Troy

I know very people people are can communicate with everyone without judgment/prejudice and not be afraid of anyone (including myself) People often often need a life time to learn when not to prejudge people and how to communicate with almost anyone; some people you really need to be afraid of... That said, I think I know what you mean. I'll take a good education over pretty much anything else for a kid -- I don't care what color the other kids are. I'm not sure that perfect educational environment even exists. Kids will always have challenges -- learning to deal with them is part of growing up. However those challenges should not include bad teachers and a shitty school. Some people home school.

Cynique, I think I understand what you are saying. What I'm saying is that the behavior you are describing as the cause of the problem is really a symptom of structural, and cultural problems of which those who exhibit the behavior are victims. Sure some people, like myself, make it out of the ghetto. But doing so today is much more difficult. The system is rigged. We under educate our kids, then when they commit crimes, because of a lack of options, we lock them up. The prisons are bursting at the seams we lock up more of our people than any industrialized nation. Black on Black crime is a terrible thing, kids acting up in school is a serious problem, the breakdown of the family is indeed tragic. One would think all you have to do is tell people to stop making babies before they get married, finish school high school, stay out of jail, use protection to prevent the spread of STD's, "Say No to Drugs", try not to kill anyone, and read a book every once and a while. Simple, right? That kind of thinking (and I'm not accusing you thinking this way Cynique) is what has made Obama's presidency a disappointment to many and may actually cost him the election next month. Again, if we lived in a more just society many of these ills would simply go away. But we will not have a just society as long as greedy corporations completely control our government and are solely interested in enriching themselves. I think this can be fixed. Today I don't see us going in the right direction. The big banks that were too big to fail are even bigger than before the crisis and still doing whatever they want to do.

This book is right up biotumelo's alley. The Black Church: Where Women Pray and Men Prey by Deborrah Cooper - Book Review

The idea that an Ann Coulter gets coverage for calling Obama a retard is mind boggling. If anything that should be a reason to any respectable news outlet to stop giving her a platform. Obama's joke about Bayonets caused some backlash as the military still uses bayonets, but since neither for those cats were ever in the military what would they know. The line of the night to be can from someone on a Frontline broadcast with followed the debate on PBS; "Obama is the only Nobel Peace Prize winner with a kill list", I don't know if Obama is the only winner with a kill list, but I do know awarding Obama a Nobel Peace Prize was extraordinary premature. With the surge in Afghanistan, Gitmo, and the large number of murders of innocent people with unmanned drones, I doubt anyone believes Obama is exactly a model of peace.

The crooked preachers and politicians of a reflection of our sick culture. You can't blame the the poor -- that is simply blaming the victims of the crime. We live in an incredibly and increasingly unjust society. The state of our education system, relative to the rest of the world, is a proof. These chickens (millions of uneducated, unskilled, stressed, people) WILL come home to roost and it will be a freaking nightmare. Organized sports are a panacea to help placate the masses. Our largest universities are little more than minor league training facilities for professional basketball and football. At every level we heap more attention and praise on the athlete than the student. Many guys are more passionate and knowledgeable about their local sports team that they are about almost anything else. Unless the very fundamental problems of this nation are addressed -- in a hurry. We will be headed straight for 3rd world status (many of us live under these conditions now, invisible, under the radar, ignored). But this will never ever happen until we really recognize there is a problem -- that even Obama (or Romney) can not solve. No one is interested in Black men -- the data make this plain. The numbers unlike, "BLACK LEADERS, NAACP, CHURCH PREACHERS, BLACK POLITICIANS", do not lie. Extinction seems like a plausible outcome...

For immediate release phati'tude Literary Magazine Connects Readers to Diverse Writers phati’tude Literary Magazine offers literary aficionados a wide range of diverse writers at an affordable price New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/23/2012 -- "phati’tude Literary Magazine," founded in 1997, is an award-winning, internationally-known publication that distinguishes itself as a multicultural publication that focuses on, but is not exclusively devoted to, the work of writers of African, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Arab and Asian descent in an aim to provide a forum for quality works of diverse voices from around the globe. A themed quarterly, "phati'tude Literary Magazine" is an 8" x 10" perfect-bound collection that features the best poetry, prose, short stories, articles and interviews along with literary criticism, book reviews and biographical profiles by established and emerging poets, writers and artists. It is published by the Intercultural Alliance of Artists & Scholars, Inc. (IAAS), a NY-based nonprofit organization. "phati'tude" is a worthy addition to anyone’s collection of literary works. “American society is undergoing the most radical demographic shift in its history and we must reflect the reality of our time,” explains Gabrielle David, editor-in-chief of "phati'tude Literary Magazine." "As we read across our differences, 'phati’tude' facilitates the celebration of multiculturalism. Because literature is an extraordinary conveyor of ideals, values, and mores, 'phati'tude' shows readers how we can become literate in multiple ways, whether it's socially, culturally or historically. Multicultural literature not only teaches us diversity, it also encourages a much wider range of perspectives and our interconnectedness to each other." "phati'tude Literary Magazine" has published some amazing issues that cover such vast topics as LGBT literature, Ekphrastic poetry, African American literature, 1960s-based poetry. a tribute to Arab, Afghan and Jewish writers in our September 11th issue, and our latest, celebrating the literary works and achievements of Latino writers. "We've published poets and writers as diverse as emerging authors to award-winning poet laureates of international acclaim,” continues David. “We work very hard to go through the open call submissions to find interesting new writers who may not be afforded the same attention by other publications. This initiative is directly linked to the magazine's mission to bring its readers new, interesting and divergent voices. "phati'tude" offers something for everyone." "phati'tude Literary Magazine" is available for sale online in the U.S. on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.uk, and additional outlets in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia. Readers are encouraged to check out the Author/Artist Index, and previews of the issues already published. Individual issues sell at $18-$20 each, and institutional rates are available through subscription services such as EBSCO, Basch Subscriptions, Inc., Wolper Subscription Services, Swets and HARRASSOWITZ. Check out "phati’tude Literary Magazine" today and you’ll quickly discover it's invaluable resource that connects readers to today’s contemporary writers. For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/litersture/poetry/sbwire-169528.htm Press Release Contact: Gabrielle David Executive Director The Intercultural Alliance of Artists & Scholars, Inc. (IAAS) 646-801-4227 gdavid@theiaas.org http://phatitude.org

I have six (6) available advertising positions on the AALBC.com homepage for book covers. You can which position is available as it will be indicated by the following image: If you are interested in advertising your book on any or all of these 6 positions you will get $25 off -- each placement. Just mention that you learned about the offer here, on Thumper's Corner discussion forum (or reply below) If you refer a new client who pays full price, (as low as $53 per month) you will earn $25 (payable 30 days after advertising campaign begins). Simply have the client provide your name and email address. This inventory will go fast as this is AALBC.com most popular advertising position. Click here to learn more about getting your book on the AALBC.com Homepage If you have any questions email me at troy@aalbc.com or simply post them below.

I just posted an interview with Valjeanne Jeffers who is included in this anthology

Humm, if we could kill EVERY person who committed adultery, would there be anyone left to do the killing?

Actually Leonard Pitts wrote and article about truth recent recently: "The point here — this cannot be overemphasized — is not ideology. Rather, it is about the fact that we cannot effectively debate ideology if we do not have a body of facts in common. Under such circumstances, political discourse must devolve into incoherence. We cannot discuss what color to paint the room if we cannot agree on what constitutes red or green — or the room. We literally have no shared language with which to even have the discussion. This is the legacy of the War on Reality. Some of us live under a new ethos, fueled and abetted by Fox, the Internet and talk radio, which holds that facts are optional and reality, multiple choice — and that anyone who questions this is part of the conspiracy against you. The results have not been pretty. When, in the history of American political discourse, have conservatives — some, not all — seemed more paranoid, put-upon and ready to believe themselves the victims of outlandish plots?" (The whole article) The bold face text is really what thwarts many conversations. Arrogant ignorance is bad. People who don't know a given fact but are too stupid to know they don't know but feel perfectly justified arguing something the don't understand. Lying is worse. Where you argue a point you know is wrong. This is what makes the debates so worthless. The candidates will say anything they want -- even completely conflicting things. You know someone is lying, but you don;t have enough information to know who is lying. Obama supporters believe Obama and Romney supporters believe Romney. I don't believe either of them. As far as quantum physics that is some real spooky stuff and FAR more interesting than the presidential debates :-) Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/10/09/3042190/the-unemployment-rate-and-gops.html#storylink=cpy

Kam calls DuVernay's latest film a "...a cinematic masterpiece reminiscent of those rare treasures that have managed to capture an authentic slice of African-American life, ala such black classics as Love Jones (1997), The Best Man (1999), The Visit (2000) and Brown Sugar (2002)." Read the full review

All things considered, I believe society is worse off as a result of social media. As it exaggerates the worst in us. Of course social media, like any tool, is what the user makes of it. For example, I really like Youtube (for now), there are SO MANY great interviews, conversations, debates archival videos -- pick a subject and you can find really deep and compelling content -- you don't have to know video like the ones I shared above even exist. But if you wanted, you can spend years watching "garbage" videos -- the choice is yours Freedom to chose is in contrast to Facebook and Twitter -- you really can't control your experience. What appears on your wall for example is largely out of your control -- sure you can control who you "friend" and whose updates you see. But if you friend wants to post garbage, garbage is what you will see on you wall. Twitter is the same. There might be some great things that I really want to see transpiring on Twitter and facebook -- I just can not find them. When I do find something interesting it takes all of two minutes before it degrades comcpletely. Plus getting the right people to see my content becomes increasingly difficult over time. Of course the solution to get the right eyes on your content is to buy ads, but this furture exasperates the problem. Content now skews to big companies producing content with the broadest possible appeal. Facebook and Twitter will only become worse as attempts to wring higher and higher revenues from these platforms further degrade the user experience.

Leonard Pitts, Jr.. Thankfully one of my eNewsletter subscribers turned me on to Leonard Pitt's latest novel "Freeman". Pitts' is an excellent writer and I have no problem going out on a limb and recommending his latest -- without ever having read it. Sounds crazy, but Pitts is that good. I have to admit that I'm astonished that I have not heard a single thing about this book, other than the email I got today. Actually I'm not really surprised at all, mostly disappointed and frustrated. In 2012 a guy who runs a website, arguably "the" website, on Black books can go completely unaware, for half a year, that a writer of Leonard Pitts' caliber has published a novel of historical fiction (love really) about newly free black people trying to reconstitute their families. Over time I see more and more evidence that despite all this social media real information is not being shared. Any real information shared is crowded out by nonsense.

South Park, interestingly, uses the same techniques, strategies and mentality that brings us "Honey-Boo-Boo" to the spoof the same...

Gary Golio: http://aalbc.it/garygolio

Last night's debate was complete garbage. Biden (also a Syracuse University graduate) had a distinct advantage of age and experience over Ryan. But he completely squandered that advantage failing to understand the difference between "aggression and strength" a distinction pointed out in an op-ed in today WSJ. I could not even watch the whole debate. Biden was too condescending and they both were just going back and forth making statement directly in conflict with each other. So unless we can determine which one is lying -- what is the point of even watching. I wish they would stop calling these debates. In an actual debate you need to be able to substantiate a statement. Re: smug vegans. A comedian suggested that he would like to have a vegetarian cook a special plate of food just for him with meat. I always cater to people who don't eat pork or meats -- rarely it is the favor reciprocated when they host. Re: Politicians instructing God to “bless America” - I wish politicians would just take "God" out of their vocabularies they are often the most ungodly people walking around -- indeed it may be a requirement for political success. Re: Dufus comedian Steve Harvey’s limited range of common knowledge. 'Nuff said. No, that is not fair. I take that back. How about our elevating the thoughts of comedians, rappers and other celebrities on various subjects above people who actually studied a given subject -- whether it is politics, relationship, or even pop culture.

No I had not seen this video (I posted it below). It was actually hard to find as there were so many "reaction" videos where others were goofing on the original video. The behavior of both the bus driver and the girl were are atrocious. I think recording an posting these videos makes matters worse, as it actually trivializes the behavior. There is also a financial incentive for people to record this stupidity an share it on yourtube. There are commercials from BMW on these videos for Christ sake!. People unfortunately make money on these videos. This is another one of my gripes against Google (but that is another story). You are may have heard about all the police shootings in NYC. You may not have heard about all the folks following the police with cell phones and ipads filming the shooting -- risking their lives. In a recent shooting 9 innocent bystanders were shot by the police. I'd be willing to bet money at least one of them were trying to record it. Here is another video I found while looking for the one above. I recorded a similar fight right outside my window a few years ago. I thought about posting on youtube myself, but thought better of doing it as I could not think of a single positive thing that could come of it. All people are doing are exploiting the idiocy of others for fun and monetary gain. Kinds of reminds you of the network news, huh?

Yeah I think Perry would be more sympathetic than not. I'm sure he realizes that despite his hard work he was truly lucky/blessed to be where he is. A man in Perry's position knows more than most people that there is a ton of Black talent out there -- much of which will languish in obscurity. Beside there are not enough vehicles to showcase this talent. I think, on balance, Tyler Perry is doing his part. I also like what folks like Ava Duvernay are doing as well; going the independent route and making it work. Hollywood seems to consider fame strongly when it comes to Black actors, so if you are a rapper, a comedian or Tyler Perry you are much more likely to get an acting gig than someone who is who is Black and only studied acting. Cynique, I'm not convinced a Black publishing company could not create something "new" in that is commercially viable in the literary market place.

No. I never understood why there was never a Black literary equivalent of Motown. The talent is available but it is difficult to corral as the best and the brightest Black folks usually want to work for someone else. Perhaps in todays world where some much of this talent is unemployed it will be more likely for a Black Motown Publishing company to emerge, but I'd be very surprised to see it happen. I could have tried myself but was unwilling to make the financial sacrifice. Getting others of similar financial resources to share the load is exceedingly difficult. Tyler as Alex Cross I guess we will see what his acting skills are like. I never really thought of Tyler Perry as a box office draw (outside of a dress) -- let alone an action figure. But hey what do I know I felt the same way about Will Smith.

From Ron Kavanaugh, Mosaic Literary Conference …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Join us on November 9 & 10, 2012, for The Mosaic Literary Conference. MLC2012 is a great opportunity for teachers, students, program administrators, and parents to learn about blending books and reading into the lives of teenagers. A mix of informative public programs and creative workshops will give you tools to engage young people, strengthen literacy, and develop education strategies. The conference, now in its 7th year, is dedicated to celebrating books, culture, & education. @ Hostos Community College 450 Grand Concourse Bronx NYC info@mosaicmagazine.org / 718.530.9132 Friday, November 9, 2012, 7-9pm Their Eyes Were Watching God Book Discussion with Carl Hancock Rux Join Bronx-born award-winning writer and performer, Carl Hancock Rux as he leads a book discussion to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. Presented by WNYC Radio, an NEA Big Read event FREE Friday Event. First 10 people will receive a copy of Their Eyes Are Watching God Carl Hancock Rux is the former head of the MFA Writing for Performance Program at the California Institute of the Arts (2006–09) and the author of the novel, Asphalt, the OBIE Award winning play, Talk, and the Village Voice Literary prize-winning collection of poetry, Pagan Operetta. Saturday, November 10, 2012, 10am-4pm Our workshops are designed to inspire and give teachers, parents, and program administrators the tools to encourage reading and make learning fun. Continental breakfast, lunch, and Amazon Kindle raffle. Workshops 21st Century Writing Strategies Facilitated by DuEwa Frazier, M.Ed., M.F.A. BookUpNYC!: How the National Book Foundation Created a Successful After-School Book Club for Middle School Students Facilitated by Eisa Nefertari Ulen, The National Book Foundation Literacy as a Creative Process Facilitated by Rajeeyah Finnie-Myers & Khalil Murrell, Community-Word Project Personalizing the Reading Experience Facilitated by Khadijah Ali-Coleman Youth, Love & the Wild in Toni Morrison’s A Mercy Facilitated by Alana Benoit and Aiesha Turman, The Black Girl Project + Click here for registration and workshop details: http://mlc12.eventbrite.com Early-Registration $10 discount October 21 Deadline Click here to download MLC2012 flyer Click here to view this email online ….. We ♥ Community Sponsors: AALBC.com, Acentos, ABLE (Alliance for Black Literature & Entertainment), Acentos, African Voices, Black Girl Project, Center for Black Literature, Community Word Project, Dominion of New York, National Book Foundation, New York Writers Coalition, Poets & Passion, The Literary Network, WNYC Radio

Yeah I saw that too. I find myself watching youtube videos on TV more than anything else. People have uploaded and shared so much fascinating content it is really amazing.. I hope people will one day think of some of my videos in that way: http://www.youtube.com/aalbc

I posted the same image on Facebook the conversation there is getting interesting as a SEO expert has weighed in: http://aalbc.it/look4troyfbconvo Interestingly he actually read the post here too, but chose to comment on the facebook conversation.

I'm writing an article about this issue but I thought I'd preview it here first, maybe even get some more ideas from your comments. Click this link http://aalbc.it/look4troy to run a simple Google query on my name, Troy Johnson. Your results will vary depending upon... well God know what, but I can guarantee you the following will be the same no matter who you are. The query will returns the big social media sites before anything on AALBC.com! My Facebook profile is at position #4 My LinkedIn Profile is at position #6 My Twitter profile is #10 AALBC.com does not appear until #16 on the 2nd page! Given that there are almost 25 million pages returned, and that I have a common name, shared with a few celebrities, the fact that I have 3 pages in the top 10 would normally be considered as great by some. This is very bad news because I do not own the 3 top pages. Forget about giving me SEO (search engine optimization) advise, I got that down. Besides my content is more complete and comprehensive that the other social media sites (I created it all). My site's content is almost 15 years old the oldest site beating me, with my own content, is less than 5 years old. I put very little information about myself on Twitter. Facebook has nothing that AALBC.com does not have -- indeed all I use Facebook for is to link back to AALBC.com. I don't really use LinkedIn. The obvious reason for this is that Google, despite all their bullshit about directing people to the best sites with their, complex and secret algorithm, is simply sending people to the large sites first. You might say why of course genius -- waddya expect? Well the fact of the matter is that this was not the case since there was such a thing as a search engine. Google only recently started favoring these large social media sites. If you queried my name a few months ago an AALBC.com page would have come up in the top 5. Watching this happen is astonishing, partially because it is happening right under our noses and no one not the government or the people have a clue it is happening or why it is important. The Internet was once a truly open an democratic environment. Today it is not. Tomorrow is scary.

Hi DT. I never was a big fan of the way employment figures are calculated. Indeed none of the people who lost their jobs 1 year after Obama took office and are still unable to find work are counted in the latest numbers. A direct comparison with 4 years ago based upon the unemployment figures does not really tell us very much -- partisan politics aside.

Writegirl, "We talk and talk and love to hear ourselves speak and see our words come together on these message boards. We like to be heard." this is why Facebook is so popular for some and a complete turn off for others. In fact on Facebook when, "...someone offers a different viewpoint than our own, we get all up in arms" all you have to do is block them and they are silenced. As a result Facebook is a big echo chamber of the same opinions, memes, religious messages and so forth. That is what I like about forums like this people can disagree. I would rather have a Nah'Sun come through and make a case that some just say Oh I agree with everything you say -- that is boring and you can learn anything if you are never challenged... Carey, seriously, I don't blame Bernice for not giving you a book. I have never asked an authors for a free book in over 15 years (today may actually be the 15 anniversary of me sitting down to start AALBC.com it was this month I'm just not sure of the day). If I a request a book from an authors it is because I'm publishing a review of it. The other example of actors in roles were fine with me. First they were all in the same ball park of appearance and Jamie is a great mimic and had Ray Charles down, Denzil is a terrific actor and could probably pull off a great Carey. If you wanna go for miscasting try the 60+ year old Samuel L Jackson playing a 39 year old Martin Luther King in Mountain Top. Zoe Saldana does not have any of Nina's characteristics. I'm not even sure Zoe self identifies as Black... What were you doing in the presence of Harvey and the others Carey. Were y'all working on a movie.