Disqus - Latest Comments for KWiz

Re: 5 Blog Writing Tips To Get More Comments

KWiz — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:24:00 -0000

I'm a new blogger, and I've gotten few comments so far. Nevertheless, #3 worked for me a couple of days ago when I wrote about the incident between AirTran and the family the airline kicked off the plane. Not only did it elicit some comments (and quickly), I learned alot about why people feel the way they feel.

Re: 5 Things to Avoid in WordPress Themes

KWiz — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:15:04 -0000

Because of this post, I view my choice of theme as absolutely great! I don't know about code or too few or too many files (at least not yet), but my theme gets updated, has support, and is very flexible. Thanks so much for this post!

Re: Sunday’s Thoughts: Going To Church

KWiz — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:47:34 -0000

Hi Marvalus,
You've been through a painful experience. We go to the church because we feel we are called there. We expect to experience comfort, fellowship, growth. We open ourselves up because we love God. And therein lies the potential for people who are in positions of leadership to take advantage. Some of these people (I don't think it's limited to men, although men comprise the majority of those in leadership positions in the church) believe they are in positions of power; and indeed, many in the church body buy into their perceived power. Some women are even attracted to it. But it is that perceived power that sometimes drives people to take advantage of others in the church. You identified it. There are pastors who try to take financial advantage of their congregations. There are others who try to take advantage of their parishioners by guiltifying them into spending all their time at the church (sometimes at the expense of their families). And then you get those who take advantage of others sexually. It's a complete betrayal of our trust. We are betrayed by a place where we are to grow spiritually, not taken apart and broken apart. So when we are betrayed, it's difficult to look the pain in the face.

I can empathize with your feelings. A very important connection was severed. Yet, give yourself the time and the grace to find your way back. If you feel like you need the fellowship, go for that moment, knowing you're not committing to anything but to worship God. Then see where God takes you from there.

Re: Sunday’s Thoughts: Going To Church

KWiz — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:07:12 -0000

@Marvalus -
Hi Marvalus,
I came by because my husband speaks so highly of you. I had stopped blogging for awhile and have started back up, and as I was making my rounds found you because of him. You speak truth, you open yourself, and you are helping lots of people while being entertaining. Thank you!

Re: In My Opinion: She Is On Minute #15

KWiz — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:44:11 -0000

I've never been an Ashanti fan. When she first came out several years ago I thought the same thing you thought, Marvalus...this girl cannot sing. She's just another pretty face. And when I saw those ridiculous videos with her and Ja-Rule, I knew she was virtually talent-less. I think she tried to make her mark around the same time Aaliyah and those girls were coming of age. She had a lot of competition, and she couldn't compete (again, none of them were strong singers, but evidently, they had better marketers and promoters). So it's no surprise that she would do whatever it takes to get attention. Nonetheless, she should try to be a role model for these young girls. But if you don't know better, you can't do better yourself. This might be the undoing of whatever career she had. How unfortunate, because while she's accountable for her own actions, it's evident she doesn't have mentors that can guide her along in life. If she does, their silence is murder.

Re: PageTurner: Steppin’ Out Of The Darkness

KWiz — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:35:19 -0000

Hi Marvalus,
Wow! Thank you for the wonderful review you gave for my husband's book! I've been reading the book for the past 7 years, almost as long as I've known Manchild, so it's easy for me to say that it's a great book. But I suppose I'm biased! :wink:

But to read a review by an objective reader is entirely different. I just read the review, and read it to him. We are so very honored. Thank you, Marvalus.

Re: Spreading The Love

KWiz — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:58:47 -0000

Thank you, Marvalus. I appreciate the honor. I believe in organ donation; I've been an organ donor since I've had my driver's license. I'll make sure I pass it on.

Re: Breaking News: Tim Russert

KWiz — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:06:09 -0000

My husband told me about it when I was coming out of Walmart this afternoon; at first I thought it was a joke. And then I realized he wasn't joking. It's so incredibly surreal. What an incredible loss for America.

I began watching MTP a few years ago, and actually looked forward to it every Sunday. I will definitely miss him. It's so odd; things just don't feel the same without him here. I almost feel like I knew him personally. And to see the emotion pouring out of media representatives everywhere (I watched David Brooks almost break down, as well as Tom Brokaw) is bittersweet. On the one hand, it was wonderful to see that Russert was so incredibly loved. It's just a shame that this happened to see what kind of impact he has made on us all.

Re: Breaking News: Tim Russert

KWiz — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:04:44 -0000

@MrsGrapevine - I saw Matt Lauer's tribute as well. It's so sad. I'm going to watch MTP tomorrow morning. I don't know how I'll handle it.

Re: The 10Spot: Things I Am Just Confused About

KWiz — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:13:01 -0000

What a great post, Marvalus. R. Kelly's verdict was ridiculous, but what can you do when a witness won't testify? I personally believe her and her family were paid off. And when you don't have anything on the candidate, let's attack the family. I think the attacks on Michelle are going to backfire in a great way. And let's hope the Celtics put it away tonight! I haven't been a Lakers fan in awhile anyway. As far as HRC supporters, I think that once those hard feelings subside a little bit and they realize that McCain just wants to do what's worse for this country and for women (allowing the S.C. to repeal Roe v. Wade would be disastrous and dangerous for women across the country), they'll come around (there are more harsh things I'd like to say regarding their support for him because of a grudge, but I'll refrain right now). And finally, I watched the tribute to Tim Russert this morning. I'm not much of a crier. I tried to hold it in. I cried a little at the end. He touched so many lives for so long, and to hear such an endearing tribute was like, Wow. We sometimes say "It was his time to go. It was her time to go." I just can't get with that mindset right now. I'm not going to speculate on his health and all. I just think his departure was premature.

Thank you, Marvalus, for a great post, and allowing us to reflect on important issues. I appreciate your writing, because you are so incredibly thoughtful, and get us thinking intelligently about important issues in our world. I'm not trying to suck up; I just look forward to coming to see what you've written about daily. I was especially looking forward to what you were going to say about Tim. Thank you again.

Re: Celtics, Baby…WHAT!!!!

KWiz — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:04:11 -0000

This is so fantastic!!! They blew them away!!! I'm so happy about it! I'm so proud of Doc Rivers. I graduated from Marquette University. I started when he was a junior there (I think he was a junior). Then he left after my freshman year, and it all went downhill from there. I remember when he got married (in Milwaukee). His picture was in the Milwaukee Journal, with his groomsmen - they wore pink sneakers (Keds, I believe). It is so great to see his success, the Celtics' success. To see the Lakers get blown out like that...Wow, I'm excited for them!!! Still watchin' it!

Re: Commentary: Fighting The Battle

KWiz — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:14:59 -0000

This is what happens when people are insecure afraid. They go on the attack. But this is more than people just being afraid. This is people who want to conserve their way of life being just plain TERRIFIED! These people cannot see themselves being led by a Black man. And quite frankly, I do believe that some of these folks wish they could have the kind of strength that she exhibits.

People attack that which they fear. It seems that the number of people engaging in this behavior is small, because white, brown, purple, pink, orange, or green, I believe people, on the whole, are more intelligent than this. I hope and pray they are.

Re: Celtics, Baby…WHAT!!!!

KWiz — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:19:52 -0000

@Marvalus - I didn't know KG came out of high school. To tell you the truth, I only watch the NBA during the playoffs (I haven't been a real fan of the NBA since after Jordan, Barkeley, and that crew retired), so I guess I wouldn't know.

How embarrassed are the Lakers right now!!!

Re: Commentary: Fighting The Battle

KWiz — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:52:50 -0000

And while you've got trolls out there who are trying to bring down this wonderful family, Mark Halperin from Time Magazine notes that the Obamas made Us Weekly http://thepage.time.com/2008/06/17/obamas-get-t...

Beautiful cover!

Re: MovieWatcher: The Incredible Hulk

KWiz — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:35:31 -0000

You haven't yet seen The Great Debaters????? Oh Marvalus, you absolutely must see this movie!!! You'll wonder why you waited so long!!! I loved that movie!!!

Your post has inspired me to post my post about superheroes this weekend.

Re: The10Spot: On My Mind

KWiz — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:38:33 -0000

Hey Marvalus,
I'm with you on those girls who were in on the Pregnancy Pact. My mother would've done exactly as yours did. Had my fun though, too...

Michelle Obama was absolutely fantastic. There are always haters and will always be haters. Good for you for not giving the sites dedicated to the hate the time of day. But it was reported yesterday that the store where she got that beautiful dress from got a run on customers, and the dress is backordered until like August or September. It costs $148! How down to earth is she!!!

Hancock looks like it's going to be incredibly good and funny. And true to form, Will Smith opens a movie during July 4 holiday. Box office numbers are going to be out of this world!

BET Awards are going to be cheesy. I was listening to D.L. Hughley on TJMS on Thursday, and he cracked an awful joke about Tim Russert's death. And of course, Tom Joyner and crew laughed. It was tasteless; just like BET. And with D.L. as the host, well, cheesy is as cheesy is...

I watched the Y&R from the time I was like 12 until a few years ago. I didn't know they had Victor and Nikki not together anymore! What a dumb move! Now I know I won't even want to watch it to catch up while I'm still off for the summer.

I love your 10Spots, Marvalus! These are great! Have a great weekend!

Re: TMV On: Shaq and Kobe

KWiz — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:04:07 -0000

Why does Shaq even have Kobe on the brain? Seems like there's some pain there that Shaq hasn't dealt with. He's hatin' and he needs to stop. As other commenters have said, it's childish. He needs to learn how to handle his pain and be accountable for his own actions. As well, he only did it to try to get people to take his side. You know how people do; they trash someone else trying to garner support for their own side. Yet this time, it backfired.

It's notable that Shaq hasn't done all that well himself with Kobe!

Re: TMV: Reconnecting

KWiz — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:45:00 -0000

Congratulations Marva! When you know what you're called to do, you have to know that God is going to lead you to that which you are supposed to have. It happened to me, and it can happen to anyone, I believe, who seeks God's will for their lives. It just doesn't happen as pretty as people think it should. You were unemployed for a couple of months, which must have been uncomfortable. But God doesn't do comfortable.

I remember when I thought I was supposed to pursue a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies to go on to teach on the college and university level after I finished my M.Div at Emory. That didn't work out. And I didn't know what I was going to be doing. Yet, God led me to teaching at a place I had never heard of - and that was eight years ago! It is the most fun, but hardest work ever. But teaching is my calling.

By the way, according to that description you begin with, I've got a long way to go! But I love what I do. And I love my students!

Re: The10Spot: Feeling Good

KWiz — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:33:07 -0000

I'm a little late here...

I became a T.I. fan after that movie that he did with the roller skating (I can't remember the name). Being down here in Atlanta, he gets enough publicity, not always good. But it seems he's trying to do some good things with the youth down here. I hope and pray he surrounds himself with some good people and some mentors that can help him get over the craziness he's going through as a result of his being charged with possession of high powered guns and what-not.

I was also wondering why Winehouse was chosen to sing for Mandela. Didn't Will Smith organize this effort, and if he did (or whoever), what was he thinking?

That PC thing is no joke. I'm working on mine quite a bit, even during the summer, trying to update my curriculum as I do each year. The great thing is this summer, my school provided those of us who wanted one with a laptop. I've had a Dell laptop in the past and was very happy with it. I think they become obsolete a little quicker than desktops, but I loved it. I have a Toshiba Tablet PC now (through the school), and it is absolutely fabulous! Especially with a wireless router!!!

Thanks again, Marva!

Re: The10Spot: Feeling Good

KWiz — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:45:16 -0000

I forgot to comment on the young man who died at Six Flags outside Atlanta, GA...since we live not too far from there...

That young man wasn't trying to retrieve a hat. Even so, it had to be awfully windy for his hat to fly off his head into the area where he was struck. He jumped two fences to get into a restricted area - and it was clearly marked as restricted. No one deserves to die like that, yet, it was an incredibly foolish thing to do. When I heard the report this past weekend, it hurt my heart.

Re: The10Spot: Freedom and Independence

KWiz — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:26:41 -0000

8 - The First Black President
I am a HUGE "24" fan! I was so disappointed that it didn't air because of the writer's strike last season. I loved Dennis Haysbert in that role. And indeed, he was a great president. And for the writers and producers of "24" to have as their president a Black man was truly notable. It was believable. I don't recall there being any controversy surrounding the role. But for Mr. Haysbert to say he opened the door is a bit much. That's taking credit where credit is not due.

7 - Not Starbucks?!
I'm a huge coffee drinker - REGULAR, BLACK coffee. We have a gourmet coffee service where I teach (so I don't have access to it now), and it's free. I can get hazelnut and french vanilla coffee anytime I want, as much as I want. So I'm a bit spoiled. I sometimes get giftcards from my students at the end of the year or during Christmas, and many of them are from Starbucks. So the only time I go to Starbucks is if I get a giftcard, and even then, I don't go (I've got about 5 of them right now). But when Starbucks closed for a period of time several months back to strategize because of McDonald's competition, I figured they were in trouble. Moreover, with gas prices so high, I can't imagine they could've kept all those stores open anyway. I'm sorry... :cry:

4 - TVWatcher: Golden Girls
Golden Girls is one of the best TV shows still around. Those ladies were hilarious to me. I love the reruns! There is nothing like it, and unfortunately, there never will be another show like it.

3 - This Weekend
We're going to my husband's family reunion picnic on Saturday!

1 - Old School Friday
I don't care what anybody says, Will Smith was great in his day. And to me, anything he does is fantastic. He's a brilliant entertainer to me. Thank you for the video. So fun and wholesome.

Thanks Marvalus!

Since this is a short week, this week’s OSF is Freedom Friday! Do what you like! Here is my contribution…one of the best jams for the summer:

Re: TMV Icons: Venus and Serena Williams

KWiz — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:29:56 -0000

I love Venus and Serena! It's no fun watching tennis without them in tournaments. And I'm so glad they're focused this Wimbledon. They may in fact do it again and end up playing each other in the finals. How awesome to see these beautiful sisters doing as well as they are again.

Re: Peeking In

KWiz — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:44:53 -0000

How fantastic and wonderful! I'm glad things are working out so well so early and fast! What a beautiful blessing!!! :lol:

Re: Sunday Inspirations: Twenty Dollars

KWiz — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:39:57 -0000

What an awesome post! Thank you for the reminder!

Re: MovieWatcher: Seven Pounds

KWiz — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:44:47 -0000

My favorite Will Smith movie is now Hancock!

I haven't seen Seven Pounds yet, I've heard such great things about it. Probably won't see it until it comes out on DVD. Sounds a little disappointing.

Re: MovieWatcher: Seven Pounds

KWiz — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:44:10 -0000

Ali was great. I just watched I Am Legend again this afternoon; I am now torn between that and Hancock. I love I Am Legend. I just love Will Smith's movies! But I will wait until Seven Pounds comes out on DVD.

Re: 25 Authors

KWiz — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:27:36 -0000

Wow Marva...I saw my husband's name, Manchild, in this list and was blown away! Roderick O. Solomon as one of your favorites with Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Toni Morrison, C.S. Lewis, Alice Walker...OMG!!! I can say as his wife, I am honored for him, and he is flabbergasted...and honored, of course...thank you so much for blessing him with your encouragement and thumbs up!

Re: 25 Authors

KWiz — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:03:50 -0000

Marva, all I can say is "WOW!" (You'd think I don't know any other superlatives.) My husband is speechless (it's never happened before)! We so appreciate your encouraging words. I know I've come many, many times and have been encouraged and inspired by your words. And you are an inspiration, yourself, to many. Thank you, again, for the beautiful honor. We appreciate you and value you for all you do here.

Re: SOF Observed - The traditional view of God the Creator is...

KWiz — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:11:24 -0000

Great post. Additionally, the fact that the text states, "...the earth was a formless void" (Gen. 1:2a NRSV) suggests that something was there, but there was no form. Moreover, that "darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters" (1:2),suggests the waters of chaos were present. So there was something there. In fact, I teach this to my 9th graders at a Christian college prep school, and while young people are able to wrap there heads around this concept, it's adults who seem to get bent out of shape about this.