Comments for Speak Without Interruption

Comment on Mothers against drunk drivers by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:50:35 +0000

Here’s something else the system is doing to make things harder to swallow. They have decided that those who are manic depressive are actual bi-polar. Could account for some of the things you say about your girlfriend and aid in getting her some help.

Comment on Mothers against drunk drivers by SteveG

SteveG — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:31:13 +0000

Minnette, you are most likely right, I know I have my own issues.The funny thing I see is the change in personality leading up to a drunk. Only someone close would see it. She will start smoking ciggerettes and doesn’t normaly smoke. Her personality will become bolder, more sexual and manipulative. I would say she becomes slightly manic, within a few days the drinking starts, 24 hours a day non stop falling down drunk. Almost like two personalities. I imagine after 14 years I have done all I can do, my resources are pretty well tapped out and I am getting ready to retire soon. It just seems that the system could be a little better equipped to handle these things. Steve

Comment on Commitment to Others- for Free by Bob Grant - Editor

Bob Grant - Editor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:39:08 +0000

Minnette is correct. I have gained more from this site than I ever could have imagined and we have, really, just started. I have made good friends – like Minnette. I have learned to appreciate the written word and what a talent it is to be able to express oneself in written form. I started this site for one reason – to give pundits a place to finish their conversations without interruption. However, I am glad that I did not receive any interest there as what this site has turned into is of immeasurable pleasure to me. My wife and I have done OK in life. We are not rich but we have enough to live reasonably although not extravagantly. I suppose we could always make more – or want more – or use more for that matter. However, I see people – who have bundles – who are seemingly miserable in life. I was told something in my early years and I took it as advice. I know it is an old saying – and there are many variations of it – but, “Pigs get Fat – Hogs get Slaughtered” is something I have tried to remember throughout my working years. As for this site – it is here (for free) for any writer to use as they see fit. It is also here for readers to experience all levels of writing talent along with a variety of subject matter – all at absolutely no charge!

Comment on Mothers against drunk drivers by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:20:27 +0000

Your commitment to your girlfriend is admirable but you need to understand that you have lost someone to a horrible disease. I recently learned that people who are addicted tend to consume those around them, and I see that in what you wrote. You are trying to understand, to help, to be judge and lover at the same time. You think that the only recourse is a law that prohibits those with alcohol addiction to drink at all, and you may be right. The real problem, however, could be the fact that your girlfriend may not want help.
If you say she is fine 350 days of the year, she needs to get counseling to find out what sets her off the path to good health and on the road to booze. She is lucky to have you but soon you will burn out from this. Maybe it would help if you sought counseling to get you through these times. I pray that this stint in jail helps her to see the problem and gives you a break.

Comment on Publish America Scam or Not? To Trust or Not To Trust? by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:14:28 +0000

Jorge, consider an ebook. Much much cheaper and it’s fast becoming the best way to publish. There more than a hundred tablet/slate/iPad style devices in design and early production today. These are all slated for release this year. The market is lit up over the iPad in a kind of renaissance of personal computing. Take advantage of the trend. Don’t be locked into paper, eBooks offer so much more versatility and possibility.

Comment on The Future of History by Genevieve

Genevieve — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:58:56 +0000

I entirely agree. Ironically, up here in Nova Scotia, my kids aren’t learning about Scottish emigration (which created Nova Scotia, or “New Scotland”). They are learning about the Underground Railroad! A very, very important part of history, and they bring me stories every day – but like you said, they’re not telling my girls “their” history.

Comment on Publish America Scam or Not? To Trust or Not To Trust? by Pearl Robinson

Pearl Robinson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:53:22 +0000

Hi Jorge, I have self published two books! Both times I used Holy Fire Publishing. Those guys are really nice. My first book is seasonal, meaning it was written for Churches Easter and christmas programs. To date I believe around 2500 have been sold, not bad! Now that easter is approaching, I was checking my ranking on Amazon last night and I ranked 21000.00 two hours back to back. With over 4 to 5 million items on Amazon, I think that is great. Google in Holy Fire Publishing, click on Christian publishing. Thier packages range from $699 to 1299.00. You can also buy promotional items if you want to. Vanessa and the crew will treat you good, you will get a royality check quarterly base on the sales of your book. They use most of the online stores. I hope that helps you! Be blessed!

Comment on Publish America Scam or Not? To Trust or Not To Trust? by Jorge

Jorge — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:53:02 +0000

Interesting article. I did want to publish my first book several years ago this way but thought it was a scam. (I was contacted by Author House and was rejected by about 6 agents.)
Would you recommend I use Publish America? If not, does any one have a good vanity press that is actually legitimate and doesn’t cost $5500 Sorry but whenever I google I get 9 out of 10 scams/spam sites.

Comment on They left the toilets running……. by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:54:03 +0000

Thank you Minnette, maybe I got away with it……

Comment on Left Behind by Pearl Robinson

Pearl Robinson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:34:14 +0000

Minnette, thank you! your writing is beautiful also. Keep em coming. Yes, I will continue to speak what I believe! Again, thank you for your comments! Be blessed!

Comment on They left the toilets running……. by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:58:57 +0000

Prentiss this is crazy fun. Kind of reminds me of the jokes I get emailed to me too often. I can see some of the holy offerings and the Reverend jumping into the whirlpool. Those of us not on Mars wonder why. But that’s before cocktails.
One more thing. In the last full paragraph that starts with “Exploracorp, and its subsidiaries. . .” its is possesive and I think you mean accept no responsiblility. Trying to get to you before Steve realizes he missed it.

Comment on They left the toilets running……. by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:49:07 +0000

Thanks steve, coming from you that’s very nice!

Comment on The Last Few Pages by Kaye

Kaye — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:45:02 +0000

Let it go Mama. Just like a child you have to let it go.

Comment on The Last Few Pages by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:12:57 +0000

Nothing is ever finished or good enough, you can re-write forever. Just get sick of it and move on. Don’t forget, the more you write, the better you get.

Comment on MAC BOOK PRo, The Latest, The Greatest And What May Be Coming Our Way (The 21st century Revolution part 1) by Prentiss Gray

Prentiss Gray — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:36:44 +0000

I think it’s more likely that there will be no dock, just wireless.

Comment on They left the toilets running……. by steve S.

steve S. — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:33:34 +0000

Very nice satire!

Comment on The Future of History by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:52:58 +0000

I was never a history buff either until I realized no one was telling my history. In the United States we just had Black History Month (February)and each year I learn things that I was never taught in schools because my culture was not incorporated into the history of the country. The future is the answer to our history and must know it before we move on.
Tell your girls every culture has traditions and whether they like them now or not they should know them. Eventually the traiditions may die down but the history will survive.

Comment on Vacation Lists by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:32:43 +0000

It’s good to be home because you will be able to go away again.
I needed the reminder of vacations and holidays today. Thanks for this- especially the drink part.
When you get to go away without your kids, and we did that every few years and now that they are grown, you will really want places without children. Some high end resorts have sections where children are not allowed and it makes all the difference in the world when you are trying to relaxed and snuggle with your love or talk about grown up things.
And I wish everybody would leave their cell phones in their rooms. You don’t need to call someone every five minutes to tell them what you are enjoying.

Comment on Where I am god by Ann

Ann — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:09:58 +0000

I wish I had the creative talent you all have – I find my strength is in non-fiction and “teaching” I guess. I love to share information and make it as easy to understand as possible. I freeze when I try to make up a fictional story – my mind just doesn’t go there! Isn’t it great that we are all so different and our talents complement each other?

Comment on Heckling and Hate Speech by Chris

Chris — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:45:57 +0000

This is another hilarious comic that is truly fitting.

Comment on Left Behind by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:22:12 +0000

Pearl, I believe the Bible is a book written by men and how they interpreted what they thought God was saying. Currently, I understand, there is a move to change some of the things in the Bible. The words are too ‘liberal’.
That said I grew up Catholic and I still believe there is a spiritual power that leads and protects us. I also believe there is a devil, but perhaps not in the way of the scriptures.
Your writting is beautiful and full of your love for God. Keep it up and speak without us interrupting you. That is why we are here.

Comment on Totally Gross: The Gross Food Movement by seo toolbox

seo toolbox — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:11:19 +0000

YOM YOM YOM… i’l half a slice, dont know where the other 35 slices will go to .. hahaha

Comment on Where I am god by Pearl Robinson

Pearl Robinson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:15:18 +0000

Lara I like it, I love writing fiction too! I enjoy dreaming and making up different characters, putting them through some terrible things, but in the end I would let God get His glory. I love it, I’m dreaming of a story as I write this! Be blessed!

Comment on Left Behind by Pearl Robinson

Pearl Robinson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:46:58 +0000

Minnette, please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe I read in some of your postings or comments where you said that you didn’t believe in the Bible. This particular poem or piece is scriptual. In the Bible there are scriptures that talks about Christ second coming or Christ coming back like a thief in the night. I believe in the Bible, every word of it. Honestly I cannot tell you where the term rapture came from, but I do know that when a christian or some christians hear the word rapture, they think of the second coming of Christ. You are right, God leaves no one behind, people make thier own choice to be left behind. According to the Bible God gives us a choice, it is up to us to chose the right one. I feel without a doubt that anyone who say that he or she is a christian and know the word of God can relate to this poem. Steve, thank you for your comment! I do know that every line does not have to rhyme, sometimes it is an issue I have when I write, but yes I know that it is not necessary. Lastly, you are right a shepherd knows his sheep. Prentiss, thank you for your comment also! I don’t know, you might want to think about having the planet to yourself, becasue according to the Bible life on the earth won’t be the same once christians and the Holy Spirit leaves. Blessings to all of you!

Comment on I’m still waiting for the “Prize Patrol” by Prentiss gray

Prentiss gray — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:29:01 +0000

But wait……….. there’s more!

Comment on Left Behind by Prentiss gray

Prentiss gray — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:19:20 +0000

Can’t wait to have the planet to ourselves! Steve’s right about the piece though it’s a very solid piece of work.

Comment on The Culture of Step by kaye

kaye — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:53:24 +0000

Thanks Minnette once again you display a propensity for clear thinking.

You are right, our children and grandchildren have no idea of how music was stolen from the generations that came before us. Little Richard knows. Even the Jackson Five who arrived late in the game were victims.

That “Jungle Music” is the only original form of music American has. So I guess I’m back to “One Tribe Y’all”.

Comment on The Culture of Step by kaye

kaye — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:44:22 +0000

Oh and your Moms’son is the BEST as well. I happen to know that she is very, very proud of you.

Comment on The Culture of Step by kaye

kaye — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:41:30 +0000

Thanks Kwamé for your perspective. It is a good one. Yes, I would agree that once an art form enters the world stage it is open for adaptation. And like Minnette said our community has so much to offer the world. But there is a difference between sharing and taking. When you share, you do so willingly. The problem I see is that we as a people have had so much taken from us that we have become very protective. When we are willing to share the world doesn’t want what we have to offer just because we are offering it. When we close ranks and only share within here they come just a bold as you please seemingly clueless as to why we would feel offended.

And so it is with stepping(stomping). The big corporations grabbed hold because it was a good way to make more money. We were winning some of that cold hard cash and guess what, now we are not. But as your generation says “Its all good”. I bet the next step off will be even more fierce.

Comment on Left Behind by steve S.

steve S. — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:26:33 +0000

Pearl–first your poetry is getting better, like the line about the empty chairs. Remember–lines don’t always have to rhyme.
Secondly, Christ knows you better than you think. Ahem.

Comment on Left Behind by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:57:13 +0000

I don’t think Christ leaves anyone behind. I believe Christ gives them time to think. those who are left behind are not left. Theya re remembered by those who have gone ahead. I have never really understood the term ‘rapture’ in the religious sense but I believe God leaves no one behind. We all get there eventually.

Comment on The Culture of Step by Minnette Coleman

Minnette Coleman — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:50:59 +0000

Kaye: I did not seet he step competition but I say this: we ahve to be bigger than those who haunt us. The black community has so much to offer it is often copied by everyone. And imitation is supposed to be the most sincere form of flattery.
Unfortunately, most people of color do not know how the music of blacks was put down by whites in the 1950s as jungle music. The children of the people who said that are the baby boomers who integrated audiences on Bandstand and other shows.
We should not be like those who stole us. There will be a lot of copies of what each culture does as long as there are people. The problem is people of color are tired of having things stolen. Forget the stealing, stnad up for what is yours and share when you can.
And Kwame, your mom is great.

Comment on I’m still waiting for the “Prize Patrol” by Christopher Irving

Christopher Irving — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:10:36 +0000

Hello. This is Chris Irving from the Consumer Affairs group of Publishers Clearing House. Your post was directed to my attention and I wanted to respond at once. I believe that you and your readers may find some additional information to be of interest.

Regarding our odds, PCH and our varied online sites award prizes that range from our famous million dollar SuperPrize giveaways all the way down to smaller cash prizes and even gift cards for online retailers such as Amazon. The odds for many of these giveaways are some of the lowest offered by any major sweepstakes promoter.

Unlike state lotteries, a purchase is never necessary to enter and buying will not help you win. And speaking of winning, real people really do win at PCH – everyday through the mail or at our online sites featured at pch.com

One thing is for sure. Without an entry consumers have no chance to win. The faces of our winners from coast to coast when our famous Prize Patrol shows up with balloons, flowers and that big check demonstrates what a single entry and a little luck can accomplish!

Chris Irving
Assistant Vice President, Consumer Affairs
Publishers Clearing House

Comment on Steve Sangirardi’s novel Monday Afternoon published by Night Reading by steve S.

steve S. — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:10:16 +0000

Hey, Tony. Are you my wife’s cousin or uncle? That’s where Aiello comes from.

Comment on The Culture of Step by KWAME

KWAME — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:58:58 +0000

I Agree but one a “cultural” thing enters the “World stage” Its open to all.. Like non asians in a martial arts competition. Myself and other folks i know who are in black fraternity and sororities actually saw the competition and the winners actually brought creativity to the stage & were exceptional & they deserved a nod if not the win.
PS MY MOMS THE BEST!!!!!

Comment on Western perspective is not culture by Kaye

Kaye — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:42:22 +0000

Tyree,
It was the same when Minette and I were in School at Guilford College. It hasn’t changed because they (the powers that be) don’t want it to change. Look at how they are reacting to the president. If they wanted things to change he wouldn’t be catching so much hell and we wouldn’t be having this conversation on line, face to face or any place else.

This country was designed to serve the needs of rich White Men. When they were forced into serving other demographics the machine started to break and weaken and Lord, look where we are now, we are all sitting in a broken machine. They are trying to fix it but when and if they do you can rest assured that it won’t be in service to you or I, we will be in service to it.

Unless and until we all realize that in order for this machine to work we need to fix it together using respect for each other. You can’t really grow and floursh if you are intent on keeping others down. Back in the day we would say if you keep your foot on my neck you sure can’t go any place. You have got to stand there holding me down.

They haven’t figured that out yet.

Comment on Steve Sangirardi’s novel Monday Afternoon published by Night Reading by tony aiello

tony aiello — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:29:15 +0000

had no idea about the book. congratulations!!
i will order it and send you my comments. “angelo aiello” where did that come from?

Comment on I’m still waiting for the “Prize Patrol” by Bob Grant - Editor

Bob Grant - Editor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:56:57 +0000

A couple of summers ago my wife and I were driving by a fairly busy intersection when we spotted an older lady walking (actually weaving) along the shoulder. It was an extremely hot day – close to 100 as I recall – so we pulled over to speak with her. She was very disoriented and said she was walking to claim her prize. We asked “what prize” and she was clutching a PCH Sweepstakes mailing. She was certain she was a winner and was walking to collect her winnings. We asked her where she was going and she could not answer and did not know – she just knew she had to walk to find it. We don’t know if it was the heat – or a medical condition – or both but we knew she would be in real trouble if she kept wandering on the hiway in the heat. I was about to call 911 when a police car appeared in the opposite lane. I flagged him over and told him the problem. He said he would take care of her and we drove off. I know PCH is legal in what they do – but to some who receive their mailings – they may not know, or understand, that these mailings are just a way to sell magazines and nothing more. Because of this incident we never entered their program again and our trash bill has gone down tremendously.

Comment on A Tease from Spring by Kaye

Kaye — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:07:55 +0000

That is why I love the south. Today it is 70 and, when we bet back to normal it will be in the 60s. After this past winter I ready to move to Barbados, I can’t take another winter from hell.
Tease me mama, tease me!

Comment on People Watching-It Builds Characters by SteveG

SteveG — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:16:55 +0000

Minnette, I lov people watching. I go to the mall with my girlfriend and I sit on the bench while she shops and watch people. I go to my coffee shops and watch people. My favorite part of going downtown for jury duty is the long hours of people watching that goes with it. I find myself studying expressions, body language, and appearances in general. I try to imagine what they are thinking or what molded them to react the way they did. I guess you could say I sit back and attempt to take their inventory. This has always facinated me, Thier never has been any paticular type I like to watch, everyone is fair game. Steve