Change
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Business, Community, Education, Entertainment & Sports, Family, General, Health, Laughable, Legal, Life, Monday Motivation, Music Reviews, My Thoughts, My Utterz, MyBlogLog, Obama, Our Rights, Personal Finance, Photo Phinish, Podcasts, Podcasts - Tha Brothas, Politics, Relationships, Society & Culture, Technology, Think Global, Twitter
It’s been a while since I’ve posted on theotalks.net and I’ve had it on my task list to do this for a while. I’ve been debating it for some time, but I really think it’s time to start fresh. I’ve mentioned in other posts that blogging is hard work. If you’re not dedicated to the cause, you can easily suffer burnout. I’ve seen it before from some of my favorite sites and if you look at the last date I posted, you’ll see it here.
But despite the lack of posts, I still get a decent amount of hits and readers are still leaving comments on some of my older posts. I’m not the most prolific writer and I don’t consider myself to be well-versed in a lot of the stuff I blog about. But there’s something about this blogging thing that keeps sucking me back into it. I’ve grown to love the black blogger community and it has allowed me to meet some amazing people. There are a lot of people out there with some strong opinions about society and the world as they see it. Those are the people who I like to showcase and support.
I’m making some changes to the blog and what I blog about. I love the current theme and focus of theotalks, but I want to remove the restraints and give myself the opportunity to be all over the place. The new theme of the site is “Random thoughts about everything and nothing”. While it may be a little vague, that’s how I want to run the site from now on. My current theme of focusing on the black community is great, but there are so many other great bloggers out there consistently doing it. It takes time to put those posts together and right now, I’m at a different place in life.
So from here on out, expect the unexpected. As I feel moved, I’ll post about whatever is on my heart at the moment. I’ll also be showcasing some of my favorite bloggers and will work to get some of the guest writers back (you know who you are) to help a brotha out.
I haven’t decided if I’m going to start the podcast back up, but I might try my hand at video blogging. Only time will tell. Thanks to everyone who supports and reads this blog. It definitely keeps me motivated to stay at it.
God Bless.
Theo
Happy New Year 2010
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Business, Community, Education, Entertainment & Sports, Family, General, Health, Laughable, Legal, Life, Monday Motivation, Music Reviews, My Thoughts, Obama, Our Rights, Personal Finance, Photo Phinish, Politics, Relationships, Society & Culture
It’s hard to believe it’s already 2010. But we’re here and there are still new things in store for this blog. When I started blogging, the main goal was to share information and hopefully open up dialogue on issues that affect the black community. I think I did that in some way this year, but it wasn’t to the extent that I’d done in previous years.
The goal for this year is to continue on the track of keeping the site informative. I plan on opening it up to others who are interested in sharing their point of view with the readers of this site. There are some talented, well-written people out there and I want to showcase them and get some real discussions going.
Late in the year, when I got swamped with projects for work, I fell off the blogging scene for a couple of weeks. Blogging can be a daunting task and coming up with things to write about can be time consuming (especially when it isn’t one of my strengths). So this year, I’m going to solicit your help. If you or someone you know are interested in blogging, but don’t want to manage their own site, email me at info @ theotalks.net. I’m always in need of someone to write and it usually turns out to be a win-win situation for both parties.
This year, I also want to focus more on minority small businesses. In these turbulent economic times, a lot of people are turning to owning their own business. I think that’s great, so I decided to start a list of some of my favorite small businesses. I’ll be highlighting small business owners throughout the year, so contact me if you’re interested in participating.
Finally, here are some websites that you need to keep an eye on for 2010. I’ll be blogging a lot about them and hope to be visible on most of them as time permits. Check them out when you get the chance:
Have a Happy New Year and God Bless!
President Obama’s Weekly Address – 09/12/09
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Business, Family, Health, Obama, Politics
The President discusses a staggering new report from the Treasury Department indicating that under the status quo, around half of all Americans under 65 will lose their health coverage at some point over the next ten years. He pledges not to allow this future to unfold: “In the United States of America, no one should have to worry that they’ll go without health care – not for one year, not for one month, not for one day. And once I sign my health reform plan into law – they won’t.”
Dallas South News Open House
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Community, General, Politics, Society & Culture, Technology
Last night I had the opportunity to attend an open house to see the Dallas South News newsroom. While I was supposed to be taking pictures for this post, I found myself engaged in some great conversation with various attendees of the event. It was a good chance to meet some new people and network I even got the chance to chat with some college friends I hadn’t seen in a while (shout to the A&M crew).
For those who haven’t been to the website, check it out at www.dallassouthnews.org. This is going to be a good deal for the South Dallas community. Blogging has opened up a different way in which news can be reported. Through it, us little people can have a voice and the real discussions can begin. Shawn Williams, the DSN editor shared an email with his board on how this type of media benefits the community.
Dear DSN Board and Advisory Board,
At the most recent board meeting, a discussion took place around why efforts like Dallas South News are important, and what type of value we bring to communities. I have reached out to a few people across the country leading initiatives on innovation in media to share their thoughts with us about just how significant our effort is at this critical juncture in journalism.
The first person that we hear from is Kelly McBride. Kelly is the Ethics Group Leader at the Poynter Institute, a school for journalists in St. Petersburg, Florida. More importantly for this discussion, it was Kelly that convened the “Sense Making” project funded by the Ford Foundation, “a yearlong project to help the public develop skills for making sense of news in the digital era.” At the gathering of “sense makers” last Spring, I learned about other cities utilizing local nonprofit news.
Here’s what Kelly had to say:
Humans understand the world through narrative. Communities exist because groups of humans share portions of a common narrative (That could be, “We live on this street.” or “We share the same faith.” or “We fought the same war.”)
The more narratives are communicated, the more effective they become in building communities. Communities are necessary to create positive social change. People may argue about the veracity of these statements, but I believe they are demonstrably true.
Since the dawn of American democracy, we have had reliable institutions that create a common narrative for our communities. Granted these have been flawed institutions that left out huge portions of that narrative. But these newspapers and later radio and television stations, at least had the capacity, if not the will, to tell the stories of their communities.
Today, those institutions are losing their ability to tell a community’s story. As a result the community is losing the ability to address problems and make the world better.
So, other institutions must be created to share stories and to document narratives, particularly untold stories, so that communities can continue to move forward.
Kelly McBride
Ethics Group Leader
The Poynter Institute
kelly@poynter.org
Twitter: kmcb
www.poynter.org
Check out the site and let me know what you think. If you would like to donate or volunteer, email editor@dallassouthnews.org or call 214-485-0683 for more information.
BTW, here a slide show with some of the photos that I was able to take between conversations.
ghettoGEEK Radio Discussion on Iran
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Society & Culture, Think Global
With high unemployment numbers, a struggling economy and record foreclosures, it’s easy to get caught up in the tough times Americans are facing on a daily basis. That’s why I feel it’s important to every once and a while see what others are facing around the world. In a recent podcast on ghettoGEEK Radio they focus on the current political struggle in IRAN with fellow blogger Sable Verity! Sable discusses the Iranian conflict from a political and cultural vantage point. Utilizing Neda Soltan’s death, Ahmedinejad’s rhetoric, and America’s current strategic posture, Sable provides insights on gender issues, issues of oppression, and implications for Iran’s affect upon the global community.
The hear the audio, check out the ghettoGEEK blog post “Bombs Over Bagh—….IRAN!”.
Dad Blog: Mocha Dad
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Family, Laughable, Relationships, Society & Culture
I found the Mocha Dad’s blog on the blogroll of the African American Dad. I’d heard of the Mocha Mom’s organization, so it was cool to see another positive, black father sharing his experiences with his readers (it’s also a plus that he’s from Houston). This is a really good blog and the questions posed in his posts make you think about your role as a parent. Here’s a little more info on the Mocha Dad before you check out his site:
I am a native Houstonian who has traveled around the around the world. I graduated from Howard University and have worked as a mover, photographer, controls manager, quality manager, construction project manager, eBay and Amazon seller, and freelance writer.
In addition to raising kids and holding down full time jobs, I have published work in the books “Paper Thin/Soul Deep” and “The African American Book of Values” and in magazines/newspapers such as Essence, Upscale, The Houston Chronicle, Katy Magazine , Folio Weekly and Emerge.
I enjoy music, reading, photography, and surfing the web. But my greatest joy comes from spending time with my wife and three kids.
Dads’ Week: Dad Bloggers Discuss Husband Duties on NPR
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Family, Obama, Relationships, Society & Culture
Check out this podcast I found on NPR’s June 9th episode of Tell Me More. Just in time for Father’s Day, a roundtable of “Daddy bloggers” discuss what’s new in the land of dad cyberspace. Keith Morton, who blogs at African American Dad; Jeff Steele, who blogs at D.C. Urban Moms and Dads, and Jason Sperber, who blogs at Rice Daddies discuss topics that have dads buzzing on the Web, including whether the image of President Barack Obama has put more pressure on them to perform in the husband and father department.
Read more
Dad Blog: African American Dad
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Family, Relationships, Society & Culture
The first dad blogger on the list for All About Dads Week, is the author of the blog African American Dad. I came across Keith’s blog when I was searching for black bloggers to add to my reading list. He had a post on potty training his son Dev and was able to offer me some advice for my son. Here’s an excerpt from his about us page. Go check it out at fatherdad.com. I can guarantee, you’ll enjoy reading about his journey through fatherhood.
When my son was born his body temperature was a bit low. In order to get it to normal he was taken away and put under a special baby-warming heat lamp. While the treatment was being explained to me I thought of flame broiling burgers at Burger King. My kid was going to be delicious.
After being out of my sight for a few seconds I decided to go looking for him. I found my brand new little guy across the hall wearing a tiny diaper and a gauze cap. He seemed vulnerable in the small room as he was slowly being warmed up. I looked him over, counting fingers and toes, and took in the fact that we shared a face. And I noted that his navel was gross.
In an instant it was like the weight of the world landed upon my shoulders. I suddenly realized I was going to be responsible for helping him become a good man – a good black man. I knew my life would never be the same again.
Eventually I built up the nerve to touch him (after a little encouragement from the nurse that had come and gone) and I placed my pinky finger in his munchkin hand. In a voice that he seemed to recognize I whispered to him that I would be there for him no matter what obstacles he may face in this life. I told him how difficult becoming a black man would be, but that together we would make it. I’ll never forget those first moments I spent alone with my son as his dad. They inspired me to continue to do everything I do today!
I graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Urban Studies from Hunter College and I recently became Business Director of a start-up charter school committed to giving quality educations to inner city children, and an a viable alternative to parents that believed they didn’t have one. This is in addition to my work with Malecare, Inc as a program director/developer. My wife Shalawn, is a licensed Medical Social Worker and psychotherapist, and my four year old son Devin is, as of this writing, unemployed.
The Gospel According to Crystal Justine by Tracey Michae’l Lewis
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Business, Community, Family, Society & Culture
I heard about Tracy’s book via LinkedIn and thought I’d share it with the readers of this website. This post is all about showing love to our black authors, especially when they have a post worth talking about. Check out her website at traceymichaellewis.blogspot.com for more information on the author and the book.
Philadelphia, PA – May 19, 2009 – On June 9, 2009, one of the summer’s most highly anticipated novels will finally hit the shelves. Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine by Tracey Michae’l Lewis (Spring 1995 – Iota Mu Chapter) is the long awaited sequel to 2004’s The Gospel According to Sasha Renee. It is the second book in the “Gospel” trilogy. Each book examines the deeply rooted issues that have plagued three generations of women in one family. Pre-orders for the book are now being taken at the author’s website: http://traceymichaellewis.blogspot.com
The story is a fascinating journey through the life of Crystal Justine (CJ), a young woman who has, for most of her life, been compared to her mother, Sasha Renee, in both the best and the worst ways. Even as she struggles to escape the image and legacy of this enigma of a woman, she finds herself unconsciously acting out her mother’s (and grandmother) past mistakes. Her relationships with men, although few and far between, has been tainted by “the thing she cannot say” and her faith has been weakened by the emotional and spiritual blows her life has taken. This dynamic story of deliverance keeps readers, page by page, on the edge of their proverbial seats, wondering if CJ will simply succumb to the darkness that has chased her soul for as long as she could remember or if she will be the one to finally put an end to the generational curse that has tried to consume her family. Will she find true love, joy, and peace for the first time?
Lewis is a successful freelance writer, author, and entrepreneur based out of Philadelphia, PA. She is also prominent speaker whose wit and transparency has blessed audiences across the country. The following quotes are just a couple indicators of the excitement building around Lewis in the publishing industry and beyond.
“It is always good to see flowers spring up from the density of the forest. Tracey Michae’l Lewis is the newest flower on the forest floor. It will be wonderful to watch her grow.” – Nikki Giovanni, Legendary poet and professor at Virginia Tech University
“Tracey Michae’l Lewis has been given the gift to create a living, breathing reality that does not simply cause you to identify with her words. No, [she]…leads you to the highest Truth there is. And it is that ability, to weave together so many different pieces, from intellectual stimulation to spiritual enlightenment that propels Tracey past simply being good…If she continues on her path, she will be known as great. Indeed, even now, she is nearly there.” – John Gray, Inspirational Speaker and Filmmaker
For more information about Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine or to invite Lewis to your church, group, or chapter meeting, please contact NewSEASON Books at (215) 301-3202 or via email at newseasonbooks@gmail.com
Dallas South’s New Endeavor
Filed under: Black Blogger Postings, Blog Entries, Business, Community, Education, Entertainment & Sports, Family, General, Personal Finance, Society & Culture, Technology
I found out about Dallas South Blog via Google while searching for more information about Tavis Smiley’s visit to the Dallas area. I started reading the articles and was hooked on the very well-written, informative posts about the southern sector of Dallas. Due the fact that South Dallas had a large African-American population, the blog became my source of information for what was going on in the community.
Over the last couple of years, Dallas South Blog has grown into a popular online destination for those looking for stimulating political/social dialoug on a local and national level. This growth is largely due to the efforts of blogger Shawn Williams. But with growth, comes new oppotunities to take what you do to a higher level. This is where Dallas South News comes into play.
The Dallas South News will be a nonprofit organization utilizing technology, journalistic principles, and social media to empower and inform diverse communities. It will provide news coverage in the areas of local politics, education, health, housing, as well as commentary on state and national politics. As with all nonrpofit organizations, help is needed to keep it running and there are three things you can do to get involved.
So, now that I’ve captured your attention, click here to learn more about how you can participate in the Dallas South News endeavor.
Links of Interest
Site Feeds
MyBlogLog Readers
