Free your mind

(Vol.1, Issue 2.)

All too frequently the power of education is under-represented in the mainstream press. While it is not ideal to provide online references in a printed manuscript - it becomes very appealing in an online publishing environment. Recently I wrote an article for another blog on "How to be an A+ student".

The premise of the article was that the Internet levels the playing field in the area of education. Students can take instructor led and self-timed coursework when and where they find the time. The subjective prejudices of teachers/students is minimized as there is no physical contact between team members. The entire dialogue in most online environments are captured permanently.

With this in mind please find these following tips on How to be an A+ Student useful (article linked with permission from tommiecarter) . The road to freedom lies through education. The mind and soul must be free in order for one's body to experience freedom.

We Pray

It's a funny thought that I have just had. Scientists will typically believe only in what can be seen and heard ("results through observation"). Black Scientists such as myself are also subject to such obscure thinking. The point that I find funny is how few times it will take before, when working a particularly difficult problem, I often revert to prayer as the only possible solution.

Yes it is true, we pray.

Amen

Black Riders

As an Afro-American motorcyclist and life member of the American Motorcyclist Association - AMA. I have been finding an interesting correlation between my perceptions of the Black Cowboy in America and that of the Black motorcyclist. The ability to ride any conveyance of one's choice is something that anyone can acquire...

Why then are such facts either under-published or not making it into the pages of our history books?

The answer to this it seems to me is the lack of black publishers having the capacity and audience to publish the material facts. I am pleased to be able to redress this imbalance by submitting this article. I hope that New Freedom's Journal will enable me to cover many of the lesser known topics related to the Afro-American culture.

From a personal perspective, I ride a Suzuki Volusia™ although I have had my eye on the American Rocket III which is produced by Triumph. I find that I am pretty typical among the other black riders that I know. Most riders in general will give their right kidney to help anyone out of a tough situation.

The generosity of motorcyclists may have something to do with the high risks that we take to enjoy our sport. Many riders take time to ride safely and to learn the craft of operating a motorcycle. For anyone out there needing a good and cheap (but effective) safety course check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation - MSF. In New York try the Motorcycle Safety School - MSS.

On black culture in America - a lot of Afro-American motorcyclists ride for fun, join clubs and support each other. A code of ethics exists to never leave a biker behind. The legacy of black family values comes with each biker making the motorcycle clubs an extension of one's family.

I have been fortunate to travel among these riders. Not only do they ride "well" and "straight" but they also tie into each other in ways that only those who have jumped off a cliff or out of a plane might appreciate. If you choose to ride we'll be waiting.

Thinking outside of the Box

What is it?

A phrase that has come into American society and is used occasionally, especially in business circles. Thinking outside of the box seems to have the general meaning of thinking in an unconventional way. For years I have heard and used the term to describe the application of tactics in business situations.

One recent interview had the respondent stating "What box?!.. I mean what is that box exactly?" I was forced to consider the probability that the term which I understood in large measure might be interpreted in other ways. An alternative pointed out by the respondent was that the "box" might conceivably refer to the ubiquitous "television".

Pertaining to this new realization then, the postulation of the "Box as Television" provides ample fodder for those folks who believe that the Box (TV) deadens the mind. Many feel that television is inherently detrimental to human beings on the physical (exposure to radiation), mental (mind-numbing content) and spiritual (negative images and force-fed commercials for unwanted products) levels.

I count myself among those with this disposition.

Why then do I still own and occasionally view a television?

Old habits die hard but I find myself moving ever closer and with increasing frequency to getting my portion of news content from the Internet. Information is available when and where I want to digest it. I only view those pieces of content that appeal to me. I have millions of channels rather than the normal set of 500-1500 channels that cable users possess.

The bad news is that television is reinventing itself as a medium that is available online.

The good news is that we will not be force-fed any more nonsensical content. If we don't like the content one may do as I have done and begin publishing your own material.

一

Knowledge awakens the sheltered mind,
Understanding quickens the slumbering heart,
Stillness lightens the troubled spirit,
Grace embraces the enlightened soul.

(reprinted with permission from tommiecarter)