Thursday, December 29, 2016

STAND UPSIDE DOWN - historical black family fiction

STAND UPSIDE DOWN is Book 3 of historical black family fiction and is set in Kenosha, Wisconsin – 1984. This is the time when Affirmative Action is under siege. Following President Reagan’s lead, white men strove to undo affirmation action gains by law and by force. Go to www.adolphusward.net, http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Adolphus+A+Ward&searchNarrator=&searchProvider=&field_subjectbin=&field_content_type-bin=&field_format-bin=&field_publication_date=&field_runtime=&field_language=9178177011&x=39&y=11, http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC for more information – PLEASE SHARE.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

MILK THE IRON COW - historical black family fiction

MILK THE IRON COW is Book 2 of historical black family fiction and is set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – early 1941. It is the eve of World War II; the time when black families were leaving farms in the south for work in northern factories. Black men were denied employment and barred from union membership. Go to http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC, www.adolphusward.net, http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Adolphus+A+Ward&searchNarrator=&searchProvider=&field_subjectbin=&field_content_type-bin=&field_format-bin=&field_publication_date=&field_runtime=&field_language=9178177011&x=39&y=11, for more information – PLEASE SHARE.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

HARVEST THE DUST - historical black family fiction

HARVEST THE DUST is Book 1 of historical black family fiction and is set in Arkansas – 1934. It is the time when Jim Crow Laws governed the lives of black people – what they could and could not do; where, when and how they could do it. The Great Depression was devastating the nation’s economy; cotton was the staple crop; and Arkansas’ fertile land had turned to dust. Go to http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Adolphus+A+Ward&searchNarrator=&searchProvider=&field_subjectbin=&field_content_type-bin=&field_format-bin=&field_publication_date=&field_runtime=&field_language=9178177011&x=39&y=11, http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC, www.adolphusward.net for more information – PLEASE SHARE.

Monday, December 26, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT RISK AND DEATH - no way back

THOUGHTS ABOUT RISK AND DEATH - mourning the loss of my great granddaughter: no way back I believe the grieving process takes many forms. All forms, however, have one thing in common; each tries to fill the hole in a mourner’s life left by the passing of someone close to them. I’ve come to know that death is a cold hearted motherfucker – but it treats everyone the same. It doesn’t give a damn about who you are or the fervency of your mournful prayers. Death don’t hear a fucking thing a living person says about what it’s done, the grief it’s caused – death neither communicates with the living nor the dead. We should be careful how and when we risk our lives. There is no life after death – no bliss, ever.

Friday, December 23, 2016

STAND UPSIDE DOWN - historical black family fiction

STAND UPSIDE DOWN is Book 3 of historical black family fiction and is set in Kenosha, Wisconsin – 1984. This is the time when Affirmative Action is under siege. Following President Reagan’s lead, white men strove to undo affirmation action gains by law and by force. Go to www.adolphusward.net, http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Adolphus+A+Ward&searchNarrator=&searchProvider=&field_subjectbin=&field_content_type-bin=&field_format-bin=&field_publication_date=&field_runtime=&field_language=9178177011&x=39&y=11, http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC for more information – PLEASE SHARE.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

MILK THE IRON COW - historical black family fiction

MILK THE IRON COW is Book 2 of historical black family fiction and is set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – early 1941. It is the eve of World War II; the time when black families were leaving farms in the south for work in northern factories. Black men were denied employment and barred from union membership. Go to http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC, www.adolphusward.net, http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Adolphus+A+Ward&searchNarrator=&searchProvider=&field_subjectbin=&field_content_type-bin=&field_format-bin=&field_publication_date=&field_runtime=&field_language=9178177011&x=39&y=11, for more information – PLEASE SHARE.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

HARVEST THE DUST - historical black family fiction

HARVEST THE DUST is Book 1 of historical black family fiction and is set in Arkansas – 1934. It is the time when Jim Crow Laws governed the lives of black people – what they could and could not do; where, when and how they could do it. The Great Depression was devastating the nation’s economy; cotton was the staple crop; and Arkansas’ fertile land had turned to dust. Go to http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Adolphus+A+Ward&searchNarrator=&searchProvider=&field_subjectbin=&field_content_type-bin=&field_format-bin=&field_publication_date=&field_runtime=&field_language=9178177011&x=39&y=11, http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC, www.adolphusward.net for more information – PLEASE SHARE.

Monday, December 19, 2016

THOUGHTS WHY POLITICAL POWER WINS OVER CONSTITUTION AND LAW

THOUGHTS WHY POLITICAL POWER WINS OVER CONSTITUTION AND LAW – power does not belong to the people Political power is in the hands of those with the resources to enforce their will on all others. Political power has never been in the hands of the masses. Some in the masses continue to delude themselves by thinking that their numbers constitute the power to exert their will: that is not nor will it ever be true. People in that delusion will continue to be frustrated – that frustration will never end. Our Constitution was written by human beings as are our Laws. Human beings are flawed, even those with the best of intentions. It should not be surprising then that what imperfect humans produce from an imperfect language is itself imperfect. Subsequently, our Constitution and our Laws are open to conflicting interpretations. The winners in these conflicts will inevitably be those who hold political power. Political power holders are like snowballs rolling down a steep slope covered with a thick carpet of masses. Some in the masses will be picked up by the growing snowballs – they will become converts of the politically powerful, even against their will. Take, for example, the white people who were and are against the treatment of black people – Slavery, Jim Crow Laws, ongoing injustice – because there was and are benefits to do so they can close their eyes against the injustice. Another example is the interments of Japanese Americans during the WW II. Another example is German masses and the Jew’s Holocaust. Still another example is Israel’s masses and the occupation of Palestine. In all of these and more the politically powerful was and is able to change the good intentions of the masses by offering benefits for their conversion. The politically powerful will always moves to benefit them self; members of the masses will always join the powerful when they too will benefit. BOOKS /ACTING CREDITS ON MY WEB SITE – please share http://www.adolphusward.net

Monday, December 12, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT FENCES LAPC THEATRE MAINSTAGE WOODLAND HILL, CA

THOUGHTS ABOUT FENCES AT LAPC THEATRE MAINSTAGE Woodland Hills, CA – closing Sunday matinee I was seated early enough to page through the program. Seeing the name Valorie Grear and discovering she’s a white woman my heart skipped a beat. I always experience a twinge of ambivalence whenever a white person is directing or living, on stage or camera, the life of a black person. August Wilson is a recently departed ancestral spirit; and his being is entombed in all of his work. His works are chronicles of black life; his plays are international treasures and their truth is timeless. My ambivalence about whites doing blacks stems from the fact that black life has been immersed in a predominantly white culture. Black people know more about the life of white people than most whites will ever know about blacks; that’s because blacks have been forced to adapt and to adopt white cultural traits and beliefs. In order for one to realistically portray or direct a life from a culture other than their own that person must be immersed in that culture long enough to internalize its nuances. There is but one other circumstance which would allow a black person to be white or a white person to be black: the culture receiving a culturally different person must embraced them and develop an atmosphere of trust. It was apparent to me that the souls comprising the cast embraced director Valorie Grear, developed and maintained an atmosphere of trust. This performance of Fences was seamless – a manifestation of good directing. Naming the cast and the lives they lived: Lester Purry/Troy Maxson, Kevin Linell/Lyons, Victoria Renee’ Hubbard/Rose, Stan McDowell/Bono, Cliff Keith Ingram/Gabriel, Jean Hyppolite/Cory, and Kiarra Gagrielle Beasley/Raynell. To say the cast was exceptional would be an understatement. The synergy Y’all created allowed me to witness life in real time – thanks. Now, Lester Purry, your years of training and experience and depth of your soul enabled you to set the power and life-force of this Fences; you were relentless as Troy and did not waver from the life course he set for himself – because it felt right in his heart: I solute you and will always continue to love you.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT WHY NO END TO BLACK STRUGGLE

THOUGHTS ABOUT WHY NO END TO BLACK STRUGGLE – no change until we change If you’re black and reading this please don’t anticipate some illuminating thought that will answer the Why question or give an ultimate answer as to How we must change. If you’re white and reading this please don’t look to what other black people have said for a comparison to what I will say about the Why and the How. It’s not that what I will say is any more important than what has been said; but the way I say it is created out of my experiences and, in that respect, it is unique. As always, I do not seek agreement with the thoughts I share – I frankly don’t give damn if you agree or not. After I give something, whether material or words, it no longer belong to me; when I give it is without expecting anything in return. We, black people, have been and still are the most beautiful, the most resilient human beings ever to come into existence. Our total being was designed and has adapted to meet all challenges in our immediate environment and will take us beyond. Nothing in all of existence has been able to stop our development, our evolution: and nothing or no one ever will. The rich and powerful white men that control this country’s political, economic systems also control our educational and research systems. Those systems have been use to fashion a negative universal image of black people and have created the environment in which that image takes on a life of its own; just as the world believes the false images of black people, we, black people also believe those images. When a lie is set in a fertile environment, beliefs can and do lead to reality. This may fall hard on tender ears, but we are behaving as we have been conditioned to behave. We are participating in a game designed by a white oppressor group (WOG). The aim of the WOG is to fragment our thinking, to splinter our beliefs, to reduce our collective resources so that we will never come to a consensus about what is most important for black survival and progress. The following may also be difficult for tender ears to hear; religion is a major tool of oppression used by the WOG; law is another, political affiliation another, gender bias another, class bias, skin color, and the list goes on. We must think outside the WOG’S game to develop our own game for survival and progress. We must find consensus among ourselves in order to build a new image of black people – first for ourselves and then for the world. Black people devoted to a particular religious group, or even a collective of such groups, cannot create a consensus for all black people; however, their faith can be a tool in developing one, as can the law, political affiliation, education, but no one or all together will bring us to the realization that we are a unique, a beautiful, a resilient people who have proven skills at meeting and overcoming the formidable challenges we have faced during the whole of our existence – and no WOG’S childish games will keep us slaves at the bottom of humanity. MILK THE IRON COW: Trailer – please share https://youtu.be/Gh5Ybzl7E5c

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT AN ANTISEPTIC VISION OF THE CAPITAL

THOUGHTS ABOUT AN ANTISEPTIC VISION OF THE CAPITAL – redoing the White House The first black resident family is gone. On the front lawn, figures in white protective suits scurry about – like astronauts – carrying black objects, large and small, from inside the White House and throwing them onto the pile of black objects already there. A squad of figures, also dressed in white, carried gun-like weapons connected to tanks, labelled Hazardous material, mounted on their backs crossed the lawn and entered the portal. A few white figures scurried away from the portal carrying the last of the black objects. Figures encircled the pile of black things as those inside came to windows – all stood in silence as if in grief. Suddenly the pile of black things burst into violent flames. As it did the silent grief transformed to hypnotic jubilation that continued until the black things were all burned to white ash. STAND UPSIDE DOWN: Trailer – please share https://youtu.be/JGip9tl0r74

Friday, December 2, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT AMERICAN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT INTEREST

THOUGHTS ABOUT AMERICAN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT INTEREST – American workers expectation I’m going to say somethings that may be difficult for some readers to believe, but I assure you that what I’m saying is not without some bases: I come to this conclusion both from experience and observation. I start first with the expectation of the average American worker, no matter the race or sex. I’m considering those preparing to enter the workplace and those with some experience but whose skills no longer keeps him or her working steady, if at all, in a livable wage-paying job. In spite of layoffs, plant closings, attacks on unions, employee wage and retirement benefits, the average American worker still believes that American business and government is looking out for citizen workers; that American business and government cares what happens to them. The truth is, business and government cares as much as they can or is willing to; and that care does not come close to meeting the needs of the average American worker. For the most part the American worker is still on his or her own! The interest of American business and government has been broken into two unequal areas. The smallest area, this is small business and local government, has been left alone to try and meet the needs of the average citizen worker. Small business and local government does not nor will they ever have all the resources to meet those needs. Meanwhile in the biggest areas, this is big business and big government, the focus and ambition is to create wealth and power for those who contribute most to the creation of wealth and power. It is not the interest of big business and big government to attend to the needs of average American citizen workers: they are but pawns in the game of creating wealth and power. MY EBOOKS ON AMAZON – please share http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF AWARENESS

THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF AWARENESS – protection and defense Readers who would rather paint tomorrow’s world with pretty pleasing colors should pass this little essay of my thoughts without reading further. However, if you occasionally dig into the gore of our reality, stay with me. Presently groups are pushing to make room for them self. Other groups are irritated by their insistence to share the available, and often limited, space and resources. That irritation has been in the public arena for some time. The most recent public display of it still resonates in our recent elections. The media has made millions by bringing these irritations to the public stage. The thing that concerns me is the increase in violent rhetoric and physical actions; we seem more prone to react to violence than we are to prevent it. I’m about to reference a recent event to make a point - I mean no disrespect to those intimately involved. The indignant cries of pain following the slaughter at the South Carolina church was reactionary; appropriate, but still after the fact. I simply do not believe everyone in that Bible study group was so enthralled in what they were doing that they failed to discern the deceit in that young man – especially him being an armed young man. Someone or ones in that group ignored their intuition believing that nothing as monstrous could happen: that was a miscalculation with fatal consequence. There are white people in our country that would, if the opportunity presented itself, destroy black people: all of us. So, just as black men and women have fought and died on foreign soil to protect the freedoms all Americans share, black men and women must fight to defend our own and have ourselves seen as a formidable foe, rather than a people willing to prayerfully accept anything being done to them. One question white men and others in media often throw at black people is, ‘Do you believe in violence?’ My answer to that question is unequivocally YES: when and where ever it is necessary to protect the life and wellbeing of ourselves and others. MILK THE IRON COW - trailer https://youtu.be/Gh5Ybzl7E5c

Friday, November 18, 2016

I PERFORM from HARVEST THE DUST, first novel of my trilogy

SIX AUTHORS PRESENT I PERFORM from HAVEST THE DUST Crown Books at The Promenade Woodland Hills, CA 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Sunday 20 November, 2 – 3:30: PLEASE COME. https://youtu.be/Ud4KyD3YKVI

Saturday, November 12, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT WE AMERICANS

THOUGHTS ABOUT WE AMERICANS – together for better or worse As I recall, it was a cartoon character that advanced the notion, ‘We have seen the enemy and it is us.’ The leaders of our, what-could-be, great country have all beat the fear-drum of the need for a strong- defense against a malicious enemy. More often than not that enemy had no clear definition. More often than not we, our leaders, had done something to provoke a sovereign people – then through propaganda had us to see them as our enemy. Consequently, there are groups of sovereign peoples who don’t like us. Compounding this condition is the fact that groups of people within our country don’t like and are distrustful of other groups – we are living with enemies. Enemies without and within our country should be a terrifying thought. Perhaps this reality is the reason why our leader’s paranoia has led to the largest number and most potent weapons of human and habitat destruction the world has ever seen. To devastate or annihilate a perceived enemy is to devastate or annihilate ourselves. MY TRILOGY BOOK TRAILER – historical black family fiction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCxMdAa3JqU

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR PRESIDENT ELECT DONALD TRUMP

THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR PRESIDENT ELECT DONALD TRUMP – Trump supporters and the other Americans Was I surprised about the election outcome, YES – really surprised, NO. I travel and I read; as a writer and actor I have and have had a great deal of social and intimate contact with white people. I know there are white people who simply do not like black people. Even the presence of blacks in social places and predominantly white neighborhoods grates their sensibilities; it drives them mad when blacks raise their voices in open protest against some injustice – they want blacks to shut-up and stop whining, or preferably just go away. There are wealthy and politically powerful white men and women who not only side with those who do not like blacks but who give political voice and action to their agenda – every black person knows or should know that very powerful white people in our country follow an agenda to Make America White Again. I caution the other Americans not to be overly enthusiastic about the increase in the number of people of color, as though people of color will begin to have a bigger voice in decision making: This is a delusion. Larger numbers do not translate into greater political and economic power. Powerful white men and women and their supporters intend to maintain complete control of wealth and political power. READ: Claud Anderson’s “Black Labor White Wealth,” and Jane Mayer’s “Dark Money.” I do not give a flying fuck if you like to read or not, read these books; get someone to read them to you, or tell you what’s in them – READ GODDAMIT READ. My last thought of this subject before I get off the stage. Black people and other Americans must learn to become subversive obstructionist. We must learn to obstruct every law and every policy that gets in the way of black people increasing their share of the wealth generated in this country; of black people increasing their employable skills; of black people reducing their numbers in prisons, with a restoration of all citizen rights upon release. The Republican Party has written an encyclopedia of Obstruction Techniques – I use our illustrious President Barack Obama as a reference. BOOKS /ACTING CREDITS ON MY WEB SITE – please share http://www.adolphusward.net

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT ACTORS' EQUITY and 99

THOUGHTS ABOUT EQUITY and 99 - better if we work together Attended a union meeting yesterday, Actors’ Equity Association; it was a national meeting with televised conference hookup to all regions – it was a big deal. I’m usually astute when it comes to preparing for meetings, of any kind; but this one caught me a little off balance. We, all Equity union members, were asked to consider and then vote on two proposed additions to Union bylaws. I was familiar with the proposal but at our local level, here in LA. I was caught off balance when what I thought was a local issue was now being considered at a national level. I thought, oh shit, 99 has move our local issue to a national stage – that took some smart political maneuvering. I’ve always admired smart political maneuvering – even when I oppose the outcome. Well, I applaud 99’s skill, but their maneuvering was not successful at a national level; both proposals failed. I left the meeting thinking how more powerful our union would be if we all worked together – but reality kinda reflects the politics and mood of our country. MY EBOOKS ON AMAZON – please share http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Friday, October 21, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT PERSONAL TRAGEDY vs HUMAN ACTIVITY

THOUGHTS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL TRAGEDY AND HUMAN ACTIVITY – as one person dies another is born The momentum of human activity is neither arrested nor often impeded by a personal tragedy. At the same time a brutal murdered is occurring, other humans are celebrating birthdays, going to work, moving into a new home, buying a new car, graduating from college, joining the military, being elected to office, or relaxing on a beach. No other humans, but those directly involved or impacted by the murder, suspends their usual activity to grieve. Even with, or because of, the rapid exchange of news events in the US and around the world, the most heinous acts go on without an interruption to ordinary human activity. Because tragedies never cease, I think I’ve become insensitive to their impact on those directly affected. Oh, I still get a visceral response to another’s pain and suffering but the feeling doesn’t last too long. I’m not alone in this seeming insensitivity. I’ve come to the conclusion that the inability to sustain a concern for those caught in the tide of a tragedy allows the tragedy to be replayed again and again. A sustained concern might encourage us to develop preventive measures. Tragedies are inevitable; but many repeating tragedies can be prevented if we are concerned enough to eliminate the cause. We can prevent recurring tragedies. MY EBOOKS ON AMAZON – please share http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT NATE PARKER'S "THE BIRTH OF A NATION."

THOUGHTS ABOUT “THE BIRTH OF A NATION” – see Nate Parker’s film, Please Share I saw the film yesterday and it gave a visual reinforcement to what I already knew about Nat Turner – it gave me a real life context, something I could see, touch and feel. The film medium is a potent tool that leaves a visceral and indelible imprint in one’s mind; that’s why any story teller, any historian, any propagandist, any politician, any dictator, strives to get their work in film. See the film, despite what a critique or a friend says: even if you don’t like Nate Parker, see the film; no matter your religious faith, see the film; no matter your political persuasion, see the film; no matter your sexual preference, see the film; no matter that you’re not black, see the film. If you are black you shouldn’t need a reason to see the film – you should see the film because it’s about a significant event in black life in the history of this country. Am I saying you should see “The Birth of a Nation” simply because it’s about black life written by a black man? YES! That’s exactly what I’m saying. See Nate Parker’s, “THE BIRTH OF A NATION.” Do it today. BOOKS /ACTING CREDITS ON MY WEB SITE – please share http://www.adolphusward.net

Saturday, October 8, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT A BLACK POLITICAL AGENDA

THOUGHTS ABOUT A BLACK POLITICAL AGENDA – goals and objectives held in common by all black people – please share Considering culture as activities held in common by a group that is not genetic: activities as religion, art, rituals, beliefs, social practice, and so on. Black culture, in my view, is still in its adolescent stages; adulthood is not yet in sight. Individuals and small groups have attained an adult cultural mind, but the whole of black life here in America and around the globe is without a mature culture. Taking on cultural elements of past civilizations enriches ones cultural development but might do nothing for others in a group. Black people are a beautiful, intelligent, and resilient people; the best that evolution has seen. There is at least one common belief shared by all in our adolescent culture – that is the will to survive and prosper. However, the ability to employ this will does well for some individuals and small groups but not for all others – they simply do not have the skills. Black people do quite well as individuals but fail miserably to translate that success in larger groups. Our cultural development falters because we have failed to communicate with each other across religious beliefs, social class, and political ideology. In order to develop a black political agenda, one that moves all blacks toward a full grown culture, blacks must agree on what must exist for all black people to develop the skills and opportunity for a desired quality of life. A BLACK POLITICAL AGENDA must transcend religious beliefs, social class, and political ideology. MY EBOOKS ON AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Saturday, October 1, 2016

ET ADOLPHUS WITNESS FROM PLUTO

ET ADOLPHUS WITNESS FROM PLUTO - Nasa’s New Horizons just went by I was resting on the summit of a tall mountain when it appeared as a sunlit spec on the black fabric of our solar system. In the space of a breath it was looking directly at me – I waved, even though I knew I would only appear as a pebble in a pixel in its eye. My wave was more a salute to the folks at Nasa for a job well done. I’ve traveled throughout our solar system, our galaxy, other galaxies, and the whole of our awe inspiring universe; I’ve sat on its rapidly expanding edge and plunged into the endless black of nothing. I still wonder if our universe will ever fill that seemingly endless void; I don’t have a clue as to the truth of that. There is one constant I see as true about all that exist; and that is that everything comes into existence, evolves to whatever it can be and then ceases to exist – it dies, everything that lives will die: I will die, as will all life, our solar system, our galaxy, and our universe will eventually die. Perhaps the ashes of our dead universe will seed the beginning of another; perhaps our universe too is evolving.

Monday, September 26, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT MIGRATION AND SKILLS

THOUGHTS ABOUT MIGRATION AND SKILLS – skilled migrants better suited for migration When I refer to skills here I’m talking about what one knows how to do that can be sold to others who are willing to pay for what one knows; if what you know to do can be done by many people, almost any one, then your chance of being welcome as an immigrant to another city or country is next to zero – you will be seen as a liability: no city or country wants a poor person with little or no skills. In addition to skills, race is an important factor in determining migrant opportunity. In countries where Europeans are a majority and in control of institutions there is little opportunity for, say, black people to migrate; unless their skill level is high and in demand. Even with a high skill levels blacks will continue to be faced with the politics of European’ dominance: population numbers, institution control, and wealth. Many black people have chosen and or been forced to secure immigrant status or citizenship in another country, particularly Africa; if you examine those black migrants you’ll find that most, if not all, have skills they could employ to support themselves: Africa does not need more poor black people with no usable and or saleable skills to maintain themselves. I see reparations as an integral part of growing the skill bank of, specifically, young black people. Reparations, in my opinion, will have a painful and bloody birth. In the meantime you young people must take the lead in demanding skill development at every step of your education – the question to always ask is, WHAT SKILLS IS THIS SUBJECT TEACHING ME; WILL IT HELP ME GET A JOB WHEN I’M DONE? Don’t wait for adults to get skills for you: It’s your life, so you get them – SKILLS. MILK THE IRON COW - trailer https://youtu.be/Gh5Ybzl7E5c

Thursday, September 22, 2016

STANDARD TO PREVENT SUBJECTIVE SHOOTING OF BLACK MEN

Earl Ofari Hutchinson stimulated this post by asking for solutions that might be used to prevent the police shooting of black men. A standard of conduct should be set governing the drawing and or use of a weapon. That standard should be based on the Actual, not Subjective, treat posed by a person. In the absence of an actual treat a weapon must not be drawn and or used. There should be a penalty for violating the standard.

Monday, September 12, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT GOVERNMENT SALE OF CITIZENS - to private owners

THOUGHTS ABOUT GOVERNMENT SALE OF IT’S CITIZENS – to private owners The business of American government is obviously business and not the welfare of its citizens. African Americans have lived within this reality since the first slave was put on an auction block. Now as more European Americans witness the sale of public lands, the loss of jobs, loss of investments and pensions, loss of homes, loss of good schools, loss of health care, they like African Americans are beginning to mistrust the conservative mantra – less government more personal control. Whites are beginning to see that they too have been sold to private owners; wealthy white men who see them as commodities to be bought and sold in a free market. In an effort to block the advances of a few black people many whites joined their wealthy owners in demanding that our government annihilate all government programs designed to assist the delayed development of black people; those whites shouted their protest to legislators and courts. Now those whites scream to the government for justice; but their only recourse is their white wealthy owners – it seems to be one of life’s axioms, when you deny the rights of others your own rights are denied. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT HYPERBOLE vs REALITY

THOUGHTS ABOUT HYPERBOLE vs REALITY – doing what some say we will never do I have this popcorn brain that gives back more than is put into it. Two women stimulated my brain today by putting in kernels of an idea. Barbara Roberts was the first and Nancy Peske the second. I was one of many hundreds in the Labor Dad Parade this morning. Barbara is a staff member of Actors’ Equity Association, and with the right amount of feminine finesse dropped a kernel into my brain that I, Adolphus, needed to march for Equity this day; if I didn’t march, she said, other Equity members would have to carry Equity’s banner all by themselves. I gotta tell you, Barbra and I are longtime friends, otherwise, I would have told her where she could put her drugstore psychology. A note aside; Sag-Aftra, another actors union, I’m a member, made room for our two unions to march alongside one another. THANKS SAG-AFTRA. Nancy Peske is a friend by inheritance. Her mother, who is deceased, and I shared love when Nancy was quite young. Now she is grown with a fully developed mind and also has a family. We don’t communicate often but each of us will always keep the other in our thoughts. Our recent communication centered on racial tension so present in all our lives and what future race relationships might look like without it. Nancy, baby, I don’t fucking know but this Labor Day Parade has to come close to what I hope and work for. Seated on the curbs and marching in the parade was a virtual microcosm of humanity. We’re doing what some fight like hell not to have us do – WE’RE LIVING and WORKING WITH EACH OTHER. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Thursday, August 25, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY IDENTITY

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY IDENTITY – and a few related assumptions The internet has made it possible for me to explore a subject in minutes where it once took hours at a library. I experience the internet as a market place for resources, ideas, assumptions, and beliefs. What makes it exciting for me is that everyone can bring to market whatever they want to sell or exchange. I can buy or accept whatever I want or leave the marketplace doing neither. I sell books in the market, others sell religion, others personal development, still others human origin, and others… Today there are many sellers of what black people are and are not – some sellers are scholars, more are sellers with assumptions. Here, I share thoughts about my identity. I don’t believe in a God or Gods or the story or stories of creation. Evolution seems, at least, plausible to me. I don’t believe humans began with one man and one woman – nothing else in life on earth or in the heavens supports that notion. I consider myself a highbred: a black man whose primary ancestral root is Africa. My African root is evident by physical and cultural similarities, and choice. I am an American; this is evident by my presence here and that of known relatives in memory. So, I am a black man; I am an African American or African-highbred. I am because I exist. BOOKS /ACTING CREDITS ON MY WEB SITE – please share http://www.adolphusward.net

Friday, August 19, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT BOOKS

THOUGHTS ABOUT BOOKS LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE BOOKFAIR is tomorrow, Saturday August 20th at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Teachers, students, and readers in search of good books, this bookfair is where you will find them. Even if you don’t read a lot, come to the fair. My stories with be there. MY TRILOGY BOOK TRAILER – historical black family fiction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCxMdAa3JqU

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

THOUGHTS ON MY AUDIO BOOK - ONE FLAWED

THOUGHTS ON MY AUDIO BOOKS – one book flawed; please share The last of my three audio books had sound editing problems and couldn’t be published. That means I’ll have to do it again – the recording and editing. Although making mistakes still irritates me, my irritation is much less than it was when I was younger. I’ve come to know that mistakes are a part of doing any task – especially while I’m learning to do the task. Even when I know what to do I have to continually guard against mistakes. In deciding to do my own audio books I knew new skills had to be learned; and I knew it would be a challenge. As an actor I had long ago developed professional vocal skills to do the audio; I have now developed the basic skills for recording and editing – please note I said basic. I will let you know when my third audio book is published. Go to the site below and sample audio from two of my novels. LISTEN TO SAMPLES OF MY BOOKS ON AUDIBLE – please share http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Adolphus+A+Ward&searchNarrator=&searchProvider=&field_subjectbin=&field_content_type-bin=&field_format-bin=&field_publication_date=&field_runtime=&field_language=9178177011&x=39&y=11

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

THOUGHTS ON LOVE AND LIFE

THOUGHTS ON LOVE AND LIFE I have a daily routine of reading from several books and magazines soon as I wash the sleep from my eyes. I’ve put together my own set of calisthenics that includes pushups, chin-ups, knee bends, and deep breathing; this is the second activity in my routine. Then to my breakfast of oatmeal, with fruit and nuts, and of course, a double shot espresso. As a writer and actor my brain is always working in one or both areas – I love what I do; that’s probably because I love life: all of it, the stuff that hurts as well as the stuff that heals. I’ve lived long enough to know that both are a part of life and that one could not exist without the other. I’ve lived long enough to know it’s to my benefit to love and respect all life; and that includes my fellow human beings. I make an extra effort to maintain love and respect for those who act to harm me or take my life. Remember that I love life, and is out of that love that I will act to prevent a fellow human from harming me or mine; and I will kill a fellow human who acts to kill me or mine. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Monday, July 25, 2016

THOUGHTS ON RACISM AND FOOLISM – REQUISITS TO GENOCIDE

THOUGHTS ON RACISM AND FOOLISM – REQUISITS TO GENOCIDE It’s Sunday, the week day I normally do nothing; I usually try to put my urge to write or do research to sleep and just let my mind go on pause. Try as I may, some Sundays my mind just won’t click off. Today I found myself reviewing documentaries on genocide. It might surprise some to discover that millions of human beings have been butchered in genocides: more than all the wars in the same period. Some may not know that genocide is not a spontaneous event. The insanity festers some times for years before it erupts. Some may not know that genocide always involves two groups of people; it may not be known by many that one group always sees the other as its enemy – as the source of its pain and suffering. Over time the identity of the groups and their differences become common knowledge. When the destructive power in each group is equal or near that, genocide is not a promising choice of action. The two groups will learn to live with the tension. When one group has more destructive power than the other the weaker group is vulnerable and ripe for genocide. Genocide is a choice made by the top people of a sovereign power. Diplomacy and prayer will not prevent or stop genocide. Superior destructive power is the only preventing method. I think all Americans are aware that the conditions for genocide exist here in our country. White and black people are the major players. Although both groups see the other as their source of pain and suffering, white people control overwhelming destructive power. Racism is coddled at the top of our government and that inspires Foolism in the population and all American institutions. Foolism is when a white person performs harmful acts against a black person knowing that racism is passively condoned by our government; and believing there is no power to oppose him or her. How else can one understand a white man slamming a black girl to the ground to control her, white men breaking the neck of a black boy to control him, white men shooting black boys to control them: how else can one see a black boy’s body full of holes and not believe the white people involved intended for him never to live again. Foolism must be forcibly prevented from the top to the bottom of our government and in all of its institutions if the specter of genocide is to be vanquished. MY EBOOKS ON AMAZON – please share http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

THOUGHTS ON KILLING COPS FOR KILLING BLACK PEOPLE

THOUGHTS ON KILLING COPS FOR KILLING BLACK PEOPLE – an untargeted drone vendetta For moral and practical reasons I’m against the indiscriminate killing of anyone: for moral reasons because indiscriminate killing corrupts the spiritual urge in most humans to protect each other; for practical reasons because we now have the weapons to kill us all. There are a couple myths about the behavior of white and black people toward each other I think may be feeding the increasing racial tension. One is the notion that white people are afraid of black people because we are black – I think this myth contains some truth. What feeds this fear, however, is not black skin but the awareness of past and present injustices done to black people and, more importantly, the expectation of retribution. Another myth is that the mission of police officers is to protect and serve. The mission to protect and serve is an ideal yet to be fully realized; it is an ideal still maturing. The legacy of racism still informs and influences the behavior of law enforcers; that legacy, when considering black and other nonwhite people, was and is, to some extent, not to protect and serve but to contain and control. Law enforcers have always used brutality to instill fear because that fear proved to be an effective means to contain and control. However, over the past two generations fear has lost its power to contain and control. In spite of the threatening armament of law enforcers and the menacing growl of drones, people now are more eager to confront injustice; people are no longer afraid to die. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Saturday, July 9, 2016

THOUGHTS ON COPS SHOOTING AND BEING SHOT

THOUGHTS ON COPS SHOOTING AND BEING SHOT – race caused each and each caused the other I respectfully offer condolences and empathy to the families and consolers of those who were slain or wounded. I’m only adding a few drops to the ocean of emotions already expressed here on Face Book and other media. I am not shocked by the actions of the shooters; given the state of race relations in our country their actions were and are predictable. Race was is and will continue to be a volatile issue until We, I’ll say it again, We, decide to remove the inequalities in our laws, law enforcement, governing policies, and social practice. America didn’t just become a racist country; it was born in racism. In so far as race is concern America was never great. We don’t want to take America back to a racially divided country. America’s greatness is right now being pushed into being. If We, America, accept the challenge and push on to removing the barriers that separate us by race – Americans will eventually experience the true taste of greatness. The fate of America is in our, all Americans, hands. Pray if you must but the hard work is still ours to do – otherwise it will never be done.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

THOUGHTS ON POLITICS OBAMATIME

THOUGHTS ON POLITICS OBAMATIME – sagging pants no shorts just raw ass: butt-crack and all There was a time when politicians on opposing sides would scent the funk in what they did; you know, keep their shit from stinking in everyone’s nostrils. There was an effort to appear honest, patriotic, and noble. But at the advent of OBAMATIME many politicians said fuck the pretense. The same politicians now say it in headlines: ‘This is a white country governed by wealthy white people and we will use our power and wealth to dictate what is taught in classrooms, what is written into law, how governing policies are designed, and how court judges adjudicate.’ Wealth-power says, ‘We will limit the number of jobs and make it impossible for your government to provide you with the resources to have health care, to feed, clothes, house, and educate your family. Every American citizen will kneel at the feet of Wealth-power and pledge allegiance to doing its will – God bless you and God bless America.’ http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Friday, June 24, 2016

THOUGHTS ON THE I AND THE WE

THOUGHTS ON THE Is AND THE WEs – something to think about I have what I’ve come to think of as a Popcorn Brain. It stems from the fact that whenever I’m given an idea or think of one myself, my brain takes that one idea and Pops a head full of others. A few kernels into my brain produce a bag full of popcorn. Some of the pops ain’t worth a fuck, but they’re in the bag. From time to time I get an idea that’s worth sharing. I have this idea about my 2 modes of thinking; the first mode is what I call my I-mode of thinking. The second is what I call my We-mode of thinking. In the first mode I mostly think about what concerns me – others seldom inter my mind. In the second I include others in the things that concern me. What I’ve found is whenever I move from the I-mode to the We-mode of thinking I get more possibilities to meet, resolve, my concerns. The I-mode (Me) way of thinking doesn’t work as well for me as the We-mode (Us) way of thinking. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Friday, June 17, 2016

THOUGHTS ON BELIEFS THAT KILL

THOUGHTS ON BELIEFS AND BELIEVERS THAT KILL I am not shocked by the systematic slaughter of the 49 human beings celebrating life in a gay club. For sure, I do have empathy for the mourners who lost love-ones and for those recovering from inflicted wounds – but I’m not shocked by the misguided act of the shooter. In fact I anticipated it as I have other atrocities committed by fellow humans with a belief, the will, and the power to force their belief on others. A note of caution: be leery of a person with a fervent belief when they are determined that others must accept that belief. Be especially leery when that belief is sanctioned by a god. My anticipation of radical behavior is not limited to individuals or small groups but includes governments: especially those with the power to force their will (belief) on others in the name of a god. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Thursday, June 9, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY GETWITH - my VACATION

THOUGHTS ON MY GETWITH – my word for vacation It’s the morning after deplaning at LAX from Milwaukee, returning from three weeks with the best damn family and friends to ever dwell upon this earth; my sister Zenobia, her companion Wilma, my brother Isaac; daughters, Denise, Azeeza, Lisa, sons, Anthony and Michael; grand and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; friends. When leaving Reseda, CA my determination was to GETWITH and enjoy, again, just being with them. I’m fiercely independent and am cautious about interrupting the routines of family or friends. I always rent a car when I get to my GETWITH destination; and more often than not rent a motel room. But, some years ago my “young” friend Virginia gave me a key to her house and a spacious room to use whenever I’m in town. Mind you, her house has an unobstructed view of Lake Michigan from each of three floors. Virginia is actually much younger than my 81 years but whenever I talk about her publically I always make that clear; it’s my way to keeping her house key. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Sunday, May 15, 2016

THOUGHTS ON RIDDING MYSELF OF CLUTTER

THOUGHTS ON RIDDING MYSELF OF CLUTTER – stripping down to what I really need Not quite sure why my mind and efforts have moved toward getting rid of stuff; perhaps my getting older has something to do with it. A few weeks ago I set out to see more empty floor and wall space. It turns out I’m really good at getting rid of stuff. When I was less old it was near impossible for me to part with books I’d read and reread, and I kept buying more books; it was as if to part with them was eliminating a part of me. I’ve now sold or given most my books to readers – it was like my donating an organ that keeps both of us living. In the past few weeks I’ve sold and given away books, furniture, sports equipment, bedding, empty glass picture frames, and other items that had occupied floor and wall space. I can now see more wall and floor space than stuff in my one bedroom apartment. I’m now taking a critical look at my closet full of clothes. I’ve decided to start wearing items I seldom if ever wear: my one suit, sport coats, dress trousers, dress shoes, dress shirts, tux, dinner jacket. So, if you see me wearing a dinner jacket, jeans, and running shoes having an espresso at Starbucks, I didn’t just come from nor am I going anywhere special – I’m just delaying getting rid of more stuff. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Sunday, May 8, 2016

THOUGHTS ON BELIEFS - gods devils heaven and hell

THOUGHTS ON A FEW BELIEFS – gods devils heaven and hell I don’t believe in a God a Devil a Christ an Antichrist or the angels who are supposed to attend them; I believe all of them grew out of mythology and evolved into reality through the spoken and written stories told by creative minds – today, some of us believe it all to be true and real. Not only that, but some of us actually believe Gods or Devils plan and direct our individual and collective lives. I’ve already said I don’t believe in Gods or Devils so it should be understood that I certainly don’t believe any God or Devil plans and directs my life. Whatever the state of our existence – individual, race, country, or world – humans have created that state by their actions or inactions. I said this to a relative once and almost got put out of her house. When our thinking is trapped in mythology it’s difficult if not impossible to see and admit that we did more than anyone else to get where we are – at this moment, each of us is where we are and doing what we do because of the choices we made; exception, of course, but nonetheless true. Prayer is a wonderful tool to envision an alternative state of being; but without enabling action the time could be better spent.

Sunday, May 1, 2016

THOUGHTS ON WHAT BLACKS KNOW ABOUT WHITES..

THOUGHTS ON WHAT BLACKS KNOW ABOUT WHITES AND VICE VERSA Black people know more about the lives of white people than white people know about black lives. This is not a new thought but one that should be repeated often. There’s a reason for this difference in white and black knowledge. Black people were and still are forced to learn about white history, white science, white literature, white art, and of course white gods. White people have never been required to know anything about black people but have been fed a constant stream of caricatures by media makers. The obvious intent for this was and still is to maintain a position of dominance. All media, including that for stage and film, is created from a position of dominance – and to that extent it’s propaganda. Where black media workers tend to think altruistically about their work, white media makers think politically – maintaining dominance. The most reliable and durable way to get more black faces in stage and film media is to produce more stories about black life: these stories must be written by black writers and from a black perspective. Black makers and viewers of media must move beyond the feeling of altruism to the political perspective of purpose. This must be done for the progress and survival of the black mind. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

WHAT WHITE RACISM IS - a republish

Repost: THOUGHTS ON THEATRE AND REVELATION I took time last night to be at the Fountain Theatre. The symphony in words is titled CITIZEN by Claudia Rankine, adapted for stage by Stephen Sachs, and conducted by the skilled craft-woman Shirley Jo Finney. The synergistic energy of the cast gave CITIZEN its life’s blood – its pulse and rhythms. To say I love theatre is an understatement. When I’m in a theatre witnessing first hand the living of life I feel privileged and inspired. Sometimes, not always but, sometimes before the musicians take their bows I have a revelation – I have a tangible something I did not have when I came in. I have, for some time now, been trying to give racism a name and body that plainly states its nature. CITIZEN provided the impetus for this revelation. The revelation came slow and in pieces, not all at once. I started with, RA CI SM IS, then added A, then decide I had to give racism an owner, so I added WHITE. I put that together and had, WHITE RACISM IS A, a what? This part was revealed slowly: SE RI AL KIL LER. This killer is pampered and protected by rich powerful white men; he is a celebrity in every American institution – bar none. He does his blood work honestly and with impunity. He is American as any of us; but he is also a racist – WHITE RACISM IS A SERIAL KILLER!!! http://www.amazon.com/author/adolphusward http://www.adolphusward.net

Monday, April 25, 2016

HEAR SAMPLES OF MY BLACK FAMILY AUDIO BOOKS

MY BOOKS ON AUDIBLE – please share http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Adolphus+A+Ward&searchNarrator=&searchProvider=&field_subjectbin=&field_content_type-bin=&field_format-bin=&field_publication_date=&field_runtime=&field_language=9178177011&x=39&y=11

Sunday, April 24, 2016

THOUGHTS ON THE I IN ME

THOUGHTS ON THE I IN ME – what enables me to do what I do? I made Sundays my Stink (think) Day some years ago. I don’t shower or change out of bed clothes. I use the day to assess the value of what I’ve done the past week or so – did what I do help or hurt my progress or the progress of another? Most of the time I do more good than harm – I do fuckup from time to time. I’ve been in control of me for a very long time and have learned to accept the fact that I can and do fail. I face my failures and immediately move to alter or completely change the behavior that led to them. With the help of mother and daddy, the marine corp., and living I decided to take control of my own life and not give that power to anyone else – to any physical or metaphysical being. Some foolish people and organizations have thought they were in control of me; but in the end found that I alone had the controls. I have the fearless power to trust me, to love and respect me – that power enables me to fearlessly trust, love and respect another individual. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

THOUGHTS ON EQUITY AND LA 99

THOUGHTS ON EQUITY AND LA 99 – member division and solution Political and propaganda maneuvering is intensifying between equity members supporting LA 99, as it is, and equity members demanding change. At issue is money: 99 producers with some equity members insist on actors not being paid; this is said to provide more actors an opportunity to work. On the other side of the divide are equity members who insist on being paid. Actors’ Equity Association is said to be going forward with its plans to implement a minimum wage contract at LA 99. What makes this a politically murky situation is that equity members are pitted against equity members while 99 producers sit awaiting the outcome. To muddy this political pool even more is that some equity members are also producers. As an equity actor I’m for a minimum wage equity contract – work for pay is equitable. Adolphus

Thursday, April 14, 2016

THOUGHTS ON MY DOWNSIZING

THOUGHTS ON MY DOWNSIZING – getting rid of things and stuff Perhaps age (81) has something to do with it but I am getting rid of things and stuff – literally. I love to read and do it both for pleasure and resource. As a writer and actor I’m a slave to story; all kinds of stories, by all kinds of story tellers - I don’t give a fuck what color or culture, philosophy, psychology, history, science or fiction. I want to read and feel the life’s pulse of all fellow human beings; if it were possible, I’d live with each of them for a while. I love life and living – beats the fuck out of being dead. In the sixteen years since my move to Reseda, California from Milwaukee I’ve accumulated a lot of things and stuff; things is what I needed and stuff is what I wanted. When I first stepped into my one bedroom space I could see every square inch of floor and walls. My downsizing goal is to come as close to that nakedness as possible. I’ve already sold and given away more than three hundred books, so I don’t need all the book shelving. I have furniture I don’t use or need, clothing I don’t use or need. I have a few art pieces of value – those will go to my children. I really don’t need all the space I’m rattling around in – so I’ll soon be looking for a nice and well located studio. I’m downsizing things and stuff and upsizing life – my writing and acting. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Sunday, April 10, 2016

THOUGHTS ABOUT INSTITUTIONAL MYOPIA; please share

THOUGHTS ABOUT INSTITUTIONAL MYOPIA – a sight condition created by exclusion; please share What follows will be clearly visible if your myopia hasn’t progressed too far. If it has the subject alone might cause you to pass this post without reading further. All institutions define themselves by exclusion; that is, those inside the institution agree to be governed by a certain set of laws, rules, and regulations – they are generally referred to as adherents or members. Those outside the institution are excluded from membership and generally regarded as outsiders. Some institutions by their nature are closed; they are unwilling to modify or change laws, rules, or regulations and membership is restrictive – countries, states, religious groups, extremist groups, political groups, education groups, and social groups are among these closed institutions Other institutions by their nature are open; they are willing to modify or change laws, rules, or regulations and membership is relaxed. We have only to look at the present dysfunction of our major political parties to see which party is closed and which is open; we have only to look at Mississippi to see a closed religious system; we have only to look at US media to see which are closed to the issues of race and which are open; we have only to look at the institutions open to social programs and which are closed; we have only to look at institution open to war and those closed. When an institution has defined itself totally by exclusion and has built an impregnable wall around its laws, its rules, its regulations, and its members that institution is suffering from myopia – the impaired vision will progress to blindness. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

THOUGHTS ON SEXUAL PREFERENCE AND CHOICE OF COUNTRY

THOUGHTS ON SEXUAL PREFERENCE AND CHOICE OF COUNTRY There are two positions preached and propagated by leading voices in the black community that I disagree with. One is that the acceptance of a diverse sexuality is destroying the black family; gays, lesbians and other folks along a sexual continuum are preventing healthy black family relationships – at best it’s not true; at worse it’s a lie. One doesn’t have to look further than history to find the opposite. Since the beginning of life, whether you chose the “Big Bang” or “Let There Be,” gender and sexual preference have been diverse and sometimes baffling so; yet the black family survives and proliferates. The second position of these voices is that black folks are so in love with whites they can’t bear to leave their former slave masters; that they refuse to leave America for Africa or a State of their own in order to remain near their masters – no matter the condition. I don’t think the reluctance to leave this country has anything to do with the love for white people. Here, I leave the direction of my thought to make an important point: Black men and women select white companions because they choose to not because other whites don’t want them – damn, I shouldn’t have to say that. Now back to leaving the country or not. Black people aren’t as short on brains as we sometimes seem to be. Where it is true that many black expatriates live abroad it is also true that many black Americans have left, failed to adapt, and returned. Changing cultures and continents require more thought than just saying “I’m going.” THINK! Don’t just get on anyone’s boat without first THINKING!!!! http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

WHAT RELIGIOUS FAITH AND NARCOTICS HAVE IN COMMON

THOUGHTS ON WHAT RELIGIOUS FAITH AND NARCOTICS HAVE IN COMMON Where ever one finds a high level of physical pain or mental anxiety one will find a high level of religious faith and the use of narcotics. The reason for this interdependent relationship is not that difficult to understand. No one likes pain or the feeling of anxiety; so we reach for anything that promises relief from them. Religion, unlike narcotics, promises the resolution of all pain and anxiety and adds an afterlife of bliss. Narcotic tries to match that claim by dulling the pain and anxiety and by slowing the ageing process; cryonics is an example – sub-freezing a human body then returning it to its natural state years later: thus staying young, like in heaven. I have this notion about life and whatever condition I find myself in – I did or am doing more to contribute to that condition than anyone else. Or put another way, I should be doing more to contribute to my condition than anyone else. No amount of faith or narcotics will free one of pain or anxiety – heaven (bliss) does not nor will it ever exist. As human beings, we will either accept the fact that our fate is in our hands or we will continue to suffer waiting for bliss to be given us. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Sunday, March 20, 2016

THOUGHTS ON OUR UNIVERSE - MASS AND ENERGY

THOUGHTS ON OUR UNIVERSE – MASS AND ENERGY I find it interesting that scientist can only account for 3 to 4% of the mass in our universe – this is derived from what they can see and infer. My disclaimer is that I have no idea what scientist are talking about at a technical level; but that doesn’t stop me from simplifying things for my own understanding. The reason an answer to this puzzle in important is that it takes mass and a certain amount of electromagnetic energy to hold dynamic systems together and stable. Without these forces, the glue, our solar system would fly apart - so would our galaxy and our universe. Considering the human organism, with too much or too little of these forces our bodies would simply be crushed or explode – lucky for us we’re in just the right spot to remain alive. So, if what we can see in our universe is not enough to keep it together where the hell is the rest of the stuff – the necessary glue? Could this have something to do with why our universe is expanding? The what, why, and how (?) of things is fascinating - I enjoy the process of thinking. I hope young people are developing the ability to think critically, because the solutions to science related questions can germinate well in young minds. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Saturday, March 19, 2016

THOUGHTS COME IN BUNCHES

THOUGHTS COME IN BUNCHES My thoughts do come in bunches. Up early this morning, out in the SF Valley’s warm sun and cool air. Even before I inhaled my first volume of life sustainer I thought about how valuable life is; I’ve known for a very long time that life beats the fuck out of dead. No matter how sweet the “better place” people try to make death taste, I simply don’t believe that that bitter nothingness even comes close to the here and now. Since I don’t believe in a heaven or hell I’m putting my energies to use developing and sharing my passions with others – Now! Inside my passion for life is my passion for writing and acting. I’m an independent writer of Historical Family Fiction; I have three books in Print, Ebook, and Audio Book. If you live in or near the SF Valley or expect to be passing through be sure to visit the Crown Bookstore next to Maggiano’s at the Promenade. Crown has a section devoted to local authors – my trilogy of books is in that section. THANKS CROWN!! Inside my passion for life is my passion for acting. Like most professional actors, the lack of opportunity on stage or in film doesn’t slow down or stop an actor’s creative process. I’m now working on a solo performance in which I’ll live the lives of characters from each of my three books. The title of this creation is “THREE NOVELS SPEAK.” History within a Story: good for theatres, schools, churches, community organizations and other venues. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFICIARIES OF RACISM

THOUGHTS ON BENEFICIARIES OF RACISM In spite of the seemingly race neutral language in the founding documents of these United States America was conceived and constructed as a haven for the White Race. Racism was developed as a tool to ensure that fact. Laws and social policies were implemented and enforced to ensure that non-white races would never enjoy the same benefits as the white race. The legal and most genocidal tool of racism was (is) slavery – intended to exploit and destroy body and mind. For those who had the resilience and audacity to survived this genocide a perpetual set of crippling ordeals still awaited (awaits) them: blacks have no rights whites must respect; blacks off the street and out of sight before sunset; blacks don’t look a white man in the eye; blacks don’t look at or talk to a white woman; Negroes can’t work here, live here, go to school here, get a loan here, vote here. The Founding Fathers and Mothers made White People the beneficiaries of racism – it is what whites have been bequeathed. Even during slavery some whites rejected their inheritance; most, however, expected and enjoyed the benefits – the white anger we see today is a reaction to the loss of racist benefits. Today we see more whites rejecting the benefits of racism – that’s a good sign: volatile but good. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Saturday, March 12, 2016

THOUGHTS ON TRUMP AND POWER

THOUGHTS ON TRUMP AND POLITICAL POWER The success of Donald Trump’s skillful maneuver into American political leadership is only a mystery to the politically naïve – most of us are politically naïve. There are two major blind spots in our naiveté. The first is our adulation of wealthy people – wealth is often thought to be preordained by God; and the person possessing it chosen and preferred by that God. Many want to be as close to God as possible and so will do whatever a wealthy person wants done. The second major blind spot is the notion that racism is neutralized by the passage of time; racism is unaffected by time – racism is a political tool in the hands of a dominant group: that tool is designed to secure and keep power. A dominant group never relinquishes power willingly. The reason it appears that racism is intensifying is that blacks and other peoples of color are fighting racist tendencies that deny life livelihood and personal choices of happiness. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

SHARING THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT I'M DOING

THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT I’M DOING I’ve said it often but I’ll say it again, I’m a writer of historical family fiction – I tell stories. I’m also an actor who lives the lives of story characters on stage and in front of a camera. I’ve written a trilogy of novels about three generations of the same family. My stories are fiction but the historical events the time and the places are real. I’m now working on a solo performance; the script writing is done – some editing will follow. The title of the piece is “THREE NOVELS SPEAK.” I will assume the lives and voices of characters from each novel – they will tell their story. I envision “THREE NOVELS SPEAK” being performed in theatres schools churches community centers and other places where people gather to experience the lives of others whom they know little or nothing about. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

THOUGHTS ON BLACK FACES IN MEDIA

THOUGHTS ON BLACK FILM AND STAGE WORKERS Black people know more about the lives of white people than white people know about black life. This is not a new thought but one that should be repeated often. There’s a reason for this difference in white and black thought. Black people have been forced to learn about white history white science white literature white art white Gods. White people have not been required to know anything about black people but have been fed a constant stream of stereotypes by media makers. The obvious intent for this is to maintain a position of dominance. All media, including that in stage and film, is created from a position of dominance – and to that extent is propaganda. Where black media workers tend to think altruistically about their work white media maker think politically – maintaining dominance. The most reliable and durable way to get more black faces in media is to produce more stories about black life. Black people must move away from altruism to political thought – what must be done for the survival and progress of the black race. MY BOOKS /ACTING ON MY WEB SITE – please share http://www.adolphusward.net

Thursday, February 18, 2016

THOUGHTS ON STOLEN COUNTRY AND RESTORING CRIMINAL JUSTICE

THOUGHTS ON STOLEN COUNTRY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE – please share I’ve been living for just about eighty-one years and most political catch phrases pass through me as easily and as often as my body’s waste – neither bowel nor bladder problems. There are, however, a couple political hypes that cause me to re-regulate my breathing. I don’t reach the point of hyperventilating – the hypes aren’t that sophisticated; they, in fact, are blatantly absurd and stupid. As a member of the black race enslaved and still exploited by America’s white leaders I urge those politicians and pundits trying to “get our country back” to search among themselves for the thieves who stole it. As for “restoring the criminal justice system,” Justice for the descendants of slaves has yet to become a reality; any restoration of what was in the courts for black people would be a road to genocide. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Sunday, February 14, 2016

THOUGHTS ON REPARATION - BOTTOM UP

THOUGHTS ON REPARATIONS – from the bottom up; please share If you’re a black person or a descendant of African Peoples, reparation should be of interest to you. An abundance of information on reparation is available in print; you can catch up quickly by Googling Reparation. There’s a lot of misguided information and understanding about reparations. Reparation is not intended to pay individuals for harm done them – so, if a white person calls you a nigger or a police dog bites you or even if you lose a relative at the hands of a white mob or police violence, reparation is intended to remedy the harm done to African peoples and their descendants: THAT MEANS THE WHOLE RACE, not individuals. Affirmative Action is a small but significant step toward healing the harm done to back people in America. It does not take jobs from qualified white people and give them to unqualified black people; but Affirmative Action does move qualified black people ahead of qualified white people where black people have ever been discouraged or denied entry into specific jobs or work places. CHECK BOOKS /ACTING ON MY WEB SITE http://www.adolphusward.net

Sunday, January 31, 2016

RANDOM THINKING

Thoughts on RANDOM THINKING on… Woke up in the middle of the night with my mind racing around Around politicians preaching gonna give it to you You want your grandchildren to be safe from preditors Preditors who wear uniforms complete with badges of honor Honor that taste like shit Shit that falls from a drone sky killing innocence Innocence that look to us for direction Direction to a place called home Home where we can see our grandchildren’s lives without boycott Boycott for the right to exist Exist in the midst of perpetual war War for dominance in the name of democracy Democracy that behaves like plutocracy Plutocracy that boldly controls life Life that still waits for a jesus Jesus will never come Come we shall over Over the come now Now we have to take Take and make our own Own heaven right here Here… http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC www.adolphusward.net

Saturday, January 23, 2016

THOUGHTS ON FRIENDSHIP AND INTEREST

THOUGHTS ON FRIENDSHIP AND INTEREST – a reflection I just finished a task I’ve been working on for a year or more – I’ve competed and uploaded my trilogy of audio books; one is already available at Audible.com and Amazon.com with the remaining two to soon follow. Before I dive into my next project, a solo performance to promote my books, I’m taking time to do absolutely nothing except visit theatres, book stores, museums, art galleries, movies, the ocean, and restaurants. At this moment I don’t give a shit if I never get back to work. My friend Lloyd Roseman and I share at least two passions – acting and the universe; yes, that vastness we too often give little or no attention. We see our sun our moon our planets our stars without really takin in the fact that there are billions of suns moons planets and star in our universe and that number is growing. On a hot day we get some idea what a violent place the sun is; any closer to that ball of molten hot stuff and we, all life on earth, would be instantly toasted; any farther away and we, all life on earth, would be instantly ice cubes. Earth is just where it needs to be for us, all life, to exist. Perhaps this fact doesn’t give you pause; but what might cause you to give some thought to our awesome universe is that everything in it is moving at unimaginably high speeds. It doesn’t take a high degree of intelligence for one to conclude that some stuff is going collide with other stuff. Solar systems are being born while others die; galaxies are being born as others die – some think universes are born and do die – these thoughts might hold your attention for at least a minute or two. Me, I’m gonna have a good breakfast in a favorite spot of mine and not think about fucking thing. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

LOVE 99 EQUITY UNION FOLLOWUP

LOVE 99 AND EQUITY UNION FOLLOWUP Some people find it necessary to demonize those they disagree with; early in my eighty plus years of living I learned to disagree without demonizing another person or group of persons. When I disagree with Love 99 that neither stops my respect for the work they do or my enjoyment of a performance and performers. I love theatre, all forms of it, and being an actor in it. I have friends in Love 99; for me those friendships will continue. My disagreement with Love 99 as a business is that money is made using the work of actors who do not share in the benefits produced. Simply put, when benefits flow from the work I do I want a share of those benefits – something for something. Nothing for Somethings makes no sense to me. Love 99 would use me to make money and only thanks me for it – well, Love 99, you’re not welcome; and I won’t continue working for you for nothing. In my world of thinking free things are of little or no value. People simply do not respect a person or thing they can get without paying something – something for something.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

LA LOVE 99 SEAT THEATRE vs LA ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION

LA LOVE 99 SEAT THEATRE vs LA ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION – my thoughts The actors and stage-managers’ union met yesterday. The union members present voted overwhelmingly not to support LA AEA UNION’s plan to implement minimum wage contracts in 99 seat theatres. In short, union members voted to continue working for nothing. LA Actors and Stage Managers LOVE working for NOTHING! On the whole AEA members are some of the brightest people working in this business; but when we’re dumb we are really dumb. I gotta give it to LOVE 99/AEA members for laying down the best cajoling line of bullshit I’ve heard in a long time – it was most effective on the soft hearted/brains of most union members in the room. Love 99 has forced LA EQUITY and Equity NATIONAL to set aside implementation and enter discussions as to what will be implemented and when, if ever, that implementation will take place. LA AEA members who bought what LOVE 99 is selling are completely ignoring the national trend of business and government, owners/managers, to gut the effectiveness of unions to protect the best interest of their members. Love 99 members want the union but only on their terms.

Friday, January 8, 2016

THOUGHTS ON SEX AND SEXUAL PREFERENCE

MY THOUGHTS ON SEX AND SEXUAL PREFERENCE In most things important to life I would test to the right or left of the great hump. I’ve always found it impossible to follow the crowd – something about doing what everyone else is doing is repulsive to me. I don’t assume what I’m doing is better just different. The reason for my taking the way less traveled is that I like to think – I like creating and identifying choices and then choosing which way I travel. When I’m told I have no choice my reply is fuck you – that leads me to the thought I’m sharing: sex and sexual preference. I see the sex act as a purely biological and psychological function. In addition to the drive to procreate it’s good for the nervous and immune system and it feels damn good; without sex, life would have never been born and there would be no such thing as happiness. The biological/psychological sexual preference of all life is diverse – it is not clumped together in the middle of the great hump. Preference can be found at very point along the bell curve. The genitalia of humans do not predict nor define sexual preference. Males are not locked into preferring females as sexual partners; females are not locked into preferring males. The tendency, the inclination, however, is for one genitalia to choose its opposite; so most humans will be somewhere in the hump but not all in the middle. Those on the slopes of the curve are just as normal just as human as those who see themselves in the middle of the hump. http://www.adolphusward.net http://www.amazon.com/Adolphus-A.-Ward/e/B00OSDSSRC