The Dirty 13: Author’s Choice Countdown 2013

Karsceal Turner – I Got NEXT!

Recently, I performed an end of year inventory of pieces I distributed to the masses. It really isn’t difficult to distinguish certain stories, which lit my fire more than others. It is the luxury and curse of writing from the heart, as I do. Along with each recap is a link to the original piece on my personal page with West Orlando News. The ranking is based in order of personal importance and also based on the number of social media views (most of my pieces run on the banner of the website for a good 5-day week tops) – hence readers and fans of I Got NEXT! In effect this is based on you! Thaaanks! And now…The Dirty Thirteen for 2013

1. Bethune-Cookman Crowned 2013 National Black Champions 250 views

• After a season which included running amuck against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) foes (except Norfolk State), beating their first ever FBS bowl eligible team in Florida Atlantic, exacting revenge on Tennessee State, and beating the stuffing out of arch-rival Florida A&M before being bashed themselves by Coastal Carolina in the first-round of the FCS playoffs, The Wildcats were unanimous vote winners according to Boxtorow for National Black Football. Other polls had other picks…whatever. This piece holds the distinction of garnering the most views throughout the calendar year. I suppose it was only fitting that I authored it in December. Although I must confess this wasn’t my personal choice, numbers didn’t lie this time.
• https://westorlandonews.com/2013/12/16/bethune-cookman-university-crowned-black-college-national-champions/

2. A tale of two top-notch High school football programs 133 views

• This piece was almost entirely self-serving. I was overwhelmed on how it was received. By now it is common knowledge that I cover Florida happenings and sports since I live here. I was blessed to turn a situation like my Aunt Gloria’s funeral into something positive. I had not been on the football field of Jelsma Stadium in Guthrie since I played for the Bluejays in 1987. Now as an adult, I was able to not only visit a game on invitation of the coach, but also combine it with the story from Florida about a championship team in the Mainland Buccaneers. By the way, My Bluejays captured the 2013 Oklahoma 5A Football Championship. My championship gear is already on its way! Mainland High School succumbed to eventual state champion Miami Central High School in the Florida 6A semi-finals.
• https://westorlandonews.com/2013/12/07/a-tale-of-top-notch-high-school-football-programs1244-miles-apart/

3. In the beginning, a little more than a bookstore 144 views

• This piece was my attempt to shed light on businesses within the community. Why not begin with a spot I frequent myself? As a Nupe, I purchased plenty of gear from In the beginning. I felt it was a viable venue which could use a quick shout-out. Unbeknownst to me was the fact that my fellow Mason and Past-Master Charles Thomas had such extensive reach. I knew but I didn’t KNOW. He reminds me of me. LOL In any case, this piece practically wrote itself. I pray the shop’s visitation increased as result of what I wrote. That was my plan from the jump.
• https://westorlandonews.com/2013/11/22/in-the-beginning-a-little-more-than-a-bookstore/

4. Who bears the guilt for a slain child- George Zimmerman trial 40 views

• To this day, I haven’t been able to answer the question of who bears the guilt for a slain child. Not only Trayvon Martin (rest easy), but the countless young brothers and sisters nationwide. The racist society we still live in was revealed in all the memes of a dead little Black boy. The best I could offer was to express my personal views, unite and educate. There is still much to be worked out amongst Black folk. It’s got to begin at home. Once unity returns, the Black fist will mean something again. I shall work towards becoming a spark, which changes this world..or die trying. – https://westorlandonews.com/2013/07/14/not-guilty-who-bears-the-guilt-for-a-slain-child/

5. Masonic series Parts one though five 107 views – total spread over five stories

• This five-part series evolved from one informational commentary I wanted to write about the organization in which I am a part. It was also a personal attempt to educate my Uncle, the Baptist Preacher. To this day I can’t be sure he read my EXTENSIVE research and education on the subject of Freemasonry. No matter, I am what I am. This series served as a catalyst for revealing misconceptions about the lodge. At the same damn time, I was able to shed “light” on the many philanthropic deeds of the lodge and the sisters of the Order of the Eastern Star. As a large number of my readers are members of these orders, it got much love and opened the doors for further Masonic information as the year progressed. Thanks family! – https://westorlandonews.com/author/karsceal-turner/page/4/

6. Twisters in Oklahoma 19 views

• I have lived in the State of Florida since I was 19-years-old. After Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy, I just couldn’t let go of the sunny weather. The thing which eludes Florida haters is the fact that half the calendar year is devoted to Hurricane season. In my 20 years here I’ve survived a good four and endured double the Tropical Storms. I suppose no matter where you go, Mother Nature can get you. When I heard on the news about the F5 Tornado which tore through my home state, I was emphatic and had to write about it in detail. As we enjoy shorts and tees in Florida during December….I must be ever mindful that for my home state, “we” are headed for Tornado Season in the spring… – https://westorlandonews.com/2013/05/22/twister-is-more-than-a-movie-to-oklahoma-natives-like-me/

7. Anti-Venom, B-CU wins Florida Classic 2013 83 views

• Of the 19 years I’ve attended the Florida Classic, a decade has been behind the scenes either as a member of the sports information staff at B-CU or as a news reporter/columnist it. Since my first game, I have never dug in my pocket to pay for a ticket (which continues to rise each year). It all began for me as a freshman at Bethune-Cookman College. That year (1994), it was played in Tampa, since then it has been in Orlando. It has been the epitome of Black college football this side of the Mississippi river. I said that with the knowledge of how the Bayou Classic — — USED to be. Don’t get me on that. Anyway, not only did B-CU win the game, it was the return of the Marching 100 of FAMU, I can’t lie, I didn’t miss them but I was glad to see them return to getting blasted off the field by the Marching “Pride” of Bethune-Cookman. – https://westorlandonews.com/2013/11/24/anti-venom-b-cu-29-famu-10-at-the-34th-florida-classic/

8. Prince Hall Day 2013 59 views

• This celebration for Prince Hall Masons was the first story about the Masonic organization to garner a large following. I was really impressed with the support. I truly believe my 5-part Masonic series played a part in opening people up to receive a Masonic celebration. – https://westorlandonews.com/2013/09/25/prince-hall-day-2013-in-daytona-beach/

9. Stetson returns to football after 57 years and wins Homecoming 2013 3 views

• This was a new thing for me. I was used to the hoopla surrounding a prominent Black college football program. When I was called upon to serve as the Red-Hat for a Stetson University football program which was dormant for the previous 57 years, you know I had to do it. Not only that, I wrote about every game I worked. It was a welcome addition to my repertoire, plus I had a blast and can’t wait for the 2014 season! – https://westorlandonews.com/2013/11/10/hatters-handle-davidson-for-26-13-happy-homecoming-win/

10. Edison Jackson inaugurated 6th president of Bethune-Cookman University 16 views

• This piece was actually a long time coming. It should have been published right after Dr. Jackson arrived on campus. I interviewed him in my role as editor of the B-CU/NAA Legacy Magazine. We had a damn good chat too. I thoroughly enjoyed him sitting down and keeping it totally real with me. As a result, of our conversation, this evolved into a piece about his inauguration some months later. As a matter of fact, Bro Pres. reminds me that he always read my stuff! I truly feel linked to the President of my alma mater. How cool is that? – https://westorlandonews.com/2013/10/19/edison-o-jackson-inaugurated-6th-president-of-bethune-cookman-university/

11. Wildcats Bash FIU 34-13 51 views

• I thoroughly enjoyed traveling to Miami, eating good grub, and watching the Wildcats lay an impressive ass-whipping on Florida Atlantic University. As a result of that bashing, you can believe many of the mainstream schools who MIGHT have played a Black school are having a few second thoughts. Regardless, respect will not be forthcoming until a Black program beats an FBS eligible program AND advances past the first-round of the playoffs. I’ll be happy to continue to come along for the ride whenever my alma mater is doing “big things” as FSU’s Jameis Winston likes to say. – https://westorlandonews.com/2013/09/17/23-wildcats-bash-fiu-panthers-34-13/

12. St. Johns Day 2013 19 views

• This was the third feature geared towards the Masonic organization. I really wanted to capture the essence of Masons and sisters of the Order of the Eastern Star enthralled in a church service. Once again it was my attempt to end the talk about Masons being Satanists. Sadly, it didn’t seem well received by the masses…thems the breaks sometimes…
• https://westorlandonews.com/2013/12/09/a-masonic-celebration-of-st-john-the-baptist/

13. Return of the FAMU Marching 100 during the 2013 MEAC/SWAC Challenge 19 views

• I would be worth my salt as a columnist if I didn’t play up the return of the famed Marching 100 to the football field. It was really funky being the only Wildcat in a sea of Orange and Green, but hey, I had bloody work to do. BTW, Mississippi Valley State University also brought their band. The truth was, they out-did FAMU in way of formations but hey, what the hell do I know…I just write stuff. – https://westorlandonews.com/2013/09/02/the-devil-is-a-liar-famu-beats-mississippi-valley-state-in-meacswac-challenge/

I look forward to a positive, promising, and progressive 2014. The “P” times three is a new catch phrase! May you all continued to be blessed. I’ve got basketball games to cover in about three more weeks so remember even into 2014, I Got NEXT!