Red Tails

This weekend there’s been two words on nearly everyone’s lips or brains that’s captivating audiences all over….RED TAILS! Produced and funded by George Lucas, Red Tails is an epic story based on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII, as the first black aerial combat unit. The film stars, Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Nate Parker of The Great Debaters.

Having watched the movie, I found it to be extremely enjoyable, and an amazing story about what it was like for the black men of that day who were wanting and willing to fight for our country, yet still made to feel that they were inadequate and unimportant. And their level of commitment and perseverance through it all.

This post isn’t to critique the movie, because I think it was very well depicted. However, this is more so to discuss somethings that I feel need to be voiced.

My greatest disappointments for Red Tails comes from all those who I’ve heard from the black community who choose not to support such a great film and are going to miss out on a wonderful message. It amazes me that in a time when racism is rendering it’s moon sized dome evermore, that blacks would feel that because the movie isn’t 100% accurately depicted that it would be grounds to not show their support at the box office.  First of all, you have to realize the movie is still fiction. It says inspired by true events, it doesn’t say it’s non-fictional. I’m pretty sure that most of the original Tuskegee airmen are deceased or probably close to it (not to seem insensitive) so it’d be pretty hard to make this movie 100% accurately without their input.

Secondly, I’ve heard complaints about the love interest of one of the pilots being white….ok, Italian. Really??? Let’s break this down. The movie was based on the squad’s being in Italy and fighting Germany. If you’d watched the movie, you’d have noticed that not one time did they show the men going home. They had a mission. It was all based off of the fact that they were stationed in Italy. However, they did note that one of the soldiers had a wife back home. And Cuba Gooding’s character was also married (notice the wedding ring he wears). But even still, did you really think all black men who entered the war were married right away or wouldn’t be interested in Italian women? Hate to break it to you, there’s nothing new under the sun. True love doesn’t have a color. And the moment, we start to realize that….maybe, just maybe we can really start to get a greater grasp on racism.

Lastly, I heard criticism about the movie being produced by a white person. To that I say a big……SO WHAT!!! If we’re not backing and funding our own stories, why shouldn’t we be happy that someone else who so happens to be non-black is willing and able to do so too. It’s a positive story to be told. Nothing in the movie demeaned us in anyway. It showed us in a very natural and normal light. This is a story to share with our youth. I hope this movie inspires so many of our young black men, who feel like they can’t or the odds are stacked against them to rise above all the pettiness and the nay sayings that they hear and move forward.

One of my favorite quotes of the movie was from Terrence Howard’s character, “You don’t always make the right decision.” he was addressing Nate Parker who seemed to be having a pity party about some of the decisions he’d made in the past that he felt caused some harm. I think if we all realized that and are just willing to accept that in life we’re going to make wrong decisions. But pick ourselves up when we do and carry on, life would be a lot more fulfilling and definitely more productive.

You can’t change your yesterday, nor fast forward to tomorrow….just live your life the best you can for today.

Just my Savvy Two Cents.

Honestly, my life is pretty much an open book. At least I keep telling myself that, until someone asks me my weight (LOL)! And I don’t think that I have anything that I feel I couldn’t replace by starting a new profile should someone maliciously want to hack my page (heaven forbid). But the greatest problem I have with friend requests from people that I’ve never really had any interactions with outside of facebook or within any of the facebook groups I’m a part of, is the blatant disregard for an introduction.

Let’s face it. If you were to approach someone in person, an introduction would be necessary, whether formal or informal. For instance, typically I meet people all day long. In my line of business, I consider myself a professional networker:) I get paid to build and bridge connections. So, in order to do those things, I have get to know people. Sometimes the best way is to informally F.O.R.D. them. F.O.R.D. stands for (family, occupation, recreation and dreams). It’s an tip I learned in my real estate experience when you’re trying to pick up potential buyers and sellers. People are naturally prone to speak about anyone of them and you can learn so much about how you can be mutually beneficial to each other.

The same can be applied by just informally introducing yourself to someone you’ve never really spoken to and are requesting special access to their pages. I try to make it a habit of introducing myself to all that I don’t know and even some that I haven’t had the pleasure of speaking with in a while to refresh their memories. And I think it’s important to reintroduce this little bit of insight that will prepare us for the formal atmosphere that’s returning in the work environment, as well. The days of easy are phasing out. It’s going to be necessary to re-condition ourselves for a changing future.

So spread the word. And the word is COURTESY!

Just Tanisha’s Savvy Two Cents

THE PIT

My loving Grandma, Mary Daniels :Oct. 9, 1933 - Jan. 8, 2011

There’s no doubt that the pit of 2011 rolled in shortly after the year began when my grandmother passed away from her battle with cancer on January 8, 2011. It was a huge pill to swallow especially since she was the cornerstone of our family. Not to mention, she was the only grandmother that I ever got to know and spend my summers with. There wasn’t anything we couldn’t speak about, so the fact that I’d no longer have that experience shook my world and the rest of my family’s world, as well. However, her legacy that lies within all of us, will live on! In her memory, I actually participated in the Relay for Life Walk this year. And one of my goals, will be to participate in Peddling for a Cure too.

THE PEAK

One of my Computer Applications Classes- Summer 2011

There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ve always tried to use the talents that God gives me to the best of my ability. However, in 2011 God provided me with an opportunity that I didn’t see coming and revealed talents that I didn’t even know existed within me and would prove to stir emotions in me that I’d never forget. I’m speaking about my teaching computer applications classes to adults at Alabama State University’s Southern Normal Campus in Brewton, AL. It started in July and ended in September. I initially thought my purpose was to bless them with the knowledge and skills that I possessed. However, I realized I’d been blessed by their presence. They were really hungry to get the skills they knew would help them get back into the workforce. And I learned to love them all!!! They shared their lives with me. I learned their personalities so well and used it to push them in the direction they needed. God really opened my eyes to how rewarding a career in education could be and it didn’t always have to be working with children. I’m always going to remember my first teaching job. And I’m happy to say that I’ve been asked to teach another class in the spring.

The bottom line is the year has posed it’s own set of challenges, as every year surely does. But it’s truly what you make of it! I solely welcome all that 2012 has to offer and I pray each and every one of you a very healthy and prosperous New Year!

Signing off with my last post of the year….

Tanisha’s Savvy Two Cents

]]> http://tanisharankins.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/my-personal-pit-peak-of-2011/feed/ 4 trankins78 2012 My grandma, Mary Daniels COMPUTER CLASS http://tanisharankins.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/review-regression-by-rickey-teems-ii/ http://tanisharankins.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/review-regression-by-rickey-teems-ii/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:35:06 +0000 trankins78 http://tanisharankins.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/review-regression-by-rickey-teems-ii/ ]]> Have you ever considered what would happen if certain freedoms that you’ve grown so accustomed to having were abruptly taken away? How would you react? How far would you go to protect them? Those questions are forced to be answered, when Aeneas, a young black American living in Los Angeles suddenly awakens to a world where rap and hip-hop are suddenly banned, along with other civil liberties in the blink of an eye.

There’s so much I want to say about this book. However, I don’t want to give too much away. Because I think it’s so important that everyone reads it, particularly black Americans. Education is so important and this book is a testament to how important it is to get a better understanding of our history, the nature of politics and how it all ties into the decisions made on our behalf thru our government, as well as ways to avoid those viscous cycles that plague the African American communities within the United States from happening again.

What I love the most about the book is although it’s clearly fiction, there’s so much of it that could actually become our reality, if we don’t heed to the warning signs of what’s to come. If we don’t learn to work together, get to know those we’re stereotypically told to shun away from, we may very well become an extinct group of people.

This book has something for everyone. Within it there’s a love story, one that’s told in the simplest of ways. But it’s clear that Aeneas’s love for Apphia is indeed a deep one. There’s also the love he has for his son. Contrary to popular belief, there are black men who are dedicated to raising their children, even if the relationship with their child’s mother is strained. The depiction in this book is uplifting and it deals with the consequences of having a child, whom you love, with a person that you shouldn’t have conceived it with…(Hey, I didn’t say it, it’s implied. But you have to read the book to find out more about it). Most don’t want to tackle that topic and Teems does a great job making mention of it in the book.

Of course, for those who love action, this book is filled with it. The book actually reads like an action flick from which you’d want to see someone such as Derek Luke, Mekhi Phifer, or even Reggie Bush (should he want to pursue acting) fill. There are loops and turns in every direction and you don’t know where it will end up.

Lastly, this book has spirit. You can’t help but understand and know where faith comes in with this work of art. Sometimes you have to step out on it and trust that God’s in control even if you think the path you take may not be the most favorable one. You can tell that even though the characters have made mistakes, they know and understand where their power comes from.

If I had one complaint about the book, it would be that it ended…LOL!!! I actually could have used even more of this roller coaster ride. However, on a serious note, I can’t help but think that some people in politics have already read this book and are putting things in place that may actually cause a similar experience, such as the one that plays out in this book to come to pass. It’s for that reason alone that I think this book is a must read for anyone who isn’t concerned about voting, to take a look. There’s so much knowledge and power dropped in this piece that you can’t help but to want to understand more about the key players who are running in the election and their platforms, as well as how legislation works.

To sum it up, knowledge is power and this book opens your senses to just how little we really know, and how much more open we need to be to receiving it and pursuing more of it! Kudos to Rickey Teems II for this piece that I’m sure going to tell everyone I know (and don’t know) about!

Just Tanisha’s Savvy Two Cents

For more information on the author, Rickey Teems II , Regression and other upcoming projects by Teems…

http://www.noguilebooks.com

Email: askrickey@rickeyteems.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/rickeyteems

It’s been a while since I’ve written. Truly I’ve been somewhat uninspired. But after last night, driving home I thought about the whole experience and deemed it valuable enough to share.

I’ve no been in any relationship in over a year and a half. I try to purify myself after a breakup so I can do some serious self reflecting. We are often quick to point out the flaws of the one we left or broke up with. But don’t really care to look internally at why we keep getting similar outcomes or attracting the same type of man. After being invited to dinner with a true gentleman, I now understand why. Follow me……..

A Evening With a Gentleman: *I must preface this by saying this dinner date was with a much, much older gentleman whom I met at a business function. He received my card and contacted me to discuss business and provide me with information that may help me to grow in future endeavors*

The Gentleman (for the sake of this post we’ll call him Carl). Carl asked me to meet him at a very nice restaurant known as Hemingway’s Island Grill. When I arrived, he met me at my car and proceeded to open my car door, but -1st Clue- I opened it myself.

The restaurant was located at the top of a set of stairs overlooking Pensacola Beach. So, he guided me up the stairs. I only let him guide me up the stairs because I’d never been there before and wasn’t sure where the entrance to the restaurant was. However, -2nd Clue- came when he went to open the door for me and I opened it myself. I even heard him say under his breath, “Women’s Lib”. However, it wasn’t until I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room, that I realized what he meant;)

The food was exquisite and fast. Once we placed our orders, it was out in about 7 minutes or so it seemed. The conversation was great. He shared stories about himself and he made mention of how much he followed my work in the community and appreciated how I always seem to carry myself as a lady. I was blown away by his assessment of me and my work, because it is tiresome to feel that you’re working so hard. But unable to see little results.

So after a wonderful meal and conversation, our evening was coming to a close. I reached for my coat and put it on, as he said to me, “I was going to help you with your coat”. -3rd Clue-.

He walked me to my car and of course, I unlocked the door and opened it myself -4th Clue-. We bid each other a wonderful evening and I drove off.

Driving Home – My assessment. 

I’m always asking God, “Why do you keep allowing these clueless guys to make their way to me? Why don’t you send me someone who understands and appreciates a lady into my path?”

Well God answered me last night…*I didn’t hear his loud thundering voice on the way home, like you always see in the movies* The words were just visually written in my head. They laid out in this manner. “You didn’t pass the test, My Child. I will allow you to keep practicing with all the wrong one’s until you get it right. Only then, will I place Mr. Right in your Path.”

You see, God was testing me last night. He used someone who wasn’t a threat to show me all the things I need to learn about being a lady. I’ve always felt that I was very ladylike, but I’ve realized that there’s still a bit of work left for me to do. I need to learn patience and wait on the man to take the lead and not assume that they’re not going to do it or aren’t willing to. Because there are many men who want to take the lead. But because we women are in such a huge hurry, we jump out, walk on through, and put our coats on without so much as a pause.

I’m so accustomed to doing it all. It’s really no wonder that I’m attracting the men who don’t want to do any of it. I’m learning that you get in return, what you put out. So from this day forward, I’m vowing to diligently work on these things, so that when God tests me again…I’ll pass with flying colors:)

Have a Beautiful Friday!!!

Just -Tanisha’s Savvy Two Cents!

Karma by Anthony Crenshaw

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU THROW OUT, BECAUSE IT WILL COME BACK TO YOU. That’s the premise of this book, Karma, by author Anthony Crenshaw. When I initially began reading, I will say that I didn’t think that a 106 page book could actually conjure up this much drama. But Crenshaw delivered in this piece of Urban Fiction that keeps your interest from start to finish.

One of the greatest things that I appreciate about the book, were the very short chapters. It made the flow of the book seem incredibly seamless. It was a very easy read, one that you could actually carve out a moment for and will serve as a value for your time and effort.

When I began reading the first chapter of Karma, I was unsure of how each character would fit in with the introduction. But by the end, everything comes full circle. While the book can be classified as Urban Fiction, the author does a great job of keeping our attention without heavy usage of ebonics and slang and unnecessary sex scenes, which will give it appeal to those who are quite conservative, but enjoy a peak into a reality that’s very different from their own and not feel too dirty when they return home.

While the characters are flawed, they are indeed very relatable, which offers comfort to those who may find themselves in similar situations to them. The greatest message I received from this book is that time waits for no one. You should strive to do what you can when you can.

The only downside to this book is outside of the exact ending, much of it is pretty predictable. So to an avid reader, one may feel like they’ve read or seen this before. However, I still think the book drives home the point that quite often we should always be careful about our actions and be sure that we’re putting out what we expect to receive. I do think it worthy of consideration and something even young adults would enjoy reading to help them take heed to the decisions they make early on in life.

Lastly, the author has a genuine writing style that I really enjoy which is wonderfully simplistic. This doesn’t mean that it’s bland or boring. It just means that he understands when it’s necessary to point out the details and be silent and positively keep it moving when it’s not necessary. Many new authors make the key mistake of trying to be overly depictive of every thing, no matter how insignificant.  I honestly think Mr. Crenshaw is going to go far. As he writes more and more he’s going to master his craft and many more will take notice. I’m looking forward to Mr. Crenshaw’s next book and encourage you to check out this book, Karma and/or suggest it to a young adult or new reader.
Just my Savvy Two Cents…

The fact of the matter is that there’s enough pie for everyone to get a slice. We need to be able to willingly share opportunities with others, whenever possible. I’m sure you’ve seen Hoarders…we all know what the end result will be. While I’d love to be able to do it all, it’s not possible for anyone person to do so, without something lacking. We’ve all heard it before…jack of all trades. But what follows that statement rings true…Master of none. While I don’t encourage anyone to place all of their eggs in one basket. I don’t think it beneficial to try to distribute their few eggs in ALL of then either. It makes it messy. I believe in the power of healthy competition. But it certainly isn’t beneficial for one person to control it all. It only leads to a one dimensional way of life, which clearly isn’t satisfying…even to the one who’s in control.

I used to think I’d love to know how to do everything. But as I mature and grow wiser, I realize I want to use the talents that God has given me to the fullest potential, instead of trying to acquire everyone else’s talents. I think the moment we value the talents we have within ourselves and fine tune them, the greater we can be. It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round. And I wholehearted believe that the measure of my success is not defined by the things I solely create. But by the success I help others create.

Much love,

Just Tanisha’s Savvy Two Cents…

This year I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know many different people and grow valuable relationships with them. Some came and went, but others I know are probably going to be around for years to come. This one in particular is one that I hope will be around for a while, as they’ve really helped me and (and finally helped this problem that I have actually resonate with me in a major way). It could be the personality of this person (who we’ll called Duffy, for privacy’s sake). Duffy has a personality that I’ve never really experienced before. Very frank, but passionate, caring, but head strong. So when Duffy says to me in a joking yet serious manner, “You think you have it all figured out. But I realize you’re a big assumer.”

The funniest thing about that statement was that at that moment, it wasn’t truly a surprise what Duffy said. I’d heard it before, I guess you could say I really didn’t trust the people who were telling me. Then Duffy telling me that it could be fixed, said something even more clear and true. “It can be changed, but it’s going to be a challenge, more than likely due to the number of men who have lied to me in the past.”

Don’t know if Duffy realized this or not, but I literally had chills. In the last of my healthiest relationship to date, the guy I was dating at the time mentioned the same thing. And ultimately it wouldn’t allow me to fully trust him. And ultimately the relationship ended. And even potential relationship interests have expressed the same sentiments about my assumptions. The funniest thing is that it’s just in my personal relationships, that this ugly trait rears its head. So, I’ve decided to diligently work on it. How? You might ask…Well, Duffy, being the great friend that Duffy is suggests that I take what people tell me as face value and stop speculating about those things you don’t know for certain. Let the unknown be.

Whew Duffy!!! How will I do that? I did say that I would diligently try. But you have to know yourself. Honestly, I’m a person that pays impeccable attention to the details. I have an incredible memory and I love mystery. So to tell someone who thrives on finding the outcome and filling in the gaps that I can no longer do so, poses my greatest challenge to date. But I welcome it and I appreciate Duffy for the words and most importantly the ability to get thru to me in a way that no one has been able to in quite a while.

I don’t have a problem with peeling back the layers and hopefully growing into a wiser, stronger, better person. So, hopefully you’ll follow me in this awesome period of self discovery;)

Just my Savvy Two Cents…

Pious by Kenn Bivins

ARE WE REALLY WHO WE APPEAR TO BE? That’s the immediate question you’ll be forced to ask yourself after reading, Pious, the novel written by author, Kenn Bivins. Well, at least that’s what I asked myself.

The story is about Carpious Mightson, a former convicted felon, who’s paid his debt to society and starts life fresh. He has a great job, a loving girlfriend, and the respect of the people in his community. But his past catches up to him, when a registered sex offender moves into the neighborhood and the neighbors delegate Carpious to convince the sex offender to move out.

Wow, I almost wish this book were a movie, because it certainly reads as such. But it has all the components of a great movie for both women and men. While there is much action and suspense, it’s so much deeper than that. The dynamic of the relationships within the book, peels back so many layers of the characters. And the icing on the cake is that despite the heavy scenes of anticipation and movement, there’s one component that I didn’t expect to be met with….romance and true love.

This book has it all! And in exquisite detail. By the end of the book, so many emotions were evoked within me and I was moved to tears. How many of us, go through our lives trying to right the wrongs and re-create greatness out of the griefs we once beared and may actually still be bearing? How many of us are so bound up in our past, that we constantly challenge the good things that come our way and are indeed meant for us? Can we ever truly forgive each other? And moreso, can and are we ever fully able to forgive ourselves?

I hear of so many professionals who proclaim their resiliency happens, DESPITE, their obstacles. While I choose to believe that I’m stronger because of them! Pious makes you look at these questions and affirmations in a powerful and amazing way!

Lastly, one of the most noticeable things about this book is that there are no evident color lines to cross. And because of this, it definitely could be made into a movie, where actors of any ethnicity could audition for the parts. It’s rare to read material today that isn’t heavily stereotypically written in a way that you truly can’t envision the characters being but one specific race. This author does a great job of writing the characters where their personalities are deeply shown, as opposed to their skin color.

If there were one thing that I could criticize about the book is that maybe some of the smallest seemingly insignificant, things were described in full detail. But it’s clear that the author wanted to be certain you read his masterpiece, as he intended for you to. And honestly, I think I understood a great deal of the message. And a wonderful message it was….Get out of your own way!!!

Great job, Mr. Bivins. Your message is loud and clear in this one!

For more information on where you can learn more about Kenn Bivins and his book, Pious….http://www.piousbook.com

—Just my Savvy Two Cents—

Outside of the obvious, similarities to the legendary Cosby Show…(2 professional parents married with cute kids in a neat 2 story home),  the subject matter is so pertinent to modern times.

The Cast of BET's Reed Between the Lines

A blended family:

In the very first episode, you realize that the Reeds are a blended family, as Warner’s character, Alex is the step father to the older twins, Kaci & Keenan. This isn’t uncommon considering that 50% of marriages now end in divorce. As a divorcee, I understand this and have experienced it first hand.

However, the spin on the storyline is very refreshing. Because it’s inspiring to see that a person who has been divorced and has children from a different father can find a healthy relationship with someone else who’s willing to be a good father to children who aren’t biologically his.

As someone who intends to marry again, this is such a positive outlook. And while I don’t have children, I’m also optimistic that if the man that I marry has children, I can have a positive relationship with those children and be a great parent to them.

Normal Insecurities

It’s also great to see that they address the issues of baggage that surfaces in any relationship, whether healthy or unhealthy. Carla becomes insecure when her client, who’s a sex addict is in the presence of her husband. Towards the end of it, they communicate about the issues. And Alex is honest about men looking at the things they see, but knowing what they have at home and not being willing to risk losing it.

Honestly, women have insecurities. And the fact that as beautiful as Carla is she still has them too is a truth that all men should be aware of. But I love how comforting and understanding Alex was. But he also reassured her that despite her experience with her ex-husband, he was a different person.

It also dispells many fallacies about what men notice and don’t really care about! (The whole matching bra and panty thing has always been a concern of mine too:))

Spoiled Children

It’s true, you feel totally different about your own than you do others. Many parents are definitely overlooking the problems they’re creating in their own homes. But are clear to pick up on the needs and problems of others. This storyline, in the 2nd episode, is a great forum to talk about the things we do for our children that may actually be hindering them, instead of advancing them. And with all of the modern technology and opportunities being more plentiful, than before the times of our forefathers, children aren’t required to work for the things that they want, as much as before. We underestimate children and their abilities. So, I hope that those who watched and have children took a close look at their parenting practices.

Wisdom

Anna Marie Horsford’s role (Ms. Helen) is a great addition and a good element, because she’s older and offers words of wisdom that even young professional adults still need to hear. I don’t know if those watching paid attention to the words of inspiration she offered in both episodes.

This is the problem with today. Many of us, young professionals think we have things all figured out. But we need to be paying attention to what those who’ve lived life a lot longer than we have, truly have to say.

All in all, this show is a breath of fresh air. The chemistry between Malcolm Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross is natural. The storylines are definitely pertinent and crosses all color lines. This isn’t just a good black show. It’s a great show for all audiences to watch and provides great materials for discussions in all homes.

I think BET has finally hit a Home Run with this new show!!! Great job!!!