Coal Mind Publications LLC's Weekly Blog
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COAL MIND PUBLICATIONS, LLC'S WEEKLY BLOG

1st Annual Black Independent Authors Expo

The Maryland African American Author's Expo invites you to be a part of the 1st Annual Black Independent Authors Expo

Presented by Charm City Jazz
Hilton Columbia Hotel
Columbia, MD

The Maryland African American Author's Expo (M.A.A.A.E.) is an event that showcases independent black authors in the metropolitan region. The event is free and open to the public where book lovers from the metropolitan area can come and be up close and personal with many independent authors. This expo will present an array of literary and emerging authors who represent literature of fiction, non-fiction, unpublished, self-published, how-to, biography, romance and children's books.

The event is to be held on August 14th, 2010.

Contact Patricia Johnson, Event Planner, Charm City Jazz, at 443-421-2070, for information on authors' spaces.

For more information, visit http://blackauthors.ning.com/events/1st-annual-black-independent

GRACE- God loves me right where I am.

As a child I may have learned that I must earn all good things in life. In school, awards are handed out for special achievement; at work, promotions are given to high achievers. I may also have believed that God, too, rewards only those who make an extra effort.

Grace teaches me that I am loved right where I am, regardless of what I have or have not done. I do not have to earn God's love. I do not have to achieve a certain status or reach a certain milestone to be loved. Right where I am, God loves me. In gratitude, I become more aware of the gifts of life and love that are mine every day. I relax as I awaken to the wonder of being God's beloved, right here and now.

You make him glad with the joy of your presence.--Psalm 21:6

Source: http://www.dailyword.com/

Networking Know-How- 5 Steps to Success

Networking Know-How- 5 Steps to Success

  1. Quality vs. quantity - The number of people you know does not matter. It is the quality of your contacts that does. Who are the decision makers? Influencers? Who can you help and how?
  2. Slow down - Business relationships take time. Get to know people not only from a business perspective but from a personal perspective too.
  3. Go low tech - In some cases, a quick phone call can be more efficient than many emails. Pick up the phone and even find time to meet face-to-face. Email is excellent when sending documents or directions - don't overuse it.
  4. Seek diversity – Make sure you have a diverse network of connections.
  5. Introductions rule! - When someone takes time out of their day to make the effort to introduce you, it is the ultimate flattery. This separates name droppers from the genuine networkers.

Source: http://mochamanual.com/mochamanual/Business-Building-Skills-101/

SUPER FOODS

Garlic (along with onion, leeks and shallots) promotes better blood circulation and lower cholesterol levels.  Garlic also contains sulfur compounds, which may prevent cancer cell growth.

Flax seeds are rich in fiber and iron.  They lower cholesterol, prevent constipation and stabilize blood-sugar levels, and along with their oil, are among the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce heart disease.  Flaxseeds also ease inflammation and improve mood.

http://www.garlicrecipes.org/

http://www.flaxhealth.com/recipes.htm

SCOLIOSIS WALK-A-THON

SCOLIOSIS ASSOCIATION OF PALM HARBOR

>Meets the second Friday of each month at the North Pinellas Branch YMCA conference room 7 - 8:30 >

>>

Scoliosis 5th Annual 1.5 Mile Walk-a-thon - Saturday, April 10, 2010

"Sweep Across America for Scoliosis" 

John Chesnut Park in Palm Harbor, Florida.  Shelter #6. Walk begins 9:30 am (check-in 8:30-9:15 a.m.) Registration includes T-shirt, food and beverage, raffle tickets.  Grand Prizes awarded to Top 3 Fundraisers (may include weekend getaway, gift baskets).

FAMILY FUN! Bounce House for Children - Sponsor Exhibits - Raffles Prizes - East Lake Fire & Rescue - Radio Station TBA - Live Band

REGISTER before April 1, 2010 for only $10.00
ONSITE REGISTRATION: $15.00 (T-shirt sizes are limited and cannot be guaranteed for on-site registration)

FREE REGISTRATION FOR AGE 12 AND UNDER!

2 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER AND RECEIVE FUNDRAISER PACKETS:  EMAIL US AT: PALMHARBORSCOLI@AOL.COM OR CALL SCOLIOSIS ASSOCIATION (727) SCOLI-12 OR (727) 726-5412

A STAR TREK THANKSGIVING MORNING...

Let me paint this picture for you. I take my daughter and nephew downstairs to La Quinta's Continental breakfast this morning. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it wasn't. While I was fetching orange juice for my nephew who said he wanted lemonade, my daughter says, "Mommy?" Of course I quickly turn to her and say, "Yes?" She says, "These people keep looking at us." Well, I do what I feel any self-respecting parent would do. I ask her not to repeat what she said even though my nephew insists that she does by asking, "Why not?" I tell her because it's not a nice thing to say. Well, just when I think the worst is over after I've delivered freshly made waffles to the demanding tag team, I am so wrong. My nephew says, "Auntie Trice?" I again say, "Yes?" He says, "She was talking to a stranger and it's that man right there." Mind you, the man he's talking about is not a day under 75 years old and is staring right at me. 
At this time I'm wishing Star Trek is more than a popular TV show because I want to scream, "BEAM ME UP SCOTTY!" To make matters worst, my mother and sister finally come downstairs and I immediately whisper to them, "I am never taking the kids to continental breakfast by myself ever again!" My sister looks over at my daughter and her son who are smiling and eating peacefully and says, "What's wrong? They look like they're having a good time." I say, "Of course they are, but believe me, it wasn't easy getting them that way."
My Thanksgiving morning is a prime example of "Kids saying the darndest things!!!"

Racism in Transformers

This is a clip from a recent article by Sandy Cohen (The Associated Press).
 
"Harmless comic characters or racist robots? The buzz over the summer blockbuster "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" only grew Wednesday as some said two jive-talking Chevy characters were racial caricatures. Skids and Mudflap, twin robots disguised as compact hatchbacks, constantly brawl and bicker in rap-inspired street slang. They're forced to acknowledge that they can't read. One has a gold tooth."
 
I personally don't believe the writers and directors included these chararcters in this film with an intent to be racist. Just because these robots "jive talk" and have bucked or gold teeth doesn't make them black! I believe the true racists are the people who immediately associate these characteristics with the African-American race.
 
What do you think?

Sports Fishers VS. Keepers

"If his conversation with you is extremely superficial, and never seems to graduate beyond the surface, he's sports fishing; if he genuinely seems interested in your needs, life, desires, and future, then he's looking for a keeper."

-Source: (Chapt. 6) "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" written By: Steve Harvey

Picture this. A man spots a beautiful woman from across the room. He approaches her and makes small talk. For those of you who've read this book, you may have an idea of where this is headed. HE WANTS SOMETHING FROM HER!!! And what do all men want, need, and crave? SEX!!! However, a woman must set standards for herself and the relationships she is willing to become involved in. If she is looking for a commitment, she can't settle for a casual sexual encounter, which is the only thing a "sports fisher" can offer. A man who is interested in a woman's thoughts, needs, dreams, hopes, desires, and beyond is definitely a "keeper". This man has found a treasure he feels is worth keeping.

In so saying, "One man's treasure can be another man's trash". Steve Harvey stated, "You could be the most perfect woman on the Lord's green Earth- you're capable of interesting conversation, you cook a mean breakfast, you hand out backrubs like sandwiches, you're independent (which means to him, that you're not going to be in his pockets)- but if he's not ready for a serious relationship, he's going to treat you like a sports fish."

I've heard women say this all the time, "I'm a good woman! Why can't I find or keep a good man? I cook, I clean, I work, etc.!" These things don't matter if a man is NOT READY TO COMMIT! Get to know him before you find yourself in to deep. Set ground rules for your next relationship such as "No casual sex for me" or "I don't take calls after 10 p.m. because my kids are asleep". Believe me, you will weed out the "Sports Fishers" from the "Keepers" in no time!

JUST TWO WORDS: "SIX DAYS"

Good evening all,

I am elated to report that a very close family member of mine now supports Barack Obama and she has pledged to go to the polls tomorrow to vote for him. My aunt and I had an hour-long talk with her tonight addressing some of what we found to be "non-issues" with Obama.

She could not express even ONE valid reason why she had chosen not to vote for him in the past. She admitted that she believed Hillary Clinton had been treated unfairly.  She could not explain any examples of this "unfair" treatment, however. She in turn took her feelings out on Obama. Again I say, "Hillary Clinton has moved on. When will you?" Is it not unfair to blame Obama for any suspected "unfair" treatment? Of course it is!

My aunt pointed out that Obama is an African-American man who has never been in jail, is college-educated, and is married with no baby-mamas, to name a few. She also pointed out that parents can actually tell their African-American children that they can be the President when they grow up and believe it. Before, it was just something that parents said to their children to encourage them to strive for higher education. 

Obama has worked hard to become the strong leader that stands before us today. He has remained composed under the pressure of negative comments which has oftentimes been mistaken for arrogance. He believes that America as we know it is in need of a change.

My aunt and I deduced that her previous statement, "I just can't see Barack as the President," was due to the fact that there has never been a non-white president before him. How can we expect a nation of multi-cultural people to except a Black presidential candidate when it has been brain-washed to believe that only Caucasian males have the right to be president?

This is not as easy task, by far. But Obama has succeeded in convincing over half of the nation.

There still, however, remains a group of Americans that stand to remain unaffected by the financial crisis, home foreclosures, job layoffs, budget cuts, and increasing gas prices by voting for McCain.

But the disbelieving group of Americans acting as "crabs-in-a-barrel" stand to regret their decision of not voting for Obama, voting for McCain, or worse, not casting a vote at all. 

I continue to stand with Obama believing that in SIX more days, America will VOTE FOR CHANGE.

By changing her mind, we put into action Obama's words, "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours."

DON'T MESS WITH MY TV

Michelle Obama appeared on the Jay Leno show a few days ago. She discussed the multi-network commercial that Obama will run this Wednesday. CBS negotiated to sell Obama its half-hour on Oct. 29, the Wednesday before the Nov. 4 election, for $961,000. NBC sold its half-hour for $891,250.

When Malia, their oldest daughter, overheard that her father would be "taking over" a few major networks, she asked, "You're going to be on ALL TV? Are you going to be on my TV?"

Obama replied, "No. We didn't buy time on Disney and Nick."

Malia responded, "Oh, good", in relief.

I, for one, am glad Obama will be "taking over" the networks I watch. For all you non-believers, all three of you, tune in and LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT OUR FUTURE PRESIDENT!

Good Night Folks, Even You "Folksy" Folks!