December 23rd, 2024

Ken Burns’ PBS special further cements Ernest Hemingway as a phenom, a monstrosity. He was like all of us in the final analysis, a summation of our contradictions and strengths. He was not an angel and he was a mere mortal. While watching this tour de force, I thought of damaged geniuses. Miles Davis comes to mind. Especially how he was gripped with paranoia at the end of his days. Miles originated from a rich and dysfunctional family with a powerful father who couldn’t stop the fights with Miles’ mother Hemingway was prophetic when he wrote, “Ask not for whom the Bell Tolls.”

According to Hemingway’s critics, he began to believe his own press his own BS. The celebrity persona brought the groupies and they heaped lavish praise upon him. He was a demigod of fiction and creative writing. That is the problem with celebrity – separating the man from the myth.

It is a mistake to get too far away from being an ordinary man or woman. Extraordinary is OK, but it is not advisable to stay away from the ordinary man too long. The ordinary man is demythologized every day after he makes ROLL CALL. One of the problems with CELEBRITY is that you can never be anonymous. You can never be private because too many people know your face and your work. In London and Vancouver, these metropolises are secular cities but you can find your party even behind dark glasses.

Life events can attack you like a ruthless band of bandits. Lovers and friends can leave, and loneliness  and despair can’t attack you like a band of ruthless jump out boys. Ask Van Gogh, he literally took a razor blade and sliced off his left ear and nearly bled to death before a medical intervention. Was it because of an argument with fellow giant-artist, friend and lover Paul Gauguin?

Hemingway and the 27 club, Hendrix, Cross ROADS Delta Johnson, Morrison, Joplin and others could not stop their avatars from leading them to descend into a brilliant madness. Charlie Parker’s “BIRD LIVES” anesthetized himself into the next world by overdosing at age 33. One fellow writer and analyst said that no insecure overachiever can compensate while standing in quicksand. Really, forget your critics and don’t be overly concerned by what the citizens of Nutbush think of you. Your family and three friends – YES – but not the gallery.

St. Augustine said, and I paraphrase, be careful of what you love because you become what you love. And now we come to the crux of the matter. Duchess Meghan Markle made Oprah and all of us freeze and blink when she said in the interview, “I did not want to live.” Did she know that Nikki Giovanni transversed the mental universe when she said, “treat yourself well and you can treat others well?”

The Crown (monarchy) is important, the Prince and Queen are important, the British people are important, however, why be flipped by their conception of you.  A grown woman submitting to a scheme of having to ask an employee if it is permissible to go to the Doctor is unacceptable in 2020 or 2021.  A royal mother is denied security for her children and innuendo floods the ether about how “brown” your unborn baby would be. Because the world has color anxiety, the world starts soul searching. Our shining prince, Malcolm, knew color anxiety as “ whites disease.”

Now Doctors are addicting you to powerful anti-anxiety drugs.

I am sympathetic but worrying can’t change destiny. “Mind candy” can’t change destiny. Hemingway couldn’t comprehend that fat meat was greasy, and that alcoholism was progressive and fatal.

BB King told Queen Elizabeth how to fight the hounds and alligators with the Blues. “If you want to keep on flying, don’t look down at the ground.No one can make you feel inferior unless you give them your permission. Even if Hemingway’s daddy descended into madness and committed suicide, he could break the grip of celebrity and become an ordinary man and live.

I am musing about a complex matter. I admit that I am somewhat unsure that his yoke is easy and his burden is light.

I do know that in another episode of the BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL, Ms. Hollywood , Patty Duke, was DESCENDING into MADNESS, being dominated by anti-psychiatry medications and psychiatrists. Luckily and fatefully, Patty Duke found the right psychiatrist after 22 attempts. The 23rd psychiatrist was the TRUTH for he understood her descent and helped her break the chains of hell and the great adversary.

Meghan, don’t let your enemies prosper at your demise and DESCEND INTO MADNESS.  MANIC DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS, now called BI POLAR, is real.  It is too late for Miles and Hemingway, Bird and VAN Gogh, but your trials have given you gifts to OVERCOME the WORLD.

Believe, MEGHAN, Believe…

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”  – Dali Lama

 

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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