Superstars Writing Seminars

I was at this wonderful workshop for the past 4 days, entitled "Superstars Writing Seminars" presented by the bestseller authors in science fiction and fantasy fiction. It was an investment into my next career that has something to do with novel writing. I suggest anyone who wants to be a major popular fiction author to attend this event. EXCELLENT information is presented and implemented. Everyone was great at this event.

But...

Aside from the cost, African American women and women of color were missing from this event. I was the only "obvious" woman of color.

That can be intimidating to a budding novelist. However, since I am use to being "only one", I got over it and learned. It is disheartening that as many young women I know who are talented writers were just NOT HERE! Many reasons: unawareness, not many Sistahs are Science Fiction Fans - though I know a lot of Sistahs that are Fantasy Fiction fans. Perhaps, inability to relate due to the "color shock", which is like "sticker shock" of knowing you are the only one there. It is the only representation to the rest of the group what you are capable of as the full representation of the entire ethnic group. Though, that is not how people think, it happens.

How I found out, was through social media. I liked the author, asked a few questions, developed a rapport and saw the notice and applied after I watched the Youtube presentation - it convinced me.

Now that I am here, like I said, you just need to be here to really get the gist of being a novelist... Want to know more:

SISTAHS!!! BE HERE! I know it will cost you a "pretty penny", but it is WELL WORTH IT TO MEET THESE PEOPLE!

Careful, or you'll end up in my novel.

The Panel of Best Selling Authors
in Science Fiction and Fantasy Fiction

James A. Owen - Just takes lines and where they need to go.
There may be dragons - will be a movie soon

The case of Twitter Beef - Tashay Edwards

On April 16th Ms, Tashay Edwards approached a young unnamed girl who apparently had beef on WorldStar Hip Hope and Twitter. It got ranked with the elicit back and forth between the two individuals. Then it became real as shown in this video:










At this point, this is where social media encroaches upon people's real lives. And perhaps we need some time to log off. Who cares what people think online about you? They talked about Jesus Christ and you saw what they did to Him... They are dayum sho going to talk about you.

It is why at times like these, I just post "Memes" - short sayings made by others who can convey a "soundbite" within seconds. They are easy and I also know, I'm not the only one thinking these thoughts. Most of my "memes" are uplifting and I pass them on. Others, I have seen are sick and I myself would not pass them on, but I know people who do.

One meme that has been passed around, which is quite humorous is one with the actor Gene Wilder, as the 1971 Willy Wonka image:

There are ZERO restraints on the internet. People say, think and do, whatever they want on the web without filters or vaseline. There are actions and behaviors that if done in real life, people would be shunned as sociopaths. Sadly, most legitimate sources of social media attempt some decorum. But when there are adults, such as Rush Limbaugh saying that women who take birth control are sluts, and it drives the "LIKES" and the "RETWEETS" and several blog posts, then civil discourse and decorum is irrelevant, even in real life.

WE CAN DO BETTER! WE HAVE IF WE WANT TO SURVIVE AS HUMANS!

It is not a matter of just "logging off". You would not say that about the telephone anymore would you? Would you say that about books? Information, from analog to digital reception enters our minds, our brains interpret and give analysis called reflection and spew out our knowledge based on it - most of it emotional. Many people these days have not grow up with complete control of their emotions, because as a society we wanted the full range of technological development through creativity, which inherently requires emotion. The dark side of emotion is anger and rage -- which is the easiest emotion to tap into to gain power over distressing situations. 

Why when we see an offensive post, comment or tweet our immediate gut reaction is to get angry that leads us to fight rather than just not answering it? Even if the attack is personally against us, such as "calling us out" publicly on top social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or boutique sites such as WorldStar Hip Hop? Why respond to such foolishness and just block?

Because of embarrassment, shame and insecurities that cannot be fixed in two dimensions.  No one likes being publicly ridiculed and we have not gotten to what bullying is. This blog is just about an offensive post.

No reason why people who instigate it like doing it. Other people motivations require several Ph.D.'s studying this phenomena of social media. But the fact is you are the only person who can control your impulsive thoughts. 

I know, it is very hard. And sometimes, I stand beside myself and attempt to take a dispassionate stance. I feel like I have to have dissociative identity disorder to do it and that is not who I am in real life. Living on social media is not my preference, because my real life is beautiful. I may be addicted, just like 50 years from now, they will say social media is just as addictive as nicotine in tobacco... But for now, I have come to the conclusion that the block button is my friend and if it is grossly offensive, I screen shot it and post it up with minor comments.

My engagement level with the disagreeable is down from 80% to 20% within a year. And that is good for me. I have also set standards for myself as to goals I wish to accomplish during my times spent on social media. Most of my goals are supreme interactivity between all my sites, connectivity, imaging, branding and insightful content based on marketing metrics and analytics.

I have had to stop cursory engagement with random individuals that I do not know in real life. It has gotten superfluous to me, personally. If I do not meet them and find them outside of my purview of my goals, my engagement is limited. VERY FEW INDIVIDUALS are allowed into my inner circle that I have not met physically and they know who they are and I appreciate their efforts of mutual values we share. 

If anything, that is how my real life is. My friendships are limited. Those who know me, love me no matter what. Those who do not know me and do not like me, will gossip and lie and it took me forever to get over that concept in real life. Now it is fast on social media. 

And when I am done with an individual, I find it let them go, have nothing to with them and move my life along. Because I think, my life is short and I need to have meaning in it to glorify God. So I am not going to waste my time on things that really have very little bearing on who I really am to people that love me for being me.

Stay blessed for who you are, and I do love you and thank you for taking time to read my blog.

DrG-

Why I left animal research

The reason why I left animal research! I am not a fan of rats. I can handle mice. But rats, different story. Probably have something to do with my childhood. Which is where I am, my parents' house in SoCal. I walk outside to see the beautiful pool that had been cleaned by the pool guy the day before and WHAM! I see this in the pool!

After finally finding the pole and the net, I removed the carcass from the deep end of the pool and do a gross examination.

Analysis. 

Genera/Species: Rattus sp. 

Sex: Male 

Weight ~500 grams

Age: Unknown

Coat color: Gray, red. 

Gross Pathology:

Rigor mortis

Rectal prolapse

Raised thoracic

Possible edema

Bulbous eyes. 

Cause of death: All indicators lead to conclusion of drowning. 

Awaiting veterinarian advisement

No necropsy was done.

Full disposal was implemented.

I am going to have Zombie Rat nightmares! I do not like rats like these. They carry Yersina pestis! Meanwhile, my husband is laughing at me because he is the vet! Wanted me to do a full work up necropsy! And there are several nodes as to how these pests enter my parents' domain! Fortunately, we have not see the droppings yet. But I would not be shocked to be the one to discover them! Usually I am and the one who has to deal with it.

Where are my parents? In Las Vegas! Partying!

Le sigh!

EPISODE ALERT: The killing of TRAYVON MARTIN because he DAWDLED!

When I pledged my sorority, I was told by my big sisters, "WALK WITH A PURPOSE!"

My linesisters and I would walk very fast and promptly with all seriousness to get wherever we need to go. Point A to Point B. We were taught that drilled into our heads, our hearts and our minds.

That was ~25 years ago. Much has changed. Most Black children do not have a clue that racist bigots exist in this world. Trayvon Martin had no clue that George Zimmerman was a racist bigot whose sole intent was to kill a Black Child wearing a hoodie, because in his words, "he looks suspicious". George Zimmerman appears to be psychotic and delusional caused by meth addiction that preys on children like pedophile!

Sadly, the mental health issues that arise for parents of diverse children impinge upon telling a vivacious teenager to "NOT DAWDLING" and be aware of one's surroundings.

Aside from the fact that this child was being judged; aside from the fact that this child did not understand a world of hate; aside from the fact that the State of Florida has a "Stand Your Ground" law and if the roles were reverse -- a Black man shooting a "suspicious white teen" would be put under the jail within seconds; a life altering decision is allowed to fester everyday where there is injustice to Trayvon Martin. Meanwhile, George Zimmerman skates on ice like "Ovechkin"  and was allowed to go free without adequate questioning or any police review of his unclean record. There no knowledge of his psychotic delusions caused by meth addictions and he is allowed to be armed -- NOTHING!

As a parent to diverse children, we have to ask them to be good little [insert racist and bigoted epithet here] and not DAWDLE!

I say WTF!

OCCUPY SANFORD, FLORIDA!
GUT THEM ECONOMICALLY!
FIGHT!

Times are changing. Maybe this is just 2012 fervor, but it will be a long hot summer if justice lapses here.

Sad part, more Black kids will be killed by black on black crime and these children will get ZERO coverage by the news media...

*shrugs* This is what drives me to be the Crazy Black Woman!



Hearing the 911 calls from this individual who weakly claims self defense of a teenager in a hoodie carrying ice tea and Skittles. It shows how hatred destroys all logic and that there will be no justice for this case:

FEMALE PROBLEMS: This time again. Staying on top of it.

This blog is about my period. Menstruation. In your 40s. Totally sucks.

No. I know I'm not the only one who has this issue.

It feels like I am a young teen again! Messing up clothes, spray and wash is my friend. Changing out the superovernightjumbowithsuperwings pad. That still does not seem to stop the ruined underwear and clothes. Granny panties aren't covering it.

Well, when it is chunky goo that's more than 5 grams, that is when the physicians must be called.

Does this drive me nuts? YES IT DOES! MY MENTAL HEALTH IS AFFECTED DIRECTLY!!!

I ought to request to rip the entire female organ out and grow a beard! And I hate body hair on places that it is not suppose to be--like my face.

Aging is not the sad part. What is sad is the pain and mental exhaustion. I hate it!

If getting old is all about pain, then what is life? How does one get through it?

Power of positive thinking?

I talk to my elders a lot. I would not be able to live without them. Sad part is they die, it is a part of life. I get that. But it is not like it hurts less knowing that you just cannot call them up whenever you want and talk to them.

But this bodily function issue, is not fun to have at all. All my orifices are clogged and when they release, I am a spring totally pooped out unable to function.

There are other stressors, like being unemployed--or rather I work on my business I have sunk too much money into for nothing to come to fruition. Yes, it is my fault. But I have also learn a lot of things and having fun.

I have learned that many people are a lot worse off than I am and they talk about it on social media these days. While some need validation, I am amazed at the number of kids that are a lot worse off than I am. Whether or not it is exaggeration, kids having these problems? Okay.

Going and getting a job, many people suck it up and work labor that is way outside their field. Well, I am working my own business way outside my field and I feel I ought to get paid from companies who have yet to manage their social media content, then make it entertaining. Which is rather difficult to do, btw, but I am able to do it with the studies I have completed.

Sure I have been dismissed and diminished of my work. But in my old life as a scientist, they did that to me everyday. I was pushed out of my field. So, I said, that is not where I was suppose to be. Great thing about the United States is one can change their field to pursue other opportunities. I did that. I am I successful? I have no money, but the experience makes me feel like the 1%.

I will never have anyone berate me due to the color of my skin to diminish me, as what was done to me in science.

In this new field, social media and creativity, I am open and free to set standards for dynamic opportunity. Best social experiment allowable.

What does this have to do with my menstruation and mental health? I do my best thinking when I suffer immense pain due to my period. Go figure? Oh and I should buy some stock in "Always".

EPISODE ALERT: Too much talking. Too many opinions

I woke up this morning having an opinion about the meaning of life. This personal opinion is fine to have once in awhile, but I obsess over having mine and forcing others to agree with it, which is not honoring people. It is on the "to do" list of my foibles.

But this opinion stems from a discussion I was having with a bunch of "kids" on Evolution vs Creation. Don't ask! But what is apparent from my opinion is that science in American schools is ABSENT! These young people have NO CLUE how we as human beings got to where we are scientifically. Like how were "antibiotics" discovered? How was DNA discovered or the structure of DNA solved? Why are their atoms with electrons, protons and neutrons? What are photons? BASIC stuff and they feel that there was some deity or spiritual essence that "created" these things which is repeatedly been shown there has not been.

This blog is not a diatribe of how poor our science is in America, because I know, I use to do research in it. What this blog discusses is the mental turmoil I have suffered for being a Black Woman Scientist midst the racist bigotry in science perpetuated by myths that scientist have! YES! I said it. And what kept me going to get my Ph.D. was my church and my belief that God wanted me there.

But make no mistake, science and God are not intertwined in my doing science and practicing my faith. One is not the other. Moreover, I am not sneaking off doing science then turn around proselytizing to the sheep here. Science is distinct test of reality-based facts that can be repeated in anyone's hands. Faith is personal and one must have that relationship within themselves to move forward. If it is called a God, there are paradigms set to practice it. But, faith is more self-centered than that. Of course, in my opinion...

...

When I did go to bed, today, I slept peacefully for about a hour. Then suddenly, I had a "night terror"! I saw tentacles with clawed mouths coming at me ready to eat me up and I screamed! I screamed in real-life, waking my husband up and tried to calm me down. I was kicking... But, I knew why I had a night terror, earlier I had imbibed in a bit of $2 buck Chuck Zinfindel and did not drink all of it. Roughly, a hour later, I took my anti-depressants. One of the side effects of these meds is consuming alcohol can cause night terrors. But I had been pretty good about that. This time, I was not. When I stopped dreaming, and woke up, I my freak out emotions stopped and I heard my husband's voice who was calm and held me close to him. I had to apologize, because he needs his rest and I went to bed at...we won't discuss that issue.

At any rate, opinions...I am of the opinion that I am right where I need to be. I think we have dreams for a reason. Some insecurities we carry to rationalize what we are going through at any given time. Some of our insecurities come to light only in the subconsciousness. One of my insecurities is being unemployed and seriously considering going back to a day job work. Going back to research, being demeaned, daily, my abilities derided constantly in a harsh unsupportive environment, which cuts years off my life due to the stress. Hair falling out, my husband and I arguing about why the cap was not put on or the covers on the the bed did not lay down properly. WHO CARES? I am not a good person to be with when I am at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.

Support? In this place? Aside from the few friends I do have, the kind of support I do not get and care and love and friendships if I were elsewhere, at least have some environmental satisfaction...The weather too cold for that. I need to live in Hawaii where poverty reigns and there is Island Fever. Too scared to live in Southern California again, but...alas, that is life.

What I am doing with my life, in business, without making any money and help comes from people I have never met in real life, makes me happy! Like I said, the little rational voice speaks and says, "You have no more money. It will not pan out." It would be one thing is I was not asking for help, but I am. When help arrives, is when I am successful. By then, I do not need help and the sad part is seeing people as jumping on the bandwagon wanting to be in the game and take from me.

Perhaps this night terror was subconsciously telling me two things: My insecurities and uncertainty about my future and being squeezed back into the monster of scientific research; and the monsters that want to steal my hard work I have created and take it as their own when that is not true.

Those are my fears.

My opinion is I am not going to work for the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington every again unless they pay me 6 figures - I am worth more than that! And it is a one time deal to recoup the years of life I lost.

My opinion is if I can think of a way to use those who jump on the bandwagon at the last minute, they will have a job, that can be fulfilled in little time and they take what they can from it - of course with liability issues intact. Either way, leaders will make that happen.

Well, I got that outta my system. C'est la vie! Back to work!

EPISODE ALERT: All my RP stories are exactly what Ms. Viola Davis describes in her interview

All my roleplaying stories performed and characters creates are exactly what Ms. Viola Davis describes in her interview on ABC's Nightline airing February 8, 2012.

When I started with my first two characters it was a feeble, inexperienced attempt of creating content specific for women of color, specifically those of African descent on large format social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. Then I was mercilessly cyberbullied and attacked for whatever reason for holding like of not be subjugated by males, young males who had never seen strong black female characters.

I have written many blogs about my trials. Because the black women I see in real life are not what I see on television. What does that say about our little girls and their aspirations?

Then I see this Essence article from the actor Brian White that says that the stereotype is true about angry Black Women who are loud and obnoxious publicly.

So much for equity in Hollywood and Black Actresses.

I am hurt that Viola Davis has to be recognized for an antiquated maid in Jim Crow racist South times. But I am proud of her adding her acting skills to make her character believable and connected with the audience. Will her accomplishment prove beneficial for saying no "Sophie's Choice" -available scripts for Black Actresses change Hollywood? I doubt it...because a lot of people would have to die.

My mother character has some bad thing happen to her in a Galaxy Far, Far Away. What happens with a padawan is violated on trip home by a twisted individual. Her name is Auset Lah.

My Senator-daughter character is biracial straddling a world between having the Force and being absent in the Force. Hiding that fact to her current galaxy. Her name is Senator Yemaja Lah.

And I have gone over that in many blogs. We shall see.

EPISODE ALERT: Don Cornelius committed suicide

It is a sad day for fans of "Soul Train". I grew up watching the show and all the parties I attended had "Soul Train" lines. And we watched styles, music and sounds change before our eyes as "Soul Train" was a mainstay of culture for Black Entertainers. Then one day, Don Cornelius got old. Eventually we probably cast him aside onto the next thing. That with the diversity of music in our taste and what we liked to dance to, changed, markedly.

Then Don Cornelius committed suicide.

No one commits suicide randomly. There is always a reason and just like a heart attack or cancer, suicide ideation is for similar reasons. The sad part is at 75 years of age, he did not know who he could talk to, clinically, without judgment of his past accomplishments? He had no one who could help him professionally?

I HATE THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS!!! I HATE IT! I HATE IT! I HATE IT!

Regardless of how he lived his life, regardless of all the accomplishments and regardless of his relationships with loved ones, obviously, these meant nothing to him, and enough for him to commit suicide.

I am not judging here, because I have been there. I can see all I have and wanting to die by my own hand because it was meaningless. Then I get my meds checked and speak to my providers and get a time out and see write in this blog.

But for Don Cornelius at 75 years old to not have any knowledge to seek any professional care provider and decide it is better to die by his own hand...

That is the stigma of mental illness and it is killing us - especially people of color.

Review of the OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network interview of Mr. George Lucas

The review of the Oprah Winfrey Network interview of Mr. George Lucas was provocative and exciting. It touched on the production of "Star Wars: A New Hope" but also his earlier works of "THX 1138" and "American Graffiti".

Overall his being a filmmaker was nothing new that a fan of Mr. Lucas would never know. I knew it was an uphill battle to film the first Star Wars, but it was so much so that he had heart palpitations to get him through the craziness he was enduring to create the film.

What I did not know that the famous household named droid, R2-D2 was named after the film, "American Graffiti" for "Reel 2, Dialogue 2".

Then he discussed his real life. And it was as if he had come out of his shell to tell Oprah Winfrey. Even his girlfriend, Mellody Hobson who has her own life going for herself pointed out how well he was breaking through and becoming less shy in front of people.

What is beautiful about this couple is that it is interracial and they are good with it. Ms Mellody Hobson was absolutely clueless that Mr. George Lucas was pursuing her in that interest. She only realized it when he spoke up to his friend, Mr. Robin Williams - the outgoing comedic actor.

Their discussion of George Lucas' children was amazing. They all should be proud of themselves and what they have done. Especially Ms. Katie Lucas who seems to be holding her own as a creative artist.

Mellody Hobson interestly gave George Lucas' son a "Black sounding" name of Darrell. His son seemed totally okay with her.

Whatever it is, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson seem extremely happy together.

Then there was discussion of the "Red Tails" movie and how the distribution companies alienated this movie because they felt they could not market it to foreign markets.

Finally, Oprah spoke to Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrance Howard. They were grateful for being given a chance in the movie.

This interview gave wonderful insights and ideas of Mr. Lucas. Some I have heard before, but his concept of "The Force" it still seems nebulous in his mind's eye. I think that is a good idea because fully defining "The Force" would hurt the creative expressive ideas to expand Star Wars. The other factor is Mr. Lucas says that people think outside the box, well he does not care about the box. And prefers to be there.

One of the reasons I admire Mr. Lucas is he did not give up despite all his detractors. He said to pursue what makes you happy and if that means you work on something and forget the time while doing it, that is what is making you happy.

There is something I am doing that does make me happy despite the administrative Hells I endure. I spend an inordinate amount of time on it. It is called roleplay on social media. I get personal attacks on a daily basis. But in spite of it all, I am not going to give up to naysayers.

That makes 2 directors that I have seen say the same thing who were George Lucas and Spike Lee. They said:

Do not give up

I am not going to give up my idea to make social media a part of filmmaking, pre-production and other media formats, like novels, comics and videogames.

Red Tails movie - my review - "IF"

Red Tails is a rare movie that comes around every decade that changes people's minds. From what we thought was right and everything in place to what is right and replacing everything...

The movie is about the Tuskegee Airmen who flew Europe in World War II to defend their country, the United States in the war effort.

The movie stars Terrance Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. as the veteran actors. And two relatively "newcomers" to the big screen, although I have seen them in smaller movies before: Nate Parker and David Oyelowo. I can say all the actors did an extraordinary job to not make the movie seem like a "history movie" no one can relate to. They ACTED this movie. They worked hard to deliver their lines and make the audience to believe what it was they were doing.

This movie is wholly produced and distributed by Mr. George Lucas of Lucasfilm. The same Almighty Plaid that created the "Star Wars Empire". Since I am a Star Wars geek, I had to see this movie as soon as I could. And I can say, this movie is one you a couple of times so you can get the full flavor of it. And do not get the bootleg, that's just dumb! See at least 2 showings in the full price movie theater!!! This is not about supporting Black movies, then is about doing JUSTICE to great patriots!

Did it make me feel like I was there with them as a Tuskegee Airman? Like I wanted to be like them? Almost... But then the scene was gritty and being in that environment for me, yuck!

Then the movie is not a "character study". It is more how "heroes" keep courage. And that is what you have to have in mind, when you see Red Tails.

Psychologically, this film begs the question:

"If I was there during that time...I would..."

And invariably, NO you would not do anything. You would be bunched up in your "favorite demeaning category" and overcome that kind of ignorance just like the Tuskegee Airmen were made to do.

They passed every test, engineering feat, staying alive in shitty hand-me-down planes and stay successful!

In the midst of it all, they succeeded. Despite what bigots thought.

And that is really the point of Red Tails, really.

I often whine about dealing my mental health issues, since racism has gone psychological to the point where I know I am certifiably crazy, and I think:

If I was there during that time, I would die by my own hand...

The Tuskegee Airmen are still alive TODAY!

Less Airmen in number, old, disabled, and forgetful, but overall, they remember! They are true patriots!

THANK YOU! So that I can say... "IF"

EPISODE ALERT: Insomnia

Sleep is a good idea. But there have been more days than not that I have not slept. Why? I know if I lie down, I would fall asleep, eventually. My business is social media and I "man" several Facebook Fan Pages and Twitter accounts. I rationalize that at any moment, someone will interact with me. Does that say I am "addicted" to social media and insomnia is the culprit?

Scientists say to get 6-8 hours of sleep. Generally sleep at night before midnight and arise at reasonable morning hours, before 8 AM. Do not ask me my times of sleep. The scientists say that sleeping the way I do often causes sleep deprivation. I know I have it and that making up back to 6-8 hours cannot be done. In fact there are major health concerns. It has something to do with Circadian Rhythm.

I do not want to take any sleep medications. I think taking sleep agents would worsen my issues with mental health. I just cannot handle it.

Look at the time of this post...

EPISODE ALERT: Post Op of a Sick parent & the power of Social Media

KAISER, LET THIS BE KNOWN! YOU STILL DID NOT STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A BLOG LIKE THIS EVERYDAY UNTIL I SEE HEALTHY CHANGES IN MY FATHER!

Finally, he got seen by doctors and the added to his medication... Is that a wise choice, I don't know. Details seem to elude me since I am oustered due to my love of my Father.

See, I put business in the streets...so to speak... Reality is, publicizing the injustice and inhumanity. That is how I see it. My immediately family sees it as embarrassing. Yep... I am an embarrassment to them.

I asked questions from last blog as to what it is that Kaiser is doing for my father? Leaving painful medical equipment may be wise, but is it right? Is there nothing else to be done to relieve the pain, besides powerful pain pills?

This is at the very ONSET of illness! Not at the point where there is no medical intervention or resolution! Kaiser, you know this.

So you would turn my family against me on the power of social media. Sad, really because Kaiser, I do not have to review with you that 60% of African American males get diagnosed with key issues after the age of 45 years old. But okay. Hmm?

Countermand families against each other much?

As to my family, be careful and safe. I know how you love me.

EPISODE ALERT: Medical Emergencies, Family & Health Disparities

EPISODE ALERT: MY FATHER IS SICK! HE IS IN PAIN! HE NEEDS A SPECIALIST! AND KAISER IS GIVING HIM THE RUN AROUND!

For 5 days, my 73 year old father has been carted off and shuttled back and forth to seek medical attention for a very painful illness by the auspices of Kaiser Permanante Health Care System.

For me, who has a Ph.D. in molecular genetics, published 5 papers, fought for Obama Health Care Reform vigilantly and so see how much pain my father is in and no diagnosis, no sustainable treatment by qualified personnel, well...Kaiser, shame on you! You do not treat veterans that way!

Since the initial onslaught of the Emergency, I have made recommendations that I feel are best for attacking my father's health issues. He is diabetic, he is hypertensive so key treatments must be decided with care, which is why a specialist physician is needed rather than ER physician and triage care. While the ER clinicians helped, they can only stop the problem, they cannot get my father into HEALING. Only a board certified specialist can do that and NOT a general practice physician who probably caused the problem in the first place.

I have my father's physiology. Genetically I know this. He has allergies to that causes hives, I have allergies that causes hives. He has diabetic complications, fortunately, I have not converted, but I manifest similar symptoms of a pre-diabetic condition. For now, I control mine with diet and exercise. I know I cannot tolerate minute changes in medication, so as a PhD I can pretty much guess that he cannot either or something else in his body goes wacky. Especially a Black Man in his 70s.

Due to my acceptance and understanding in dealing with my mental health issue, I have taught myself and learn ways to maneuver through many health care systems to get whatever care I could obtain. So far, so good. I am in constant contact with my providers whenever there is a health concern and know that it will go on my medical record, documenting my continued care. I am fortunate to have my health, because a lot of people have nothing.

My father, did not have to do that due to generational differences and the mentality of "that which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger..." Well, that's nice mantra when you are 23, but when you are 73, it tribulations will kill you and this is one of them.

My mother who is doing her darnedest to help him is exasperated, too. All the changes in his diet, all her follow up and follow through that she has done for him, her help-meet, help-mate for nearly 50 years, all the plans they made, he physically cannot do them. And really when you think about it, it is depressing as a spouse. I have zero idea what my mother is going through, but I can hear her weeping as she slowly accept these changes in their lives together.

So as the oldest adult child, who is arrogant enough to fight back for my parents, after all they have done for me, I told them, change doctors. Get an internal medicine specialist as your primary care physician. No more GPs. GPs are good for young people, but someone needs to be specifically trained in managing and caring for geriatrics. Something her GP does not have as obvious.

Then, I said, call every single day, twice if you have to documenting the pain and rating it. Report it. Email, however you must until you get a satisfactory diagnosis and treatment option. Basic list: Pain, Intensity, Location, Time. That's easy enough.

Then, pounce on ever insurance avenue you got. Writing letters is one option that can be pursued. But this is more about "squeaky oil gets fixed first" mentality. You can be angry that they tried to schedule an appointment 2-3 weeks later, when you are in pain now. But really, what you need is to see a specialist by any means necessary. What can be done now? Three things: Make the crap appointment, ask to added to the wait list, ask for out of network visitation, and then write harsh scathing letters--not just to Kaiser, but to the Insurance Commissioner, Joint Commission, TV/Radio, President Obama if you have to! You have to be crazy to do all of that--but what did I say: Squeaky Wheel...

To be a Black Man who is 73... Lived in the Segregated South, involved in the Vietnam War, taxed to death by Reaganomics Probes, saw Crack Cocaine liquidate our streets, how does someone atone for these health disparities my father suffered?

They don't.

So are we just going to let another stalwart in the San Diego, California community die?

*blank stare*

EPISODE ALERT: My review of the movie, "The Help"

***SPOILERS***


A new movie was released earlier this year entitled, "The Help". The synopsis is below:

An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960's decides to write a book detailing the African-American maid's point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.

It stars Viola Davis who plays "Aibilene Clark" and Emma Stone who plays "Skeeter Phelan".



What made "The Help" so moving was the memories made once told to me by my foremothers of how much strife they suffered to care for my parents, before Martin Luther King, during Jim Crow South. How if a woman was Black and had intelligence, she could not have any aspirations in Mississippi.

Then I wondered, has it changed?

When I read how ignorant people, like Gene Marks are of what poverty is like and in a smug way dismiss the inhumanity of poverty by lumping an entire group to fit their warped point of view, I wonder... Has it changed from the Jim Crow South 1960's?

I actually enjoyed The Help, it was insightful, tasteful and actually quite artistic. In the movie, all the Caucasian women were beauty queens as their high and mighty selves, and all the Black Women appeared...old... But it was set in the bygone era of bigotry and racism and how fantasy it was to be so lovely, without accountability from the government and the constitution. It does give leverage as to why civil rights are worth dying for.

What I did not like about the movie is the current, modern relationships between Caucasian women and women of African descent or women of color is it further divides now. We still will not relate when you have a "godless woman" such as the vile, "Hilly Holbrook" (played by Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of Ron Howard) demanding that maids use the outdoor restroom because Black people are beneath us... For us to hate that character, means the actress did an EXCELLENT job. Of course without anymore massive spoilers, Hilly Holbrook is going to get what is coming to her...

But there was another issue, I have seen one of those "outdoor bathrooms". There was one in my grandmother's house. I do not think my grandparents really knew how to tell the builders of that custom home not to build the house like that back in the 1960s, so in the South, it had to be that way...

The other thing I did not like is the "mothering" that all the maids had to do to help the Caucasian women to survive. I would call it "smothering". The Caucasian women were young 20-somethings, with small children. Their husbands were at the office working. They were at home, doing...what? Imaginary activities! Except for the character, "Skeeter Phelan" (played by Emma Stone). "Skeeter" just graduated from college and wanted to be a journalist in New York, but in order to get that job, she needed experience. She did not have any. So she returned home and immediately noticed how her "maid", "Constantine Jefferson" (played by Cicely Tyson) was gone and her parents glossed how she left to live in Chicago.

Skeeter is given the task of "How-tos" in the household at the local newspaper. Then suddenly discovers the perspective of the Black maid has not been spoken or written. Of course that gets into Jim Crow laws of "separate but equal". So she writes it and that is the poignant part of the movie.

Skeeter seems to be the only one of the Caucasian women who remembers their "Black Maids" and the words they spoke her while growing up. The wisdom of experience and words that no matter what, we need to hear them.

You kind
You smart
You important

The question is asked in the movie of the characters, "How do you take care of white kids and care for your own?"

I cannot imagine how my foremother's did it, but they did and reared some the strongest people I know, my mother and father, aunties and uncles, cousins. That mentality that you will do it, it will get done and I will not have any less--I was told that growing up.

What made me have episodes is... I don't hear many women say that to young people, unless they are selling books or videos. I definitely am not hearing it in any of the music. And no little Black girls are hearing when I see them online... So what happened? I do not have children, so I do not know.

Not to say it is never said and the color of one's skin does not mean that those powerful comments cannot be made. But who is taking care of our children while we work? Are they saying anything beautiful to our kids?

The best thing about this movie begs the question: Who is helping whom?

I think toward the end, the "Minny Jackson" character (played by Octavia Spencer) who is a maid for the vile "Hilly Holbrook" but is then fired and hired by her nemesis, "Celia Foote" (played by Jessica Chastain) found strength in herself to hold her family together. The part I found a distaste for is while I understand the "Happy Ending" concept, why would the character Minny want to stay a "slave" in anyone's home? But I guess she did not need that kind of help.

Who needed the help was "Aibilene Clark" (Viola Davis) after all the help she had given to white families. Aibilene needed her help to walk away from it all and she did. What happens afterward, who knows?

What I liked about this movie was how the female actresses had their dynamics. Very few male actors were in this movie. NONE of the female actresses became "Women in the Refrigerator" or castigated to make way of the physical violence seen in civil rights perpetuated by males. But the mental violence is terrorizing and I know of elderly women today who can tell me what life was life in the dirty South with few memories of peace. There was a delicate balance. The young people know nothing of that kind of life.

Sadly, we may be headed back due to hardship and the economy. Who know if we learned our lessons? But I also think that having a fantasy view of any aspect of civil rights negates what these real women who suffered, who I know and are a part of my family can share with me the only tidbit to make me be and do better...

I am kind
I am smart
I am important!

Weight and Fitness Management in Mental Health

The untimely death of rapper "Heavy D" who banked on his name as the "overweight lover" due to a possible heart attack at 44 years old, was a shock to those who grew up hearing his music and enjoyed it.

The causes of his death are a possible flu-like symptoms, and the issues with his weight. Apparently he had yoyo'ed between 300 lbs to lose 160 lbs and back up to 344 lbs. And he vicariously tried to manage his weight.

Celebrities are expected to look a certain way to be typecast into roles and it is known most celebrities will do anything to achieve the look, including men. Physically, that causes a lot of mental stress to keep up the image, not to mention money. But if one fails to keep up the image, then one does not work...

Nevertheless, this sends a message to all people of color, especially people of African descent who are struggling with their weight loss and image. We can argue on what we identify as the standards of beauty in this country, but these issues are not causing the psychological torture that many of us who are dealing with mental health issues.

When one deals with their mental health, exercise seems even more difficult. It is said, in the research with an abundance of supporting evidence, that exercise and fitness improves mental health symptoms.

For me, after doing a true fitness regimen, it does. It takes me 3 months to get on track for consistency, i.e. going to the gym on the days I agree to, working out at a consistent level and staying for a length of time that is beneficial. But, I do not have other stressors like a full time job or children.

By NO MEANS am I saying those who deal with mental health conditions should not workout. Fitness is beneficial for all health reasons.

What I am saying is motivation is a huge issue, just like everyone else and then after I work out, I feel worse. Not because I worked out too hard, but because there is a big issue with dehydration. I get dehydrated. And drinking water has little benefits, but drinking large amounts of water after 5 minutes of vigorous exercise makes no sense. I could see if it was after one hour of quality vigorous exercise with a slow start, brisk and a cool down. But, after 5 minutes? Really?

Am I the only one who has noticed this?

Then the pain and soreness. Physical pain and soreness of muscles make it difficult to want to restart a physical regimen. And those who deal with mental health issues can easily talk ourselves out of fitness. To combat this, what I do is say to myself, "I can cite all the reason why I should not, but what is one reason why I should?"

That keeps me motivated.

So, all this to say just like picking up the pieces of a shattered life caused by dealing with the mental health issue, handling issues of HEALTHY weight and fitness management is a slow crescendo for wellness.

And if your issues with weight loss are tough, consider visiting our friends at: A Black Girl's Guide to Weight Loss

Facebook, how many more reports do you need?

Facebook, how many more cyberstalking reports do you need with a mountain of screenshots to justify deranged behavior? This behavior is a power and control cycle that domestic violence abuse survivors suffer and you are doing nothing to protect it.

There are millions of mostly women who want to share in your social media for the next big thing, but have to use aliases as their accounts because their attackers actively seek them out. I should not have to be fearful of creative expression on my legal profiles and pages!

You take one report and delete an entire account based on flimsy weak evidence, but active bullying is NOT STOPPED!

Do you really take this seriously for ALL people, not just kids? NO!

Case in point:



Notice the red circle. Why would THAT page--mine fictional character I created--would be ONE of the three interests? Should there NOT be more?

There is NO online restraining orders! So as more people transition online, with smartphone technology, a stalker can gain access to an account and post psychotic delusions on anywhere on the profile or page. By the time the victim logs on again, seeing millions of psychotic ramblings are scary and damaging!

No one deserves 100s of negative posts!

So Facebook, how long, is too long to protect me? When I am dead?

When does the cyberbullying become cyberstalking?

The other day, a project I have been working on for two years that involved social media and a fictional character had posts by another fictional character who pretends to be a "news service" for roleplay.

YES! NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE BEAR WITH ME!

I roleplay on large format social media: Facebook and Twitter mainly. There are other sites, but I am not as frequent on them. I like to roleplay because it helps me write the dialogue for my fictional character's story. Roleplaying is pretending to be your favorite character in a movie or TV show or comic book and you add their mannerisms on social media. Sometimes, you can create your own character to fit in your favorite movie or TV show or comic book. That is what I did. I gave her an image, I gave her a personality, I gave her a backstory and I gave her "LIFE"! The best way to do concept artistry and is testable with the backdrop on social media.

The thing is, unless you do not mind roleplaying (RPing) by yourself, which is often the case, your story cannot be told. It is the dynamic to RP with other people--to BE SOCIALABLE. That is not easy when you have all kinds of people who have all kinds of opinions and exact them on your chosen character--especially when you create one.

I chose my character to have a sordid past and background because I thought it would add to my story I wanted to tell. Within a few weeks, I was harassed as to what it was I was doing. Not knowing any better, I was honest. I was further harassed. I thought if I changed to a new character, the harassment would stop, it was worse. A whole group of people, possibly those that held multiple accounts, placed an "all call" to block me. None of my comments had to do with them. If I wanted to make comments to people, I would say it to their faces. No, my comments, because I have a brain and do not want my character to be the "woman in the refrigerator" syndrome, took stories I read from the newspaper and made comments.

Then I was against an account that thinks women should be slaves and wanted public relations or PR to promote it. That is what is called RP to these individuals...

My RPs usually involves a script, improvised dialogue and a goal that we would like to reach. An attempt to minimize trope--such as "Mary Sue" or "Draco in Leather Pants"--literary devices that are standard for most stories to tell where the plot is going. A Mary Sue is a character that has a mysterious past, is extremely beautiful and even her enemy falls in love with her passionately. A "Draco in Leather Pants" is an bad boy image who can do no wrong, even though he just committed genocide.

Either way, I tried to follow standards set by stage acting and direction for my RP.

I got cyberbullied for it.

This was on Twitter. And their are reporting mechanisms are absent there.

So I moved to Facebook. I did the same thing. Some things are better. But the Twitter folks found me and go upset that I took screenshots of all their cyberbullying comments, posted them on my character's album as a mechanism of protection and fell they had the right to comment on them.

They felt they had the right to not only comment on them, but claim I was cyberbullying them! I had posted the images in May, 2011. They are NOW JUST COMMENTING!

Which means:

1. They had to find me so that takes effort even through a ROLLING feed, and my pages do not roll.

2. They LIKED my Facebook Fan Page

3. They reviewed my information, including my albums and looks at what it was that they said and felt I was wrong about them.

4. Then they responded in kind on my comments on each picture. It was not one or two pictures, it was every picture in that album.

Like I said, in social media time, a lot can change in 5 months. A lot has changed in both my RP, my character and what I am doing with it professionally. For these bullies to make an active effort on an illegal Facebook account to FIND ME and HARASS ME on my character's Fan Page and promote it to Twitter, is CYBERSTALKING and PSYCHOTIC!

If I had said anything to them within that time, it would be one thing. But I had left them alone. I wanted nothing to do with them. They lie, little girls are being Mary Sues to perverted men as slaves. When something REAL happens, a sex predator who actually does meet a child online, they whine reeling from their manipulation.

I ask the kids where are their parents and have they signed off on this? I took a chance for a kid being underage for social media on Twitter, and I got gaffled by him. So I implement more rules.

Good thing the young people are smarter on Facebook. Sometimes too smart.

But every young person I have worked with can SHOW THEIR WORK they have done with me. At least their scripts.

Roleplay is fun when it works, but posting on people's walls and feeds is NOT RP. Pretending to meet at a Starbucks to gossip is trying to live one's real life online because they do not have one.

My friends that RP felt the act was one of desperation. I did not engage with the person because I know me I would have called them more words than "idiot". But you are right, I reported it to Facebook. As far as I can tell, the account is gone.

What if they do get smart, well, the action plan is to block that account and report. No one wants to deal with those who cross the line between in character and out of character.

They say I do that, but that is why I have a script and I stick to it. At least my scripts have plots to them and we are trying to get that goal.

If you want to know more visit us at Isle Sanctuary Creative Artists

Facebook Deletion of Accounts -- all of this drama for pretending to be my favorite Star Wars character I created?

My account was deleted from Facebook today. Episode alert. I am delete.

It all started when I was watching a Star Wars Clone Wars episode in 2009 called The Senate Spy.

I was so enraged by the Episode. Another powerful woman character, Padme Amidala, was "thrown into the refrigerator" to be saved by her husband, Anakin Skywalker, when she has everything under control.

I was also on the Force Net, boards where they discussed what Padme had done to merit the conversion of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. Why did she die of not having the will to live...

When I realized, I could write that story! So I did! In 10 days, I wrote a fan fiction replete with music and imagery description.

From there, I was hooked. There were NOT many diverse powerful women in the Star Wars Expanded Universe to similar caliber of a Padme/Leia/Jaina. Why not when many of us love Star Wars just as the next woman? And while our images ARE THERE, we are relegated to second class citizens in the back of the bus...

I said NO MORE!

And I created and wrote the character as a composite of all the powerful women I know. Women I grew up with, who mentored and taught me. To positive younger women being successful in their fields. All these women I know are women of color. Most of them come from my Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and other Sororities.

What I came up with is:

A Senator
A woman
Who was a hybrid species - Yuuzhan Vong-Human Hybrid
From the planet Haruun Kal
Part of a powerful family
Unstable Force Powers
Has a lot to hide for many people
Made to do unspeakable acts
Because her life has been planned, it makes her mentally sick and rebellious

The name I created was Yemaja Mlise Lah.

Now for the image, I use the Goddess Yemaya pictures. But on Twitter, the public did not respond to them favorable. They responded to physical images. My image did not "fit", so I selected key women of African descent to test. The one image that worked the best was Ms. Selita Ebanks. She got the highest response rates the firshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift picture I selected of hers.



These activities were on Twitter where she still resides in persona.

But when I started roleplaying as her--like an actress prepares for a role--she was bashed. Unknown individuals sent vile emails, posted disgusting pictures and were offensive to her. To really tell a story about her, explanations were insufficient.

To circumvent those issues a blog about her was generated about what she is doing and how she is handling is.



Thing is there was a recruitment problems. How does one get others to read one's blog. Joining more social media sites.

So it was decided to create a Facebook profile page of her.

Much was happening, until Facebook changed their rules and demanded others to create a "Fan Page". A Fan Page was created, but the usability is something left to be desired especially on phones, especially for roleplaying on FB.

It is not hidden concept that Facebook is NOT for artists except for showcasing their art. Facebook is not for performances, even if one uses their personal account.

Yemaja's Facebook Fan Page as it stands is here

If one looks through the albums, the attacks on her character has not stopped.

This drama is enough! No one needs all this drama for two years just for creating my favorite Star Wars character and pretending to act it.

BTW: That image of the Goddess Yemaya dancing in the water, Facebook said it violated their image codes of pornography. How is that disrespecting people's religion.

Science Fiction Prognostications...FOR WOMEN, BY WOMEN!

It has long been held that stories in science fiction can predict the future. Like somewhat futurists, visionaries or prognostications. A writer in science fiction in my opinion needs to 1) Like science; 2) Like fiction; 3) Love to read the two genres; and 4) write, constantly.

Writing for me is VERY HARD! I am a poor writer. And reading...(whispers: don't tell my mother as she is a reading specialist and has a PhD in reading not my FAVORITE thing to do until I get revved up going on something)...Yeah...

But I am LEARNING to put the two together: reading and writing due to the advent of social media. So thank Google, Facebook and Twitter for me when you see them.

Anyhow, I am reading this blog piece about: Science Fiction’s Take on the Future of Computers: Visionaries and Imaginaries

Cool as the other side of the pillow piece. LOVE the imagery from each of the authors and I find it incredible with a few probably becoming true. Then when I looked at all the names and who was predicting what computers will do in the future, I remembered my GeekGirlCon mantra and was like,

"Where are the women in all of this? What are our futures like?"

So it got me to thinking, what I know about women, being female, from a PhD in Molecular Genetics point of view. Here is what science fiction I inspire for women:

• NO WOMAN WILL EVER DIE OF BREAST CANCER ANYMORE!!! NEAR FUTURE!!! Computers will find a way to target cancer cells in such a way not seen before. Cells will be know if their programming will turn into cancer and a simple specialize photonic-laser therapy will be applied to reach to the sub-atomic level within the cells to correct the mutations both epigenetically and genetically. Before that, a vaccination will be given to women.



• Women will select their weights and be able to burn fat to the weight they desire. A combination between nanotechnology and the Staphylococcus spp. flesh eating bacteria which has been genetically modified to eat all white adipose tissue according to programmable targets from the nanotech.



• Women will not age, dubbed the "Dorian Gray Soma" effect. The telomeres switching as one age will be discovered to occur on the "X" chromosome affected by hormones, chiefly estrogen and after puberty. All women who choose it, will go to their provider and be injected with a vaccination or a treatment plan for the telomere-stabilization procedure so they do not age until 90-100 years old. It is like the "Soma" in a Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. But this is how the process works. So, no longer would it be socially acceptable for a 20 year old woman to have a baby. Most children will be born without medical intervention by women over 40 years old and the woman appears just as she did when she was 16-20 years old.



• NO MENOPAUSE! Women an accidental discovering in an obscure laboratory by a lowly female investigator will discover why women have fluctuating hormones and menopause and there will be a simple fix similar to that seen in stomach ulcers and treatment with antibiotics. This woman will win the Nobel Prize for this discovery and for saving millions of women's relationships



• The integration of women and computer technology would solve some of the financial crises with balancing our natural resources and our impact on our planet safely for families.

Those are my inspirations for future technology, gentlemen... I am sure many other women have theirs to add...

Reality Struck. I am the 99%

With this "Occupy Wall Street" events, I wonder all the images I see are of caucasian men and not the persons who have a 14-18% unemployment rate: African Americans. Much less women.

What does not make sense to me is me being having a PhD, highly educated by tax payers money and unable to hold down a position because I refuse to be slave labor. When I worked in scientific biotech research, I was asked to slaughter 300 mice because the investigator's scientist failed to plan her research demanding I breed too many mice and got inundated. Killing off mice because you can't pay for them is illegal according to the Office of Animal Welfare. It is the reason why PETA goes psychotic. But when you get these outsourced users who are slave laborers and will do anything for a green card...Then you get gross dysfunctional regulation observable in science.

We, the skilled American worker has been displaced because owners want slaves, not ingenuity.

On the news, ABC reported that one company cannot find any skilled workers. The owner complained saying their is no lack of manufacturing. That owner is lazy! He is a bigot and wants to slave people away.

This is my reality, though...How do you hustle for money? Make a whole bunch of YouTube videos hoping for a contract? Why? That is not what I want to do. But I have to pimp myself out to be legit?

Say God will provide. So far, my Faith has been tested and He has provided. Complaints are useless. So I pray.

Seek friends and family. How quickly they distance themselves from you when you hit hard times. Then pride kicks in. You don't want to ask family or friends for help. They are struggling, too. So it would be too much of imposition.

Requests the United States Government to intervene after I paid them a lot of money to ruin my retirement: YEAH RIGHT!

Anyhow. Move forward. Smile. And try to save face.

And these suicide options are looking pretty good now...

I am not serious.


I have a plan.