Dees News

Obama Wins the Democratic Presidential Nomination

2008-06-03T21:21:00.000-04:00

Willye White Runs on

2007-02-08T08:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Olympic great, Ms. Willye White passed. She battled pancreatic cancer. Ms. White is the only athlete to have been on five Olympic running teams. Read more about her here.

When Fiction Matters: World Trade Angel

2006-08-16T09:41:00.000-04:00

World Trade Center, touted as one of the most "spiritualy honest films" of the year sparks a controversy of dishonest with African-Americans.

"... retired United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant-turned-accountant David Karnes sees the impact of the airplanes on the towers, and goes to church to pray. God speaks to him there. Karnes tells his pastor, "I've got to go down there. God gave me a gift. I feel Him calling on me for this mission." As he walks on the rubble he is mysteriously joined by another Marine, Sergeant Thomas, and together they call out, searching for survivors. Ultimately they discover McLoughlin and Jimeno."

-Dr. Marc T. Newman of Agape Press

This mysterious Sergeant Thomas was found yesterday. However, Sergeant Thomas did't look like the actor who portrayed him. Sergeant Jason Thomas is an African-American.

African-Americans blew up black radio stations this morning complaining about the the movie's huge oversight. On Atlanta's Frank Ski Morning show callers couldn't understand how Oliver Stone, the producer and director missed this very important fact.

Part of me would like to say it couldn't be helped. Sergeant Thomas did not stay around after he rescued the men. He went back home, because he became sick from all the smoke. New York had been trying to find this man for the past five years. Everyone was covered in soot. There are a few understandable reasons why Thomas's racial identity was unrecorded.

The other part of me, the African-American historian part of me doesn't want to gently into the dawn with this faux pas. How could anyone, especially Karnes not remember that Sergeant Thomas was black? As much research as Stone puts in his movies, how come he couldn't figure that out?

I'm sure many Americans will ask why does it matter if he was black or white?

Yesterday, on Al Sharpton's Talk Radio Show. He discussed with a panel of African American men why Black Men have left the Church? Using World Trade Center's Thomas as an example of Black Christian men, who are strong in their faith would have been a great rebuttal to this debate.

I can't speak for all black men. I'm a black woman. I have a twin brother. I can't tell you how many times he has been stopped by the police for a routine traffic stop. He's a plant supervisor for Tyson Foods with a graduate degree in business. He's been stopped routinely since we were sixteen years old. He has left the church. He believes in Jesus, but not in the importance of fellowship and community with other Christians. He doesn't believe Christ cares for him. His soul is lost. My brother is a huge Nicholas Cage fan. He went to see this movie. I don't much, but I know my brother. If he would've seen a black christian man playing Sergeant Thomas that would have given him more hope. I'm praying for him. And I'm praying we get it right the next time.

Now what's your take on this?

Dee

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A Note from Tavis Smiley

2006-03-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

An excerpt from an email to sent to me via Tavis Talks...

This week marks a momentous occasion in Black History which you helped to create. As you may have heard, the Covenant with Black America will debut at #6 on the New York Times Bestseller list (March 26, 2006, paperback-nonfiction). Never before has a Black-authored, Black-published, and predominately Black-purchased NON FICTION book garnered this achievement.

This week, a new shipment of books was delivered to stores nationwide. We want to
make this occasion a phenomenon by moving to #1. If you haven't already purchased your copy of The Covenant, click on the picture above to order your copy.

...To read more about The Covenant and to find out when The Covenant tour will stop in your city, visit http://www.covenantwithblackamerica.com.

All best,

Tavis Smiley

Why do you think this book is important to not only Black America, but to all America?

Technorati Tags : Tavis, Smiley, Covenant, Black, America, books, tavis, talks

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Queen King passes on

2006-01-31T09:35:00.000-05:00

Coretta Scott King(courtesy of AP)

Coretta Scott King

1927-2006

This morning while driving Selah to school we learned that Mrs. Coretta Scott King passed last night in her sleep. She was a quiet, beautiful and powerful presence over Atlanta. We will assuredly miss her, but as a Christian and a mother I know that her spirit will continue to speak to us, even now she will speak through us. In Atlanta we are driving with our lights on in commemoration of this great mother's legacy. We invite you to do the same.

An excerpt King's 2001 speech at Kaplan Jewish Community Center in suburban West Palm Beach....

"I believe America has a special mission. Surely God didn't put the full radiant rainbow of humanity in this land by coincidence...I think we have all been tossed on these shores together to provide an irresistible demonstration of the beloved community for the rest of the world."

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Hawkins on Color @ Crosswalk

2006-01-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

Journalist, novelist and good buddy, Stacy Hawkins Adams has a sweet and simple solution to the "What Color is God?" question many of us parents face with our little children.

Stay tuned for my discussion of Stacy's Speak to My Heart sequel, Nothing, but the Right Thing this spring.

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Lou Rawls RIP

2006-01-06T11:29:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES Jan 6, 2006 — Lou Rawls, the velvet-voiced singer who started as a church choir boy and went on to sell more than 40 million albums has died at age 72. He won three Grammy Awards in a career that spanned nearly five decades and a range of genres.

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King Center Not for Sale

2006-01-05T10:16:00.000-05:00

This morning the Frank Ski & Wanda Show had an interview with Bernice King and Martin Luther King, III (children of the late great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) regarding allegations of the King Center going up for sale. In short, the King children(Dexter and Yolanda not present) are split on the future legacy of the King Center. Bernice and MLK3 wants to keep the Center as it is under private control, while the other children would like to sell it to the US government. Mind you: the King Children do not profit from the King Center. The issue is more or less about what is best for the Center's future.

What's great about blogs is that you and I can voice our opinions on this. More than likely we will be divided also.

However, my opinion is that since the US Parks & Recreations services provides $Million in funding annually, then that should be enough. The private sector(us) should become more active in the philanthropy of this center, so that the children wouldn't be separate on this issue. With so many changes in the US Constitution being up for grabs, since the Bush Administration and the War in Iraq, I am concerned about the watering down of the legacy to quell human rights activism There are many contractors that can maintain the site just as well as the Parks and Recreation Service. If we do, decide to become more financially involved in the King Center, how would we go about doing it?

If you agree, what do you think?

If you think the US government should take over the King Center, why?

Siblings fight Sale

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Randall: The New Apprentice

2005-12-15T23:07:00.000-05:00

Randall Pinkett is this year's New Apprentice.

When Donald Trump asked him if Rebecca should also be hire, Pinkett responded.

"This is the Apprentice not the Apprenti."

Road scholars say Apprenti. Georgia Peaches like me say Apprentices. I guess I didn't learn enough at Agnes Scott.

Hooray for Randall. So smart. So right. :)

Tookie's Execution Felt Abroad

2005-12-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

VIENNA - Europeans with a deep aversion to capital punishment criticized the execution of convicted killer Stanley "Tookie" Williams yesterday. The disappointment was particularly strong in Austria, the native country of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, where many had hoped the former bodybuilder and film star would spare Williams.

I never thought about how Tookie's request affected the world. I wonder why this news is trickling into US Media after his death?

Yolanda Today Tour

2005-09-28T12:48:00.000-04:00

Yolanda Adams starts tour in October
Yolanda Adams has announced details of her Yolanda Today tour. The itinerary kicks off in the singer's hometown of Houston on Oct. 4, and is scheduled to wrap up in Miami in early November.

The GRAMMY Award winner will be promoting her new album, Day by Day, from Atlantic Records. Joining Adams on tour will be mainstream and Christian artists, including American Idol winner Ruben Studdard and gospel duo Mary Mary.

10.7.05 The Gospel Movie

2005-09-16T11:41:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to talk about this movie, since they began shooting the film at the beginning of this year, but I was forced into keeping all my behind the scenes info to myself. My sister, MeLana, who's sitting directly behind Boris Kodjoe with a smirk on her face, is in the movie as a choir member. She also performs in the movie as well. She forced me to keep silent (contract violation she claimed. Well, now I have the greenlight to chat about it. Did I tell you my sister can sing the shivers out ya? :)

The cast:
Rainforest Films' The Gospel, which stars Boris Kodjoe, Idris Elba (HBO's The Wire), Omar Gooding (Showtime's Barbershop series, Baby Boy) and Nona Gaye (Crash, The Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions), Keisha Knight Pulliam(The Cosby Show,Beauty Shop) with a special guest appearance by gospel songstress Yolanda Adams. Others: Clifton Powell, Dwayne Boyd,Frank Taylor, American Idol's Tamyra Gray, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Martha Munizzi, Michael J. Pagan, John Fitzgerald Page, Brandon Thaxton, Hezekiah Walker, Delores Winans, Aloma Wright. Atlanta's Frank Ski, B Chase Williams, our Music Minister, Ms. Latonya Moore, MeLana Jones-my lil sis.

The Premise as quoted from Upscale Magazine Online:
The Gospel tells the story of David (Boris), an R&B artist who abandoned his church-based family for superstardom. After learning that his pastor father (played by Clifton Powell) is near death, he returns home only to be confronted by his family's hostility. Not to mention his music empire is in jeopardy and his childhood rival (Idris Elba) is campaigning to become his father's successor.

The Heart of the Story as quoted from Yahoo! Movies:
A young singer turns his back on God and his father's church when tragedy strikes. He returns years later to find the once powerful congregation in disarray. With his childhood nemesis creating a "new vision" for the church, he is forced to deal with family turmoil, career suicide and relationship issues that send him on a collision course with redemption or destruction.

The music: Kirk Franklin produced the soundtrack. We have been playing it in our home since August. I'm telling you this is the best gospel album of the past three years. Its's that good.

Click on this Blog Title to direct you to The Gospel Movie Site. The movie will be at a theatre near you 10.07.05.

Dee (Can you see how proud I am of my sister:) )

Patrick Lundy & Mom are Hot!!

2005-09-16T11:22:00.000-04:00

IN STORES NOW
Patrick Lundy & Ministers of Music is one of the hottest choirs to hit the country and the world in 2005! ... don't believe me? Just take a listen and see why saints will be rushing to the stores for this one. Meridian Music Group has done it again. [See the HOT NEW video in three days].

Please adjust your speaker volume and click on image to view the promo.

Tavis Smiley Hosts PBS Hurricane Relief Concert

2005-09-16T11:03:00.000-04:00

September 15, 2005

TAVIS SMILEY TO HOST PBS CONCERT FOR HURRICANE RELIEF
PBS Talk Show Host Went to Mississippi to Find Missing Sister and Family

Tavis Smiley had some very good reasons for accepting PBS's offer to host the
television coverage for Live From Lincoln Center's Jazz at Lincoln Center's
Higher Ground Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert airing nationwide on PBS stations
Saturday, September 17, 8-11 p.m. E.T.

It took the PBS late night talk show host less than a heartbeat to accept the
invitation. Not only did Smiley tour the devastation first hand in the immediate
aftermath and devoted extra coverage to it on his nightly show, he also went to
Mississippi to locate and retrieve his sister and her three children who had been
missing for five days.

Smiley was born in Mississippi but spent most of his childhood in Indiana.

"What I have tried to bring forward on both my PBS and PRI shows is the enormous
human magnitude of this disaster," said Smiley. "It is one thing to see the
destruction first hand and know how television images cannot begin to describe it.
It is another to look into the eyes of the people directly affected by it and to
hear their voices. I know that my sister and her family are indeed blessed.
I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to be part of this event."

Featured artists include Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Ken Burns, Shirley
Caesar, Cyrus Chestnut, Peter Cincotti, Elvis Costello, Bill Cosby, Aaron Nevile,
Robert De Niro, Paquito D'Rivera, Jon Hendricks, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Abbey
Lincoln, Bette Midler, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Paul Simon, Meryl Streep,
James Taylor, McCoy Tyner, Robin Williams, Cassandra Wilson, Jeffrey Wright,
Buckwheat Zydeco, and many more.

During the television broadcasts phone numbers will be shown on screen so that
viewers can make donations to the Higher Ground Hurricane Relief Fund, The Red
Cross, and Salvation Army.

"Tavis Smiley" is seen weeknights on PBS. For more information, visit
http://tavistalks.lyris.net/t/2268/12205/3/0/.

OMER Awards

2005-09-16T10:59:00.000-04:00

KANSAS CITY’S NATIONAL GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS SHOW OF EXCELLENCE

Make plans to attend the 2005 Omer Awards
November 4th & 5th 2005 at 7:00p.m. nightly
At The Beyond The Four Walls Church International
7410 SNI-A-BAR RD. Kansas City, MO
(admission is free, please bring a donation)
NOMINATE AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE GOSPEL ARTIST

PARTICIPATE IN FRIDAY NIGHT ARTIST SHOWCASE!!!!

FOR OMER AWARDS NOMINATION & VOTING FORMS , SHOWCASE REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION CALL 816-861-3787 OR EMAIL omercolemanjr at yahoo dot com
ONE NATION FM.COM
LISTEN TO THE BEST
GOSPEL MUSIC 24/7 ON YOUR PC

ON INTERNET RADIO

www.onenationfm.com

christianfiction

2005-09-15T18:17:00.000-04:00

christianfiction

True Worship 2005 Retreat

2005-08-31T09:43:00.000-04:00

Friday, Sept 9- Saturday, September 10, 2005
True Worship Retreat
Staff Roster: Hezekiah Walker, Tye TRibbett, Liston Page, Jr., George Searight, to name a few.
Click on title to direct you to their site.

Christian Clubwatch: The Good News Hangout

2005-08-26T11:59:00.000-04:00

The Good News Hangout is a light club experience. A vertual vacation for a few hours of fun. Come and see what it is all about. It features Drama, Food, Dancing, Networking, Games, Comedy and The Word. En Sound will also be in the place! There will also be an EARLY BIRD RAFFLE at 7:00pm. Our next Event will be On August 26th at The House Of Joy - 1240 Edward L. Grant Highway, 167th & Jerome Avenue, Bronx, New York 10452. Friday August 26...start time is at 6:00pm. For directions to The House Of Joy, FREE admission with tickets. Call: 718-542-9345 - 914-434-1725 - 212-203-2036 - 201-446-1072 and Faithbox Bookstore at 718-231-6650.

Davidae "Dee" Stewart: Georgia Mourns Fallen Soldiers in Silent Tribute Today

2005-08-18T09:21:00.000-04:00

Davidae "Dee" Stewart: Georgia Mourns Fallen Soldiers in Silent Tribute Today: "Flags will be lowered to half-staff and Georgians will be asked to pay silent tribute for two minutes Thursday at 1 p.m. to honor the memory of the state's war dead.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue will lead an hour-long public prayer vigil at the state Capitol Thursday. The governor has also ordered all state flags be flown at half-staff in tribute to those Georgians who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan."

The Seat Filler Playing at the Fox

2005-08-05T11:27:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, August 11, 2005 8:00 PM at the legendary Fox Theater in Atlanta Momentum Entertainment is returning to Atlanta to bring you The Seat Filler. If you missed the Premier, then you don't want to miss this showing.

This romantic comedy stars Kelly Rowland (Destiny's Child), Shemar Moore (Diary of a Mad Black Woman) and Duane Martin (All Of Us).

Shades of Romance Last Issue

2005-07-11T13:25:00.000-04:00

Shades of Romance July/August Issue will be its last.

"I've decided the JUL/AUG issue will be the last issue of SORMAG. After much
thoughts and prayers I came to the conclusion it was time
to close shop," stated Lashaunda Hoffman, SORMAG Founder and EIC.

"It was a dream come true to be able to have a magazine that talked about
something I love, books and writing. SORMAG went from a site into a full
fledge magazine. We introduced you to the hottest romance authors and helped
you go down your publication path...I have no regrets about SORMAG because it
was a blessing to me.

SORMAG' writer's group will continue. bAs well as the online book club.

To stay in contact with Lashaunda:

Send a blank email to join
SORMAG's Writer's Group - sormag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

SORMAG's Online Book club - sormagforum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

http://www.lashaunda.blogspot.com

Dee

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Life Imitates Scripture: London & Ecclesiastes

2005-07-08T09:14:00.000-04:00

London. Ecclesiates.

London

GOSPEL MUSIC'S FIRST FAMILY MOURNS THE LOSS OF

2005-06-17T14:05:00.000-04:00

Ron Winans Passed Today

GOSPEL MUSIC'S FIRST FAMILY MOURNS THE LOSS OF
SIBLING, RONALD WINANS
Contact:
Erma Byrd
(323) 965-5551
(Los Angeles, CA - June 2005) --- The multi-award
winning musical dynasty, The Winans Family said good
bye to Ronald Winans, the second eldest of the ten
siblings, on the morning of June 17th Winans endured a
massive heart-attack in 1997, but because of much
prayer he experienced a miraculous recovery after the
doctors had given him up for dead. In recent weeks,
Ronald was admitted to the hospital for observation
after the doctors realized he was retaining an
abnormal amount of fluid in his body. On Thursday the
doctors announced that they didn't feel Winans would
make it through the night and he peacefully succumbed
due to heart complications early this morning. The
entire family gathered together at Harper Hospital in
Detroit, Michigan to be with Ronald until his final
moments. "The family wishes to thank everyone who
joined us in prayer and will continue to extend their
unwavering support during our time of loss", states
the seventh son, BeBe Winans.
Winans who was to turn 49 years old on the 30th of
June was part of the quartet, The Winans. The four
brothers Marvin, Carvin, Michael & Ronald were
discovered by contemporary gospel pioneer,
singer/songwriter/ producer, Andrae Crouch.. They
released their first album in 1981 titled, Introducing
The Winans. It was with this release that the world
would become familiar with the name, Winans, which is
now synonymous with gospel. In January 2005 Winans
released his final CD, Ron Winans Family & Friends V:
A Celebration which was recorded live at Greater Grace
in Detroit.
Brother and sister dynamic duo, Bebe & CeCe Winans
made a huge impact in the music world. Their
innovative, contemporary sound propelled gospel music
to new heights. Their mega- hit, "Addictive Love"
rested in the #1 spot on the Billboard R& B Charts for
several weeks. As a whole the family has made an
incredible mark in the music industry racking up a
myriad of awards and accolades. Often referred to as
the first family of gospel, their achievements include
31 Grammy Awards, over 20 Stellar and Dove Awards and
6 NAACP Image Awards. Ronald will be missed but not
forgotten and his contribution to the gospel music
world and the church will live on forever.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
For more information contact: Erma Byrd - (323)
965-5551
Ron Winans Family And Friends, Vol. 5: A Celebration
Promoted by:
Black Gospel Promo, Inc.
Website: http://www.blackgospelpromo.com

Zondervan releases final Sci Fi Trilogy

2005-06-16T23:46:00.000-04:00

Zondervan Releases ‘The Revealing,’ the Final Book in the “Nephilim Trilogy” by Christian UFO Cult Expert Dr. L.A. Marzulli

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 16, 2005 -- Dr. L.A. Marzulli, UFO cult expert and author of the best-selling ‘Nephilim’ and ‘The Unholy Deception,’ today announces the release of ‘The Revealing,’ the stirring conclusion to his Nephilim Trilogy. Marzulli has woven history, biblical prophecy, and his own shocking research into this thrilling trilogy of supernatural, science fiction books. At the trilogy’s core is the author’s personal theory that fallen angels have disguised themselves as aliens, are abducting human women for a sinister breeding program, and initiating a great demonic deception that will culminate with the Antichrist and the Apocalypse.

In Marzulli’s latest book ‘The Revealing,’ the wild events set in motion in ‘Nephilim’ and ‘Unholy Deception’ reach their shocking conclusion. The supposed reemergence of the Star of Bethlehem—a shining light over Jerusalem—has the world on edge. Middle Eastern armies have amassed at Israel’s borders, a Catholic Cardinal dies under suspicious circumstances, and the computer disk on which he gave the identity of the Antichrist is missing. Nuclear war and the end of the world seem imminent.

Opening with the chilling discovery of a giant skeleton under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Marzulli’s trilogy is based on the premise that ancient giant beings called “Nephilim,” who are the unholy offspring sired by fallen angels and born of abducted human women, are reemerging to unleash terror into the modern world scene. The historic origins of this giant hybrid race of Nephilim can be traced to Chapter 6 in Genesis in the Bible before the Flood, and to the ‘Book of Enoch,’ a book discovered with the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Jewish historian Josephus confirms the existence of the creatures, and that the bones of a Nephilim were on display in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus.

From a secret hospital wing for alien abductees in Los Angeles, to demonic possession, shape shifting, Area 51, the Merovingians, the 1917 Fatima Apparition, Machu Pichu, crop circles, Nazi death camps, and the death of the Pope, the trilogy has mesmerizing ideas, a dynamic, fast-paced plot, and enough government conspiracy theories to please the most demanding sci-fi, paranormal and Bible prophecy fan alike.

“Marzulli is one masterful storyteller with a chillingly believable tale. This is an X-Files type story with demons masquerading as aliens "
- Houston Chronicle

“Marzulli is a frank supernaturalist. He gives us giant skeletons with a fifth nucleotide, little gray creatures who can shift through walls, cattle mutilation with genetic experimentation, ancient holy men with the power to heal people, and a spiritual conflict that makes Frank Peretti's first few offerings seem tame.”
- Christianity Today

“A very provactive scenario… L. A. Marzulli has done his homework.”
- Chuck Missler, author of Alien Encounters

Marzulli is an evangelical Christian who has done in-depth research on UFO cults and the giant Nephilim. In writing the Nephilim Trilogy, he drew heavily on his own research as well as his past personal involvement in the occult and New Age. Although the trilogy is a work of fiction, Marzulli’s research has convinced him that his books’ basic premise about the identity of aliens and their purpose on earth is true.

“I believe serious spiritual deception is going on,” says Marzulli. “I wrote the Nephilim Trilogy to help people understand the spiritual dimensions of the whole alien and UFO phenomenon, which I believe are part of the prophesies about the end of the world in the Book of Daniel, the Book of Revelation, and elsewhere in the Bible.

“At the heart of all of this weird phenomena—whether you’re talking about people who believe in UFOs, stories of alien abductions, or those who claim to have found the tomb of Jesus—is a negation of the religious teachings most of us have grown up with,” Marzulli comments.

“Although these phenomena may seem fringe, that’s only because we don’t realize how many people are caught up in it,” Marzulli says. “One of the tactics of Satan is to introduce something, wait a while, then reintroduce it. The second time around, it doesn’t seem so strange. Back in the 1950s, talk about UFOs was new and bizarre to most people. But now with the hundreds of UFO sightings around the world, growing Hollywood films and TV specials, Art Bell and George Noory on the radio discussing supernatural phenomena, and serious research being done into alien abductions, it seems more believable. I think everything points to demonic deception on a growing scale.”

Released by Zondervan, the books are also available through Amazon.com and Christian retailers nationwide. Now, readers can purchase autographed copies of each book in the series and the complete trilogy through Marzulli’s new, updated website at www.SpiralOfLife.com at special discount prices unavailable anywhere else. Nephilim (1999), The Unholy Deception (2002), and The Revealing (2005) are each priced at $12.00 + S&H. The Nephilim Trilogy is priced at only $29.99 +S&H. And, for a limited time, each purchase of the Nephilim Trilogy through the author’s site comes with a free CD with L.A. Marzulli discussing UFO phenomena and other topics in depth.

About L.A. Marzulli
L.A. Marzulli holds an honorary doctorate from Pacific International University for his groundbreaking research on Nephilim, and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs discussing UFOs and the Bible. Also a talented musician and composer who has recorded a number of albums, he is the worship pastor at Mercy Christian Community Church in Agoura Hills, California. For more information, please visit his Spiral of Life website at www.SpiralOfLife.com.

Zondervan appoints new president.

2005-06-07T12:55:00.000-04:00

Zondervan appoints new president.
05/31/2005

Zondervan named former Marketing Executive VP Doug Lockhart as the company’s new president, succeeding Bruce Ryskamp, who will continue as CEO. Ryskamp will continue to oversee and direct Zondervan’s growth strategies and serve on the HarperCollins Executive Committee. Lockhart will oversee day-to-day operations.

JORDON BOOK AWARD FINALISTS PICKED

2005-06-07T12:50:00.000-04:00

JORDON BOOK AWARD FINALISTS PICKED.
06/06/2005

ECPA announced the top five finalists for this year’s ECPA Charles "Kip" Jordon Book of the Year award. They are: Lee Strobel & Garry Poole’s Experiencing the Passion of Jesus (Zondervan), Charles Swindoll’s Great Lives: Job (W Publishing), Max Lucado’s It’s Not About Me (Integrity), David Jeremiah’s Searching for Heaven on Earth (Integrity), and Nancy Leigh DeMoss & Tim Grisson w/ Life Action Ministries’ Seeking Him (Moody). The winner will be presented at The ECPA Gold Medallion & CBA Retailer Impact Awards Celebration July 11 at the International Christian Retail Show in Denver

Actress Cee Cee Michaela: "From Hollywood to Holywood"

2005-06-02T14:07:00.000-04:00

GodzGirls Come to Atlanta

Cee Cee Michaela, also known as Yvonne from the hit UPN comedy Girlfriends, is the founder of a new ministry for young ladies ages 12-30 called Godzgirl Network (a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization promoting the abstinence from premarital sex, drugs, and alcohol).

"From Hollywood to Holywood," Cee Cee Michaela happily states. "I had a higher call on my life. The TV show, Girlfriends, was a real blessing. But I figured: What if I could walk off that set, walk into your living room, and make a real difference." And that's exactly what she did.

CONTACT INFO:

GodzGirl Info Hotline: 818.377.5737

E-mail: ceeceemichaela@aol.com

Website: godzgirlnetwork.org
Retreat for Young Ladies

July 22-24, 2005, Cee Cee presents...The Holywood Retreat. To be held at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 182 Hunter Street in Norcross, GA 30071 (only 22 minutes from downtown Atlanta). The best thing happening for young ladies in the USA featuring:

* Manicures
* Pedicures
* Facials
* Make-overs
* DOs and DON'T's Fashion Show
* A Girl Power Concert
* Fabulous Motivational Speakers
* Empowerment Girl Talk Sessions
* Parent Sessions , A Purity Ceremony
* Authors and Artists , Queens Picnic

All of this in a fun and safe atmosphere on 31 plush acres! Register now at the Web site: www.GodzGirlNetwork.org - For sponsorship and vendor opportunities contact Godz Girl Info Hotline, 818.377.5737. Spread the word!

Third Thursdays: CCM Magazine presents Third Thursdays

2005-06-01T17:37:00.000-04:00

Chris well at CCM Magazine interviewed me about Third Thursdays. The interview will broadcast on CCM Magazine, TheFish.com and Crosswalk. Thanks Chris, for the publicity.

Contact me this week to get on our performance roster.

Third Thursdays: CCM Magazine presents Third Thursdays

2005-05-31T13:26:00.000-04:00

Urban Gospel Industry Awards 2005

christianfiction: May Book of the Month #1: Grown Folks Business

2005-05-13T13:49:00.000-04:00

christianfiction: May Book of the Month #1: Grown Folks Business

2005-05-13T13:12:00.000-04:00

Grown Folks Business

Angola Girl Project launched Mother's Day

2005-05-10T15:51:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of Masters Touch Ministry files

Atlanta, Georgia (April 20, 2005) – It’s not news that there are human rights violations throughout the world. International human trafficking, especially for sex work, has been going on for centuries. But it is news that one single, black woman has stepped forward to risk it all – to save many.

“I wrote the book ‘Women Risktakers’ while overseas on a missions trip and I am donating proceeds from the book. My heart is to help God’s people all over the world – especially young girls. God showed me that anything of significance involves a risk. We can’t let apathy or fear stop us from trying to right the wrongs in our world,” said Dr. Patricia Bailey, author and a missionary who has traveled to over 100 countries over the last 20 years.

Throughout the world 10 million children are involved in prostitution. According to Bailey, many girls have been sold by their parents and are frequently trafficked across international borders. “Southern Africa's young women and children are especially vulnerable to traffickers because civil unrest and economic deprivation leave them few opportunities making prostitution a common solution,” she said.

In Angola 60 percent of the population are under the age of 18. Many victims are featured in pornographic videos that are transmitted over the Internet. The poverty-stricken living conditions have forced many young girls into sex work in exchange for money or food. By the age of 12, many have acquired sexual transmitted diseases and have experienced two to three abortions.

“This is big business and it takes a risk to believe you can dismantle a prostitution ring,” said Bailey.

“But God is calling women to a task much greater than themselves – to change the world. This book is a project that will fund our Sister to Sister outreach program. We want to mobilize women to get involved in missions to help Angolan girls,” she said. “Esther in the Bible took a risk and saved an entire race. Even our modern day heroes, like Dr. King and Mother Teresa, were risk takers.”

The Sister to Sister program empowers women and assists children in foreign countries. Women, children and widows in developing countries have limited access to healthcare and education. That’s why Dr. Bailey spearheaded the Women Risktaker book project to provide resources – medical, educational, evangelistic and economic.

"Girls in Angola, and across the region, are traditionally the first to make sacrifices for the betterment of the family. That often means they are the first to miss out on education; they are the most vulnerable; they only look at their personal concerns once everyone else in the family is taken care of," said Melanie Luick, HIV/AIDS project officer at the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). - more -

Page Two – Angolan Girl Project

When people in the U.S. celebrate women during the month of May for Mother’s Day, Dr. Bailey is challenging them to break out of their traditional mode of operation and purchase Women Risktakers as gifts ($12.99, Harrison House, ISBN 1-57794-527-1) instead of the typical Mother’s Day items.

“By using our collaborative buying power, we can make a difference in so many lives. This book isn’t just a book – it is a book that will ignite a fire in the lives of women to fulfill their God-given mandate – and God wants the global village to help one another. All the proceeds will help fund the Sister to Sister project which will help Angolan girls break free from the vicious cycle of prostitution,” said Bailey.

“We are only as strong as our weakest link and this book project offers help and hope. We have to do what we can to stop this frenzy of hatred and humiliation – this is a start in the right direction,” she said.

Dr. Bailey hopes to sell at least 25,000 copies to raise $100,000 for the project. For more information on the Women Risktaker book project, call 770.521-0373.

About Dr. Patricia Bailey:
The ministry of Dr. Pat Bailey has created tremendous impact for more than 20 years in over 100 countries around the world, bringing deliverance and salvation to countless thousands. Dr. Bailey is a lecturer, author, and founder of Master’s Touch Ministries, a mission outreach that has headquarters in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and London, England. MTM has also founded Y.U.G.O. (Young Adults United for Global Outreach) and Sister to Sister, an international outreach to women in foreign countries. Dr. Bailey serves as a mission strategy consultant to several growing churches and has developed leadership programs around the world. A popular speaker, she has been featured on the 700 Club, TCT, The Harvest Show and TBN. Dr. Bailey is a 1982 graduate of New Life Bible College in Tennessee and also a 1984 Charter Class Graduate of Victory World Mission Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Bailey is a proud, single mother of a son, Karim Israel Bailey. To contact Dr. Bailey go to: www.MTMintl.org.

Women Risktakers, Dr. Patricia D. Bailey’s second book, exemplifies extraordinary faith feats from women of the Bible whose common denominator was their willingness to become a risk taker for God. She suggests that women, who want to move beyond their comfort zone, need to strive for these spiritual attributes: submission, patience, wisdom, vision, temperance, divine timing, courage, balance, faith, and self-denial. The book is available on www.Amazon.com and nationwide at Walmart, Sam’s Club and other fine bookstores.

Gospel News: Tonex Hits the Big Screen “XXX: State Union Movie

2005-05-09T07:01:00.000-04:00

Producer, songwriter, actor, and Jive/Verity Records recording artist, Tonex, has music being featured in the current sequel to the action packed blockbuster ´XXX: State Of The Union ´ starring Ice Cube and Samuel L Jackson.

The movie features over a minute of a remake of Tonex´s 1997 classic tune called ´The Good Song´ from the critically acclaimed debut album, Pronounced Toe-Nay. The full-length version of the song can also be found on the soundtrack to the movie in stores now.

Tonex’s music has been featured on previous films and soundtracks such as “Off We Go” on Sony Pictures J-LO /Ben Afleck Film ´GIGLI´, ´Cry No More´ on the HBO Film “PRISON SONG” starring Q-Tip & Mary J. Blige and a theme song on UPN/Paramount Pictures “ONE ON ONE”. He has also been seen on various BET programs, TBN, NBC, CBS, ABC, Motown Live, Hollywood Access, BET Style, TV One, Soul Train, and Showtime at the Apollo. Additionally, he has appeared in publications such as Billboard , USA Today, Ebony, Jet, Right On, Black Girl, Vibe, Sister 2 Sister, Jet, Upscale, Essence, Entertainment Weekly, and Black Beat Magazine.

The artist extraordinaire has shared the stage with numerous other phenomenal artists such as Patti LaBelle, Shiela E, Brandy, Boyz II Men, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Jay Z, and Beyonce. Tonex’s most recently recorded album entitled, “Out the Box” received a Grammy nomination and six 2005 Stellar Awards. It has also garnered #1 status on the Billboard Top 40 Gospel chart, #5 on the Contemporary Christian Chart and also appeared on Billboard’s Top 200 and Top R&B Chart.

Tonex is a multi-talent artist and actor reaching new dimensions. He is the next upcoming artist to hit mainstream. Stay tuned for his next break in film!
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Written by GZ

2005-05-04T11:18:00.000-04:00

Faith Fiction Function Set for Detroit

Grown Folks Business

2005-05-02T11:22:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone:

Well, there's no other way to say this...I'm excited. My fourth novel, Grown Folks Business will be released at the end of this month. (Official publication date is June 7th.) Of the novels I've written, Grown Folks Business is my favorite. I know for sure it is my most controversial book; but that's what I love about writing I want to get people to think beyond their experiences and prejudices. So, I am looking forward to all of the discussions. Please check out the first chapter of Grown Folks Business on my website at www.victoriachristophermurray.com. And, I look forward to hearing what you think.

Thank you so much for all of your support with my past novels. And, I hope that you'll enjoy reading Grown Folks Business as much as I enjoyed writing it! Can't wait to hear what you think.

Many blessings,

Victoria Christopher Murray

5th Annual Reunion Sip in Tulsa OK

2005-04-25T19:09:00.000-04:00

Sisters Sippin' Tea - Tulsa Chapter will host the 5th SST Annual
Reunion Sip April 29 - May 1st at the Doubletree Warren Place, Tulsa
Oklahoma. SST chapters from all over the US will come together for
a weekend of literary enjoyment. Guest authors include:

Donna Hill
J.D. Mason
Pamela Thomas Editor of Pathfinders Travel Magazine
Travis Hunter
S. James Guitard
Whitney Leblanc
Clifton Taulbert

Alvester & Glenda Gibson, "House of Knowledge Bookstore and Gallery"
are the host booksellers.

Saturday Evening Entertainment by Larry B. and Friends

Click on title for more info.

Delacorte Press Contest Random House Open

2005-04-25T19:03:00.000-04:00

The prize of a book contract (on the publisher's standard form)
covering world rights for a hard-cover and a paperback edition,
including an advance and royalties, is awarded annually to encourage
the writing of contemporary young adult fiction. The award consists of
$1,500 in cash and a $7,500 advance against royalties.Eligibility
1. The contest is open to U.S. and Canadian writers who have not
previously published a young adult novel. Employees of Random
House,Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and members of their
families and households are not eligible. 2. Foreign-language
manuscripts
and translations are not eligible. 3. Manuscripts submitted to a
previous Delacorte Press contest are noteligible.

Format for Submissions
1. Submissions should consist of a book-length manuscript
with acontemporary setting that will be suitable for readers
ages 12 to 18.2. Manuscripts should be no shorter than
100 typewritten pages and nolonger than 224 typewritten pages.
Include a brief plot summary withyour covering letter.
3. Each manuscript should have a cover page listing the
title of thenovel; the author's name, address, and telephone
number; and a notestating whether or not the manuscript
need be returned. The titleshould also appear on each manuscript page.
4. Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced on 8-1⁄
2" x 11"good quality white paper, and pages should be numbered
consecutively.The type should be at least 10 point. The author
should retain a copyof any manuscript submitted.
5. Photocopies are acceptable if readily legible and
printed on goodquality white (not gray) paper.6. Do not submit
manuscripts in boxes. A padded envelope will do.Please do not
enclose checks for postage. The publisher cannotguarantee the
return of any manuscript, and is not responsible forlate, lost,
misdelivered, or misplaced submissions.7. If your manuscript
need not be returned, enclose a business-sizestamped, self-addressed
envelope for notification. Manuscripts thatneed not be returned will
be
destroyed by Random House. If yourmanuscript is to be returned,
it must be accompanied by a stamped,self-addressed envelope or
book mailer large enough to accommodate themanuscript; otherwise,
the manuscript cannot be returned.Multiple Submissions1.
Manuscripts sent to Delacorte Press may not be submitted to other
publishers while under consideration for the prize.
2. Authors may not submit more than two manuscripts to the
DelacortePress competition; each must meet all eligibility
requirements.

Dates for Submission1. Manuscripts must be postmarked after
October 1, 2005, but no laterthan December 31, 2005. 2. Send
manuscripts to:

Delacorte Press Contest Random House, Inc.
1745 Broadway, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10019

International Women's Success Conference 2005

2005-04-25T18:36:00.000-04:00

Dr. Stacia Pierce has a special delivery for you! The package is available for experience May 26th - May 29th at The Lansing Center located at 333 Michigan Ave. in Lansing Michigan. The Grand Rapids native along with an impressive and diverse panel of dynamic presenters will tell their captive audience "Woman, It's Your Time!" Conference participants will hear that it's their time for: career advancement, to be happy, to start anew and perhaps most importantly it's their time to dream.

DATE: May 26th - 28th
TIME: 9:00 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon and 7 p.m. sessions
LOCATION: The Lansing Center in Michigan's State Capitol
MORE: (517) 393-9860

Click on title for more information.

Holy Hip Hop Festibal Set

2005-04-24T20:30:00.000-04:00

**Holy Hip Hop Fellowship * Holy Hip Hop Summit * Holy Hip Hop Showcase **
Hosted by: MicRippaz Holy Hip Hop Magazine & GCO Productions
June 24, 2005 - June 26, 2005
San Jose, California
GUEST APPEARANCES DURING THE WEEKEND BY
Shabach, Sean Slaughter, Cruz Cordero, Lil La La, JROC, Prophet X, C.L. Ryders and more.

Click Title for more info.

How to Pitch Your Book Idea/What Editors Really Want, 4/16

2005-04-11T16:25:00.000-04:00

How to Pitch Your Book Idea/What Editors Really Want, 4/16

WHAT: Two workshops:

How to Pitch Your Book Idea
Pitching a book idea in a single sentence is an essential skill most
writers lack, and one they especially need in order to impress agents
and editors at writing conferences. Topics discussed include: why
pitching is important; how to formulate a winning pitch; and the three
most common mistakes writers make when pitching their book idea.

What Editors Really Want
Writers who master the business of publishing are more likely to be
successfully published than writers who only master the craft of
writing. Topics discussed include: why writing conferences are a
better investment than M.F.A. programs; the supreme importance of a
platform; and the three most common mistakes writers make when dealing
with editors.

In addition, I will conduct one-on-one manuscript review sessions.

WHEN: How to Pitch Your Book Idea - 9am, April 16
What Editors Really Want - 2pm, April 16

WHERE: The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Spring Writers Festival,
UWM School of Continuing Education, 161 W. Wisconsin Avenue,
Milwaukee, WI

WHO: Marcela Landres is an Editorial Consultant who works one-on-one
with writers providing developmental editing for manuscripts,
critiques for book proposals, and strategic advice on how to launch
and maintain a successful writing career. She was formerly an editor
at Simon & Schuster for seven years, and she speaks frequently for
organizations such as The Learning Annex and Columbia University. She
has been interviewed as a publishing expert by the media, including
The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, and The Boston Globe.
For more information, visit www.marcelalandres.com.

REGISTER: Visit http://cfprod.imt.uwm.edu/sce/course.cfm?id=6774

QUESTIONS?: Contact Anne O'Meara, Program Director, aomeara@uwm.edu,
414-227-3311

Dancing with Authority 6/16-18

2005-04-11T16:19:00.000-04:00

Dancing with Authority Conference

The Chenaniah Praise Dancers will host their 2nd Annual Dance and Worship Conference "Dancing With Authority" June 16th-18th, 2005 at the beautiful PGA Marriott in Palm Beach Gardens Florida

With Special Guest:
Psalmist Martha Munizzi
Choreographer "Ashanti"
Choreographer Tavoriss Green
Choreographer Mia Solomon
Bishop Carlton Gant
Pastor Tracy Wilkins
and other Anointed Dancers Speakers and Choirs.

Conference Features:
*Awesome New Artist Showcase
*Dynamic Youth Jam
*Three Powerful evening services
*Presentation featuring: Sacred Garments, Dance attire Colors and Their meaning.

*Conference Sessions with classes on the Ministry of Dance.
(Dancing with the Anointing, Entertainment Vs Ministry, Excellence, Holiness,
Humility and Character Development, The reason why we Dance, Worship as lifestyle)

*Conference Sessions with classes on the Technical side of Dance.
(Hands on techniques for Praise Dance, Worship Dance Liturgical Expression, Mime and Hip Hop. Choreographers will teach attendees 4 different dances that will be presented on the final night at the worship service.)

Our Goal: Is to bring praise dancing back into the church as a true form of praise and worship. To educate on the Ministry of Dance as well as choreography and techniques. To Empower each Minister of Dance to hunger for a deeper relationship with God, and to hunger for a deeper desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through dance.

Registration Fee:
Conference Cost:
Before May 1, 2005, $55 per Person
$45 per Person (Group of 10 or more)
After May 2, 2005, Add $10 per Person
After June 1, 2005: $75 per Person
New Artist Showcase Entry Fee:
$25 per Person (In Addition to Conference Cost)
Deadline to Enter: May 15, 2005
The Host Hotel will be:

Mail money order payable to "Chenaniah" and registration form to:

Chenaniah Praise Dancers
Attn: Dancing with Authority
Praise & Dance Conference
P.O. Box 243741
Boynton Beach, FL 33424

Palm Beach Gardens Marriot
4000 RCA Blvd.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33486

Reservations: 1-561-622-8888
(Toll-free in the US & Canada)
888-236-2427
Room Rate: $95 per Night (For a Double)

Click on the title for more details and registration

KKCM Awards Slated for April

2005-04-11T16:08:00.000-04:00

THE FIFTH ANNUAL KCCM Awards will be held on April 30, 2005 at Youth Front Auditorium Mission, Kansas
*Dinner tickets selling fast! If you would like dinner/show tickets now is the time to order them.
*Hotel reservation deadline is the 10th of April Don't miss the most exciting event of the year!

After the show party at Homer's Coffee House in Overland Park Kansas (80th and Metcalf) No Reservation needed. All welcome!

Click on title to direct you to KKCM Awards

Worth for Humanity

2005-04-11T16:07:00.000-04:00

Gospel music artist Tracy Worth joins women and faith groups to help Habitat for Humanity build homes with families in need. Serenity Entertainment national recording artist Tracy Worth is joining Habitat for Humanity International to swing a hammer and raise awareness with families in need of a simple, decent place to live.

Worth will partner with churches under Habitat's "Faith Works" special events program that brings people of faith together to fundraiser and help build homes. She will also join teams of women construction crews for Habitat's "Women Build" programs around the country.

"Habitat for Humanity has a special ministry that touches not only the lives of the families it serves but also the volunteers who give their time to help," says Worth. "I am so happy to work closely with Habitat in a way that will get more people involved so they can experience the power of Habitat's ministry."

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is a Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. www.habitat.org

Touching All Communities "Adopt-a-Family"

2005-04-11T16:06:00.000-04:00

Touching All Communities "Adopt-a-Family"
Milwaukee get ready for your SUPREME blessing for the Lord!

Fresh off the GMWA Board Meeting in Las Vegas last week, SGEM associates quickly began refocusing its outreach endeavors towards Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the last two Touching All Communities "Adopt-a- Family" (On the Road) outreaches, artists including Rodney Posey, RiZen, Lucinda Moore, Eugene Cole, DeWayne Woods and various professional athletes have sown into the vision God gave to SGEM by sharing their talents with others.

With surprise artists (to be publicized in forthcoming press releases) for the concert and special guests for the celebrity basketball game, the 3rd annual TAC "Adopt-a-Family" (On the Road) will be nothing short of amazing. Since its inception in 1998, Philadelphia based Supreme Gospel Entertainment & Ministries has not only promoted great Gospel artists across the country but fed and clothed the homeless, financially assisted needy families with utilities, provided children with school supplies, visited elderly in nursing facilities as well as hosted conferences, workshops and showcases that empowered, uplifted and increased the self morale of youth, adults and the entire community overall.

This years line up of events include a Celebrity Basketball Game, Financial Planning Seminar, and Concert. See you there!
Contact: Sherri Y. Johnson
Phone: (215) 843.3355
www.supremegospelentertainment.org

Touching All Communities
August 19th and 20th, 2005

Screenwriting: Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Program

2005-04-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

Screenwriting: Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Program
Posted by: UrbanInsider on Friday, April 01, 2005 - 08:29 AM
The Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Program will offer fellowships in live-action and animation television to culturally and ethnically diverse, new writers. The fellowship includes a conditional three-tiered, salaried position for up to one year, and is tentatively scheduled to begin in September 2005.

The extended deadline is Friday, April 29, 2005.

Confessions of a Mother's Day Hating Mama

2005-04-05T11:51:00.000-04:00

Excerpt from "Confessions of a Mother's...

The Saturday before Mother's Day for most married moms is a spring version of Valentine's Day. Wonderful hubbies adorn the mothers of their children with lovelies from the local jewelers. They treat these same mothers to candelit dinners for two at the most exclusive and hottest Italian restaurants in town...I sit at home trying to decide between attending Mother's Day Sunday service tomorrow or my pink fuzzy slippers, a cup of decaf, and the gazillionth reading of T.D. Jakes, Women Thou Art Loosed, while waiting for my envy and self-pity shackles to finally break free."

On Precious Times Magazine racks at your neighorhood Books-A-Million Bookstores nationwide now. Click on title to link to Precious Times Mag online.

Writing to see what the end gon' be,
Dee

Christian Themes Run Away with 2005 Pulitzer

2005-04-04T18:57:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK (AP) — Doubt, the first Broadway play by Oscar-winning writer John Patrick Shanley, won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for drama Monday.

Shanley's play opened on Broadway just last week to critical acclaim after an off-Broadway run. It tells the story of a confrontation between a nun and a Roman Catholic priest at a Bronx parish; she suspects the priest of molesting a male student.

Shanley, who has written a number of successful off-Broadway plays, captured the Academy Award for best screenplay for Moonstruck in 1988.

The Pulitzer for fiction went to Marilynne Robinson for Gilead, her poetic, modern-day tale of a dying Iowa preacher. Her first novel, Housekeeping, appeared in 1980 and was nominated for a Pulitzer.

"It's such a private thing to write a book, and when I'm writing I can't think about whether it will appeal to other people," said Robinson, a teacher at the University of Iowa's Writer's Workshop. "But it's such a profound treat that people do find it meaningful."

Pope John Paull 11 Lives on Through Writings

2005-04-02T17:43:00.000-05:00

Pope John Paul 1920-2005

Pope John Paull II died today. His legacy will continue in our hearts and his minds. And in his writings. Click on the title. It will link you to his writing.

Dee

South's Million Writer Award for Toggling the Switch

2005-04-01T13:42:00.000-05:00

Alicia Gifford

An excerpt from Alicia Gifford's "Toggling the Switch"...

ON TUESDAY TONI MEETS HER LOVER, Gordon, for dinner at the Water Grill, downtown. They each have a martini at the bar while they wait for a table. They get seated, both order salads, she orders blackened salmon, and he orders Maine lobster. They get a bottle of chardonnay.
They make small talk while they eat their salads. He’s fidgety and distracted. She drinks her wine and wonders what his problem is.

The winner of this year's Story South Million Writers Award for best online short story is Alicia Gifford's "Toggling
the Switch" (published in Narrative Magazine).

According to storySouth's editor, Jason Sanford, "The purpose of the Million Writers Award is to honor and promote the best fiction published in online literary journals and magazines during the past year."

Preliminary judges from the list of Top Ten Stories of 2004 selected the award winners.

Laila Lalami, MoorishGirl blogger interviewed Gifford on her story and the award.

Alicia Gifford: "Toggling the Switch," published in Narrative Magazine.

"Toggling the Switch" is the result of a moral dilemma I liked to pose to friends: What if you hit someone in your car, and killed them? Say, you'd been drinking. Maybe you'd smoked some pot, too. Say, no one saw it. Say, the accident was unavoidable. Say the victim was dead dead dead and nothing you could do would change that. Say, you had everything to lose. Would you turn yourself in? If you could get away with it? Would you be tempted?

All my friends unequivocally said yes, they'd turn themselves in. But I wasn't so sure. The drive for self-preservation is a strong one, and it's hard to say what anyone would do once confronted with the circumstances. And so I wrote this to explore it some, to pose the question.
Was Toni wrong to do what she did? Are there absolutes?
What would you do?

Click on the title to read this great story in its entirety.
So so good. Kudos, Alica!

2005-03-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

Heaven Scent by Montre Bible

Freedom Bell Ring, Humanity & Cochran

2005-03-29T23:07:00.000-05:00

Johnnie Cochran

Posted from The Cochran Firm website:

The Freedom Bell Rings for America to Pay Tribute to Noted Attorney

Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.

Los Angeles, CA – (March 29, 2005) – The family of Attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. and members of The Cochran Firm are deeply saddened by the passing of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. The world has lost not only a legendary attorney, but an outstanding humanitarian. He passed away at his home today at 12:30 p.m. of a brain tumor.

Certainly, Johnnie’s career will be noted as one marked by “celebrity” cases and clientele. But he and his family were most proud of the work he did on behalf of those in the community. As Johnnie always said, “an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It was his rallying cry as he worked to right many wrongs, and as he provided a voice to those who needed to be heard. He was deeply committed to helping and inspiring others—especially young people. His extraordinary law career will undoubtedly stand the test of time. But it was his devotion to his fellow human beings that will remain as his true legacy.

Final arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Laughing Out Loud Christian Comedy Tour Gains Sponsor

2005-03-29T07:52:00.000-05:00

URBAN GOSPEL ALLIANCE SIGNS ON TO SPONSOR REMAINDER OF THE LAUGHING OUT LOUD CHRISTIAN COMEDY TOUR

Urban Gospel Alliance (UGA) has striven to provide support for all genres of urban gospel including comedy, reggae, neo soul, jazz, and Christian R&B. As evidenced in the upcoming comedy/jazz showcase at the 2005 UGA sponsored Urban Gospel Industry and Edwin & Walter Hawkins Love Fellowship Conference, July 26-29th.

In accordance with its goals UGA has yet again partnered with another great organization to bring the Gospel to the streets. Holy House Productions, headed up by Carolyn Richards, is an Evangelistic Entertainment Company based in Chicago is pleased to present The Laughing Out Loud Tour: A Christian Comedy Experience. The Laughing Out Loud Tour is an opportunity for Christian comedians to showcase their God given talent of comedic expression in a contest format at venues in Chicago (February 20, 2005); Detroit (March 6, 2005); Atlanta (April 2, 2005); Miami (May 29, 2005); Dallas (June 18, 2005) and L.A. (July 3, 2005); with possible dates in NY and DC.

In keeping with the objective of Holy House Productions to produce creative and cutting edge evangelistic entertainment for the purpose of winning souls to the Body of Christ and encouraging Christians to have a more intimate relationship with God; after each event there will be an invitation to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The winner of each local Laughing Out Loud contest will be showcased at a comedy extravaganza in Atlanta in conjunction with MegaFest.

UGA is proud to be a sponsor of this event and is looking forward to BIGGER, BETTER, and MORE BLESSED things to come from this and other alliances as we strive uplift the Body of Christ.

---------------------------------------

About Urban Gospel Alliance
UGA is a forum and platform for all facets of urban gospel music--contemporary gospel, holy hip hop, spoken word, inspirational, gospel jazz, neo-soul, gospel house and reggae. The UGA Bay Area chapter will continue to sponsor free monthly concerts featuring these genres throughout the San Francisco/Oakland area.
UGA is seeking to develop new chapters throughout the U.S. and beyond. For more info send email to info@urbangospelalliance.com or call 510-472-0177

About Urban Gospel Industry (UGI) Awards & Conference
Held In Los Angeles, CA June 26-July 2 of 2005, the UGI Awards & Conference joins forces with the Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar and will feature daily workshops on keeping the business and ministry in the music and nightly showcases highlighting some of the biggest and brightest in urban gospel music.
The Conference headquarters are at The Trinity Building located at 333 W. Florence Street, Inglewood California. The Conference hotel is The Westin Los Angeles Airport. For registration information call (510) 264-1766.

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NBC Grant's 3 Wishes

2005-03-28T15:56:00.000-05:00

Amy Grant's Rock of Ages

NBC ‘GRANTS’ WISHES IN NEW REALITY PILOT/SPECIAL ‘THREE WISHES,’ HOSTED BY GRAMMY WINNER AMY GRANT

Multiple Grammy-winning Recording Artist to Make Unbelievable Dreams Come True in Heartwarming New Series.

NBC will be making “Three Wishes” come true in a new special/backdoor pilot starring five-time Grammy-winning artist Amy Grant in an unscripted format in which Grant will lead a team of experts to a small town to help make the hopes and unbelievable dreams come true for deserving people.

“Everyone secretly wants the chance to fulfill a lifelong wish that seems beyond their grasp -- and this show will help transform those dreams into a life-changing reality,” said Jeff Gaspin, President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment & Cross-Platform Strategy, who made the announcement.

The full spectrum of wishes ranges from paying tribute to an unsung hero to helping a hopeless family in the grip of a member’s life-threatening medical crisis. Also included: living out a mind-blowing sports fantasy, helping to save a dedicated teacher’s job, keeping a factory that provides jobs open as it teeters on the brink of closing down – and even saving a desperate local economy on the verge of slipping into debt.

Said Grant: “When I heard about this show, I was extremely moved by NBC and the production company’s concept to provide incredibly positive changes in the lives of different people. Seeing the initial prep work the producers had done for the pilot episode gave me reason to look at my own life -- and remind myself, once again, to never underestimate the impact that one life can have on another.

“I knew that whoever wound up hosting this show was going to have a front-row seat to some pretty amazing interaction with some very deserving people. I’m so glad my name was thrown into the pot and I look forward to working with NBC Universal Television Studio and executive producer Andrew Glassman -- and I hope that together, we are able to make a lot of dreams come true.”

Each wish will involve a deeply personal story and viewers will follow the deserving families as Grant and her team of experts help revive their wishes and bring them to life.

Andrew Glassman (NBC’s “Average Joe” seasons 1-4) and Jason Raff (NBC’s “Average Joe” seasons 1-4) are executive producers.

“There’s an incredible diversity to the people we are going to meet and the heartwarming stories we are going to tell along the way,” said Glassman. “We have already started to feel the magic, as people started sharing their wishes with us. While our team is there to help, ultimately, this show will be about people helping people make their wishes and dreams come true.”

Production on the pilot has already begun.

“Three Wishes” is executive produced by Andrew Glassman and NBC Universal Television Studio.

If you would like to tell us about your wishes -- please log onto www.nbc.com and click on contestants