Troy

AALBC.com's February 2011 eNewsletter was published February 25th. Please check it out http://mim.io/2c95e (all ways looking for critical feedback)

Kola, if it helps, the IP addresses from where the last two posts were made are identical.

I'm sorry to read this. Dwayne and I are only a couple of months, in age, apart. Chris Hayden introduced me to his works years ago: http://aalbc.com/authors/dwayne_mcduffie.htm

Egyptian father Jamal Ibrahim has reportedly named his newborn daughter "Facebook" to honor the social media site's role in Egypt's revolution http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/21/baby-named-facebook-egypt_n_825934.html

My mom says while watching TV with my father one night they saw the actor Troy Donahue. My mom says my father said, "Troy, that is the name I want for my son". Nice to know the name has an African origin -- though I wish it meant something like "fearless lion cub who refuses to be a house pet". I admit I used to be more critical of unusual or "made up" names. I saw a documentary recently where a Brother described the names he came across studying stidents. There were 200 spellings of the name "Uniquue", incuding a version that went something like "Uneeqee". Now little "Uneeqee" did not choose her name, so I'm not about to hold it against her (or him). Beside most of the names I through where silly actually have African origins like "Shaniqua"; a name which drew the ire of many older people when it became popular about 30 years ago.

Ok Xeon, lets try it this way. Do you approve of the name "Shaniqua"?

Bookfan that is my maternal grandfather you can read more about him here: http://aalbc.com/blog/?p=396 I figured I pay tribute to him for Black History Month. Then go back to to using my mug shot in March.

I was talking to someone who said if Iyanla was white Orpah would have been a lot nicer to her. It then made me consider that Orpah may have simply used the controversy with Iyanla to bolster ratings (it got my attention). There was some speculation that Oprah would be giving Iyanla a show. Now I missed the beginning and end of the interview, but I would be surprised if that happned. It did not appear that Oprah was setting Iyanla up for that. I know they say no pubicity is bad, but I'm not sure how the interview helped Iyanla profile as a spiritual healer.

Cynique, I agree. The interview did not make Iyanla appear spirtually centered at all. Honestly I think it hurt her in terms of that perspective. She simply came across like any other woman -- which is why the conversation seemed "real". Indeed Iyanla looked like she could use a spirtual guru. Oprah came across as very, very powerful.

Hey Robert, your intent was not lost on the others. Issues with editting can adversely inpact a book's effectiveness -- no matter how well intentioned. Thanks for sharing information about your book here. No one will pull punches here and that frightens folks sometimes.

I was in the gym yesterday, on a treadmill, channel surfing and noticed Oprah and Iyanla talking to each other. I was like "whoa!" I stopped surfing and checked out the conversation. it was very interesting. It did not seem at all orchestrated or rehearsed. It seemed real. I thought the dialog was quite enlightening, This was the first time I'd watched the Orprah program for more that 5 minutes in maybe 20 years. This episode was quite compelling. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ega5sPXbthc More on the Oprah Website http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Meet-Iyanla-Vanzant-Video

Cynique your response is the only thing that kept me from from removing this post, dropping the acount anbanning the IP address -- lets see what the response might be. Otherwsie I'll do it in a day or two -- i hope to don't regret it later

Yeah it is a compeling book trialer. Here is a link to the publishers website: http://brandnuwords.com/the_savion_sequence.html Also you'all should join Amazon's affiliate program. Your url will be of the form http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/097481427X/ref=nosim/buythisbooknow-20 Where buythisbooknow-20 is your unique tracking code allowing you to earn commission on your own book sales. You can even set up codes for each author (sort of an added royality) So link from the Brand Nu Wors site for this could be http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/097481427X/ref=nosim/damarijackson-20 This would allow each author to know how many books were sold as a result of people using this link. I have scores of such URL. I track sales generates by specific pages and specifc books. If you don't earn affiliate commissions from sales you are simply leaving money on the table. Even if you use my code (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/097481427X/ref=nosim/buythisbooknow-20) it is better than nothing at all -- you might even make my bestsellers list More information visit: http://socialmedia101.biz/sign_up_as_an_amazon.html

Cynique/boofan I trust Robert will appreciate you pointing out the problem in the title. The biggest issue is that the intent was to indicate that the guide was complete and not the men. That said, the premise of the book you; "Can't Practice What you Do Not Know" is a issue see all the time. Brothers (people in general) typically model the behaviors that they see or are taught. If they decide to do something different, because they want a different outcome, then they are forced to reinvent the wheel -- or reference books like Roberts. The have been a large number of books in relationships published lately. The ones by published by celebrites with no demontrated skill in the area really get on my nerves -- perhaps doing more harm than good. Robert I would put a longer except on your website: www.Relationshipsbyroberttaylor.com and make it text (not a graphic) that will make it easier fro someone to copy to an electronic device or print to read off line. The other thing I look for in these types of books is what makes you and expert or otherwise qualified to give advice on the subject. Whatever those credentials are I would add them to your website. Is the information you provide purely anecdotal or the result of extensive research. If it is the result of research, how much time did you take to compile it and what was the nature of the research? Add that to your site as well. Finally email Kam Williams a description of your book, he will consider it for review on AALBC.com. Good luck with your project and thanks for popping by

"OCTOGENARIAN" was for effect but shoot, at your age it is really just semantics ain't it? In today's world a 70 something is a relative spring chicken I find you accounts as interesting Cynique. Census records are riddled with mistakes, and again the personal accounts provide more depth. For exmaple who would have known the Jet mag photo of Till provided a much better view than actually being there.

Cynique, I was going to just drop you recollections in my blog but then I decided to post a part of my family history for Black History Month: http://aalbc.it/troyfam Your post was the impetus -- thanks again Cynique.

Kola, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we can disagree on whether Oprah is "beautiful", but you ascribe her beauty to all of those African traits; that she is clearly trying to eschew: Her hair has been straighted, it appears she had a nose job her complextion looks lighter in the photograph. What do you think sbout that?

Wow is right Kola -- Cynique I'm about to cry too -- seriously, that was profound. That was one of your better ones Carey. Crying and laughing -- a great exchange. This is what facebook is messing so far -- the communication is too fleeting. For exmaple the exchange above would be meaningless to the causal observer or even a so called "friend". It is only after reading Cynique and Kola for a while would one even "get it". And it is worth "getting it".

Stay strong Brother! Yeah I agree with you on this one. But if it means anything to you my opinions have been impactsed numerous based upon stuff I've read here including my view on Obama.

LOL I'm waiting to see the complete list too, which promises to be a veritiable cornicopia of put downs. Honestly, I'd rather trade barbs with Cynique -- you want a real tongue lashing try getting into the ring with a Kola Boof

Carey, I guess I just have to accept that you view one's critique of some else as hatin' on that person or being very negative. I believe critique is a positive action. As far as having an impact on Obama polices by discussing him here; come on! What does that have to do with anything? Of course there is no direct impact. Why do you think people who criticize Obama are trying to inflate their own egos? That is a tremendous leap. Do you ever criticize anything or anyone? When you do, is your goal to inflate your own ego? Carey we are just talking here and exchanging ideas. I participate to have fun and to have my ideas challenged. If I'm am presented with new information or a different way to view things, it forces me reconsider my own position. Sometimes my views are bolstered, sometimes they are changed. In any event it forces me to think. For example, I was harsh on folks who did support Obama out the gate. In hindsight, that was short sighted. I now believe ANY man running for an important role such as president should be vetted and not selected because he can give powerful speeches, has Brown skin or for any other reason that has nothing to do with the position. Palin was on the republican ticket for the similiarly shallow reasons. This is what our country is all about. We percieve it as crazy, but clearly other thiught it was agreat idea -- have you ever considered why? Of course the real power does not sit with the figure head in the oval office. I just mention this because at the end of the day unless something revolutionary changes in the whole structure of this country I don't really see it mattering too much who is in the white house. The powers mandates that Wall Street is bailed out. If Bush did it it would be wealthy interests protecting their own. If Obama does it is it making a tough call, to save a nation and cleaning up after Bush’s mess. Obama escalates in Afghanistan and fails to close Guantanamo Bay we hear crickets from Black folks. It Bush did it he’d be a war monger who hates poor and brown people. So you keep sucking on the blue pill Carey.

Carey I read what you wrote twice. I don’t really understand how any of this supports an argument to justify Obama winning a Noble Peace Prize. Since this would not be the first conversation that has run completely off the rails I'll follow your lead. I agree that many people blindly followed Kilpatrick and Barry -- perhaps for the same reasons people blindly support Obama: they see a Black man, one of their own, in a position of power and they are living their dream through him. It really does not matter what an “Obama” does their faith will never be shaken. There are examples of this throughout all of recorded history. It is nothing new, it is human nature. Realizing this, I completely understand the reaction that you and others will have to anything I have to negative to say about Obama. It is like challenging someone's believes in Jesus Christ is God -- that is a more than pointless exercise in futility. Since Obama is not God (though some might disagree), and just the president, I think it is worth pointing out problems. When I "blindly" supported Obama for president. I called those who disagreed "self-hating Negros". Though some were, of course many, if not most, were not. However, I really wanted Obama to win, a playing the race card seemed appropriate -- especially since I could not point to anything remarkable that Barack had actually DONE prior to taking the oath of office. Of course I appreciate Obama, due to no "fault" of his own, has virtually nothing in common with the experience of most Black people in this country. I thought it would be a great thing for the country to have a Black family in the white house running (sort of) things. At this point, now that Barack is in office, I want a president that is actually going to do something positive for this country. Talking to other world leaders is expected of all presidents – particularly the one in charge of the most powerful nation; but surely does not warrant a Noble Peace Prize. If we don’t hold Obama’s feet to the fire, like we would any other president; I guarantee you the country and especially, Black folks, will be FAR worse off after Obama’s term is complete than we are now. I for one do not want to see that.

Say what you will Carey will express his opinions and will not run away from a fight. Carey, as an aside, I never laughed at you. It is the use of words that I enjoy. For example I might disagree with something Chris Hayden has written and his barb might even be directed at me -- but that still does not stop me from laughing. In this case, it was actually Xeon's reaction to Cynique that had me rollin'. Plus I just had this visual of Cyiqnue stomping your testicles then setting you on fire ala Angela Basset in Waiting to Exhale. Man I all for you. You can string togther more than two sentences. The interactions on facebook for example can't get nearly as involved, so I need this place. And as I've said a gazillion times this place is worthless without people who contribute. They just need skin thicker than tissue paper, a sense of humor, an opinion, a little technical expertise, and a slighly higher than average reading comprehension and writing skill.

Xeon -- Word! I'm still laughing out loud for real. Yeah, Cyinque, at first glance, might come across, as the archetype of the "Angry Black woman" -- Like the lovely sister from this year's superbowl commerial. Maybe some air support from Chrishayden is needed for Carey.

We are fortunate to have your writing for us Cynique. You make (and the others too) make it worth dealing with all the crap that I have to deal with administrating this site. Thank you. Thank all of you posters for making part of the world wide web interesting Cynique I would like to make your post a "Guest Post" of sorts on my Blog. I'll dress the thing up with photos and maybe some video clips from youtube, etc. i hope you don;t mind. i think more people should read this.. It is intersting my grand father was born in 1880. His father, Freeman Foster, was born in 1850. I assume given the year he was born and his name that he was formerly enslaved (there is not written or oral record). If he was enslaved I'm the great grandson of an enslaved person too. It is a horrible legacy so close, but too hard to fathom. My mother and her sibling are very likely the grandchildren of slaves that they never knew. Many people of their age never had any knowledge of ancestors before their own parents. Sad. If my folks shared stories the way you do I would know a lot about I our my family history. Today, you have to beg folks to show up to family reunions. Children never visit their parents and throw them into nrusing homes as soon as they can. But I can listen to your history, Griot.