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@Mel&Del I've been thinking about the idea of thinking being overrated. What else can you do with your mind? I'm thinking about it... Listening to music is a good alternative. Music really is magic. It requires you to do nothing but listen, and if you enjoy what you hear, that's icing on the cake! Lately, for some reason I've been thinking how 73 years ago in1951, as a Freshman at the University of Illinois, one of the favorite songs of the little black colony of students on this large campus was a song named "For All We Know." At the end of every social event, those gathered would form a circle, grasp hands, and sing this song followed by a chorus of "Auld Lang Syne". Listening to that old favorite by Nat Cole, the years fall away and I'm swept back to the innocent carefree days of my youth. I imagine. And listen. And no thoughts are necessary. For all we know...

If I ever needed a definition of what it looks like to Love another - this is the best definition, "Caring for someone without expecting a return on the investment"

You best believe that if that 77 year old woman, who can "look up" longer than a man can "look down", is of a mind to have an active sex life, she ain't looking for no 77 year old coot trying to hold it together and pull it off, Ideally, she'd be just fine with a 30- something hottie right out of her fantasy, with a body to die for, and a "size matters" probe that searches for love in all the right places, viagra personified, a human vibrator, a - well you get the idea. Misogynists, indeed. Don't get me started...

100% I found the answer through Numerology. I am here to inspire and listen to people. You can be in a relationship and still feel invisible. I try to be present with people. Agreement doesn't follow from understanding simply because of life experience, character internal mental and emotional disposition. Who isn't wounded by life? Any concept defies agreement not because of its essence but because of our own.

Considering my gifts and talents, I was probably put here to help and teach i.e. spread love. Love is simply giving of yourself unselfishly and unconditionally without expectation of reciprocation or reward. Looks simple but it's not. Greed, jealousy, envy, hate, etc., make it harder than Chinese arithmetic for most people to give. That's where we get the adage that it's better to give than to receive. Here's the dope part.... Those who give love unconditionally receive far more than they could have asked for in the form of joy. It actually feels great to make a difference in someone else's life.

Yeah, black music promoters were very good students of white entrepreneurs. The popular girl singing group TLC claimed that their manager, former R&B artist known as "Pebbles", cheated them out of millions and they took her to court. Just recently a claim was made that Puff Daddy learned everything he knew about controlling and exploiting musical talent from Clive Davis, who was Whitney Houston's Svengali. (Rapper mogul Shug Knight didn't need a white role model to emulate when it came intimidating his stable of performers.) Joe Jackson spent years trying to extricate his kids from the grip of Berry Gordy. Marvin Gaye also had a contentious relationship with Gordy stifling his career. Prince, of course, considered himself enslaved by Warner Brothers even if he was a control freak, himself, when it came to his proteges. Little Richard was someone else who said he was a victim of the satanic music management he sold his soul to. There's no business like show business when it comes to being taken advantage of by behind-the- scene parasites who come in all colors. As for Farrakhan, I always wondered what he did to deserve his life of luxury and status, other than to tell black folks how misguided they were, and give a marathon Founders' day speech every year, spewing anti-semitism. And, if course, meekly going along with the decision to put super star Malcolm X away.

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Right. Because the snowflakes and sensitivity police would have you arrested for making that statement outside acceptable channels. Here's doubling down on insensitivity or mysogyny or whatever, I'm glad the infertile 77-year-old woman looks great. Makes that coochie the perfect playground if it's still potable and pokable. Calm down folks...these are just jokes.

***NOTHING*BUT*THE: WHOLE*SOCIAL*MEDIA*TRUTH!!! JUST*HAD*A*STRONG*INCLINATION THAT-Colin-Jost-WOULD-FLOP-2024... SO:HERE'S A*RERUN*OF*2023!!! ***"Roy Wood, Jr. COMPLETE REMARKS: At 2023 White House Correspondents' Dinner (C-SPAN)": 2024CALLING*ON*VAUDEVILLE!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5m5dIiJMD0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5m5dIiJMD0 |

from Charles Jeff Wade My cousin, Sylvia Moy. She saved Stevie Wonders career writing songs for The Key of Life Album. Berry Gordy was going to Dump Stevie when his voice changed from the Boy Wonder to Maturing Young Man. Stevie spoke at her funeral crediting her for Saving him. Sylvia Moy - 1939-2017 Prolific Motown Records producer and songwriter. Wrote over 180 songs, with Grammy nominations, 20 BMI Awards Biography Moy grew up on the northeast side of Detroit with her eight brothers and sisters, performing on pots and pans to keep themselves busy and musical. Once she reached school, she played jazz and classical, but found her true place behind the scenes at Motown Records.The first woman at the Detroit-based music label to write and produce for Motown acts, she is probably best known for her songs written with and for Stevie Wonder. According to Berry Gordy’s autobiography To Be Loved, Moy was directly responsible for the label keeping Stevie Wonder. Gordy wrote that, after Stevie’s voice began to change as a result of puberty, he was going to drop him from the label. It was then that Moy went to Gordy and asked “if she could come up with a hit for Stevie would he reconsider;” he agreed. Her first writing success came with “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” which she co-wrote with fellow SHOF inductee, Henry “Hank” Cosby, after hearing Wonder improvising on piano. Moy wrote lyrics to the song, which she conveyed to Wonder by singing into his headphones one line ahead as he recorded. In 2006, when Moy was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Wonder made a surprise appearance at the ceremony to perform “Uptight” for his former collaborator.Among the subsequent hit singles Moy wrote and/or produced while at Motown were Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” “I Was Made to Love Her,” and “Never Had a Dream Come True;” and “Honey Chile” and “Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone” by Martha and the Vandellas. She also co-wrote “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)” with Holland-Dozier-Holland for the Isley Brothers; and “It Takes Two” with William “Mickey” Stevenson for Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston. She was the first female to have the title of “record producer” at the label, and one of the busiest and well-known songwriters of the time.Moy went on to write the theme songs for many television shows and movies and eventually earned six Grammy nominations and 20 BMI awards. She made a solid investment in the future of the arts when she co-founded the Center for Creative Communications, also known as “Masterworks,” which trains young adults in the field of telecommunications and media arts.Moy died of complications from pneumonia in Dearborn, Michigan, at the age of 78. my favorite black female written song is man in the mirror

I don’t Look at the Israeli Palestinian conflict as a racial one. There are Black people on both sides of the conflict. What does appear to be true is that that Hamas’ initial attack on the Israel was brutal and Israeli reaction is over-the-top. I won’t pretend to understand the source of the strife, partially religious, partially tribal, but clearly very violent. Why should domestic Black people be overly invested in either side of the conflict, when we have our own immediate problems to deal with right here at home?

Actually, I've reached the point in my life where I no longer have to work for anything, living off a generous pension, having everything done for me by my family or hired help or computerized technology. I am a generic beneficiary of AI. Mostly all my friends and contemporaries are dead and, by choice, my social life is nearly non existent. Alas - I am too unsteady on my feet to dance and revel. >sigh< But - television is my window to the world, recently allowing me to watch the NFL draft in Detroit and see da Bears for the first time in over 20 years exercise their first pick privilege, selecting a Heisman trophy QB as Chicago's hopes for a winning season soar! I also watch the news and pop culture programs and late night talk shows and documentaries about a variety of subjects dealing with both the past and the present. My phone is my companion which, via social media, enables me to interact with "frienemies" and play card games with robots and scroll through comedy club video clips of foul-mouthed stand-up comics and music videos from back in the day. My plush adjustable recliner is my lover in whose arms I languish and snooze and reminisce... Weather permitting, I go for a daily stroll up and down my driveway. What about reading books, you ask! As a lifelong reader, unfortunately, my short attention span has hampered this pass time, but I still manage to fit an occasional crossword puzzle into my routine to preserve my love of language. Very little cooking for me. Ignoring diets, I snack on goodies, and feast on a variety of fast foods - liberated by my vices. So goes what's left of my one-day-at-a-time life. Is this the chronicle of a lonely person? No, it is not. It is a preview of what Artificial lntelligence will improve upon. But there's one last thing that makes it all work for me. it is what Delano, Troy, and ProfD instinctively know. And it all has somethijg to do with the "who that is you" discipline . I am good company for myself; my own best friend. I am never alone. And when all the substitutes for participation recede, Me, Myself, and I, commune, - energized by solitude. Awareness is the ultimate defense against the potential toxicity of AI. Don't forget to think.

@DelanoI agree. Looks like life as we know it will eventually succumb to the technology that will subsequently eliminate humans - and ultimately itself. What remains will be the "back-to-square-one" phenomena during which a huge explosion will once again occur as the "creator" keeps on trying til it turns out right. 🗯 See ya next time. Maybe.

haha I was about to put this in:)

College tuition is going through the atmosphere. Student loan debt is ridiculous. Non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degrees will become less valuable especially as technology takes over jobs that do not require human hands. Folks are beginning to have the conversation that trade schools might be a better option than a 4 year degree from a college or university. STEM degrees will most likely always land a job somewhere. However, Liberal Arts and Business majors might be in trouble. Talk to young Black folks within your circle about considering a trade especially if they aren't STEM strong. Don't get it twisted....an electrician, plumber, welder, carpenter, mechanic, etc., can make just as much or more money than someone with a degree. Also, a tradesperson can still get a degree too. Especially if they plan to run a business.

for a second there @aka Contrarian I thought you were dropping a clue and revealing your alter ego as @harry brown

I don't know whether to feel sorry for you or applaud your efforts! Probably both. Being a caregiver is one of the hardest jobs. Harder than raising children. .... because atleast with children you usually see progress as they age and it makes you feel proud of your work. I honestly don't know what to say besides thank you.

Has anyone considered that Majors may actually be a predator who needs an incentive to stop? I have not followed the story other than what I've read here, but why is his actual behavior not a consideration? Maybe the Black judge was trying to protect Black women?

Many people believe Love is a verb—and while it can be, love is a force that is a noun. When I write about love, I refer to it as a force with properties—properties that connect everything in the entire universe. LOVE is energy that transforms and transmutes everything for its purpose. Love, as it is known today, is what ancients called Aether, God, and Quintessence. The symbol for it is shown above. Sometimes, when I write, I use the most comfortable use of love, but I'm referring to the Force (of which nothing would exist if it weren't in play. Still, I can't ignore the teachings and proverbs that return to ancient Africa. - "Love is one thing, knowledge is another,” a proverb from the Temple of Luxor in Ancient Kemet. Language is cultural and changes depending on the victor. Still, words matter, so I hold on to what is shown to me in my dreams. Love is not unknowable—it is just hidden. "If the Master teaches error, the disciple's submission is slavery. If he teaches truth, this submission is ennoblement. If I were writing a dissertation on Love, I would break down its properties ( i.e., what does it do?" and then compare that to something that has been studied almost out of existence and now is returning, "Aether." Now, because most of the time, no one knows what the hell I'm talking about, I begin with prompts, which are questions that will help me put together a mini explanation. Then I'd prompt Chat GPT since it's been programmed to recall most information in the short history of humans... Yes, I'm a nerd, and my "friend" is "Chad," and here's some of what "we've" discussed today about LOVE as a force... Written and Submitted on May 4, 2024. May the Force be with You!

Well 95% of what is out there in the cosmos today’s scientists can’t explain. They call this stuff dark matter and dark energy. If love is as force in the classical sense there could be a love field and a love particle that binds us all together. Fun fact @Mel Hopkins, one of the early network protocols the “Ethernet” got its name from the Arther you speak of.

@tipsyturvSeems like you've decided that the darker the skin tone of African Americans is, the worse they are treated by society, and you feel no kinship with anyone who has less melanin than you. I'd submit that white society is not that concerned about how light or dark skin is when it comes to racism. Maybe your friend's empathy is just a symbolic gesture. And perhaps you are being overly sensitive. Ironically, colorism still exists within the black race, - and you are proof of it.

Hummm. "mixed" is not the word that comes to my mind when looking at that picture. Nor would I call Kelly Rowland "dark-skinned". Descendents of slaves are all mixed and they come in many shades ranging from high yellow to deep brown. Facial features and hair texture are also traits that figure into the equation. None of this, however, matters to white folks who have an affinity for the word "nigger". Typically, "Afro-Americans" tend to use their own skin color as the criteria when categorizing others of their race. This is a very subjective measuring stick and varies from person to person. So it's all about opinion. Dating back to the time in the mid 1960s, thanks to Malcolm X, the term "negro" was replaced by the title "black" which previously carried a stigma. This was when the concept of blackness being "a state of mind" was introduced. I'm not sure what the current mind set is...

On the surface, yes. I'm discovering that love is an energy for creating something out of nothing. Nothing is as it seems. I'll report back with more findings shortly.

@DelanoI've found that AI is the perfect coach for me. Many find that AI, or large language models, creates more work for the individual and increases productivity. For example, I consult as a product marketing manager for a microelectronics firm. I use prompts for Chat GPT to optimize my marketing activities for every stage of product development. ChatGPT explains every detail of the product stage and optimizes what marketing activities are best to employ and the best metrics to use. So, in this case, Chat GPT is instrumental in creating a work product model -that I could follow -but it also helps me add value to my offering. I can do more as a strategic consultant than I did before. I think the challenge is for people to realize that AI is a tool that frees us to use our talents in the fields we desire. For example, if I want to build a hole in the wall, do I want to take the time to make a drill when all I want is the hole? Sure, that would be interesting, but why when I can buy one? A woman just asked for SEO phrases in the bloggers' helping bloggers' forum. She's not interested in SEO. She wants to help curvy women over 50 look fashionable, and she said she has a blog. So, it took me less than a minute to ask ChatGPT to share the best SEO for her blog—and then I linked her to it. Check it out here. https://chat.openai.com/share/9a0896be-45f9-43f7-b771-7dd42fbb4e84 For now, AI (LLM ) will help people do more than they thought possible. Now, when we get into Machine Learning and Deep Learning models - well, I suspect the same will be true - but it will leave out a lot of the population who just want to spend their time writing think pieces on Twitter. (Just kidding)

Hello Everyone. I have a blog about plus size fashion and style for women over 50 at www.culturedcurves.com. I need help with SEO. What is the best SEO resource that you have used to increase organic followers?

KHOI YOUNG Gymnast Competes in Germany!--OUTSTANDING SUPPORT--Positive Cultural Awareness WOW! SMOOTH! POISED! ATTRACTIVE! Artistry in Motion! Insane Routine in every area of his sport! He May be on his way to the Olympics! It was different for him when he competed in Germany because the crowd was silent! Nevertheless, his teammates shouted in support of him throughout his entire routine even though others were disdained. Different cultural etiquette. Americans shout during athletic competition but for this competition, the Germans in Europe were silent however, when Khoi dismounted, the crowd erupted in cheer showing full support and admiration for his insane talent. Khoi Young is born and grew up in Bowie, Maryland and became a college student and competed at Stanford University. He reminds me so much of one of my sons. He is so awesome! I will also share #Shorts of some more of this wonderful young man's routines in the Black Excellence forum

A new book states that looking your best at 50 and beyond can be just as easy as looking your best at 20, yes, even if you are a curvy woman. Linda Peavy, style expert and head blogger of Cultured Curves: Sophisticated Style, Fashion, and Beauty for Curvy Women over 50, has answered a few prayers with her new book, The Cultured Curves Guide to Style for Mature Curvy Women, Volume 1. The ultimate style guide for mature curvy women, this captivating book provides a roadmap to developing an effortless style for mature women, including tips and suggestions on fashion, make-up, and skincare, and even leads on where to shop! In many parts of the fashion industry, plus-size women are overlooked in the available inventory, style, and design aesthetics. Peavy states, “The unique style needs of plus-size mature women must be considered at fashion houses without merely replicating what is available for younger counterparts!” The book purports that when bodies and faces change, style must evolve with them. However, mature women can find it much harder to change with age and get stuck in a style rut. Fear can prevent women from trying something new. The Cultured Curves Guide to Style for Mature Curvy Women, Volume 1, makes learning or nurturing personal style easy with step-by-step guidance and fashion options. Eleven chapters feature how-to advice on what to wear, how to wear flattering outfits, fashion basics, developing a signature style, lingerie, swimwear, shoes, accessories, anti-aging resources, and the best make-up routines for aging skin. A special section of essays and affirmations encourages women to love the skin they’re in. Over 200 photos showcase fashions modeled on curvy bodies and products that inspire women to look their best. This ground-breaking book will be available via am*zon.com. The book includes The Cultured Curves Retail Guide, which displays hundreds of stores offering plus-size clothing, make-up for mature skin, anti-aging products, and more. The Cultured Curves Guide to Mature Curvy Style, Volume 1 features styles and advice from these partners: ❖ Badgley Mischka ❖ Calypsa ❖ Chocolate Diamond ❖ Curvitude ❖ Curvy Bombshells ❖ Donna Vinci ❖ E’Mit Couture ❖ Expression, Inc. ❖ Fat Girl Flow ❖ Gigi Pip ❖ Harlem Heaven’s Hats ❖ Healthy Feet Store ❖ JiBri Designs ❖ Juvia’s Place ❖ Macy’s ❖ Momentous Fashion ❖ Moonlight Serenade ❖ Nina Sharae ❖ Our Favorite Things ❖ Paint by Shawn Denise ❖ San Diego Hat Company ❖ Styles of Imagination ❖ Superfit Hero ❖ Sydney’s Closet ❖ Therese Marie ❖ Walking Cradles ❖ Wide Widths ❖ Uniquely U Fashions The book trailer is at Linda is also developing a broad community for mature, curvy women. The official Cultured Curves® Insider group has launched, giving members first access to fashion news, early access to YouTube tutorials, invitations to insider-only gatherings, and a subscription to the Cultured Curves® e-newsletter that offers fresh style blog content. The Cultured Curves Insider group is completely free, and members will also get discounts on the upcoming Cultured Curves® membership program. Register at https://www.culturedcurves.com/become-an-insider. About Linda Marie Peavy Linda Marie Peavy is a 60-year-old mature, curvy style influencer and body positivity advocate. She founded the award-nominated blog Cultured Curves: Sophisticated Style, Fashion, and Beauty for Curvy Women over 50, heralded by Feedspot as “one of the best blogs on the planet for women over 50.” Linda speaks internationally, providing workshops that uplift and inspire women to embrace self-love and their bodies. Her style contributions can be found on todayshow.com, Northeast Ohio Boomer Magazine, and multiple other forms of media nationwide. A dual entrepreneur, Linda owns LiPav Consulting, LLC, a marketing, communications, and grants services firm founded in 2008. Linda is available for talks and interviews.

Right. But, a lot of so called work doesn't really produce anything tangible. Many jobs are the equivalent of a daycare center for adults. Designed to keep people *busy*. As I mentioned above, there are many jobs that could disappear and society would not fall apart. OTOH, there are many jobs that are necessary. Blue collar jobs where people make, build and fix things. Service industry jobs where people provide products, goods and entertainment. Transportation-related jobs are vitally important to an economy. Entertainment is a job. The pandemic actually showed that people could work from home instead of commuting back and forth and causing traffic jams. In most white collar jobs, 60% of the work involves a computer and the other 40% is meetings. In the future, many of those computer-based jobs will be replaced by AI. Higher unemployment. It is true that many people who are accustomed to the routine of being a hamster on a wheel when told to get off don't know what to do with themselves. Some of them atrophy and die. I know a whole lot of people who have been retired the majority of their lives. Never really worked anywhere. Most wealthy people and their families don't have to work. They aren't running around committing mass suicide either. The number of people who can be supported by one person with millions or billions of dollars is exponential. The same applies to countries with countries with socialist governments. There's a reason we hear talk of reducing the number of hours per week that people work. Provide more free time in an effort to increase quality of life.

“Parade of Planets” in April. What will a rare astronomical event look like? Volodymyr Maňko 19.04.2024 https://universemagazine.com/en/parade-of-planets-in-april-what-will-a-rare-astronomical-event-look-like/ Before finally disappearing from the evening sky and starting the conjunction with the Sun, the planets Jupiter and Uranus will be half a degree apart from each other from the point of view of ground observers. This will happen on April 20, and this event will indicate another interesting planetary configuration: all the large planets of the Solar System will gather in the ecliptic sector of a little over 66° in size. This happens quite rarely, but, unfortunately, it will be almost impossible to see it. Let’s try to figure out why. https://universemagazine.com/en/parade-of-planets-in-april-what-will-a-rare-astronomical-event-look-like/ Taiwan: Magnitude-5.1 offshore earthquake occurs south of Hualien City at around 10:40 April 21 https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2024/04/taiwan-magnitude-51-offshore-earthquake-occurs-south-of-hualien-city-at-around-1040-april-21 A day later, after shocks occurred. Some reports say more than 80 earthquakes have occurred yesterday... On April 2, 2024, one of the strongest earthquakes in that area occurred. So the quake that occurred on April 21 and the aftershocks are not as strong but powerful nonetheless. =================================== 5 earthquakes strike Taiwan within 9 minutes Taiwan earthquake: Over 80 quakes hit east coast in 24 hours, 6.3 magnitude strongest | Top 10 updates 1 min read 23 Apr 2024, 09:01 AM IST More than 80 earthquakes hit Taiwan's east coast in the past 24 hours that also shook buildings in the capital Taipei, the island's weather administration said. The strongest quake recorded a magnitude of 6.3. The epicenter was largely the rural eastern county of Hualien, where a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on April 3 claimed the lives of at least 14 people, and there were over 1,000 aftershocks since then. https://www.livemint.com/news/world/taiwan-earthquake-over-80-quakes-hit-east-coast-in-24-hours-6-3-magnitude-strongest-top-10-updates-11713840367404.html

LOL! Okay, I am going to divert from topic for a moment due to the previous post! I saw this short clip and I am thinking . . . Okay, back to post about recent star phenomena happening this month. Also on April 20, 2024 was a large planetary alignment, a rare one. Although I did not tune too much, I did see some of the planets and it was spectacular for what I saw. However, I've seen a couple of complete alignments in the past. A large planetary alignment is distinct from a complete alignment because it involves about 4 or 5 planets. But what is unique about some alignments is the particular position and arrangement and degree that they are in configuration. and although western scientist think it is nonsense to believe these alignments can cause earthquakes or volcano eruptions, but I think they are not truthful at all. It depends on the position of the planets whether or not they can affect our earth planet. This alignment just happened to occur at the same time another earthquake hit Taiwan. So yes, I do believe that the comet and this alignment does have something to do with these recent phenomena.

My vehicle of choice is a truck but I'm not a truck driver by profession. I realize AI is being used to produce content right now. I'm looking at a future of AI lawnmowers. A higher tech version of that Roomba vacuum cleaner.

Niger has become the latest country in West Africa where the army has seized control, following Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Chad - all former French colonies. Since 1990, a striking 78% of the 27 coups in sub-Saharan Africa have occurred in Francophone states leading some commentators to ask whether France - or the legacy of French colonialism - is to blame? Many of the coup plotters would certainly like us to think so. Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, who was named prime minister by the military junta in Mali in September 2022, launched a scathing attack on France. Criticising "neocolonialist, condescending, paternalist and vengeful policies", Mr Maiga alleged that France had "disowned universal moral values" and stabbed Mali "in the back". Anti-French vitriol has also flourished in Burkina Faso, where the military government ended a long-standing accord that allowed French troops to operate in the country in February, giving France one month to remove its forces. In Niger, which neighbours both countries, allegations that President Mohamed Bazoum was a puppet for French interests were used to legitimise his removal from power, and five military deals with France have since been revoked by the junta led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani. Partly as a result, the coup was followed by popular protests and attacks on the French embassy. The historical record provides some support for these grievances. French colonial rule established political systems designed to extract valuable resources while using repressive strategies to retain control. So did British colonial rule, but what was distinctive about France's role in Africa was the extent to which it continued to engage - its critics would say meddle - in the politics and economics of its former territories after independence. Seven of the nine Francophone states in West Africa still use the CFA franc, which is pegged to the euro and guaranteed by France, as their currency, a legacy of French economic policy towards its colonies. France also forged defence agreements that saw it regularly intervene militarily on behalf of unpopular pro-French leaders to keep them in power. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66406137 Mali’s Armed Forces Just Discovered U.S Hidden Mercenaries

Tananarive Due speech transcript, not perfect - Thank you so much to the LA times - the other nominees were incredible to say this this is an honor is an understatement back in 2014 I got a phone call from the florida state attorney's office And learned that my great uncle robert stevens died in 1937 at a notorious - school for boys, a reformatory in florida and after attending a meeting there with my father freedom rider john - due jr I knew I had to write about robert stevens but i also knew that my story would need a different ending , and ghost The novel took me seven years, to write, thank you so much to my husband Steven Barnes, I love you so much, also a great writer, for keeping me on the path, my editor-, my agent donald- , my father for helping me manage the jim crow judge's chamber, my sister joanna- , and my late mother patricia - due, for her courage as a civil rights activist. If I didn't know what should happen next in my book I just had to ask what would mom had done. There are countless robert- stevens in the world. And too few of them get a happy ending. so as we face the horrors in our world, in our cities, in gaza and elsewhere. And where there's true life racism , homophobia , islamaphobia, and antisemiticsm, let us honor the courage of young people as the primary creators of change throughout history and the lesson my mother taught me , activism takes many many forms, as the late octavia a butler said, the only lasting truth is change. thank you very much

Mother's Watch Your Out For Your Babies Well It's obvious that you cannot be there all of the time but this short clip reminds me of how important it is though that the true fathers are around their own babies. If you notice, the lion pulled his instincts initially. Then he looks around for the lioness first... https://youtu.be/VLc33kJE60w What power. He barely touched the cub.

How exciting! Me too! I was going to post this pic but I see you already posted it! Morgan Price, a Fisk University gymnast, won the 2024 USA Gymnastics Women's Collegiate National Championships all-around title on April 12, 2024. West Chester University Athletics They do not have their own gym but hopefully they will soon!

Adorable!

Oh Yes! I forgot about the flooding in Dubai too! It also occurred on April 17 [i.e. April 16 @ 6:00 PM]. It is said that this area usually gets only about 4 or 5 inches of rain in a year on average. But in one day a huge amount of rainfall occurred recently. Oh yes, it is also interesting to note as well that this is the day, April 17, of the Biblical deluge. It was recorded to have happened some 4000 years ago! So, even though this sort of science is not highlighted in the western world, it would be good to regard the ancient script in how the moving stars also are tied to this historic date. The Star of Bethlehem came into our solar system on this very day about 2000 years ago! Interestingly too, and for weeks now, the incredible planet Jupiter is in the sky and nearby the comet Pons-Brooks. I believe that we are living in an amazing era and are experiencing some incredible phenomena! ============================================================================= Storm dumps heaviest rain ever recorded in desert nation of UAE, flooding roads and Dubai’s airport The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.” That’s before the discovery of crude oil in this energy-rich nation then part of a British protectorate known as the Trucial States. A van passes through standing water in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 16. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell) https://apnews.com/article/uae-oman-rains-flooding-fatalities-7bf3881efbea998dfa4c1ed8d538217c 'Apocalyptic' Dubai floods shake picture-perfect city https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68844405 https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/dubai-rain

Same here @Troy. I'm always tuned into @aka Contrarian as well as other regulars here too. I am hoping to slow down and lounge here longer but I'm so busy right now. I see @Mel Hopkins has commented here and love to read her too and others as well. It's so good to hear the opinions of the men in this community but aka Contrarian seems to hit the spot! Even when she is 'contrary', nevertheless, she nails it for me.

Malcolm X understood that both the fox and the wolf were running around in the same forest. Liberals (Democrats) and conservatives (Republicans) are two sides of the same coin. Neither party is interested in doimg much of anything for AfroAmericans.

Ever since I was a kid, I found it interesting that Black folks didn't see anything *wrong* with that sh8t. Imagine a 7-year-old boy running telling grown-ups they were stupid for trying to sell him on Santa Claus and them believing in that white man on the picture. Of course, that resulted in a few azz whuppings for me but I wasn't broken.

I noticed that too @Delano. On some level, that imperfection made her more human I know it’s too late to ask because you know the answer but if I didn’t say anything, would you have suspected for a split second at this was all generated by AI?

I don't see a reason why they can't have 2 monetary systems. One for their domestic use and the other for foreign use. Or just conduct foreign business in gold.

Human greed, selfishness, jealousy, envy and hate lead to most of the problems between human beings. Agape love would resolve the problems affecting human beings. For various reasons, we're not overly interested in it. I understand the history of humanity and how we got to this point. Hopefully this makes my point more clear.

Hello, Fellow Writers and Readers I have been away too long. I have missed you. I will return with the continuing saga of my promotion for The Culinary Art Portfolio of Josephine E. Jones. But right now, I want you to see my first published work under my pen name: Wendy Ebo Jones. Since there are at least 300 people named Wendy Jones in North America and one other writer who shares my name --after attending an Independent Book Publishers Association webinar on the subject of making sure your work stands out, (they used the term "branding," which brings up the smell of the burning flesh of enslaved people, so I don't use it)-- I decided to differentiate myself. Why Ebo? It's a family name. Here is a link to the essay, On the Bus (approx. 500 words): https://theravensperch.com/on-the-bus-by-wendy-ebo-jones/,

I wonder if there will be a forum in 20 years. For those of us who live long enough and have our marbles the time will go quickly. What happens in the next 20 years will be far more interesting than any solar eclipse.

Societal dysfunction is like cancer. There's no money in the cure. Plenty money to be made maintaining it. A whole lotta folks are getting paid through social dysfunction i.e. law enforcement agencies, judicial system, prison industrial complex, hospitals, social services, etc. That's just to name a few. So many ancillary businesses and services draw money from the same well.

Jonathan Majors attended Yale University. I wonder how much that factored into his ego and comfortability with the dominant society. Oh well, Majors did very well acting in The Harder They Fall and Creed III. Maybe he'll work his way back up the ladder after getting knocked down a few rungs.

Great news and wishing you continued healing. I'm sure you already know that a cane can be a cool accessory. Especially when the cane complements the outfit and keeps you standing upright. Unselfish fans will realize da Bears did Justin a huge favor especially if they weren't going to build an offense around him. I was rooting for Head Coach Dawn Staley and the lady Gsmecocks to win it all. They completed an undefeated season. Of course, Caitlin Clark will end up making more money than any other female playing basketball. I hope not. I'm betting the solar eclipse will come and go like Y2K. We'll be here when you come back on Tuesday.

@aka Contrarian everyone loves for all we know, this is one of my favorite covers, of it enjoy

OMG I've missed you, the woman formerly known as Cynique @aka Contrarian A woman I used to be in a rap group with back in the early 90s now has a YouTube channel (Stephanie Danger). She asked her followers what name we would choose for our alter ego, and I decided on Contrarian. Today, I would choose "Neutral." During these last two years, I also questioned the meaning of life after my mother underwent major heart surgery and two of my three daughters had major surgeries, one after battling stage 3 cancer. I couldn't be with my daughter (thank goodness for dads) because my brother is severely disabled - and during my mom's treatment (I almost lost her twice), I had to care for him. Everyone pulled through, and by December 2023 - I concluded no one knows an effing thing. We make this bullshish up and look for followers to cosign our beliefs. The more believers we acquire, the more it becomes our collective reality. So, thank you, Contrarian, for remaining here in this dimension. I can confidently say that part of your mission is to remind us that the majority is nothing more than a bunch of weak-minded and lazy folks who chose to follow the beaten path instead of dazzling us with their Divine creativity.