Cynique

Self-expression is an integral part of the human psyche, and it frequently seeks an outlet in the form of transmitting thoughts through writing. Self-aware people, however, know their strengths and weaknesses and seek to pursue what it is that they do best, realizing that not everybody has what it takes to be a writer. Then there are self-absorbed people, the type who are convinced the world is breathlessly waiting to read what they have to say and that they have the ability to effectively utilize the printed word in telling their stories. All of which is why I would suggest that aspiring writers have their work critiqued by someone other than a family member or a friend. If they are deemed to have a natural talent, then hooray for them. Go for it! If their writing shows potential then they should, as Chrishayden advises, take writing courses to hone their skills. But, as you allude to, Troy, the world really doesn't give a damn about what mundane folks have to say, and it can do without the narratives that turn out to be nothing more than showcases for a lack of talent.

What started out as just a curious pause while channel surfing, gradually developed into more than just a passing interest in the Winter Olympics. Before I knew it, I was watching and cheering on all of those white folks who had dedicated years of their lives to developing skills that would qualify them to compete in these winter sports, most of which are not only very difficult, but extremely dangerous. What was most intriguing about this spectacle, however, was all of the high drama that accompanied the proceedings. First, there was the snow-boarder who was killed while practicing for his event. Then there were the Korean speed skaters who were disqualified for bumping, breaking the rules which allowed other racers to win medals by default. Then there was the controversy over the American male figure skater who was awarded a gold medal over the Russian who was the only one to execute a dazzling quad jump. Then there was how one skier's fall interruped the run of her rival team mate causing the latter to have to go through her physically exhausting performance all over again. Then there was the devastated Dutch speed skater losing the gold medal he had cinched because his coach mistakenly signaled him to get in another lane, thereby causing him to be disqualified. Then there was the female Canadian figure skater whose mother died in the hotel room before she could cheer her daughter on to eventually winning a bronze medal for the program she performed through her tears. It was one big frozen soap opera as contestants sniped at each other and countries gloated over beating out other ones for medals. Records and hearts were broken, and limbs and good sportsmanship were strained, all intensified by the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat! Only 2 black faces stood out among those vying for superiority: a skier from Africa, and Chicagoan Shani Wilson who won a gold medal for speed skating, leaning on the turns like a brotha rounding a corner in a lo-rider. No sprinters running like they'd been caught stealing watermelons, no leaping Gazelles dunking basketballs. As the 2010 Winter Olympics draw to a close, I found myself wondering if they had the time and money required to excel in these demanding athletics would Black people exercise the discipline to do so? I decided they wouldn't. And it wouldn't be because they were lazy; but rather because they are not crazy! Which is why they also wouldn't be caught dead stroking a killer whale.

I second that motion, LiLi. Carey doesn't need the epsom salts that Soul Sister recommended because he already has diarrhea of the mouth. Yada Yada Yada. Woo-woo-woo. Blah, blah, blah. He is right, however, when he says I bring out the worst in him because none of the arrows he aims at me ever pierce my skin, but he just can't do any better.

This clash between 2 high-profile black men made for interesting listening. I think it resonates with a vibe that is going on all over the country as Blacks engage in debate, trying to come to terms with the idea that Obama is a president from black people, not a president for black people. Cornel West recently spoke out on this subject, saying that Obama may not be obligated to have a black agenda but he did have an obligation to be concerned about the welfare of the poor and the unemployed, - most of whom are black.

Puleeze. I haven't been put "in check". And I have no intention of deferring to the requests of those who want everybody to assume a placid demeanor. There are enough mild-mannered people around here, most of whom to seem to be laying back in the cut, saying nothing. I suggest that since they've decided to become members that they speak up and add some balance to the board. As for Carey, any time the ol coot wants to play "hard ball", I'm ready. BTW, "The Immortal Life of Henriette Lacks" is next on my reading lists. I remember hearing about her case a long time ago and am glad somebody finally decided to chronicle her story.

Those are some lessons for life, Troy. We think we are in control but some would say we are all just part of an ongoing quest to draw order from chaos.

These numbers probably include the same people who think Mary was a virgin, that Columbus discovered America, that Saddam Hussein was responsible for the 911 attacks, and - that when they dodge a bullet, God spared them but let someone else die.

Ohhh, put a sock in it, Carey. Sheeze. I'll give my view of the book when I'm ready to. And I don't need your unsolicited advice about Crystal. She's one of my gurls.

Well, hello, Crystal! When your name appeared in this forum I was sure you would be telling us about the latest book you were reading. Little did I know you had stopped in to stir the pot. I thought Carey was your cast-off and here you are trying to hook him up with me. You know I don't want to be associated with the played-out ol motor mouth. All he's good for is making me appreciate that there is at least "method to Chrishayden's madness". And I guess I'll have to stop skimming through Carey's posts because he seems to be getting the wrong impression - something he has a habit of doing, always trying to explain people's actions, making assumptions about their motivations, casting them in the little scenarios his imagination conjures up. Anyhow, believe it or not, I am deep into Dan Brown's latest book, "The Lost Symbol". (You know he's the author of the "Da Vinci Code", right?} His latest is a BAB but I'm wading through it because it's my cup of tea, right up my alley! For years I've been doing all of this babbling about the secrets of life and the old wisdom and metaphysics and quantum physics, and upon deciding to check out this book, everything I've always pondered about is brought to light!!!! Mind blowing!

Obama seemingly continues to believe that adopting a casual approach of one-on-one shuckin and jivin is a way to win over his opponents and that if he implores the Republicans to just come on and be good guys they will say, "Ooooh Ok, Prez". When it comes to the business of running the country, Obama thinks like a 40-something middle manager instead of an astute CEO.

I asked??? What was it I asked to elicit that self-serving anecdote that wound up with you comparing yourself to Malcolm X? Puleeze. As, usual you burdened me with an overload of information about your favorite subject: Carey. And what's with this "love TKO" thing? Now, this is a question I would welcome an answer to since it seems like a typical example of how you apply inappropriate phraseology to the inaccurate scenarios you imagine.

Thanks a lot for informing us about this disease, and for telling us about your treatment for it being available for purchase! Wow! Who knew it existed???? Tell us, has vitiligo ever afflicted anybody famous???? LIKE MICHAEL JACKSON???? Too bad he's gone on to that big drug store in the sky, or maybe you could've gotten him to be your spokesperson.

Gee, "smell", yet another profound observation from you! Thanks for "enlightening" us. Inspired by all of your "new" revelations, maybe Black people will do something progressive like - um, elect a black president! Welcome to 2010. We've heard it all before. Stop insulting our intelligence and - turn on your spell-checker.

You Go, Girl!

Talk about death and taxes being the only 2 things that are certain! It's a wonder this poor sap didn't try to assassinate the POTUS.

Ummm. What is this? Cop-a-Plea time, featuring Scarey Carey?? Who asked to hear your maudlin confessional? Who gives a shit? I don't. Why would I? And why do you care why I wrote a book? Why? Because I wanted to.

Blah, Blah, Blah. STFU up you "half-cocked" goof ball. I must say those monkies on your icon look better than that grotesque picture of you. How could YOU have the nerve to "go there". I can't believe an ugmo like you would even bring looks into the conversation. Nothing you ever say makes any sense, "Careless". You're always somewhere out there in left field missing fly balls. Any time you have to laboriously explain what it is you are trying to accomplish, you really haven't done your job. You're not a wanna-be. You're a "never will be". Not only that, you're a long-winded bore. How I wish the board had a yawning emoticon. And why, pray tell, would I be jealous of YOU. Is your name Oprah???? You think because you are a duplicitious, slippery, chameleon who has led a life of deceit and degradation that this somehow makes you something other than a legend in your own mind. Not. A psychiatrist would undoubtedly call you a sociopath with multiple personality disorder. I'd call you a big, deluded doofus - an unfunny joke.

Ooooh did I rain on your widdle parade, burst your hot air balloon?? Poor ol "Carey-Me-Away". In the first place, your whole approach to the subject was all wrong. You start out immediately putting folks on the defense by accusing them of reading garabage. Then you set yourself up as some kind of a judge who expects testimonies from people eager to earn your approval. You would, indeed, do well to take some courses in writing because your technique stinks. It's obvious that you write to please yourself. Stick in the mud? Why? because I'm not a disciple of your pedestrian attempts at being clever? Get over yourself. There nothing I like better than a good laugh and, lately, inspite of your concocted scenarios, I've been enjoying life. Just came back from a great Black History month gathering. For somebody who can never just respond to a message without attacking the messenger, you gotta lotta nerve calling anybody a whiner or a hater. BTW, I'm waiting for somebody else to answer your question. Could it be that your verbal stumbles didn't inspire them??

Why do people have to analyse why and what they read or justify their reasons to people like you who have the gall to pose such a question??? Suffice to say that reading is an engrossing form of escapism. No further explanation is necessary.

In other words, develop a "herd mentality" and, like good sheep, blindly follow our fearless leader. I got a few years on you, and I haven't become a Pollyanna yet.

I can't believe some of the things you said in your post, bunnie. In the first place, that "20 year" figure you randomly threw out there in an effort to dismiss the current disapproval of spousal abuse doesn't neutralize the issue. 20 years ago was 1990 and back then beating your wife was not something that was excused. You further seem to be saying that any abuse that occured during Bill and Denises' marriage, which was more like 35 years ago, was no big deal because it used to be was considered OK to beat up your wife. Oh really? You also make the statement that you're sure the documentary included what happened between Denise and Bill. But Troy, who saw the documentary, said this was not the case. That's what this whole post is all about! Like the others, you don't want to rock the boat. You want to silence those who raise legitimate concerns, because you apparently believe that ignoring the truth will make it go away. Puleeze. Certain of you keep saying that you don't care about his personal life because you like Withers' music. Me, I like his music, too, even as I recall that contrary to what the documentary wants viewers to believe, he was once married to Denise Nicholas.