My Proudest Moment in Journalism

I was a reporting intern at the Philadelphia Inquirer in June 1992, when a police shooting came over the police band radio one night. An officer had been shot in the West Philly. I grabbed the cell phone (remember the huge ones they had back then?), and a notepad, jumped into a company car, and drove straight over to the scene. When I got on the block I found the area around a private home in the middle of the block cordoned off, and police swarming all over. There was a bus parked just a few feet away from the house.

When I finally got to speak to a police spokesperson, I was told that two police officers were responding to a call, and knocked on the door of the now cordoned-off house. An unidentified man came to the door with a gun and shot one of the officers. The fallen officer’s partner managed to pull him away from the house and called for backup.

Duck Dynasty . . . Yeah, Canning is the Right Thing to Do!

I think A&E is right to can Robertson, the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty clan.

But then again, I'm one of the people who think if people make derogatory racial comments they should be canned. 

Yes, these people have protection under the First Amendment, but the issue here is that people who have national media exposure -- like a TV show -- have a social responsibility; because, rightly or wrongly, they become role models. 

Just like children are swayed toward toys based on whether they like the commercials promoting them, people are often swayed when forming opinions based on television shows they watch.

Here's The Real Deal . . .

You might not want to hear it, but here's the real deal . . . If you don't like men who physically abuse women, stop telling your son it's okay to hit a little girl if she's bothering him.

Choosing To Be Happy!

I was halfway to New York City when I found out my book meeting had been canceled due to a scheduling conflict. I admit, I was a little bit more than slightly upset because I had already been on the road for one hour, and it would take me another hour to get back home … But after returning home, I decided THIS will be my disposition for the rest of the day! 

 Isn't it cool that you can sometimes actually pick out your disposition? <smile>

 Heck, life is not just good . . . it's fun!

Here's The Real Deal . . .

How can you think it's cool when he calls you his bitch, but then get upset when he treats you like a dog?

The Freedom Riders of the 1960s - Do You Know Who They Are?

The bravest group of people in the 20th century were the Freedom Riders. These young people -- black and white -- risked their life and freedom when they decided to board buses from the North to help end segregation in the South.

Many wound up in prison. Quite a number of them were physically attacked.  A few of them were killed.


And they knew before they boarded those buses the possible fates they lay ahead.

And still they boarded.

I'm so happy!!! And I want to share!!!!
So, y'all know I've been dealing with multiple sclerosis, right? There's even been times I've had to use a wheelchair.
But I've been feeling so great lately that I've decided to start working out again!!!!
I'm renewing my gym membership next week!!!!!

Here's The Real Deal . . .

Official notice: If you keep pissing me off, I am putting your ass in my next book. And let's just say it will not be a flattering portrayal!

Twelve Years A Slave -- One More Reason To Watch The Movie or Read The Book!

Earlier today an author friend of mine -- Mister Mann Frisby -- made a posting on his FB page responding to people who have been saying they are sick and tired of books and movies about slaver narratives and slavery. 
In his response Mister said, something to the effect, that those people ran the risk of their children not learning their history. 

I thought about that post when I saw the photo below that a young woman posted on her FB page.

 


 She obviously thought it was funny . . . but it made me wonder if her parents took the time to make sure she knew her history? I doubt it, because I don't think any young African-American woman -- who knew the history of Blacks in the United States -- would think it was funny to pose for a picture showing a noose being placed over her head by young white people. 

So Glad I Can Cook!!!!!!!!

Spareribs, collard greens and potato salad… If I had went out and bought a dinner of this size it would have cost me about $12. Because I made it myself… the cost was about $4.50. 

 

God, I so love the fact that I know how to cook!