Chase couldn’t count either. Shall I start comparing you to them?

You are misleading the children of the world into thinking that the decade has gone and it has not. Aren’t they having enough trouble with children and their learning curves already? It does not help when the kids hear mistakes spoken by the people they emulate or want to be like. Please when you go back on camera, would you please correct yourselves? I am tired of hearing over and over about the past decade that has not yet come. Do it for me and for the children that just might be listening to you.

Yours truly,
Sylvia

My Tribute to the Jackson Family

2009-07-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

They lost a loved one. Yet, they stood strong and together. They wanted to honor him and did it respectfully, grounded and with faith. The memorial to Michael Jackson was one done with reverence and compassion. The Jackson family drew upon their beliefs to show the world the real Michael Jackson. The best part of the memorial is it was done unrehearsed. No plan and no predetermined design of performances by contributors.

As I sat home watching the memorial on television, so many things flowed through my mind. Thinking, as Michael sits up in heaven was he pleased with what he saw? Did he realize just how much he was loved? Could he even comprehend the affect he had had on the world? So I began talking to Michael. I said, “Michael look, take a real long look. You hid from the world but it didn’t matter. It didn’t stop people from around the world from admiring you, simply because they loved you. So what if you were a bit eccentric. So what if you were shy. So what if no one really knew you. You were and always will be loved.”

As I continued watching the memorial, I could not stop admiring the Jackson family. Each speaker was hugged by Michael’s brothers and sisters when they finish putting their heart into words. They did it all to say I heard you loud and clear and thank you so much. Each song chosen to sing was the right song, for the right reason, at the right time. Michael’s memorial should be looked upon as an example of how memorials should be done. No blueprint, no outline, no script, only heart felt emotions, period. Therefore, I know he will Rest in Peace.

Yesterday I paid my respects to Michael Jackson. Today I want to tell the Jackson family, thank you for a job well done!

A Couple of Tidbits on my Mind

2009-06-01T07:44:00.001-07:00

Landline or Cell

This is not the first time I have heard people talk about why one should disconnect one’s landline phone. Have you people LOST YOUR MINDS? Here is why I ask you this. Don’t you all remember that the wiring for landline phones are underground now? Don’t you remember that when a tornado, hurricane, or thunder storm hits a region, the towers for cell phones, computers, blackberries, etc are wiped out? Don’t you remember the electricity for your house is above ground still? Yes, electricity, you know the battery charger? Each time power has been lost no one and I mean no one has been able to use cell phones or computers but landline phones were still useable. Duh? Now do you still want to disconnect them for good?

Yes, I know one needs a cell phone, like for emergencies away from home. But get real people, like cars they can’t operate without the gas it needs. Like your food, you can’t use it for a connection to others without the fuel you need to cook your food. Imagine being in the war and you lose a couple body parts, you might not be able to walk or write a letter. Yes, I know that sounds a little cruel but it helps me make the point. You still need landline phone connections, like it or not.

Good old General Motors

Now it’s official, General Motors has filed bankruptcy. Now only God knows - up front mind up - how many more jobs are going by the way side. Yes, the company needed a shakeup but, they really should of thought of this about two decades ago. Darn shame it took a disaster on 9/11 to get the country going in trying to fix the mess it was in. Darn shame it took a recession in the US and depression in Michigan (where I live) to realize we were screwed economically. Too bad it took the changing of the guard (president) to make whatever attempt it could in fixing a disaster. I don’t know about you but I hope we all have learned something in this mess. Like, don’t spend what you don’t have. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. That paying for something now is better than paying for it later. That the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

The other side to this is the auto suppliers, engineers and those with families who ALL work in the auto industry are going to suffer the most. The sad part is no one and I mean no one seems to have thought of the old saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in the same basket.” Thank God that although both my parents worked in the auto industry, only one of their children, a sister of mine, worked in it too. The other four, including myself, we went in other directions. Hopefully, going back to basics has given us all just cause to reevaluate what is important in life and what isn’t. And the well paying auto industry job is not the answer anymore.

Wouldn’t You Change Your Mind?

2009-05-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here’s the question. If you came home from work and found your house had been broken into and it’s in shambles, what would be your first thought? If you’re like me it would be, catch them and hang them high. If the law doesn’t I surely will.

Now here’s the information you’d get the next day. Those who broke in and destroyed your home were caught by the police. Now for the details. One, they were all 12-year-olds who are mentally challenged. Two, they were falsely told your home was going to be torn down and they could go in and take whatever they wanted. Three, they had to do it with guns to their backs. Four, sadly the real crooks were not the ones caught. Do you still want to catch and hang them high?

This is why I don’t understand why people are not jumping for joy that President Obama is not a stubborn ass who thinks he can do no wrong and is perfectly right about everything. As we all know, the controversy is about pictures, war pictures, war pictures that show torture. What the president wanted originally was to show them to the public. What the president found out later was, he could cause more harm than good. So he said it would be a no go due to new information acquired.

Don’t you remember when your mother and father would be so far off from the truth? But you couldn’t tell them so because children were to be seen and not heard? Well, all I can say is, thank you President Obama for realizing those you pay and supervise (your children) can be heard, not just seen. Thank you for changing your mind.

Now, if we could just get the other children out there to cross the street safely, like President Obama, they would stop at the corner, look both ways to see if it is safe, then cross. I know I would and that is exactly what the president did. So, those who are upset, maybe, just maybe, you need a refresher course on how to look both ways then walk between the crosswalk lines before crossing a street.

Hear Yee! Hear Yee!

2009-02-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hear is my announcement. GET A LIFE PEOPLE! Okay, maybe I shouldn’t shout it to you. But my problem is all the e-mails I get to join one Internet social site after another. Give me a break please.

I am having a real problem here understanding when all of you out there have time for such lollygagging. Me, I work 15 hours a week writing display information at a museum. I teach writing workshops each week, including Saturdays. I go to gradate school at night twice a week, with three thesis papers to write for one class and a quiz every week in the other one. I tutor two children twice a week. I write as a freelance writer so I am always looking for work and at this time I am finishing my third book to take to market. I also write for web sites like ehow.com and helium.com that brings me passive income. So you tell me, when would I have time to be on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and any other social Internet web site. And I would like to ask you, when do you work?

I am not trying to be unsociable here, just wondering when and how do you make a living? As I said, I work. The other thing that bothers me is, do you ever talk face to face? As a believer in communication, I find it rather hard to see how anyone can say they communicate with many others when they spend more time on their computer instead of looking into the eyes, listening to the words out of the mouth, watching facial expressions and body movements, one on one. Without them to me, you miss out on more detail communication.

Yes, the social web sites are one way to network but it is not the only way. When you are out into the world, you meet, shake hands, hold conversations, monitor the body and can see whether or not the individual is for real. That is not what you can do on the Internet. Sure on places like You Tube, you can see the person but, they set it up for what they want you to see, not what is a natural reaction to words and movements. Remember it is acting.

Now maybe you can explain to me why it is necessary to join all of the web sites I mentioned before? Do you make any money on them? Do they get you hooked up with the right people to make money? If you are a writer, do you get writing jobs from them? I ask that question because most of the invites are from other writers. Anyway, if you got a good response to my question, feel free to comment. I really want to know. Convince me if you think you can.

I’m Back

2009-01-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

Yes, you heard me right, I am back. Where have I been you ask? Fighting to survive is where I’ve been. Like others here in America, I had a real bad setback financially. This caused me to focus on how to keep a roof over my head and food in my belly. But, as the old saying goes, what goes down will come back up, and it is true. I am back in the saddle again. So here are some of my tidbit thoughts on current happenings.

Economy

To be real straight about it, the country is in the dumps and you already know that. What I hope is that people don’t expect Obama to turn this mess into a windfall in our pockets over night. As a matter of fact, he will not be able to turn this situation around for quite a while. This country spent the last eight years getting to this point and it will surely take just as long to come totally back. What we all have to do is learn to be patient. As another old saying goes nothing good comes easy. We must understand we have to get back to the basics first then learn how to become creative. Rushing to resolve our problems can only lead to more problems. As we look for solutions we have to realize and accept what caused them and then begin to fix it.

Financial Woes

Right now the country is experiencing an unemployment rate that is about to replay the early eighties. Have you forgotten what that was like? The rate at that time reached upward to around 18% nationwide and I know because I was working as an Economic Analyst for a banking institution and kept track of the those rates and many others. The real solution to the problem is learning to manage and save money as we stop being so greedy for material things. Have you forgotten that whatever it is you buy, you can’t take it with you when you die? We must again revert back to the thoughts of our grandparents, a penny earned is a penny saved. It‘s not as hard as you think. Trust me I know. It is the very way I was able to climb out of the financial cauldron I ended up in and had to find a way to recover. Ask yourself, what will I do with the money stimulus Obama give me?

Writers

You know newspapers have tanked. Magazines are decreasing in numbers. And writers everywhere are looking for ways to make money doing what they love to do, write. In these hard times, unless you are on staff at a publishing company that is making money, (we all know it isn’t happening) then as a freelancer (like me) the wheels are spending faster and faster against you. So where does that leave us? We have to stay focused on realistic goals. Now don’t get me wrong, there is money to be made out there. What has changed is thinking out the box. Ask yourself, how are people reading now? Is more on the internet or more in hardcopy? Are people truly wanting material to read and what kind? See where I am going here? It is called a “niche market.” Writers of today are really forced to master a niche market if they want to succeed. Without doing so and staying stuck in only one way of doing things will cost you with no return for your work. So think like a homeless, hungry person and find that niche for your writing and go for it. What have you got to lose when you are already on the bottom?

Presidential Debate; Give Me A Break

2008-09-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

This independent voter saw a war going on, on stage. McCain was on the attack while Obama was too elusive. McCain got emotional and Obama was a straight arrow. Did it matter to me? You bet it did. What I saw in the debate was a personal battle between the two. Obama was on the defense protecting himself against McCain’s offense.

What I wanted to know was how each would establish dialogue with foreign countries. How would they end the war in Iraq? What exactly would they do about Afghanistan? What I got was McCain with an attitude. The rest of the world be dammed, because he didn’t trust a single leader in a single country. While on the other hand, Obama wanted to extend a hand but was not specific enough on how.

Another thing that pissed me off was, McCain repeatedly saying “Obama doesn’t understand.” Did he think everyone that was listening and watching was deaf and dumb? I heard you McCain. And by the way, that’s your opinion and not mine. This was supposed to be a debate (to discuss or argue points formally) not a personal war. But I guess since McCain didn’t go to college, he didn’t have any experience in debating. If I wanted to get ugly, Obama did go to law school which is where one actually learns how to debate an issue.

But let’s get back to the debate. Obama did give a few specifics (on middle class). McCain kept harping on his military experience. Well, his military experience does not apply to saving my behind economically. It will not reemploy all those who have lost their jobs. It won’t put a roof over the heads of those who have no place to call home. So McCain knows how to fight a war, but he doesn’t seem to “understand” the war is not the first concern of the homeless, jobless and the hungry.

I hope the next debate provides more insightful information on how the candidates are going to fix the “hell hole” this country is in. Tell me, how and when, this country stops rescuing the rest of the world as we die slowly, economically and emotionally. I want a real debate, not another neighborhood fight.

It’s Time

2008-09-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

The mayor has resigned. He has owned up to the things he did wrong. He will have to pay a considerable amount of money back to the city. On earth, as it is in heaven, thine will be done, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

So be it is all we can say now. It’s time to move on, time to repair the damage, reinstall the hope and look to the future. There is plenty of soap in the bathroom, so go wash your hands and get busy. This will not be an easy task but must be accomplished at the speed of light. We waited too long to fix it, so the only choice we are left with is full speed ahead. This disaster is like a hurricane. Citizens of Detroit have been misunderstood, under served and forgotten. It’s time to get everything running again. Yes, this is a sad chapter in the book of life in Detroit. Yet, we’ve been down before and rose up and we can do it again.

Unfortunately, I was not able to see what happen but, I saw the news. Hopefully, the news media reported it right and left it up to me to decide if things were handled with tact. So long protestors, so long advocates, so long headaches. We must all realize hanging on to what can’t be undone would be foolish. Let’s drop the, who said, she said crap. Let’s accept we all have a responsibility now to shine a new light on the city. Let’s rebuild the ladder to the sky. Let’s show the country and the world that it is over. We have moved on to bigger and better things to do.

How do we start? We start with each other. No more discussion of the rights and wrongs of the mess. Let’s talk who helps lay the new foundation, who constructs the buildings, who install the electrics, who installs the plumbing, etc. You see, Detroit is like building a new house. You start from the ground up, making sure that each step is taken with precision so you only have to do it once. No house of straw, mud, or cards. One built solid. Solid like that old song we all loved, Solid Like a Rock.

It’s a new day in a new season. If nothing else, to thy own self and the rest of the world, be true

It’s About Time

2008-08-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

Finally, the mayor of Detroit is going to see what it is like to be treated like an ordinary citizen and not like a king. It’s about time is all I can say. Too many times Mayor Kilpatrick has felt he was above the law. The rules of a nation did not apply to him. Too many times Mayor Kilpatrick felt he should be given special treatment because is the mayor. Way too many times he saw himself and a deity and nothing less.

If that wasn’t bad enough, he took his children to court with him seeking sympathy. Not!! How could a father expose his young children to a court hearing that could possibly make a fool out of him? By the way, where was his wife Carlita? Did she not care how her children would react to seeing their father face a judge with no empathy whatsoever for a law breaker? My, my, my, this is one family that needs to seek counseling if for no other reason than the children’s well being.

The best part to this fiasco by Mayor Kilpatrick is his finding out what it is like to spend a night in jail. He has been processed, he will be suited in a prison jumpsuit, he will have to go straight to sleep when it is light’s out time and wake when he is instructed too. He will no longer be in charge. Like everyone else he has to take orders instead of giving them. Yes, there is a God and it ain’t Kilpatrick.

My hopes for the mayor are that he finally wakes up and really smells the coffee. That he accepts the fact that he is responsible for all his actions, good and bad. That he realizes he is not a God and never was. That he recognizes the job is just that, a job, and not a dictatorship. If nothing else I hope that he acknowledges he is not the only person in the world that can run the city of Detroit. In the long run all can be repaired if he just let it go.

On another not, the judge did what he had to do. Think about it, he will be up for reelection and his image is just as important to him as any other political individual. Do I hear an Amen?

More Musings from Sylvia

2008-07-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I stretched the truth. You didn’t hear from me the week after my last rant. I have been busy. Sue me. My blog today is a short and simple one.

Detroit
Enough all ready Kilpatrick, step down like a man so the city can move forward. As I see it, you are hanging by a thin thread and can’t hear the music. Your days were numbered a long time ago and you just hate to admit it. Is it because you are afraid you won’t get your pension? Spare me please. Unless you are actually convicted of various crimes, they have to handover the retirement money. I wish they didn’t but it is the law. So take your money and run will you? Give us all a break from the merry go round so we can stop spinning in circles.

McCain and his Supporters
The attack ad is a disgrace. Comparing Brittney Spears and Paris Hilton with Barack Obama, are you kidding? Are you having trouble with Obama having the ability to reach the masses? I don’t think you realize that this country’s citizens are just plain tired of the war, being jobless, losing their homes, high gas prices and a host of other things they feel is the result of a Republican being in office. It is as simple as that. Another eight years of Republican rule scares the heck out of people. They were doing well when a Democrat ran the ship and it went downhill when a Republican took over. Their attitude, fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice, I deserve it. Nobody plans on being fooled again.

Sylvia's Musings

2008-07-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

I know I have been gone for a while. Just let me say it was due to things out of my control. So let’s just move on. I would like to share my musings on a few things going on right now.

The Financial Market
With the Dow Jones taking a plunge like it has been doing for the last month, the first thing that comes to my mind is depression. The housing market has hit rock bottom, food prices are at an all time high, gasoline prices are rising faster than you can blink your eyes, weather across the country reminds me of the book of Revelation in the Bible, job markets are tanking out in every sector except engineering and medicine, the cost to attend institutions of higher learning has locked out the average citizen, unknown diseases are appearing out of nowhere, the fires in California are burning like the place we call he**, so called friends of the presidential candidates are showing their true colors, airlines are going out of business and the city of Detroit is riddle with scandal. Now you tell me, doesn’t this sound like the decade of the 1930’s.

Presidential Race
Now that the race is down to two candidates, everyone is either on one side or the other of the swinging pendulum. And if that isn’t enough, everybody is also voicing their opinion on any and every subject that they feel is important. Whether it is about health care, the war in Iraq, housing, jobs, four-day workweeks, and children or the next adult generation; with no immediate solutions, nobody is happy and all feel like they don’t have a choice in anything anymore. What can the next president do? Your guess is as good as mine.

War
It doesn’t matter if it is Iraq or Afghanistan; it looks as if we are destined to be in a war someplace. Pull the troops out of one country and send them to another is the mood today but, why can’t we just pull them out of them both? War is ugly no matter how you look at it. Lives are lost for reasons that we as normal citizens have no say so in at all. Yes, they tell you it’s for the good of the world but how do they know if that is true or not. Think about it, who has anything to gain from these wars besides the ones with money tied up in them. It sure isn’t me. Do you?

Well that is some of the musings going around in my head lately. My opinion may or may not matter to anybody else. But those are my view points at this time on this day. See you next week.

I’m Not Dead Yet

2008-06-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

I am really ticked off with businesses and government agencies saying they have to find ways to keep the under 40 age crowd here in Michigan. While at the same time, nationwide the age of 50 is the new 40. If that is true, and many swear by it, then Michigan better start looking at how to keep the experienced, stable, and devoted 50 plus crowd in Michigan too.

Don’t get me wrong, yes, this state needs new blood. But the blood all ready in the bank is like plasma with a long time line. Who do you think taught the “youngins”? Yet, businesses and government agencies want to act like octopuses with eight arms never thinking about the best fit. What I mean by that is this, sometimes someone with age and experience should have the job and other times new ideas that were never tried just might be the best fit.

But what I see is employers wanting nothing old, only the new. They want new blood with lots of training and experience. Hello, the younger set have new blood but, only the older set have the long term experience.

I bring this up because with many more announcement made about downsizing in the auto industry, the up coming downsized are most likely over 40. They’re told to not worry. They’re told their experience coupled with new/re training will get them new jobs. Liars! Age discrimination is back in vogue agin. I’ll tell you why.

The younger set don’t have kids in college, grandchildren, or aged parents thy have to take care of. They can work for $32,000 a year. The older set can’t. They spent a lifetime climbing the ladder and are asked to start over at a lower pay. You do the math. Fifty plus in age means to climb the ladder again, another 10-15 years added to the 30 all ready completed. While the under 40 set (25-40) will spend the same 30 years the over fifty crowd completed all ready but will get no credit for them.

Why? They cost more. Back to the math. Would you pay someone $50,000 plus to do a job that you can hire someone to do for a starting pay of $30,000? I don’t think so. Employers look to the bottom line. The one that demonstrates whether or not a profit is made. If you knew you could trim your expenses by 40% to produce profits, don’t tell me you wouldn’t. Which means the 50 plus individual doesn’t have a fighting chance in getting a decent job after being downsized and competing with an under 40 plus person.

It’s a shame age discrimination is disguised as bottom line dollar profitability. You could also say, they’re just burying the 50 plus crowd alive. Sorry to tell you, like it or not, we’re not dead yet.

How Are You Classified?

2008-05-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

In the U.S. people seem to ponder the proper way to describe an individual. Here is what I am talking about. If one is of Irish ancestry, they are referred to as Irish American. If they are from Italian stock, they are referred to as Italian American. You get the picture, right? Well, we have a problem.

I was born here in the U.S. I am actually of a mixed breed but, because of the color of my skin, I am classified as an African American. This is not correct and I will tell you why. If a child born in Africa comes to the U.S. to live, then becomes an American citizen he would then be classified as an African American. So where does that leave me?

My great-great grandfather was a mix of Seminole Indian and Black. He married a Caucasian woman. Their children all married what were called Negroes then. My mother was part of those siblings. So again I ask you what does that make me? I was born right here in the U.S. and not Africa.

So if you think about it, everyone is attached to their ancestry. Notice mind is definitely not just one. But if I am to be classified by my skin color, then it should be Black American and not African American because that would cheat those from Africa out of their right to hold true to their ancestry when it comes to classification. And I am offended because it is not done to any person with lighter skin tones.

No matter which country your ancestry is part of; Korea, China, Italy, German, England, Spain, France, India, etc, they are all classified as __________ American (you fill in the blank). And another thing, those of Indian ancestry here are referred to as Native Americans. Notice they were born here and are allowed to designate that. WAKE UP AMERICA! Think about it. Am I really an African American or like Obama, a mixed breed who should really be known as Black Americans or possibly just Americans; for we are truly the people with an ancestry background in the United States of America.

Kwame, Kwame, Kwame

2008-04-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Perjury (noun) the offense of deliberately telling an untruth in court when under oath.

Okay, we here in the Detroit Metro area are now given more evidence of more lies. The question becomes, can Detroit still be ran efficiently with this new distraction. Funny I just posted on this blog the distraction concerning Obama and now there is one concerning Kwame Kilpatrick. All I can say is, “Lord, give me a break please.” It is no surprise to me that most people are probably tired of the same old bull going back and forth in local and national politics.

The reason being, whether the President admits it or not, we are in a recession. We need to get to work fixing this country’s financial woes. The state of Michigan is in a worse state than the rest of the country. Michigan never really recovered after 9/11. I know, because I took a leap of faith and started a new career of writing in 2002 and the results have not been good. Don’t get me wrong. There have been ups but mostly downs for me. Bad timing on my part. The recession started in Michigan in 2002and continued on until the whole country is now affected. Blame it on the war, blame it on politics, blame it on whatever you want, it’s here now and needs fixing.

This makes it hard for the rest of the country to understand or have any desire to come to Michigan. Kilpatrick’s issues don’t help either. Detroit is the biggest city in Michigan. It is the home of the Big Three and the rest of the auto industry. When people think Michigan, they think Detroit, not Lansing, Grand Rapids, or Pontiac. This puts Kwame Kilpatrick in a precarious state as mayor. Should he stay or should he go is the question?

Here’s what I think and why. Yes, he should resign. But what you may have not thought of is this. If Kilpatrick resigns, he collects no unemployment here in Michigan. The state changed that law back in the 1980s. If he is let go by the city council, then unemployment can be disbursed to him. Now think about it. Kilpatrick has mounting legal fees, a family to take care of, and who knows how many other bills coming every month and no home of his own. With a foundation set up to help him with his legal cost, how would all the other expenses be covered if he gets no unemployment. So, I think he is hanging in until he is let go to be able to receive some money without a job. By the way, if you were an employer, would you hire him after this scandal that has surfaced? I don’t think so. That is why Kilpatrick won’t quit. It’s a money thing.

Obama, Wright or Whomever

2008-04-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

As a Black independent voter in America, I listen to righteous debates, I tune out mudslinging. When it comes to electing the head of the household of the USA, I have no interest in personal innuendoes or anything similar to one.

Lately, I have noticed that no one, and I mean no one, seem to remember the reasons behind an election coming up to select an individual to run a country in the best interest of billions of people. This upsets me greatly. I have no desire to hear about what is on a candidate’s personal slate. My mind is set on how the company will be ran. Yes, I said company. The USA is a big corporation and the CEO is the one in charge. If the CEO is not up to par, then the company will go bust.

Look at the shape the company is in now. It is going broke. Its employees no longer can do their jobs and headquarters needs a shake out. What does this have to do with Obama and Wright? Everything. Obama and Clinton are climbing the corporate ladder to become the next CEO of the USA. If Wright can attempt to derail Obama, as well as, Clinton and Obama try to derail each other, then independent voters like me, have to seriously consider who should be elected and who should not.

People wake up and smell the coffee. As you look to make a decision on who should become the next CEO of this country, do not buy into the mudslinging, no matter which direction it comes from. Stick to the details of running this country. Listen for the details and not the bull crap under cover as genuine customer (you) concerns.

Clinton was yesterday’s distraction and Wright is today’s. Tomorrow you can bet there will be another distraction to keep you unbalanced when it comes to deciding who is best at running the company of the USA. Stay focused on what is being offered to you the customer. You do it when you go shopping and that is what you are actually doing now to select the next president of the USA. Let not the dissenters or acerbic customers keep you from making a choice of your choosing instead of theirs. That's what the right to vote means. That is why it is of the utmost importance. Don’t waste your time on those who don’t understand you and your wants, whether it is Wright, Clinton, McCain, or Obama.

Whew! I have been busy. An Update.

2008-04-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, you haven’t heard from me for some time. Sorry. I have been working my behind off. With two stories to write for anthologies, a magazine piece, and four school writing projects - with one being a research thesis type - I have not had much time for bloging. Don’t forget I tutor and do workshops also. One other thing, I took a long workshop on grant writing and had to put a grant together to submit to the professor, all of this in the last month. I am now a certified grant writer. Have papers to verify it too. Yea!

My schedule has been so hectic in these past two months, I thought I was about to go crazy. Not only have I been busy but, the Metro Area I live in was too. Detroit has been on the airways for so many reasons I wouldn’t know where to begin talking about it. I am sure you have seen the mess about the city and its scandal. Then yesterday, one of Michigan’s senator's husband was caught with a prostitute. As a writer, I would have a ton of stories to blog about considering the powers that be are supplying me all the fodder I would need to blog.

Anyway, just thought I’d let you know, I am still around, working hard. I beg you to give me just a little more space and I will get back to you by the end of this month. I am only one person with only two hands and one head. Guess what? My head is full right now. As soon as some of this clears up, you will see me back to bloging with a vengeance.

Talk to you later!

I Am All Worn Out Now

2008-03-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I have tried to look at the entire mess from every angle I could think of. I looked from the left and the right. I looked up and down. I even looked at it from the outside and the inside. No matter where or how I looked at the city of Detroit’s mess, I still was disappointed.

First, Mayor Kilpatrick gave the most beautiful speech on the State of the City. He reminded us all how much has been accomplished and how much is still to be done. He gave credit where credit was due and took a little for himself. Yet, when it was over, all anyone will ever remember is the last three to five minutes. Why? First, picture the city of Detroit as you would the city of New York on 9/11. Then like New York, picture someone dropping a bomb on the city. Then think about what you did then. You cried then and so did I after Mayor Kilpatrick’s speech.

I don’t know about you but I am so frustrated now I feel as if I might as well give up. As a Black woman who grew up during the fifties and sixties, I can only think of how hard so many fought for the right to be heard. Many died and sacrificed during that time to be listened to. Then Mayor Kilpatrick set us back a hundred years. How? By conducting himself in a manner that many still believe is what Black folk do.

You see, even though we have reached the younger generation of Whites, the older generation is still waiting to see what happens when Blacks are put in control. As the old saying goes, sometimes it is not what you do but what you say when under pressure. Trust me when I tell you, too many still believe Blacks and women cannot handle the job of being the boss. It is why there is so much conflict between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Most look at them with the thought of, which are the lesser of two evils. So they pick Obama because at least he is of a mixed race.

You know like I know, the power is in the money and the money is controlled by what is called a White old boy's power structure. If they could have their way, the money would never be controlled by a Black or a woman. New York Mayor Eliot Spitzer has shown us how the old boy’s network is still in the game, like it or not. So what do you think they are talking about in the back room about Detroit? It definitely is not, “you go boy!”

Maybe it is time Mayor Kilpatrick looked for another line of work. He does have credentials as a lawyer. Maybe he should revisit what the law is and is not. Maybe he should redo an etiquette class. However it goes, he should think about getting out of the game before he messes it up some more.

Behind Closed Doors No More

2008-02-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

It’s over. The door has been opened to the public. Kilpatrick can leave it alone now. In other words, let it go. The Michigan Supreme Court said the bucket argument doesn’t hold water. There is a hole in the pail.

I am so glad that all that was said and done is finally available to everyone and anyone to view. Hopefully, now what the h#@$ was carried out in the name of justice can be seen by all. We will all be able to see the pile of sh#@$ that was dropped in our laps and told to deal with it! Your money and my money has in the past and now in the future will be paying for this mess for a long time. Lies, lies, and more lies are now going to be brought to the light. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to SCREAM as loud as I can in Kilpatrick’s ear. WHAT THE H#$@ WERE YOU THINKING? DO YOU THINK I AM STUPID?

The sad part to all this is, Kilpatrick and his posse still think it was a political campaign. I got an e-mail that tries to blame the newspapers for “his” fiasco. As I said before, I am a journalist and I know better when it comes to what is legal and what is not. It’s part of being in business as a journalist. Picture this scenario. I just cut off Kilpatrick’s hand when I caught him with it in the cookie jar. As we stand in the kitchen - face to face - with the bloody hand in mine, Kilpatrick is swearing to God, it is not his. That I am imagining things.

We all know the old saying, “too much, too little, too late.” I wonder if Kilpatrick has ever heard it before. Lord knows I have tried repeatedly to give Kilpatrick the benefit of the doubt, being young and all, but this just shows how arrogant the brother was and still is. What was read on the news this afternoon from the documents was appalling, one deal to cover another deal and no explanation to the city council on the details. If they don’t take it upon themselves - as the charter allows - to remove Kilpatrick from his throne, then it will be time to give them a look over. But that’s another story that I am sure will be told soon.

To all of you out there in Metro Detroit, you better start demanding your rights, like the newspapers did. If you don’t, then we might as well continue fighting in the Middle East for somebody else’s treatment and forget about our own.

Give me a Break

2008-02-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, the sh*** has hit the fan and Mayor Kilpatrick needs to let it go. Let go of what you ask? Let go of the bull he is trying to mislead the public with. No, the news media did not gather their information illegally. If they had, they would have been no different from the news media of yore. Remember back in the day we - the Black Americans - would say the news media never let us have a voice. Now that we are the voice of the people, the mayor wants us to believe we don’t know how to tell the truth.

As a former newspaper columnist, I know for a fact that I, nor any other news reporters could possibly write untruths and not get caught. I know that we would do prison time if we did. Let us not forget the Black women - whom I will not name here - in Washington that told the lies about the kid in the ghetto. She wrote a week long expose on the child, won awards and then was discovered to be lying about the whole thing. Believe me when I tell you; a good journalist is not stupid enough to do a repeat job, especially, when it comes to government leadership and tax dollars.

Here is what I believe is Mayor Kilpatrick’s problem. It’s called an ego. Although his has been bruised somewhat, he still has an obsessive preoccupation with himself in the sense of “I made an egregious error but so what,” I am still the best thing running Detroit. I really don’t think he realizes just how much damage he has done or how to deal with it. His ego won’t let him face the music with grace. Instead, he’d rather face it with the “in your face” attitude of the streets.

It is so amazing to me that the Detroit mayor has no clue as to how much harm he has committed or the price he will have to pay for it. If I remember it correctly, it goes, “too much, too little, too late” having been exposed to continue hiding what one has done. Whatever went on between the mayor and the fired police officers have to be reckoned with and continuing to pretend it won’t, is just plain stupid. Mind you, I have never thought of Mayor Kilpatrick as stupid but, the way he is dealing with all this is showing me he has bad days just like the rest of us. In other words - like us - sometimes we don’t think before we speak or act then get upset when we get caught.

My suggestion to the mayor, stop, take a deep breath, think on it, look in the mirror, then ask yourself, how would I feel if the shoe was on the other foot and I was the one who had been duped? Then he should think that old refrain, I will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God. Amen.

Detroit Mayor’s Troubles

2008-01-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of the mess the city will have to deal with. I mean the city residents. That’s because the mess looks to involve tax dollars. What do I personally think? Well, here goes.

What many in politics seem to not understand is the old say, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” City residents and business proprietors look to a mayor to lead by example. If a mayor wants respect and trust, a mayor must practice respect and trust toward its residents and business owners. So far it looks as if trust has been broken due to possible perjury. It also looks as if respect has gone out the window due to no response.

Now I think it is imperative Kilpatrick comes out of the dark and into the light with a strong message as to why. Without doing so, the scandal and alleged perjury issues will just get blown out of proportion. Yes, text messages say there was an affair. The questions are who paid for it and was it related to the dismissal of Gary Brown, Harold Nelthrope, and Walt Harris from their jobs. Was there a connection with a party at the Manoogian house? I sure do hope not.

I totally agree with a person’s antics having nothing to do with taking care of business. But this extra marital affair - however long ago it was - seems to be directly connected to the firings. That is what I think pisses people off. Most people in this country know power that politicians obtain occasionally lead some into relationships that are not acceptable. So what’s new? That part of this is no real surprise. It’s the attempted cover up that destroys the trust and respect. Especially when it also causes the destruction of people’s lives just doing what they are paid to do.

What can anyone believe when dots, that were once scattered, are now coming together? What can anyone believe when tax money spent unofficially is supposedly unavailable for repairing a city? What can anyone believe if those in a court room say no when the true answer is yes?

We all know that eventually this will become history like all other scandals do. Yet, until then, we the citizens are asked to do the math. I don’t know about you but, the numbers are not adding up for me.

Who Will Be My Next President?

2008-01-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

This campaign era we are in is bringing out the ugly in the candidates as it always has. I watched the debate this past weekend and was very disappointed. I wanted to know the plans. Being one of the independents that they say they were after, makes me wonder if they truly understand why we are independent.

When I watch debates, I want simple things. They go like this. One, what do you plan to do about the economic situation across the country, especially in the state of Michigan where I live. Two, since I already know where you stand on the war in Iraq, how do you plan to fix the debacle it is in. Three, where do you stand and what are you going to do about the No Child Left Behind law which I am totally against. Four, when it comes to health care for Americans, what do you plan to do about it, period. I could go on and on but you get the picture I am sure. I want straight answers from each candidate and not a mud slinging contest from them.

If I remember correctly one or two of the candidates gave an answer or two but the whole debate disappointed me. I still have no idea who stands for what or why. So who do I vote for? Yes, I will still cast my ballot but I am in a quandary as far as for whom. I look at the job of the president the same way I look at any job applicant. You must show me your qualifications. They start with education, past experience, communication abilities, view points, attitude toward team work, etc. All of you have applied for jobs before. Why should the job of the president be any different in applying for than any other job?

The next president has to perform better than the president before him. This applies to every job you have ever had to fill. For me there is no difference in applying for the job of the president. I will tell you why. This individual has the responsibility of running this country the way you run any successful business. In doing so, he/she must run it efficiently, competently, with a mission statement to follow, solid policies to follow and a complete understanding of who he/she works for, us, the people.

So far I only see a trace of this. Some look to have potential and some don’t. If I, an independent is continuously overlooked, will find myself truly wondering why I should continue to believe in America.

Another New Year

2008-01-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

* Please Note* Yes, I have been away for a while but hopefully the obstacles that blocked my path I have gotten rid of never to get in my way again. Consider me back in the saddle as the saying goes.

How many times have you wished that the new year you are entering will be different from the last one? You tell yourself this time things will get better. You promise that this time you will work harder. You pray and pray that just once you want things to look upward and not downward. Did it ever occur to you that some things are simply out of your hands?

Yes, you do control yourself but you can’t possibly control anything else. The only thing you can do is change you, not the rest of the world. Understand that you must accept that no matter how much work you put into changing yourself, you cannot and never could change the rest of the world. Too often we as humans think that if we change our surroundings, our thoughts, and our beliefs, things will automatically get better for us. Ha! That is a pipe dream.

Here is what you can do and why it is the only thing that will work for you. First, yes, change the way you look at the world. Do what you have to do for yourself but don’t expect others to follow and/or agree with your actions. Surround yourself with those who are positive toward you. The old saying “step out the box” is what you will find you will have to do. Get out of your comfort zone because it obviously hasn’t been working for you up to now.

Second, make a plan and write it down. Now this plan should not be something out of your reach. It should be a step plan. This means that each step should follow the one before it. You can’t move onto the “B” part of the plan if you haven’t completed the “A” part. Make sure the plan begins with steps you can accomplish. For example, don’t start out saying you are going to make $20,000 this year if you haven’t figured out what you have to offer the rest of the world. Come up with a product, service, or a combination of both first. Afterwards, know how you will market and sell it. Now you will have a plan that you can visualize and it just might work.

Say it is more education you desire? Can you go back to school without knowing what you want to study? Can you study at a higher level without knowing what school teaches it? I don’t think so. This is why I say the only thing you can change is you.

Get yourself in the drive gear to change the year ahead for your betterment. Then commit to what you desire and starting driving in that direction. If you find no one wants to help, drop them. It may sound cruel but it is the only way you will reach your goal. Those who don’t as the young folk say “have yo back,” then your new year dreams are doomed before you even begin them. Step out of your comfort zone, make a plan, commit to it and watch things turn out better this year than it was the last one. I’ll be praying for you.

Wishing on a Star

2007-11-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

It is all over the internet. An organization here in my town of Detroit, Full and Fabulous, is taking on a star. This organization is one that takes girls with low self esteem because of weight issues and turns them around. How do they do it? By helping them to believe in themselves as future stars.

So one day, the girls thought why not get a real star to come and talk with them about self images and how to turn theirs around successfully. They contacted the star’s company about what was needed for them to do to make this one dream come true. The cost turned out to be $30,000 and first class plane fare and accommodations while in Detroit. So the girls went to work.

Here is where I totally admire the young girls. With no thought of not being able to succeed in raising money to get a star to come, they did it all. They sold candy, had car washes, etc., you name it, they did it with one purpose in mind, get the star! Who was the individual they want so much? Star Jones. Isn’t it ironic her name is what the girls wished upon? Isn’t it also ironic that it was just that, a star that let them down?

Now I won’t go into all the details of the conflict but I will say this. No matter what the legal principals are involved in this fiasco, Star Jones should remember that she wasn’t always the “star” she is now. That she was once one who fought weight battles. That she too, had to build an image without the extra baggage. That she too was once one of the girls. This is why she should let go of the flax and come to Detroit, sit down with the Full and Fabulous girls and apologize.

Would that be so hard to do? Would it drain her pocket book? I say no. What it would do is restore the image the young girls had once because if not, it just might come back to bite her in the butt one day. You see, it’s a matter of ethics and not legalities. It’s a matter of having God consciousness not reaping benefits. I know she has worked hard and come a long way to get to where she is now but, she could still come down because there is still something called a “falling star.”

With all that is going on in this world, picking on some young girls building their self esteem up is not the answer to fame.

Standing on Solid Ground

2007-10-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today I got an e-mail from one of the senators of Michigan. It isn’t important which one it was but what the e-mail contained. In the e-mail was a request for me to take a stand on an amendment to a proposal for hate crime legislation.

To bring you up to date, on record now is an act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This act is now up for amendment due to the limitations that are part of the original act. The amendment has already been approved by one vote in the Senate. Now before a House-Senate Conference Committee, it is imperative that you and I, citizens of this country to voice our opinions on this issue because President Bush plans to veto it.

The act stands now defining hate crimes as offenses motivated by race, ethnic background, religion and national origin. The trouble with that is it does not cover all that entails a hate crime. This is why there is an amendment introduced to it. The amendment will bring into the act a few more details on what is a hate crime. It will insert sexual orientation, gender and disability.

Now you tell me why this should be vetoed by the president? Does he feel that any of the descriptions given for hate crimes are not valid? I personally could not even imagine which part he is against. As far as I know being a Black (ethnic/race) woman (gender) who is a devoted Baptist (religion) may have experienced discrimination in the past or that which may come in the future, be denied the right to protection under the law. Can you tell me no part of this legislation pertains to you? I don’t think so.

So it is up to you, me and others to let the conference committee know, the amendment to the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act is passed. No one should be left out in the cold to be stomped, harassed, or any other way haters find to disrespect an individual that is not like them. Please go to
Hate Crimes to let them know you are against any hate crimes committed and you want the amendment passed. Yes, the democratic senators are doing this but shouldn’t republicans be in on this too?

The Old Refrain, So Much Work, So Little Time

2007-10-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I have been away for a while. I admit, this blogging thing gets the best of me. I have so many thoughts on the happenings in this country and no time to express them. Each day as a self employed individual I am constantly looking for work in my field (freelance writer) and doing the work I already have in the field. If I am not doing that, I am doing school work. Did I tell you school started last month? If that isn’t enough, I have workshops to do which were commissioned some time ago. Am I making excuses? No. Just letting you know, time is of the essence for me. There are only so many minutes in a day.

While I am completing the above mentioned tasks, I watch the news and hear the going ons around the country. I also listen to a particular radio station while on the road which gets me riled. Either way it goes, I just don’t seem to have time to blog. And people wonder why I say I need a wife.

Now before you go thinking I am gay, the answer to your question is, no I am not. The reason I say I need a wife is because of old traditional “wifey” roles. I need a wife because I need someone to do my housework, run my errands, do all the house shopping (groceries/dry goods), get the oil changes done, pay the bills, search for jobs, do my PR work, etc. If I had a wife then I could finish the 2nd edition of my book The Write Life, write a daily blog, do my homework, go to more writer events, attend writing children’s book workshops, get out for entertainment/relaxation more, read my daily devotionals, etc. You see where I’m going with this?

I am only one person who lives alone with little outside contact most of the time. So I have to prioritize the things I have to get done and sorry to say, the blog is not at the top of the list. Trust me when I tell you grad school is nothing like undergrad and writing books take a lot of time. Don’t let me leave out the running around with the high cost of gas here in Michigan. It is at the top of the list around the country. What is entertainment/relaxation? Oh how I wish I could remember.

All of this is what I have to do by myself and then some. Did I tell you I don’t work on Sundays? I spend that time with the Lord and my mother. So there you have it. If you don’t hear from me for a while, it’s because I am just too busy. Most likely looking for a wife.

Broadening Your Literary Horizons

2007-09-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

Today I discuss the literary world. There is so much going on that is depressing to me that I prefer not to be the reporter/journalist at this time.

I would like to discuss the importance of becoming a known writer, to get your name in print and to have readers nationwide recognize you and what you write about is the optimal goal of most writers. Not only that, having the public loving it too, is a hopeful given. I would like to cover one option available to creating and expanding your writing exposure.

For the fiction and nonfiction writer alike, workshops and conferences provide great exposure of you and what you write. Workshops that are part of a conference allow writers to present their expertise in what they write to a greater number. Fiction writers wish to share what they have learned over time. In other words, if you write works of fiction and it has been published by a traditional publishing house, the odds are you have a lot of knowledge on the expectations, contributions, and promotions thrust upon an author.

Due to the nature of the nonfiction writing, writers of this genre usually start their book careers as self-publishers. This in itself is a great stepping stone to learning the trade. The nonfiction writer most likely writes about everyday mattes, yet matters that are not the norms. Who else would know about Feng Shui other than the writer that lives by it, then writes about it? How about writing on processing wine or living as a Buddhist monk? The writers of these topics are the experts on them. One would be amazed at how much interest there is in these types of subject matters. Once the public is made aware of said material being available in print, they buy it. We all have heard the old saying, “if you want to know how many teeth a horse has, go look in the horse’s mouth.” Well, who better to learn the tricks of the trade from than the writers’ themselves. Both types of writers benefit greatly conducting workshops individually and as part of conference curriculums. They become conductors of a learning train, sharing and switching between different tracks toward writer recognition.

The key thing to remember here is that you want to write. But whether or not what you write is read is a different story. If the public doesn’t know you exist, they couldn’t possibly read what you have written. So get out there. Submit your work to anthologies and periodicals. Take part in workshops and conferences as you volunteer to do open mics. Each bit of exposure takes you one step closer to possibly being another Stephen King or Dan Poytner. You never know.

Everyday Lately Has Been an Issue

2007-09-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

One of my dictionaries states one form of the meaning of the word issue is “the final result of an action.” The same is sometimes called a situation, “a state of affairs.” However we all choose to use words to describe what is happening in our lives has a matter of preference. Me, they are “issues” today. And I will tell you why.

Since the first of August I moved from one abode to another. In doing so I downsized, from a house to an apartment. Well, where should I start. Let’s try the phone company who is still trying to say I owe a phone bill from my old location for the time period August 16- September 15. Remember I moved on August 1 and the phone was disconnected. The gas company is saying that I must pay a certain amount on my current monthly electric bill for the past place of dwelling when I made a payment agreement with the billing department right after I gave them the last meter reading for the electricity and gas. The university I go to, which I will leave nameless, has screwed up my government loan money and I still don’t have that which is mine to buy books and many other related expenses for going to school. Leave it to say, each of these “issues” have cost me time making phone call after phone call to clear up the matter and yet, they are still standing as is.

Now, for a really good one. I have had for more than ten years a setup with my internet service provider to access my bank account to take the monthly charge for the service they provide. I checked my account this morning and low and behold, they accessed it three times for the monthly charge of September. I call and was told to fax them my bank statement and they will look into the problem and fix it. Look into it and fix it? Wrong answer. As I told the man I was speaking to, this could cause a great deal of trouble with my bank account because it is used only to pay bills and others will be coming through today and I might end up with an overdraft. You know what he said? “I’m so sorry about that but we will work on this as fast as we can.”

Normally, I am a pretty sensible, patient and a calm person when dealing with companies in error. But as of today, I am ready to call the TV stations and newspapers to let the world know what is really happening to the average citizen who wants to do the “right thing.” I think 48 days of trying to correct that which is wrong is long enough to wait for employees of different companies and schools to do their job. Their job is to fix things as quickly and efficiently as possible without any discomfort on my part. But that is not what is happening. I have spent more time in the last 48 days trying to get businesses to realize and accept responsibility for the errors they committed.

If any of you have any suggestions on how I might be able to fix things, please respond with a comment because I have had it with my “issues” for the last month and a half.

Networking is a Two Way Street

2007-08-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Note: Yes, I am two weeks and two days behind because I have been busy working. How about you?

In a discussion at one of our book signings for Eyes On Fire: Witnesses to the Detroit Riot of 1967, me and my writing partners were talking about reciprocating between writers. What we realized is that most new writers have no understanding of networking being a two way street. New writers attend the workshops and conferences, then write their book and want each and everyone they know to come to their book signings and buy the book. What they don’t understand is, they too much go to book signings and buy books.

Too many times I have done workshops, vendor events, and conferences yet, I hardly ever see the people I connected with at these writer affairs at any of my affairs. What’s up with that? One or two may show but where are the rest? And repeatedly these same people e-mail and call me to give them insights on how to promote, pitch, and get in with the right people when their book is in print. Give me a break!

To all the writers out there remember that, success comes from staying connected all the time with other writers. You have to do as I try to do as much as possible, travel a two way street. When I come to you, you should plan to come to me. No it is not being selfish, it is being smart. One hand washes another. If I know your work and can depend on you at all times, when I run across an opportunity that I can’t fill, it just could be you I recommend. Yet I can’t do that if I never see you until you want something from me. Writing partners, it is up to you to sell yourself and you can’t do it if no one ever sees you. I am not bashing, just passing on a little advice.

Random thoughts from me, the freelance artist

2007-08-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

As I took part in an anthology of the Detroit Riots of 1967, it has turned out to be a very successful venture for the publisher Heather Buchanan and the contributors. Borders, one of the leading bookstore chains has set up on their own three additional book signings after we did one at the store on Mercury in Dearborn, MI. It brought many people interested and aspiring writers to it and each bought the book and signed up for more information on writing from me, Heather and our editor Sharon Stanford. If you would like to know why this book stirred up so much interest, visit aquariuspressbookseller. The name of the book is Eyes On Fire: Witnesses to the Detroit Riot of 1967.

I recently moved to a new abode and found out that I don’t like moving. I not only moved but I downsized too. When you live somewhere for over 13 years, you collect a lot of stuff. In a much smaller space you cannot accommodate all you have. Before I moved I held three yard sales and gave away things but, guess what, I still needed to use my storage unit with Public Storage. In moving, one thing I learned is, get rid of what isn’t absolutely necessary to survive. Otherwise you will end up with more than you know what to do with or where to place it in your new home. The next time I have to move I know I will give an estate sale. In other words, I will sell everything I own at the time. It doesn’t pay to become attached to material things. It can all be replaced.

I have recently gotten a new computer for a gift and it came with the new Windows Vista system. Loaded with tons of new security measures, it has not been a picnic getting patches for software programs I already have. Vista is a totally new version of Windows and it will take patience and fortitude to make any adjustments. Having had it now for about a month and a half, I am still learning new procedures with it and finding out that not many others out in cyberspace know any more than me. Here is the kicker, it doesn’t matter what type of computer you buy, they all come installed with Vista. You are going to be converted, like it or not. So get ready everyone will soon be using the Windows Vista system. Even the software companies have already changed their software to be compatible with it. Very soon no software support will be available for any old versions of windows or any software. My advice? Get your mind set on making a lot of changes with your computer because it apparently is the way things will be in the future. Just thought I’d let you know.

Can I Have the Truth Please?

2007-08-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

I was just reading Jack Lessenberry’s column in the Metro Times, Detroit’s weekly alternative. He discussed the high cost of a higher education and how it will affect the future of this state.

I wholeheartedly agree with his finger pointing. The universities are not to blame for the new cost for an education but our state representatives are; the ones who raised one hand with the other one on a Bible, and swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth as they serve in their respective political positions. As Lessenberry stated, “Your elected representatives are lying to you.” For a state representative to hint that our universities are spoiled, is a bold-faced lie. Did that representative forget how he got his degree? Did he forget how his education was paid for?

I personally don’t believe he has. What I believe is he and other representatives based their decisions on who makes the donations to their campaign funds. As a matter of fact, I have always known this to be true. Just in case you forgot, let me explain the real deal.

If you ran for a political office, you would need lots and lots of money to sell yourself to the district you would represent. When I say lots of money, I am talking millions. The only ones that have that kind of money to give away are the super rich. The super rich are normally those who have an agenda of their own in mind, to keep taxes on them as low as possible. In other words, let somebody else pay the government's bills.

Now let’s say I was one of the super rich and donated up to $10,000 dollars to your campaign. Now once I did that, I would want you to keep in mind that I want to be able to first write the money off my taxes in some way, then, in return I would want some kind of hidden favoritism with a heads up on any upcoming new laws and how they will affect me. Let’s not leave out tips on any way my business can make money off of the government. Getting the picture here?

If all this is constantly going on, do you really think that state representatives or those in any branch of the government, no matter how much they want to, can look out for your best interest? I doubt it. This is why you, the lowly citizen with on a modest income and big bills to pay doesn’t have a prayer in being influential. Yet, as a group of people with big mouths and a lot of guts, you could agree as I do with Lessenberry saying, “. . . each of them should be impeached and charged with criminal negligence.”

Now to let you know, I am back in school getting my masters. The raise in tuition cost means I too will be paying through my nose if I live long enough. Am I mad? You dam right I am. The only advantage I have over some of those trying to go to college is, I do already have a bachelor. And I paid for it out of my own pocket. It’s a shame I now have to pay with my blood to go a little higher in the field of education. You should be screaming your lungs out and do as Lessenberry suggest, impeached and charge your representatives because they are talking to you with their fingers crossed behind their backs.

1967 Detroit Riot

2007-07-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

I lived it with an army-issued weapon that fired bullets pressed against my skull. Should I forget it? No way. Should you? Definitely not!

As long as I live I will never, ever forget what it felt like to be assumed to be dangerous to society. As long as I live I will never forget what it felt like at the age of 14 to wonder if it was my last day on earth. As long as I live “no way Hosea” will I ever forget shedding tears in fear. I sure don’t want you or any current or following generations to forget it either.

This year is not just an anniversary. It is a time to reflect on the past to avoid repeating it. We here in Detroit should not allow past poor discretions define the decisions we make today. Forty years is too long to finally address an issue. We should not be asking ourselves 40 years later what should we do? At this time we should have already done it.

If we don’t begin accepting that too much of the past is still with us, it might just come back and haunt us. Why do I say this? Because after 9/11, the problems of 1967 are still with us but shifted in a new direction. Instead of racial discord between Blacks and Whites, it is now between Arabics and everybody else. Look familiar to you? Separatism is still practiced here in the Detroit Metro area. Southern whites live in their suburbs. Practicing Muslims live in their neighborhoods. Blacks are still the majority of the City of Detroit. Affluent whites own the conclaves of the Bloomfields, Birmingham, Franklin, etc. Isn’t that type of separatism is what started the 60's mess in the first place?

Why are we questioning at this juncture if we should include it in history books? Why are we asking if we should even give it a grain of thought? Why are we asking if we should talk about it? Are we afraid to face the demons inside us? As far as I’m concerned, 40 years is much too long to wait to begin discussions on the subject but, “better late than never” as the old saying goes. So now is your chance to take part in the redesigning of a section of the United States, making it so desirable that many would want to flock here to be a part of a new birth. All you have to do is get the details by talking with those, like myself, who lived it. I would love to tell you my side.

You will have a chance to hear stories of those who experienced the riot of 1967 in Detroit by joining the book signing of the anthology Eyes on Fire: Witnesses to the Detroit Riot of 1967 on July 26, 2007 at the Wayne State University Adamany Undergraduate Library between 6-8 P.M.

Off to Work We Go. Just a Pasing Thought

2007-07-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Here is my question. Who in their right mind really wants to work? No one on this earth, male or female, wants to go to work. What they really want to do is live doing what they love to do and get paid for it.

This past week, TV news programs talked about women facing the issue of being working parents. It’s the old “mommy track” being discussed all over again. Women are not the only parents that have to work. There are single fathers and divorced parents. Do you think they want to leave their children each day as they head off to work? I doubt it.

Let me go back to what I said at the beginning of this dialogue. No one wants to work to survive. Everyone wants to love doing what would be called work. If each individual could choose what they did for pay, the amount of time consumed, the location, everyone would get up in the morning charging forward. No complaints, no delays, no abstinence.

I know if it was guaranteed that as a writer I could sit home each day expressing my thoughts to be printed and get paid, do you think I wouldn’t go to work each day? Not only would I get up running to my computer, I most likely would write more positive and motivational pieces. Why? Because I would be one happy individual, going to work doing what I love to do.

Now ask yourself this question. Would you love going to work if you could do what you love doing? I bet the answer is yes. Would you regret going to work? I bet the answer to this one is no. I also bet if you asked a few mothers and fathers. Their answers would be the same. It’s that simple.

Blogs, Blogs, And More Blogs

2007-07-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that now there are blogs everywhere you look? Individuals, newspapers and magazine writers, TV and radio personalities, associations and organizations, you name it and they have a blog. Is that good or bad?

I was just invited to do a profile blog on Amazon.com’s web site. Should I or should I not? I am debating that issue in my head. Yes, I am a writer who would enjoy lots of exposure but I have my own blog right here. I have my own web site with a profile of me on it. Would it not be redundant to blog all over the place?

My other question is, when do people have time to blog repeatedly on the Internet? Me, I have other things to do with myself. There are my church activities, networking face to face, reading (including my Bible), cleaning house, entertainment activities, teaching, and querying for more writing work. I really don’t have time for living on the Internet all day. Besides, I want people to go to my own locations on the web. That is why I started them in the first place.

Anyway, I am siting here right now doing this blog and wondering if I should take a little more time to do a profile on Amazon. Yea, I know the Amazon web site is one that the world looks at more than any other. Not just for books but just about anything you can think of. Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t. It is still up in the air. If I do, I have to come up with some catchy way to get others to want to read and share my profile. That is more work which I don’t have a desire to do.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment on this but in the mean time visit my own web site at www.scribalpress.com.

Chow

I’m Back Again

2007-07-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yes you haven’t seen me for quite some time now. To make a long story short, I had more problems then there is room to talk about here. It involved my car’s engine blowing out, trying to find a cheap replacement since I didn’t plan on buying a new car. Then there was getting my house ready for sale. While at the same time my desktop computer cease to function on the Internet. Sure it was old but I am the “starving artist” remember. I don’t make a ton of money to cover unexpected large expenses. Afterwards my desk top would no longer work and I switched everything to my laptop. Well, within about two-three weeks, it too went out. So there I was with no computer(s) and no car.

I still had to function as if my life was running smoothly. So I borrowed cars from family when I had to work. I went to libraries, friends, and family to use computers when I could. All to keep some kind of sanity. Anyway, it is all over now. I found a cheap replacement vehicle and my son bought me a new computer for my birthday. But again problems came with the computer came and the new Windows program Vista. I am still working out the bugs on that. For example, I called Dell (the manufactures) and spent two hours and forty-five minutes on the phone with technical support because again, I could not get on the Internet. After going through one process after another, my computer had to be restored to its original build and we had to start from scratch installing my ISP, printer, other software programs. I still have to go to the web and find drivers to make hardware and software compatible with Vista. This means I still will be a while before I am running again at top speed. Many downloads to do.

Anyway, I hope to be able to speak with you weekly again and give my opinions on subjects that come up.

Now I can let the world know about three anthologies that I have been a contributing writer to. They are Chicken Soup for the Soul in Menopause, Gumbo for the Soul: The Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community, and Eyes on the Fire: Witnesses to the Detroit Riot of 1967. For more information on ordering one or more of the books go to www.scribalpress.com/Books.htm

One more thing. I am being spotlighted in the Detroit Free Press July 15th issue. It will be in the Detroit section of the newspaper. Those who live in Detroit I hope you will show your support and let me know what you think. Those outside of Detroit, you too can read the writeup on the Internet.

That's it for now. Got a lot of catching up to do.

I’m Back

2007-05-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Ok,ok you haven’t heard from me for over four weeks. Let me tell you why. On April 5th my car’s engine blew and I was left with a repair job that cost more than the car was worth, so I had to begin looking for a get-around with little money to do so with. Then the week after on the 12th my mother had a few mini strokes and was rushed to the hospital. The car search put on hold. I had two classes with finals coming up on the 19th and 23rd of the following weeks. Still needed a car and had three Red Cross classes to teach. I can’t leave out the writing workshop at a local library.

All of this time I still had no car and spent lots of time on the internet looking for one. As this was going on, I also had to begin getting the house I live in ready to put on the market to be sold. As a reminder, I live alone. This meant I had to do all the wash-down of each and every room, any painting, home repairs, and curb appeal garden work, etc., etc., etc. Are you starting to get the picture of what was going on in my life for the last four weeks? By May 1st I still had no car. If that wasn’t enough, my computer began having problems which caused me unable to get to the internet, send e-mails, or get information sent out of my goings on. I am still fixing a few glitches with my computer.

Now here’s the best part. I am very menopausal. I can’t always remember where I put things, not always sure what I need to do when, and could not get to my Bible classes that keep me motivated. When the month of May came I had more Red Cross classes to teach, a doctor’s appointment, a briefing (interview) of my becoming a teaching assistant at the University of Michigan-Dearborn this summer and still looking for another car.

Now you have heard all the negatives. Here are the positives. I got an e-mail from another school district to teach writing workshops this Fall, I was asked to become part of another writing organization, found a car and purchased it on May 12th, I am being considered to be my pastor’s right-hand man, and the best yet, I have been officially informed that my story about menopause will be printed in the new book release of Chicken Soup for the Soul in Menopause to be released August 1, 2007.

So there you have it. That old saying, “when it rains it pours,” I felt was my destiny for a while. Yet, keeping the faith brought me through the storm and out of it with a winning hand. Yes, I wondered sometime during the storm if I would make it. But, believing that it was all for a purpose brought to realization that I was stronger, wiser, and more efficient than I had ever thought. I not only kept every appointment, I got more done than I thought was possible. All with no car, little assistance, and a reminder of an old mantra I used to say. I can, I will, consider it a done deal!

Obstacles are still being thrown in my way like, a radiator leak in the newly purchased used car, not a single book sold at an all-day book festival today, and some wallpaper I was trying to remove giving me the fluxes. Yet, I will continue doing what I love to do, sharing what I know about writing, writing events, teaching, and learning more each and every day.

So I am having a rough time right now. It will come to an end and I will be the victor. Life has never been easy for me but it has been inspiring, encouraging, and reassuring. Because of that, you will continue to hear and see me. I will not be forgotten because I will not quit.

Anger and Pain

2007-04-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Cho Seung-Hui was angry and hurting like none other. It was recognized a while back. Yet, his anger and pain was left unchecked. In this fast-paced, high tech world we live in now we no longer slow down to smell the roses or see dead spirits. The results of one dead spirit lead to a festering soul that had ceased to function normally.

The massacre at Virginia Tech is a signal to stop our rush to gobble up all we can in the shortest time we can do it in. It is a signal to as the old song goes, “reach out and touch somebody’s hand” and save a soul. The demeanor in which Cho Seung-Hui left this world did not happen overnight. It developed over time. Time we seem to longer have to notice changes in humans.

How many other young adults are out there feeling similar to Seung-Hui, with no coping skills to guide them through it all? How long will it be before we take notice? I hope not too long. I hope that this incident will assist us in knowing that advancements are good but we must draw lines as to how far we go without responding to cries of help. Seung-Hui cried out. A professor took notice and looked for assistance. She was told there was none. That was wrong and it is time to fix our moral consciousness.

If only someone had said yes you are right, Seung-Hui needs help and we will find it for him. But it didn’t happen that way and now 33 lives, including his, are gone. Thirty-three souls sacrificed to make us become aware of our moral obligations to help in any way we can. But as an old saying goes, “too much, too little, too late.” This should never have happened. Obviously, we didn’t learn from the Columbine or Amish school massacres. School is where the young go to learn not exist in fear.

Wake up America! Stop the presses. Open your eyes. Lend a hand. Do not let this happen over and over again. Listen to the cries. Recognize the health of a dying soul. Then maybe, just maybe, souls will no longer become filled with anger and pain. No it won’t be easy but nothing good ever is. The good must out weigh the bad. Now is the time.

Maybe It Is Time

2007-04-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

As I listened to the news today on Don Imus making derogatory remarks about some female athletes, I was so darn mad I almost picked up the phone and went berserk. Why was I mad? I was mad because everyone was focused on Imus and his remarks.

My belief is what Imus said was only the results of what we have allowed to fester too long. We should be focused on where he got those words from. Yea, I know, we as Black folk should be mad that the white populace still use terms like those spewed by Imus but it is not the first time and I would bet your life and mine that it won’t be the last. Can we really still believe that we have fixed the racial and sexist beliefs that exist in this country?

Two weeks ago here in the Detroit Metro Area, some teenagers defaced a newly erected Christian church with racist graffiti about citizens of Arab descent. And just two or three years ago I saw with my own eyes a home one block from me scrawled with racist graffiti inside and out. If we are to believe that whatever made Imus say what he said is shocking, then we have been walking around too long with our eyes close.

One journalist stated that what Imus said were more sexist remarks than racist ones, was somewhat on the mark. But to understand what he was referring to you have to also understand what bigotry means. Although the dictionary does not include sexism in the definition of bigotry, it is an additional intolerance of something or someone that is different from what is considered the majority.

Don Imus is a bigot, plain and simple. He is not alone. Yet we as Blacks have too long accepted from our own kind and others the words used to describe us. The words that came out of Imus’ mouth were not new, they originated from rappers and as we accepted them then, we got upset when Imus repeated them. I don’t know about you but, I personally can’t stand rappers and the way they describe young women. I also, don’t like that young women will not take a stand and tell the young rappers to hold on a minute, loud and clear.

Instead they twist their butts, smile, and rub their fingers signifying money in their hands on the videos as a sign that it is ok to degrade them as long as the money is coming in. So should we get upset with Imus for his remarks? Yes. But we should also get more than upset that the young rappers haven’t been put into check. We have to start at the beginning to correct a problem of this size. Imus only continued the chain of words, words young Black rappers originated.

If Imus gets suspended, so what. I didn’t see President Bush losing his job. Yea, you heard me right. Bush should have lost his job a long time ago but we excused his ignorance and prejudice. Why not do the same for Imus.

People wake up! Imus is only one of many still out there doing what he does without ever having to worry about whom he offends. If he did lose this job, you can bet he will recoup his losses by writing a book on his version of the radio flop. We have got to stop blaming others for doing what we allow them to do. It is now a good time to take a good look at ourselves and start making the necessary changes so that others don’t get confused ever again about what is right and what is wrong. And we have to start at home.

The State of Michigan

2007-04-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

A journalist writes because it is the means to expressing opinions, analyzing ideas, and providing information. Yet, finding time to write is not as easy as most would think. My calendar has been quite full lately and I don’t like not having any writing time. With all that has been going on in this country and the state of Michigan in which I live, a full schedule has left me in a void when it comes to contributing thoughts.

As a journalist, I feel as if I have cheated many of you out of knowing what my reflections on the economic state of the country and Michigan are. So here goes, covering Michigan this week. Like others, I too am gravely concerned with the Detroit Public School System, the unemployment rate in the state, and the budget deficit of both state government entities.

In the year 2003, I felt that Michigan had not recovered from the recession that followed 9/11. Now in 2007, many state politicians, economists, and statisticians seem to agree. Michigan has been on a downward spiral for some time and has bottomed out.

So, how is a state to climb out of a bottomless pit and recover what once we had called success? Well, first its citizens must accept the inevitable. They have to embrace change. Time never stood still. Because of that, nothing surrounded by time stays the same for a long time. It is certain that policies and programs that governments oversee must be redesigned. Without doing so, a recovery will never be foreseen.

Recovery is the magic word here. In order to accomplish this recovery, we all must look beyond the immediate into the future. What exists now is the result of standing still in time and not having forethought on changing times.

We as citizens can no longer look to standing in the comfort zones we have dwelled in too long. We must be willing to explore, experiment, and attempt to engage in healing. Without doing so, the black hole that surrounds us will never be brought to the light.

How can we contribute? Stand up and voice loudly our view points, let politicians know what you agree with and what you do not, but do it with dignity. Ask serious questions on the issues that directly affect you. Express your ideas on what you feel can work. Do not accept what is handed to you without concrete evidence to support it.

It is up to you to be willing to open your arms to new discoveries, no mater how impossible they may seem. If our forefathers had not had the guts to adopt new ideology, we would not be where we are now.

So I end this expression of my reflections with a few words. Take heed and remember, time waits for no one and it never has. You must keep up with it or it will pass you by. I too will attempt to improve by doing the same.

Some Just Never Get It

2007-03-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Before I get into this blog, I must bring those who might be reading this at this time up to speed. A while back I wrote on a set of tidbits in this blog. Someone chose to make a comment. Here is the problem. The comment was not on the tidbits I had included in my blog but a personal attack against me as a writer. I chose to delete it from the blog but mind you, I did keep the comment in my personal file of responses.

Now, today I get another response from the same individual who by the way, refuses to list his or her name, and it is again an attack on me for deleting the first comment. I feel compelled to explain to this so called mature individual who may or may not be a writer that comments are to be made on the subject matter in the blog, not your personal thoughts on if someone is a good writer.

Another thing, let me remind you what a blog is and what it is for. A blog is nothing more than what one could call a journal or diary. Its purpose is to give people an outlet to share their personal thoughts with others. There are no wrong or right opinions to what is written in a personal blog. If I and others wrote blogs for businesses, it would be different but individual blogs are personal and no more. Hence, my blog’s title is “View Points,” not “Am I a Good Writer?”

I can now go on and explain to the gutless, immature, child who claims he or she knows about me and my writing based on one book he or she claims was read but provided no proof. First, if I am such a lousy writer, why do you keep going to my blog? Second, if I can’t write, why has my work been published in, oh let me see, the national magazine Writer’s Digest and the local one titled Strut. Not only that, I am a regular writer to engineers and IT professionals with Equal Opportunities Publications, Inc. going into my third year with cover pieces in Workforce Diversity and African American Career World. Third, my lack of writing skills has garnered me the publication of essays included in two anthologies to be released in April and July. They are, Gumbo for the Soul and Chicken Soup for the Soul, respectively.

If that isn’t enough, now college professors at the University of Michigan-Dearborn are sending their students to me to assist them with writing a proper paper to be turned in. I asked them why not send them to the writing center at the university and was told, they have lousy helpers there that do not teach the students correctly. Also, maybe you can tell me why I was called upon by South Lyon Recreational Center, Novi Continuing Education, and Macomb Community College to do workshops on freelance writing. By the way, all I have mentioned, I get paid to do.

With that said, all I can say to you the anonymous commentator, have the guts to sign your name if you wish for me to keep it listed at my blog. Keep your comments on the subject in the blog, not your personal opinions of me. State what you agreed with or not agreed on. It isn’t important if we agree or disagree but it is respectful to know who one is addressing. You know my name but I don’t know yours. Anonymous is not a name and anyone who can stand by their thoughts would never be afraid to list their name. Besides, I might not be the only one who would like to talk to you.

Let this be the last time we go through this. I don’t know about your time but mine is precious and cannot be wasted on junk.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2007-02-26T05:10:00.000-08:00

These past weeks have had me wondering more and more what is this world coming to? What is it that worries me? It is the competition between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and the judge in the Anna Nicole Smith case.

Let me start with the two senators vying for the presidential nomination. I have to deal with two issues of my own. Do I go with Senator Clinton being the first woman president or do I go with Senator Obama as the first black one? As I fall into both categories I keep thinking why couldn’t there have been a black woman running for president? As they say in basketball lingo that would have been a “slam dunk” for me, two victories with one vote.

Yet, I’m stuck with digging deeper in my analysis of who would be the best choice. I’ve got to check out their positions on things like Proposal 2, stem cell research, education, minimum wage, trade agreements, immigration, universal health care, unions, racial discrimination, the war in Iraq, and a host of other things I, as well as others, have to deal with daily. The aforementioned are only a drop in the bucket of problems an average American has to confront consistently.

With my aspirations swinging back and forth between Clinton and Obama, wanting to win on both ends, I know I’ve got to choose one. So this is what I hope for. That one and only one of them are in agreement with me on the majority of issues I have specific opinions on. If neither does, remember there are still many more running for president that I can pick from.

Now on to the judge. Judge Larry Seidlin scares the beejeeves out fo me. Being a black woman of the baby boomer generation, a judge behaving as he did while being the one to make the final decision as to the disposal of Ms. Smith’s body made my skin crawl. And I don’t even have cable TV.

The regular television networks and print media called it a circus. I’d have to disagree with them on that. Even a circus performance is planned, choreographed, and staged in advance to get good results. Judge Seidlin gave me the impression he was on some kind of medication and I’m not talking about the prescription kind.

If this is what I heard is normal behavior for Judge Seidlin, it makes me wonder why it’s even accepted by the citizens in his jurisdiction. If he was a judge in Detroit displaying that kind of behavior over serious matters, I would have to ask for an investigation, mental review, or something to find out what’s wrong with him. I don’t care what nobody says. His conduct is not normal behavior in a court of law.

P.S. To the anonymous commentary two weeks ago, my mother always said, “You can’t please all the people all the time. You can only please some of them all the time, some of them some of the time and some of them, never.” Your balderdash obviously places you in the latter group. To each his own is what I always say.

P.S.S. Learn more about me at my web site Scribal Press

Tidbits Again

2007-02-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

I haven’t been with you for the last three weeks and it is because I have been busy. But I do have a few thoughts on a couple of things brought out last week and thought I would share them with you.

State of the State by Governor Jennifer Granholm

Our great governor mention what she called “No Worker Left Behind” as a way to assist those who get laid off, downsized, or plain fired from jobs after many years will get help from the state with their transitions. Now this sound good on the surface but, I have to ask, what about those like me? People like me who chose to go through their transitions before the bottom fell out in the big companies. Others, like myself, saw it coming and moved on before we got slapped in the face with it. Yet, no one is helping us rebound from the action taken.

Granholm says she will want to finance the education of those who lose their jobs to upgrade their skills or even change careers. Hello, that is what I have been doing for the last two years and with not one drop of help. Will the program the governor introduce and attempt to pass include me and others who started already? If not, I plan on shouting out loud, FOUL PLAY!

Why? Because I saw things coming before they came and tried to prepare for it. Because I and others knew a change was coming and thought ahead on what we knew we would have to do and not a darn soul offered to help us. If we are not included in the new plan right alone with the newbies, I plan on making a lot of noise and make sure everybody know that we are being left out.

The mature individuals she want to accept and assist are no different from me. I deserve just as much assistance as they do and will demand my fair share of the pie. Granholm says three years of schooling paid for by the government is fair. I do agree. Since I only have two years left to complete my transition, helping me will only cost them two instead of three. If they pay for me to go full time, they will only have to pay for one. Sounds like a good deal to me.

So I have said my piece on that subject and I will now move on.

Anna Nicole Smith

She died and now everyone is wondering what happen. I’ll tell you what happen. The woman was tired and exhausted. Contrary to what most believe, she had no one As a single mother myself, when she lost her son who she loved dearly, she lost it all. So drugs, fame, and idolatry became her substance and it wasn’t enough. It is called excess. We all know what excess anything does to us. Yes, it kills us before we even know it. Like Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith died fighting a battle alone.

Blog, Blog, Blog

2007-01-23T06:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I’m having a hard time keeping this blog thing going on a regular basis. I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m busy and here’s why.

I go to Bible class once a week and church service on Sunday. Not including any other service I can give to my church. I teach Red Cross classes two days a week. I attend class for a master degree two nights a week. I have to write a column weekly for the university newspaper. Starting this year I promised myself to read and review a book for Myshelf.com monthly.

In the mean time I must promote and market three upcoming workshops and two book expos that I take part in at two libraries. They are all in the next four weeks. I am currently putting together a tips book for writers and two new books. By the way, as a freelance writer, I must still look for work.

By the way, did I tell you I am in the process of moving in two and a half months? As a single woman living alone and part of the over 50 crowd, I’m downsizing. I am going from a house to an apartment. This means I must get rid of a lot of stuff. Believe me when I tell you, after thirteen years in one abode, you collect a lot. So I have to sell, donate, and possibly store more than I could even imagine.

Blogging, I really don’t have time. What I really need is a vacation but I don’t have time for that either. And not to leave out what we all call a balanced life, I am trying to work in entertainment and exercise to stay healthy and live a long life.

Now you tell me how a woman alone is to do all this while cooking, cleaning, and washing. As much as I her and read about other s on blogging, I do notice one thing, they have help, something I don’t. I have no male companion and no close friends to offer help. I know you say, what about my spiritual friends? Well, the focus there is on increasing my spirituality, not on Sylvia’s writing profession.

So, let’s go back to the beginning. If you have nay suggestions on how I can continue doing all that I have mentioned, alone mind you, and still use blogging to my advantage, I am all ears. But remember whatever you suggest, make sure you show me where to include it since I do have to eat and sleep too.

Check out more about me at Scribal Press
and my books at the books page Books

Summer School in The Winter

2007-01-09T17:24:00.000-08:00

It is time to bring you up to date on what I have been doing since you last heard from me. I have been busy updating things like, my resumes, (Yes, I have more than one, don’t you?), media/bio kit, and anything else I feel may give me an edge in the working world.

Many forget that with each year that goes by, nothing stays the same. Technology today makes it impossible to stay in the same spot you were in the year before. Now I know that can sound scary but, if you don’t keep up with upgrades you will find yourself left off the plane flying and heading high.

The way to keep up is to read, watch, and listen to anything and everything you hear and see on upcoming changes. If it will make you feel better, I don’t like trying to keep up with all the advancements either. Yet, I find if I don’t, I get left behind on computer equipment, Internet advancements, what’s in and what’s out. Whew! Sometimes it is more than my brain can save at one time. Yet, I do try hard to retain as much as possible.

How do I do it? I save and print new information out. I really don’t have time to stay abreast all at once. So as I get new information I save it in a special file on my computer or if the information is short, I print it out and collect for the day what I will read that evening. This way if it pertains to my field of interest, I have what I need and can plan on incorporating it into my work.

One thing is for sure, like it or not, the world doesn’t stop for us to jump on board. We have to do that ourselves. Because if we don’t, our chances for being successful at what we do will disappear. So, when you don’t see me blogging like I used to for the next few weeks, it is because I am running to catch up. Like many others, I was not retaining enough of the new information out in the world and now I have to go to summer school in the winter.

One Deadly Week

2006-12-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

I have lived on this earth for 53 years. Never once in that time can I remember five days holding so much history to be written. This last week of the year 2006 will definitely be one that is remembered by young and old for different reasons. Sadly, one thing that comes to my mind is an old saying, three strike, you’re out.

I ask you, are these three deaths something to be weary of? Two were looked upon as sad and one as joyful. Did it all happen in one week as a sign of something still yet to come? What does it say about the closing of the door to the year 2006 and the door to be open for 2007?

Forgive me if what I write here doesn’t seem to have any connections but, at times what happens in this lifetime makes me think and wonder about what is to be learned. Anyway, following is how I feel about each death we have witnessed.

James Brown may not have had a chance to get a college degree but he used what he had to spread much love and joy around the world. No longer will we hear songs like, Payback or Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud. We won’t see a man with enough energy to dance and slide across a stage giving a real live show. James Brown with only an eight-grade education took what he did know and rose to the top singing and dancing for everyone. Many artists used what he shared to learn how to give their all to a crowd of millions. Yes, he had his ups and downs but he came back with a vengeance and still gave people what they wanted, the only “mean machine.” James Brown was one of a kind and always will be, a soul man.

Now President Gerald Ford took on a task that no other had ever had to do. But he did it with love and forgiveness. He was a man with Christian values and a heart of gold. So what if he had to bring a country together. So what if he was my opposite politically. He still knew right from wrong and chose to follow what he knew was the only right thing to do, he forgave. Not many realize that President Ford was a humble man. He never wanted to be on center stage yet was forced to take it. So like any other person on this earth, he performed. He did his best because he knew what we sometimes forget, let God be the decider. So I say let us pay tribute to the one man who understood he was just a president and not the higher being. God bless you former President Gerald Ford.

Saddam Hussein was what we all understand to be atrocious. He was a dictator, killer and a man with no soul. For if he had not been this type, he would not have committed the heinous crimes against mankind. Do I think it was fair to execute him? It is not my place to say. As a practicing Christian, I cannot play God and say who stays and who goes. My personal preference is to let all those who commit crimes that are unconscionable should live long and suffer the results of their crimes. If that means no more freedom, no more choice, and no more options, then so be it. I feel that now that Saddam is dead, he no longer has to watch and live with what he has done. Is he in Hell? I don’t know. Yet, no matter where he resides now, God will see to it that he repents for his sins. This I am sure of.

Prayers

2006-12-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

It is known that there are times you listen to a speaker and certain words spoken stay with you. That’s what happened to me yesterday at church. The head pastor was on his honeymoon and the associate pastor was called to deliver the morning service. Rev. Barnett is his name.

While giving his sermon, he expressed a desire to see and hear of people praying more. Yes, you expect to hear a minister talk about prayer but, what grabbed my attention was his reference to consistent prayers. Rev. Barnett spoke of how we all say prayers as we go to bed, wake in the morning, before eating a meal, and during bad times. What he brought out was how we really should pray more often than that.

The first thing that came to my mind was of followers of the Islamic faith. As I understand things now, those who practice the Islamic religion pray five times each day, faithfully. It suddenly hit me, why don’t we? As a matter of fact, why doesn’t all religious followers have a set schedule, like Muslims, and pray faithfully a certain number of times each and every day? Is it written somewhere, in some document not to do so?

So I asked myself why don’t Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Quakers, Amish, Mormons, Jews, and die-hard Baptist like me do the same? For all I know, they may pray on a regular basis. My curiosity got the best of me. I called a fellow classmate who is a Muslim and asked of her if we could set a time to talk about praying. I wanted to find out more about her religious practice of prayers. So the time was set for this afternoon. She will call me and we will discuss the prayer ritual to help me understand better.

You see; my church pastor touched me with his words. I have for the past five years found myself wanting to be closer and closer to God more than ever before. I suddenly feel a need to pray more. No, I have no plans to become a religious fanatic, just more spiritually enlightened. In the New Year of 2007, it will have been five years since I took a leap of faith and changed careers midstream. In 2002 I began writing for a living.

Oh trust me when I tell you; it hasn’t been a picnic. I have had good seasons but just as many bad ones. So many times I have asked myself, did I make a mistake? Yet, when I think about what I used to do and what I want to do, writing always comes out on top. Teaching and speaking are second and third. Corporate America isn’t my thing anymore.

What has one got to do with the other? Everything. Remember I said I took a leap of faith changing careers? I put my trust in the higher power, God, to see me through the journey from here to there, wherever that may be. I seriously want it to be pen and paper, 7/24.

Like the pastor said, it is when things go bad that we tend to pray more than usual. I want to change that. I want to, like Muslims, make it a ritual. I am a creature of regularity. I like knowing what I’m going to do morning, noon, and night. I really don’t like idle time. So this afternoon, I will talk with a classmate about regular prayer time. Who knows, maybe, just maybe, another bridge will be built to connect a faithful religious follower with another one. From what I can see, one Muslim and one Baptist might be able to bend their knees together as they pray to the higher being. I’ll let you know next week.

Survivors

2006-12-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

During this holiday season many of us know those who seem to be surviving although they have very little to enjoy. I happen to know a survivor. She too is enjoying life no matter what she has been through or suffering at this time. She grew up in a house of physical abuse, was raped three times between the ages of sixteen and nineteen, she and her child were burnt out of their home three days before Christmas in 1974, laid in a semi-comatose state facing death at the age of thirty on Thanksgiving in 1983, and two decades later lost her home and sought help from the government. Now this woman is sitting and waiting for news on a biopsy she just had done to see if she has cervical cancer. Who is this woman? It is me.

If you wonder why I tell you all this at this time, it is because I still have feelings of joy. It is Christmas, the season to celebration the birth of Jesus. It is my faith that has always gotten me through the hard and rough times I have faced before and survived. This one is no different. Although I have lost much in the last five years after changing careers, I will still celebrate this holiday season. I have a roof over my head, heat to keep me comfortable, water to bathe in, a family that loves me, friends that care, sharing writing partners, neighbors that look out for me, and a sense of myself as I go through transformations. I also have a relationship with God. I talk with him a lot. I pray to him a lot. And I believe in him and all he is.

After living for 53 years, I learned that the simple things mean so much to me, the things that cannot be bought. Like waking up each day to see either the sun, rain, or snow, knowing my son, a police officer, went to work that day and came home. Having a mother that calls me if she hasn’t heard from me for a few days just to check up on me. Still having the ability to read and write the printed word. And going back to school and still loving learning that which is new to me. Do I worry? Of course. Am I afraid? You bet. Am I ever depressed? Naturally but, I have my faith and it has never once let me down.

So this holiday season no matter what the results are of my biopsy, I will still survive. As in the past, the good Lord will not let me down. He will, as before, hold my hand, lift me up, carry me if necessary, feed me strength, shine the light down the path I must travel, and bless me with joy. It is the only way I can and have always survived. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

I Hope I am Back Longer This Time

2006-11-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok. I know you haven’t heard from me for a while. Well, I have been writing scholarly papers for the last four weeks. I also, had a presentation to do. I couldn’t forget my weekly column in the University of Michigan-Dearborn newspaper. I missed a couple of those even. Then I had my church’s Women’s Day Program. I was on the committee and had to do the paper program. If that wasn’t enough, I was doing a children’s story for entry into Writer’s Digest Short, Short Story contest, deadline December 1, 2006. And I can’t forget my working with the National Writers Union in getting more writers into the fold. Can you see why the blog just had to wait?

Want to know what’s on my mind? The affirmative action state elimination, Ford Motor Company’s big layoffs (called buyouts), promoting my new book, more papers to do for school, Xmas coming, finding more money paying writing assignments, Michael Richards use of the n-word, and much more. I think I’m going through some kind of change other than menopause.

Lately, I am having trouble finding satisfaction in the things I do. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for what I do and have but, something seems to be missing. It could be the depressing mood climate here in Michigan. Couple that with being a long time Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD) sufferer, it could really be just that time of year for me. I’m still working on getting things back on track so I don’t end up with winter blues.

I will not disappoint you with a long rant or rave because I don’t really have time for that. Since it is the end of another year and I like planning something positive for the upcoming year, I don’t have time to waste. Besides since I do have two upcoming writing workshops in February and March, I have to get busy promoting them. So as you can see, there really is no room for moaning and groaning. To top it off, I am still in school and next semester I will have three classes instead of two like usual. Which obviously means my time will be of the utmost importance and cannot be wasted at all.

As this semester is winding down, I hope to be back writing my thoughts on whatever is happening in the world and my life on the blog again. Don’t panic if you don’t hear from me weekly, it will mean I am out either generating my money input or promoting my stuff. However the wind blows; you are always on my mind to share my thoughts with. dont forget to visit my web site at
Scribal Press

Correcting a Wrong

2006-10-31T05:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we do things thinking we are doing the “right thing.” Yet, later we discover we have done it wrong. This happened to me. I was scammed, fooled, and lied to on Proposal 2 coming up on the ballot Election Day.

I was tricked into signing the petition to put it on the ballot. Little did I know what mess I help start. Like all people approached on the streets at public places, I listened to a young man tell me about the proposal. I felt it was my duty to make sure affirmative action laws were not rewritten or changed in any way. They are fine the way they are. But it turned out to be a farce what he had told me.

The way Proposal 2 is set up, I and many others, especially women, will end up on the losing end. Women and other ethnic groups will no longer have a level playing field if this proposal passes. No longer we will be able to look at doors open for us to go to school, hired for jobs, and get appropriate medical services. We will have to face discrimination in housing, goods that are sold, and set back a few decades when it comes to discrimination.

I feel bad because I didn’t follow my usual line of researching something before I sign on for it. I listened to a pitch on the street and gave it the ok. Now it is up to the citizens of Michigan to decide if affirmative action should be as it is or eliminated all together. If it is, take a good look at California and know that you too will be left out in the cold.

If you are not white, rich, or from a family with a lot of heritage, the benefits of affirmative action you have now will cease. Remember how you are constantly told to read the fine print? I failed to do that and now the proposal is on the ballot. Don’t think you need affirmative action laws? Think it is only for minorities? If you are a female, you are a minority. And females will suffer the most.

Females will lose their chance to enter fields of study geared toward men on a level playing field. Women might lose options for medical care like breast and pelvic exams for free. Women will also be reverted back to the discrimination they faced when buying homes and getting jobs decades ago. We cannot let this happen. Stand with me in voting “NO” on Proposal 2.

I’m Back

2006-10-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I haven’t been around for a few weeks. To fill you in I was busy finishing up a writing assignment for a magazine with a deadline and two research papers for school. Yes, I am back in school. I am also now a reporter for USA Voice and I had articles to get online each week on business and politics. To make the situation even more stressful, I was getting ready for a writer’s conference I went to this past weekend in Ohio.

Now you can see I was not available to even write for my own blog. But today is the day and I don’t even know where to start. So I will give you what I think you should know first. The conference. The conference was in Dayton, Ohio. I got to listen to and speak with my idol, Dan Poynter, the self publishing guru. He was, as always, great. The information he shared, some I knew and some I didn’t. But that is why a true writer goes to conferences. You never know what new information you collect. It was just what I needed, a lot of new ideas and refinement of the old ones. I met a lot of people for the first time and saw many I knew and those I had not seen in a while. Boy of boy, did I have a lot of fun.

Moving on, I now write for USAVoice.org, the voice of the people with people biases, not sponsor biases. This new internet newspaper allows reporters to express what the public really thinks and feels. It is read across the country and around the world. Definitely check it out. Just go to www.usavoice.org and read some interesting information from around the country. No city or state is left out of the loop. If it happens or is something all should know, it is most likely being shared at USA Voice. Feel free to leave any comments too. Your thoughts are very important.

This is not a long blog this week because I now must play catch up with school work and more incorporation of the new ideas I learned. Remember, I have a new book to promote and I have got to get busy. If you would like to know what my new book is all about, visit my web site at www.scriblapress.com/bookshtm

Talk with you next week.

Shake Ups All-around

2006-09-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have brought about a lot that affects the Detroit metro area. First it was the school strike and then the Ford Motor Company. Ford announced it was going to eliminate 14,000 salaried jobs. All I could think of was, here we go again.

The teacher strike put teachers against administration and parents. Now the Ford announcement has residents and other businesses fighting for survival. The southeast section of the state of Michigan is hanging by a thin thread already. The last thing they need is another battle to fight in the world of survival. Yet, that is the new train of thought. What do we do now, is the question?

The announcement now has lent an open forum to a retiring senior executive with Ford. Annie Stevens, who leaves the company October 1, says it was too little, too late. She said the company is top heavy and takes too long to resolve problems. Hello, didn’t you notice this back in the eighties and nineties? Apparently not. Every company in existence then starting cutting back during that time.

If that isn’t enough, the battle for governorship between Granholm and DeVos is scaring the bee heaves out of residents also. Do I go with DeVos and worry about more jobs leaving teh state or do I stay with Granholm and look forward to more jobs coming to Michigan? Lordy, lordy, too much on the plate. I know sometimes more than one drastic change at the same time is more than most people can think about. Will these job related issues affect the upcoming election? Probably. Many people usually lean toward the candidate they feel will help them survive.

Survival of the fittest is guiding the populace now. The loss of a job makes people think what else is coming in the near and far future. Do I do this or do I do that? Decisions, decisions, decisions. Why now, is what hovers around people as their plans of yesterday no longer apply. Sadly, it is all out of their control. They have to accept that the only thing they can control, is themselves. To constantly worry about the doings of businesses, schools, or the government is ludicrous. One can only do what is necessary as time allows.

Remember the very old saying, when handed lemons, make lemonade? Well, it sounds like it would definitely be a plan of action now.

Starting tomorrow for more of my opinions on the current news go to www usavoice.org

An Education Lesson

2006-09-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up with so much on my mind. I had no idea what I would write about. Especially, since I had not written my blog last week. Finances, work, writing, reading, housework, time off, school and the teacher’s strike were all on my mind. The teacher strike going on here in Detroit, Michigan, is serious business. Therefore, I was left with only one thing to write about, again. Education.

The strike is of utmost importance to me because I am now in school for my masters’ in education. I plan to teach in the near future. It’s not that I haven’t taught in the past. I was once a substitute teacher. Having been in the profession for two years a while ago, I personally saw what was needed in the educational system. With my own eyes, I saw exhaustion, fear and complaisance. I felt the school system needed help. Help from those like myself, willing to still believe in the hope that things could change. So I went back to school.

As I watch the strike going on, I find that I understand the reasons for the battle. On the other side, I worry about the children. They cannot afford to miss any days of school. The Detroit school system has for a long time had the reputation of not educating the children of the city. It has been said they are not at the literacy levels they should be. Sadly, some of this may be true. When I substituted for regular teachers, I witnessed what the children could and could not do. Mind you, I taught in the middle and high schools. Some of the children I encountered were not able to perform the way I thought they should, nor the way the system felt they should.

This is what inspired me to offer my help as a teacher of the future. I wanted to be a part of the changes that were inevitable for there would have to be changes made. The system as it is, does not work anymore. Many children of today were not being prepared for tomorrow. If change did not come, they would not survive. I felt I had to be in the future, as a teacher, to help institute the changes.

Here I go back to the strike. As a life long union member, I must stand by the teacher strike. For I believe in the power of the masses and unity. But I do worry if the children should be the scape goats. As the administration and the union representatives fight it out, will this be an educational lesson for the children or just more days off from school? I hope that the children see this as a civics class. Remembering the one I had in the past was a stepping stone in the lesson I was taught on being part of the solutions and not part of the problems.

Teachers and the Administration

2006-08-28T09:25:00.001-07:00

Detroit Public School (DPS) teachers rejected their contract presented to them yesterday. They have chosen to strike. The superintendent says a strike is illegal. A week or so ago, Northwest airlines flight attendants rejected their contract and also chose to, not strike but, create chaos. Northwest airlines says they can’t strike either. It all boils down to the same thing, delays going to work.

Here is my personal issue with both messes. First, with the teachers, the students will end up on the losing end. Yet, as a staunch union supporter and future teacher, I firmly believe the teachers have a right to fight for what they believe in, so too, the flight attendants at Northwest. Second, it is a shame that employers cannot seem to find common ground with their employees when it comes to working together. If all the cards are on the table, how hard can it be to reach a compromise?

That is where I find myself wondering if what I hear from both sides is the truth and nothing but the truth. Too many times in the past I have heard different explanations for conflicts. I hear more neighborhood type “he said, she said” garbage. So I ask again, what is the true story to these potential crisis?

When it comes to the DPS situation, the students will suffer. They are already behind the learning curve, nation and world wide. Anymore delays to their education would not be beneficial to them. Yes, I understand the teachers may be having a hard time teaching. With lack of supplies, space, and support, it is obvious to teach is daunting. But where is a line drawn when it comes to the students?

Over and over I find myself caught, as the old saying goes, “between a rock and a hard place.” In other words, dam if I do and dam if I don’t. I want to believe that DPS teachers are fighting for a just cause. But, I did not return to school to get a teaching certificate just to acquire it and not teach. The drama going on now is only a repeat of past years.

If the problems weren’t solved then, why is the system still operating using the same manual? As a lover of “more education,” I am now beginning to wonder about taking part in the educational system we have now. The current system in Detroit is broken and no one wants to concede to that thought. Reason being, it would require gutting it and rebuilding from the ground up, like a building. We all know that says “more money” which Detroit claims they don’t have.

It is said the population in the city is down, therefore, school needs are down. Tell that to the students who still live here. Somehow, I have a hard time understanding if the body numbers are lower and the costs are higher, whose paying for the decision makers and with what money? Maybe it’s time to get better money managers.

However long this battle goes on, I hope the students are not forgotten. We all know missed school days lead only to missed education. I think we’ve committed enough of that crime already.

The Blog

2006-08-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

The blog has become an oasis for novelists, journalists, publishers, TV personalities, radio mavens, and just about anybody who has an opinion or information they feel a need to share.

It is obvious that I am one of the aforementioned, maybe even two or three. Why do I have a blog? First, practice. My blog allows me to keep my writing skill in check. Second, I’m opinionated. My blog gives me plenty of latitude to state what I think, while practicing how to disseminate the information to others with a slant/style of mine own. It’s that simple.

Why do others keep a blog? There are any number of reasons. Novelists keep them to give the public a peek at their novels still under construction. Journalists provide blogs to report what newspapers don’t always print. Publishers feel a blog is a free advertisement. TV personalities have to deal with a flood of established stars, stars on the rise, and wannabees. Like writers, they feel they have to have a brand of their own. Lastly, the radio mavens are heard and not seen. Why not mix a picture with the voice and text. The public is known to forget easily what they hear, but not what they see.

No matter the reasons, people and businesses have created blogs. Blogs I can tell are here to stay, like it or not. I say this because now even blogs are becoming specialized. I have seen or heard of blogs that started out for kids (myspace) and writers (blogging is publishing.net) just to name a couple.

Like in the beginning with e-mail, when many said, “No way,” try finding an individual, young or older, who doesn’t have an e-mail address,let alone a blog. Instead of asking someone for their phone number, you now say, “e-mail me,” then proceed to spell out the address like a phone number. I didn’t believe e-mailing, when it first started, would proliferate to the extent it has. Yet, now I’m starting to feel like I need more than one e-mail address, like the four separate phone lines I have. Yea, you heard right. Four. My house line, my fax/computer line, my cell line, and my business line.

So I ask you, do I need another blog when so far this one serves my purpose? In my blog, I state my thoughts, fill you in with personal promotions and do it once a week. I’m starting to wonder. The blog was my own way of syndicating my column. The column with no pompous or pretentious writing, just my “view points” on whatever crosses my mind.

As I said earlier, blogs are here to stay. So whether you take part or not, you will one day, jump on board. Why? If you think about it, all the definitions’ people have given for the word blog, the best one to me is an “electronic diary.” We love to keep diaries. Me, I call it my syndicated column.

You can call yours what you want. You will get no argument from me.

Work Hard to Become Known

2006-08-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well, this past week has been very busy for me. In one week I took on three new responsibilities to upgrade my credentials. I am now a book reviewer for a large writing group, became a student services assistant at a local community college, and signed on to be a Detroit reporter for a new worldwide Internet newspaper. Whew! If that isn’t working hard for a living, I don’t know what is.

I bring this out to inform other writers out there that you can’t just write a book or an article or two to make your name known. In my new book, The Write Life, there is a section where I discuss networking and connecting with others who may give you leads and hook you up with ways to promote and sell what you have in the way of services and products. This means that you may find yourself not only writing but, joining the ranks of teachers, advisers, counselors, and a host of other professions to become branded. What does it mean to be branded? It is the way for others to identify you and your products or services.

Since I am a writer, I want to establish myself as the writer that not only writes but, supplies information to other writers. I wish to inform, teach, and provide for others who want to grow in the field. It doesn’t matter if you wish to be a journalist, author, publisher, or magazine editor, information is necessary to attain your goal. I plan to be the one source that can direct you to the right path(s). I do it because I love to share and what better way is there to do so then writing, reading, advising, and teaching.

With all that said, you can see I am now going to be one busy bee. No, I will not be spreading myself too thin. What I am actually allowed to do is manage the work on my terms. Which by the way is another section in my book The Write Life, managing your time and money.

So ask yourself when was the last time you connected with others who may be able to lead you down the right path to success? When was the last time you tested your skills and tried a new way of branding your name? Has it been a while? Well, get up and get out there. Try connecting with different ways to sell what you have to offer. Did I mention the section on being your own sales department in The Write Life? Visit my web site at Scribal Press. Don’t forget to sign my guest book. Who knows, you just might pick up a tip or two.

This Week’s Rants

2006-08-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

Mel Gibson

The man put his foot in his mouth and got caught. Now everybody acts like he just did something no one has ever done before. Give me a break. Gibson is not the first nor will he be the last to as my mother would say, “make an ass of himself.” The problem Gibson had been not checking everybody’s ID card to make sure he knew what group he was with before he opened his mouth. Have you ever known a drunk that did? Me neither. To keep Gibson from working is not worth it. First of all, he can well afford to make his own movies. Remember, The Passion of the Christ? Let’s not forget Michael Moore and Bowling for Columbine. Even if you don’t like them, nor agree with their politics, somebody does and they are just not talking about it out loud. Gibson has done enough damage without our help. Let it go.

Elections

I read yesterday a letter to Detroit’s Sunday newspaper from a teenager. He expressed concern for politicians playing the blame game. He had no interest whatsoever in who thought who was responsible for the state of Michigan. The young adult gave me the impression he wants to vote when he turns eighteen but, not sure if he’ll have someone to vote for. Can you imagine if he is worried at this stage of his life, in another two years, will he even care at all?

Festival/Fairs

This past weekend my writing partner and I spent ten hours sitting, sitting and waiting for a cruiser to cruise on by our table and check out our books. We sat for two days trying to figure out why people will stop at a space displaying art, jewelry, clothing, incense, and the music station but, glide on by the books table. I know they go to fairs to see the unusual, unique, and updated. I could have sworn books, especially new ones, fit in all three categories. I heard the how to books, which mine is one of, are the biggest sellers now. So what’s up with no takers? Maybe selling four books in ten hours is all right with you but, it was a waste of my time. In two days, a grand total of possibly five people showed enough interest to now slide on past without even a glance at our books table. So many times I wonder why we in the metro Detroit area will not support authors like we should. Just because it’s not a favorite past time of one individual, doesn’t mean a friend or relative wouldn’t enjoy a certain book. With the first day of school, Sweetest Day, birthdays, and Xmas coming soon, why not buy it for them. In doing so, you show support for local authors and possibly stir the fire in the belly of an upcoming one.

These are just some of my passing thoughts this week.

Caught in the Middle East Wars

2006-07-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

My heart goes out to those who suffer the ramifications of a war between two parties they have no ties to. The innocent humans only live where they were born yet, must leave their homes to stay alive.

As I and the rest of the congregation at my church celebrated our pastor’s anniversary yesterday, I could not help but think of those who pray for God’s mercy as we prayed thanks to Him. It seemed so sad that those in many areas of the Middle East must on a daily basis beg for grace.

Because I live in Michigan, a state still recovering from a recession after 9/11, thoughts of the jobless, homeless, out placed, under paid, the current health crisis and crime wave, and a myriad of other issues concerning residents here, the wars in the Middle East seem so inconsequential.

But the issues of the other side of the Atlantic ocean affects us all. Michigan is home to one of the largest gatherings of practicing Muslims, Shiities and Sunnis. Contrary to how the rest of the country may feel about wars in the Middle East, Michiganians must find peace while the wars are staged.

With many of those of the Islamic faith residing in southeast Michigan possessing much power in their belief and practice, turning an open eye away from the religious wars in the Middle East is a horrific disaster waiting to happen, again. The circumstances of 9/11 were only warnings of the possibilities by zealous Muslims. The sad part is, they most likely are only a very small percentage with very large capabilities.

So what can we do? I really don’t know and I can tell you why. I have spoken with many of the Islamic faith. I have read as much material as I can to get a better understanding of the discord. Yet, I still see what looks like a Hatfield/McCoy fight. Traditions that started centuries ago and are not yet resolved. Each generation carrying on a story told and revised along the way because no one knows the original truth. Like the Hatfield/McCoy feud, no one wants to be the first to stop the conflict. No one wants to follow God’s philosophy to love each other.

I remember while growing up a simple phrase repeated by family members, educators, evangelists, and neighbors. It didn’t matter what the discussions entailed or how many disagreements were displayed, it all came back to the same words.

Ye, who are without sin, cast the first stone. In the Middle East, it looks to me that many firmly believe they have committed no sins. So I find myself asking one question, what can I do? Answer? Pray.

More Random Thoughts

2006-07-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

Workplace Philosophy

If men could have babies, workplace environments would change. There would be more flexibility for workers to have a personal life and a work life with no more choosing between the two. Women have to deal with prioritizing family over business or vice versus, when actually the two are on the same level. Both occupations require a multitasker in which women excel. Men have already shown they cannot master the two at the same time.

Bones

Here in southeast Michigan they discovered bones of a Mastodon. That in its self says if bones are preserved properly, people in the future could learn a lot. Imagine if we preserved the bones of humans, hundreds of centuries later, humans would be able to sustain a life span for much longer. How? The human bones could tell them what we did right and what we did wrong by looking at the lasting effects . . . how amazing that would be.

Reality Talent TV

Is it just me, or does it look like every producer and wannabe producers are trying to jump on the band wagon? The current upcoming Fall lineup will deluge us with every so-called talent show you could possibly think of. Has everyone gone brain dead? It sure looks like it. I want to know where those with some imagination are. Why is creativity not producing new ideas that convert into new TV shows? I do know it could be because I don’t have cable. But, the big wigs at NBC, CBS, WXYZ, WB, and UPN seem to have forgotten how to take chances. They are already losing points to cable. Could it be they have no guts anymore?

Elections

In 1971 I turned 18 and registered to vote. I had moved to California but returned to Michigan in 1972. It was one of those years to get ready to elect state and local political officials. I got busy. I read and kept up with every person running for an office. I knew what they had done and planned to do. So for 24 years I have attempted to stay in the know on politicians. It’s a dam shame I’m worn out now, so worn out I don't care who is running for what. Yet, there are three individuals I hope and pray win three slots on the ballot. Why? I have gotten to know them personally for twelve and a half years. I know where they live and worship while knowing exactly how they feel about what affects me. I also know if it affects me, it does the same to each of them. So I’m hanging in there with three signs on my lawn that says so. I may be tired of the political B.S. of the day, but I still have hope.

Random Thoughts

2006-07-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for being late. Sometimes it is hard to think of what to write about because so many thoughts run through my head.

Middle East War

Why is it that the innocent are the ones that die when there is a war between political factions? Call it what you may, but it just isn’t fair in my book. Those that die have no say in the dispute yet, they pay the price.

Friendships

Speaking of price. Have you ever noticed that you have no friends when you are in need but they come out of the woodwork when you strike it rich? Get a really good job, hit the lottery, or come into an inheritance and everybody that didn’t seem to know you when you were without suddenly appears out of nowhere.

Cost of Living

Why is it that everything is increasing in price but a living wage? Gas, housing, cars, food, dry goods, utilities, you name it, cost so much more than just a few years ago. Have you examined your paycheck lately? It has not increased in more than three years. Tell me how people are to save any money?

Children

Lately I have noticed that children of today don’t care about common courtesy, respect, and authority. At first I said they didn’t care at all. Now I realize that they can’t practice what they haven’t been taught. So it’s back to the parents. Now I can see where the problem lies. They weren’t taught either.

Patience

We have all heard that patience is a virtue. So why is my patience running out when I am suppose to feel blessed? Could it be my menopausal state or I am just getting cranky with age? Either way, I am losing my patience with the world. All my life I have told people I was born 50 years too early or 50 years too late. Because I know, this isn’t my time period.

School

Isn’t it funny how here in America the politicos and the business crowd say we need to keep up with the rest of the world in education? So, why do we have to pay for it when it is low cost or free in other countries.

Just some passing thoughts running through my mind.

Writing Time

2006-07-10T05:22:00.000-07:00

No, you didn’t hear from me last week. It was a holiday. So I took the time off. I find myself thinking, that as a writer, I should never stop writing. I should have something to say every day. Believe it or not, I don’t. The reason being, I’m only human.

I don’t care that writers you know tell you they must write every day; they’re lying. How do I know? I’m a writer too. Because of that I know from personal experience, they could not possibly write each and every day. They have other responsibilities and obligations like me.

First of all, most writers do more than just write. They are speakers, teachers, and tutors on the business side. And on the personal front, they are mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, activists, and a host of other types. This means they do other things besides write. In doing so, there is no way a 24-hour day can always allow for writing.

Since their lives consist of taking care of business responsibilities and personal obligations, writing sometimes has to be put on the back burner. One can’t write while speaking at a conference and networking or correcting student papers. You can’t write if you’re helping someone else with their writing.

As a parent of young children, which I once was, you will find yourself transporting and attending their activities they participate in. Let’s not leave out laundry, cooking, reading, counseling, punishing, guiding, and giving them your undivided attention as needed.

I don’t want to leave out the spouse. If said, a spouse has goals of their own, are you not the support for your spouse? Which means assisting them in whatever way you can and must, to help your spouse succeed. All of this says time management is of the utmost importance. But let’s get real here. No way, no how, can you include everything you want to do in each and every day.

One thing a writer can do every day is take notes. Although you don’t always have time to write the eloquent prose running through your head, you can jot down your inspirations. So when time does provide room for you to write, nothing is forgotten or forsaken after dealing with real life circumstances. Keeping your thoughts as notes also allow you to actually take time off, to enjoy life when the holidays come. So that’s what I did. I watched the fireworks last week, as I took notes.

Drawing Blanks

2006-06-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you have so much and nothing to say at the same time? For instance, following are all the things running through my mind.

Iraq war, economy, money, books I want, school, the weather, friends, family, spiritual soul, writing, a vacation, reunions, yard work, new clothes, new car, neighborhoods, kids education, and much more than I have time to list here.

The problem is, how do I prioritize them? Do I write about what is life threatening or flights of fancies in my head first? Is it really important to prioritize? Whew, I am getting a headache just writing about this right now. The reason being, I had promised myself that I would blog at least once a week. Unlike all the other bloggers out there, I can’t find words to say what I want to say each and every week, let alone every day. I’m sorry to say that I just don’t feel like running off at the mouth (in print) all the time.

Wait a minute, maybe that is the problem. So many nowadays want to talk, talk, talk. Nobody seems to be listening anymore. Which category do you fit in? I apparently like to talk but do have a need to listen sometime. It could be the very reason I can’t seem to find a subject matter today for this blog. Or, it could be another menopausal moment for me. Anyway, here I am, sitting at my computer trying to think of something good or of interest to write.

With a myriad of thoughts flowing around in my brain (could have something to do with my “to do” chores too), I seem to be drawing blanks. To give you a good description, words are scrolling around my cerebrum like a Wall Street ticker tape of the stock market. I see them but have no idea what to do with them. Do I write them down, are they signals on what to write, or are there just too many dam thoughts in my head? Maybe I really do need a vacation right now. I do know a promise is a promise that should always be carried out, even one you make to yourself.

Actually, this could have something to do with being worn out. I spent the last month, getting a new book ready for print, doing the promotion for the book, looking for more writing work, completing a writing assignment I already have, working on a committee with my church, prepping my yard and gardens for summer, teaching Red Cross classes, celebrating birthdays and graduations, while trying to enjoy my own. I think that is it. I am really tired. Yes, I have a lot of subject matters I want to discuss. Yes, I have strong opinions on them. But, I am just drawing blanks now on all of them. I think my brain needs a vacation. So until next week, just consider me away for a while.

Visit my web site at
Scribal Press

Working to Succeed

2006-06-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

January 2002, I changed careers. After 23 years doing what I was good at, it was time to move on. Realizing I had done all that the general public felt I should do; it was time for me to do what I wanted to do.

I had already raised a child who was out on his own. Actually, I had been an empty nester for two years. I no longer had any desire to crack any glass ceilings. Suddenly, I remembered why I had went back to school to learn a new way of working.

It was the two years as an empty nester that I laid out my plans to say good-bye to corporate America. I knew changing careers wasn’t going to be easy but, I wasn’t the same woman then that I had been earlier. I no longer wanted to take the safe route to success. The nine-to-five, five-day workweek, my earned pension after 30 to 40 years, coupled with social security retirement was not my vision anymore.

It is said as you grow older your life changes. I had begun going through the usual physical, mental, and spiritual rearrangements. My way of thinking and doing weren’t what they had been. Because of that, I knew, I would have to choose to move on. The choice I made was not exactly designed for late bloomers. Yet, it was what I had always wanted, to become a writer for life.

Now, four and a half years later, I’m still finding my way through the maze. I had one newspaper column for three years. I’ve freelanced for others. I published one book while I wait for the second one from the printer. I do workshops through continuing education programs at colleges and high schools. I’ve spoken to business organizations as a motivational speaker. I write continuously for a magazine publisher.

I say this to confirm that like in any career, it takes time to climb to the top. Oh, I’m no beginner anymore. I would say I’m mid way to my apex. As a baby boomer, time is of the essence for me. Unlike a twenty something, I didn’t flower until late in life. My time line to the top is shorter than most. It is why I must work harder, faster, and efficiently. Without 40 years to build upon, every minute lost is a minute gone forever.

When you start a new career in your late forties, sure, you still have time, but not the same amount as when you were in your twenties. Another thing I notice now is, how fast time flies as you get older. You never seem to have enough time to do all you want to accomplish. So I work more now than I ever did in the past. It won’t be long before I can collect social security or withdraw from my 401K.

Do I recommend making career changes midstream or at the end? Of course. Who knows, you might discover that you had something different and special in you all the time. As long as you have the desire for and love whatever it is, the hard work you’ll have to do won’t seem like work at all. As the time flies and you work to succeed, you will.

Please visit my web site to get a peek inside my new book The Write Life at Book Pages

PMS, It’s Not What You Think

2006-06-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

There are three words in which every time I hear them I go, ugh! I detest and loath them, to put it mildly. I want to cry when I have to think about them. Yet, in my line of work I can’t live without them.

The odd thing about the words is the beginning letter of each spell PMS. That is exactly what I feel like I’m going through when I have to think of them. The sad part is, unlike the monthly cycle women endure in which PMS passes, it doesn’t ever go away for a writer. What am I talking about? Promote, market, and sell.

As you can see, the letter “p” stands for promote, which stands for popularize, which means convince people like you to buy. The letter “m” means merchandise, meaning goods that people like you buy. Finally the letter “s,” my all-time favorite, . . . yeah right, anyway, this letter says an exchanges of money while saying buy, buy, buy.

Can you see why these three words drive me crazy? A salesman I am not. I am a writer. For the duration of seven days and 24 hours, I have to become enthralled with this unique form of PMS. Without it I can’t survive. Without it I would have no reason to continue writing. Without it, who would even know I exist?

Due to this stipulation as part of an agreement I made with myself, I must ask, seek, request, appeal, beg, solicit, and plead to yours and others sensibilities, to take interest in my new book The Write Life. At certain times of my day, I have to shed my writer’s cap and begin pitching, hawking and whatever it takes to promote, market and sell. Like it or not, it is part of a writer’s life. Is the book any good? I think so and so do my editors. Let’s just say, my editors are what is called selective, if they say it is good, it is.

Still, not sure? Take a peek inside the book on my web site at Book Pages If you like what your read, you can order a copy at Books

Another Peek Inside the Book

2006-06-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

It is another peek inside the book, The Write Life. Many e-mailed and called me to say they like what they read last week. So, here’s another page to share with you.

You Are Your Own Sales Department

Yes, I hate it too. But, if you and I don’t push it, it won’t sell. We have to do more than just put the words on paper, we have to peddle the words too. How else will anyone know what you know and what you can create if you don’t start shopping it around?

Too often writers of every genre assume their job is done when the work is at the printer. Well, not wanting to be the bearer of bad news, your job has just begun. While your master piece is being bound, soon to be carried in someone else’s hand, you need to get your shoes ready to do as we have all heard before, pound the pavement. I don’t mean it literally, although to do so couldn’t hurt. What I do mean is to start thinking like a traveling salesman.

Back in the forgone days, those who walked door-to-door to push their wares, didn’t make a dime to pay their bills without a sale. And that’s how you have to think about your creative work. If you don’t or can’t sell it, you make nothing from it. It would suddenly become a hobby you developed to pass the time and not a life long passion. If you really are serious about spreading your word, you are going to do most of the leg work. Sure, an agent can get you started but, the balance of the grunt work will be done by you. The work is called marketing, promoting, advertising, selling, and a host of other labels. No matter how it is expressed, you have to keep it going.

The key to keeping your sanity while you promote your work is to find ways to do it cheaply. Believe it or not, there are ways. The following pages will assist you in discovering how much you can accomplish without selling your home or your soul. It will not cover it all. I know this because with each passing day, many more opportunities are brought to light on succeeding in an ever-changing society. Each day there are new inventions and new ideas. Who knows, my input made just get you rolling on fresh ideas of your own. So, before it gets dark outside, turn the page and get ready to start walking.

Remember, the advance purchase deadline has been extended to June 15 (my birthday) as my gift to you. Afterwards it will be $12.95. Feel free to go to

Books

to place your order for only $10.

Inside the Book

2006-05-29T05:16:00.000-07:00

It’s called peeking inside the book. So the following is just that, a peek inside my new book, The Write Life. Read on and enjoy.

It’s Not Money, It’s Your Life Plan

To manage your money, you must manage your life. To accomplish either there must be order. Lack of order produces chaos. When your money and life is in a chaotic state, you lose control.

A writer’s life demands control. Why? It does not guarantee a steady income. It is at the mercy of the marketplace. Consumers decide if you can sell what you write. Therefore, to make a living writing, your writing will consist of 40% of what you want to say and 60% of what the reader wants to hear.

There is something else that determines your success at living a writer’s life. You have heard it before. What is it? It is timing. When most people think of timing, they think of luck. Trust me when I tell you luck has nothing to do with it. Timing in this matter is knowing what the marketplace desires and needs at the current point in time. For example: as you are reading this does the marketplace demand more fiction and autobiographies or is the public aware of their need for history and memoirs? Gauging the consumer’s barometer on appealing reading material is crucial to your success. Being able to judge what sells and what does not, requires you being very observant, in tune with the marketplace, and able to provide what the marketplace wants.

Even though we all sometimes feel the need to jump right out into the writers’ circle, we must keep in mind we have other needs too. To enjoy a livelihood of choice can fulfill an emotional need but, it cannot meet the requirements of health, emotional, or spiritual issues. As you elect to step forward into this new endeavor, do not forget to stay mindful of the fact that all areas of your life must fit in the plan. If your choice brings chaos to other parts of your life, then serious consideration must be given to your expectations.

Now get ready. Put your thinking cap on and grab paper and pen. This section will open your mind to ways of doing what you have been dying to do. Hopefully, it will provide you with food for thought as it guides you in planning a new life.

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Did you like what you read here? You can go to

Books

and order the book The Write Life. Advance order price of $10 has been extended to June 15, 2006.
Have questions or comments? Email me at sylmcclain@juno.com

Promotions

2006-05-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

It happens to most of us which I am sure. Those times when you can’t seem to get going. No inspiration or brain storms rolling in your head. Well, I am in that place where no matter what I try to think of, my brain isn’t working.

Why does this bother me right now? Well, as you found out last week, I just finish putting together another book and it is time to sell it, sell it, sell it. Which, by the way is a section in the book. As it sits with my two editors, I am to go to the next stage. Why am I having a promotion problem? Most likely because no matter what I do as I follow my own advice, I just don’t feel like things are moving at the pace they should.

Sure I have done the e-blast/internet thing, the flyer thing, and the media thing, Yet, I feel more passing waves from the public, instead of a hardy, “You go girl.” So I am now questioning myself, which always leads to the question of, “Am I leaving anything out?” In other words, have I forgot something. Heck, I am setting up book signings as I write. Those are the easy things to do. They are plans for the future. When the book is off to the printer, I will know the exact day the release party will be. In the mean time, what can I do now? That is where I am stuck.

So fellow writers, tell me what I can still do now while I wait for the finishing touches to be applied to the book. My past experience taught me that with every minute something can be accomplished. Remind me what I am missing out on. For some reason I seem to be drawing blanks in my head right now. Could it be, without the book in my hand just yet, there is only so much I can do? I don’t know. You tell me.

I keep feeling like something is missing, that things are not quite done, just yet. As a self publisher, I know I have to be my own sales department. By the way, that is another section in the book. Anyway, promoting the book is all on me and I want to do just that. But, somehow, someway, I think I might have forgotten what the next step to take is. Have I become like medical doctors? Those that tell you how to take care of yourself and then don’t follow their own advice.

Well, my door is open and you are now invited and more than welcomed to fill in my blanks. Feel free to, drop me a line, or two.

Blog Update

2006-05-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

Want to know where I was this week? I was taking care of business. I have a new book coming out and working with the editors, and my plate has been full. What is my new book about? I am so glad you asked. Just read on fellow bloggers.

You have been waiting and
now you can have it in your hands.
What am I talking about?

The Write Life
Available June 2006

It’s coming-all the answers in one place. Want to get rid of that nine-to-five career and write for life? Want to maximize your writing talents, thinking about publishing your own book? The Write Life is the book for you. No more wondering how to get started, no more stalling getting those queries out. Become a publisher. The Write Life has the answers to your questions.

With budget guidelines to help you transition from your current career, you will be able to start slow and grow. No longer will you have to guess at what works and what doesn’t. The Write Life will walk you step by step to success. It isn’t about what you do. It is how you do it. Change your life. Live your dream and look for your name in print.

A published article or two doesn’t pay enough to live on. The Write Life helps you understand how to get your name in print over and over again. The Write Life shows you how to extend your writing career to workshops, conferences, seminars, speaking engagements, and syndication. You can take your writing career to the top.

You love to write. You have articles everywhere. Now you want to put your ideas all together in one book. The Write Life shows you what to do. Learn what other publishers already know about how to print and sell your work. Get the insights to designing book covers, registering your book for distribution, choosing printers, promotion and marketing, advertising and much more. Whatever you don’t know, The Write Life has the answer.

The Write Life will surely be a sell out. Order your copy now. Advance orders are available as a soft cover or e-book for only $10. Save over 20% by buying now! It will be $12.95 after June 1, 2006. Place your advance order at www.scribalpress.com/Books.htm

A Fake

2006-05-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

You know I cried when the public was informed that a book by an aspiring young writer was plagiarized. As a woman who waited more than 20 years to step out and begin a career in writing, my spirits were let down.

When I first had the desire to have a writing career, I didn’t think it would be feasible. I had a child to raise alone and felt it was too risky. After my son grew up, I went back to school, got the degree, and began writing for a living. It was odd this incident happened when it did. I have gone back to school once more to obtain a Master’s degree. One of my classes this past semester was in press law. I had chosen to write about plagiarizing for my one and only assigned paper. Lo and behold, another writer had committed this sin.

I kept thinking, did she not know? Sure, she was young and inexperienced but, as she pursued the field of writing, I know she was told plagiarizing was unacceptable. She claims she had no clue that was what she was doing. It was stored somewhere in the back of her memory cells in her brain. Hogwash! I am in the middle of menopause and I can remember if I read something before. I may not remember where I read it but I do remember I did read it elsewhere.

This young girl was also still in school like me. She heard over an over, in each and every class, not to even think about plagiarizing someone else’s work as she did her papers. Did she think it had nothing to do with her own personal musings? Bull____. She really thought no one would notice. But with a two-book deal and the amount of money I heard she got, the publishers had planned to make sure as many people as possible would read her book. In doing so, you can bet, somebody, somewhere, would notice the copies from another book. I mean, my God, the books were in the same category. If her book was appealing, the book she copied from was also read by the same people. Duh!

Anyway, this hurt me so much because I waited and waited for my chance to do what she got a chance to do early. An opportunity like hers is not a dime a dozen. What did she do? She blew it. Now every publisher that takes on an upcoming, potentially rising star of the writing circuit will check, recheck, and check again each and every line the new writer writes. Why? Trust. It is that simple, no trust, no sales for a bad reputation. Her publisher lost a lot of money on this deal. They say she had to give back her advance. Yet, it still can’t correct the reputation of the publisher because someone on the outside found the problem. It was their job to read the darn book and make sure it contained her words and her words only.

Whipped, Worn Out, and Plain Tired

2006-05-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

I’m back. In the last three weeks my schedule was more than full, it was overwhelming. If you remember, I am a writer, teacher, and student. Between those three occupations, I spent each day running from one event or class every day. I am so glad that things are slowing down because I have a deadline for my new book, The Write Life. With only 29 more days to get this work completed, edited, and proofread is driving me crazy. Especially since some of my past writing events garnered me, advance purchases. So now you know what I have to do and how soon I have to do it.

None of what I have just shared with you has kept me from having opinions on the state of affairs here in the United States. The unofficial rape at the Duke University, gas prices, plagiarized writing by a new author, upcoming state elections, the war status, and a host of other things going on right now have my head spinning. How I keep my feelings in my head is beyond my comprehension, but I do. So I will attempt to give you my take on one issue and get back to the others next week. Why? Because my plate is still full with obligations, which mean I have very little time still. So here goes.

Gas prices

This one puts me up against a wall. I, like you can’t stand the thought of how much money it cost me to fill a ten-gallon gas tank. Instead of the $20 per weekly fill up I had gotten used to, I now have to plan in my budget $30. Doesn’t sound like much to you? Well, keep in mind, as a freelance writer, I don’t get a paycheck at the end of each week. My paychecks come like those of the old vacuum cleaner salesman. I get paid when I sell a piece. So one month I may make a few thousand and another, not one red penny. So the price of gas can’t just up and change and not cause problems for me. The key word here is budget. My preplanned budget was for $20 a week, not $30. So spare me the phrase that says there is nothing we can do about it. I say that is bull____. You fill in the blank.

Now the other side of this story is my retirement plan. I happen to own quite a bit of stock in the oil industry. My financial advisor back in 2003 insisted that I move some money around and buy it. I put up a fuss but went ahead and purchased some anyway. Well, you know what that means. With the increase in gasoline prices, there is an increase in my retirement portfolio. Trust me when I tell you, it is looking pretty good. The problem here is I am not old enough to take advantage of this influx of money. It is my retirement money. Ok, ok, I shouldn’t complain. But, at the rate the cost of living is going lately, I have to ask myself, will I live long enough to enjoy it. If things like unemployment rates, food and housing prices, along with the gasoline prices keep going upward, will I survive long enough to retire?

What really scares me is the fact that as a writer with money that comes and goes in drips and drabs, I never know sometimes when the rent will be paid or food will be on the table. I have no guarantee on how long I will live. Sure, there are agencies to assist me if need be but, I’m not unemployed, I’m underemployed some days and over on others. What’s a girl like me to do?

Anyway, like I said earlier, I am busy, busy sending out queries, teaching health and writing classes as my cost of living continually goes up. So I have to say good night now because I have work to do.

Rape 101

2006-04-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

It is a crime. But worst than that, it is a description of a violation, a disgrace, a breach, sacrilege, abuse, malicious attack, and degeneration to name a few. It also goes against all moral, ethical, and legal bounds. If the woman who accuses three members of Duke University’s LaCrosse team of the aforementioned acts is telling the truth, then what are the police waiting for?

I have read and heard the woman went to be examined and medical personnel found signs of an attack. Now I’m not in law enforcement but, the next logical step would to go after matching all evidence to the accused. If there is a match, then there is a case to put together and charges to be made. If there is no match to the accused, then it would be about finding those who fit the bill. The LaCrosse team says they have evidence that shows they did nothing wrong. The police should get on that too. Reason being, somebody’s telling a lie.

Here is my problem with this whole thing. First, the team is suspended and its coach resigns. The university says they can go no further without more information. So where does that information come from? The police! Suddenly I seem to recall an old adage. It’s not what you do, but whom you know. Obviously, somebody has a lot of pull with the police department in Durham, North Carolina.

So it’s back to the old school ways. If you have a lot of money, you pay the right people to shove any bad stuff under the table or conveniently delay any action, all in the hope that it will eventually fade away. That somewhere, somebody will do something that will redirect our attention elsewhere. I’m not buying it. Want to know why? Thirty-six years ago I was gang-raped. I was young, afraid, and ashamed. I thought it was my fault. I felt helpless to do anything about it. No more. If it was to happen to me in these times, I would not only talk but, talk loud.

I would be insistent, annoying, persistent, and down right in the law enforcement’s face. I would be calling every politician in congress. The newspapers and TV stations could get an interview with me with a simple phone call. My employer would have to show me a lot of backup or on the carpet they would go too. If none of these things got the punishment ball rolling, I would right a book, naming names and telling it all.

You see, no woman, no matter what she does for a living, gives a man or group of men the right to Ravish, Ambush, Paralyze or Endanger for their own perverted pleasure.

Guest Workers, Hell No!

2006-04-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Now Bush has lost his mind. Give illegal immigrants a pass to stay here in the U.S. What about all the workers we already have who are unemployed? What about all the legal immigrants that took the high road and did everything the right way to come and stay here? Don’t these people count?

I read Thomas Sowell’s column in the paper today. Something he said took a hold on me and I have to say that I agree with him on it. Now I don’t normally feel the same way he does about the matters of the U.S. But this time I stand with him and support his philosophy. Here goes. He says Bush is only attempting to enforce the law on one hand and not on the other to secure the Hispanic vote. In other words, forgive illegal immigrants for breaking the law but never, ever, forgive murderers and bank robbers.

Now I know you are saying they are totally different. Not really. They all have to do with breaking the law, and the law is the law. As I said last week, the country is working their butts off to stop terrorists from coming in the country but not illegal immigrants, half a dozen of one or none of the other. Either way something stinks to me. I personally don’t want anyone here in this country that has not filled the bill to gain entry.

There is plenty of talk about the work involved with illegal immigrants. It is said we don’t do the work they will do for less pay. Did everyone forget they get paid a minimum wage and so do a lot of American citizens? What type of work doesn’t matter. Low paying jobs are not just limited to illegal immigrants. Ask any downsized worker who had to take whatever job they could find with less pay and no benefits.

Now Bush wants us to say it is ok to forgive and forget. I don’t think so. I would bet that those who lost good paying jobs would feel the same way too. The reasons being the jobs the illegal immigrants are taking are the same ones Americans have to look for now. The good old days are long gone. With the outsourcing of jobs and health benefits denied, the last thing I need to worry about is someone else taking my job who doesn’t even have the right to be here. Sending the illegal back home is not only the right thing to do. It is the only sensible thing to do. Our country is in dire straits with the unemployment rate high as hell here in Michigan. Whatever jobs are available now are needed by those who were born here. Any extra help is not only unwanted, but it is unneeded. Check the stats again.

Bush, all I can say is, thank God there is a term limited on the presidency.

Here We Go Again, Politics

2006-03-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

First, there are the voting rights of the Katrina Hurricane victims. Now there is the immigration situation. I seem to remember the citizens of Iraq having satellite voting. What, we can’t do the same for the Katrina victims? I could have sworn we already have laws to deal with illegal residents. We can’t enforce them anymore?

Let’s start with the voting issue. Why would our government officials from the states involve in Katrina, not want each and every victim to be able to vote? Did it ever occur to them that the victims voted them in office? I say to them, keep in mind, the same way you got in, is the same way you can be forced out. If I were you, I would make it my business to see that all of my constituents, wherever they are, had access to vote. If I am going to represent them in congress and wish to stay as long as possible, I would know for sure that their vote was counted.

This should not be an issue of allowing them to vote, they already have that right. The problem seems to be the government officials not finding a way to allow the votes to be taken. If you can make sure those in Iraq get their turn at casting a ballot, why can’t you do the same for U.S. citizens. What, voices here are not as important as those in Iraq? Give me a break. Too many times you want citizens here to agree with what you say, put into action, and make law but when it is your turn to do the same for them, you become brain dead. My suggestion, do what you are being paid to do. Get the ballots to those who need to cast a vote, by hook or crook, since you are familiar with that anyway.

Now on to the immigration problem. There is one thing I know for sure. If you can wage a war in a foreign country, you can wage one against illegal entry into this country. It’s called Homeland Security. Terrorists don’t care where they gain entry, just that they do. What makes you think they haven’t given some thought to pretending to be Hispanic or Latino to come to America? We must enforce the laws across all our borders. Those who work as border patrol should have all the power they need to ensure our safety from those who are willing to sacrifice their lives to make a point. The point being, war against America.

I know the country is fighting terrorists from all four sides. What makes it so hard for us to judge illegal entry by any one person, coming for work or to wreck havoc? Illegal is illegal in any form or color. It couldn’t possibly be hard to realize that protecting our borders include anyone and everyone coming across all of them. So Homeland Security is looking for what looks like a terrorist. Does that mean they stop looking for illegal immigrants? Isn’t one as bad as the other? Each could cause our country to be put into a whirlwind of trouble. Either we end up dead or we end up starving half the country. Neither sound good to me.

What we need more than anything else right now is for those we have elected to office to get with the program and see the big picture. The decisions you make today will bring results tomorrow. Make the wrong one and there will be a heavy price to pay later.

Fed Up

2006-03-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Today is the day I have decided I am fed up. Fed up with the war in Iraq, the economy in Michigan, politicians, multiple killings and kidnapings across the country, celebrity trash, bad weather all around, riots, and what we all call the news. Is there no good news to report anymore? I am more than fed up. I am tired of being tired.

You could call me a news junkie. Since I am a freelance writer, I spend a lot of my time alone. Alone doing what I do for a living, which is generating and looking for writing assignments. Because of this, my only contact with the outside world while I am at home working is the news. Imagine this, I don’t have cable so the news I get is from the major TV stations we all have access to for free, NBC, ABC, CBS, UPN, and WB. Hello, if this is all I see and it is mostly bad news, think about how I would feel if I did have cable news too. Lord please help me.

Each day as I watch the news, looking at stories from different angles to possibly write about, all I get is sad, disgusting news. Yes, it is important to know what is happening around the country and the world but, does the news media ever look for the good stuff as well as the bad? It doesn’t look like it to me. Even the newspapers I get don’t show much on the positive side of things. They just rehash what you see on TV, supposedly, in more details. Enough already! Give me a break. Yes I said it, give me a break.

With so much going on in this world, nobody can make me believe that there is no good news out there somewhere. Could it be because of people like us who tune into the negatives and spend so much time absorbing it? I am most likely part of the guilty crowd. Maybe if we stop looking and watching all of the bad stuff and generate massive low ratings, the stations would take another look at their agendas. Maybe they would see a need to spread more, good news. Maybe, just maybe, we would get more of a balance picture of what is happening around the globe.

I don’t know about you but I am a tad upset with what is thrown in my face, day after day. I would love to be able to do more than just shake my head from side to side saying, my oh my, what is this world coming to. It would not bother me a bit to sit watching the news one day and smile as I think, there is still hope. How about you?

Let’s try this idea? One day we all join together and not watch one bit of news for 24 hours. Instead we go out into our neighborhoods and see what we can find that is positive. We look for the good stuff. Then the next day we send the information to the stations and say, “now report this.” Can you imagine what might happen afterwards? People might just become more friendly. They may start saying hello as they pass you on the street. They might start holding backyard fence discussions again. They might start being the eyes and ears of the community again, eliminating killings and kidnapings. They might discover some hometown heroes. Jobs might be created because Mr. Smith needs work done which Mr. Jones can do. See where I am going with this?

All it takes is for all of us to get back in touch, in touch with our immediate surroundings. Then we might be able to generate good news instead of bad. That way, the media would have to report on it. It would be too much not to. Just a thought.

Issues

2006-03-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

I have been swamped with writing assignments for school and for submissions. In the past month, I attended conferences, workshops, and group meetings. Whew! I have been busy. But it has not stopped me from hearing and reading about different issues most are dealing with across the country. I will try to give you my take on a couple of them and let you go with the flow or not.

Upcoming Presidential Election

Can a woman run the country? Some say yea and some say nay. Me personally, I have reached the point of wondering, does it really matter? All I want is someone to be in charge that has more than just ideas on the agenda. Why? What good is an idea that doesn’t work because it does not take into consideration what the effect will be on the majority of the populous. I think many politicians think the majority are the rich and not the poor. So if the idea works for the rich, you can bet your bottom dollar it won’t work for the poor, including the middle class. Most likely, the middle class is the new poor. They have too much money to qualify for help and not enough money to qualify as well to do. It’s that caught in the middle thing, too much of one and not enough of the other.

Can a woman make a difference? As far as I am concerned, it sure can’t hurt. As a matter a fact, it might even be the solution to this hell hole we the average Americans are currently living in. I use to be a middle class citizen but now I am a starving artist. And believe me when I tell you, I am really a starving artist. Living hand to mouth, check to check, hoping and praying that things will turn around soon. So if a woman, my soul sister, can turn this problem plagued country around, I say, let’s give it a try. It sure couldn’t get any worse than it is now for people like me.

More Layoffs

I live in the automobile driven section of America, Detroit, Michigan. That makes it very hard to accomplish any forward motion when all is dependent on the car. It also doesn’t go well when the image of the city itself is not exactly an image one writes home to momma about. Yet, today I hear of Delphi dropping more suppliers. You know what that means? More people are out of work. Last month, my sister was laid off and her husband will most likely know by the end of this month if his job is on the line. She left Ford as a contract worker and her husband has been with AT&T for more than 25 years. I say my family has something to worry about. You see this follows my son getting laid off last September from the police force. Add all of this to my life as a freelance writer (starving artist) and you can see our family fiscal health is falling apart. We normally help each other during hard times but, who’s going to help who when we all are on the receiving end?

Other Issues

Here in my section of the country, there are issues about the school board, water rates, crime, garbage pickup, home foreclosures, unemployment levels, affirmative action, voting rights, and a host of other things making up a list too long to even record. How I survive in all this mess I will never know. But I do. I do it one day at a time and with a lot of prayer. So do I care if there is a woman president? Am I worried about my family structure holding on? Did Writer’s Digest accept my query? Oh, sorry. My mind started drifting to more writing work and more money. Anyway, yes I do care about all the issues before us today. I can only focus though on my status you see. It is how the bills get paid . . . or not.

A Few Thoughts

2006-03-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

You didn’t see me last week because I was just too busy to do the blog thing. Again, I don’t have a clue as to how others find so much time that they can blog, day after day, hour after hour and still have a productive life. Anyway, this week I have a few things that I want to comment on.

Sudoku Puzzles

Think Sudoku puzzles. Guess what? I am hooked. I have always been a crossword puzzle person but the Sudoku puzzles I have allowed to possess me to no end. I don’t know if it’s the fact that it deals with numbers, on if it is the simple logic involved to solve them. No matter what, I work them wherever I see one. I did notice that completing them seem to relax me. Maybe it’s because I become so engrossed with making sure that all nine numbers in each box are in harmony with the other boxes. Some people would probably say that it is too much work on the brain but I love it. So much so that I went out and bought a book of Sudoku puzzles. There were more than 100 in one book. I spent one whole week solving those puzzles. They went from easy to very difficult. Percentage wise, I successfully completed maybe 25% of them all. The funny part is, that percentage was accomplished in the difficult section. Anyway, if you don’t see an updated blog from me each week, write it off to I will most likely be too busy doing a Sudoku puzzle to visit the blog.

Faith

The other thing on my mind this week has to do with violence. I told you before that I lived in Detroit. Last week, a woman was killed in a church here. When I heard that on the news, I almost had a heart attack of my own. What has become of this world, is all I could think? First the battles carried out in the Gaza strip between the Jews and the Palestinians. Then came the cartoons that spurned riots in countries with deep convictions in the Islamic faith. Now we have a killing in a church of people who believe in the Baptist faith. What will be next? I bombing of Catholic churches,? Lutheran lynching? Mormon hanging? How about those who practice Hinduism? What will become of them? Let’s not leave out those who believe in Confucianism, Buddhism or the Methodists. I am worry. If we all believe in one that is more powerful than ourselves, don’t we believe in his teachings? I know for a fact that he does not, never has nor ever will say it is all right to kill others. The magic word that is taunted by the almighty in all religions is LOVE. I will never understand why no one else can see that violence begets nothing more than, more violence. No, I am not holier than thou but, I do know right from wrong. According to my good book, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, sedition, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, and reveling are not right any holy books of any faith. Need I say any more?

Affirmative Action

As an African American, I am very worry about privileges and rights being taken away that were so hard fought for. In November of this year, Michigan residents and other citizens in the United States will have to decide if affirmative action is still needed. Many say no, others say yes. I say yes and I will tell you why. Lord, knows I wish that we did not still need affirmative action but, as long as there are still prejudice and discrimination, affirmative action will still be needed. It was originally set up to guarantee equal opportunity for everyone, an opportunity to an education, housing, jobs, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, in this country many still cannot live where they want, go to school where they want or get the job that they want. Why? It is still a country of who’s, who and money talks. It is because of that we must not let affirmative action laws fall by the wayside. Imagine, if we are still fighting over something so simple as religious beliefs, do you really believe that we don’t need watch dogs to keep the lines of communication open? It doesn’t matter what the numbers show, the reality is prejudice and discrimination still exists. Because of that, we cannot let go of the only alternative we have. If we lose it, so many before us will have died in vain.

Let it go!

2006-02-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

For one week the media got on my last nerve. Cheney was involved in an accident. He mistakenly shot a good friend while on a hunting trip. Without saying a word for a few days, Cheney said a whole lot in my book. For what was three to four days, Cheney simply said, media I have priorities and you ain’t one of them.

I wholeheartedly agreed with the way things went. And I will tell you why. If I had gone on a hunting trip with a dear friend and somehow - God forbid - I shot my friend, I too would most likely be lying in a hospital bed. It would not be from a gunshot. It would be from a psychological breakdown. Did anyone out there in media land think once about Cheney’s mental state after he pulled the trigger? Obviously not. One thing I know for sure; rich and famous, a politician or just an everyday person, if you accidently shoot someone you call a friend, the last thing that would be on your mind is calling the press.

Any human being with an ounce of consciousness would be fit to be tied. That persons’ first and last concern would be the health and well being of the friend. You would fly to the hospital, you would pace the floor, you would be trying to keep from going crazy as you pray like you have never prayed before. The media? Well, you know where I would tell them to go.

Now, how can I say such things? Easy. I say it from my soul not from my pocket. I don’t give a dam what image it may give someone else. I owe no explanation for doing as the famous Spike Lee called it, the “right thing.” Has this country and all it constituents gone to hell in a hand basket? Have we all forgotten what being human entails? From the way the media acted for a week, I would say yes.

Get off your high horses and remember what your parents taught you a long time ago. Subjects called Ten commandments and Seven Deadly sins. If I have to break out the parts that apply here, you are not going to hell in a hand basket, you’re already there. I’ll pray for you.

On Another Note

I know that God, by any name we call him, would not condone the riotous acts being carried on around the world. I will not go into details on why but, I will say this. Atrocious behavior begets nothing more than condemnation from Allah, as he is known to Muslims. Yes, the cartoons were wrong. There will never be any justification for them. But tow wrongs cannot make a right. Therefore, even Mohammed, the leader that is said to be chosen by Allah, would to be enraged by what is going on.

I say to all, stop! Stop the madness! If not because it is the right thing to do, do it because Allah would want you to. Then get down on your knees and pray. Pray that peace and understanding will be forthcoming, not in the long term but, the short term. And I’ll pray with you.

Gracious, Somebody Should Rescue Me

2006-02-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

I don’t know how others out in cyber space do this blog thing every day. Don’t they have a life? Well, I am rushing to keep you up to date on what is going on with me. The last two weeks have been busy for this old girl.

It started with my internet provider’s program. I got up last Tuesday and turned on my computer, clicked the icon for the internet and got two messages. The first one read something about my e-mail folder had a technical problem and it was restored in a new folder. I clicked the “ok” button and got another message that said something about going on. Again, I clicked the ok button and the program shut down.

That is when I began the trek through everything on my computer to troubleshoot the error. No luck. Thank God. I have a laptop. Well, on my laptop I went to the web site and looked for numbers to get to call the provider and get help on fixing the error. No luck. Not a number anywhere to call. There were a lot of FAQ sections that were designed to assist me with problems that I might incur. Again, no help. So I sent an e-mail to the technical support group.

Now, are you ready? I wrote the e-mail describing my problem and clicked the submit button and got a message that said it did not go through and go back to start. WHAT! I almost cried. After spending more than three hours on my computer’s problem and searching for help, nothing I did on the web wanted to work either. Instead of crying, I cussed and fussed as I thought of the names I would call anyone I got in touch with.

I took a break because right about that time my mother called me. She was being rushed to the hospital again. Last year in September, you remember I told you about a death in my family and my mother’s serious medical condition all occurring in one week. Well, once more she was in dire straits. It was more important for me to deal with that than my computer.

My mother and I spoke about who was going to do what and when between me and my sister Judy. Judy would take her to the hospital and I would relieve her if time went on in getting her admitted. Judy would keep me up to date on the progress. So I went back to my laptop and checked my e-mail. Wow! It did go through. The e-mail I sent to technical support sent me a three-pages of instruction on how to remedy the situation. I followed all the steps and voila, it worked. According to them, an e-mail I had received, although it did not contain any virus, had caused a technical glitch somewhere and I needed to do a special backup thing on my computer then, let the backup program download the whole program again.

I think the e-mail that caused the glitch is the one I got from a company that supplied free use to do your taxes under some government agreement. You see, the last thing I had done the night before were my taxes through the federal government web sight. I completed them, submitted them, and got a return e-mail saying when my tax refunds should be deposited into my account. It came with more messages in it and in a format that was simply promotional advertizing.

It’s a good thing I believe in never putting all your eggs in one basket. If I had, with no laptop I would have had to seek some other way to get it all together again. So, to all you laptop lovers, better go retrieve that desktop you put in storage because you never know when you too may need more than one piece of equipment to do your work.

Promises, Promises, Promises

2006-02-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

Earlier I told you I didn’t make New Years’s resolutions, but I make promises to myself. Well, I did a book expo Saturday and must have met a ton of aspiring, new, and partly established writers. One thing I had decided I would do this year is more promotion and marketing of me and my writing capabilities. Dam! I should have locked out that thought when it first knocked on the door to my brain.

The reason being, I met new people, which meant I had to sell it. I had to sell me and my writing to new faces. Did I ever mention I hate being a saleswoman? When I think of sales, the first thing that always comes to mind is a 50's car salesman, pushy, obnoxious, annoying, irritating and a host of other things I don’t have time to list.

Here’s the problem. I am a writer. I love to write. But no one will ever know this if I don’t sell my writing. To sell it, I have to become an “in your face” type of person. I have to do it without becoming the car salesman I dislike. As I have never had any training in sales, it is one very difficult task for me. In my past life, I tried selling Avon, Amway, perfume, tupperware, and God knows how many other products with no success. I just don’t know how to hint at, suggest or convince someone to buy something they really don’t need or want but, I must make them think they do. In turn, someone hands me money and I put a book in a bag as I thank them profusely for believing in me.

There is another problem. I have read book after book on promotion that works, marketing that guarantees, and queries that convince to no avail. So I’ve been told and shown the tricks of the trade. What I haven’t learned is how to feel comfortable putting it all in practice. What am I to do when I’m suppose to talk about my work without sounding like a braggart? Yes, I know how to write and write well. What I don’t know, is how to tell the world to buy my books and anything else I put on paper to be read.

So here’s my plea. If you are reading this, pray for me. Pray that I find the courage and fortitude to do what I must. You see, if I don’t gather the strength, I’ll have to go back to a nine to five and I don’t think a job like that will give me anytime to write.

Super Bowl XL

2006-01-30T05:29:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have visited my blog before, you know that I live in Detroit. For those who haven’t, you are learning that fact now. Detroit has been gearing up for the Super Bowl XL. What you don’t know is that I am not a football fan. Not now, never have been nor ever will be. But that’s ok. I realize the multitudes of football fanatics have to be allowed to have their time in the spotlights.

Two things bother me. One, when the Super bowl is over, what will the city officials do to keep the spirits high in the city? The second one is, what about those of us who hate football? What are we to do for the next week when everything is Super Bowl this and Super Bowl that? Where is my entertainment?

I know the city has what they call the “Winter Blast.” I don’t like winter. I feel about winter what I think of football, not! They go hand in hand with me, too physical, too cold, and too boring. So now what? Am I to spend the next week listening to and watching one media hullabaloo after another about the Super Bowl? I mean it’s everywhere, on buildings, in newspapers and magazines, on TV news, and every billboard across town.

I used to go and stay weekends in hotels to “get away from it all.” They are all booked now for football tourists, no room for regular patrons. I hope the owners remember the Super Bowl celebration is over in a week. When the tourists are all gone, don’t come calling on me to “come on back and see us now.” It’s not that I don’t want Detroit to not have an opportunity to show we have and can do more than make and drive cars. I just want more to do this upcoming week than go to the Super Bowl and everything connected to it. I like to be entertained too, you know.

I would give just about anything to have an extravaganza going on for people like me. Something like, an award show or maybe a TV show being filmed here. How about The View taping for one week in Detroit? I can visualize the media swarming down on Detroit for an event like that.

Anyway, with no choice in the matter, my only recourse is to shut everything down, lock it up, and go to bed. I’ll have to become sleeping beauty for a week. I only hope some prince will come and wake me when it’s over, with a kiss.

Big Brother

2006-01-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 21, 2006 I called it a night at 7:30 P.M. to prepare to sit down and watch the old Will Smith movie Enemy of the State. As I watched the usual Hollywood drama, something suddenly slapped me in the face. It wasn’t fiction anymore. This movie showing all the ways that “big brother” could monitor someone was no longer make-believe.

Then it hit me. I’m scared. I’m scared to death. Eight years ago, when this movie was completed with all its fabrication of high-level technology being possible, the question is, what can be done in real life now?

Not long ago the public was advised of the president’s arbitrary decision validating certain government officials use of devices that literally intrude into the life of anyone, anywhere, at anytime for any reasons they deem are justified. My personal concern is, how far will they and can they go now? If the president says the government agency does not need permission to invade someone’s privacy, when will that which is considered private by us all, become public to everyone?

After watching the movie, I wanted to walk around my house and check my house and cell phones, my smoke alarms, my shoes, ink pens, watches, and yes, my clothes. I don’t feel like a threat to national security but, how would I know what the government thinks I am? My God, I was once a Black Panther, I protested the war in Vietnam, and I marched with the NAACP. I once help form a union in a security company. I have always fought for what I believe. None of the issues being something, the federal, state, and local governments exactly approved of then. Am I a threat to the U.S.?

I’m sure there are many out there who expressed this kind of concern a while ago. But for some strange reason, it took me watching Enemy of the State again to realize it could happen. It could happen to me. No, I have not gained access to any sensitive information that would put the U.S. in jeopardy. Yet, If you and I are not told the why, what, when, and where; how would we know its not us? For that reason alone - I must say - if “big brother” starts watching me, he’d better be careful because I will be watching him.

MLK

2006-01-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. I took the day off. Really. I did absolutely nothing on purpose. While doing so, I read newspaper articles on MLK and reflected on what I remembered about the man.

Sunday, while at church service, the choir sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The chorus to the song stayed with me the rest of that day. It was still on my mind on the holiday. One line took me back to MLK during his heyday. It goes like this. “His truth is marching on.” Over and over it rang in my head. I asked myself what is it about that line resonating so in my head? It took a while, but I figured it out. It was the word truth.

Lately, this country has been in daunted with scandals, hypocrisy, cover ups, embezzlements, and old fashion falsehoods, all leading to the simple word, lie. A lie is the opposite of truth. MLK was always pleading with this country and its citizens to face the truth, the truth about our attitudes, practices, and deeds. All he ever wanted was for America to accept the inequities and fix them. All he ever requested was what we call truths. In his famous speech he said, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

That’s when it hit me. There have been some changes but, not enough. There are still attitude adjustments to make. Practices are still out of line and deeds need work. That’s why the line “His truth is marching on” says it all. We must keep walking, talking, and marching until the truth prevails.

Later yesterday another song replaced the hymn. It was an old song by Neil Diamond. On Oprah’s show he sang one more time a favorite of mine. He sang “America.” Do you remember the last chorus lines? “They’re coming to America, Today!” Just think. That’s why many still come and yet, we still have a way to go to get to the truth.

Another Day, Another Dollar

2006-01-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

That is how I feel today. It’s how I have felt for the last week. Find those dollars, make that money. As part of my promises to myself this year, I am to work harder at promoting me and my writing. Believe me when I tell you. It ain’t easy.

I have for this past week been turning my ideas into articles, searching the web, books, and newsletters for writing markets. I have been putting together workshop proposals and talking with everyone and anyone for contacts. Whew! I have been busy. It might be why I forgot to write my blog for the week. Didn’t you notice I’m three days behind?

I don’t know if being behind in blogging is a good thing or a bad thing. I do know one thing. I haven’t a clue how others blog morning, noon, and night on theirs. Don’t they do any work? If my plans pan out and I get more work than I ever had before, will I remember to blog weekly? Who knows?

Anyway, I recall that on Saturday, I had taken a stance on something. Whatever it was, I had intended to blog the subject matter. Guess what? I forgot what it was. That may have something to do with me and menopause. But that’s another topic. Better yet, go to www.strutmag.com and read my essay "Old is New Again" to explain why it might be the menopause I’m going through. If that doesn’t explain it, I don’t know what will.

Back to blogging. This is what I will promise you. After today, I will mark my calendar to include my weekly blog as part of my writing promotion. Besides, I know there is an advantage to doing it at least weekly. I stay brushed up on my ideas going to print and it still allows me to vent on whatever I feel like venting on. Why? Because it belongs to me and me only. It’s mine, mine, mine! Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot I was being read.

Well, I have to go now. My muse awaits me. It’s back to turning my ideas into articles, and searching the web, books, and newsletters for writing markets. I have got to find those dollars.