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You are perceptive Mel, for I do like to think of myself this way, because often things are more complicated than they are presented. I feel if you can understand why a person is a Covidiot (that is a new one on me 🙂), you might be able to help them and in the process maybe save a few lives. But you are probably right on this one and given the fact that, as @Pioneer1 wrote a percentage of our population does indeed has some level of sociopathy. So while it may not be worth the effort in understanding a Covidiot's motivation -- something needs to be done about them, as they impose a danger not just to themselves but to others.

@Troy there's no cure for ignorance. By the way, I'm not talking about the GOP leaders, their focus is on money and power... nothing will separate a human from their goal to get that money - not even death. So the GOP realize how serious COVID-19 is but they have the money to survive it. @Pioneer1 yes. We both knew him. He was Nigerian and lived here but would also go back home occasionally.

Yes! I know of "Aunt Nancy" 😄 (Anansi - west african origin) from the research I did for my novel. In fact, that's how I found about many of the African Gods/Goddesses. Funny thing is Western civilization would have us to believe that there's only gods/goddess from North Africa - so we ignore or not realize the greek & roman gods were just ripoffs of the indigenous deities. But for every god/goddess the West claims - there is the original from the motherland. I don't think it's disputed but like in the book and TVshow of the same name "American Gods, " the gods disappear when their people stop believing. So, sadly, colonization left us with jesus while the conquerors took and renamed the African god/ess. But early on, I think it was just translation not theft that turned Shango into Thor. For example, Shango would have been prevalent in the Viking world - because of rough traveling on stormy seas. Recent reports like the one highlighted in the NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/16/science/vikings-DNA.html indicate that the Vikings - weren't all nordic as previously thought but were made up of several ethnic groups. So, trading stories about weather gods probably helped calm the sailors.

Hello, I am looking for a book review!

Not really but Spidey in the comics is a smart aleck. @Nnamdi Azikiwethe style is similar without the lines that Kirby drew. I wasn't found of Kirby for that very reason. Also do you know the name of that piece of sculpture on the book cover? Season two of American Gods really showcased the Ananzi and the Black Gods, then he was removed from the story.

@Mel Hopkins you know Spiderman is a rip off of Anansi who is very clever.

Maybe it was. In fact, I might have subconsciously been motivated by my disappointment in Stan to write what I call Keyamsha the Awakening for that same reason. We live in a world of infinite possibilities of which we are living only one. In a parallel universe I might have tracked down Stan before he ventured into the great beyond and put some of this to him so we can get a definitive answer. Or maybe the answer lies somewhere in a book we haven't explored yet. It is kind of hard to let ol' Stan off the hook knowing that in 1960 appeared an English language version of a story by Michael Verne attributed to his father Jules with a bit more than a passing similarity to the idea of Wakanda...except with Tarzan framed characters added in for good measure. Of course Verne was a compatriot of the notorious Felix Dubois, the first Europen to enter Timbuktu. The 1960 publication of City in the Sahara/The Barsac Mission puts us back in the Silver Age of Marvel, in Africa with high technology isolated from the rest of Africa. Possibilities. https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_City_in_the_Sahara/jYwd1jgmSKkC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=city+in+the+sahara+jules+verne&printsec=frontcover You just described the theme of Stephen King's "On Writing." He didn't know he was going to write Carrie until he wrote it. Then he threw it in the trash. His wife found it and made him finish it. Carrie might have been struggling, but the struggle wasn't King's own. It was a composite of several people culminating in a coming of age story that many people relate to. We want Carrie to win because King made us care about her and her struggle became ours. For instance instead of racism, what about the emotions it produces. Make it something unconnected to it but sparking the same emotions. Rod Serling tried going away from Emmett Till in "A Town Has Turned To Dust." He got the same effect, emotionally, but was dissatisfied with the story. "Noon on Doomsday" was supposed to be his retelling of Emmett Till but the sponsors didn't go for it.

Thanks, Mel, (someone please tell me how to do the name + @). I have looked at zaji's portfolio and will contact her. I really appreciate this recommendation. Yes, a marketplace would be wonderful. After all, this is where I found my editor and publicist for Ida Bell Publishing LLC's debut publication: An Extraordinary Life: Josephine E. Jones. Will return this weekend for a post of the interview I did with Candace Waller about options to the Big A.

These are all wealthy white people with best health care available to mankind. None are likely to die. Infections without desths will just "prove" to covid deniers that they are right. Besides, if after 210 thousand American deaths, in less than 8 months, you still have people likening Covid-19 to the common cold, nothing will change their minds

@Wendy Jones I recommend aalbc.com member, writer and web designer @zaji at the Creative Ankh https://creativeankh.com/

Hi Everyone. I recently published a book about mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual stoicism of the African diaspora. There are 65 poems/letters, describing experiences of resilience and wrestling with all elements of health, while showing admiration and respect to elders. I am interested in a book review. Black Stoicism Morris Junior ISBN: 9781098305192 April 2020 https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Black-Stoicism1

Yes, my apologies. Black Stoicism is a poetic way of clarifying the highest virtue. It's an attempt to expound on the in-depth range of emotions the Black community possesses. Other cultures' inability to see outside of their hatred and ignorance fuels their blindness and their empty-headed perspectives to view the Black community as immune to pain. Because of our determination and spirits, I attempt to clarify Stoicism's meaning by expanding on how the Black community re-shapes any terminology and language. The Black community endures much deeper emotional, physical, spiritual, and psychological agony; we provide new meaning to words and definitions. Being Black in the Black community is the highest virtue. Here is an excerpt. Endurance Purchased us for jail cells Purchased us for stem cells Purchased us for plant cells Sell us your addictions Sell us your deceptions Sell us your convictions Farewell to your blackmail Knock over your cocktail Staring at your marcel Say hello Black-owned businesses Say hello Black millionaires Say hello Educated black women Say hello First Black President Our journey is hell But we know our story Our souls refined We know how to feel Being Black is lovely Being Black is beautiful Being Black is joyful Being Black is amazing We are the definition Stoicism

I did not appreciate that there was a history or tradition of stoicism in the Black community. Can you elaborate @Morris Junior, provide an example, or excerpt?

Houston, TX - Real estate entrepreneurs Lena Claybon and Kayela Ceron are looking to create a path to financial independence for more African-Americans via their new website, “Rock The Real Estate” (www.rocktherealestate.com) that helps new investors get started in real estate investing. “Rock The Real Estate was born out of our frustration with seeing so many people in our community suffering financially and not feeling they have any options other than a 9-5 job.” says Co-Founder and CEO, Lena Claybon. “Right now, with so many unemployed because of COVID19, that leaves them feeling they have NO options.” Claybon goes on to say, “What we hope to do with this platform is give people options.” Claybon, who is a house flipper, wholesaler and landlord, is optimistic about the venture but remains grounded in reality. “Real estate investing isn’t for everyone. It takes dedication and a willingness to learn and put in the work. Also, we’re not telling people not to go back to work or to quit their jobs and do real estate fulltime. There are some who just want to supplement their income and there are others who want to eventually replace their income so that they have the choice to work or not. Whatever your interest for wanting to learn the business, we want to be a catalyst for making it happen.” The Founders are starting with a FREE weekly email newsletter to subscribers who sign up and eventually turn the venture into a full fledge media/events company. They plan to offer books, podcasts, and webinars, but in addition to the media-related ventures, they also plan to sponsor Meetups and networking events. Claybon stated, “We don’t want to be just another newsletter or just another podcast. Our goal is to provide our subscribers with solid, actionable information on getting started, that they can go put into practice immediately, and, also, provide them with opportunities for networking and partnerships that will allow them to succeed in today’s real estate market.” To subscribe, go to www.rocktherealestate.com About the Founders: Lena Claybon, Co-Founder/CEO, is a former television writer/producer-turned-real-estate-wholesaler/rehabber/landlord. In 2014, after moving from Los Angeles back to her hometown in Louisiana, she discovered a passion for real estate. She started out wholesaling single family residential properties then mobile home parks. In 2018, she began flipping houses. This led to her also becoming a landlord. In 2020, she decided to combine her two passions, writing and real estate and created the Rock The Real Estate Newsletter to help others. Her future plans are to continue flipping, building her rental portfolio and building the Rock The Real Estate brand. Kayela Ceron, Co-Founder/Head of Marketing & Distribution, began real estate out of the desire to leave the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck with nothing to leave to her children. In 2014, she started wholesaling with a mentor and continued her education in real estate by obtaining her real estate license in 2016. As a Realtor, she lists and sells single family homes in the Houston area. Because of her passion to help others succeed, in 2020 she joined forces with Lena Claybon to help build an educational platform to help others pursue their desire to invest in real estate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Atlanta Nurse Launches Steamy Romance Novel on Amazon ATLANTA, GA (May 21, 2020- Fans of Romance novels are in for the ride of their life following the launch of the book, Men in My Bed: Relationship Chronicles, written by Atlanta Nurse, Mercuries Ryzen. Men in My Bed reflects on the author’s perception of intimate stories, either heard from family, friends or foes. The story begins with an introduction of the character and some of the ordeals she experiences at an early age. Ordeals that should have finished her; however, she somehow manages to cope by repressing her experiences. But the problem is that the memories keep resurfacing because she has not dealt with them properly. Ryzen is a LPN Licenced Practical Nurse currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology. The author evidently taps into her psychology training highlighting defence mechanisms such as repression and denial and the impact they can have when feelings are not resolved. When asked about the motivation for writing the book, Ryzen explained: “I wanted to encourage readers that although we may have a man, or two, or three in our life. There could be unpredictable turnouts, such as none of them measuring up, younger or older, and playing games, mentally challenged. Therefore, we have to have the tools necessary to successfully put the pieces together to navigate and build our desired man.” Men in My Bed: Relationship Chronicles is not the typical happily ever after romance novel. This one is full of pain, loads of laughter and enough pleasure to engage readers from start to finish. The book is available in Kindle and paperback formats on Amazon.com. To learn more about the author visit: http://mercuriesryzen.com/ Media contact: Pure Thoughts Publishing, LLC Phone: 470-440-0875 Email: purethoughtspublishllc@gmail.com

Best Selling Author Helping Others Fulfil their Publishing Dreams ATLANTA, GA (May 17, 2020) – Inspirational writing and Publishing Coach and Amazon Best Selling Author, Dr. Marita Kinney, is climbing the ladder of publishing success and bringing several other authors with her. Dr. Marita Kinney, Msc.D has over 58 inspirational fiction and non-fiction books to her credit and boasts some of the top selling books in the African American Christian fiction and Inspirational categories on Amazon. Some of her most popular titles include her debut book: The Unspoken Walk, Sasha, Grown Woman 101, Forbidden Desire, The Snow’s Meltdown, Seed of Discord and 45 Days of Encouragement. At the time of writing, her book, Sasha, was ranked number 7 in short stories and number 8 in African American Christian fiction categories. Moreover, the book boasts over 93% positive reviews. One reader wrote: “This lady has a good writing style. Made met stop and think really hard. I'd recommend it to women especially. Comes at you through different lives, stories and minds. Loved the way it was written and once I started reading I couldn't stop. Really drew me in. And I didn't think I would enjoy it so. I like that. Such a good, honest message for women to get. Most of us truly need more books like this.” Through the success she has found in publishing her own books, Kinney now helps budding and established authors to share their stories with the world. Her publishing company, Pure Thoughts Publishing currently represents 61 authors and that number keeps growing every day. Tasha Page Lockhart, Angie Taylor Reames, Ebony Stroder and LeaAnne “LeLee” Lyons from SWV are just a few of the authors that are thriving under Kinney’s publishing expertise. Dr. Kinney has inspired thousands of people to overcome adversity with triumph through faith and perseverance. While facing several life-changing challenges herself, Marita had enough faith to conquer tribulations, coming out victorious. With over 15 years of experience in life coaching, writing, and helping people to heal their soul, she Captures the true essence of what it means to turn “lemons into lemonade”, she has taken the harsh lessons of life and developed a plan for successful living and has helped thousands of people move from a broken dark place in life to a meaningful life, with purpose, and joy. Dr. Kinney's coaching skills allow her clients to easily obtain the necessary steps to move forward and write their books and is commonly referred to as "The Publishing Midwife" She has been featured on The Steve Harvey Show, Business magazines, and countless interviews. “Writing and publishing is my passion and I love helping people to share their stories, said Kinney when asked about her motivation to venture into publishing. “The greatest thing about writing a book is that you may not live forever but your words will. There is so much power in writing and I am just glad to be part of it.” Pure Thoughts Publishing offers customized publishing services to both new and seasoned author. Built on solid Christian values, the company offers coaching to clients on building their brand and creating/expanding their platform. For further information about Marita Kinney, visit: http://www.maritakinney.com. To engage her publishing services, visit: http://www.purethoughtspublishing.com. Media Contact: Pure Thoughts Publishing, LLC 470-440-0875

Hey book lovers! I’d like to introduce 200 Letters by Amy Watkins, a new African American author. 200 Letters follows two people as they try to escape abusive relationships. They find love, strength, and endurance through their struggle. This page turner is filled with passion, drama, suspense and spiritual enlightenment. It also addresses social injustice, mass incarceration, and the ills of prejudice. Based on true events, 200 Letters is available on Amazon and is free with Kindle Unlimited. Thank you for your support. Enjoy! https://www.amazon.com/200-Letters-Amy-Watkins-ebook/dp/B086J52X4L/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=200+letters+by+Amy+Watkins&qid=1585913095&sr=8-2

The Platinum P Club – Free Limited Time Exclusivity has a price and a cost The 70th published work by Essence bestselling author D T Pollard The Platinum P Club - Membership Required Please share

Rooftop Diva - A Novel of Triumph After Katrina - Free Limited Time Essence bestseller Rooftop Diva - A Novel of Triumph After Katrina Please share

It goes back to what I was saying about psychology. A certain percentage of ALL populations (races) are natural PSYCHOPATHS who have no empathy for others and are only concerned with themselves. Nature saw fit to include them in the environment for some reason. They obviously serve some purpose. The problem is when they get into positions of authority like being President, a Governor, or even a police officer. They begin to act in cold callous manners using their power in ways that most normal people would find not only inhumane but unimaginable. As for getting people to realize the seriousness of Covid 19. Perhaps like those drinking and driving commercials where the skeletons were grinning at eachother while crashing their cocktail glasses together....maybe they should show graphic videos of people in the hospitals suffering and autopsy pictures of what the lungs look like. While some people can be reasoned with, others have to be FRIGHTENED into doing the right thing.

Interesting reactions absent of reason or compassion... My guess is that more people have died from Covid-19 in the US this year alone than from Ebola or AIDS in the last decade combined. Will a million people need to die before you care? Oh wait, a million people have already died from Covid-19. But I guess that was all due to stress related too. I have to remind myself periodically to accept the fact that some people will never about others.

Never heard of her... How many press secretaries has 45 had anyway? Just learned a HS classmate passed from Covid-19 a really nice guy an entrepreneur and restaurateur.