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Edenson
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Username: Edenson

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2004

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Posted on Saturday, June 05, 2004 - 08:46 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

I don't know since when this news has been out, but it has been a little bit too long. When will 'The Coldest Winter Ever' movie be coming out. It feels like forever. I heard the movie will be on HBO. I personally think that it should be on the big screen. It is just that good. I remember when I got the book, I finished it in one day. I'm only 16, and for most teens that's fast. I brought the book to school, and it seemed like everyone who saw me with it had read the book themselves. I even found out a few teachers read the book also. Pretty much all of them finished it in under three days. Whether you like the so called 'message' in the book or not. You have to look at it in a different light. This book has deffinatley attracted me to reading as it did a lot of other people. I also read 'No Disrespect,' which was a great book too. But I think 'The Coldest Winter Ever,' is more appealing to the teens, then 'No Disrespect.'
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Sisg
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Post Number: 53
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Posted on Saturday, June 05, 2004 - 09:20 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Good for you Edenson...it's great to know that you are reading and that this book helped introduce you to hopefully more good books. There are plenty of them out there, believe me. I also enjoyed Winter very much and as you know there has been much debate on the book, it's merit and whatnots, but I loved it. I read it in about 2 days and recommended it to all of my friends and family. I have been looking forward to the movie as well..but haven't heard anything lately. Good luck to you on your reading and if you are looking for more good books, Check out Thumpers choices and suggestions, along with other posters, these people know their books.
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Cynique
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Post Number: 566
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Posted on Sunday, June 06, 2004 - 01:30 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Didn't Jada Pinkett buy the rights to this book with plans to make a movie of it with her in the leading role? Plans must be on hold, because Jada and her band are out on the road touring as the opening act for - somebody, I forget who.
(Maybe one of these days I'll have an epiphany and suddenly see what impressed soooo many others about a book that I found totally mediocre.)
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Emanuel
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Post Number: 32
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Posted on Sunday, June 06, 2004 - 05:54 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

I'm with you on that one Cynique. I wasn't all that impressed with the writing or plot. I was particularly turned off by this teenage protagonist talking about how she needed to get her poon-tang sucked. I got through half of the book and couldn't finish it.

But I can certainly understand the appeal. People are fascinated by the underworld of drugs, money, violence and sex. It's not surprising that so many young people like the book, since the main characters are young as well. If there is movie, I'm sure it will be R rated. Won't Jada look a little too old? I think an actress like Kyla Pratt may be more appropriate.

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Cynique
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Posted on Sunday, June 06, 2004 - 08:48 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Right on, Emanuel, and by the way I forgot to include your name in the "All Right Brothas" on my "who's the coolest on this forum" list. (How could I snub a "Son of God.") :-)
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Cynique
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Posted on Sunday, June 06, 2004 - 08:57 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Yes, a_womon I did notice the age of Edenson. I'm glad this book turned him onto reading, but I hope he is will be further motivated to diversify his choice in reading matter.
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Yukio
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Posted on Sunday, June 06, 2004 - 10:03 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

emanuel: How do u assess the writing and plot if you didn't complete the book?

Others:
Was the language and adolescent sexuality necessary to the story?
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Bookgirl
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Posted on Sunday, June 06, 2004 - 11:15 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

I couldn't get halfway through before I lost interest. However; my college-age nieces and their friends loved it. Maybe the movie will be easier for me. I just figured it was an age thing but I was not impressed.

I'd suggest that Edensen read Raising Fences by Michael Datcher and see if it's an enjoyable read for him.
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Kc_trudiva
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 09:40 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

yukio, you were thinking the same thing i was thinking in emanuel's assessment of a book he never finished. judging by another post he made on the board, it seems he becomes biased quickly.

additionally, i considered allowing my teenager to read it because i figured there was indeed a lesson in the story; however, the language and sexuality has detered me thus far. but given that the sex, drugs and violence are a more prevalent issue among teenagers, now so (than then), i'm rethinking my position.
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Yukio
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 12:15 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

kc_trudiva: yes. the current state in the US is that violence, sexuality, etc...is a normal part of their lives, whether it is in the inner cities, suburbs, movies, televsion, or the US imperialist exploits...I have not read the book, so what can i really contribute. It cold be nice for u 2 or the family unit to read it together and discuss, especially since it seems like something many teenagers are reading.


If you have not, it could be interesting for you to discuss the movie Bowling for Columbine, where a white liberal addresses some of these issues(less sexuality and more violence in the US).
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Abm
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 01:09 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Well, I suppose it takes diff'rent strokes for diff'rent foks. Because I am too am of the +35 set yet I ENJOYED The Coldest Winter Ever ('Winter) very much. And I look forward to viewing a cinematic version of it (though I question whether Hollywood is brave enuff to be faithful to the primary moral of 'Winter or will the a movie of 'Winter merely become what I would tab as colorfully "'ghettofabulus' travelogue").

I agree 'Winter was not a great book. I thought its main character was a bit too stereotypically and irreconcilably 'ghetto'. Some of the characterization and plotting appeared to have been doctored up SOLELY for plot purposes. And I found the author repeatedly using the book to hock her speaking/lecturing gigs to be quite tacky.

But my criticism notwithstanding, I still laud 'Winter. Its writing was crisp, which made it easy to follow, and it appeared authentic to its subject matters, which held my interest (though I concede it may have been a bit too 'hood' for some). And I thought 'Winter's message, especially it ending, was one in which many of our young people - and perhaps even their parents - should consider heeding.

Kc_trudiva,
I too would be ambivalent about allowing a teenager to read 'Winter. I think, however, if you have done a good/thorough with discussing/admonishing your adolescent about issues of sex/drugs/violence, you may be able to use the message in 'Winter to help fortify within your youth what you have already taught them about what can go wrong when one flouts societal ethic and morals.

And, oh, I did allow my 14 year old daughter to read 'Winter. And afterwards, we had some mutually enlightening discussions.
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Cynique
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 03:15 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

I'm curious. When young people read this book, are they impressed with the characters or are they turned off by their stupidness??
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Abm
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 03:32 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Cynique,
Well, I can't speak for "young people". But I talked to my daughter and other youngsters who have read the book. And I think they appreciate the harshness to which it unrepentent 'heroine' is dealt. And they 'know' people like 'Winter'. So they can relate to the story in its own terms.

There is changing morality at play here in this world. It is the same 'morality' that has resulted in countless young women debasing themselves in music videos, young Black men conducting clandestine homosexual lifestyles yet refusing to be considered 'gay', women knowing 'sharing' men with other women, young brothahs dealing drugs, etc. So when a young person reads about a 'Winter, they view it/her from a different perspective than us ol' foks do, much like, I suppose how their tastes in music differs from that of ours.
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Cynique
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 04:53 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

It is a changing world. Because although my parents and I were of 2 different generations, I pretty much had the same values they had. And I wasn't gullible. It was just that my peers and I were instinctively able to distinguish the wheat from the chaff. I also didn't excuse my ignorance about some something significantly historical by scoffing that "I wasn't even born when that happened." Yes, things are changing. But are they changing for the better???
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Emanuel
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 06:34 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Yukio & KC-trudiva,

I believe reading halfway through the book gives the reader a pretty good idea if they'll like the book's style, writing, etc. To me, it's equivalent to walking out on a movie before it's done. I kept reading to give the book a chance, since it got so many rave reviews. Though the plot was so-so, the writing was quite plain. I'm not hatin' or anything. I'm happy for Sister Souljah's success. But for me, it just wasn't enough to keep my interest. It's been a few years since I read it, so I can't too specific on what I didn't like. (This was before I started reviewing for The Midwest Book Review. Otherwise, I would have finished it for review purposes.)
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Edenson
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 07:23 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Well, I haven't really got a chance to read a lot of books yet, with school work and all, but during this summer I plan to read some books. I read this book last summer. Summer is the time of year when I do my best reading. I can focus most of my attention on reading. I will take into consideration some of the books and authors you all have suggested.

To answer Cynique's question, I think that a lot of people put up a front about their feelings on the book and its characters. Many will say they are turned off by the character's stupidness, but deep inside they envy the characters. Especially the teens. I'm a guy and I kind of envied Winter in some ways. She was willing to do whatever she could to get what she wanted, she always had money, she lived at a fast pace, and most importantly she didn't give a damn about anyone. A lot of teens fantasize about having the type of freedom Winter had in the book. I don't think that that was Sister Souljah's intention though. One thing I do have to say was wrong with book was the ending. The way it ended was unappealing. I have no problem with Winter ending up in jail, but the ending didn't hold up. It seemed as though Souljah had something burning in the oven so she jotted down any old ending. I guess it was to keep the story somewhat open. You all do know there will be a sequel to The Coldest Winter Ever, right?

I know for myself, I don't think the book really started getting good until half way in. You probably stopped a page and a half short of the interesting parts. This book not only appeals to teens because they know people like the characters, but because we all have some of the same traits the characters had. Jealousy, back-stabbing, money, sex, violence, etc... Wether you believe it or not, us teens see and hear this everyday. The sex and violence in this book plays a big part to why most people are attracted to it so much. Look around, these days everyone is fascinated with the 'hood.' Even kids in the suburbs. Winter is a prime example. Even when she moved she still wanted to go back to Brooklyn. Like they say, "You can take the girl out the hood, but you can't take the hood out the girl." If you ask me with out it the book wouldn't be as appealing to most people.

I think Sister Souljah was just trying to give people an open door to see into the life of people in the ghetto, and their mentality. Unfortunatley some took the book out of context. Some think she was glorifying the life, but actually she was just telling it how it is. Some say Winter had no good characteristics or good people in her life, like a mentor or teacher. You can't have one of those unless they reach out to you. But Sister Souljah did interject herself in the book, I think for that exact reason. She was Winter's escape from that fast life. Had she put another person in her place, it would have confused the plot. She put herself in to make a long story short. When she came up she didn't have to explain who Sister Souljah was, because we all knew who she was and what she was about. Anyway like the saying goes "You can't save someone who don't wanna be saved."
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Cynique
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Posted on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 11:02 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Sixteen years old, huh. If you're 16 years old, Edmenton, I'm sixteen years old.
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Lambd
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 08:26 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

I'm confused. Which one is actually sixteen? Emmanuel, Edmenton, Edensen, Edenson, or Cynique?
Somebody lying about they age. I know, cause I been sixteen for years, and I know a sixteen yr. old when I read one!
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Kc_trudiva
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 10:07 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

lambd,

edenson is suppose to be the 16 year old. a well-versed one if in fact that's his true age. so cynique joked and said she's 16 if he's in fact 16 (note: she spelled his name wrong). hence, the only 16 year old is suppose to be edenson (note: but his name has been misspelled on some of the posts). ahaha!
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Abm
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 11:03 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Why is there suspicion about Edenson's age? What, a young brothah ain't suppose to 'no howtah reed-n-write?
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Cynique
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 11:52 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

OK,OK, I stand corrected. (But it does make it easier to wheedle out of things if I can't be pinned down on a name. LOL)
Seriously, too many things about the post don't ring true. It was so well-written and expressed such mature views that any if, indeed, the poster was 16, it wouldn't seem credible that someone that smart would just suddenly start reading books, and that the first book he did choose to read was "The Coldest Winter." And why would a 16-year old be taking time away from his video games to just happen upon an adult discussion board and dazzle us with a long incisive analysis of a hip-hop book. I'd venture to say that this poster is the figment of someone's imagination, someone with mulitple personalitties. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened... Cynique is, as usual, cynical.
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Yukio
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 12:23 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

cynique: many adults can write and express ideas, but these same folk don't read...not even the newspaper. BTW, this is more a observation than a disagreement or agreement...
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Cynique
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 12:37 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Well, Yukio, me and Thumper have always contended that to be a good writer, you have to be a good reader. Just another observation.
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Abm
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 01:12 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Yukio,
You should clarify what you mean. Because I would be VERY interested in meeting some alleged "adult" who writes particularly who eschews reading.


Cynique,
I agree. Moreover, I assert it is IMPOSSIBLE to be a good writer without having first been a good reader. How would one know what 'works' if one had not first observed another succeed at such? That is akin to be a great singer without having the ability to hear another sing.

I concede, though, that you make some compelling points about the authenticity of 'young' Edenson. But, until it is proven otherwise, I will enjoy witnessing a (possible) teenaged Black male communicate as well as he does.
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Cynique
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 01:34 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Yes, a_womon, I do espouse different points of view sometimes just for the sake of debate and other times because I am just plain ambivalent about certain issues. But I always vacillate as the same person. As for your question, - me, myself and I will withhold our answer for now.
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Abm
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 02:12 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Hey Sybil...eh...I mean, Cynique. I find what you say about espousing "different points of view" to be very interesting. Because your dead-on sardonic wit, insightful brevity and sassiness always appears to me to be pretty consistent. :-)
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Cynique
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 02:28 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

You are too kind, Abm. May I say by way of reciprocating, that a compliment from you is not to be taken lightly considering how perceptive you are. Yet, I think you would agree that to be a black person often gives rise to having a multi-facted personality because we have to wear so many different hats. Now. Enough of this schmoozing. Back to our battle stations.
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A_womon
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 02:38 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

HAHHAHHAHAHAHAHA!

cyn, you are the Queen, I bow down!
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Yukio
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 02:51 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

cynique: I don't disagree with you about being a good writer and reader.

Perhaps I misunderstood your post concerning Edenson. I didn't take him as a good "writer," but a teenager with a competent command of grammar and punctuation, though i don't really look for those things in folks' post.

abm: The people that I refer to don't read because they can't but because it is not something that they consider worth while. The point is, Many "smart and intelligent" folk don't read beyond what they may have to for work; similarly, the way education is today, many only read what is required for a grade, and once their education is over...their reading is over!
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Yukio
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 02:57 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

cynique: hmmm..., as i read my post it seems incomplete. I didn't think you were characterizing Edenson as an author(writer), this seems like what you and abm seem to be talking about.If that is so, I agree, which is why i've not tried to publish anything. I was talking about a person who can write a solid essay for Composition 200 or something.
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Abm
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 04:16 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Cynique,
Thanks. ("Look at huh got me feelin' all warm-n-cuddly over here.")

Yeah, I agree Black foks must don assorted mental headgear. Almost everyday, my dominant thoughts can run the gamut of a constructionist Republican, to those of a moderate Democrat, to a flaming liberal, to a Communist...to...Hell!...an Anarchist.

But you know one of the great things about getting older is you care less about what others think, feel and say about you. So I think that I am becoming more consistent in WHAT I say and HOW I say it.

Well, I'd like to at least THINK that.

Now, alright then: "ON GUARD!" (Brandishing a hard and biting 'sword' in hand...hehehe!)
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Abm
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 04:18 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Yukio,
Ok, I get whatchu are saying. And I agree most people limit their reading/writing to that which suits their most clear, pressing interests, which makes it difficult to engage them in worthwhile subject matter that might require them to expand their perspectives.
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Edenson
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 11:21 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Well... For the record I am 16. The only reason I even added my age was just to let everyone know that the message was coming from a teen's prespective. I don't play much video games. I mostly spend my time watching t.v. One of the reasons I was writing with correct grammar and all, was because of all of you. I read some messages on other threads and everyone was writing with correct grammar, correct spelling, correct punctuation, so I didn't want to mess up the flow of things with chat room slang. I also wanted everyone to take me seriously. Honestly, this is the most intellectual message board that I have come accross. I still write on another message board on Allreaders.com, but sometimes it can be real dead. It was just nice to find a board where more than three people post a day.

The Coldest Winter Ever was the first novel I read on my own with over 200 pages. No Disrespect was the second. I picked The Coldest Winter Ever first because I had been hearing about it since I was in middle school. Then my cousin got it and she was telling me about it. The way she described it was so... I don't even know. All I know is I had to get that book, so I ordered it off of Half.com, along with No Disrespect. I hadn't heard anything about No Disrespect from my friends, but I read some of the reviews. I figured if she can write one good book, then I'm sure she can write two. I do read a lot, but I read magazine articles, and news papers, etc... I love to read, and after reading The Coldest Winter Ever it made me want to read more novels.

So for the record I am not an imposter. I am a real teenager. I do have to admit though, it's interesting to have people having a conversation about you when you're not even there to join in...
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Edenson
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Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 11:23 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

And thanks to whoever gave me five stars...
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Sisg
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 09:04 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Edenson,

Well done! You are impressive and keep reading!
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Kc_trudiva
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 09:57 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

edenson,

actually No Disrespect was Sister Souljah's first novel...and then came Coldest Winter Ever. i enjoyed both. No Disrespect seemed more like a autobiographical sketch of her life though.

keep reading. i've always emphasized to my daughter the importance of reading and the effects it has on one's ability to be THINK (become more analytical). not to mention learning new words.
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Cynique
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 12:32 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Since I have no way of verifying who you are, Edenson, and since your explanation still strikes me as being very pat, I'll reserve my judgment. And now since, at the ripe old age of 16, you've taken up reading, I'd suggest that with your skills your next project be to consider a writing career. And - while I'm at it, welcome to the board. Around here, it doesn't matter who or what you are; just what you say.
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Abm
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 01:24 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Cynique,
The more doubt you infer, the more you cause me to 'think' as well.

Hmmmm?

Perhaps the "16 year old" Edenson is in fact a very 'adult' emissary/supporter of Sistah Souljah who is trying to cleverly use the guise of an (especially persuasive) adolescent to market Souljah's books?

And hmmmmm?

Perhaps, making Edenson a teenage Black male would indeed prove an effective ruse. His being 'young' would attract other youthful aalbc'er (especially that ever elusive young Black male reader) and his articulation would impress us ol' foks (especially those of us who want to encourage reading among our kids) and, thus, dampen our criticism of Souljah's works.

Hmmmm?
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Abm
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 01:27 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

But it is refreshing to witness a young Black male enjoy command of the basic rules of grammar/composition.

So I sincerely hope that you are 'real', Edenson.
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Lambd
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 01:56 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Hmmmmmmm, indeed. I, for one, am convinced of the young man's youth. For there would be no reason for a mature adult to continue such a ruse...(other than that far-fetched, outrageous reasoning of Abm.)

Abm-why indeed would someone have to stoop to such
a low, just to promote a book? Are you suggesting that young Edison might have something to gain from such a farce? Does Sistah Souljah need his help? Does Clark Kent wear another pair of underwear under the red ones that are over his blue tights? Or does he wear another pair over his red ones and under his trousers? Tell me, Edmonson, if that's your real name, boxers or briefs?
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Edenson
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 01:56 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

You all are funny. Why can't I be sixteen. When we write essays in school, this is the way we all write, or atleast if you want an 'A'. Writing skills are a must in high school these days. There are young teens out there that can get down with some of the best scholars in the world. You don't become a good writer over night. It's a process. A good writer today has the capabilities of being a great writer tomorrow. It's just a matter of how enthusiastic the person is about it.

Anyway... I thought we were here to talk about the book, not about age. And thanks for welcoming me in...
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Yukio
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 02:59 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Edenson: Haven't read the book, so I have nothing to say. Yet, here are a few threads that addressed Souljah's The Coldest Winter Ever:

http://www.thumperscorner.com/discus/messages/1/687.html?1074528319

http://www.thumperscorner.com/discus/messages/1/672.html?1074033808

http://www.thumperscorner.com/discus/messages/626/314.html?1053978179

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Cynique
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 03:06 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Yeah, right, Edenson. Do you go to a private school? Because if you are a product of public schools, you are indeed an exception to the rule considering how all the educators are currently lamenting the lack of reading and writing skills in today's youngsters, skills which you seemed to have been so exceptionally endowed with. Whatever. I'll be interested in hearing your other "16-year" old comments on current events.
Abm, I hear what you're saying!
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Cynique
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Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 03:26 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Lambd:
What Abm and I are theorizing about has nothing to do with somebody trying to promote a book that is already a best seller. It's more about someone doing something which is not that uncommon: assuming a false identity for self-serving purposes. In this instance, perhaps, a case of an older advocate taking on the voice of a 16-year old in order to speak for young people who can't speak for themselves - because they are too inarticulate.
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Edenson
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 08:21 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Are you all serious. Teens can be articiulate when they want to be. No one here is assuming a false identity. There is no need for someone to assume a false identity. Young people can speak for themselves. You send your children to school to learn, and when they do learn, no one appreciates it. I think you all are just testing me for some weird reason . To see what kind of responses I will come up with.

I was born in Brooklyn, New York. I moved to Pembroke Pines, Florida when I was five or six. I attended Palm Cove Elementary, Pines Middle School, and Flanagan High School. You can consider Pembroke Pines to be a suburban area. If you would like to see where I go to school you can go to www.flanaganhighschool.com. Yes I was in private school, but that was when I was in Brooklyn's St. Vincent Ferrer. I have been in public school since I moved to Florida.
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Lambd
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 08:58 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Well stated, young Edmonston. I, for one, not only believe you, but I believe in you. Call me naive, but I have teen-aged daughters. Forgive me for saying this, I have seen them with their friends and they can be, for lack of a better term, 'ghetto'. However, when they converse with me or another adult, they are quite articulate. Don't get me started on their writing skills. You wouldn't believe what you were reading was coming from the same brain as the girl that was just conversing in perfect street vernacular with her compadres....However, I do understand where Cynique and Abm get their suspicions. I am always surprised when a teen-ager not only shows an interest in reading, but takes pride in his/her writing. We hear so much negativity that we automatically tend to lean that way. Of all the teens that I have come in contact with I can think of three that would fit into a category with young Mr. Edelstein. If indeed he is sixteen, he is a rare find.

Mr. Eckstenson---I not only applaud you, I encourage you to continue in your academic endeavors. Keep stiving for excellence you have done yourself proud. You are a fine '16' year old man....If, however, it turns out that you are fifty, SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!
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Kc_trudiva
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 09:04 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

pembroke pines! flanagan high school! my old neighborhood (actually i lived in plantation, fl --yep! i said plantation). i vouche for edenson in that respect and the level of schooling received in that area in florida. my daughter learned more in K - 4 when we lived in florida than she's learned in 5 - 7 here in the great state of georgia. the curriculum there was awesome and she was doing book reports in the third grade and having to read a current event from the newspaper every monday. so yep! i can believe young man edenson on being able to articulate at the age of 16.
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Yukio
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 09:29 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

lambd: right...your children are bilingual; I'm often what people call ghetto, as are many folk, here. what you speak of, i'm sure u know, is not a recent phenonmenon. If we can agree that ghetto, in this case, to someone's ability to speak african american street slang and culture. Let me explain:

If we consider the meaning of the term ghetto and the behavior that we attach to the word rather than just the word by itself, one could argue that for all generations there have been words that reflect the same meanings and characteristics that the ambiguous ghetto denotes, presently. It is clear to me when I listen to older relatives, as well as some of u here, that you speak socalled American mainstream English and the slang of your day(the same slang that your elders told u not to speak...i remember being called a hoodlum and then folk suprised, as some of you are here by Edenson, that I could read and write with the best of them). This is what i mean by bilingual.

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Lambd
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 10:18 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Once again, you have not surprised me by your insight. I always expect you to have an intelligent opinion/comment, and of course, I am never wrong.

I remember being called a thug in my early twenties. Thug, which has a somewhat dissimilar meaning now, was less than complimentary to say the least. When I run into people that knew me then, it is always surprising to them when they find out what I do for a living or what type of text I have published. Little do they know, even though I like to think that I have improved, my style has changed hardly at all. Depending upon the company,Yukio, I, too, can revert back to my native 'ghetto-isms'.
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Yukio
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 12:08 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

An Ode to the Educatedhoodlums:

It is always fun to comment and ask "intellectual" questions (in eastern religion and philosophy, it is not your comments but the questions you ask that demonstrate your intelliegence and wisdom) at a conference or a speaker's series when i'm dressed in my timbs(timberlands), shoe strings and tongue hanging out, baggy jeans off my azz, and untucked polo(style) shirt draping my body at a diagonal, bundled and bunched up at my hip by my cellphone. It rings...excuse me, i say. I press ignore on the phone and ask my question. The speaker/intellectual modestly dressed says ah...nods his head and jot downs some notes...others take a doubletake, and survey me as I ambulate back to my seat. Perhaps it is my polo(brand) underwear peeking through the interstice that my jeans and shirt create, suggesting that my speech and clothes have not cooperated with society's visual signposts of meaning, that has caused them to look befuddled....

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Cynique
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 12:19 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Edenson's "resume" does not prove that he is 16 years old. I refuse to particpate in this charade any longer. You guys believe what you want to believe, and I will do likewise.
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Lambd
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 12:39 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Don't go Cynique! Participate in this charade!

I personally don't care is Emil is 16 or not. It makes no difference to me. If he wants to pretend to be 16, cool. If he really is 16, cool. Who cares? As long as I don't have to spell his username correctly.
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Cynique
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 01:01 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

You are such a charming rascal, Lambd.
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Cynique
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 01:07 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Well, Yukio, I don't know whether what you wrote was an ode, but it was certainly rich in imagery and wit.
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Yukio
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 01:34 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

cynique: I agree. It is not really an "ode," but I have always wanted to use the word somewhere...lmao!
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Abm
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 02:03 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Cynique,
I gottah hand it to you, sistah. You definitely got some manhandling skillz.
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Cynique
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 02:10 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Abm, you are such disarming scoundrel.

Next!
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Abm
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 03:02 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Cynique,
<shufflingfeet>

"Awwww, now, shucks maam. Tain't nuthin'. I just thought...well, if you were free an' all, we might..."

See! There you go again, workin' dat clever mojo of yours!
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Edenson
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Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 12:54 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

For the record, it is only a charade if you make it out to be one. Age shouldn't matter anyway. Just think of me as another person with an opinion of his own, don't look at me as a sixteen year old. And don't look at me as an old man portraying a sixteen year old. For all I know you all could be teens pretending to be grown women and men. I really could care less though. As long as the conversation is interesting, and the momentum is going full speed, I don't see the problem. I think the late great Aaliyah said it best, "age ain't nothin' but a number."
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Thumper
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Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 07:51 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Hello All,

Edenson: I, for one, believe you. Now tell me, what other books are you reading this summer? I haven't read The Coldest Winter Ever, so I can't discuss that one with you, but I'm game for any other book.
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Kc_trudiva
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Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 08:23 am:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

yukio,

will you marry me? your persona is that of an intellectualthughomeboy and that is turning me on...and not to mention that visual. *salavating over yukio* ahaha!
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Yukio
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Posted on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 06:27 pm:   Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Kc_trudiva:

I'm flattered! :-)

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