Troy

Kola I did not say that the culprits were white racists. I called them spammers, I called the spam racist and it was. But at the end of the day if it were racist skins heads, Kola Boof or Troy and Thumper haters it does not really matter to me -- I would have reacted the same way. But you might be right, I just don't know and I'm not about to expend the energy to find out for sure. Peace Troy

OK I'm fine with Senegal -- I'm sure it would be a much better representation of a Black Mecca than Harlem. The western influence is indeed strong in Nigeria, but they are an actual Black nation. Harlem as a Black Mecca is largely in folks minds. Sure there are pleny of Black folks in Harlem doing great things today and the legacy of Harlem can not be denied, but the Black Mecca, in 2011, is a stretch.

Cynique I restored some topics that should not have been deleted.

During all of discussion surrounding the Huffingtin Post being purchased by AOL it was mentioned that of the 6,000 bloggers writing for the Huffington post -- none of them are being paid. WTF?! Will any of those writers who clearly contributed to the success of the Huffington Post see any return ($) on their labor will they get any of the $130MM+? The answer is of course is "no" and that is a travesty. Actually that is exploitation. Chris, this is really not a matter of giving away the occasional freebie, writers are writing everything for free, for a by line. I know, for example, that I pay a book reviewer more than many sources that pay reviewers. I know magazines that pay reviewers less than $50 for a review. I've even heard a couple of stories of publishers that even want the reviewed book to be returned by the reviewer! Publishers would pay for really good writers. The REAL problem is that the public no longer knows the difference between really good writers and bad ones. The public is also unable to distinquish between opinion and news. Indeed, publishers serve up opinion as news and the public does not seem to care... Take 6,000 unpaid Bloggers, get the public to think of it as journalism, and sell the whole package for 130 million. Only in America Kiddies.

Chris it was OFF THE FREAKING CHAIN. I regret I did not save a few messages. Actually I could undelete some amd repost them, as as racist as some of them were a couple were funny (assick as that might make me sound). Others most people would find extremely offense. The wild thing was that it was just so much of it, replciated throughout the discussion board. Sorry you missed it.

Chris is it that simple regarding Winnie or are you leaving a few things out?

Cynique I thank you again for alerting me to the spam. Spam is not really a strong enough word. It was a deliberate, premeditated and methodical attempt to destroy this discussion board. Spam is the automated stuff pushing Viagra; annoying but relative innocuous. What we witnessed Friday evening was malicious. I admit Cynique I used a sledge hammer rather than a scalpel to eliminate the posts, and acknowledge that there was some collateral damage. I'm sorry about that. I also recognize that I probably did not catch everything. SO IF ANYONE SEES A SPAMMER, PLEASE SEND ME THE ACCOUNT NAME. Interestingly, after your email Cynique, I received another email from a regular poster who asked me to delete all of their messages and remove their account. Because it was a frequent poster i was a little surprised. The person made no mention of what took place on the discussion board. After I visited the discussion boards, assessed the damage, and took corrective action it occurred to me the spam may have been the reason the person wanted me to remove all trace of their participation. I told the person I can easily remove all of their posts (by that time I had plenty of practice), but if they wanted me to do so because of the "spammers" they were simply giving the "spammers" exactly what they wanted. I suggested that they reconsider. By that time I'd gotten rid of the crap that I saw. The person admitted that was the spam was prompting them to leave and they reaffirmed their request erase all their posts. The person claimed that they received hundreds of racist emails on the discussion board. I thought about countering that I doubt they actually received “hundreds” of the racists emails -- but even if they did, that could not compare to the hundreds of topics, posts, events, and messages I had to contend with. I erased that person. I admit I was disappointed by their decision because it gave the spammers an easy win. I also have to admit that the person did not even care enough to tell me about the spam in the first place?!! In the course of human events this whole thing was a non-event. However it did help me better appreciate, this Black history month, the Brothers and Sisters who actually made real sacrifices and deal with real racism so that we can have the liberties we enjoy today. For that I thank the “spammers”.

Hey Kola, at least with the new board it is really easy to delete this stuff. It took me FAR less time for me to remove the stuff that it took for them to post it. Some of it was actually pretty interesting, funny even. The activities of human beings will never cease to amaze me.

You know I'm getting to old for this shit...

Interestingly I was at an event in harlem where people cited the closing of the national Black theater as another example of Harlem loosing it's grip as the "Black Mecca". I thought that observation was perhaps a decade or two too late. The Black Mecca should be perhaps an African Nation with a Black population; perhaps Nigeria...

Kola simply click the insert image icon as depicted below then type in the UR of the image. Also make sure you are using the full editor -- enjoy!

Your would assume correctly Cynique. In fact, watching others "get busy" unless they are very attractive and demonstrating some unusual prowess, would be a turn off. I gotta have some skin in the game to really enjoy it. Re Prince. That helps 'cause I never really understood the strong attraction -- not even conceptually. I've seen the man perform twice now; once in Vegas a few years ago and recently in NJ. He puts on a good show so I'd go see him again, but he'll never bring me to tears or compel be to want to see him more than once every few years or so.

Cynique, intellectually I understand the draw. However it has never moved me so emotionally. It is not that I'm resistant to it. In fact, sometimes when I'm at a game and I look around and see the ecstasy on some of the "fanatic's" faces I wish I too could experience the joy, alas I do not. That same goes for concerts. I saw Prince the other day. Maceo Parker, Cassandra Wilson and Shelia E were surprise performers -- it was a really good concert. But again, there were people who were creaming their pants. They see Prince as often as they can, and damn near worship him. I can't that worked up. Sometimes I wish i could, but it is not in me. I get more of a thrill being on the stage or in the game. Don't sleep on March Madness.

Ladies there is nothing like college basketball's March Madness. That said, one thing about me is that unless I'm (or someone I really care about) is actually in the game or I have money riding on it; I can't truly "get into" a game the way many sports fans can -- or even the way you describe Cynique. Sure, as a letter winner from Syracuse University I can appreciate the athleticism. But I never truly understood the mind set of the "fan". You know the kinda cat who was always says "we" won or lost the game. The guy or gal that gets visibly upset or happy based upon the game's out come. You know the brother that will spend much of a good weekend in front of the TV living vicariously through exploits or others -- I never got it. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy going to the occasional game with the fellas or the family. Shoot, I'm even hosting a poker party for the Super Bowl. Sure I'd prefer if the NY Jets win the AFC championship, but if they don't I will not lose and ounce of sleep. The only concern I'm likely to have regarding the Super Bowl's score is that the numbers I've been assigned on that 10 by 10 matrix match the score of at least one of the quarters.

I'm not sure what changed to allow the recent deluge of spammers to affect the board. To make matter worse, last night as I was deleted spam posts and accounts I made the unfortunate mistake of approving about 40 accounts that were clearly bogus. Because of another technical issue I'm unable to delete those accounts right now, but I will shortly. Thanks for your patience and to those of you that notified me of the problem.

Yeah this was excellent post.

What is the cure for battered wife syndrome? Perhaps that is the cure for Black America. I know battered wifes (people) lash out at those that try to help help; and the battered seek solace from the people abusing them. The parallels to Black America are numerous. Even more fascinating is Cynqiue, Troy an Chris agree on a topic.

Funny I noticed the date part 'cause I signed a document today dating it 1/1/11. I think I'll plan a party for November 11th 2011, which is friday night, and do something freaky at 11:11PM that is ten ones huh? Add up all those ones and you get "10" (1+0=1)! That is the power of one.

Yeah Cynique I've seen the errors of my ways. I recall you and a few others here were willing to look at Obama without the rose colored glasses. Oh well you live and learn. Merry Christmas! (I'm up working, this Christmas morning, while my entire family is still in bed. When the kids were youger they would have been up since 5AM dragging us out of bed by 6AM)

On Tuesday I made a post on my blog entitled “Tavis Smiley is no good for Black folks!” The provocative title was used to encourage people to read the post so that I could talk about one of the good things Tavis has done and that is start SmileyBooks. I began by describing why I did not always like Tavis. My dislike for Tavis really began when I saw Tavis’ reaction to Barack’s declining to participate in Tavis’ State of Black America forum. However in hindsight my impression of Tavis has changed to one that is very favorable. I discovered pretty quickly that many people – at least those that commented on my Blog and on Facebook page DESPISE Tavis! I was actually quite surprised by the reaction. The strongest critics of Tavis have no problem overlooking everything Tavis has accomplished simply because he continues to critique President Obama. It seems no one can really criticize the president without being vilified. I know some of y’all don’t agree with everything the President has said or done. Are you too dogged by your friends or family for this reason? Whenever I question ANYTHING Obama has done folks always say stuff like “we’ll he is better than George Bush” or make some other accommodation to explain his actions. Y’all know I predicted Barack would win before he even announced he was running. Y’all also know I supported him primarily because he was a Brother. What I find it pathetic is that many Black folks will continue to praise Barack without reservation on every activity while we continue to catch the most hell and seemingly, have our votes and support taken for granted. I guess I was guilty of the same thing supporting Barack simply because he was Black—in hindsight, that was a mistake too. I too was willing to overlook lack Barack’s lack of experience, for example, by saying, “he can’t be worse than George Bush”. Anyone who opposed Barack was simply a self-hating negro. This unconditional, worship of Barack Obama (or any man) will do us no good, no good at all. It is not just Black folks. Barack was given the Noble Peace Prize while continuing to escalate forces in Afghanistan and reneging on the promise to close Gitmo. I not even saying I disagree with those actions; but a Noble Peace prize – come on?!

Turner, man, Superhead's books are #1, #2 and #3 on the AALBC.com's all time bestselling books lists on AALBC.com. I tell you it is cultural man. You can judge a society by what and how they consume. Linda, I hear you.

Hey Turner, I read your piece, would you mind summarizing your main point? I was left spinning on one of the "multi-verse of concentric circles".

Turner, your question: "Here's the real kicker though, if he doesn't write his book where do people who want to learn about relationships turn to to improve their relationships or themselves in relationships then?", illustrates my point. See it would never occur to me that a comedian, who has demonstrated marginal relationship skill, would be expected (or even desired) to teach something that should come from one's parents, religion, and culture. These skills should be as fundamental to the culture as language. Your so called "kicker" is illustrative of a very serious cultural problem. I realize there are people who will read the book purely for entertainment value. However I also know there will be people who will be reading Steve's book because they need help. This is the real tragedy. I believe Steve’s attempt to help is sincere, and for that I commend him too. I just lament the fact that a book like Steve Harvey’s makes sense and is “needed”. The American culture is like a child without a parent; lost, prone to fits and outbursts, no sense of anything outside its own self-interest -- desperately in need of help and guidance. The only saving grace is that there is a world of potential here...

This from Leroy Baylor... spread the word to music lovers and those who need healing 'The Healing Power of Music' is the topic when Bernie Worrell is interviewed on 'Respect For Life' Airing live on WHCR, 90.3 FM, Harlem Community Radio Monday, December 20 at 9AM Eastern Time WHCR is heard in Upper Manhattan, South Bronx, Astoria, East Elmhurst, Queens; Teaneck and Englewood, NJ. also streaming live on www.whcr.org Bernie Worrell is one of the most creative, intellectual geniuses in the music business. This makes him a perfect guest to explore the healing power of music; plus, how his compositions tapped into the spirit of the millions of fans who love the music he wrote or co-wrote for Parliament and The Funkadelics. If you miss the interview, Worrell is appearing at Joe's Pub in Manhattan this weekend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUiZNoeU6b4