Troy

Watch documentary film "Soul Food Junkies" on your PC, for free, until May 27th Visit http://aalbc.it/soulfoodjunkiesfree More about the film: http://aalbc.com/reviews/soul-food-junkies.html

From the NY Times As Tourists Come and Go, Harlem Churches Lose a 10% Lifeblood

Del I want to see positive programming. I'm not alone either. This is not to say I'm against strip clubs or even pornography (involving consenting adults). I just don't think either should be marketed to children or involve children the way it is today. The other problem is that given the emphasis on this type of programing fewer resources go to the positive TV programs. After Superfly came out there was a great deal of criticism about the film. When people say a film like Superfly was a story about redemption they are trying to delude themselves or you. The film gloried the antisocial lifestyle, in much the same why this TV show glorifies stripping, making it more acceptable to young women - indeed even a desirable alternative, the way drug dealing and pimping was depicted to young men generation prior. We know the end of that story. You don't have to "judge" others Del, but you can critique their behavior. Our biggest problem is that we don't do this very much anymore.... and garbage like this TV program proliferates.

INSATIABLE PRESS DEBUTS ORIGINAL EROTIC EBOOK BY BESTSELLING AUTHORS Bestselling authors Pynk and Carol Taylor’s INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS releases this month as the debut title of Insatiable Press’ original ebook publishing program. North Kingstown, RI—Insatiable Press is proud to announce the debut of a new publishing program for original ebooks, launching this month with the release of INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS by bestselling authors Pynk and Carol Taylor. This dynamic storytelling duo are joining forces to combine their vibrant voices and fervent fan bases in a four-book series of scintillating erotic novellas to be published in 2013 and 2014. The launch title, INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS, continues two of the authors’ popular novels with new stories, Pynk’s “Erotic City: Miami” and Carol Taylor’s “The Ex Chronicles: Plan B”. From a dazzling new swingers’ nightclub in Miami to exotic erotica in London, New York, and Amsterdam, these steamy and sensual novellas star modern women searching for love, turning up the heat, making mistakes, and finding their joy. This wonderful collection will appeal to fans and newcomers alike who enjoy erotica and urban fiction. “Carol and Pynk share an edgy, sexy sensibility in their books that readers love, and we are very excited to partner with them on this special project, which brings their complementary styles and enormous talent together for the first time,” said Senior Editor Bob Podrasky. Podrasky worked with the authors to create a publishing program that would make their stories available to fans in the format that they felt was right for the continuation of these exciting tales. The ebook will be available beginning May 20 at digital e-retailers, and audio will be offered via digital download and on CD in the coming months at e-retailers and www.insatiablepress.com. The move into ebook publishing continues the story of Insatiable Press, which successfully launched in late 2012 with audio erotica and erotic romance by top industry names such as Sylvia Day, Lorelei James, and Maya Banks. “Being able to publish in multiple formats, including audio and ebook, is so important in the digital publishing world,” Podrasky added. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer these brilliant authors’ stories in the formats that are the most appropriate and accessible for busy, modern booklovers.” About Carol Taylor A former Random House editor, Ms. Taylor has been in book publishing for over 18 years. A bestselling author of seven books and an award-winning book editor, she is the editor of the 4-book bestselling Brown Sugar series, WANDERLUST: Erotic Travel Tales, and the novel THE EX CHRONICLES. She has been featured in ESSENCE, EBONY, BLACK ENTERPRISE, HONEY, BET, THE BOSTON GLOBE, THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES and PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, among other publications, and has appeared on “BET Tonight with Ed Gordon” and “ABC Eyewitness News.” About Pynk A former Fox-TV news reporter and talk show host, Pynk is the bestselling author of ten mainstream novels under her birth name and four erotic novels under her pseudonym Pynk: EROTIC CITY, SEXAHOLICS, SIXTY-NINE and POLITICS, ESCORTS, BLACKMAIL…, as well as the anthology, THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT. Four of her titles were nominated for African-American Literary Awards and she was named YOUnity’s Fastest Rising Literary Star. In addition, her titles have been voted Best Reads by Black Expressions Book Club and Best Books by the Sankofa Literary Society. Pynk’s mission is to promote positive, guilt-free sexual awareness among women. About Insatiable Press Founded in 2012 with the goal of providing high-quality erotica and erotic romance audiobooks and ebooks, Insatiable Press offers a wide array of sensual fiction and nonfiction titles via CD and digital download. Collaborating with premiere erotica authors and publishers, Insatiable Press aims to deliver a superior listening experience and top-notch customer service. For more information on our titles, please visit us online at www.insatiablepress.com. For more information on INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS, visit: http://insignificantothersbooks.blogspot.com/. SALES INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT US AT (401) 295-3812 OR SALES@INSATIABLEPRESS.COM mailto:Sales@InsatiablePress.com

Better link

It is easy to share some silly meme, celebrity gossip, or fail video and get a reaction from folks. I like to share information that is a little more meaningful, substantial. Here are three women I will mention in my next eNewsletter. They have all accomplished amazing things and are worthy of celebration. Not just on their birthdays on in February. People like these need to be celebrated constantly Don't looks for these women in the popular magazines, on TV or the radio. They are not going to be tweeted about or shared on Facebook very much -- it at all. Their information is not going viral. If you don't know who these ladies are please click their photos and learn more. While you are learning about them, buy one of their books (you won't go wrong, no matter which book you pick). Then share the page on your social media platforms, websites or even the old fashioned -- by telling someone. This last photo of of an author who was celebrating her 90th birthday. I just happened to be in the building and I crashed the party -- seriously!

Cynique THAT is the crux of the problem as programing for show like Strip Club Queen Atlanta, other often more positive programing is crowded out. And given the name you know there will be Strip Club Queens New York and others if the Atlanta version is successful. Limited resources go toward what is easiest and makes the most money. This is what is killing journalism, music and books. Pioneer, I'm not about to ditch my TV but I definitely would not be paying for cable. I pay for it now 'cause the rest of the family would revolt if I did not. I too watch more youtube that cable programming.

I just wanna know if I'll be able to buy bacon in the supermarket and if I'll have to drive to Windsor Canada for alcohol, gambling and prostitution? Seriously, I agree with the vacuous moral attitudes in segments of the Black community and in the American culture. But I'm not sure I want to exchange my freedom for what could ultimately become some form of Sharia law. The stripper reality show would never fly if the Nation of Islam had anything to do with it -- and I agree. But where do you draw the line? ------------------- I'm not sure a densely populated area, is a good idea. When people are cooped up like that they start behaving badly.

Thanks DT this was helpful. Is this the conversation you were referencing: http://www.thumperscorner.com/discus/messages/1/48812.html Unfortunately, Essence Mag did not keep their bestsellers lists on-line (I can't find them). I was also trying to determine when they stopped producing a list. The Power LIst best-selling books lists will be archived online permanently. How long will you book be available at no cost? I may be able to mention it in the next eNewsletter.

Hey DT I just downloaded your book. I did not read it yet but I did skim it to get a sense of how long the story was.. But I also noticed at the end of it of the story you referenced yourself being an Essence Bestselling Author. Can you tell me when you made the list -- A link would be ideal or a image of the magazine's page would be ideal. I'm calling the credential into question, I'm just curious. Last month I helped launch a new national bestsellers list called the Power List http://powerlist.info Part of the reason we launched the list was in reaction to Essence Magazine no longer publishing their list (indeed if they were interested they could publish ours). As far as I can tell it has been over two years since Essence pubed a list. I think the industry misses the buzz the list created. I hope authors who make the Power List embrace it they way authors like yourself embrace Essence's old list...

Del my "tail" analogy was an attempt to answer the question. Sure things can share characteristics, but that does not make them the same or even similar as in the previously mentioned horse and mouse. So while you are technical correct in that a mouse and horse are not "mutually exclusive" because they both have a tail. But the tails are so different as well as the rest of the animal they may as well be mutually exclusive. As is the case with astrology and science or even science or philosophy. Del I took it for granted that you knew I was talking about a fair coin. If you flipped a coin 100 times and got 49 tails and 51 heads would you assume the coin was not fair? Sure it has been over two years since I took a college level statistics course and maybe I've forgotten more than I knew. But I'm surprised you are questioning my knowledge given your attempts to elevate astrology to a science. I'm not making a value judgement about astrology. There are many great and valuable things in this world that are not science. Science however requires experiments that prove a hypothesis. To date I've never been made aware of any experiments to prove anything that Astrology asserts (experiments whose results have been reviewed and reproduced by others).

This is picking up on a Farrakhan will speak before the Detroit City Council, to members of the clergy and to residents of the city. Acknowledging the Detroit's rich legacy, Minister Farrakahn opined about the city's present condition, saying "Detroit is where the Nation of Islam started. Detroit is almost considered now, a dead city. So we'll come back to Detroit where we began and loook at the condition of Detroit, pool our resources and try to buy properties in Detroit and start rebuilding one of the greatest cities in America where we're concerned." From the Michigan Chronicle. Are the Nation of Islam's goals consistent with yours? What do you think a city run by NOI would look like?

It is no secret the Bible belt, which runs through the state of Texas, has a higher intolerance of homosexuality than places like New York City. I think much of the resistance is due to being Christian, which is not a function of race.

I attended a service at TD Jakes Church in Dallas a few years ago. I've been to a variety of churches in my life and I have never witnessed anything like this in my life. The production quality (video, audio, lighting, pacing) was world class. The service contained a full blow gospel concert. TD Jakes gave the "sermon" which was preceded by a commercial of a TV program that he was doing with Oprah (I believe). I'm not sure if the program ever broadcast. By the end of the service the people next to me were in literally in tears. I sat in the guest section which were actually the best seats in the house. While I was not moved in the least I could very easily see why so many others were. So, if an charismatic leader of a mega church, like TD Jakes, can give people who are hurting some hope and a reason to keep fighting; through song, a motivational speech and a few references to the Bible -- then good for him. He deserves every penny he gets.

Pioneer something tells me this new reality TV program is not, using your words, a positive, celebration of normal or healthy expression of Black sexuality. I don't think the producers (Black or white) are disrespecting or exploiting these women. I'm sure the women are doing it VERY willingly, are being paid to do it and are even enjoying the experience and fame (notoriety). NYC Public Schools ban Youtube. I originally thought it was a dumb practice. But now I understand... I dislike so called "reality TV", so I have a strong bias against this show from jump street. The nature of the subject does not help. I also don't think everything needs to be in TV...

Pioneer your points all ASSUME that there is indeed a spiritual world. One could easily argue the opposite using your very same reasoning. Del, a horse has a tail but that does not make it a mouse because a mouse has a tail. That aside what is logical about Astrology? On my 3rd point, if you flipped a coin 100 times and got heads 75 times it would be false for you to say there is a 75% chance of getting heads on a coin toss -- even if you flipped the coin under some tarot or astrologically defined conditions. The reason is the likelihood of me flipping a coin 100 times and getting the same result, without consulting tarot card or astrological charts is very possible. Sure you can flip the coin 1,000 time and get marginally better results but it would still not be enough data. It would be better If you got 10,000 people to flip the coin 1,000 times under the tarot conditions and different set of 10,000 people to flip a coin under random conditions. If you compared the results between the two sets of people under those conditions and found a significant variance you might have something. Especially if someone else was able to reproduce your experiment and get the same results. You can't do this by yourself.

Here is a music video featuring one of the dancers from the TV above.

Does this type of programming matter to you? Do you have any opinions on how if reflects on our culture in general and Black women in particular?

When I play poker with my buddies I rarely if ever lose. When I play in the casino I usually loose, but am getting better. I believe success at gambling (poker playing) is a function of how good you are. Casino games like slot machine are pure luck. I image Del, that you believe Astrology effects or determines both one's luck and skill. "Science" and "philosophy" are mutually exclusive so I can't see how Astrology can be both. I think philosophy is a better choice. I would be careful using your personal experience to draw general conclusions about...well, anything. We all do it, but we simply can't collect enough data from our own experiences to draw meaningful conclusions about a larger population.

Thanks for sharing information about this book Chantal!

Despite my earlier comment, I have no problem calling Astrology a pseudo science. BTW none of my numbers came up in the Power Ball. I guess, astrologically, it was not a good time to play :-(

Del there is nothing wrong with symbols. Symbols are a great tool. But symbols and rules alone are not enough to qualify as science. I may actually buy a power ball ticket any help would be appreciated and I'll even share the proceeds off the top of my head: 34 - 27 - 59 - 17 - 6 powerball 2

Del The film you are talking about is probably Zeitgeist. I'm familiar with the quote you referenced, paraphrasing If it makes sense to you, then you didn't understand it. Sure that was just a coy way of describing how bizarre and differently the world behaves on a quantum level. It was, as I'm sure you appreciate, not meant to be taken so literally. The mega ball jackpot around here is approaching 1/2 a billion dollars -- tell you astrologer friend to hook a Brother up! I define science as a field of study that applies the scientific method (depicted in the image below).

Makeda, a novel by Randall Robinson is available, Buy it TODAY for $1.99 (offer is goo today only, May 16th 2013) e-book http://bit.ly/buymakeda Makeda was published by Open Lens an imprint of Akashic books. The imprint is run by three brilliants ladies Marva Allen, Regina Brooks and Marie D. Brown. The imprint debuted with l debuted with Makeda, by Randall Robinson who, as you probably know is the founder of the human rights organization TransAfrica. Open Lens goal is to provide quality Black literature. I'm sure you'll enjoy the book!