Troy

...or you could be hearing things Ma.

No I don't like Wikipedia. If you ever read that article I wrote about Wikipedia earlier in the year, that will give you some insight. Yes, I'm complaining about sharing detailed about Alice's sexual relationships. It really has nothing to do with Alice herself. It could be Bozo the Clown and I would feel the same way. In theory what Wiki prints is in the public domain, but not necessarily because anyone can contribute. As a result, some of the information is factually inaccurate or out right lies. That is why is can't be used as a source by students. I guess we will disagree about the expectation of privacy for authors. I never liked, for example, the way they put Terry McMillan's business in the street. But to make matters worse the nature of the WWW exaggerated all of her marital drama. So while I'm just looking for information on Terry McMillan, or the Walker ladies newest books, all the details about their relationships is trust into my face. In the past, if I wanted the dirt on Terry I would go to a gossip site. Today I can't avoid the nonsense. No, I would not expect Britannica to publish the names of past sexual partners (they don't). I also decided to look for a proper encyclopedia citation for Alice Walker and stumbled upon this: Why does Wikipedia beat Encyclopedia.com in search when is has a much better citation? Certainly Wikipedia is a sign of the times, one of several signs I do not like. Students copying from Wikpedia is the least of my worries as they could copy from the encyclopedia too.

Well your family is still fortunate. I have 5,000 friends on Facebook. But I'm not friends with either of my children. Why on Earth would I want to be all up in their friend space with a bunch of other children. I would not worry about a son unfriending you. I'm not friends with my mother either :-) On synchronicity, my theory on that is that it is just heightened awareness about a subject at a given time. In other words then seem to be happening in concern much, simply because you are aware of it more. For example I can learn a new word that I seemingly never heard before, then next thing I know -- I'm hearing the words everywhere. I was always exposed to the word, but now I'm just tuned into it. I saw a program investigating the conspiracy theories on the JFK killing. I'd never seen the entire Zapurder (sp?) film before. This was the first time saw I saw the top of JFK's head's being blown off in full color -- my God; It was terrible! What happened to the warning; "The images you are about to see my be disturbing"? Perhaps your life means more to others than it does to you, as you age. Perhaps that has always been the case. Your family is not the only ones who are fortunate. We are too.

While I was at Bill board's site I discovered Eminem has a new "album" currently at #1 While anyone can rap. Marshall Mathers is pretty talented. [Verse 1] But for me to rap like a computer must be in my genes I got a laptop in my back pocket My pen'll go off when I half-cock it Got a fat knot from that rap profit Made a living and a killing off it Ever since Bill Clinton was still in office With Monica Lewinsky feelin' on his nut-sack I'm an MC still as honest But as rude and as indecent as all hell Syllables, skill-a-holic (kill em all with) This flippity dippity-hippity hip-hop You don't really wanna get into a pissing match with this rappidy rap Packing a Mac in the back of the Ac, backpack rap crap, yep, yep, yackity-yak And at the exact same time I attempt these lyrical acrobat stunts while I'm practicing that I'll still be able to break a motherfuckin' table Over the back of a couple of faggots and crack it in half Only realized it was ironic I was signed to Aftermath after the fact How could I not blow, all I do is drop F-bombs, feel my wrath of attack Rappers are having a rough time period, here's a maxi pad It's actually disastrously bad for the wack While I'm masterfully constructing this masterpiece (yeah) cuz

Del a buddy of mine told me that he believed Tracy Chapman funded the cafe, which was named Coco Bar (I think). Here in NYC, it is not unusual at all to go into a Starbucks and see every table or seat taken up by someone on a Laptop computer. A modern day Starbucks looks very much like an internet cafe from the mid 1990's. Except Starbucks provides the internet access for free and charge exorbitant prices for their food and coffee. I was really speaking about internet Cafe's in general not necessarily Rebecca's spot in particular. Cynique, I did not say I was offended by the info of Alice Walkers personal life. It is not clear what I wrote to make you arrive at that conclusion. I thought I was very clear stating that I do not like the idea of Wikipedia sharing the information. Clearly, neither Rebecca or Alice are hiding the sexuality. Again, that has nothing to do with my point. I'm questioning why Wikipedia is sharing the details about their personal relationships? Giving information about a spouse is one thing, but sharing detailed about people they are 'going out' with in a supposed encyclopedia reference seems questionable at best. Now I get that since the partners mentioned are celebrities that people might find that interesting or noteworthy. But again those details are fodder for a gossip column, People Magazine, or a memoir, not a citation in a encyclopedia. "My life is not to be somebody else's impact - you know what I mean? And it was delicious and lovely and wonderful and I totally enjoyed it and I was completely in love with her [Tracy Chapman] but it was not anybody's business but ours." --Alice Walker, The Guardian, Thursday 14 December 2006

Del if we are thinking about the same place I think that was Rebecca's place. It was one of the first Internet Cafes to open up . I'm pretty sure that was about 20 years. Today we call them Starbucks.

Simon & Schuster even created a page where indie stores can download a banner to help promote the video and independent stores in general. I've been engaged in my own effort to support Black owned independent book stores with Huria Search visitors can review a list of all the Black owned independent bookstores in the US. They can also review detailed information about each store, like Aziz Book in IL. Already much of the information I provide on Huria Search is the most complete and up to date available anywhere. In future updates I plan to provide a facility for stores to upload event information and more. This information can be shared on anyone's website or Blog as shown here on AALBC.com. All that is required to share the automatically updated bookstore database is a few short lines of code. You may have noticed none of the bookstore mentioned in the video are Black owned. IF WE WANT OUR INDEPENDENT STORES/SITES/AUTHORS TO SURVIVE WE WILL HAVE TO SUPPORT THEM. NO ONE WILL DO IT FOR US. Peace, Troy

Hey Del, what did I write that you disagree with? Funny that you mention PE. Who is currently the most famous person from that group today? The answer oughta tell you something. That and the fact they have not cut a popular record in decades -- do they even have a deal with a major label? Sure the media tries to appeals to the larger possible audience (the lowest common denominator as you describe), but that does not mean that all we want to listen to is obscenity laden, violent, misogynistic music. But that is what we are feed - Dysfunctional Black behavior. If you actually go to the Billboard site and look at the top music by white musicians it is not obscenity laced. Even EMEMIN'S is pretty innocuous compared to Drake. What other group has to contend with this? Del, as far a bookstores closing the ones closing are Black owned bookstores. I've watched other independent bookstores open in Harlem and East Harlem while the Black owned ones have closed. I can show you many independent white owned stores seemingly thriving elsewhere in the city. The American Book Seller's Association reported a GROWTH in indie stores.

I see that Drake shouted out Cash Money Records. Now Cash Money also has a publishing company Cash Money Content. I know and like several of their writers. One of the authors K'wan is an good writer and story teller. He is releasing a new book Animal II this week. Cash Money is a supporter of this site and a bunch of authors, so I don't make these statements lightly. Perhaps you are right (again) Cynique; "This subject is one that is full of contradictions and irony which is why it's so difficult to sort out."

Will, welcome to the discussion forum also here is much shorter link you can use to send people to Amazon: http://amzn.to/wgibson finally please post information about American Black Book Writers Association, and the ABBWA JOURNAL (please start a new topic). While I find the over use of the N-word problematic and used it to title this conversation my real concern is the over use of all the obscenities the songs are riddled with and how the music is played everywhere, out in the open. Sure the n-word, any curse word, can be used both as a term of endearment or an insult, between the right people in the right circumstances. I have no problem with a bunch of Black friends using the word amongst themselves. I do have a big problem with the prolific use of the the n-word and profanity in ever ding-dang Black song that is played in public. Mrs. Community, Welcome! and I agree with you 100% I'd go a step further and say that Black people are not ABLE to protect or raise well-balanced children allowing; them to fend off the ignorance of both white and Black America. For we are now have adults raising children who never knew a world without obscenity laden rap music being the most popular music. I just went to Billboard's site, out of curiosity, to find the the best selling album by a Black "musician" The album Nothing Was The Same by Drake is #7. It opened at #1 and has been on the chart for 5 weeks. Note this is one of the top-selling album across all genres! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvs3PO16Lw8 [Verse 1] I don't know why they been lying but yo shit is not that inspiring Bank account statements just look like I'm ready for early retirement Fuck any nigga that's talkin' that shit just to get a reaction Fuck going platinum, I looked at my wrist and it's already platinum I am the kid with the motor mouth I am the one that you should worry about I don't know who you're referring to, who is this nigga you heard about? Someone just talking that bullshit, someone just gave you the run-around Niggas downplaying the money but that's what you do when the money down I don't waste time putting money down I just go straight to who got it and buy it in cash Pussy so good that you gotta come see me on tour and you gotta fly in first class This has been years in the making, it's all for the city You know I come right every summer, Cash Money Records forever I'm always big timing, bitch, I came up right under Stunna You know it

Cynique your family is lucky to have you around all the time. Thanks again for generously sharing your wisdom with us here too!

After listening to the entire video (I'd only listened to a few minutes before posting it), my assessment is more inline with what you posted Cynique. My putting Johnson in the same tradition with Dr. Clarke was premature. Raising one's voice elicits an emotional reaction with conflicts with the reasoning f the listening. When people have to scream their message it starts making me nervous, because I know they are no longer trying to reason with me and are working on my emotions, like some televangelist trying to get my money or HItler trying to get germans to hate Jews. When Johnson started screaming, for example, about what he will not allow girls to do with their hair. He started to lose me. Sure their are women and men who want to look white -- but that is not usually the case. One of my daughters used to get hair braided every summer and would usually use extensions. It was style thing not an attempt to look white, unless you count Bo Derek, who was mimicking a Black style ;-) I guess Johnson would have an issue with my daughter in his school. Anyway, I do appreciate the spirit of his message, and completely agree if you allow your kid to be labeled as "special ed" you have set that kid on a path where he will not be educated -- period. I also believe the people in charge of the schools really don't care about the people subjected to it. Any system where the majority of people running it will not send their own kids makes that very plain.

I was doing some research for a page for Rebecca Walker. Of course, given the was Google search works today Wikipedia comes up on the 1st page of results. Of course I look at the page. The Huria Search Results for Rebecca Walker, are worth looking at, in comparison to a regular search. For example, I found an article in Ebony Magazine that would have been undiscoverable in a regular search. At any rate, I read the Wikipedia citations and learned the following about Rebecca Walker under the category of "Personal Life": Walker is bisexual and previously had a relationship with neo-soul musician Meshell Ndegeocello, whose son she helped raise. Reading about Alice Walker, Rebecca's mother, I learned, In the mid-1990s, Walker was involved in a romance with singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. Admittedly, I have several "issues" with Wikipedia. This is a new one. Why would the self-proclaimed "temple for the mind" feel the need to share this information? I looked at Rebecca's entire website and did not see this information. Why is it on Wikipedia? Many adults have had relationship prior to the ones that are currently in. Why does Wikipedia feel it is necessary to put this information on the #5 most popular website? Is this the purpose of an "encyclopedia"? Small wonder a fact checker would be fired for using Wikipedia as a source.

I like those Unsung shows, but I did not see the one about the Geto Boys, I'll look for it. Sure the Geto boys may have been right. The executives did not recognize the revenue potential right away. But once they did they took control and never looked back. Of course the Geto Boys who helped invent/popular Gangsta Rap where robbed of the opportunity to capitalize on it. Of course this is nothing new. The people who run corporations have an insatiable need to more and more money and they don't give a crap about the environment or other people. Use child labor in Asia to reduce costs - of course; enslave Africans - no problem; displace and kill native Americans for their land - why not; pay undocumented Mexican less than minimum wage - sure; create music riddled with obscenities, negatively influencing generations of children -- you bet! The contradiction comes in when you put a Black face on it; Black people generally stop complaining. If a George Bush kills innocents with drone strikes it is a white devil doing what devils do, but when Obama does even more of it Black folks clam up.

Photo Release Nov. 14, 2013 Contact: Olivia Doherty Olivia@thehatchergroup.com 410-990-0284 Reading Is Fundamental and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Celebrate New Children's Book with Harlem Students NEW YORK - Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's largest children's literacy organization, hosted a special literacy celebration featuring basketball legend and best-selling author Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the morning of November 14. Abdul-Jabbar spoke to students in grades 4 - 6 who were part of the St. Aloysius Education Clinic, a RIF program in Harlem that provides educational programming and academic support to students throughout New York City. He read excerpts from his new children's book Sasquatch in the Paint and discussed themes from the book, including courage, friendship, and teamwork. # # # About RIF Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) delivers free books and literacy resources to children and families in underserved communities in the United States. By giving children the opportunity to own a book, RIF inspires them to become lifelong readers and achieve their full potential. As the nation's largest children's literacy nonprofit, RIF has placed 410 million books in the hands of more than 39 million children since it was established in 1966. Learn more and help RIF provide books to kids who need them most, visit RIF.org. About Skyhook: The Skyhook Foundation's mission is to Give Kids a Shot that Can't Be Blocked by enhancing STEM through literacy in under-served communities The founder, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's All-Time Leading Scorer and UCLA-trained scholar, travels around the world to provide books and films to disenfranchised youth, and to encourage mentor-led educational programs like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) in underserved communities. Streetball Crew Book One Sasquatch in the Paint

HB, forget about it. They are all, pardon the pun, in bed with each other. Despite that, Shaprton's story is interesting -- even when it is told from his perspective: You can learn more about Sharpton's books here and read more about what we've said about him in the past here.

Hi Del I believe the term Blaxpoitation was applied after the fact. When Superfly was in the theaters I think Black folks were just happy to see Black people on the big screen. Sure there were some who complained at the time but like today they exerted little or no influence. I read today that Al Shaprton is calling for a Boycott of Kanye West. I can guarantee he will not do it. In fact, all he is doing with the threat is creating more publicity for Kayne and himself (I recognize I'm doing the same thing right now). Indeed, if it were not for Kayne's misguided fashion choices, I would not have gone through the trouble to looking for and Some argue that rappers and music execs produce this "music" because this is what people buy. Others say this music is produced because white corporation are evil and they want to destroy the Black community. I believe music executive, as well as the rappers, are only interested in money, any adverse (or positive) impact on the Black community is purely incidental. The majority of this music is purchased, I suspect, by white kids. Otherwise, I doubt it would be so lucrative. Would white youth be interested in buying music in which we; refereed to each other lovingly as and Brother and Sister; or if we spit rhymes about our long and glorious history in Africa and our achievements here in America despite great obstacles? Of course not. It is much more amusing for them to listen to use call each other Bi*ch and Ni**er. Needless to say there is no shortage of Negros willing to play the role. Our course there are many Black people who enjoy this garbage too, but that reflects an abnormal mental state. I just wish we would spend much less time covering, promoting and showcasing the cooning of these Brothers. They are given awards and celebrated. But of course this will never happen because the same machine responsible for producing the music is the same one promoting and marketing the Kanye Wests of the world to the American audience. Since the Black controlled voice in the media is owned by white folks, alternative perspectives like the one are not seen by a large audience. Corporations will continue to produce music with the n-word in it for as long as they like. Sadly we are too weak or ignorant to do anything about it.

Students from the Global Awareness through Hip Hop Culture program share their thoughts on mainstream rap music's influence on youth and the music industry's role in promoting negative messages. More information at The Global Awareness through Hip Hop Culture

I've never heard this Brother speak live before, but he is certainly in the tradition of John Clark. I visited a store a book store in Virgina Beach, Positive Vibes, a couple of years ago and asked them was what was selling very well. I purchased one, &do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> &do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>

WBEZ Radio in Chicago reported yesterday (Nov 12, 2013) that Malcolm X's heirs are suing Chicago’s Third World Press claiming that the forthcoming publication ‘The Diary of Malcolm X’ is unauthorized. Bennett Johnson Vice President of Third World Press is interviewed: https://soundcloud.com/wbez/chicagos-third-world-press

Del Superfly was just one movie. Even the entire Blaxpoition era was a relative flash in the pan. But image a alternative universe where the majority of the popular films, for decades, were like the film Superfly and no one complained. That seems to be the case with the most popular Rap music. Cynique, I would certainly agree that our destiny is not in our hands. We have relinquished control, in exchange for a little money for a few that the rest of us live vicariously through. Of course this music will persist until it is no longer profitable. I just don't think the trade off, culturally, is worth it.

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS 1150 CARROLL STREET BROOKLYN, NY 11225 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jamilah Fraser JFraser1@mec.cuny.edu: JFraser1@mec.cuny.edu (347)563-1018 Clarence V. Reynolds: creynolds@mec.cuny.edu (718) 804-8881 November 11, 2013 MEC RELEASE KILLENS REVIEW OF ARTS & LETTERS SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR UPCOMING JOURNAL BROOKLYN – The Killens Review of Arts & Letters, a highly regarded literary journal, is seeking short stories, creative nonfiction, essays, poetry, and artwork for its Spring/Summer 2014 issue. The nationally-known journal is requesting submissions related to the various cultural, sociopolitical, and historical experiences of writers and people of color from the African diaspora. Interested writers, faculty, scholars and students are urged to submit material by January 17, 2014. The Killens Review's goal is to provide well-known and emerging authors, poets and artists of color with the opportunity to create and expand the literary canon. Interested writers should submit their materials to writers@mec.cuny.edu with “Killens Review” in the subject heading. Your submission should include a brief bio and a synopsis of the work being submitted. Unfortunately, the Killens Review of Arts & Letters Submission Committee will not accept book manuscripts. For more details, visit www.centerforblackliterature.org. ### Also Read: What Happened to the Best African American Literary Magazines? About John Oliver Killens

I generally try to stay in shape, and go to health clubs like Ballys or LA Fitness as the weather turns cold, and outdoor activity is less appealing. All of these clubs have large rooms where group classes are given, usually some newfangled version of aerobics requiring multicolored weights, rubber bands, giants balls, adjustable platforms, hula-hoops and what have you. I never take these classes but I'm usually start my workout by stretching out nearby. I actually used to teach aerobics, almost 30 years ago, and the only thing that is the same is the use of music. Music sets the tone; it can get you fired up or it can calm you down. It also helps keep rhythm and helped me mark transitions in a routine. My neighborhood club unfortunately uses rap "music" riddled with obscenities (Mother F this, N-word that, Suck my D, an the like. No one seems to mind. In fact, if you looked at me stretching out nearby you probably wouldn't think I minded either. But I'm stretching out bewildered by how much the much things have changed for the worse in such a short period of time. A couple of times I thought about going to the club's manager and complaining, but it seemed like a waste to time. I don't go to the club that often and I was not too optimistic the kid running the place would even get it. Again, I'm not exactly a prude, NWA was one of my favorite group when they were out -- but I would NEVER have used their music in my aerobics class -- in fact I wouldn't listen to the music in front of my mother or in mixed company. But it is actually worse. I have Sirius radio in my car. One day I was listening to the "hip-hop" station and EVERY single song used the N-word -- 6 songs in a row before I stopped listening. The lyrics don't resonate, the anger, posturing, profiling is artificial. It is simply wonton vulgarity without a point -- other than to offend or perhaps shock. Apparently record companies are making money with this type of music. Some suggest the music it is a conspiracy to destroy the Black community. Given the chain of events, I completely understand why someone would buy into such a radical theory. I just don't think any group of people could have orchestrated such a thoroughly successful campaign to destroy Black people without the victims realizing it -- indeed getting Black folks to celebrate the most successful of those tools (Rappers) used to destroy us. Then again, I could be wrong.

I don't generally hawk non-book related items on AALBC.com but I though this was a pretty cool idea. I no someone who is really into Monopoly and I created a customized version for them for as a Christmas gift.

This reminds me about the use of the N-word in music I'll post about separately...