Coal Mind Publications LLC's Weekly Blog
http://blog.coalmindpublications.com
COAL MIND PUBLICATIONS, LLC'S WEEKLY BLOG
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?
"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!
-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."
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!
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!
"Hit or Miss" Book Review by APOOO!!!
Hit or Miss by Latrice Scott takes us on a wild ride through Miami, Florida as we are introduced to Keyerra. Keyerra is a young girl who requires the best things in life, falling down on her luck she is looking for a sugar daddy or a fast come up. So she decides to hook up with her friend Nay-Nay and find out how she holds it all together and always seem to stay so fly.
To read the complete review, visit:
http://www.apooobooks.com/hit-latrice-scott
To read the complete review, visit:
http://www.apooobooks.com/hit-latrice-scott
LILLIE MCCAIN
If your ancestry could be traced back to a family that owned African-American relatives of yours as slaves, would you consider that family to be YOUR BLOOD RELATIVES? Not to mention, this family is Caucasian and includes a very prominent member, John McCain!
Meet Lillie McCain! Lillie McCain's family is descended from two slaves, named Isom and Lettie. She is their great-great granddaughter. They remained closely entwined with the white family for decades after the Civil War, taking its surname and living close by on land rented from their former owners.
The black McCains of today were raised to believe that they were blood relatives of the white McCains, dating back to slavery times. White McCains say they're unaware of any biological connection between the families.
Lillie McCain remembers seeing Martin Luther King Jr. speak from the back of a flatbed truck in nearby Greenwood. In the late 1960s, black McCain children were among those who integrated the previously all-white schools in the county seat, Carrollton. In 1969, Lillie McCain was one of the first two African-Americans to graduate from the integrated high school. Four of the six McCain children in her family served in the military and all six earned college degrees.
What great history and accomplishment the black McCains were and still are a part of. I believe her father said it best as quoted by her sister Mary McCain Fluker, "You are no better than anybody, but you're just as good as anybody."
Lillie McCain holds a doctorate in psychology and teaches at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan.
For the full article, visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122419511761942501.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Meet Lillie McCain! Lillie McCain's family is descended from two slaves, named Isom and Lettie. She is their great-great granddaughter. They remained closely entwined with the white family for decades after the Civil War, taking its surname and living close by on land rented from their former owners.
The black McCains of today were raised to believe that they were blood relatives of the white McCains, dating back to slavery times. White McCains say they're unaware of any biological connection between the families.
Lillie McCain remembers seeing Martin Luther King Jr. speak from the back of a flatbed truck in nearby Greenwood. In the late 1960s, black McCain children were among those who integrated the previously all-white schools in the county seat, Carrollton. In 1969, Lillie McCain was one of the first two African-Americans to graduate from the integrated high school. Four of the six McCain children in her family served in the military and all six earned college degrees.
What great history and accomplishment the black McCains were and still are a part of. I believe her father said it best as quoted by her sister Mary McCain Fluker, "You are no better than anybody, but you're just as good as anybody."
Lillie McCain holds a doctorate in psychology and teaches at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan.
For the full article, visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122419511761942501.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
DON'T HAVE TIME
I wanted to write something interesting, intriguing, and stimulating. But the only thing that keeps running through my head is Liz Phair's song, "Don't Have Time". So I'll share that with you!
What I don't have time for is listening to nonsensical reasons why people are choosing not to vote for Obama. For example, my best friend said that she's going to write Hillary Clinton's name in on her absentee ballot. I replied, "She's not a candidate!" She said, "She will be after I write her name in." The conviction in her reasoning made me sick to my stomach. Mind you, it was way too early and I hadn't even eaten yet. I told her, "If you want to waste your ink, go right ahead. That'll at least be one less vote for McCain."
But the reality is that she is not the only person with this "strategy" in mind. People, people, people! Hillary Clinton has moved on! When will you? Election day is steadily approaching and the choices we make on that day stand to affect this country for at least the next 4 years. Make wise choices and vote for someone that is ACTUALLY a Presidential candidate!
Like Liz Phair said, "Don't have time for all your problems? Why don't you solve them?"
Whatever problems you may have with Barack Obama, solve them before November 4th and VOTE SMART AND FROM THE HEART!!!
Take a look around
This is what it's now
It's a little bridge now, baby
It's a little bridge now
Just a photograph
Kinda makes me laugh
It's a little kid now, baby
Some little kid
If I could solve your problems
What do you think I would be
One stupid seagull picking styrofoam up out of the sea?
Don't have time
Don't have time
Don't have time for all your problems
Why don't you solve them?
Take a look around
This is what it's now
It's a little bridge now, baby
It's a little bridge now
Just a photograph
Kinda makes me laugh
It's a little kid now
Pudgy, dumb little kid
If I could solve your problems
What do you think I would see?
All of my beautiful banquet receipts have been laid out for me
It's been played out for me
Don't have time for your fear, and your tea, and your queer little feats
And your joy, and your sweet little boy
And you're trapped in your sphere
I'm sorry but no one's home
I couldn't hear you, and now I think I've lost you
I could've made it easier and you would think that's good
Don't remember feeling older any worse than feeling wooden and alone
Wooden and alone
What I don't have time for is listening to nonsensical reasons why people are choosing not to vote for Obama. For example, my best friend said that she's going to write Hillary Clinton's name in on her absentee ballot. I replied, "She's not a candidate!" She said, "She will be after I write her name in." The conviction in her reasoning made me sick to my stomach. Mind you, it was way too early and I hadn't even eaten yet. I told her, "If you want to waste your ink, go right ahead. That'll at least be one less vote for McCain."
But the reality is that she is not the only person with this "strategy" in mind. People, people, people! Hillary Clinton has moved on! When will you? Election day is steadily approaching and the choices we make on that day stand to affect this country for at least the next 4 years. Make wise choices and vote for someone that is ACTUALLY a Presidential candidate!
Like Liz Phair said, "Don't have time for all your problems? Why don't you solve them?"
Whatever problems you may have with Barack Obama, solve them before November 4th and VOTE SMART AND FROM THE HEART!!!
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS FIGHTS THE ECONOMY!!!
I'm really hurting...This economy has kicked me hard today, and yesterday, and last week! Hopefully that saying, "There's nowhere to go but UP from here" is true.
Sorry, folks...I had to get that off my chest. However, reading and literature lives on.
Today I would like to draw attention to a series of books geared towards elementary and middle school readers. It's called "Captain Underpants" by Dav Pilkey. While working in the library as a Media Assistant, (Trying to make ends meet), I came across this wonderful series.
This series is centered around two 4th graders, Harold and George, who have "accidentally" hypnotized their principal, Mr. Benny Krupp, to be "Captain Underpants". The story follows them while they make mischief and pull pranks on the entire student body and their administrators. For example, before an assembly, George and Harold create a super-sticky solution made from glue and orange juice and apply it to everyone's seat except their own, of course. At first, the entire auditorium explodes with laughter, but it abruptly stops when they realize the joke is on THEM. That's when Harold and George make a run for it!!!!!
These books are full of pranks, jokes, stunts, tricks, and fun! Before I knew it, I was half way through this novel within the first hour. I can't wait until tomorrow to finish reading "Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets". Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself and your children. It'll be loads of fun for the entire family!
Until then, it's back to fighting the economy's storm and STRONGLY SUPPORTING OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
Sorry, folks...I had to get that off my chest. However, reading and literature lives on.
Today I would like to draw attention to a series of books geared towards elementary and middle school readers. It's called "Captain Underpants" by Dav Pilkey. While working in the library as a Media Assistant, (Trying to make ends meet), I came across this wonderful series.
This series is centered around two 4th graders, Harold and George, who have "accidentally" hypnotized their principal, Mr. Benny Krupp, to be "Captain Underpants". The story follows them while they make mischief and pull pranks on the entire student body and their administrators. For example, before an assembly, George and Harold create a super-sticky solution made from glue and orange juice and apply it to everyone's seat except their own, of course. At first, the entire auditorium explodes with laughter, but it abruptly stops when they realize the joke is on THEM. That's when Harold and George make a run for it!!!!!
These books are full of pranks, jokes, stunts, tricks, and fun! Before I knew it, I was half way through this novel within the first hour. I can't wait until tomorrow to finish reading "Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets". Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself and your children. It'll be loads of fun for the entire family!
Until then, it's back to fighting the economy's storm and STRONGLY SUPPORTING OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
HAIR & FASHION ASSASSINS 2008
The Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville, Florida Beauty Institutes invite you to attend their graduation ceremony held at Tampa's Hyatt Regency Hotel on Sunday, October 19th, 2008 from 4pm to 5:30pm.
There will also be a hair and fashion showcase, "Hair and Fashion Assassins 2008", held the same evening from 6pm to 8pm at the Hyatt.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will also be door prizes. Please support these young entrepreneurs in their quest for success, achievement, and stardom!!!!!
For more information, please visit the Tampa Bay Beauty Institute located at 5014 E. Busch Blvd./ Tampa, FL 33617. Tickets for the graduation ceremony/ hair & fashion showcase can also be purchased at this location.
You can also call (813) 514-9100, (904) 768-9001, or (407) 373-0011.
The Hyatt Regency Hotel is located at 211 N. Tampa St./ Tampa, FL 33602.
Website: http://www.orlandobeautyinstitute.com
There will also be a hair and fashion showcase, "Hair and Fashion Assassins 2008", held the same evening from 6pm to 8pm at the Hyatt.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will also be door prizes. Please support these young entrepreneurs in their quest for success, achievement, and stardom!!!!!
For more information, please visit the Tampa Bay Beauty Institute located at 5014 E. Busch Blvd./ Tampa, FL 33617. Tickets for the graduation ceremony/ hair & fashion showcase can also be purchased at this location.
You can also call (813) 514-9100, (904) 768-9001, or (407) 373-0011.
The Hyatt Regency Hotel is located at 211 N. Tampa St./ Tampa, FL 33602.
Website: http://www.orlandobeautyinstitute.com
SPECIAL THANKS...
Special thanks go out to Toby Scott of www.dubplusone.biz, Cynthia Chipp, William Alexander, Rachel Campbell, Heather Stewart, and Fedna Morency!!!
You helped to make my Book Signing a great event!
Photos will be available at: http://www.coalmindpublications.com
You helped to make my Book Signing a great event!
Photos will be available at: http://www.coalmindpublications.com