Saluting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Original painting by Keith McLaurin

Today is the birthday of American icon of peace and unity, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He was largely responsible for the level of cohesiveness and cooperation between the various races of our great nation.  When we salute Dr. King, we salute...

~Peace

~Freedom

~Equality for all

~Decency and humanity

~Respect for all people

~Love for our fellow man

~Uplifting the downtrodden

~A united, stronger America

~Dignity and grace under disgraceful circumstances

~Courage in the face of overwhelming odds

~The promise of a better tomorrow

~Bravery in the throes of fear

~Miracles in the midst of maltreatment

~Hope in the headwind of despair

~The greatness of God in the poorest of circumstances

~The healing of America in spite of hatred and hostility

~Unity instead of unnecessary division

~A comforting embrace instead of angry confrontation

Please join me in honoring Dr. King and his extraordinary legacy today.

Sunday Morning Gospel Classic - The Staples singing God Can

Good Sunday morning to ya! God Can is one of my all time favorite songs by The Staples aka The Staple Singers. It originally came out years ago on vinyl but is available on CD. Remember,even if you can't, God can. He's able! Be blessed.

Image from: thewindingstream.com

The Staples Unlock Your Mind

@IssaRae Presents - "Black Twitter Party"

I saw Miss Rae on The View (I think) once and she is quite witty. You may know her as
The Awkward Black Girl.

Pet Parade

Pet Parade

As any teacher can attest, keeping students engaged and interested is a constant challenge but when it becomes necessary to simply entertain the class because recess has been canceled due to rainy weather, the task can be even more difficult.

Mrs. Fox finds a creative way to keep the students quiet while encouraging them to use their imaginations, take turns and have patience. Even a rainy day can be fun when everyone participates, imagines, visualizes and creates unforgettable moments. Share the camaraderie, joy, excitement, laughter, and heartwarming  nature of Pet Parade with the child in your life. Although it is written for children, this book will be enjoyed by pet lovers of any age.

Author Bio

Sunida E. York is a gifted writer with unyielding aspirations and a vivid imagination. She enjoys writing multiple genres but never strays far from her first love, poetry. As a mom who home schooled her own child for a time, she understands the complexities of being an effective instructor. In addition to penning poems, she writes song lyrics and works of fiction. Pet Parade is her first children's book.

Pet Parade is available in paperback online at Amazon.

Author Shawn Richards petitions BET to include Urban Fiction in Awards Show

Several weeks ago, I received an email from a Facebook connection, Shawn "Word Addict" Richards, asking me to sign his petition encouraging BET to add an Urban Fiction category to the network's awards show. I thought that it was an interesting idea at first.  As I thought more about it, I became intrigued.  Let's face it, BET is not likely to consider such a petition seriously. The awards show is about music, not literature. Still, I couldn't help but feel that Richards' idea was worth exploring. My curiosity got the better of me and I compiled a few questions to send to him. They are listed below along with his responses. Take a few minutes to read the post and if you feel that the Word Addict's idea has merit, consider signing his petition. Thank you for your attention.

Q:  What ignited this idea for you?

A:  I actually got the idea to peruse this a few years ago. I was having a completely random conversation with a friend when I made a statement about how BET should do something for Urban Fiction. My friend agreed, then told me I should do something about it. 

That's as far as it ever went. 

The idea stayed in the back of my mind for YEARS, tugging at my conscience for attention, until I finally decided to take action. Better late than never, right?

Q: Why are you so passionate about influencing reading, especially among the younger generation?

A: For starters, I have a 13 year old daughter. I see the type of energy she brings home from school everyday. It's pure ignorance!

I'm not calling my child a bad child, but in the name of keeping it so 100 right now, someone has to do SOMETHING, because otherwise I don't see a lot of good coming from this next generation, collectively. Last year she came home and told me that the paramedics had to transport some kid to the hospital who almost overdosed on Meth, in the bathroom. THEY WERE IN THE 6^th GRADE!!!

I know I'm not going to change the world, or save every child. But it's my hope that by working towards something different, ANYTHING different, that somehow it'll touch someone in a way that motivates them to find a way to make a positive contribution to the universe.

Q: What is the book that has impacted you the most? Give a few reasons why it had the effect on you that it did.

A: The book that I credit as having the most significant impact on me, I'd have to say was DUTCH by Teri Woods.

The reason I say this is because that was the first street-lit novel I had ever read. Prior to that book, I'd read all of Terry McMillan's stuff, plus a few other more 'contemporary' authors... and actually liked it. But Dutch was the first book I ever read that had a really gritty, and street feel to it. I was like reading a classic hip-hop song. That book caused me to, not only change the way I view books, but also to seek out similar titles.
I spent a few years like a fiend, 'inhaling' any street-lit novel I could get my hands on. And then one day I decided that if they can do it (write a good story), I could too. I found my voice as a writer. Surprisingly I'm NOT a street-lit author. But hip-hop, has a clear influence on what I write.

Q: Obviously, you feel that BET has a responsibility to empower and educate its audience, why?

A: I don't know if I would agree with the wording of your question. I don't feel BET has a responsibility to do anything aside from what they are currently doing. I do, however, see a lot of underutilized potential in the network. They are quick to promote Ciroc, a designer clothing label, or brand of car. There is a time and place for all of those things, but when was the last time they promoted something that would actually help a person become a success in life? I'll wait while you ponder the answer to that question...

Q: If you reach one million signatures on your petition, present it to BET executives and your request is rejected, will you continue to fight for it?

A: Of course! This is about more than just collecting a million signatures, presenting it to BET, getting the category added, then popping the top on the Ciroc...

What's really important here are the people who are touched in a positive way, or find encouragement, by hearing about what is happening. Not to mention the multitude of people I will inevitably come in contact with I would have never had a reason to meet otherwise.
So whether a million signatures are ever reached or not, ONLY GOOD can come from pursing a good idea.

Q: Any final thoughts to convey to the readers?

A: In closing, I just want to encourage anyone reading this to pick up a book. Better yet, WRITE a book. Just do something, anything to exercise and stretch your mind. Find a way to try and make a difference. Regardless of what you're into. Regardless of what you've been through, I feel like I got to tell you, you got something to contribute. That goes for ALL OF Y'ALL!!! And with that, I'm out. Thank you for your time.

BET Petition

Shawn Richards on Facebook

Shawn Richard's Website

Short story: 7:30 A Novella

BIO:

My name is Shawn. I'm an up and coming author, and Financial Planner. I try to live life in such a way that to the casual observer it is OBVIOUS what my values are, and what I stand for. I represent MAGNIFICENT MANIFESTATION rather than a dream deferred. While most people see things that are and wonder, 'why'? I am that weird little guy who sees things that never were, then asks "why not?"
I'm close to becoming everything I once pretended to be, AND THEN SOME.

Sincerely yours,

ME!!!

You are still useful!

The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember...

Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a  liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer

          AND
Lazarus was dead!

Now, no more excuses.
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides, you aren't the message; you
are just the messenger.

Share this with a friend or two.

~Author Unknown

The Haves and The Have Nots Returns

Fans have gone  to bed happy and carefree 

Knowing that within hours, The Haves and The Have Nots  returns to OWN TV

Some wondering if protective gear is needed, gloves and what not

Because Tyler Perry promised a show that's too darn hot

Others have ready wine, cocktails, some kind of drink

For the emotional scenes that make the heart sink

It's heavy, light, good, bad, tinged with pleasure and pain

Makes you think Perry is genius yet wonder if he's insane

He'll push you to the edge then suddenly pull you back  

One day a couple's hot and steamy; next week she's giving him a smack

Don't know what to expect... oh, but we're taking that ride

True fans! That's how we roll. And you couldn't stop that if you tried

©2014  Sunida E. York  All Rights Reserved  

Happy 2014!!!

We've made it through 2013 and walked into a brand spanking new year.  2014 is sure to be exciting, filled with possibilities to pursue, and successes to achieve. So, if you didn't quite complete all of the goals you set last year, pick up where you left off and keep sprinting for the finish line. As long as you keep moving forward, you'll get there eventually. Hey, eventually is so much better than never.  Be happy! Be blessed!

Wishing 2014 brings you renewed HOPE, lasting SERENITY, shiny new SUCCESSES, and continuing RESILIENCE.

High School Performance Artists Sought!

In my inbox today was the following email from Duke Boot Camp, which provides training for up and coming actors. It is the brain child of incomparable actor and director Bill Duke. 

The information below is all that I received so please do not direct any questions to me. I'm simply passing along the message in case it will allow someone to fulfill his or her dream of becoming an actor. Break a leg!

Email:

"GIVING BACK", a non-profit entertainment organization founded by Ken Sagoes, will conduct a Tribute to Black Performers on Saturday, February 22, 2014 and Sunday, February 23, 2014.  This Tribute will be in the form of a VAUDEVILLE style Salute to Black Performers from the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.

Dino Shorte, will be directing a portion of this show and is looking for high school aged performers who can LIP SYNC to music of various singers like Barry White, Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Diana Ross, The Supremes, Pattie LaBelle, etc.

The HIGH SCHOOL ACTOR would lip sync, dress and act AS that singer.  
 
If you know of ANY high-school aged performers who'd be interested, PLEASE CONTACT DINO SHORTE IMMEDIATELY at dinowrite@hotmail.com."
  


Dino Shorté

Kem featuring Patti LaBelle and Ron Isley - Jesus

I heard this song on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on Tuesday.  I was instantly in love with the song. I couldn't find a video showing a live performance of this. Hopefully, someone who attends one of the two upcoming concerts Kem mentioned on the show that will include Ms. Patti and Ron Isley will be able to record and post the performance. Jesus... no other name is so powerful. It's the only name you need to know.

His Day is Done - A Tribute Poem for Nelson Mandela by Dr. Maya Angelou

For The Art Lover in You

On a recent visit to Raleigh, NC, I needed to burn some extra time so, my sister and I wandered into a building that was purported to be an art gallery.  We walked out confused and disappointed because we encountered very little that could truly be construed as art.  As we walked away discussing our observations, a young man was sitting outside enjoying the gorgeous weather and a salad.  He asked if he could help us because we looked as if something was amiss. 

I thanked him for his concern and told him that we were fine but did not understand the "art gallery" that we had just exited. He jumped up with excitement, declared that he had a gallery and asked if we'd like to see it. We looked at each other and accepted his invitation.  As soon as we walked in, we were immersed in beautiful artwork that embodied what we had expected to encounter in the previous gallery.

Large paintings, obviously a set, in bright, vibrant hues hung to our left while a smiling blond, Dolly Parton, leaped from the canvas in front of us. The proud and profusely talented artist introduced himself as Keith McLaurin as he escorted us around the quaint home for his highly attractive works of art. I was struck by opulent depictions of Tupac Shakur, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, random abstracts, sports figures and even custom painted T-shirts.

McLaurin fell in love with drawing and painting after being assigned to draw a cardinal in first grade. He was unable to draw the North Carolina state bird so he enlisted the help of his mother. However, he was displeased with her "stick figure bird" and after hours of trying to draw one to his liking, he finally decided to simply trace the picture. The praise he received from his teachers motivated him to learn the craft in earnest. His best friend, Reggie Williams, taught him to draw and Keith has been a professional artist for thirteen years.

Years later, Williams' kindness lives on in Keith's life. The notion of paying it forward has not escaped this painter as he devotes a portion of his time and effort to mentoring children who have an interest in learning the art.  Parents make a small payment for art supplies but the lessons the kids receive each Saturday are priceless. McLaurin also manages a co-op of artists that includes Edwin Worth,  DEEZEEART, Anjuli Johnson, Mike Driven,  Anthony and Andrew Vaughn - a father and son collaboration, Rocky Reese, and Teresa Stephens, who is a photographer. In addition, he has been invited to travel to the Congo to create some of his unique art pieces that will be auctioned in New York in January to raise money for the Congo region.

Through his business, Pitch Media Gallery, Keith McLaurin offers custom painting services, commissioned artwork for Album/CD or book covers, body painting,  custom designed T-shirts and sneakers, and personal gallery viewings by appointment. 

Join Keith and his associates on every first Friday of the month for a showing from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. If you're in the market for a one of a kind Christmas gift, the Pitch Black Friday Sale might be just the event for you. McLaurin is offering 50 tickets at $50.00 each that will guarantee the holders an original painting (select pieces) from his gallery.

Pitch Media Gallery is located at 14B Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina. For additional information, email Keith McLaurin at swiftcream919@yahoo.com.

 

Could Chromium Picolinate be the cure for Diabetes and aid in weight loss?

Millions of people suffer from diabetes, obesity or both and struggle to control these health issues. Either condition alone can be complicated but together, they can be overwhelming. So, patients often find themselves interested in  products claiming to be a cure for diabetes or the magic pill for weight loss. Yesterday, a tweet about another subject led me to a website with a link to the Diabetes Solution Kit - a cure - and it caught my attention. Once you click on the link, you are presented with a video, which is usually a red alert for me because you know the sales pitch is coming. Still, I watched it. Hey, if there's a cure for diabetes, I want to know about it. 

The video was repetitive, full of a lot of words - spoken and written - that really said a lot of nothing. The viewer is urged time and again to watch the video to the end. I was unable to find a pause button, or any button for that matter, so that I could stop the video and return to it later. Yes, this was by design to keep viewers glued to the screen. The video was long, boring and tedious. And just as expected, it all led up to a the speaker trying to sell books (download or download and printed) to those hoping to find a "cure" for diabetes. What exactly is this miracle cure? Cinnamon and Chromium Picolinate. Sure, everyone's heard of and has eaten cinnamon in some recipe or other. You may have even heard of Chromium. But what the heck is Picolinate?

I couldn't answer that question but I know how to Google it. What I found was not good and that was not surprising. Read the article - be warned, it is long and tedious as well but much more forthcoming with interesting and useful facts. I believe that you will come to a similar conclusion as the one I reached. Chromium Picolinate is not a a cure for diabetes and it is a health risk. There are better ways to control your blood sugar level, including adding cinnamon and other spices and foods to your diet, increasing exercise, getting the proper amount of sleep, and reducing the amount of sugar (refined and natural) taken in daily. Fruits should be thought of as sweet treats or dessert and eaten in moderation. There are a few vegetables, such as carrots, that fall into this category as well because of the large amount of natural sugar they contain. Drink at least two (2) liters of water a day. That equals approximately four (4) 16.9 oz bottles of water.

My search of Dr.Oz's website did not yield any information on Chromium Picolinate but I did find this helpful slide show about foods one should eat to lower the blood sugar and lower body weight. Try these foods to Eat Yourself Skinny. There are even some recipes to try.  

Always take the time to investigate any claims of "cures" or above average results of any supplement as they are not  regulated by the FDA.

Could your high school music program use $10,000? Enter the Get Pitch Perfect With Foreigner contest.

Foreigner has teamed up with the Grammy Foundation to help one lucky high school boost their music program with a $10,000.00 donation. All it takes is a 15-30 second Public Service Announcement about the importance of music in school. The deadline to enter the contest is November 15, 2013. Details can be obtained by visiting http://www.grammy.org/news/get-pitch-perfect-with-foreigner-and-the-grammy-foundation. If this is music to your ears and you plan to enter your school in the contest, best of luck! 

Here's a snippet of Foreigner performing on the Queen Latifah show backed by a high school choir.

CBS This Morning presents Note to Self: Tyler Perry

I've made it no secret that I subscribe to Tyler Perry's newsletter. The most recent letter from Tyler talks about his participation in the CBS This Morning segment called Note to Self. Perry says it changed his life and urges others to write a letter to their younger selves. His is a piece that is loving, introspective,and encouraging yet powerful. Before seeing his, I saw this exercise as experienced by reality TV star and entrepreneur, Evelyn Lozada. Her letter to her 7-year-old self was moving as well. It seems that writing a letter to one's younger self is a tool by which one can bring about healing of past injuries and hurts. It also appears to be painful but in a manner that soothes the old sore places and promotes healing. Only you can decide if it is a tool that you are willing to use to repair the dilapidated areas of your life. Why not? As long as you are still alive, you have the power to change your life. And, of course, you're so worth it!

Gladys Knight goes Old School on the Queen Latifah Show

The timeless Gladys Knight performed her new single, Old School, on the Queen Latifah Show. The Empress of Soul still throws down on stage. The album Another Journey is available on iTunes and Amazon and features "I Hope You Dance" which so many loved in the movie Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys. Listen to her kick it "Old School"!

Debt collector's secret to success? Advocating for those who are struggling.

At a time when families who have already been rocked by financial upset face even harder times because of the resent and unnecessary government shutdown, this feel-good story by CBS Evening News is worth sharing. Tip your hat to Bill Bartmann, a debt collector who practices consumer advocacy. He believes in helping people through his company, CFS II. Hmm... a debt collector who helps those he is charged with collecting from. How often does that happen?!

Cancer Support Services (CSS)... Charity or Scam?

As I thumbed through my mail the other day, I was surprised to find an envelope with "A Friendly reminder: Please honor your pledge" on it in bold letters. I looked at the return address and knew immediately that I had never had any contact with this organization as I had never even heard of it. "How dare they make it seem as though I made a pledge and did not pay," I thought to myself. 

I called Cancer Support Services at the number on the back side of the letter, 1-313-565-5901, and a man answered. I told him that I received the letter and wanted to know what it was all about.  He asked for my phone number so I gave him the number listed on the letter. He "pulled up the record" and verified my name.

"Well, it looks like someone contacted you on August 8th and took a pledge," he continued.

"I've never heard of your charity and no one could have contacted me at that number because that is not my phone number," I assured him.

"Oh. Okay. Well, I'll take you off of this, then."

"Yeah, you do that," I said in a stern  and obviously aggravated voice.

I fully expect to hear from this so-called charity again because there are complaints about them contacting people multiple times, especially if you fall for the ruse and actually send them money.  They collect millions of dollars from unsuspecting people who are trying to do a good deed and help cancer victims. Donors are unwittingly stuffing the pockets of these thieves, becoming victims themselves of a scam.  CSS consists of a father and son who are getting rich off of their pretense. The mother of the family has since struck out on her own and has a separate "charity" that she claims supports breast cancer victims.  

I can't tell you what to do with your money, but I would certainly caution you to think long and hard and then think again before giving any donation to Cancer Support Services (CSS), also known as Cancer Fund of America Support Services. The web addresses are different but lead to the same site (www.cfasupportservices.org/home.htm  and  www.cancersupportservices.net). A quick internet search yielded some interesting information that you can read for yourself. Please don't fall for this devious trickery.

Charity Navigator: Post by Raymond Davis detailing his experience with CSS

Boston BBB:Cancer Charity Soliciting Nationally Raises Millions, But Almost No Cash Goesto Direct Aid

AC Services / Breast Cancer Society: Before You Donate, Read This

Read comments by others solicited by CSS

Come on! Do the Sweetie Pie with Miss Robbie!

Miss Robbie Montgomery, star of the OWN hit Welcome to Sweetie Pie's celebrated
her 73rd birthday with a banging performance of a dance tune written
just for her by her son, Tim. It's catchy and Ms. Robbie belts it
out with enthusiasm. Come on! Do the Sweetie Pie and dance along
with Ms. Robbie. She could totally rock this song at a club.
Get it, girl! "Do the Pimp Walk!" That line cracks me up.

Do the Sweetie Pie Music Video


Live Party Performance


Now that's how it's done. Shake your Sweetie Pie, people!

XFactor Contestant Ashly Williams slays Whitney's signature song!

Written by Dolly Parton and recorded by multiple singers (including Parton), "I Will Always Love You" did not become a mega-hit until it was given the Whitney Houston treatment. She famously recorded the touching ballad for the soundtrack for her movie The Body Guard. Since then, many a contestant has sung that song in hopes of showcasing their talent. Last night on The XFactor, 24-year-old Ashly Williams did just that. She mesmerized the entire audience, even the hard-to-please Simon Cowell. All of the female judges were in tears, as was I. Ashly dedicated her performance to her mother, a murder victim. I have no doubt Ashley made her mother and Whitney proud. She will be the one the other contestants will need to beat out in this season's competition.Watch her performance in the video below. You will be moved.

Whitney Houston  I Will Always Love You