A Visit to Larry's Steaks for Healthy foods

Healthy Things to eat: A Review of the Healthier Items on the Menu at Larry’s Steaks

At 2459 North 54th Street (54th Below City Line Avenue).

1 (215) 879 1776

Open: Monday through Thursday 10 A.M. to 2 A.M.

Friday & Saturday:  10 A.M. to 3:30 A.M. (GREAT FOR LATE NIGHT EATING).

Sunday: 10 A.M. to 11 P.M.

A look at better food by Brother Tracy Gibson

They don’t offer much for home-made desserts, but Larry’s Steaks has several items on their menu that will help the person eating out find something healthier to munch on.

1] You can just order a Vegetarian Pizza with a little cheese; or ask specifically for the kinds of toppings you want such as Green Peppers; Mushrooms; Onions; Broccoli; Spinach and / or Black Olives.

2] Chicken Cutlet Stromboli ; Grilled Chicken Stromboli; Vegetarian Pizza by the slice [$3.00]

[More prices will be added later].

3] Sweet Potato fries $3.25

4] Onion Rings $3.75  (Treat yourself to three & four, rings, not orders of rings)…

5] Gyros – Lamb or Chicken.

6] From the Catering menu (They serve as an official caterer for the Philadelphia 76ers) – Green Salad with Grilled Chicken [Serves 8 to 10 people]. You can get Russian or Oil & Vinegar dressing. $35.00.

7] Salads include: Garden Salad or a Turkey Salad with Italian, Honey Mustard or Russian Dressing.

8] [Just be bold & order a Vegetarian Pizza. It does not mean you are going to be a vegetarian and never eat meat again!!!]

9] Fish with vegetables  (Flounder Hoagie – with no cheese $7.85)…

9A] Tuna with vegetables like peppers, onions, tomatoes, and black olives [no cheese]

9B] Grilled Vegetable Hoagies

9C] Grilled Chicken Grinder with no cheese;  [Even if you ask for just a little cheese, your waistline will thank you…..]

10] Wraps: Turkey & Cheese ($7.60); Tuna; Grilled chicken. add vegetables.

11] Vegetarian White Pizza: (With little cheese).

12] Turkey Breast Panini;  Fat Veggie Panini; 10.00 Vegetarian Pizza.

13] Master Card; Discover; Am Ex; & Visa accepted.

14] Don’t forget to ask if they have a fruit salad. Great for energy and vitality. You will be a great Vivid Image for the cameras on the basketball court! Go Women and Men of the 76ers!

14] They don’t carry Fiji water {which as far as I’m concerned is the best kind} , but they do have Spring Water, which is recommended as opposed to sodas and milk shakes.

 15] There are many other items on the menu, but we were interested in items that burn up faster as calories and are not so fattening.  Any one trained a bit (even through self-training) can go through a menu and find more healthy items, if they are so inclined. The people at Larry’s Steaks were very friendly about my questions once I explained I was doing an article for my blog. http://thepoliticsofReal.blogspot.com

 (I was hoping they offered me a free meal, which they did not—better that Way, I don’t want them to sway me in any Way in what I wrote.).

A Review of ``Trust,'' Iyanla Vanzant's Master Work

A Review of Iyanla Vanzant’s ``TRUST,’’ from Tracy Gibson.

One thing I have done is work very hard to NOT confuse people about me, what I believe, and who I am. One of my ole friends – Bruce Harvey -  always calls me ``Traceology.’’ I think He was coining a phrase to note that I have a whole school of thought that is part of what I do, say and write. ( I have to mention that some of these things that make up ``Traceology’’ are NOT original, but made up of the ideas I have honed from hundreds of books and thousands of interactions I have had – both negative and positive - with intelligent and not- so intelligent people. Ordinary people and extraordinary people who have helped me heal, grow and be the best person I can be right now, today.).

While I say I am GOD, what you might not know is that I also say, usually at the same time, but not always, I also say that I am no more GOD than you or anyone else. The end of the Malcolm X film starring Denzel Washington comes to mind. There, all who spoke at the end of the film, said ``I am Malcolm X,’’  ``I Am Malcolm X,’’ `` I Am Malcolm X,’’ but they were regular people, or Black celebrities, or people like Nelson Mandela – THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA…..  I think what the filmmaker, Brother Spike Lee, was getting at is that Malcolm X is in all of us who care about BLACK humanity as He did and who want to see a positive impact of improving the human condition, as He did.

Some people say Martin Luther King, Junior was GOD and some people think GOD was back on earth as Malcolm X.  I agree and I extend this to include all people who ever helped anyone else, LOVed anyone else, or wanted our world to be better, or wanted to or did work towards a better world.  At the time you were doing those Blessed things, you also were GOD! GOD is in us and we are a part of GOD.  So, when I say I am GOD I am in the company of you, who are also GOD.

There are some other people I have to mention who have been GODs to me. One is my Aunt Helen, who was a living saint. Another was Maya Angelou, who was a BLACK director, Black actress, and a BLACK poet. If you look up Her work on Amazon you can buy one of Her great books. There are women like some of my friends who are GODs as well, they are too many to name.  My Mother was definitely a GOD as was Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Winnie Madikizela Mandela, and Angela Davis. Jesus is not the only GOD!

Another thing I noticed is people like Iyanla Vanzant are for sure GOD.  I was watching Her program on You Tube a few months ago and I saw Her exiting a car to go and help some people. I thought for a few moments, that She – a television host, a self-help personality, a lawyers, a highly qualified self-improvement coach  - I felt that She was exiting the Presidential helicopter like President Obama used to do.

I don’t think we give Iyanla the credit She is due. We must!  Many people have read several of Her books, including myself.  One of the best books She ever wrote is the book  ``TRUST,’’  ( Copyright 2015; SmileyBooks; Distributed by Hay House, Incorporated. ) which is on-topic for improving Spiritual growth, clarifying how we might feel about GOD and for discovering how, perhaps,  the way we were treated as children or young adults helps mold and shape our beliefs about GOD.  How, when and where we begin to ``TRUST’’ ourselves, trust GOD, trust  Life, and trust others is at the crux of this book. I found this book to be the most important book She ever wrote. ( I have to admit that I have NOT read Her newer book entitled ``Get Over It,’’   but I plan to. ( I have read about ten of Her books, maybe less.).

From ``Trust,’’ page 83, Second or Third paragraph down from the top of the page,:

``It is hard to describe what happens when you feel the presence of God take hold of you. It is both peaceful and jarring. It is both a relief and a shock. It makes you cold and warm. One thing is for sure, when you feel it, whether  you can describe it or not, you know exactly what it is, and you are grateful. I thought I was whispering, but I must have been yelling. Or maybe I was whispering, because I heard Almasi say, ``Are you okay?  Where are you?’’

``I was trying desperately to tell her the story about the new house. I was trying to express the depth of my gratitude.’’

``I thought I was saying, ``Thank you, God!’’ I have no clue what was actually coming out of my mouth, nor did I care. A few days later I paid three months’ rent and a month’s security deposit. When I picked up the keys and saw the house for the first time, all I could say was, ``Oh my God! What the *** was I thinking?’’ It was clear that the wisdom and presence of God had blinded me to the realities of my new home just to get me in it. What a blessing!’’

``With the aid of a very lovely ``cottage,’’ the home that would be my safe haven for the next eight and a half years. I knew enough to recognize that when you are growing, healing, and learning to trust God at a deeper level, there are situations and circumstances that you must encounter and grow through.’’  END OF QUOTE.

(Dear young BLACK people, please remember that if you are quoting from a book, it is OK to take a quote of a few paragraphs and present it to the public, but always mention where you got the quote from.  Please don’t claim the works of others as yours.).

I want you to read this whole book ``TRUST’’ and tell me what you think. I can be reached at – 1 – 215 – 823 – 9985….. Please leave a message for me.   I am putting this review on my reviews BLOG, for the public to read. I highly recommend this book and hope you will actually buy a copy as I did, not just get it from the Free Library.  Thank you, and GOD Bless YOU!

Tracy Gibson,

GOD Almighty!

today ends the negative thinking - PLEASE!

Pigs ( BY THE WAY THEY ARE CALLED Police Officers ) verses the people //  Palestine’s verses the Jews  //  Africans / African Americans and / Black Caribbean’s verse Europeans // bureaucrats verses voters //Christians  verses Conservative Christians // vegetarians verses meat-eaters. The negativity ends today. We don’t all become HIV Negative, but we can work towards real democracy, real decency and real respect for ourselves and each other.  Start by working to understand the other side because you, like me are not always correct. Yes, our judicial system doesn’t always work in our favor, but we have to listen to our Black Ancestors and listen to find a new path and a new Way to find ourselves and our personal relationship with GOD, if we believe in Him or Her, or if we don’t maybe we should just find our purpose in life. Working individually can also work wonders if you don’t want to work with others in a group, association, organization or school. Help your parents understand you by getting and being real with them.  Listen to your children instead of yelling and hitting. They are humans also. I know this is not easy.

     As we all think more positively and get along like Larry Holmes and Rodney King want us to. Rodney King was beaten up by the Los Angeles police on March 3^rd, 1991 and there is film video to prove it. ``Can’t we all get along,?  ‘’ YES! An Unequivocal YES!  A MAN can change His mind!

thanks the early stages

This is a personal Thank You to the 407 plus people who have been so great to me over my entire lifetime.

Thanks,

For the wonderful view I have of humanity; for the wonderful life I would not trade for 10 dollars; for my being a sneaky, never-ending, LOVing, and kind passport for making a great impact on the world in a positive WAY!; for the greatness that may never be recognized in me that I share with hundreds of other people; for the $500 I got this month as a rent rebate, which changed my life FOREVER; for the fantastic music that has been produced since the beginning of TIME!; for Earth, Wind and Fire; the Beetles; the Cuff Links; and the Isley Brothers; for ThE Spinners, and for the GROUP WAR – NOT FOR ACTUAL WAR! – LET ME BE CLEAR- ; thank you also for my connecting with all the people I have connected with who have worked diligently towards Peace, Justice, Freedom and Economic sharing for a day, decades, a moment, a lifetime, weeks, or even a minute. THANKS DEAR GOD for the wonderful people I call my parents ( Mrs. Jessie Mae Gibson ( also known as GOD) and Charles Saint Clair Gibson ( who wants to be remembered as a very hard working  MAN);  and the friends I have had over the years. I am not planning on going anywhere, but I just want to thank some of the people who were and are so great like Harry Belafonte, Spike Lee, John David Washington, T.I., Uncle Pete. Will Smith, Jada Pinket Smith ( and family), Angela Bofill, Toni Morrison, to all my BLACK brother and sisters who are both rich and wealthy and or incarcerated unjustifiably, and also James Baldwin, Chance the Rapper, Diana Ross, Lady Diana Spencer. Kamau, Alice Walker, Muata, Anoa, Thandiwe, My sister and Brother- in- LAW ( Mrs. And Doctor Gibson Hunter, )Bill Cosby,  Arthur Ashe, Althea Neale Gibson, Tyrese Gibson, LEVIN, Brother Levi,  Ludacris, Jamie Foxx, Ty Diggs, Rita Addessa,  ( The concept of forgiveness) Aunt Iola, Aunt Doris, my cousins Marie and Vicky and Leslie, and those second cousins and on and on.  And so many more people and events and happenings and events and educational experiences that helped improve and shape and mold my world.   You helped make me into a pretty great man and I am proud of my improving level of self-healing , great forgiveness level, and my ability to look in the mirror and SMILE, even if my teeth are not as clean as I want them to be, and thank you GOD for the Native American People and the Africans and the Caribbean’s and my ability to say GRACE in front of GOD Herself.  MY THANKS IS NEVER-ENDING!  I am ever thankful and eVer grateful.  Tracy Gibson…………………..

Where to get Fried Chicken in West Philadelphia

Where I like to buy Fried Chicken from

There is a little food and grocery shop at 52^nd and Market Street, ( They say they take EBT CARDS IN THE WINDOW)  it is back from the curb – right near the SEPTA STATION for the EL, I like there fried chicken. It is OFF THE CHAIN!  I only eat once a month though, not for any reason, except I don’t need to get much fatter.

GOD ALMIGHTY

Tracy Charles Gibson

a review of COMMON's New Book - Let LOVe Have the LAST Word.

Open Letter to Rapper / Actor / Writer / COMMON from Tracy Gibson { GOD ALMIGHTY }

A Review of His latest book, ``Let LOVe Have the Last Word,’’

By Common

   I must say I am at least more than half way through Common’s new book, ``Let LOVe Have the Last Word,’’ and I am very impressed.  Examining LOVe from a BLACK inner city perspective – a RAPPER’S perspective – is indeed uncommon to say the least.  

       Always impressed with the fact that COMMON has used more and more good sense to interplay RAP lyrics with a caring heart, a tempered demeanor, and authentic LOVe for BLACK people, I was very taken with His theme to the movie ``Selma,’’ for which He got raves along with co-writer and His partner singing on the song, John Legend.

       But, getting back to the book, I like the fact that anyone BLACK will spend time ruminating, thinking and pondering such a massive and misunderstood subject as LOVe, what it is, how to attain it, how to make in last past the ``jitters’’ stage, how to deal with breakup, disappointments, and actually having someone in your family – like a beloved daughter - say you ``failed’’ them by not being there for them when they were young.

        Below: From GOD ALMIGHTY, Tracy Charles Gibson

``I think you – Common - did and are doing an excellent job as a father to Omoye. While you were away from Her while She was young, you may not have spent the time with Her you expected, but you were like the squeal hiding nuts for the winter in your focusing on your rap career, concerts and professional acting career. By doing so, you made your present and Her present more comfortable and easier. You also gave yourself and your daughter more options and helped make it so that you can help more now and spend more time with Omoye now.  You took time in the past so that your future { now } would be more delightful, and smoother. Working hard in those past years while Omoye was growing up has paid off with the level of success you have now. Had you spent the time with Her earlier, it would have been nice, but I know for sure ( sorry if I sound like Mama Oprah ), you made a better future for yourself, your Mom and your daughter. I know for sure our Ancient African Ancestors – Our Black African American Ancestors – are looking at you and saying ``you have done great things with your time, level of dedication, loyalty, honesty and integrity.  You now have hardly any cursing in your RAPs  - something many, many other Rappers should learn from you and your level of success. ‘’ What else you taught many of us is to prepare for the future and times in that future will be much better.  Please tell Omoye and your Mom this and that GOD ALMIGHTY said this and wants you and your family to enjoy great happiness, balance and the wealth you deserve.

 

SOME POYANT AND PROLIFIC QUOTES from COMMON :

Page 125 second paragraph, of Common’s ``Let LOVe have the Last Word.’’

       ``This is the beginning of the work: consistently checking in on why I’m feeling a certain away, or to see if I’m falling into old patterns again, all while building myself up, instead of tearing myself down, or running away in fear.’’

Page 134 Second Paragraph, of COMMON’s ``Let LOVe Have the Last Word’’

 

       ``Because if you work on consistently allowing yourself to be here in the present, you’ll naturally let go of so much of the drama and negativity; you won’t hold on to things that happen, or hold things against someone for what they’ve done, especially when someone has made a mistake. You become more forgiving without really trying or thinking about it. When you’re present; you understand that that was something that happened in the past; nothing you can do about it now, and no amount of grasping onto the negative energy will change what happened.’’

       I ask that young BLACK people, grandparents and their parents read COMMON’s new Book: ``Let LOVe Have the Last Word,’’ it comes highly recommended by me and is highly entertaining, thoughtful, well-written and helps even me - with a very stressful job - relax and know that our future generations have more of a handle on things than we have given them credit for.

 

 

Suggested films and books for the entire BLACK family. Please consider previewing these television and film presentations FIRST..

Suggested Curriculum for BLACK men of all ages. Here underlies positive media experiences for Black Progressive males, who want to follow GOD’s path, and make a great life for themselves and their families – no matter what their orientations are.

[1] Go See the Grinch and discover what you should NOT be  --  greedy.

[2] Nothin But a Man  --  positive Black images from the 1960’s about a BLACK man who is scorned and unemployed.  His BLACK mate sticks by Him, no matter what. Good for positive-BLACK character development, no matter what your orientation is.

[3] Kevin Hooks in a short film called TC about His life in the ghetto. Look under Kevin Hooks in You Tube & put the short story about a cat and a young boy from the 1960’s. I may have the title wrong.  Needs research. Please inform me.

[4] Blues for Mister Charlie. The best play I have ever read. See if there is a video play acted out on stage available on You Tube. Written by MR. James Baldwin.

[5] Get OUt. This film is about many things, but look especially at the loyalty His friend – an airport security person -- has for Him and HOW it ends up saving His life.

[6] Get on the Bus. About the Million man March. Directed by Spike Lee. Notice How the gay males relate and HOW they CAN fight. Also notice the magic of the day that changed the Black movement forever. Available at the library or at the You Tube Port.

[7] Fences  Look at the Father Son relationship between Thespian Denzel Washington and the young man who plays His son. Excellent.

[8] Black Panther.  Look at the cartoons as well as the major North American { Turtle Island } film.  What was the conflict between the two young handsome Black men?

[9] The Learning Tree. Directed by Gordon Parks, a BLACK Renaissance man who was a writer { He wrote the book the learning tree } a director, a photographer and if I am not mistaken, also a painter. You can be a RENAISSANCE Black Man also, if you study enough. If you don’t have the $ to go to school, the library is always open!

[10] Listen to Jeffery Osborn’s On the Wings of LOVe, and Denise William’s Black Butterfly, on You Tube.

[ 11 ] The next one is absolutely fantastic. Look up a young Bill Cosby on You Tube teaching a Black History class in the 1960’s. Great for Home Study.

 [12 ] Look up songs by  Caston & Majors on You Tube. What are the important values they are teaching?. Light Inn My Window, etc.

[ 13 ] READ Let the Children Gather by Tracy Gibson.

Sharp political poetry. Available on Amazon for $10.00 ½ of the proceeds go to my church -- , Unity Fellowship Christ Church Philadelphia. OPEn to all, church service at 55 North Broad Street in the Chapel at 1:45 P.M. on Sunday. Spiritual Study at 6:30 on Tuesdays at the same location. A self-proclaimed healing and thinking church.

 

[ 14 ] If Beal Street Could Talk is a James Baldwin book recently adapted for the Golden Screen. It is one of the best works by Baldwin. I will not give away plot secrets.

[ 15 ]  A Warm December is about something we all need to pay more attention to, our health and our relationships. Starring Sidney Potier.  {  Please do the research and spell MR. Sidney’s last name correctly and write in the name of the female co-star.

 [ 16 ] READ parts of Basketball a LOVe story by Jackee MacMullan; Rafe Bartholomew & Dan Klores Also look at the film Coach Carter starring Samuel L. Jackson.  What are the values the book and movie are putting across? Why are they important?

[ 17 ] Hamburger Hill, a movie available on You Tube.  I don’t know much about this film about Black men in Viet Nam. What does the film tell you about hurtfulness towards people and among people?

  [ 18 ] Do the Right Thing Directed by Spike Lee. What is the main thrust of this film? What did you learn from it. Did you know that Mr. & Mrs Obama went to see this film on their first date?

 [ 19 ] South Side with You about President& MRs. Obama’s first date. Well-acted, funny and up-beat. Available on Yu Tube.

[ 20 ] The Book of JOY by the Dalai

Lama & Archbishop TUTU. About building good values and living with truth.

The above document is offered in the memory of my first cousins, Leon, Wilmore, Frank Wilmore & Larry Wilmore. May their Spirits be with us everyday to guide us to a more positive and fruitful future as BLACK MEN and BLACK PEOPLE!