Barack Obama... The Next U.S. President

I wrote this in February but never got the chance to type it up.

Congratulations on your Democratic Presidential nomination, Senator Obama!


Obama


I used to think that I’d vote for Hillary
But I think that Obama is the man to set us free
We’ve been held hostage now for eight long years
By overspending on a fraudulent war and exaggerated fears

No need to dwell on the past with the future in front of us,
bright as the morning sun rising
Of course, that’s Senator Obama… an intelligent, charismatic,
innovative, refreshing, strong, capable leader who’s enterprising
Barack has the vision… he shares Martin’s dream
To unite America… not have it separated by an economic or
racial seam

He wants to help the poor and minorities cross the great divide
With decent jobs, affordable health care, access to an education
and restoration of self-pride
“Yes, we can!” It’s Barack’s belief. It’s his motto
If you believe, vote for Obama! Put him in the White House
and watch America grow!

Barack Obama has inspired scores of young people to vote
And prompted those who can remember to reminisce on
a Kennedy, King note
He is exactly what this ailing country needs to heal and improve
With Obama at the helm, the United States of America can, in a
positive direction, turn and move



Sunida E. York ©2008 All Rights Reserved

Get Published Through This Book Contest

This one's for the writer in you! If you are an unpublished author,
this may be your ticket to getting your book published. Get those
fingers typing... the deadline is July 1, 2008!!



220 Communications Announces Book Contest To Publish an Author

Chicago IL- 220 Communications is looking to assist a new author
in realizing their dream by publishing their debut title. The
"Publishing Your Dream" contest will award a one book contract
to the winner along with a one year marketing contract with
220 Communications.

Entrants will provide:
* Biography
* The first 3 chapters of their book
* A one page synopsis of the story from beginning to end

A panel of judges will select three finalists to be announced
in August 2008. The winner will be announced at the 5th Annual
Authors and Artists Chicago event in September. Winners will
receive a one year marketing services contract with
220 Communications, their title published in early 2009, a launch
event marking the release, and participation in 220 Communications
book events including Authors and Artists 2009. The book will be
the debut title on the "220 Books" Imprint.

Contestants can e-mail their entries to:
info@220communicat ions.com (mailto:info@220communications.com) .
Entries must be complete, incomplete entries will not be accepted.
Deadline for entries is July 1st, 2008


220 Communications is the parent company for online art gallery
Kreationsart. com and online media (books, music, film)
site BUY220.com.

The company is dedicated to the marketing and promotion of the
arts using a positive and innovative approach. The organization
stresses unity through diversity and supports a diverse clientele
including visual and musical artists, and published authors.
220 Books is the company's latest venture. 220 Communications
hosted or participated in over 20 events last year.

Press Contact
Glenn Murray
1-866-533-9884
_glenn@220communica tions.com_ (mailto:glenn@220communications.com)
_www.220communicati ons.com_ (http://www.220commu nications. com/)


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LeBron James

I don't usually follow sports programs but this was worth noting.

Happy Birthday, Luther!

Today, April 20, marks the birth of Luther Vandross. Any connoisseur of great music, especially love songs, knows his work. For a detailed biography, click here. If you are interested in hearing song clips or adding to your Luther Vandross collection, click here.

I wrote this poem back when this soulful singer was still trying to recover from his stroke. His Mom had been on the Tom Joyner Morning Show doing an interview. She said he was worried that his fans would forget him. That could never happen!

What's your favorite Luther tune? He has so many that it's difficult to choose. I think my all time favorite is There's Nothing Better Than Love, his duet with Gregory Hines. But then there's A House Is Not A Home, If This World Were Mine, Dance With My Father, Never Too Much,Any Love, Stop To Love, Your Secret Love, She Loves Me Back, If Only For One Night... woo! Luther was a bad boy (and still is)! Notice the number of times the word "love" appears in the titles of his songs. He was all about love. A Luther fix follows the poem. Enjoy!

And Luther, if you're listening, we still love you!


Dear Luther


When I heard that velvety voice for the first time
I thought a voice so smooth, sexy, and inviting should be a crime
And so I was hooked, effortlessly reeled in from the start
The sensuous, soulful singer known as Luther musically captured my heart

He could sing anything at all and grab hold of my ear
Luther sang ballads and fun up-tempo tunes with an ease crystal clear
Emotion flowed freely from his soul through that handsome voice
Making him not only mine, but legions of fans’ choice

Truly a talented force, Luther writes, sings, and produces as well
One listen to his magic and you’re hopelessly under his spell
For years, fans of all ages have been touched and blessed by his music
It’s the serious, really-can-sing, no fluff lyrics that get to the bones and stick

Now recovering from a setback that I call a much needed rest
Sir Vandross, fans are patiently awaiting the return of the best
You have our love and devotion always and forever
Remember you? Dear Luther, we will forget you never!


Sunida E. York ©July 28, 2004 All Rights Reserved

Martin Luther King, Jr. --- A Heart Full Of Grace

A Heart Full of Grace

Completing high school at the tender age of fifteen was just the
beginning of an impressive legacy…
A life defined by a quest to ensure that blacks could truly live free
No matter where he had to travel, wherever he was needed,
Martin Luther King, Jr. was there
The burdens of the poor, the down-trodden, the beleaguered to share

He organized marches, sit-ins and boycotts and participated in them without pause
He wrote and delivered speeches and sermons and published books
and articles to further Black America’s cause
Then a single bullet found its mark on April 4, 1968
Silencing the voice of an orator known as a powerful force for peace
and love but a threat to hate

That piece of metal fueled and driven by hate did not succeed as planned
Forty years after Dr. King’s assassination, he is still respected as a
national hero, a leader and a great man
His speeches are still played and quoted. They still inspire those who
pursue justice, peace and equality…
Those who fight for the rights of those who are unable to, just as
Dr. King fought for a better life for you and for me

He worked tirelessly to break the bonds of racism, injustice and
inequality that ensnared the black race
Without anger, without hostility, without violence; but, with a
heart full of grace
Martin embodied his own words… “…a soul generated by love”…
And his teachings guide us even as he is watching from a
mountain top or a place in the promised land above



Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved

Beyonce and Jay-Z to Wed?

News sources are reporting that singer Beyonce' Knowles and music mogul Jay-Z have obtained a marriage licence in Scarsdale, New York. The license is valid for 60 days. The couple has always valued their privacy regarding their six-year relationship. However, entertainment shows and magazines are citing unnamed sources in this latest report.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye

Got To Give It Up to Marvin Gaye!
It's April 2nd... his birthday
He was complicated. A talented but a Trouble Man
Left the world tragically by his daddy's hand

The anniversary of his death was yesterday
Make Me Wanna Holler that he was taken away
And that voice! When he sang "Let's Get It On"
It made you call your Distant Lover on the phone

Whether we Heard It Through The Grapevine,
Or saw you in person... Mercy, Mercy Me! The women knew you were fine
Got To Give It Up, though. Even the brothas loved you
Sexual Healing was a major comeback that benefited them, too

Marvin, you left us 24 years ago yesterday
But through your music, you're still with us. Ain't No Mountain
High Enough to keep you away


Sunida E. York ©2008 All Rights Reserved

Sean Levert

Sean Levert, 39-year-old R&B singer, died after falling ill in jail in Cleveland, Ohio. He was taken to a local hospital where he died a short time later. Levert is the son of famous crooner, Eddie Levert of the O'Jays. Sean and his brother, Gerald Levert were part of the group Levert. Gerald Levert passed away in November, 2006.

Our hearts go out to the Levert family. May the love of your fans comfort you!

Jay Leno's Zoo Tube

I saw this the other night and thought that it was funny and worth sharing.

Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns

I feel the need to lighten the mood on this blog. What better way to accomplish that than to talk about the movie, Meet The Browns!

Once again, Tyler Perry has delivered a well written movie that the entire family can enjoy together. You will laugh your butt off and you might even tear up a time or two. It's a touching story of a single mother in Chicago who finds out that she has family in Georgia that she's never met on her newly deceased father's branch of the family tree. Humor takes on a whole new meaning when she and her three children arrive in Georgia for the funeral.

Jenifer Lewis is a fool all day long, y'all! I love her. She is truly a cra-ra-zee character! And ladies, Fine-A Rick Fox is all up and through there making things look good! Thank you, Tyler! Yeah, baby... we like it like that. But you didn't let Cora sing this time. Why? I love her voice. Did I mention how Phyne Rick Fox is? I remember him from his college basketball days at Virginia. Vanessa, you should've kept that one, girl.

Gotta give props to Angela Bassett. Girly is still keeping it tight. She looks great. And the little old grandma playing the babysitter in the movie was not to be played with (she played Big Momma in Soul Food).

Towards the end, Madea takes an O.J. style road trip. Hilarious!! You have to stay to watch the out-takes while the credits roll. Brown sings like nobody I've ever seen. Truly!

Go Meet The Browns! Take the kids, too.

Corinne Bailey Rae's Husband Dies

British singing sensation Corinne Bailey Rae's husband, Jason Rae was found dead in an apartment on Saturday. A cause of death is pending the outcome of toxicology reports. Apparently, drug are suspected in the 31-year-old saxophonist's death. A man was arrested and released on bail for possibly supplying Jason Rae with drugs.

Deepest sympathies to Corinne Bailey Rae and her family. Peace be with you.

To view the article, click here http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/people_bailey_rae or copy and paste the link.

Day Trippin' - Advocacy For Patients.org

It's time to take another day trip, online, of course! Today, we are going to visit with someone who has devoted her career to helping others. Jennifer Jaff is an attorney who helps those who may not be able to help themselves. Those who are chronically ill are some of the most vulnerable of our population. They encompass all races and every ethnicity. They encompass all age groups. You probably know someone who is chronically ill.

Jennifer offers her assistance through Advocacy for Patients (dot org). There are a variety of ways that those who need advice on solving their particular dilemma can reach Jennifer and they are all listed below. In addition, she has taken her expansive store of knowledge and put it into a book to make it all available to the public. Freshly updated for 2008, Know Your Rights: A Handbook For Patients With Chronic Illness can be ordered by going to www.advocacyforpatients.org or at www.amazon.com

If you are chronically ill, this book is a must have for your bookshelf. It also makes a great gift if you know someone who suffers with some form of chronic illness. Your purchase will help Jennifer continue her life's work of assisting those who truly need it but otherwise would not be able to afford it. Take a peek at what the book offers. And please feel free to visit Jennifer's site or contact her if you need help.


KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: A HANDBOOK FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
By Jennifer C. Jaff, Esq.

NEW 2008 Edition

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS provides easy to understand explanations of legal issues facing patients, and trains readers – patients, spouses, families, friends, medical providers – how to navigate the system.

The 2008 Edition contains both EXPANDED and NEW SECTIONS!!!

The GOAL is to empower patients to access all of the rights, benefits and protections to which they are entitled, including but not limited to the following:

§ How to get your own medical records.
§ How to get and keep health insurance – EXPANDED!
§ How to get free prescription drugs – EXPANDED!
§ How to get health insurance coverage or financial assistance for particular treatments, drugs, and/or therapies – EXPANDED!
§ How to get private disability insurance coverage.
§ How to get Social Security Disability Income – EXPANDED!
§ How to assert your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
§ How to assert your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
§ How to ensure that schools accommodate students with chronic illnesses – EXPANDED!
§ How to obtain housing accommodations – NEW SECTION!

And much, much more.

To order, go to www.advocacyforpatients.org or www.Amazon.com.
_____________________________________
Jennifer C. Jaff, Esq.
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc.
18 Timberline Drive
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 674-1370 (phone)
(860) 674-1378 (fax)
(860) 305-9835 (cell)
patient_advocate@sbcglobal.net
www.advocacyforpatients.org

Burn, Rachael, Burn!

If you read the Flat Belly Diet post, then you know that I like to watch the Rachael Ray show. Those who know me might find that a bit odd since I am not much of a cook.

That's what the show is all about. Rachael simplifies recipes and makes cooking seem so easy and fun that even a not-so-hot cook like myself feels that she can do it, too. Having interesting products, books,celebrities and animals on the show goes a long way as far as holding my attention as well.


Samuel L. Jackson made a guest appearance the other day. He's one of my all time favorite actors! Yeah, baby! He makes you believe that he is whatever character he is playing.


Back to Rachael... her show is light-hearted,informative and gives daily options for what to make for dinner. I haven't actually tried any of the recipes but I'll bet I could make a mean whatever whenever I decided to do it.

You all know that I write poetry when I'm inspired. Rachael, this one's for you.


Burn, Rachael, Burn

Endowed with a penchant to cook
She can truly say that she wrote the book
Actually, she wrote several and has done numerous television shows
The pint-sized cheerleader for food draws a crowd wherever she goes

Hot with talent, Chef Rachael Ray can really burn in the kitchen
To sample her culinary delights, her fans are always itchin’
Chez Ray, other chefs have nothing on you!
In addition to learning to cook, your audience can meet celebrities
and a strange animal or two

Down to earth and lovable, never stiff or aloof
You love your fans and what you do. Your passion and enthusiasm
provide daily proof
As long as you serve it up, fans will continue to dine
Enjoy the well deserved success, Rach! It’s your time to shine.


Sunida E. York ©2008 All Rights Reserved

Flat Belly Diet

Last week on the Rachael Ray show, Rachael had two guests who co-authored a book titled Flat Belly Diet,Liz Vacariello and Cynthia Sass. According to the authors, a person can loose weight just by following their formula for flattening the tummy without having to exercise. The book is said to be about "food and attitude". There is also the assertion that diet participants never go hungry while using this method of weight loss.

The thing that I like about Rachael Ray is that she gets people to try out the products she introduces on her show. True to form, she had two women try the diet. One participant lost 2 lbs while the other lost 7 lbs in four days, with no exercise.

The authors work for Prevention, the health company that produces the magazine of the same name as well as numerous books and special reports. So, the book can be ordered from the Prevention website. Of course, Prevention states that the book is based on findings from their research.
There is also a Flat Belly Diet website where the book can be ordered and participants may sign up for online services as well. The book is not yet available through Amazon but can be preordered (unless you are willing to pay someone $116.00 for a book that has been reduced from $24.95 to $16.95... not!).

I plan to try it as soon as I get my hot little hands on a book.

Happy dieting!

Infomercial Ratings (dot com)

There are infomercials that sell everything... books, cures, exercise equipment. You name it, and someone is selling it via an infomercial. Some infomercials last only a minute or two. Some of them last as long as thirty minutes.

No matter the product being offered, it's always taunted as something you just cannot buy anywhere else with the same quality for such a low price.

I must admit, I've bought into the infomercials a few times and ordered the book or exercise equipment. It didn't take long to realize that I had been mislead. The exercise equipment that seemed so easy to use and so portable was large, extremely heavy, required some assembly which I was unable to do and it did not easily fit into a corner or under my bed. I only ever met one other person who had paid as much as I had for the equipment. Everyone else thought that I was a liar or crazy when I talked about the price. Well, I am neither. I did feel quite silly for being so gullible. I wasn't about to try to ship it back for a refund. It weighed entirely too much and I would have been gouged again on the shipping charge.

The book that I bought was supposed to have the cures for fibromyalgia, diabetes and a myriad of other illnesses. Of course, doctors did not want you to know about these cures but the author was bucking the system to help all of us who suffer from chronic illness (said the author). I was very skeptical but had been urged repeatedly to at least give the book a try by some well-meaning folks. The book wasn't worth the paper it contained. It held no useful information whatsoever. It only contained teaser lines that were designed to make you want to go to the author's website to get the actual information(if indeed any exists), for a monthly subscription fee. Did I mention that he charged nearly $22.00 just for shipping and handling? So, the book cost more than $40.00 at that point. He is on a new infomercial offering cures for our debts.

Being the curious person that I am, I decided to Google a product a few months ago. Up popped a link to a website called Infomercial Ratings. I love this site! Ordinary people like you and I who have bought a product that they saw on TV infomercials give their opinions on the products. Those who bought the current book on curing debt felt the same as I did about the book on curing illness... it's worthless. However, they give their opinions in much more passionate and sometimes colorful language (nothing really bad).

Before you buy anything, take a minute to go to www.infomercialratings.com to see what others are saying about the product. Ultimately, the final decision to buy or not is yours. However, it doesn't hurt to arm yourself with a little information first.

Shop smart!

Honeydripper Trailer

A John Sayles film starring Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton and Lisa Gay Hamilton. http://honeydripper-movie.com

Simon Cowell is a nice guy *PROOF*

Could this incident be the reason that we are seeing a different side of Simon? Hmmm...

American Idol - Season 7

I've been hooked on American Idol since it began. There's just something intoxicating about people being so willing to embarrass themselves on national television for a shot at stardom. I love it! It's part comedy, part drama and completely entertaining.

Usually, the contestants who brag the most end up being the ones who can't sing a note. What's truly baffling is that the vast majority of them are accompanied by family and friends who are as deluded as the contestant is about his or her singing prowress. Come on, people! You are not doing these folks any favors by withholding the truth about their lack of singing talent. Point out to your little buttercup where her true talent lies and then gently break the news that she is so not Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston or whomever she thinks she sounds like. Trust me, that is much kinder than having her be immortalized in a clip of the worst American Idol auditions.

On to the judges... Paula and Randy are cool. Paula obviously dreads hurting anyone's feelings. She's quite adept at finding something positive to replace the comments that are really running through her mind. Too bad your face and laughter say it all, Straight Up! Randy speaks the truth but he's rather nonchalant which lends an air of smoothness. The contestants are not as likely to be upset with his delivery method versus say... Simon.

Simon, you get your own paragraph because I like you no matter what anyone else thinks! Really, y'all... there's something sexy about his accent and honesty. He and I usually pick the same contestants who are deserving of a shot at Hollywood fame. There are a few times that we differ but I can forgive his mistakes. He's only human. And I'm kinda groovin' on the peak at his softer side that's emerged this season. I wouldn't have a problem with seeing that up close and personal. Hey, if the contestants can make a fool of themselves on national tv, why can't I do it via the Internet? I'm just saying, dude. If the question was, "Is Simon Cowell sexy?" My answer would be, "Yes! Put him on a pin-up calendar." I love chocolate but I think I could handle a little vanilla. Simon, you bold Brit, call me.

Enough foolery! To all of the contestants, sing your azz off! Be in it to win it! It takes a lot of heart and guts to get up there in front of America to showcase your talent. Many of us could not do it. Do you, baby! I'm looking forward to a ride on the American Idol contest roller coaster. Yeah, Dawg!

Microsoft DigiGirlz Summer Camps

Microsoft DigiGirlz Summer Camps

Microsoft is once again requesting our assistance in getting young women to apply for their DigiGirlz Summer Camps.

Camps will be held this year in the following eight locations:


Charlotte, NC

Chicago, ILL

Fargo, ND

Irvine, CA

Las Colinas , TX

Redmond, WA (corporate)

Stony Brook , NY

Washington, DC


We are now accepting applications to Microsoft's DigiGirlz High Tech Camps
We are requesting your assistance in promoting this learning opportunity for high school girls. The camp was developed to provide girls with a better understanding of what a career in technology is all about. This exciting three to five day experience provides opportunities to learn about careers in technology, talk with Microsoft employees about their life experiences, and enjoy hands-on computer and technology workshops.

What Participants Can Expect

· Hands-on learning sessions to educate

· Keynote Speaker series to inspire

· Career/technology tours to heighten awareness

· Resume and interview workshops to prepare

· Employee panels to answer questions


Testimonials

Here is what some DigiGirlz had to say about their experiences at the camp:

· "[The event was] very empowering and I know that I can accomplish anything!"

· "It definitely had a positive impact on me. It got me inspired to get involved and really gave me confidence to live out my dreams. It gave me great ideas and I am so excited to continue on!"

· "Even in the short time I was at Microsoft I learned so much about technology, but more about how people can achieve professions that they love and enjoy. Everyone's enthusiasm about their professions inspired me to find what I love and pursue it -- not only in technology, but in life."

. "I am now much, much more interested in technology-related careers. They are so much fun."


Application Details

To apply, girls need to complete the online application form which is available at: https://www. microsoft. com/about/ diversity/ programs/ camps.mspx

In addition to providing contact information, the girls will be asked to answer two essay questions. After being selected into the program, they will receive a packet of information with additional forms for completion. They will also be asked to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor. The documents must be completed and returned in order to be fully registered for the camp. Girls must currently be in 9th—12th grade to be eligible. This camp is free of charge to participants.

Visit https://www. microsoft. com/about/ diversity/ programs/ camps.mspx for more information.




Thanks to Annette Owens-Johnson for sharing this information.

Day Trip

Come on, y'all... ride with me. I'm taking an online day trip. Let's go Inn The Basement to see what fellow writer, Mirika Cornelius is up to.

Author W. Ivan Wright is Inn The Basement discussing his books, Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only (published in 2007) and Indentured Scholars, the Inner City Scandal, hitting the stands in March 2008. Mirika has done an extensive interview that gives insight to Wright and his literary works. An excerpt from his first book and links to his website are posted for readers' convenience.

You can also see pictures of Michael Jackson's children minus the masks they usually wore in public. Mirika let's you in on what rapper Snoop Dogg is up to these days. In addition, music fans are updated on two divas who have not been in the limelight for a while, Whitney Houston and Jody Watley. While you're there, don't forget to follow the link to Mirika's website to see a preview of her latest book, Ain't Quite... What I Thought, set to be released Summer, 2008

Check Inn The Basement with Mirika for informative and entertaining articles on various stars. You can also sign up for the newsletter so that you don't miss an issue of this exciting online magazine. Happy reading!