First Cut Stepping Out

First Cut!
"Birth your talent and nurture it so that it will grow"by Nicole M. Stevenson
ART

Woman Of Substance by Nicole M. Stevenson (Dedicated to Kim Austin 2nd mom)

To All,
I know that you are busy shopping either in the stores or online. Take your time! I can wait for my gift lol! Kim Robinson author of Roux In The Gumbo contributing a recipe once a month to First Cut. Remember First Cut accepts submissions. To Jolie Magazine congrats on celebrating your one year anniversary! Alicia Rivers Executive Publisher for Jolie will be on the air live with me on my show tune into First Cut January 8, 2007 at 10pm est www.artistfirst.com tune in to find out who my next guest will be. Thanks to Actor Tyson Hall...Sol Film festival! They are making strides towards great things. Upcoming interviews with author Syliva Hubbard, singer Neenah Taylor!ww.artistfirst.com

PS
To All The Authors My Hat Goes Off To You" It takes commitment to write a novel and to have it turn out to be a meal its just awesome! Keep Feeding Us!

Happy Holidays!

Interviews This Way!!

Keeping It Straight!!! by Nicole M. Stevenson

James Founder/Editor of AMAG/Awareness Magazine resided in the Fort Greene Projects his first 22 years before moving to DeKalb & Vanderbilt Avenue. James has attended both Howard University in Washington DC and Medger Evers College in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.


What made you want to be a publisher?
I was not only interested in telling stories that inform and educate but I also enjoy the creative aspect of design and coming up with marketing ideas and campaigns. So the mixture of the three was rather natural.

Who is the man behind AMAG?
Can I pass...Can really answer such a wide question

Has running the magazine been an easy task?
It's been adventurous. The concept is relatively easy. We know the what why when and how's but it is a lot of work and can be time consuming at times. Since I enjoy 95% of the process it can be viewed as easy, which is the main reason I continue doing what I do.


What impact would you like AMAG to leave on the literary world?
We just want individuals to know that AMAG has always been there to support those who are in the middle of their journey, inspire those to start their journey and applaud those who have finished their journey in life or their profession. We are here to say positive events, people and endeavors are ultimately what counts, not commercial nonsense. Integrity, honor and loyalty makes a person or company, and we recognize that.

Out of all the interviews you've done which one has had a lasting impression and why?
The percentage of those that had lasting impression are overwhelming, but to pick one ...Dale Goldboldo [who played the character Keith on Wanda at Large], really was a great interview and a great learning experience. For one thing, it was the longest interview I had done to date and we went beyond the norm. Although I have never meet him, we spoke as if we were friends for years. We discussed life, family and culture. He also opened my eyes to many elements I had been ignorant to concerning the entire television scene, regarding advertisers, targets and particular TV shows themselves.


Tell us about your job as an Administrator for the advertising company?
I work as an administrator at a research company in the SOHO section of New York. Mainly I keep things rolling as our company deals with clients who look for us to compile data on their product verses the competition. We work heavily with focus groups and surveys. What is key about the job is the atmosphere and casual nature. Although it is a 9-5, one on the outside would never know understand. It is definitely a cool gig.


James please tell us about Teen Awareness Day?
Teen Awareness Day was created by myself and Mark Knox of The Fort Greene Volunteers, Inc. to give youth additional motivation in their daily journey of life. Both Mark and James who were raised in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Projects, realize that all children need someone to believe in them, someone to guide them and most importantly someone to love them. The first event was incredible as Hill Harper agreed to be our Keynote speaker. When I interviewed him for the cover of AMAG, I mentioned to him that many would miss his message because of various obstacle. He suggested that I gather a group and when he came to New York in October he would speak with them. And he kept to his word. To add flavor, I along with Mark Knox campaigned to get sponsors so each kid could leave with his book. At our second Teen Awareness Day as we like to call Vol 2, Terrie Williams [Stay Strong Foundation, The Terrie Williams Agency, author of The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today's Fast-Paced Business World, A Plentiful Harvest: Creating Balance and Harmony Through the Seven Living Virtues and Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens] will be our keynote speaker. Ms. Williams is extremely gracious and continues to do so much for our youth, she seemed like a natural choice. We are overly excited about the buzz we are receiving among the YOUTH. There will be contest, performances, speakers in a formal forum like setting. All youth in attendance will receive gift bags donated by the New Jersey Nets filled with both entertaining and educational items. One key aspect is that the motivation and enjoyment shared at the event continues as they leave and go back to their surrounding. We understand one event will not motivate each child but want to put in place a network and resource for them whenever they need guidance and motivation.

What advice can you offer to the next publisher?
Understand the primarily reason for publishing. Is it to educate and make a difference, is it to let creative juices flow, is it to make money or a combination of all. All can co-exist. But once you understand YOUR honest goal then as with anything, do a little homework, reach out to those who are doing, established a support group and jump in.

Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor/Founder of 30 talent's First Cut! Online newsletter
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talents/
Returning Host First Cut internet radio 1/8/07 10pm est http://www.artistfirst.com/
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
thirtynmore@yahoo.com (direct)
Talent Info
Renee Jones-Brown is a first time author, she took herlove of reading and turned it into writing, producingher first novel in August 2006. Renee is currentlyworking on her second novel to be released Spring of2007.

Must Read!

Looking Up (A Working View) by J Michael Kearney[b]Looking Up (A Working View) delivers a blue-collar, workingman's (NYC Firefighter) perspective of today's issues, a view that is seldom heard....
Ladies' Night Outby Electa Rome ParksJanuary 2, 2007(pre-order your copy on Amazon.com today!)Readers are cordially invited, the first Saturday of the month, to Ladies' Night Out. No R.S.V.P is required---just leave your inhibitions at the door. What happens during Ladies' Night Out, stays with us. Shhh, we won't tell!Electa Rome Parksauthor ofAlmost Doesn't Count (Penguin Group/NAL)Loose Ends (Penguin Group/NAL)The Ties That Bind (Penguin Group/NAL)www.electaromeparks.comcheck out my blog: http://www.electaromeparks.blogspot.com/
Cooking With Kim
My Family's GumboKim Robinson
3 lbs. snow crab, cleaned and washed15 chicken wings, washed and cleaned1 lb. chicken gizzards, chopped fine4 lbs. diced smoked sausage (Hillshire Farms).Fry lightly to remove some fat3 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined4 packs dried shrimp2 lbs. baby shrimp4 stalks of cleaned and diced celery3 diced onions3 packs of onion soup mix2 cans of okra; preferably “Trappeys” brand. Drain off liquid and fry in ¼ cup of oil. This removes the slime Gumbo file (ground sassafras leaves)Lawrys seasoning saltBlack pepperCelery saltPrepared rice
Roux: 1 cup of vegetable oil1 cup of flourIf you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour. Heat the oil over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over grease while constantly stirring, so as not to scorch, based on your preference. I prefer a nut brown or caramel color. Some people like a darker roux. You can always taste as you go along. Set aside.
GumboUse a large stockpot. Fill half way with water and set on high to boil. You can divide ingredients into 2 or 3 smaller pots. I prefer this method, because it takes awhile to get the water to boil. It will also decrease the chance of your Gumbo sticking to the bottom. There is nothing worse than a burnt pot of Gumbo. Chile just thinking about it makes me want to cry.Gumbo is something that every time it's made it just gets better as you add or take away ingredients to tailor to your taste, much like a fine suit of clothes. Other variations have bell pepper, tomato puree, oysters, crawfish, rabbit, turkey or chicken, parsley, green onion and garlic. I could fill this book up with various ways to prepare this dish. Do not be afraid to experiment.
Add gizzards, onion, celery, onion soup mix, dried shrimp and sausage. When it reaches a rapid boil, reduce flame to low and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Add Roux and stir. Add chicken, crab legs, okra, black pepper, seasoning and celery salt. Be very careful with celery salt, it can overpower the other flavors. Add 1 teaspoon to entire pot. You can always go back and add more. Boil for 35 to 40 minutes. Add shrimp and boil 5 minutes more. Remove from heat add 1 teaspoon of gumbo file to each pot. Serve in a bowl over rice. Sprinkle file to taste. Do not be afraid to get your fingers dirty. Also, do not forget to suck the gravy out of the crab legs before you open them up.

Articles This Way!
THROUGH HIS EYES
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
My oldest son is always the first to get the Christmas Spirit in our house. He usually gets it a few weeks before Thanksgiving. It is a joy to watch. With both the heart of a child and the soul of an angel he cherishes everything about this time of the year. He takes so much happiness in putting our decorations up. He takes so much pleasure in our evening drives to look at the outdoor lights on other people's houses. He takes so much delight in singing in the school choir’s Christmas show. He laughs and smiles though every Christmas movie we watch. He enjoys all the Christmas music in the air. He always shakes the hands of the Salvation Army bell ringers while I put cash in their kettles. He always enjoys the presents we get him too, but the present he gives us is far more precious. That present is seeing the way he lives with so much peace and happiness every single day of his life. He is the embodiment of the Christmas Spirit all year long.
I am sure that God and all the angels must be smiling down as they watch this "special" son of mine. He lives the way we all should live. He sees the beauty of the world, the miracle of life, and the love of God in all things. He awakens the Christmas Spirit in me and everyone else he meets. I could never be a Scrooge myself, because I have the Spirit of Christmas Love and Joy sleeping down the hall from me. I only wish that the whole world could see Christmas and life through his eyes.
My simple Christmas hope then is that all of you try to see life with the same joy, love, kindness, peace, happiness, wonder, and delight that my son does. If you do this you truly will be giving yourself a glorious gift. If you do this God and His angels will always be smiling down on you. If you do this everyday will be Christmas.
Links To Check Out
wpwww.pampermds.comampermds.com
W: www.evelynpatriciaterry.com
Somewhere in America. Changing Faces, Changing Places. Small Packages. Grandmama's Mojo Still Working. Devil's Orchestra. http://www.sydneymolare.com/
These books are S-M-O-K-I-N-G!
Submit Here!
Asnuntuck Community College's poetry magazine is accepting submissions
for its eighth issue, to be published in May 2007.
Submit no more than 5 poems, with name, address and e-mail address on
each poem, together with a brief biographical note, and a stamped
self-addressed envelope for notification only to:
Freshwater
Asnuntuck Community College
170 Elm Street
Enfield, CT 06082
Or submit by email to freshwater@acc.commnet.edu
DEADLINE: December 15, 2006
Notification by March 2007
Questions: 860-253-3105 or freshwater@acc.commnet.edu
Upcoming Events
Greeting everyone of this first day of December!
I am doing well and hope all is well & productive with you.
On Saturday, December 16th, AMAG and The Fort Greene Volunteers, Inc. will host Teen Awareness Day, Vol 2 at PS 46 in Brooklyn, NY. Since the first event on October 8 (were Hill Harper was our keynote speaker) was such a success and motivation for all involved, we are back to do it once again!
We are asking that you spread the word to youth and youth organizations. It is truly a great day where we come together to not only motivate those (ages 12-18) who need additional motivation, but also to inspire those who lack motivation. Not just a day of speakers, but an open forum filled with interaction, theatrics and artistic expression.
If you know of any youth groups, clubs, organizations please forward this email or have them contact me. If you would like to contribute any items to the gift bag also contact me. All are welcome to attend-ADMISSION IS FREE
DATE: Saturday, December 16 Time: 1:30-5pm Location: PS 46 (Edward C. Blum) 100 Clermont Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 Between Park & Myrtle Avenues
Host: Tony Herbert of The Professionals, Inc. Keynote Speaker: Terrie Williams of The Terrie Williams Agency
Additional Confirmed Speakers: Osiris James of Urban Mentors Georgia Woodbine , author of How to Make Big Bucks Without Selling Your Soul Tonya E. aka Ms. Right Now, Inc. Mr. Ronald Washington, President of The Fort Greene Volunteers, Inc.
Event Consist of Music performances Poetry Dance A short film of an edutainment nature Dance contest And speakers
All youth will receive gift bag complete with book and other goodies
If interested in actual flier please let me know If interested in sponsorship on any level or participating in some way, please be in touch
ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!
Peace, Respect & Prosperity,
James M. Lisbon Founder& Publisher file://www.awarenessmagazine.net/ 212-413-9554 About Teen Awareness Day http://www.cbbooksdistribution.com/newsletternov06.html
Photo taken by First Cut
Queens Book Fair Summer 06'
Renee and fellow author Kymberle Joseph will behosting an event December 23rd called "Meet the AuthorDay" - The location will be at Pamper Me Day Spa -200-02 Linden Blvd., St. Albans, NY. If there are anyauthors wishing to participate, you can send Renee orKymberle an email at: reneejonesbrown@yahoo orkym.kymberle.com or if you love to read, come out andsupport your local authors. It will be a fun andfestive day or you can just enjoy a tranquil day ofrelaxation at Pamper Me Day Spa!
Toni Beckham408.499.3664Toni@PRetCetera.comhttp://rd.bcentral.com/?ID=4748704&s=103698438
Past Events.
Click on
http://www.myspace.com/firstcut1online
to view photos First Cut was there!

SOL Film Festival presents..........
SOL in the City
FILM*ART*MUSIC*CHARITY
Sol Film Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Norfolk VA. This will be the FIRST of several tours that will screen films and have industry guests present.
Michael "Boogie" Pickney - The protege to Director Spike Lee will screen his latest short film and, be on site to sign his latest book. www.Blackfootfilms.com
Film director "Jungo" will screen his latest music video BUJU BANTON, "Refix" and much more....
LIVE ART SHOW BY TYSON HALL
Special Guest DJs: ANITA BRYANT & TYSON HALL *yes , yes that is right -NOW YOU MUST ATTEND!!!
Thursday, December 7
6PM - 12midnight
WHITE RABBIT, 145 E. Houston Street (btw. 1st & 2nd Ave)
NO COVER!!!
Bring a Toy Donation for NYC Mission Society *Happy Hour Drink Specials from 6-7PM - Arrive Early!!!
About SOL Film Festival
The SOL Film Festival is an annual event organized by independent artists who recognized a need in the film community. The festival's purpose is to Educate, Empower and Entertain through independent film projects and workshops, thereby providing a forum for creative inspiration and artistic expression.
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=6cl4l9bab.0.0.zhhxpjbab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solfilmfest.com
NYC Mission Society serves over 3,000 people annually with programs and initiatives in education, preventive services, personal growth and development, and recreation. www.nycmissionsociety.org
Click on
http://www.myspace.com/firstcut1online
to view photos First Cut was there!

Advertisement



Dear Nicole:
Dramatists Play Service is pleased to announce the publication of:
BREATHING CORPSES by Laura Wade4 men, 3 women: 7 total“BREATHING CORPSES has a clever circular structure in which a succession of people discover a body before becoming corpses themselves.” —Time Out (London). “Events flow backwards in time—before a slight forward hop — in an intriguing fashion, allowing puzzlers in the audience to gather further pieces of the jigsaw, as well as additional characters, at each stop…[Wade is] an arresting writing talent.” —Evening Standard (London). “Laura Wade’s play is like a crossword puzzle where all the clues have to do with death. This is a tight, tense play: you can’t miss a single word, a single gesture…Wade uses the play’s shifting structure to make you feel disorientated, almost scared…The tension, the emotions and the sense of absurdity and fear are brilliantly handled…A terrifying tour de force.” —The Sunday Times (London)
COLDER THAN HERE by Laura Wade1 man, 3 women: 4 total“Laura Wade’s play is set in the limbo between a death sentence and the death itself. How does knowledge of one’s imminent demise, or that of a loved one, affect the living of one’s life?” —Guardian (London). “The play is an astute and humorous portrayal of a family pulling together in the face of impending grief. It takes a timely look at society’s changing attitude towards the process of dying and the ceremonies associated with death.” —This Is London. “Laura Wade’s play is a ninety-minute masterpiece, a jewel, dark but translucent. It is a play of love, death, and grief: The grief that is hardest to bear, because it begins before the loved one dies.” —Sunday Times (London).
DEFLOWERING WALDO by Adam Szymkowicz2 men, 4 women: 6 totalWaldo is having a bad day. He’s afraid of crowds, spiders, skyscrapers, flowers, brown soap and sex. His father won’t stop being Scottish. His therapist wants to seduce him. His ex-girlfriend could spontaneously combust at any moment. And the new woman in his life seems to want something else completely. Will he manage to find true love—or at least mow the lawn?
EMBARASSMENTS book by Laurence Klavan, music by Polly Pen, lyrics by Laurence Klavan and Polly Pen, additional text by Polly Pen5 men, 4 women (doubling): 9 total“A lively, funny, and very smart musical…Klavan’s clever book is well matched by Pen’s music.” —Variety. “An inventive musical…features Pen’s explosive score and Klavan’s exceptional book…EMBARRASSMENTS is the rare double treat. Whether you’re seeking intellectual stimulation or just an entertaining evening out, this beautifully designed, written, and performed production is bound to satisfy.” —Philadelphia Weekly. “An offbeat, original, and enjoyable musical…[a] witty and knowing book…concise and imaginative songs.” —Philadelphia Inquirer. “A breathtaking 90-minute chamber musical…cannot help but to redefine the artistic boundaries of the musical theater.”—Reading Eagle. “Terrific fun.” —WRTL Radio.
FINDING CLAIRE by Kim Merrill4 women: 4 total“…lovely, sensitive and engrossing…remarkable…takes theatergoers along for the roller-coaster ride that a woman might go through in meeting her biological mother for the first time. With plays like this and films like Mike Leigh’s Secrets and Lies…adoption certainly looks like a superior option for the child involved. For the mother, it’s another story.” —NY Times. “…engaging new play…moody, wrenching and often touching look into the emotional lives of four women…filled with moments that all families will recognize, and lessons we all need to learn.” —nytheatre.com.
JUMPING FOR JOY by Jon Marans 2 men, 1 woman: 3 total“Unforgettable…Captivating and beautiful, JUMPING FOR JOY is something wondrous…Marans demonstrates a masterful ability to balance humor and horror on a knife-edge.” —Orange County Register. “There’s good reason for the anticipatory stir greeting Jon Marans’ JUMPING FOR JOY…a delicately zany, yet poignant slice of a thoroughly dysfunctional family’s life…The writing is excellent…with numerous flashes of brilliance.” —CurtainUp.
KITTY KITTY KITTY by Noah Haidle5 men, 1 woman (doubling, flexible casting): 6 totalKitty, a suicidal housecat, finds his true love in his clone, the first successfully cloned housecat, Kitty Kitty. They give each other hand jobs, but Kitty Kitty doesn’t love Kitty back. So Kitty decides to make another clone of himself, the title character Kitty Kitty Kitty. But something goes wrong in the cloning process, and he makes more copies of himself, each one more retarded than the last. The final clone, Kitty Kitty Kitty Kitty Kitty, communicates in nothing but grunts and yells and drool. KITTY KITTY KITTY is a comedy about love, unrequited love, regret and hand jobs.
THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS by David Rambo1 woman: 1 total“…a warmhearted play…highly entertaining, frequently moving…” —Chicago Tribune. “…folksy, funny, straightforward and validating…a smile-inducing, tear duct-activating reunion with a woman who might have been a stranger but seemed like family…engaging from beginning to end.” —L.A. Times. “David Rambo’s new one-woman play…[about] the witty, bubbly, frank, and slightly eccentric writer…provides a compelling portrait of her.” —BackStage West. “LADY is surprisingly crisp and loaded with detail. The first act is breezy, funny and gossipy…The second act is darker and more touching.” —North County Times.
MADAGASCAR by J.T. Rogers1 man, 2 women (doubling): 3 total“MADAGASCAR lures you into its tale of reflection, recrimination and regret with captivating power…wondrous, elegiac, unforgettable drama.” —Miami Herald. “J.T. Rogers is a major new American talent and MADAGASCAR is a play to cheer.” —Miami New Times. “Rogers’ circular storytelling style, full of poetry, poignancy, wit and hard-won wisdom, never fails to fascinate.” —Salt Lake Tribune. “MADAGASCAR is a subtle, beautifully written, sad, and disturbing play.” —Edward Albee. “I haven’t been so impressed by a new play since the early works of Wallace Shawn and Tennessee Williams.” —André Gregory. “With gorgeously wrought, resonant prose, J.T. Rogers has fashioned a singular and haunting detective story.” —Doug Wright.
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO BY BEAUMARCHAIS, translated and adapted by Joan Holden7–9 men, 4 women (doubling, extras): 11 total“For the sprightly new American Conservatory Theater production…credit must go to translator/adaptor Joan Holden for sending new shafts of light through the play…The characters, especially the women, seem freshly inspired in their resourcefulness…vernacular that might have been coined yesterday…” —San Francisco Chronicle. “In commissioning a textual face lift for the eighteenth-century farce immortalized by Mozart’s opera, American Conservatory Theater has struck gold…a joyous piece of stage frippery whose social bite is never far below the surface.” —Variety. “FIGARO gets a new lease on life…Where better to find somebody to bring new life to this play, which is widely regarded as helping to provoke the French Revolution?” —Marin Independent Journal. “Takes justifiable liberties in replacing Beaumarchais’ eighteenth-century jibes with up-to-the-minute substitutes…the adaptor hasn’t so much rewritten Beaumarchais to suit her own taste as returned our attention to the essence of his dissent…” —San Francisco Examiner.
THE PULL OF NEGATIVE GRAVITY by Noah Haidle2 men, 2 women: 4 total“…gut-wrenching scenes.” —Time Out. “Jonathan Lichtenstein’s ninety-minute drama is simple in its conception yet elemental in its themes…it packs a wallop.” —NY Post. “Jonathan Lichtenstein beautifully portrays how the war destroyed one rural Welsh family.” —NY Times. “A carefully crafted, powerfully emotive drama…the play’s anger sears itself into one’s mind.” —Sunday Herald (Scotland). “…[a] harrowing, heartbreaking play.” —Guardian (London). “…brings the subject of war close to home and handles it with a terrifying intensity.” —The Scotsman (Edinburgh).
PYRETOWN by John Belluso1 man, 1 woman: 2 total“…Belluso’s play works.” —Chicago Tribune. “Far too many playwrights these days either jump on a popular political bandwagon or simply contemplate their slacker navels; Belluso has real fire.” —Chicago Sun-Times. “John Belluso’s blistering PYRETOWN…crackles with heat. I don’t say it lightly: This play is worth braving the cold to see.” —NY Sun. “PYRETOWN has none of the flashy emotional pyrotechnics that animate many comparable stories; Harry and Louise’s romance expands and contracts naturally, like the beating of a heart…Belluso gives his characters an inchoate touch of poetry, which they must guard against the icy bureaucracy of American health care.” —Time Out.
RAG AND BONE by Noah Haidle5 men, 2 women: 7 total “Haidle is an engaging writer who creates startling theatrical conceits, intriguing themes and offbeat characters…his nonrealistic style is bold and imaginative…” —Variety. “…vividly bold, wildly imaginative and utterly charming…Its humor and poignancy are genuine…” —CT Central.To read about these titles and purchase acting editions, click on the links above.
To view all our recently published plays, click on Now Published.
Dramatists Play Service, Inc.440 Park Avenue SouthNew York, NY 10016Tel. 212-683-8960Fax 212-213-1539http://www.dramatists.com/postmaster@dramatists.com

You have received this email as a result of your request to be included on our Now Published Mailing List. To be removed from this list, please visit our REMOVE FROM NOW PUBLISHED MAILING LIST page.


First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor/Founder of 30 talent's First Cut! Online newsletter
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talents/
Returning Host First Cut internet radio 1/8/07 10pm est http://www.artistfirst.com/
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
thirtynmore@yahoo.com (direct)

First Cut Moving!

First Cut! "Today we shall meditate on the battle of many in the memory of one" written by Nicole Stevenson
ART
Whimsical Angels The Mask36 x 48 oil on canvas Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

To All,

I'm wishing each and everyone a talent filled year! First Cut is moving... the radio show has an awesome line up. This just in author Zane will be an upcoming guest. The artist featured in this newsletter Kathy Ostman-Magnusen and singer Damion Cantrell. First Cut is making it's biz to bring you a variety of different talent. Our goal "To promote& inform". Congrats! My daughter Diamond who will be modeling. Congrats! to Omar Tyree releasing his film keep doing it. Congrats! Jolie magazine which will be at a Walgreen near you! I've included First Cut's interview with Co Publisher Alicia Rivers click ALICIA RIVERS . We are always looking for submission writings of all sort, art & photos.Singer Neenah Taylor our interview will be runing in Consciousness Magazine subscription only email thirtynmore@yahoo. for more info. We are on myspace http://www.myspace.com/firstcut1online . My poetry will be published in the Cat's meow next month, interview I did with Delores Thorton will be in her next book, I am now a writer for Consciouness magazine.

Update!
Tune into my radio show First Cut www.artistfirst.com 10 pm est. Providing a voice for many!

Line up for the New Year First Cut airs live at 10pm est every Monday. Artist Kathy Ostman-Magnusen , Author Donna Hill and Author Electa Rome Parks.
February 1st guest actor Tyson Hall and thereafter
Tonya Blount T.V. Host
Entrepreneur, Jasmine Imani
Cee Cee MichaelaYvonne, the zany cop, from UPN's Girlfriends
Your Host
Nicole Stevenson
Comic Said


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Links to view
Conscious Man by Nicole M. Stevenson
Aaron Robinson -CEO/ Publisher
Aaron Robinson, founder and C.E.O. of Consciousness Magazine; a fairly new inspirational magazine that is getting both local and national attention. Mr. Robinson has a background in fine and visual arts and graphic design, and intergrates his belief, spirituality, and the betterment of mankind through his art. He has a passion to give and inspire others through his art ministry, whether writing, designing, painting, drawing, recording or performing hip-hop music.Mr. Robinson attended Kankakee Community College and Columbia College Chicago and holds a Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.

What are some of the attributes to your success? I will say my family. Also, working with people that believe in my vision and executing goals. I'm very persistent and will put in the late hours to continue to build an empire. Nevertheless, my V.P. and sister Mozella Sullivan who encourage me.What made you want to publish your own magazine? Starting the magazine was a vision I had from God. I came from a poverty area and from a low income family. With this in hand, I lived on the Westside of Chicago and was very upset about the environment people live in. From social, hardship the flare triggered and I felt that I had to do something about this. So I had to inform and give back, so the magazine came into reality.Do you have a lot of experience in this field? At first I had no kind of experience at all. All I had was a vision and a sketch of the magazine on drawing paper. From research, trial and error, I began to learn how the business work. As a CEO what are some of the things you have to do? I have to organize and oversee every aspect of the business from the business point of view to the creative side. This means wearing various hats such as designing, finding sponsors, interview people, etc. Of all the individuals you've interviewed which one has left an impact on your readers? I will say that Sharon Pulliam, who is a gospel artist left an impact on my life. I say this because she took out the time to donated a kidney to her sister. I can relate to her story. A few years ago, one of my sisters gave a kidney to my other sister! Going through a time like this made me realize the importance of living. Its not about us individual but how we can make an impact on someone's life.How can people get a copy of Consciousness Magazine? As of now, you can visit www.consciousmag.com or www.myspace.com/consciousmagazine. They can also go to a newsstand in their area. If its not there I'm sure the receptionist can order it for them.Having a degree in graphic design did you want to do anything else? I wanted to be a hip-hop music artist but I found out that wasn't my calling at the time. When I graduated I wanted to pursue my master degree which I may take the time out to pursue in the future. Also, I want to get into other ventures such as movie and music production in the future.Who is the real Aaron Robinson behind closed doors? The real Aaron Robinson is spiritual, laid back and observant. He's a peaceful and sort of a shy person but is very much outgoing showing love and compassion for people. He thinks a lot and always dedicate time to grow closer and closer to God.Are you working on any other projects? Yes, at this time I have several books I want to publish. I'm also working on up-and-coming future publications with affiliates and creating Consciousness Magazine business's branches. What do you do in your free time? I'm my free time, I love to play all genres of music, especially ol’ school music from the 60’s and 70’s. Mostly on a typical day I will play rap and hip-hop. I enjoy reading and writing. I live and breath publishing, so I'm forever planning and strategizing. Also, I enjoy recreation such as fishing, site seeing and I love to play sports.Contact www.consciousmag.comBusiness: 815-935-1977
Aaron Robinson -CEO/ Publisher

Consciousness Magazine
P.O. Box 2496, Kankakee, IL 60901 Office: (815) 935-1977 Fax: (815) 935-1987
To subscribe visit: http://www.myspace.com/consciousnessar
www.consciousmag.com arobinson@consciousmag.com

Talent Info
From the desk of OMAR TYREE:It's year 2007, and I have just completed my first independent feature film (now being edited) entitled - The Lure of Young Women - about a local film producer who interviews several young actresses about becoming a muse for his budding film production company. It's a mature look at the aspirations and trappings of the entertainment world. We will be editing the film through January, putting the finishing touches on it in February, and starting our national screening tour in March (starting in Charlotte and the Northeast), with expected DVD sales to kick off by May / June. That's the plan for now, but as that plan changes, I will let you know.The straight to DVD market is a sure way to launch yourself into the feature film industry now, and Lionsgate, Warner Bros. and Universal all in line to talk to me now about my film brand. Of course, the smaller DVD films and local screenings are just the beginning, because my book adaptations (Flyy Girl, Leslie, Just Say No!, Cold Blooded, Sweet St. Louis, etc.) are definately 30-70 million dollar-making big feature projects.I would now love to talk to you guys about my future plans as a writer/producer/filmmaker.Omar Tyree @ (www.OmarTyree.com)The Lure of Young WomenIs it business, or is it personal?Written, Produced, Directed & StarringNew York Times Bestselling Author Omar TyreeThe film franchise begins!

Author
Michelle McGriff

California transplant Michelle McGriff now writes using the lush green backdrop of the Great Northwest as her muse. Known to her family as the `best of storytellers', McGriff spins intelligent, poignant, and touching yarns, with a poetic voice and writing that has become hers to keep, holding her readers captive from start to finish. Having more than 25 novels and short stories under her pen (16 currently in print) in 1998, she excitedly became a part of the Kensington Publications imprints in 2004, with hopes of entertaining a new audience with her rule-breaking, cross-genre writing style that is sure to entertain the enlightened reader. Using her MBA in business, Ms McGriff is also working on a non-fiction project for aspiring writers entitled, The Business of Writing. This guidebook will help new writers realize their dreams while avoiding some of the pitfalls common to newcomers to the industries. Look for her books wherever you find good reading material.

Sincerely,Michelle McGriffwww.michellemcgriff.infowww.myspace.com/mosambasbookshelf
Must Read!

If your summer had a color, what would it be?For Emma, there were only two choicesBlack or White.Coming May 2007 from Urban SoulColored Summer by Michelle McGriffLook for it where all good books are found.And don't forget these 2006 best sellersby Michelle McGriffSubmit Here!

"A fine cigar and good literature: two of life's finer pleasures."At THE SMOKING POET, we publish flash fiction, fiction, nonfiction,poetry, feature author with novel excerpt, book reviews and cigarreviews, essays, artwork, extensive links and resources - work thatignites our imagination, inflames our passion, leaves us with a smokyaftertaste. For artwork, photography, or book reviews, please query first.
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GOLFING MAGAZINE

Golfer Magazine, Inc.205 Broad St.Wethersfield CT 06109
Phone: (860)563-1633Fax: (646)607-3001E-Mail: tlanders@golfingmagazine.netWebsite: www.golfingmagazineonline.com
Contact: Tom Landers, publisher.Editor: Mike Stinton.
About GOLFING MAGAZINE:
Magazine covering golf, including travel, products, player profiles and company profiles.Frequency: Bimonthly
Freelance Facts:
30% freelance writtenEstablished: 1999Circulation: 175,000
Pays on publicationByline given.Offers negotiable kill fee.
Rights purchased:
· One-time rights
· Simultaneous rights
Editorial lead time 2 months.Submit seasonal material 2 months in advance.
Accepts queries by:
· Mail
· E-mail
Accepts previously published submissions
Sample copy free.


Nonfiction:
All articles must include golf-related tips.
Needs: Book excerptsNew ProductPhoto FeatureTravel
Buys 4-5 manuscripts/year.Submission method: QueryLength: 700–2,500 words.
Pays $250-1,000 for assigned articles; $100-500 for unsolicited articles.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.
Photos:
State availability of photos with submission.
Reviews: GIF/JPEG files
Photos Require: Captions
Negotiates payment and rights individually.
Fillers:
Needs:FactsGags to be illustrated by cartoonist
Buys 2-3 fillers/year.Pays: Payment individually determined.

For full submission guidelines, visit:http://thesmokingpoet.tripod.comA quarterly with the premier issue online now; we accept submissionsyearlong. Spring issue deadline is February 28, 2007. Queries and submissions to:thesmokingpoet@gmail.comZinta Aistars and J. Conrad Guest, EditorsTHE SMOKING POEThttp://thesmokingpoet.tripod.comArticles This Way!
SHORT TIME HERE
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
I got a surprise when I looked in the mirror today. It seems that my salt and pepper hair has more salt than pepper in it now. It doesn’t seem to need a comb anymore either. I have lost so much of it that a simple hand pat will do. It appears that a few of my hairs have lost their way too and ended up in my ears. I can’t really blame them, though. All of those wrinkles on my face must be tough for them to navigate through. Still, I wouldn’t give up a single wrinkle or grey hair. I’ve earned them all. They are the evidence of every laugh and smile I’ve ever had.
Sometimes, however, I am amazed at how my young soul ended up in this aging body. I surely don’t feel like a forty year old man on the inside. My soul keeps looking at this body in the mirror and wondering what happened. I guess that life here on Earth is just too brief to grasp at times. We were meant for eternity and life here is far too short even if we live 100 years. I can remember once reading the last words of Crowfoot, the great orator of the Blackfoot Nation. He said, "What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in theWintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset."
Before your shadow loses itself in the sunset of eternity make sure that you live your life here to the fullest. Don’t worry so much about your aging body. It is just the vehicle that for a brief time carries your soul. Focus instead on the things that go on forever. Focus on the love you can give, the joy you can spread, the good you can do, and the oneness with God you can share with others. Fill your days with smiles and laughter and let the wrinkles fall where they may. Fill your days with learning and becoming through both dark hair and grey. Fill your days with love and joy and you will be too busy living them to count them. Remember, God only gives us a short time here. It is up to us to make the most of it.
Upcoming Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEArts/Entertainment, Features/Lifestyle, Health
PRESS CONTACTToni Beckham408.499.3664Toni@PRetCetera.com
EVENT CONTACTGermaine Davis510.466.5987 gigit4@msn.com

Presents "TOUCH!" -- a Powerful Gospel Music Stage PlayBenefiting Breast Cancer Sufferers and Survivors
In starring roles are the incredibly talented Meesha D. Boyd (of the Boyd Sisters) as Tiffany Dunson and gifted acting veteran Carl Norde' Jr. as David Dunson. Award-winning singer, performer and minister Stanley "M.C. Hammer" Burrell has a cameo role as himself. Phenomenal gospel recording artist Robin Hodge-Williams will be a featured vocalist and multi-talented singer and gospel songwriter Derrick Hall is musical director. Proceeds from the play will benefit Sisters Network San Francisco, a non-profit breast cancer survivorship organization.
OAKLAND, CA - The American Cancer Society estimates that about 213,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year. After losing his 31-year-old wife Tiffany to breast cancer, David Dunson charged his talented cousin, Bay Area playwright Beverly Brown, to write a play depicting Tiffany's inspirational life and hard-fought battle with the cancer that takes the lives of 40,000 women annually. Beverly wrote the stage play, which she titled "TOUCH!," and dedicated it to the memory of Dunson's beloved wife, friend and partner. Oakland's Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, is set to host two soul-stirring performances: Saturday, February 24 (7:00 pm) and Sunday, February 25 (5:00 pm). Ticket prices range from $25 to $35.
TOUCH! is a tender and joyous gospel music-filled stage production that portrays one woman's battle; igniting many women's desire for victory in the fight against breast cancer. Brown's Christ-centered organization "Totally Led Ministries" will donate proceeds from TOUCH! to Sisters Network San Francisco - an African American breast cancer sup-port organization. Sisters Network provides breast cancer sufferers, survivors, and their families with group support, agency/medical referrals, joyful activities, encouragement, friendship and prayers.
In addition to writing the play, Beverly will direct the performances assisted by talented and hilariously funny gospel comedian Jared "J-Red" Walton. In starring roles are the incredibly talented Meesha D. Boyd (of the Boyd Sisters) as Tiffany Dunson, and gifted acting veteran Carl Norde' Jr. as David Dunson. Award-winning singer, performer and minister Stanley "M.C. Hammer" Burrell has a cameo role as himself. Phenomenal gospel recording artist Robin Hodge-Williams will be a featured vocalist and multi-talented singer and gospel songwriter Derrick Hall is musical director. The play will also showcase other of the Bay Area's most talented actors and vocalists. Special musical guests include
Eric Claybon & Reign, J-White & Lee Majors, and Maine Attraction. Tiffany's young widowed husband David Dunson is the generous executive producer of this important story. Tinka, host of 106 KMEL's "World Hit Gospel Show," will emcee both performances.
"I am excited and proud to be executive producer of this tender story based on my late wife's extraordinary life," said Dunson. "I am particularly grateful to the production's sponsors: American Cancer Society, Clear Channel Radio, CityFlight.com, KBCW TV, KTLN-TV68, and all of the wonderful and committed people who have come together to share this uplifting story." Dunson continued, "We all hope you will come out for an evening of entertaining theatre and hand-clapping gospel music and song to support Sister's Network San Francisco and all breast cancer sufferers and survivors."
Through TOUCH!, theater-goers will be introduced to the loving spirit of courageous, God-trusting Tiffany Dunson. This enthralling production, its crucial cause, and the Bay Area women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer need your support.
Ticket prices for the performances are: $25 Balcony seating; $30 Dress Circle; and $35 Orchestra. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.totallyled.org, the TOUCH! Line 510.466.5987, Reid's Records (Berkeley), Western Christian Bookstore (Oakland), and Nu Revelations (Oakland). Please call for group discounts.
According to the American Cancer Society, "the chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is about 1 in 8 (13% of women). At this time there are slightly over two million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Women living in North America have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world." This story's foremost message to women is "remember to TOUCH!" (your breasts) – regularly. It could save your life! Men, please schedule your prostate exam!
ABOUT TOTALLY LED MINISTRIES: Totally Led Ministries (TLM) was the vision of its founder and executive director Rev. George Brown – Beverly Brown's husband – who saw the need for the clergy of Richmond, California to come together for a common cause. TLM's primary goal is to reduce the violence in Richmond, CA, and direct the area's youth to options besides drugs and violence. Totally Led Ministries is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. (www.TotallyLed.org)
TOUCH! is Beverly Brown's third professional play. Her two prior productions "How is it in Hell?" (2001) and "Caught Up!" (2003) captured large Bay Area audiences.
EDITORS' NOTE: For interviews / photos / press kits, contact:Toni Beckham 408.499.3664 Toni@PRetCetera.com
###
SPONSORSHIPS ARE WELCOME. Please Call the TOUCH! Line 510.466.5987


**You Heard It First - Please Forward**First-Look Urban Film Series Tour Evite4th Annual Film & Discussion SeriesMotion Picture Legends, Panels, Hot FilmsAugust Wilson Play, Jazz, Poetry MoreWednesday, Feb 7th - Sunday, Feb 11th (DC)
The 2007 Tour Schedule Has Been Announced. The historic Blac k History Month program schedule and ticketing are now set. This will be another historic and amazing event. The February 2007 recipients of the Spiritual Legacy Award are Melvin Van Peebles, Yvette Freeman, and Roy Ayers. Make sure you SIGN-UP below and forward this to persons, groups, associations, you know will want to attend. DON'T MISS OUT on your chance to meet these and other legends up close and personal at the Annual Series.
Click here for The February Schedule
Click here for This Years Theme
Click here for The Selection of Films
Click here for Ticketing
Click here for The 2007 Tour Announcement
Click here for The 2007 Call for Films CATCH SOMETHING!
Sign-Up for News Alerts from UrbanFilmSeries.com & NGAF
Email:
-----------------------
Feb. 7th - 11th, 2007 (DC)
Click, Learn About The Urban Film Series
Get Tickets This Friday - DON'T MISS OUT
DON'T RISK IT! FILM SERIES PASSES NOW AVAILABLE!
--------------------------------------------
You Heard It First - Just Announced - 2007 Urban Film Series Tour Kicks-Off With Annual Celebrity Start in Washington, DCThis February, join us for the highly-anticipated, Annual Black History Month Film and Discussion Series. See below for more and make sure you sign-up at UrbanFilmSeries.com for more...
Sign-Up for News Alerts from UrbanFilmSeries.com & NGAF
Email:
-----------------------------------

Past Events.
Advertisement
Synopsis ˜Queen


When Queen's mother Patricia is introduced to Albert N'Gunde, a tall and handsome teacher, the whole family, and Queen in particular, believe that she has finally found her man. But Queen's life and that of the whole family will be shattered when it becomes clear that Albert isn't the man they thought he was.
This book will hold you spellbound as you follow the adventures of the young African girl who leaves her West African homeland to carve out a new life for herself in London. She eventually seeks independence and love in the dubious glamour and sex industry of Soho
First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor/Founder of 30 talent's First Cut! Online newsletter
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talents/
Returning Host First Cut internet radio 1/8/07 10pm est www.artistfirst.com
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Writer


Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
thirtynmore@yahoo.com (direct)

First Cut Tribute To Talent

First Cut!
"Birth your talent and nurture it so that it will grow"by Nicole M. Stevenson
ART
Fantasy Art Women Stealing Saturn24 x 48 oil paining on canvas Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
Email Kathy
To All,
The Godfather gone! I knew him all my life (music sense) from the time my godmother would listen to him in her living room. My mother & father would speak about him... heck he use to live in my neighborhood (true story) along with many other fabulous people in St. Albans. I just sit back in think why? Gerald Levert. He was sweet talking me! I believed him when he said"Baby Hold On To Me, I'll never leave you" His music was just like awwwwww! 2007 is here! Think of all the greats that have left young & old. This issue is a tribute to James Brown & Gerald Levert! First Cut acknowledges true talent.


One of the major musical influences of the past 50 years, Brown was to rhythm and dance music what Elvis was to others. We can thank him for funk and rap!

Poetry
The Magpie, the Myna, and the Crow
by Sharlett F. Hunt
The magpie, the myna and the crow believed,
Such life leads to death, we surely have grieved,
A king without gold is hardly his best,
And life in itself is merely a test.

The gold is the people who so much admire,
This king and his ransom, quickly conspire,
To lead all his people as he only knows.
Resulting in murder, so this story goes.

"So many have died and all at his hand,
But does this all make him a horrible man?"
The magpie comes quickly to this man's defense,
" Is there any part of this that really makes sense?"

The myna was thoughtful but just had to say,
" None of us were actually there on that day,
To give our opinion is easy to do,
But see if your foot might fit another's shoe.

"This man who was hanged, no smile on his face,
I know I'm a bird but I felt such disgrace."
There sat the myna, head hid in her wings,
"Wonder how we could have done such a thing?

A celebration that day for their religion I heard,
I know that I am just a small little bird,
But I sang as he died such a mournful song,
I wonder how humans can all be so wrong.

He lost his two sons, horrendously, I chirp,
I am certain, in his heart, he always has hurt,
Songs of love for your children and woe is the mourn,
Losing them to an enemy, your whole world is torn.

The black crow flew low as he listened that day,
"This is just another tragedy that we hear in this day.
I'll pay more attention to what's in my life,
I'll try to remember the pain and the strife.

Whatever has happened to another, you see,
Is within a little fraction of happening to me,
We get what we give so do to another as if
You were children and sister and brother."

As the crow flies, it happened, as they say,
One angel cried, the other turned away,
The ones who are here still hear the blackbirds sing,
But one flew away, while the bells always ring.

Update!
Tune into my radio show First Cut www.artistfirst.com 10 pm est. Providing a voice for many!

Line up for the New Year January 8, 2007 at 10pm est .My first guest Alicia Rivers from Jolie Magazine after that Singer Kanary Diamonds, Artist Kathy Ostman-Magnusen , Author Donna Hill and Author Electa Rome Parks.

February 1st guest actor Tyson Hall and thereafter
Tonya Blount T.V. Host
.Entrepreneur, Jasmine Imani
Cee Cee MichaelaYvonne, the zany cop, from UPN's Girlfriends
Your Host
Nicole Stevenson
Comic Said
Links to view
Alice MarieTea with Alice MarieState-of-the-Heart Music and Coachinghttp://www.AliceMarie.net Hip Hop / Rap / Other http://www.myspace.com/kanarydiamonds
Talent Info

SDoun
SDoun is a songwriter, singer, and virtuoso pianist born and raised in NYC. Bestowed with the gift of perfect pitch, he began composing music at 7 and at 11 studied classical piano at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. At 15 he performed at NYC's Carnegie Hall where he won an award for exellence in piano presented by Oxford's Trinity College. At 22 he signed a 4 album deal with Windswept music publishing company. In 1999 he was hired to work as musical supervisor on Wynton Marsalis' millennium piece "All Rise". SDoun & Alicia Keys performed a duet on Nov. 3, 2005 for Keep A Child Alive Annual Fundraiser The Black Ball presented by TIME Magazine.Live Studio Performance of "Thank You Love" http://myspace.com/sdoun
Upcoming Shows
( view all )
Feb 6 2007
9:30P
The Cutting Room
New York
Feb 7 2007
9:45P
The Cutting Room
New York
Feb 8 2007
9:30P
The Cutting Room
New York, New York



G-Wade Named WAEC Operations Manager
F4TS Newsletter

What's Up Fam'!G-Wade -- artist, producer and entrepreneur -- has been named Operations Manager of WAEC Love 860 AM. He will report directly to Chris Edmonds, general manager of Love 860. Based in Atlanta, GA, G-Wade will officially take his new post on January 1, 2007.
G-Wade (real name: Gary W. Coleman), will continue to run Flava 4 The Savior Ministries, Inc. (F4TS); home to I-66 Entertainment and F4TS Films. He will also remain as host of Honor & Glory Radio (aired every Saturday on WAEC) (LISTEN).
In almost a decade, the F4TS brand has spawned other ventures, including the Eternal Wear Eternal clothing line, F4TS Films, and F4TS Investments.
”G-Wade has proven himself to be an astute businessman, in addition to the brilliant artistic talent that the world sees and hears," said Lynn Turner, general manager assistant, "I can think of no one more relevant and credible in the Gospel hip hop community to build upon WAEC's fantastic legacy and move the company into its next groundbreaking era."
"I have worked hard over the past two years to bring quality radio and I have firmly established myself in both worlds,” says G-Wade. “I feel this is a giant step for me and an even bigger step for the entire artistic community."
G-Wade has produced several music videos and has worked with numerous Gospel artists in the industry. His latest venture, Honor & Glory Music, (www.Ho norandGloryMusic.com) is currently in production on its newest project, Honor & Glory Videos. Flava 4 The Savior Ministries, Inc.
Honor & Glory Radio Gospel Hip Hop Baby!!

I-66 Entertainment
Honor & Glory Music
G-Wade On-Air

G-Wade On-Air

email: info@f4ts.com
phone: 678.458.1951
web: http://www.f4ts.com
If you’re looking for hot music and the tightest music videos, then you’ve found it! Honor & Glory Music (www.Ho norandGloryMusic.com) features music and music videos from some of the hottest national and underground Hip Hop artists. The show features live guest deejays and guest appearances from local and national recording artists. Be sure to tune in each week to check out your favorite artists right here on Honor & Glory Music.
Must Read!

Articles This Way!
EXERCISING YOUR JOY
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
I have been exercising a lot more lately. I am not talking about those push-ups and sit-ups I do in the morning, either. The exercise I am talking about lasts all day long and makes me feel better than I have ever felt before. The exercise I am talking about is the greatest work-out in the world and benefits you in every way imaginable. The exercise I am talking about is exercising your joy.
This wonderful exercise can help every part of you everyday of your life. It keeps your mind alert by thinking positive thoughts full of optimism and enthusiasm. It keeps your eyes clear by looking at all the wonders of the world around you and by reading words that inspire you to become the person you want to be. It makes your ears sharp by listening to lovely music, singing birds, tinkling wind chimes, and the three greatest words in the world, "I love you." It keeps your lips fit by giving thanks to God all day long. It keeps your voice strong by singing beautiful songs. It helps your teeth shine by sharing your smile. It gives your arms a workout with hug after hug. It helps out both the taste buds and the stomach by sharing good food with people you love. It keeps those legs firm and healthy by dancing in delight and walking with God. It gives your insides a lot of work with happy and frequent doses of laughter. It makes your heart stronger by giving your love to everyone. It makes your soul even brighter by sharing its light with the whole world. It makes every bit of your life more fit by helping you to do what you were always meant to do and to be the Child of God that you were always created to be.
Don’t be afraid to exercise your joy everyday then. It not only helps you to feel good, but it also helps you to be good. It not only makes you better, but it also makes the world better. It not only makes you fit for this life, but it also makes you fit for the next life as well.
Upcoming Events
Toni Beckham408.499.3664Toni@PRetCetera.com
Past Events.

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TAMING THE WOLF CAN BE DANGEROUS!!
Greetings!

The Latest Sizzler by Maureen Smith
With Samara Layton’s community outreach organization facing bankruptcy, she turns to wealthy attorney Marcus Wolf for assistance. The only problem is, Marcus is the same sexy, gorgeous man she turned down at a fashion show in New York. Little did she know that she would soon need his help to rescue her business. As she sets out to seduce him, she quickly discovers just how pleasurable it can be to tame a wolf . . .
From the moment Samara Layton steps onto the runway in a breathtakingly sheer gown, Marcus Wolf is captivated. But while he’d like nothing more than to bed the exotic beauty, he has no interest in pursuing a serious relationship with her. All his life, women have brought him nothing but heartache. But when Samara comes to him for help, she makes him an offer he can’t possibly refuse.
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER On Sale Date January 2007
Maureen Smith
email: writerdoh@aol.com
web: http://donnahillpromotions.com
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First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor/Founder of 30 talent's First Cut! Online newsletter
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talents/
Returning Host First Cut internet radio 1/8/07 10pm est www.artistfirst.com
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Writer for Consciouness Magazine


Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
thirtynmore@yahoo.com (direct)

Talent Moving:Interview w/author Denise Campbell

First Cut!






Interview with Author Denise Campbell a candid look into her world!



To All,
I'm hoping that your Mother's Day was as wonderful as mine! Also Food For The Soul is a book worth buying.. grand recipes including some from my mother's for more info look at the advertisement section below! Whatever your situation at times you might feel a little over whelmed but I have seen many great things. Don't let your talent get blocked. If you have a story and would like it heard I'm accepting submissions for my upcoming anthology for more info email me at thirtynmore@yahoo.com. I would like to say "Congrats" to the following individuals To Playwright Carl Arrin on your latest find. !! Author Evie Rhodes your commercial was great! Singer Delores Bowman waiting for that hit! Creator Terri Wilbur keeping HWS alive

Sincerly,
Nicole M. Stevenson
Poetry
Linda C. ShawAll Rights Reserved!

She willingly cradled you in the warmth of her wombHer heartbeat a gentle caressDaily she nourished you with her very essence And protected you from all duress

Nine months of cherished expectancy, For the moment to see your faceNine months she prayed the prayer of faithThat you would be whole by God’s grace

And on her countenance, she wore the beauty of motherhoodFor she had been placed in High EsteemFor every mother’s been given special gifts,That have been perfected by the Christ, The King

He has equipped her with the desireTo care so passionatelyAnd the uncompromising compassionTo love what she could not see

And as you grew withinShe literally had to fightStill she anxiously preparedFor your entry into the light

And though she suffered an unthinkable painThrough tears she was able to smileThe very instant you took your first breathAnd she could behold her child

Never forget, you are loved, now and always!
Faces of People I wrote articles about or I've interviewed whether in newsletter, magazines or for my radio show First Cut!


Maureen Stone author
Comic Said

Interviews This Way!
UnStopable by Nicole M. Stevenson

Denise Campbell

Denise Campbell the brains behind imprint Universal Write Publications LLC and through it creatively produced works, which includes Spanish Eyes, and Love Thy Sister Watch Thy Back. There are two poetry books, Ebony Passion, and By Faith and her Poetry CD EBONY PASSION FLOW “R” TRI. Her new releases Man Killer, REM Sleep and her children’s book series, Cheyanne’s Book Series named for her daugher Cheyanne are the next projects on her agenda. However, that’s not where her passion ends.

When did you decide to become an author?
I didn’t decide to become an author. I think I am one of those people who have always been, having written all of my life as far back as I can remember. However, I didn’t decide to be a published author until the year 2000. This is where it all started blossoming for me.

Is there any topic that you wouldn't want to write about and why?
Humm!
I have never really thought about this. But I suppose there are things that I don’t think I would write, like raw sex erotica (even though I have been told that I could write it because I have some wicked sex scenes). The problem with me is I am a teacher, have always been at heart, so you will find that in all of my works there are didactic lessons implemented in my books. Also, I aspire to be (don’t know if I am yet) a cross over author. I want to not be ashamed that my daughter will read my books, or that my students might read my books or my peers for that matter. So yes, there are some things I wouldn’t write.

What is this about your POETRY CD? I hear it’s HOT!
This is actually a really exciting subject for me. I was convinced to do Ebony Passion Flow “R” Tri by a friend who happened to be a bookstore owner in New Jersey. I added a few pieces from my private collection that was not in the original Ebony Passions books. It turned out to be more steamy than I had intended but people love it and I have had some GREAT reviews so I am grateful. The exciting thing about this is that EBONY PASSION is also available on http://www.cdbaby.com/ and http://www.itunes.com/. Check out these direct links Denise Campbell: EBONY PASSION
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=148094135. All of my works, poetry and books are also available for sale directly from my website at http://www.universalwrite.com/uwstore.html. I am really excited about this project and I am really looking forward to the release of the BY FAITH INSPIRATIONAL CD coming fall 2006.
Can you share an excerpt from Man Killer?
Absolutely!

Excerpt:
Prologue
“Don’t touch my child you bastard,” Carissa screamed fervently, pleading for her husband to allow her seven year old daughter to loose her virginity by choice. She pulled at his pants that were already coming down his hips and over his thighs to release the poisonous predator that will violate the innocence of her daughter. The little girl skirmished and bewilderedly looked at the only father she had ever known and blinked back the tears that was keeping her small frail body petrified and mute.
“Leave her alone please…?” She begged in a whimper, then screaming with renewed vigor, “let her be, you son-of-a bitch!” Carissa demanded, but her pleas fell on deaf ears as he pushed away her hands that were more of an annoyance than a hindrance. He missed her hands and caught her dead in the face, causing a steady stream of blood to flow from her nose and down into her mouth.
“Bit—ch, you will get some of big daddy next.” Came his drunken slur, dripping in sarcasm. He chuckled at his attempt at humor and was sure Carissa would give up, but the fear in Serena’s eyes propelled her mother to keep fighting. Serena, backed into the far corner of her small bedroom, and shivered with fear. Her mother watched as the floor became laced with a stream of piss that ran from between the frail child’s legs. Panic has caused her to pee on herself.
“Its okay baby, mama is not gonna let nothin’ happen to you.” She promised, knowing in her heart that there might be very little she could do.
She saw him forcefully spread Serena’s legs apart and Carissa began to cry frantically. She held on to his legs but was not strong enough to stop him. He dragged her body with him and her clothes and skin became baptized in the pee that ran from Serena and had also soaked the hands and clothing of the little girl’s predator. Feeling sorry for herself and helpless to save her daughter, Carissa began to give up. Almost blinded by her pain and tears, she could barely look at her daughter, but when she did, she saw something in Serena’s eyes; it was a silent determination that locked in their gape.



Tears poured down the child’s cheeks but her gaze was steadfast and unforgiving. She refocused her eyes on her father willing her mother to continue to fight for her. Carissa wanted to fight, but instead she watched. She kept her eyes planted to every move her husband made. She watched, watched as he pulled his dick from his open pant zipper and pulled Serena towards him. Her heart broke into a million pieces but she felt weak, and she didn’t fight.
“Please, please John I beg of you. Leave her be.” She fell to her knees as if in a prayer, her arms wrapped around his legs and her eyes looking up into the heavens.
“Nawww,” he responded nonchalantly. “Let me taste some of this sweet young pussy before she becomes a whore and start giving it away and become a worthless piece of ass like her mother.” He snickered and tried to kick his foot free of Carissa, but she held on for dear life, hitting and punching him. But her punches were as effective as the pestering of flies. He kicked her again in her face this time breaking her nose. She cringed when she heard the crackling of her bones like a loud cartoon explosion and the impact caused blood to gush from it.
“I can’t let you hurt my baby John. I gave you everything.” She cried unnoticeably, again her words fell on deaf ears.
Suddenly something was awakened inside of her. A final reserve from a resolve she held deep within the core of her womanhood. Strength she rarely called on in times when a woman must become supernatural. She regained her composure and released John’s leg. She quietly dragged herself from the room and once outside; she got up and sprinted to the kitchen. She had killed before and she would do it again to save her daughter. Sure, the first time was an accident and the courts had only given her a slap on the wrist and juvenile detention at the tender age of thirteen, but this time it would be different. What good is she, her life, if she allowed these events to come full circle, if she cannot protect her baby? She just couldn’t allow what happened to her, what drove her into this life of insanity that she barely survived in, putting up with men like John and all the other Johns who had come in and out of her life?
She rummaged though he kitchen drawers and found nothing that could help her. She had to move quickly. It was quiet in Serena’s room and she feared that her daughter wouldn’t even put up a fight; already seeing in the tender years of seven that life was indeed a bitch and probably already figured it wasn’t worth fighting for.
She gathered her wits about her and thought quickly, running though the house like a wild woman. Her thick curly locks flooded her shoulders with a black mat of hair. Her eyes seemed wide and crazed. Her nose broken and blood now soaked to her face and neck as if someone had drenched her in water; only it was her blood that had the fabric clung to her breast. She stood; a feeling of defeat came over her. She had no idea what was going on in the child’s room. She only heard inaudible sounds that could only be coming from John. Serena wasn’t a child of many words.
Then it came to her. John kept a gun under the sofa. A sawed off that he kept there as he pimped his wife and watched. Marrying her under the pretense of saving her years ago, taking her out of that life. But eventually began bringing in his own clientele, and jerked off as she screamed in pain and sometimes as apart of her entertaining duties. He took her through sexually transmitted diseases and pains that she had endured out of gratitude, but not this. He could not have Serena.
These things all cascaded across her mind now. She did everything to keep her child when she became pregnant. John said she could have been his or anyone of the men who shared their bed on a daily basis. He wanted her to get rid of the baby, but she begged and pleaded and he allowed her to keep the child, promising that he would love and nurture her. But now he posed the biggest threat to her.
With all the strength she could muster from her five feet five inch, and struggling one hundred and ten pound frame, she pushed the sofa until it was lifted to the side. She stuck her hand in the hole that was already there and searched frantically for the weapon gasping with relief when her hand touched it. She wasted no time. She ran back to the girl’s room, to find John’s penis in the mouth of her seven-year-old daughter. Tears streaked her face with this penis stuffed inside widening her mouth into unaccustomed shapes. His hard on was prominent and threatened to choke Serena as he grabbed the back of her head and thrust after thrust he rammed his penis into the back of the small child’s throat causing her to gag. Spit drool from her mouth and her coughs were muffled.
Carissa’s heart sank to the pit of stomach and tears and pain worse than that she felt during childbirth consumed her. Anger from all the abuse and frustration she had endured from a child to this day, only to be observer it all over again in her own daughter. Fear gripped her as she reminisced and her own memories threatened to make her weak. Her knees buckled as she stood there, a spectator to her own experiences. She watched ecstasy on his face and listened to John’s moans of pleasure as her Serena suffered. With his engorged manhood in the baby’s mouth, he released one hand from behind her head that he hung to by gripping a handful of the baby’s lustrous auburn reddish hair; he inserted his index finger into the girl’s vagina. Serena cringed and her eyes squeezed shut for a moment and then reopened.
Carissa refused to allow this man or any other man to mutilate the only family she has, the only true goodness in her life. Having moved more times than she could count in her lifetime to escape the law; she had eventually lost touch with any blood relatives and made few friends; prostitutes, runaways, jailbirds, thieves. It seemed her entire life had become a ritual of running, trying to escape something. At the tender age of sixteen she met this man who promised to protect her and take care of her. He was her savior, and he delivered her out of the darkness of teen prostitution and setting rattraps for food. He took her out of the “kill or be killed” laws of the runaway gangs where it was survival of the fittest. John was her everything, and here he was, taking everything from her.
He was jabbing his finger in and out of her vagina now so hard that blood began to run down the little girl’s legs, joining her already pee soaked dress. Yet Serena’s eyes never showed submission, they only beckoned to her mother filled with a pain and shame that no child this age should know. It was almost as though she knew it was coming and though she didn’t like it, it was just something she had to do. But Carissa didn’t see it that way. She would die before allowing him to do what her father and so many men before has done to her, stole her pride and her womanhood. Left her no choice but to adhere to abuse, sell her body, and then doing it all over again to please her own husband.
The sounds, the thoughts, her reasoning all came down to this moment. She became enraged as she found the strength to lift the gun so it was in full view from where it originally hung at her side.
“I won’t let you do this John.” She admonished, but he only saw her weak pathetic stance as a joke and laughed, a moan getting caught in is throat as his body jerked, an orgasm emerging.
“I am so sorry baby.” She spoke now to Serena, and pulled the trigger. She didn’t know much about guns or how many bullets were in the one she held. She only knew that it was a gun, and it had bullets, and she pulled the trigger and fired once. The impact of the gun was a shock. Her eyes widened in dumbfounded panic as the gun spewed and sprayed at the target that raped her daughter. The unexpected raining of the gun exploded everywhere. The pellets ripped at John’s body and she watched as Serena fell, blood splattered all over her face that once held the cum filled penis of her father. The six foot six inch framed man fell with a heavy thud to the floor barely missing the small child’s body. His two hundred and fifty pounds echoed throughout the house. Disbelief in his eyes as he reached for Carissa, but Carissa held her stance and stood far away from him and watched as he labored to breathe.
“Serena?” She called in a whisper; the girl was blown to the ground with the impact of John’s falling body. Carissa was plastered to the floor. She couldn’t move closer in fear of what she would find. She called from the distance where she stood as she fired that deadly shot.
“Baby, please say something to mommy.” She begged, but the girl had lost consciousness. White orgasmic fluids stained her face causing a red and white collage when mixed with blood. The odor mingled with gunpowder nauseated Carissa and she fell to the ground in lamentation. Everything came down to this moment and the daughter she tried to save has died at her own hands. Everything she thought she was escaping, surviving, trying to give to her daughter. Everything she had, her Serena, she swore to protect her. But she couldn’t. She failed again.
Her tears fell like the flowing stream of a powerful waterfall. Taking one final look about her, she knew what she had to do. She raised the gun to her temple to utilize the final bullet in the two-barrel shotgun, and with her final breath she uttered again, “I am sorry baby, mommy failed you,” and she pulled the trigger for the last time.

What is the focal point of your company Universal Write Publications LLC ?
The point at first was just to be a self published author.
However, throughout the process the company has developed itself into something greater. I work with so many not for profit organizations with poetry and performing arts organizations who are interested in helping artist who cannot break into the publishing industry. Having worked as Executive Editor of Black Print Publishing Inc. and ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER of Q-BORO BOOKS LLC, I have intimate knowledge of the fact that there are just some things that don’t sell, and won’t get published by big publishing houses, such as poetry, self help and most autobiographies. But so many have stories to tell of this nature that are powerful. UNIVERSAL WRITE PUBLICATIONS LLC has developed a new PUBLISHING APPROACH WITH A UNIQUE VISION. Please take the time in the coming months to visit my website at http://www.denisecampbell.com/ or http://www.universalwrite.com/ and you will see MAJOR changes and the company develop into the amazing phenomenon it is for the underdog with a voice.

How has teaming and networking with prolific companies and organizations helped out your company?
This is the BEST part of anything I believe. Teaming up and working with companies that share the same vision in different ways, and everyone basically being apart of the machine in such a liquid way that it works well together and malfunctions alone.

Its like cooking, it needs a side dish, flavor, something to wash it down with, something to eat on. These are all components of a meal and though some of these things may seem unnecessary at times, without them all working together, you know something is missing and it becomes distasteful. This is the vision I hold in my heart for Universal Write Publications LLC. I am only part of a whole working mechanism and without http://www.graphic-effects.com/, http://www.cgmediapublications.com/, http://www.c-a-h.org/, http://www.disilgold.com/ and http://www.shootemupfilmmedia.com/ I cannot function properly. These are some of the things that makes me who I am and Universal Write Publications LLC what it is.

What were some of the theatrical performances you appeared in?
Oh my gosh, too many to name. I have been doing events since college, and graduated into the professional world of paid events, speaking engagements like Jazz events at Africa World, The NYC Department of Health Black History month events, Universities like Hofstra and New York City Technical College inviting me as quest performer at seasonal events and author Donna Hill’s Literary Gumbo at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center. So much to mention but these are just a few.

Who is the real Denise?
The real Denise love to laugh, like her peace. She is an introvert at heart. Denise does not like clubbing or partying but loves music and dancing. She loves therapeutic evenings burning oils and reading sci-fi and vampire books or watching horror movies. Denise loves her family and that goes beyond blood, extending into adopted sisters, brothers, mothers, mentors and confidants. She is a mother of a 5 year old child who was discovered at 3 years old to have the IQ of a six years old when she began reading and writing. Denise is a realistic, practical, analytical person that believes in consequences and accepts her mistakes as part of life. Denise is a Teacher, a caregiver, a daughter a sister who understands that she needs the people who love her in her life, because there will always be so many others who will not like her just because she exists. Denise loves God, not a religious fanatic, and believes that all things are possible through faith and hope and love.

What events will you be appearing at next?
Not sure. I have taken a break to get back to me, family and re-direction. Some great things are in the works and Denise is going to be back on the scene again. I am happy, at peace, and following my heart.

Denise Campbell
Author/ Entrepreneur/ Screenplay
Titles: Love Thy Sister Watch Thy Back, Spanish Eyes,
Ebony Passion, By Faith, Man killer
http://www.denisecampbell.com/
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My poetry is in the new ebook LET'S TALK HONESTLY: THE FEATURED POETS ISBN 1424303389 and also I'm the spotlight poet here http://www.tnc-magazine.com/spotlightpoet.html

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February you missed author Jonathan Luckett http://www.jonathanluckett.com/ ! If in March you missed singer Alice Marie

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April 30, 2006 8pm est Erotic author of TOO TEMPTING TO TOUCH, Cherly Holt

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May Artist Lashonda Scott Robinson http://scottrdesigns.com for more info on this artist's debut stop by our group

June Author Electa Rome Parks http://www.electaromeparks.com/

For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole thirtynmore@yahoo.com

Article
HOLDING HANDS
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
My sons and I decided to go walking around the lake near our home the other day. It is such a glorious place to spend an afternoon in the Springtime when the leaves are coming out on the trees and the flowers are coming up through the ground. It has a well worn gravel path that circles the entire lake. You can walk at your own pace and delight in all the natural beauty that surrounds you. It is the perfect place to get back in touch with God and to fill your soul with joy.
The only problem is that with the path being so near the water, erosion sometimes causes holes to develop along the walkway. It was while we were walking along it the other day that one of these holes caught my oldest boy unawares. He stumbled and almost fell but thankfully was able to reach out and take my hand. I steadied him and we walked on for awhile holding hands and feeling connected in our love for each other.
I think that sometimes the troubles we face in our journey through life are a lot like those holes in the ground. They are always there causing us to stumble and sometimes even to fall. It is good to know, however, that we can always reach out and take the hand of our Heavenly Father. He is always there by our side waiting to pick us up and steady us. He is always ready for us to take His hand and walk on with Him connected in love forever.
The next time you stumble and fall on your journey through life then reach out and take God’s loving hand. And after you take it never let it go again. Walk on with God forever, choosing love and sharing joy with each step you take. Always remember too that with God’s loving hand steadying your walk you can use your other hand to reach out and help up those who have fallen as well. The journey through life, after all, is always better when you are holding the hands of those you love.

Submit Here!!
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: PALE HOUSE Details: http://palehouse.com We are now accepting submissions for the Pale House short story anthologies: Volume 2 Volume 2 is scheduled to be released July 14, 2006 with a book launch party, as well as literary events throughout the following months. You will be notified whether or not your work is accepted into Pale House on or before July 14, 2006. If accepted, you will be expected to attend and/or participate in the events scheduled. Short stories, poetry, and creative non-fiction accepted All submissions must be original and unpublished Maximum of 5000 words No restrictions on theme or style (in fact, we enjoy reading work that is creative and unabashedly out of the ordinary) Everyone is invited to submit their work. No resume is necessary. All submissions will be read by a team of collaborative editors. Final selection made by majority vote. * Unless we request, please do not send more than three separate pieces of work. EMAIL submissions to submissions@palehouse.com as attachments or in the body of the email MUST INCLUDE: Full name, contact phone#, resident city, and valid email address.
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The Ebony Energy Talent Network
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Press Release
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The Ebony Energy Talent Network Announces
Real Voices by Real People
Dr. Sonia Sanchez, Omar Tyree, Malik Yoba, Nikki Woods, Leila Steinberg, Donald Brown Are Among the Ebony Energy Talent Network Speakers
Contact: Cheryl Katherine Wash TEL: 773-445-4946 Email: eetn@ebonyenergy.com URL: www.ebonyenergytalentnetwork.com
Chicago, IL – May 17, 2006 – Newly established speakers bureau and talent network, Ebony Energy Talent Network [EETN] has launched with a host of high profile clientele that will provide community organizations and corporate event planners access to celebrities, motivational speakers, poets, athletes and high profile entertainers, announced Executive Director Cheryl Katherine Wash and Executive Consultant and Peabody Award winner Bruce George.
EETN's Roster...EETN’s powerful roster of celebrity speakers and experts include: actor Malik Yoba, HBO’s Real Sex and Playboy TV’s Punany Poets, Tony Award winning poet Poetri, national bestselling author Omar Tyree, author and lecturer Dr. Sonia Sanchez, actor Tray Chaney of The Wire, The Last Poets, HBO Def poets, Redstorm, Black Ice, Tyla, EarCandy, author/media Scholar Dr. Trevy McDonald, author & radio personality Nikki Woods, and internationally acclaimed sculptor and motivational speaker, Donald Brown.
The roster is further enhanced by Malik “The Wordsmyth” Yusef, writer/activist Bruce George and comedian/actor/poet Shang. Additionally, EETN’s roster also includes Leila Steinberg- legendary in the hip hop world and acknowledged as Tupac Shakur's manager who secured his first record deal, published his book of poetry, and co-produced VH1's "Thug Angel."
Learn more...
Diversity and Anti-Gang ViolenceEETN will also address certain initiatives such as diversity and ‘Anti-Gang Violence’; a community initiative which will address the prevalent gang violence across the country. EETN has organized internationally known ex-gang experts and leaders such as T. Rodgers, Cle “Bone” Sloan, Kublai Toure, Del Hendrickson, and Piri Thomas to facilitate panel discussions on this important issue.
EETN's Celebrity MomsMos Def’s Mother, Sheron Smith, an Executive Consultant of EETN, who is also founder of EETN’s “Celebrity Moms”, has established this division with the goal of uniting “Celebrity Moms” across the country whose sons and daughters such as Malik Yoba, Mos Def, Queen Latifah, Talib Qwali, Alicia Keys and Malcolm Jamal Warner, have assisted in breaking down barriers through the international acclaim they have achieved through their art.
Commitment to ExcellenceProfessor Eleanor Earl, an Executive Talent Consultant for EETN, predicts that “EETN will rise quickly to the top of national speakers bureaus due to its awe-inspiring roster of talent and its unwavering commitment to excellence."
Contact EETN for a complete roster list with biographies, booking information, and individual consultation at: [ http://www.ebonyenergytalentnetwork.com]
About The Ebony Energy Talent Network
More than just a speakers bureau, EETN realizes the importance of finding the perfect match for both the speaker and the client. EETN strives to meet the individual needs of each organization with which they work. EETN believes that every event is unique and will assist you in finding the perfect motivational speaker or celebrity personality for your upcoming event. We will provide excellent service while simultaneously assisting you with staying within your budget. The Client’s goals and objectives are EETN’s main focus. EETN will work to understand your organization, as well as your audience.
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About Ebony Energy
Ebony Energy Talent Network is a divison of EbonyEnergy.com
Website: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=uqpysvbab.0.p4bvznbab.hydmkcbab.10338&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebonyenergy.com
The EbonyEnergy Talent Network
Cheryl Katherine Wash
Publisher, Executive Director
email: cheryl@ebonyenergy.com
phone: 773-445-4946 (o)
Media Relations Contact:
ACM PR
A.C. McLean
email: acm@acmpr.com
TEL:312 373 1778 (USA) TEL:0207 078 4335 (UK)
ebonyenergy.com, ebonyenergypublishing.com, ebonyenergybooks.com, ebonyenergytalentnetwork.com, ebonyenergyfilms.com
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Talent Moving:Interview w/author Denise Campbell

First Cut!






Interview with Author Denise Campbell a candid look into her world!



To All,
I'm hoping that your Mother's Day was as wonderful as mine! Also Food For The Soul is a book worth buying.. grand recipes including some from my mother's for more info look at the advertisement section below! Whatever your situation at times you might feel a little over whelmed but I have seen many great things. Don't let your talent get blocked. If you have a story and would like it heard I'm accepting submissions for my upcoming anthology for more info email me at thirtynmore@yahoo.com. I would like to say "Congrats" to the following individuals To Playwright Carl Arrin on your latest find. !! Author Evie Rhodes your commercial was great! Singer Delores Bowman waiting for that hit! Creator Terri Wilbur keeping HWS alive

Sincerly,
Nicole M. Stevenson
Poetry
Linda C. ShawAll Rights Reserved!

She willingly cradled you in the warmth of her wombHer heartbeat a gentle caressDaily she nourished you with her very essence And protected you from all duress

Nine months of cherished expectancy, For the moment to see your faceNine months she prayed the prayer of faithThat you would be whole by God’s grace

And on her countenance, she wore the beauty of motherhoodFor she had been placed in High EsteemFor every mother’s been given special gifts,That have been perfected by the Christ, The King

He has equipped her with the desireTo care so passionatelyAnd the uncompromising compassionTo love what she could not see

And as you grew withinShe literally had to fightStill she anxiously preparedFor your entry into the light

And though she suffered an unthinkable painThrough tears she was able to smileThe very instant you took your first breathAnd she could behold her child

Never forget, you are loved, now and always!
Faces of People I wrote articles about or I've interviewed whether in newsletter, magazines or for my radio show First Cut!


Maureen Stone author
Comic Said

Interviews This Way!
UnStopable by Nicole M. Stevenson

Denise Campbell

Denise Campbell the brains behind imprint Universal Write Publications LLC and through it creatively produced works, which includes Spanish Eyes, and Love Thy Sister Watch Thy Back. There are two poetry books, Ebony Passion, and By Faith and her Poetry CD EBONY PASSION FLOW “R” TRI. Her new releases Man Killer, REM Sleep and her children’s book series, Cheyanne’s Book Series named for her daugher Cheyanne are the next projects on her agenda. However, that’s not where her passion ends.

When did you decide to become an author?
I didn’t decide to become an author. I think I am one of those people who have always been, having written all of my life as far back as I can remember. However, I didn’t decide to be a published author until the year 2000. This is where it all started blossoming for me.

Is there any topic that you wouldn't want to write about and why?
Humm!
I have never really thought about this. But I suppose there are things that I don’t think I would write, like raw sex erotica (even though I have been told that I could write it because I have some wicked sex scenes). The problem with me is I am a teacher, have always been at heart, so you will find that in all of my works there are didactic lessons implemented in my books. Also, I aspire to be (don’t know if I am yet) a cross over author. I want to not be ashamed that my daughter will read my books, or that my students might read my books or my peers for that matter. So yes, there are some things I wouldn’t write.

What is this about your POETRY CD? I hear it’s HOT!
This is actually a really exciting subject for me. I was convinced to do Ebony Passion Flow “R” Tri by a friend who happened to be a bookstore owner in New Jersey. I added a few pieces from my private collection that was not in the original Ebony Passions books. It turned out to be more steamy than I had intended but people love it and I have had some GREAT reviews so I am grateful. The exciting thing about this is that EBONY PASSION is also available on http://www.cdbaby.com/ and http://www.itunes.com/. Check out these direct links Denise Campbell: EBONY PASSION
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=148094135. All of my works, poetry and books are also available for sale directly from my website at http://www.universalwrite.com/uwstore.html. I am really excited about this project and I am really looking forward to the release of the BY FAITH INSPIRATIONAL CD coming fall 2006.
Can you share an excerpt from Man Killer?
Absolutely!

Excerpt:
Prologue
“Don’t touch my child you bastard,” Carissa screamed fervently, pleading for her husband to allow her seven year old daughter to loose her virginity by choice. She pulled at his pants that were already coming down his hips and over his thighs to release the poisonous predator that will violate the innocence of her daughter. The little girl skirmished and bewilderedly looked at the only father she had ever known and blinked back the tears that was keeping her small frail body petrified and mute.
“Leave her alone please…?” She begged in a whimper, then screaming with renewed vigor, “let her be, you son-of-a bitch!” Carissa demanded, but her pleas fell on deaf ears as he pushed away her hands that were more of an annoyance than a hindrance. He missed her hands and caught her dead in the face, causing a steady stream of blood to flow from her nose and down into her mouth.
“Bit—ch, you will get some of big daddy next.” Came his drunken slur, dripping in sarcasm. He chuckled at his attempt at humor and was sure Carissa would give up, but the fear in Serena’s eyes propelled her mother to keep fighting. Serena, backed into the far corner of her small bedroom, and shivered with fear. Her mother watched as the floor became laced with a stream of piss that ran from between the frail child’s legs. Panic has caused her to pee on herself.
“Its okay baby, mama is not gonna let nothin’ happen to you.” She promised, knowing in her heart that there might be very little she could do.
She saw him forcefully spread Serena’s legs apart and Carissa began to cry frantically. She held on to his legs but was not strong enough to stop him. He dragged her body with him and her clothes and skin became baptized in the pee that ran from Serena and had also soaked the hands and clothing of the little girl’s predator. Feeling sorry for herself and helpless to save her daughter, Carissa began to give up. Almost blinded by her pain and tears, she could barely look at her daughter, but when she did, she saw something in Serena’s eyes; it was a silent determination that locked in their gape.



Tears poured down the child’s cheeks but her gaze was steadfast and unforgiving. She refocused her eyes on her father willing her mother to continue to fight for her. Carissa wanted to fight, but instead she watched. She kept her eyes planted to every move her husband made. She watched, watched as he pulled his dick from his open pant zipper and pulled Serena towards him. Her heart broke into a million pieces but she felt weak, and she didn’t fight.
“Please, please John I beg of you. Leave her be.” She fell to her knees as if in a prayer, her arms wrapped around his legs and her eyes looking up into the heavens.
“Nawww,” he responded nonchalantly. “Let me taste some of this sweet young pussy before she becomes a whore and start giving it away and become a worthless piece of ass like her mother.” He snickered and tried to kick his foot free of Carissa, but she held on for dear life, hitting and punching him. But her punches were as effective as the pestering of flies. He kicked her again in her face this time breaking her nose. She cringed when she heard the crackling of her bones like a loud cartoon explosion and the impact caused blood to gush from it.
“I can’t let you hurt my baby John. I gave you everything.” She cried unnoticeably, again her words fell on deaf ears.
Suddenly something was awakened inside of her. A final reserve from a resolve she held deep within the core of her womanhood. Strength she rarely called on in times when a woman must become supernatural. She regained her composure and released John’s leg. She quietly dragged herself from the room and once outside; she got up and sprinted to the kitchen. She had killed before and she would do it again to save her daughter. Sure, the first time was an accident and the courts had only given her a slap on the wrist and juvenile detention at the tender age of thirteen, but this time it would be different. What good is she, her life, if she allowed these events to come full circle, if she cannot protect her baby? She just couldn’t allow what happened to her, what drove her into this life of insanity that she barely survived in, putting up with men like John and all the other Johns who had come in and out of her life?
She rummaged though he kitchen drawers and found nothing that could help her. She had to move quickly. It was quiet in Serena’s room and she feared that her daughter wouldn’t even put up a fight; already seeing in the tender years of seven that life was indeed a bitch and probably already figured it wasn’t worth fighting for.
She gathered her wits about her and thought quickly, running though the house like a wild woman. Her thick curly locks flooded her shoulders with a black mat of hair. Her eyes seemed wide and crazed. Her nose broken and blood now soaked to her face and neck as if someone had drenched her in water; only it was her blood that had the fabric clung to her breast. She stood; a feeling of defeat came over her. She had no idea what was going on in the child’s room. She only heard inaudible sounds that could only be coming from John. Serena wasn’t a child of many words.
Then it came to her. John kept a gun under the sofa. A sawed off that he kept there as he pimped his wife and watched. Marrying her under the pretense of saving her years ago, taking her out of that life. But eventually began bringing in his own clientele, and jerked off as she screamed in pain and sometimes as apart of her entertaining duties. He took her through sexually transmitted diseases and pains that she had endured out of gratitude, but not this. He could not have Serena.
These things all cascaded across her mind now. She did everything to keep her child when she became pregnant. John said she could have been his or anyone of the men who shared their bed on a daily basis. He wanted her to get rid of the baby, but she begged and pleaded and he allowed her to keep the child, promising that he would love and nurture her. But now he posed the biggest threat to her.
With all the strength she could muster from her five feet five inch, and struggling one hundred and ten pound frame, she pushed the sofa until it was lifted to the side. She stuck her hand in the hole that was already there and searched frantically for the weapon gasping with relief when her hand touched it. She wasted no time. She ran back to the girl’s room, to find John’s penis in the mouth of her seven-year-old daughter. Tears streaked her face with this penis stuffed inside widening her mouth into unaccustomed shapes. His hard on was prominent and threatened to choke Serena as he grabbed the back of her head and thrust after thrust he rammed his penis into the back of the small child’s throat causing her to gag. Spit drool from her mouth and her coughs were muffled.
Carissa’s heart sank to the pit of stomach and tears and pain worse than that she felt during childbirth consumed her. Anger from all the abuse and frustration she had endured from a child to this day, only to be observer it all over again in her own daughter. Fear gripped her as she reminisced and her own memories threatened to make her weak. Her knees buckled as she stood there, a spectator to her own experiences. She watched ecstasy on his face and listened to John’s moans of pleasure as her Serena suffered. With his engorged manhood in the baby’s mouth, he released one hand from behind her head that he hung to by gripping a handful of the baby’s lustrous auburn reddish hair; he inserted his index finger into the girl’s vagina. Serena cringed and her eyes squeezed shut for a moment and then reopened.
Carissa refused to allow this man or any other man to mutilate the only family she has, the only true goodness in her life. Having moved more times than she could count in her lifetime to escape the law; she had eventually lost touch with any blood relatives and made few friends; prostitutes, runaways, jailbirds, thieves. It seemed her entire life had become a ritual of running, trying to escape something. At the tender age of sixteen she met this man who promised to protect her and take care of her. He was her savior, and he delivered her out of the darkness of teen prostitution and setting rattraps for food. He took her out of the “kill or be killed” laws of the runaway gangs where it was survival of the fittest. John was her everything, and here he was, taking everything from her.
He was jabbing his finger in and out of her vagina now so hard that blood began to run down the little girl’s legs, joining her already pee soaked dress. Yet Serena’s eyes never showed submission, they only beckoned to her mother filled with a pain and shame that no child this age should know. It was almost as though she knew it was coming and though she didn’t like it, it was just something she had to do. But Carissa didn’t see it that way. She would die before allowing him to do what her father and so many men before has done to her, stole her pride and her womanhood. Left her no choice but to adhere to abuse, sell her body, and then doing it all over again to please her own husband.
The sounds, the thoughts, her reasoning all came down to this moment. She became enraged as she found the strength to lift the gun so it was in full view from where it originally hung at her side.
“I won’t let you do this John.” She admonished, but he only saw her weak pathetic stance as a joke and laughed, a moan getting caught in is throat as his body jerked, an orgasm emerging.
“I am so sorry baby.” She spoke now to Serena, and pulled the trigger. She didn’t know much about guns or how many bullets were in the one she held. She only knew that it was a gun, and it had bullets, and she pulled the trigger and fired once. The impact of the gun was a shock. Her eyes widened in dumbfounded panic as the gun spewed and sprayed at the target that raped her daughter. The unexpected raining of the gun exploded everywhere. The pellets ripped at John’s body and she watched as Serena fell, blood splattered all over her face that once held the cum filled penis of her father. The six foot six inch framed man fell with a heavy thud to the floor barely missing the small child’s body. His two hundred and fifty pounds echoed throughout the house. Disbelief in his eyes as he reached for Carissa, but Carissa held her stance and stood far away from him and watched as he labored to breathe.
“Serena?” She called in a whisper; the girl was blown to the ground with the impact of John’s falling body. Carissa was plastered to the floor. She couldn’t move closer in fear of what she would find. She called from the distance where she stood as she fired that deadly shot.
“Baby, please say something to mommy.” She begged, but the girl had lost consciousness. White orgasmic fluids stained her face causing a red and white collage when mixed with blood. The odor mingled with gunpowder nauseated Carissa and she fell to the ground in lamentation. Everything came down to this moment and the daughter she tried to save has died at her own hands. Everything she thought she was escaping, surviving, trying to give to her daughter. Everything she had, her Serena, she swore to protect her. But she couldn’t. She failed again.
Her tears fell like the flowing stream of a powerful waterfall. Taking one final look about her, she knew what she had to do. She raised the gun to her temple to utilize the final bullet in the two-barrel shotgun, and with her final breath she uttered again, “I am sorry baby, mommy failed you,” and she pulled the trigger for the last time.

What is the focal point of your company Universal Write Publications LLC ?
The point at first was just to be a self published author.
However, throughout the process the company has developed itself into something greater. I work with so many not for profit organizations with poetry and performing arts organizations who are interested in helping artist who cannot break into the publishing industry. Having worked as Executive Editor of Black Print Publishing Inc. and ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER of Q-BORO BOOKS LLC, I have intimate knowledge of the fact that there are just some things that don’t sell, and won’t get published by big publishing houses, such as poetry, self help and most autobiographies. But so many have stories to tell of this nature that are powerful. UNIVERSAL WRITE PUBLICATIONS LLC has developed a new PUBLISHING APPROACH WITH A UNIQUE VISION. Please take the time in the coming months to visit my website at http://www.denisecampbell.com/ or http://www.universalwrite.com/ and you will see MAJOR changes and the company develop into the amazing phenomenon it is for the underdog with a voice.

How has teaming and networking with prolific companies and organizations helped out your company?
This is the BEST part of anything I believe. Teaming up and working with companies that share the same vision in different ways, and everyone basically being apart of the machine in such a liquid way that it works well together and malfunctions alone.

Its like cooking, it needs a side dish, flavor, something to wash it down with, something to eat on. These are all components of a meal and though some of these things may seem unnecessary at times, without them all working together, you know something is missing and it becomes distasteful. This is the vision I hold in my heart for Universal Write Publications LLC. I am only part of a whole working mechanism and without http://www.graphic-effects.com/, http://www.cgmediapublications.com/, http://www.c-a-h.org/, http://www.disilgold.com/ and http://www.shootemupfilmmedia.com/ I cannot function properly. These are some of the things that makes me who I am and Universal Write Publications LLC what it is.

What were some of the theatrical performances you appeared in?
Oh my gosh, too many to name. I have been doing events since college, and graduated into the professional world of paid events, speaking engagements like Jazz events at Africa World, The NYC Department of Health Black History month events, Universities like Hofstra and New York City Technical College inviting me as quest performer at seasonal events and author Donna Hill’s Literary Gumbo at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center. So much to mention but these are just a few.

Who is the real Denise?
The real Denise love to laugh, like her peace. She is an introvert at heart. Denise does not like clubbing or partying but loves music and dancing. She loves therapeutic evenings burning oils and reading sci-fi and vampire books or watching horror movies. Denise loves her family and that goes beyond blood, extending into adopted sisters, brothers, mothers, mentors and confidants. She is a mother of a 5 year old child who was discovered at 3 years old to have the IQ of a six years old when she began reading and writing. Denise is a realistic, practical, analytical person that believes in consequences and accepts her mistakes as part of life. Denise is a Teacher, a caregiver, a daughter a sister who understands that she needs the people who love her in her life, because there will always be so many others who will not like her just because she exists. Denise loves God, not a religious fanatic, and believes that all things are possible through faith and hope and love.

What events will you be appearing at next?
Not sure. I have taken a break to get back to me, family and re-direction. Some great things are in the works and Denise is going to be back on the scene again. I am happy, at peace, and following my heart.

Denise Campbell
Author/ Entrepreneur/ Screenplay
Titles: Love Thy Sister Watch Thy Back, Spanish Eyes,
Ebony Passion, By Faith, Man killer
http://www.denisecampbell.com/
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What People Are Saying About First Cut!
thanks for the news
barbara beck-azar
Art/Photos
Blue Bird by
Sheri G. Gorr

Announcements
My poetry is in the new ebook LET'S TALK HONESTLY: THE FEATURED POETS ISBN 1424303389 and also I'm the spotlight poet here http://www.tnc-magazine.com/spotlightpoet.html

Nicole M. Stevenson

30talent Chat Presents
Open forum for all to visit, Talent Talks!!http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/

February you missed author Jonathan Luckett http://www.jonathanluckett.com/ ! If in March you missed singer Alice Marie

http://www.AliceMarie.net

April 30, 2006 8pm est Erotic author of TOO TEMPTING TO TOUCH, Cherly Holt

Check out who will be coming next
May Artist Lashonda Scott Robinson http://scottrdesigns.com for more info on this artist's debut stop by our group

June Author Electa Rome Parks http://www.electaromeparks.com/

For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole thirtynmore@yahoo.com

Article
HOLDING HANDS
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
My sons and I decided to go walking around the lake near our home the other day. It is such a glorious place to spend an afternoon in the Springtime when the leaves are coming out on the trees and the flowers are coming up through the ground. It has a well worn gravel path that circles the entire lake. You can walk at your own pace and delight in all the natural beauty that surrounds you. It is the perfect place to get back in touch with God and to fill your soul with joy.
The only problem is that with the path being so near the water, erosion sometimes causes holes to develop along the walkway. It was while we were walking along it the other day that one of these holes caught my oldest boy unawares. He stumbled and almost fell but thankfully was able to reach out and take my hand. I steadied him and we walked on for awhile holding hands and feeling connected in our love for each other.
I think that sometimes the troubles we face in our journey through life are a lot like those holes in the ground. They are always there causing us to stumble and sometimes even to fall. It is good to know, however, that we can always reach out and take the hand of our Heavenly Father. He is always there by our side waiting to pick us up and steady us. He is always ready for us to take His hand and walk on with Him connected in love forever.
The next time you stumble and fall on your journey through life then reach out and take God’s loving hand. And after you take it never let it go again. Walk on with God forever, choosing love and sharing joy with each step you take. Always remember too that with God’s loving hand steadying your walk you can use your other hand to reach out and help up those who have fallen as well. The journey through life, after all, is always better when you are holding the hands of those you love.

Submit Here!!
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: PALE HOUSE Details: http://palehouse.com We are now accepting submissions for the Pale House short story anthologies: Volume 2 Volume 2 is scheduled to be released July 14, 2006 with a book launch party, as well as literary events throughout the following months. You will be notified whether or not your work is accepted into Pale House on or before July 14, 2006. If accepted, you will be expected to attend and/or participate in the events scheduled. Short stories, poetry, and creative non-fiction accepted All submissions must be original and unpublished Maximum of 5000 words No restrictions on theme or style (in fact, we enjoy reading work that is creative and unabashedly out of the ordinary) Everyone is invited to submit their work. No resume is necessary. All submissions will be read by a team of collaborative editors. Final selection made by majority vote. * Unless we request, please do not send more than three separate pieces of work. EMAIL submissions to submissions@palehouse.com as attachments or in the body of the email MUST INCLUDE: Full name, contact phone#, resident city, and valid email address.
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The Ebony Energy Talent Network
............
Press Release
.....
The Ebony Energy Talent Network Announces
Real Voices by Real People
Dr. Sonia Sanchez, Omar Tyree, Malik Yoba, Nikki Woods, Leila Steinberg, Donald Brown Are Among the Ebony Energy Talent Network Speakers
Contact: Cheryl Katherine Wash TEL: 773-445-4946 Email: eetn@ebonyenergy.com URL: www.ebonyenergytalentnetwork.com
Chicago, IL – May 17, 2006 – Newly established speakers bureau and talent network, Ebony Energy Talent Network [EETN] has launched with a host of high profile clientele that will provide community organizations and corporate event planners access to celebrities, motivational speakers, poets, athletes and high profile entertainers, announced Executive Director Cheryl Katherine Wash and Executive Consultant and Peabody Award winner Bruce George.
EETN's Roster...EETN’s powerful roster of celebrity speakers and experts include: actor Malik Yoba, HBO’s Real Sex and Playboy TV’s Punany Poets, Tony Award winning poet Poetri, national bestselling author Omar Tyree, author and lecturer Dr. Sonia Sanchez, actor Tray Chaney of The Wire, The Last Poets, HBO Def poets, Redstorm, Black Ice, Tyla, EarCandy, author/media Scholar Dr. Trevy McDonald, author & radio personality Nikki Woods, and internationally acclaimed sculptor and motivational speaker, Donald Brown.
The roster is further enhanced by Malik “The Wordsmyth” Yusef, writer/activist Bruce George and comedian/actor/poet Shang. Additionally, EETN’s roster also includes Leila Steinberg- legendary in the hip hop world and acknowledged as Tupac Shakur's manager who secured his first record deal, published his book of poetry, and co-produced VH1's "Thug Angel."
Learn more...
Diversity and Anti-Gang ViolenceEETN will also address certain initiatives such as diversity and ‘Anti-Gang Violence’; a community initiative which will address the prevalent gang violence across the country. EETN has organized internationally known ex-gang experts and leaders such as T. Rodgers, Cle “Bone” Sloan, Kublai Toure, Del Hendrickson, and Piri Thomas to facilitate panel discussions on this important issue.
EETN's Celebrity MomsMos Def’s Mother, Sheron Smith, an Executive Consultant of EETN, who is also founder of EETN’s “Celebrity Moms”, has established this division with the goal of uniting “Celebrity Moms” across the country whose sons and daughters such as Malik Yoba, Mos Def, Queen Latifah, Talib Qwali, Alicia Keys and Malcolm Jamal Warner, have assisted in breaking down barriers through the international acclaim they have achieved through their art.
Commitment to ExcellenceProfessor Eleanor Earl, an Executive Talent Consultant for EETN, predicts that “EETN will rise quickly to the top of national speakers bureaus due to its awe-inspiring roster of talent and its unwavering commitment to excellence."
Contact EETN for a complete roster list with biographies, booking information, and individual consultation at: [ http://www.ebonyenergytalentnetwork.com]
About The Ebony Energy Talent Network
More than just a speakers bureau, EETN realizes the importance of finding the perfect match for both the speaker and the client. EETN strives to meet the individual needs of each organization with which they work. EETN believes that every event is unique and will assist you in finding the perfect motivational speaker or celebrity personality for your upcoming event. We will provide excellent service while simultaneously assisting you with staying within your budget. The Client’s goals and objectives are EETN’s main focus. EETN will work to understand your organization, as well as your audience.
Website: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=uqpysvbab.0.4lw6svbab.hydmkcbab.10338&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebonyenergytalentnetwork.com
About Ebony Energy
Ebony Energy Talent Network is a divison of EbonyEnergy.com
Website: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=uqpysvbab.0.p4bvznbab.hydmkcbab.10338&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebonyenergy.com
The EbonyEnergy Talent Network
Cheryl Katherine Wash
Publisher, Executive Director
email: cheryl@ebonyenergy.com
phone: 773-445-4946 (o)
Media Relations Contact:
ACM PR
A.C. McLean
email: acm@acmpr.com
TEL:312 373 1778 (USA) TEL:0207 078 4335 (UK)
ebonyenergy.com, ebonyenergypublishing.com, ebonyenergybooks.com, ebonyenergytalentnetwork.com, ebonyenergyfilms.com
First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor 30 talent's First Cut!
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press www.sunpiperpress.com
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
thirtynmore@yahoo.com (direct)

Travel Expand Your Mind interview w/Author MIchelle Monkou

First Cut!


Barbara Beck-Azar
view ART products by
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Poetry

Faces of People I wrote articles about or I've interviewed whether in newsletter, magazines or for my radio show First Cut!

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What People Are Saying About First Cut!

Interviews This Way!
Art/Photos


Sorrento Italy, by Terrance Willams

Announcements
Dear Nicole:Dramatists Play Service is pleased to announce the publication of: DEARLY BELOVED by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten4M, 7W (doubling)The Futrelle Sisters, Frankie, Honey Raye and Twink are throwing a wedding. Frankie has almost made herself sick with elaborate preparations for her daughter, Tina Jo’s, antebellum-inspired wedding and the rumor mill in their small town of Fayro, Texas, is working overtime. No surprise there, the Futrelle Sisters have never been strangers to gossip. After all, they did survive the scandalous breakup of their almost-famous gospel singing trio, The Sermonettes. But Twink’s desperate attempts to get her boyfriend of fifteen-and-one-half years down the aisle, Frankie’s ongoing conversations with their dead mother and Honey Raye’s tendency to race to the altar at every opportunity, have kept tongues wagging for years. In spite of her own marital problems, Frankie has held steadfastly to the hope she can pull off one “final Futrelle occasion” with elegance and style with the help of the cantankerous wedding coordinator, Miss Geneva, who runs the local floral shop/bus depot. But on the day of the nuptials, Frankie’s hope begins to dim when she discovers Twink’s alternative solution to an expensive catered wedding dinner is a pot-luck supper sponsored by Clovis Sanford’s House of Meat. When the prodigal Honey Raye arrives at the church in skin-tight gold lame, consumed by hot flashes and a steely determination to right old family wrongs, Frankie’s hope is shaken. It is lost completely when word reaches the church that Tina Jo and her fiancé have fled Fayro and eloped. The sisters ultimately pull together to find ways to keep the unsuspecting guests in the pews while a highway patrolman races off to track down the runaway bride and groom. As a last resort, and to the delight of the citizenry of Fayro, Texas, The Sermonettes reunite and sing again.DIRECT FROM DEATH ROW THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS by Mark Stein, music and lyrics by Harley White, Jr.7M, 2W (flexible casting)“Playwright Mark Stein’s poignant work has the Boys recount their arduous struggle for freedom, and the conflicts among them that almost derailed their cause. The play is not without humor as the all-black cast, like a modern-day minstrel show, dons masks to portray the various sympathetic and opportunistic white and colored folk involved.” —LA Weekly. “...a dazzling array of thought-provoking vignettes.” —BackStage West. “...theatrical genius...a perfect mix of comedy and drama. To tell a story involving so much pain and sadness with the flair of vaudeville (complete with comedy, singing, and dancing) without negating its importance, is no less than phenomenal.” —LA Sentinel. “...a fascinating juxtaposition between judicial horrors and theatrical absurdities.” —Sacramento News & Review. “It is an amazing piece of theater.” —Sacramento Bee.SEE ROCK CITY by Arlene Hutton1M, 3W“...an unconventional perspective on the wartime South and difficulties faced by civilians—especially women—when the soldiers returned home. Hutton concludes SEE ROCK CITY with a moving open-ended image that leaves us hoping she revisits the couple one final time...plenty of homespun humor about porches, cooking and other Southern customs, but never settles for a kitschy portrayal of Dixie.” —Creative Loafing. “...a character study that has originality and charm...Hutton’s attention to detail (in character and period) plus her wonderfully authentic ear, augurs well for her plays to come.” —BackStage.“...a wonderful old-fashioned love story...It is a superb show that you will want to see again and again.” —Spectator. “...a gently charming little play...” —A.P. “[Hutton’s work] has the humor and nostalgia of a Norman Rockwell illustration.” —LA Times. “...you could easily enjoy a few hours of this...” —NY Times.THE SHAKER CHAIR by Adam Bock2M, 3W, 1 girl“...a briskly funny and bracing new play...Taking action is at the heart of Bock’s evenly balanced blend of comedy and drama...Bock has sharp ears for human conversation. His dialogue is naturalistic, peppered with stops and starts, exclamations and asides that make his stage characters appear spontaneously real.” —Louisville Courier-Journal. “For female actors older than fifty, the options for roles these days seem to be relegated to mothers and crazy aunts. So, along comes whippersnapper Adam Bock with THE SHAKER CHAIR, an entertaining, concise, thought-provoking showcase for older actresses.” —Lexington Herald-Leader.U.S. DRAG by Gina Gionfriddo4M, 4W (doubling) Winner of the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Two young women in Manhattan seek love and happiness, but they’ll settle for rent money. Along the way, they volunteer for a community advocacy group called SAFE (“Stay Away From Ed”) named for an elusive serial attacker terrorizing the city. (There’s a hefty reward for his capture...) Their new circle of “friends” includes their ruthless, socially stunted roommate; the celebrated author of a fictional memoir; a lonely man who feels a kinship with crime victims; and a mousy “Ed survivor” reveling in her fifteen minutes of dubious fame. Everybody is looking for salvation in the arms of another in a group where no one has very much to give. And who is this “Ed” anyway? No one’s ever seen his face, and everyone on stage is beginning to act eerily “Ed-like”...--------------------------------------------------------------------------To read about these titles and purchase acting editions, visit the Now Published page on our web site at http://www.dramatists.com
I have a new audio interview for my latest novel posted on http://www.eyeonbooks.com/. If you have a moment please give it a listen. On the front page you'll see the cover for Criss Cross just click and listen!
Please share the link for the interview with your email list and friends as well. Thanks.
All The Best,
Evie
30talent Chat Presents
Open forum for all to visit, Talent Talks!!http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/

February you missed author Jonathan Luckett http://www.jonathanluckett.com/ ! If in March you missed singer Alice Marie

http://www.AliceMarie.net

Check out who will be coming next.April 30, 2006 8pm est Erotic author of TOO TEMPTING TO TOUCH, Cherly Holt


May Artist Lashonda Scott Robinson http://scottrdesigns.com for more info on this artist's debut stop by our group

June Author Electa Rome Parks http://www.electaromeparks.com/

For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole Poetnwrite@yahoo.com or Stevenson15n@aol.com
Article
Submit Here!!
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First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor 30 talent's First Cut!
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press www.sunpiperpress.com
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
Poetnwrite@yahoo.com (direct)

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To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: poetnwrite@yahoo.com

Birth:Interview w/Artist Lashonda S. Robinson

First Cut!


"Birth your talent and nuture it so that it will grow"by Nicole M. Stevenson

Interview
Artist Lashonda Scott Robinson

Foxy Brown by Lashonda Scott Robinson

To All,

First Cut welcomes you to another edition and we are very pleased by many responses to the contents and the info they we have posted . Delighted that we are not only entertaing but also informative and that connections are being made as well. We would like to inspire each of you to reach your creative heights....not letting anything block you. Remember we are also looking for photographers as well. Birth your talent and nuture it so that it will grow ...Aside from all of the things creativitely we are blessed with I would like to welcome another addition to my family Imani Nicole!!


Regards
Editor/Founder
Nicole M. Stevenson

Poetry
She Showed Me The Way

It always was quite clear to me,
I was different than my family.
I would sit on the roof
mesmerized by the moon.
Something was calling me,
the chanting made me swoon.

The kids in highschool knew
that I was different too,
They would tease and taunt,
and call me names,
I was treated like a Jew.

Finally school was over,
I ventured on my own.
I always kept to myself,
I felt so all alone.
The chanting never stopped
when I looked up at the moon.
In fact it grew more powerful.
Something was going to happen
and happen very soon!

I heard the drums, the singing,
it was a night in May .
I felt so free as the moon
showed me the way.
A vision of a Goddess was
telling me, "You are Home."
Wrapping her arms around me
and I felt so safe and warm.

It was then I finally realized the
beautiful Lady of the Night,
Was my Mother, Teacher Goddess,
and she told me this was my rite!
She led me to the others who
were likemined just like me.
Now that I am a Witch,
I have found my True Family!
Ameasha Brown

Faces of People I wrote articles about or I've interviewed whether in newsletter, magazines or for my radio show First Cut!


Terrance Willams
Must Read! Comic Said





What People Are Saying About First Cut!
Greeting's Nicole,

I see your still doing it over and over again so wonderfully. I guess that's why we love you so much. Your drive and determination is everything to be desired by all

Many blessing's,

Cindy

Your newsletter is HOT!!!! Asthetically beautiful, informative and your subjects interesting and your poems insightful. Keep up the good work. I forward to various people in my address book and they enjoy as well.

May God continue to keep you and bless you!

Always, Angela

Interviews This Way!

Talent Moving Mountains
Lashonda Scott Robinson

It is a pleasure to introduce the talent of Lashonda Scott Robinson a self taught artist. In 2002, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She lost the ability to use her hands and was paralyzed on her left side. She runs a gallery that specializes in quality unique art.A proud mother indeed a talent not letting anything stop her.

How long have you been drawing?LSR:I have been drawing since I was a kid. It was my escape and my passion.However, I did not want to go to art school nor did I want to major inart, so painting was just a hobby I did for myself. Where does your inspiration come from?LSR:I am inspired by events that happen in my personal life. Most ofpaintings are autobiographically. Some are inspired by emotions that Ican relate to. For example, the painting “The After Hours” is inspiredby the movie Unfaithful. Though I have not personally experienced thatparticular situation, I can relate to the passion they possessed.How old were you when you sold your first painting?LSR:I think I was 22 years old. I was a part of a women’s art group thatmet every Thursday morning. Our group supplied the artwork for TheUniversity of Alabama’s Student Health Center. The painting was“Transformation.” It was a half woman half butterfly. I haverepainted this piece and I am using it as my logo now.Did you ever feel that your art wasn’t good enough?LSR:Yes. My first sale was such a special sale because I was going toreplace it with a more traditional piece. I did not think people wouldlike my original style. However, the night before I was going to replacethat painting, a lady called and said she loved it and wanted to buy it.I was shocked! That experience taught me a huge lesson. Never secondguess yourself nor think that your work is not good enough. If you staytrue to yourself, someone will relate to your work and someone will buyit. What kind of response have you gotten from critics ?LSR:I have been told by many people, and it is sad for me to say this, butmany black people that my work is “too black.” They tell me I need topaint white people or paint things white people will like in order tobe successful. I am a black girl from Alabama with a career and afamily. I paint my truth. I am not just trying to make a quick buck. I want to build a career selling original and giclee prints of myAfrican American Art. I believe I will be successful doing what Itruly love if I stay true to myself and I find a loyal target audience.I believe my audience will find me when the time is right. I just haveto trust God’s timing.Why don’t you paint the faces in your art?LSR:When I paint I am trying to express a feeling; love, despair, happiness,etc. I use body language to tell my story. I also believe art issubjective. The meaning of a painting depends on who is looking at it.By adding facial expressions, it limits the scope and appeal of mywork. I want you to look at my paintings and have your experiencesguide your perception. What made you want to start your own gallery?LSR:In 2002, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I lost theability to use my hands and I was paralyzed on my left side. Though Icould not write my name nor button my shirt, my ability to paint wasnot affected. This simply amazed me. Then it occurred to me, paintingwas my survival tool. And at that moment, my childhood passion became mysaving grace. My mom always told me; when you receive a blessing, passit on. By sharing my artwork with the world, I am passing on myblessing.In the next five years where do you in vision yourself ?LSR:I hope to be a thriving art gallery specializing in African Americanfine arts and gifts world wide. I hope to turn Scott Robinson designsinto a business that specializes in quality unique art. As I grow andexperience life, I hope my paintings and technique will grow with me. Iwant Scott Robinson designs to be a brand that stands for truth andquality. It will be nice to have people study my art and technique oneday.

The morning after by Lashonda S. Robinson

Art


Announcements
I have a new audio interview for my latest novel posted on http://www.eyeonbooks.com/. If you have a moment please give it a listen. On the front page you'll see the cover for Criss Cross just click and listen!
Please share the link for the interview with your email list and friends as well. Thanks.
All The Best,
Evie
http://www.evierhodes.com/ Birth Announcement My daughter Imani Nicole Arrives
Imani Nicole
8 pounds 10 oz
Wednesday 10:19 pm arrives

Hello,I'm glad to introduce our thirty-third issue. Thanks for your continued support and interest.
All my best,
John Amen
This project received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts.






The Pedestal Magazine is officially a not-for-profit charitable organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are actively seeking contributions from our readers and hope you will consider giving us a tax-deductible donation. We really do need your support!
April Issue Now Online
Poetry:Thanks to a generous grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, The Pedestal Magazine is glad to feature the work of sixteen North Carolina poets: Laurie Capps, Fred Chappell, Sara Claytor, Nicole Cartwright Denison, Janice Moore Fuller, Jaki Shelton Green, Glenn Hutchinson, Sarah Lindsay, Al Maginnes, David Manning, Heather Ross Miller, Valerie Nieman, Tanya Olson, Diana Pinckney, Rachelle Rogers, and Mark Smith-Soto.
Fiction:Guest-edited by Craig Renfroe. Work by: Melody Clayton, Derek Nikitas, and Dawn Sperber.
Interviews:Amy Small-McKinney interviews National Book Award finalist and Pulitzer Prize nominee Bruce Smith.



Kathleen Anderson interviews Pulitzer Prize winner Connie Schultz.

Reviews:Nathan Leslie reviews Kathryn Kulpa's Pleasant Drugs and Ander Monson's Other ElectricitiesJoSelle Vanderhooft reviews In the Arms of Words: Poems for Disaster Relief, Martina Newberry's Running Like a Woman With Her Hair on Fire, and Albert Russo's The Crowded World of Solitude, Volume IISusan Muaddi Darraj reviews Deborah Batterman's Hair Shoes NailsAmy Small-McKinney reviews Leonard Gontarek's Déjà vu DinerDeborah P. Kolodji reviews Samuel Menashe's New and Selected Poems
Newly Appointed Staff Member: JoSelle Vanderhooft, Senior Reviewer
JoSelle Vanderhooft’s poetry and short fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in such publications as Star*Line, Mythic Delirium, Jabberwocky, and The Seventh Quarry. Her first chapbook, 10,000 Several Doors, was released as an e-book by Cat's Eye Publishing in late 2005. It will be available in print form in summer 2006. Several of her novels will be released in 2006, including Vice of Kings, Enter Elsinore, The Tale of the Miller's Daughter, and Owl Skin. Desert Songs, a chapbook with illustrations by Erzebet YellowBoy, is scheduled for release by Cross-Cultural Communications. An e-book anthology of lesbian-themed fairytales, Sleeping Beauty, Indeed, which she edited, will be made available from Torquere Press in May 2006. She is a contributing writer to Random House/Knopf's The Full Spectrum, an anthology of essays and poetry by young GLBT writers and their straight allies. She currently lives in Salt Lake City and makes her living as a freelance journalist, writing for several magazines and newspapers. A 2004 graduate of the University of Utah, she holds honors degrees in English and Theatre Studies and is a coeditor of the forthcoming spec poetry/fiction/comic magazine Crow's Nest.
Amy Small-McKinney: Poetry Guest-Editor for June 2006 Issue
Amy Small-McKinney is the author of Body of Surrender, released by Finishing Line Press in 2004. The book was nominated for a Pushcart prize and included in New York’s Poets House Showcase. Her poetry has appeared in various journals, including The Cortland Review, For Poetry, Manhattan Poetry Review, and Mad Poets Review. Her essays have appeared periodically in The Philadelphia Inquirer. She graduated from Drexel University in 1996 with a Masters in Clinical Neuropsychology and has worked as a counselor, a consulting therapist, and a workshop facilitator. She lives in Blue Bell, PA with her husband and daughter.
Staff Info
Nathan Leslie's new short story collection, Drivers, was recently released by Hamilton Stone Editions. For more information, visit the Hamilton Stone website at http://www.hamiltonstone.org/, Nathan Leslie's website at http://www.nathanleslie.com/, or write to the following address: hstone@hamiltonstone.org.
John Amen's second poetry collection, More of Me Disappears (Cross-Cultural Communications), has been garnering reviews in a number of magazines and journals. Readings and performances have been scheduled for the spring. For more information, visit: http://www.johnamen.com/ or write: CCCPoetry@aol.com.
Classified Section
Please check out our classified section, including new ads for Joanne Merriam and The Aroostook Review. The Pedestal is currently visited by close to 14,000 people per month, so this is a great way to reach interested folks.
Advertising
We're currently offering three advertising options: an ad in our newsletter, which goes out to over 13,000 people per month; an ad in the classified section, which will run 24/7 and potentially be seen by close to 14,000 people; or a banner ad that will run 24/7 on each page of the magazine. We're currently tabulating over 90,000 page views per month. Visit the Advertising section for more information.
Gallery
Please take some time to view the works in The Pedestal gallery, including new pieces by Lara Chauvin, Mark Budman, and Peter Schwartz.
Credits: 1) "Under the Sea of Tranquility" by Pam Bernard, 2) Photo of Bruce Smith, 3) Photo of Connie Schultz, 4) Photo of JoSelle Vanderhooft, 5) Photo of Amy Small-McKinney, 6) Front cover of Drivers by Nathan Leslie, 7) Front cover of More of Me Disappears by John Amen, 8) "bunny scene fever" by Iv Toshain.

30talent Chat Presents
Open forum for all to visit, Talent Talks!!http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/

February you missed author Jonathan Luckett http://www.jonathanluckett.com/ ! If in March you missed singer Alice Marie

http://www.AliceMarie.net

Check out who will be coming next.April 30, 2006 8pm est Erotic author of TOO TEMPTING TO TOUCH, Cherly Holt


May Artist Lashonda Scott Robinson http://scottrdesigns.com for more info on this artist's debut stop by our group

June Author Electa Rome Parks http://www.electaromeparks.com/

For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole Poetnwrite@yahoo.com or Stevenson15n@aol.com
Article

YOUNG TEACHERS
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
I was taking my youngest son to grade school the other day when I saw one of my daughter’s former teachers. We talked for a moment and she shared how much she missed having my daughter in class. She said she rarely had a student so kind, helpful, and willing to learn. This wonderful teacher’s kind words made me smile, and I thanked her when she gave some of the credit to me. I knew in my heart, though, that as much as I have taught my daughter how to love and how to live in this life, she has taught me even more.
It is funny how after all these years I find that I am still learning how to live and how to love. It is even funnier too that so many of my teachers are younger than I am. I think that when it comes to choosing and sharing love and joy the teachers often become the students and the students often become the teachers. I am so happy that I got three of the best in my kids. My youngest son’s Autism keeps him from saying much but he can still teach a lot when it comes to love and joy. His smile and laugh light up every room he enters and his happiness always brightens everyone else’s day. My oldest boy too still struggles with Autism, yet his caring and kindly spirit have made him more friends in his young life than I will ever have in mine. He has a Master’s Degree when it comes to Kindness and a PhD when it comes to Love.
I am so thankful for my young teachers and so blessed that God sent them here to be my children. Even while I continue to write about and share love and joy in my own life, I know I will always be a student of these things as well. It is why we are all here, after all. We are here to learn how to love, to teach others how to love, and to share God’s love everyday of our lives. The classroom on love is always open in this life and in the next. Don’t overlook your own young teachers then. You may learn more from them than you ever dreamed possible.
Submit Here!!
To All, I'd like you to partcipate in my upcoming anthology deadline June 2006" With submissions from authors Roger Dean Kiser, Renay Anderson, Evie Rhodes,Kim Robinson,Terri L. Bea, Marsha Lewis ,Poets Ayin Adams, myself, Shirley Cheng,Ceo's L. Guy Burton, Gary Wade, PsyD,Theresa S. Kearns, writer Jan Verhoeff, radio host Lillian Cauldwell,Nancy Gilliam songwriter, poet, author,Singer Mark Hughes George Cook owner of Let's Talk Honestly websites and others. Details below and pass on to others as well. Details "Unblock " will be the anthology sharing venues of channeling and connecting to your talent We are looking for stories from artist of all vocations who have encountered obstacles in their life stifling creativity; overcoming these barriers and moving forward with their own personal vision. Most artists have led extraordinary lives bringing them to a level of self gratification and achievement.; many who have endured the most unthinkable conditions. Yet remain undaunted by life's most difficult situations. The goal is to share their sage and wisdom with the world. We often ponder..."What is it that spurs artists onward, in the eye of turmoil, loss, hardships in their lives?" And in asking these questions, we have found inspirational and motivational stories from artists of all generations, since the turn of the century to today's modern individual The vision and mission with this project and book is to find extraordinary stories about other inspirational artists; paying our deepest appreciation and homage to them through their stories. In doing so with this labor of our love and admiration for other artists, we hope to share your story with the world. It will be, after all...the ultimate mark made here and hereafter. A legacy that will remain. We welcome stories from artists of any age whose story is not only inspirational, but stories that depict artists of all walks of life. We strive to find stories that will touch the hearts and lives of our children for generations to come. Your experiences will assist them in discovering basic integrity that they can use in their own lives. Your stories are personal and filled with passion and direction Your story should share your beginnings, life altering moments, and an ending that often closes with a sentiment of what will give other artists hope, inspiration and courage to move forward believing in their talent. The stories we choose will have heart and soul, as well as an element that makes us feel hopeful, connected, grateful, compassionate and appreciative. Story Specifications 1. It is preferred that all submissions are sent via email to: poetnwrite(at)yahoo.com ... 2. If you don't have access to the Internet, please submit your stories preferably typed on plain white 8 1/2" x 11" paper, in 12- point Times New Roman font or on a floppy disk. 2. Please be sure to type the author's name and contact information on the first page of each and every story. 3. Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300- 1200 words 4. Mail your submissions in a flat, 9x12 envelope if possible. 5. No anonymous or author unknown submissions please. 6. Send only one copy of each submission. 7. Contributors will recieve a copy 8. Petra Publishing http://www.petrapublishingcompany.com/ 9. Include Natural photo of yourself jpg 10. Book Release summer 2006 We do not return submissions, so please don't send the original. Chapters of the book will be divided Mail to 115-01 Farmers Blvd St. Albans NY. 11412 Att: Nicole Stevenson
Feminist Anthology Altarmagazine Seeks Submisssions In this anthology, we want to hear from young women who have found creative ways to use their passion (from writing to banking to being a homemaker) as an outlet for social justice activism. We seek to make activism accessible and inspire others to use the resources that they have to contribute to social justice. We want to be sure multiple voices and perspectives are represented in the anthology. Writers of all experience levels are encouraged to submit work. All work must be original and should not be published elsewhere. Submission Guidelines * We prefer to have submissions sent via email in a Word or Rich Text Format document to mandy_vandeven@yahoo.com with ''Doing it in Strange Places'' in the subject line. * If you would like your submission returned to you, please include a SASE. * Word count: 2,500 - 5,000 * All submissions require your name, address, phone number, email address, and a short bio. Submissions should be received (not postmarked) by May 1, 2006. Also see http://www.altarmagazine.com/ for information on submissions to the general magazine.
Upcoming Events
KEEP THE AWARD PART QUIET!We are presenting Autum with an award,Be There To Champion This Sista!SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE EVENT!Working To Unify Afrikans Throughout The DiasporaMEDGAR EVERS COLLEGEFilm & Culture Serieshttp://www.mec.cuny.edu/filmandcultureseriesPresents The:'Community Cultural Extravaganza!'Tuesday, April 25, 20067:00PM'Celebrating The PAN AFRIKAN WORLD'‘Our Struggle, Our Success, Our Afrikan Way’Art Presentation/InstallationShort films, Performances, Readings, Poetry,Political Presentations, Dance, MonologuesCommunity Marketplace, Award Presentation,$$$150.00+ Gift Give-Aways and more...Featuring:Kahlil Almustafa, Autum Asante, Blk Sonshine,Daren Kufere Lyons, Kid Lucky (New Voices),Smooth Da Huslter, United G's,Sudani, Alixa & Naima, ‘SOL SAX’,Yvonne Onakeme Etaghene, The Welfare Poets, & MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!!Short Film Screenings, (JUST TO NAME A FEW!!):'Africa' and 'The Battle For America'By Alrick Brown'Oxtail'By Antonia March and Jacqueline McKinley'Stolen Moments' and 'Clockwork'By Shaka KingPlus'STATE OF THE COMMUNITY' ADDRESS BY:Dr. Sam Anderson Author Of'The Black Holocaust for Beginners'http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0863161782/103-0491771-6438256?v=glance&n=283155Doors open at 6:15PMSeating is on a first come basis OPEN MIC HOSTED BY 'Mo Parle' Revolutionary MC'BEGINS AT 6:30 P.M.$40 Prize Package To The Livest Poet Film & Culture series program beginsat 7:00pm sharp! Medgar Evers CollegeFounders Auditorium1650 Bedford AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11225 ADMISSION IS FREE! Take the #2, 3, 4 or 5 train to the Franklin Ave. stop.The auditorium is between Crown & Montgomery Sts. Seating is first come first serve to guaranteeseating RSVP by email miles@mec.cuny.eduwith your name and number of guests or call 718-270-6096RSVP's WILL BE ENTERED IN TO A SPECIAL PRIZE DRAWING(See Below) Please Bring A Picture IDPLAN TO NETWORK WITH PEOPLE MAKING THINGS HAPPEN!! **********Resistence to Revolution********************************************** The Original, The Most Conscious, The BestGoing Strong Since 2001,For The People, By The People: http://www.mec.cuny.edu/filmandcultureseriesFor more information******************************** EDUCATING-ORGANIZING-MOBILIZING ******************************** For more information on the programs andperforming, vending opportunities and screeningfilms contact, Miles at 718-270-6096 ormiles@mec.cuny.edu *********************************This Series is produced in alliance with: Hollah.com - http://www.hollah.com/ads/m1.htmlImagenation - http://www.imagenation.us/Artmattan Productions/ADFF - http://www.africanfilm.com/International Black Panther Film Festival - http://www.pantherfilmfest.com/Malcolm X Musuem - http://www.themalcolmxmuseum.org/Harambee Radio - http://www.harambeeradio.com/FAM - http://www.gameforlife.com/'Mahogany Blues Magazine' - http://www.mahoganyblues.com/Hank Shocklee Experience - http://www.shocklee.com/Hard Hittin Harry Meridian Entertainment - http://www.planetmeridian.com/Harriet's Alter Ego Clothing - http://www.harrietsalterego.com/Underground Madness - http://www.undergroundmadness.org/A-Marketing/Sista Factory - http://www.sistafactory.com/The Shield - shieldnews@yahoo.com/AMAG - http://www.awarenessmagazine.net/Black Documentary Collective - http://www.BDCNY.net/The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement - http://mxgm.org/NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc - http://naacpldf.org/National Campaign For A Peace Tax Fund - http://www.peacetaxfund.org/RCP - http://rwor.org/XyayX Multimedia Productions - http://xyayx.com/Joseph Webb Experience - http://www.jwebb.info/Brecht Forum - http://www.brechtforum.org/Da Ghetto Tymz - http://www.daghettotymz.com/Hip-Hop Association - http://hiphopassociation.org/TransAfricaForum - http://www.transafricaforum.org/FreeMix Radio: Mixtape Radio - http://voxunion.com/Mr. Tyson Hall - http://www.tysonhall.com/ "Working Together Works" - Don King**********************We want folks from every part of the worldto join our celebration to meet, share andbuild networks with each other.****RSVP with Your HOME, REGION, or HOOD andyou will be listed and entered in the drawingto win some of our many prizes.*****Algeria -Angola -Antigua and Barbuda -Bahamas -Bahrain -Barbados -Belize -Benin -Bolivia -Botswana -Brazil -Burkina Faso -Burundi -Cameroon -Cape Verde -Central African Republic -Chad -Chile -Colombia -Comoros -Congo (Brazzaville) -Congo, Democratic Republic of the -Costa Rica -Côte d'Ivoire -Cuba -Djibouti -Dominica -Dominican Republic -Ecuador -Egypt -El Salvador -Equatorial Guinea -Eritrea -Ethiopia -Gabon -The Gambia -Ghana -Grenada -Guatemala -Guinea -Guinea-Bissau -Guyana -Haiti - Mo ParleHonduras -Iraq -Israel -Jamaica -Jordan -Kenya -Laos -Lebanon -Lesotho -Liberia -Libya -Madagascar -Malawi - Masauko ChipembereMali -Mauritania -Mauritius -Mexico -Morocco -Mozambique -Namibia -Nicaragua -Niger -Nigeria - Bengie AtyathoabeOman -Palestine -Panama -Paraguay -Peru -Qatar -Rwanda -Saint Kitts and Nevis -Saint Lucia -Saint Vincent and The Grenadines -Saudi Arabia -Senegal -Seychelles -Sierra Leone -Somalia -South Africa -Sudan -Suriname -Swaziland -Syria -Tanzania -Togo -Tonga -Trinidad and Tobago -Tunisia -Uganda -United Arab Emirates -United States Alabama - Alaska - Arizona - Arkansas - California - Miles Earl (Berkeley) Colorado - Connecticut - Delaware - Florida - Georgia - Hawaii - Idaho - Illinois - Indiana - Iowa - Kansas - Kentucky - Louisiana - Maine - Maryland - Massachusetts - Michigan - Minnesota - Mississippi - Missouri - Montana - Nebraska - Nevada - New Hampshire - New Jersey - New Mexico - New York - McPhail Simon Brooklyn - Bronx - Manhattan - Queens - Staten Island - North Carolina - North Dakota - Ohio - Oklahoma - Oregon - Pennsylvania - Rhode Island - Alex Lamond South Carolina - South Dakota - Tennessee - Texas - Utah - Vermont - Virginia - Washington - Washington, D.C. - West Virginia - Wisconsin - Wyoming -Venezuela -Western Sahara -Yemen -Zambia -Zimbabwe -JOIN US AND MAKE SURE YOUR AREA IS REPRESENTED!!!WE WELCOME THE WORLD, IF YOUR AREA ISN'T LISTEDLET US KNOW, CONNECT AND BUILD!!!
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Grandmama's Mojo Still Working Mother's Day Special!
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Special Mother's DayTwo-fer Offer Price: $11.00 each (includes shipping)
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...we laughed at folks actually paying for water?

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...there wasn't nothing in the world like a Soul Train girl and we all wanted to be one?

...your momma dared you to call the Child Abuse Hotline after she spanked your butt?

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First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor 30 talent's First Cut!
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press www.sunpiperpress.com
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
Poetnwrite@yahoo.com (direct)

MSN! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: poetnwrite@yahoo.com

Interview w/actress Tangi Miller Madea's Family Reunion

First Cut!



Step Out Of The Box




Interview with Actress

Tangi Miller

photo credits courtesy of Divinci-Roshon for Manifest Entertainment.


To All,

First off let me say" Happy Hoildays ". The other day something hit me (it is so funny) how we run, brag about ourselves and our accomplishments. We shout to the mountain tops look at me!!!!!!!!!! What about the next person( not your friend)? Could you find time to listen, view someone else's talent? Would you be able to listen to a different type of music? Perhaps you might like it. Read another genre? History instead of Fiction? Why not try to apperciate others and their talents. If your a poet could you try to enjoy short stories? Let's step out of the box and cross color barriers and embrace one another based on our talents. Thank you to Tangi Miller for being an inspiration to many.


Your Editor Nicole M. Stevenson

Poetry
Phantom Ecstasy
I found myself laying in a meadow of green
Beside a fresh, sparkling, clear stream.
Then I looked up with startled surprise,
To face a black phantom before my eyes.
I raised myself slowly, I did not show fear.
Wonder of wonders the phantom drew near.
We studied each other, to sense friend or foe.
We knew we were friends, this was meant to be so.
I stepped up beside him, feelings were such.
I reached out to stroke, so soft to my touch.
He knelt down beside me, my attention he wanted
This poor phantom creature, who looked terribly haunted.
I mounted him gently, with loving and care,
Then I threw off my coverings, so I could go bare
And be free just as he was, and we became one.
Then we raced in a fever towards the sun.
His muscles were bulging with power and strength,
The sride of this creature was of great length.
His black satin body, his soft silky mane,
Our hearts beat together like pounding rain.
His body was lathering as we forced to great speed.
The tension was mounting with physial need.
His flared nostrils snorting, were breathing with steam.
We ran like the tempest, it certainly seemed
When finally we tired, body and emotion.
We layed merged together like one endless ocean.
His loving eyes glowing , as dark as coal.
This is marvlous creature that touched my soul.
If this be a dream, you must never wake me !
For my spirit is free and forever it takes me,
To my Phantom love, so natural and free
We will forever be one, the phantom and me.
Copyright@2006Ameasha Brown

Faces of People I wrote articles about or I've interviewed whether in newsletter, magazines or for my radio show First Cut!


Synthia Saint James artist

Must Read!
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Nicole -Things are great on this end. I hope you're doing well.I've been receiving First Cut, and I must say that I'm very impressed! You obviously put alot of effort into the newsletter, and it shows. Congratulations to you on all that you've accomplished, and keep up the great work! Marcus
Interviews This Way!



photo credits courtesy of Divinci-Roshon for Manifest Entertainment.


Passion Released by Nicole M. Stevenson

Tangi Miller Miami, Florida native eldest of six. Ebony Magazine called one of the “most beautiful people of the millennium.” She was also nominated for a 2005 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in the television movie, Phantom Force. It give me great pleasure to introduce you to this talented actress who made her acting debut on WB’s Felicity………

How did you go from majoring in Marketing to becoming an actress? TM: I actually begin acting in high school productions. While attending Alabama State University, I decided to alter my plans and began pursing a career in the performing arts. I made my professional stage debut with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival before enrolling in University of California Irvine.

What inspired you to become an actress? TM: The ability to touch a person with my characters. There is nothing like bringing a character to life and people are able to relate as if you were stepping into their shoes. It feels good to know at the end of the day I was able to bring something positive to the table.

What would you consider was your first big break? TM: I would definitely say Felicity because I just graduated from the University of California Irvine and that summer I came to LA and booked the “Felicity” gig. Actually my very, very first gig was the independent film with Mekhi Phifer, “The Other Brother.”

In which film did you get your first leading role and what did it mean to you? TM: Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story. Getting the role meant everything to me because it became the first opportunity for me to play the lead. Additionally it has opened up so many doors for me to play a wide range of characters and explore the many aspects of my talent as an actress.

I enjoyed you in Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story how did you prepare for that role? TM: It was very easy, I have sisters and friends who have been married for years and I was able to take a little piece from all of them and incorporate them into the character.

What was it like working with Tyler Perry in Madea’s Family Reunion,? TM: I’m not saying this just because I was in the film, but Tyler Perry is a genieous. His multi-dementional personality keeps you on your toes. More importantly, he is very professional and I learned a great deal from him. It is an experience I will always cherish.

Do you have any advice for other inspiring talents? TM: Yes, follow your dreams, educate yourself, never give up and always have a back up plan.


What is your passion? TM: I have a passion for African-Caribbean dance and producing. I have performed in West Africa, Cameroon and Ghana as a member of a Los Angeles based African dance troupe.

What do you do in your sphere time? TM: I love to travel and experience foreign cultures.

Did you ever consider modeling? TM: I have been modeling on and off for a few years now. I recently finished the Meghan Fabulous spring, 2006 collection for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. In the future, I see myself doing more but I have to say that acting is my first passion.

Do you volunteer in your time or give to any charitable organizations? TM: Every chance I get. I am currently involved in wonderful program called Step Up Womens Network. The organization is dedicated to strengthening resources for women and girls through the creation of initiatives and events that help address issues of self esteem, health, well-being, career opportunities and life skills.

What are you currently working on? TM: I am currently shooting the independent film “Love and Other Four Letter Words which I am also producing. It’s a romantic comedy about a rising T.V. Talk Show host in Philadelphia who must dig her way out of a hole she creates by telling an innocent white lie. The film is set to be released in the Spring 2007.

In closing I would like to say thank you for not being afraid "To Walk Close To The Edge And Not To Look Over It's Simply Unheard Of" Tangi in my book you are First Cut!

http://tangimiller.com/

For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
Poetnwrite@yahoo.com (direct)

If you missed our live chat session with singer Alice Marie here it is! What are you waiting for? Come by in be a guest in chat with us and talk to me and inspire others.

Live Chat!
POETNWRITE : Welcome POETNWRITE : To All POETNWRITE : Tonight we wil have guest talent Alice Marie
AliceMarie3 : Nicole? POETNWRITE : Alice Marie How are you? POETNWRITE : yes
AliceMarie3 : I'm great. Guess it's tea for two! POETNWRITE : Don't worry I sent the reminder out for now we'll start with some questions AliceMarie3 : Great. Fire away. POETNWRITE : How long have you been singing? AliceMarie3 : Since Grease came out or thereabouts. AliceMarie3 : To say I was inspired by Olivia Newton-John is an understatement. POETNWRITE : lol AliceMarie3 : She's still an inspiration on other levels now too. POETNWRITE : When you were a child did you ever sing in a choir AliceMarie3 : And my dear husband surprised me with a chance to meet her last year. POETNWRITE : Really, wow that must of been exciting
AliceMarie3 : Not really but I did sing in a lot of school presentations, plays, and so forth. I tended to prefer solos. AliceMarie3 : POETNWRITE : What inspires you to sing? AliceMarie3 : It was. I always loved performing, and I was fortunate to have lots of opportunities. AliceMarie3 : A search for peace within myself AliceMarie3 : It's one of the few things that puts me "in the moment." AliceMarie3 : A connection to the divine...I'm a better person when I sing. POETNWRITE : What did it feel like to have your first cd completed AliceMarie3 : I just realized it seems as if I said meeting Olivia wasn't exciting but it was. LOL I guess we had a little lag time with our messages.
POETNWRITE : That is o.k AliceMarie3 : When Equilibrium was finished, I felt like a butterfly emerged. AliceMarie3 : I knew that if anyone asked me what I love to do, I'd have something to show them. POETNWRITE : I love that metaphore AliceMarie3 : We Capricorns like concrete proof. LOL POETNWRITE : That has to be the icing on the cake POETNWRITE : To be able to show your talent instead of just talking about it AliceMarie3 : Well, I'm a big believer in "making it real." So is SARK. She's been a source of inspiration as have been many authors. AliceMarie3 : Before Equilibrium, there were home demos which were the first baby steps in making it real. Heck, even before that, there were karaoke recordings. POETNWRITE : I would love to hear those AliceMarie3 : I used to spend Saturdays at The
Song Factory, a karaoke studio at a nearby mall and experience a little bit of heaven singing Stevie Nicks songs. AliceMarie3 : Oh, you don't want to hear the karaoke recordings! Trust me! LOL POETNWRITE : lol I don't think it could be all that bad AliceMarie3 : But I do acknowledge them as an important part of the process. Connecting with something I loved. Learning from other musicians even through imitation. POETNWRITE : Well practice does make us better AliceMarie3 : I used to take Stevie Nicks' melodies and put in my own words and vice versa. AliceMarie3 : Absolutely. And taking risks! Thank you for reminding me of those karaoke Saturdays. Brought back some nice memories. POETNWRITE : Anytime I love Karaoke AliceMarie3 : It's still huge in Japan from what I understand. POETNWRITE : can we talk about your career as associate editor for Channel magazine, a lifestyle and entertainment magazine in South Florida. AliceMarie3 : Sure. It was a great growth spurt for my writing and interviewing skills. POETNWRITE : I'm sure the pay was good? Are you making more now doing what you love? POETNWRITE : Sometimes that scares us going after our passion vs making the dollar AliceMarie3 : The pay was commensurate to my teacher's salary (I was teaching high school English beforehand) but all the sweeter because I was being paid to write and edit. AliceMarie3 : That's a huge issue for artists. Keeping day jobs and finding time for art, resources and so forth. POETNWRITE : Very true POETNWRITE : When do you think it would be a good time for a talent to make up their mind and get out there?
POETNWRITE : Alice we have some people that have im me trying to get into chat now AliceMarie3 : I think it's important to find supportive circles, believing mirrors to guide you. POETNWRITE : I hope they get through...if not I'll post this to the board AliceMarie3 : There's a lot of uncertainty on this path, and you need to be able to share your embryonic projects with people you trust and who believe in you. POETNWRITE : Exactly this is why? I started this group AliceMarie3 : That's a wonderful thing, Nicole. Do you want to wait, BTW, for the members to log on? POETNWRITE : no, it's o.k AliceMarie3 : Are you familiar with The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron? She recommends exactly what you're doing, creating circles to nurture creativity. POETNWRITE : this chat will be read even if it goes in the next issue POETNWRITE : of First Cut
POETNWRITE : no AliceMarie3 : Something else I would say is it's important to have a spiritual practice. At least, that's the word I use for it. Grounding, centering routines. Journaling, meditation, exercise. AliceMarie3 : Anchors. AliceMarie3 : Everything in life is more manageable and fun, I might add, when you're in tune with your intuition.8metaphore05 has joined the conversation. POETNWRITE : welcome AliceMarie3 : Hello, Metaphore05. POETNWRITE : Metaphore
metaphore05 : hi Alice and Poet metaphore05 : how are you guys doing POETNWRITE : Great AliceMarie3 : Doing great. Pour yourself a cup of tea. metaphore05 : ;o) AliceMarie3 : Anybody bring scones? LOL metaphore05 : lol POETNWRITE : lol POETNWRITE : Metaphore do you have any questions for our guest tonight? metaphore05 : not at the moment AliceMarie3 : Nicole, I wanted to add that I'm at the home of one of my greatest supporters, Nancy Ring. metaphore05 : taking a little break from the writing AliceMarie3 : She's an incredibly talented painter, author, and mother who helped through the transition of moving from New York to New Jersey POETNWRITE : Well is her Art on the web? metaphore05 : cool POETNWRITE : Hello Nancy Ring metaphore05 : what kind of art does she paint? POETNWRITE : That is great AliceMarie3 : She's working on that! You can find her book on Amazon. Walking on Walnuts, and she has another one in the works that I believe is going to be agreat success. AliceMarie3 : Nancy's in the other room, but I'll send your regards. She's an expert realist painter, but she also does some abstract and dreamy work too. POETNWRITE : listen since she has been such a support to you, let Nancy know she can send me an ad for her book metaphore05 : cool AliceMarie3 : That's great, Nicole. I'll tell her. AliceMarie3 : Nancy has hosted "creativitea" meetings over the last couple of years that were like breathing pure oxygen. POETNWRITE : Where exactly do the meetings take place? AliceMarie3 : Many of them took place at Nancy's home here in northern New Jersey. A couple of other members have hosted in nearby towns. metaphore05 : any of you ever heard of Spiral poets? metaphore05 : they're base in New Jersey AliceMarie3 : No, I can't say that I have.
metaphore05 : the promote local poets, writers, musician and artists POETNWRITE : Let' talk about television Producer POETNWRITE : Alice what that was like AliceMarie3 : I like them already. AliceMarie3 : It was fun and intellectually stimulating. I worked with a great group of fun, creative people. It was a pleasure to go to work. AliceMarie3 : I love puns, and I had to come up with new, fresh ones every day for story headlines. POETNWRITE : Alice, my daughter wants to know how long it takes for you to prepare to perform? AliceMarie3 : I'm using a lot of those skills again with my podcast. All of my skills are coming together, and I'm finding some new ones. POETNWRITE : http://www.alicemarie.net/music.html AliceMarie3 : Do you mean pre-show rituals?
POETNWRITE : Yes AliceMarie3 : Actual practice is a daily thing when I'm in gig mode. POETNWRITE : lol AliceMarie3 : It's an all-day thing in that POETNWRITE : Who is your web designer? AliceMarie3 : I'm extra mindful of what I eat, drink, and absorb into my thoughts because those can impact a performance. metaphore05 : what type of music do you play? AliceMarie3 : Danielle Kollett Kennedy designed alicemarie.net although my husband, photographer David Bergman has helped me update it since. AliceMarie3 : He also set up LetsGetMetaphysical.net for me. AliceMarie3 : His site is DavidBergman.net BTW. Great concert and sports pictures. POETNWRITE : I would love to have some of your husbandphotos appear in First Cut as well AliceMarie3 : You can drop him an e-mail...tell him I sent you. POETNWRITE : metaphore can you click on the link I posted earlier? AliceMarie3 : Metaphore05, the music I play is piano-based rock with Celtic, New Age influences AliceMarie3 : Tori Amos meets Enya and Natalie Merchant was the latest comparison I heard metaphore05 : cool metaphore05 : i like Celtic stuff AliceMarie3 : I'm looking forward to CD #3...I think it's going to be a fun departure AliceMarie3 : Even though I'm Brazilian, my heart beats for Ireland.
AliceMarie3 : One day I'll have the .coms! LOL AliceMarie3 : I call it my .net worth. POETNWRITE : Alice the link again metaphore05 : lol POETNWRITE : lol AliceMarie3 : The links are working, yes? POETNWRITE : I had to enable the options so you could post it POETNWRITE : it didn't show up the first time POETNWRITE : I fixed it, please post it again thanks8AliceMarie3 has left the conversation.8AliceMarie3 has joined the conversation. AliceMarie3 : Seems I was disconnected for a moment there. I'm back. Did you miss me? LOL metaphore05 : ;o) POETNWRITE : but of course
POETNWRITE : It is good to see that you have so much support AliceMarie3 : Any further questions, Nicole? POETNWRITE : I think it is needed AliceMarie3 : I do have a lot of support and am very grateful for it. POETNWRITE : I do, I wanted metaphore to ask a few AliceMarie3 : I'm happy to answer a few more. metaphore05 : you do sound a bit like Enya metaphore05 : and tori amos metaphore05 : ;o) AliceMarie3 : Ah, you had a listen. Enya's wonderful and soothing, so I take it as a compliment. metaphore05 : yes AliceMarie3 : All the comparisons I get are flattering. metaphore05 : i like enya and tori amos POETNWRITE : Let's talk about some of the charities you give to?
AliceMarie3 : Okay. Hudson Cradle is the local one that's dear to me because it helps babies who've entered the world with a lot of challenges. AliceMarie3 : They're based in Jersey City. POETNWRITE : mental AliceMarie3 : Any charity that looks out for the well-being of children gets my attention. POETNWRITE : or any type of challege being physical AliceMarie3 : Essentially they come in with crack cocaine and other drugs in their system. POETNWRITE : understandable...the children are our future AliceMarie3 : The parents are unable or unwilling to care for them. AliceMarie3 : I love Save the Music and what it represents -- keeping arts alive in the schools.
POETNWRITE : Pryncess4005 [8:52 P.M.]: What will you being doing in the future as far as your career? AliceMarie3 : Academics are important for feeding the mind, but the arts feed the soul! POETNWRITE : Alice question f rom Pryncess AliceMarie3 : Hello, Pryncess. I was thinking about the question. AliceMarie3 : My podcast is my great passion right now. Have a listen and it'll give you an idea where I'm going. AliceMarie3 : Sharing my stories and music and interviewing other light-seekers. Collaborating with fellow musician and self-help maven Jo Davidson. POETNWRITE : Now, let's talk about the podcast, why? it is such a rave? AliceMarie3 : Helping others live their dreams and come out of any darkness that might be holding them back. AliceMarie3 : Do you mean podcasts in general? POETNWRITE : Alice that is why? I'm working on my anthology "UnBlock" POETNWRITE : yes
AliceMarie3 : UnBlock sounds like a great idea. We're all here to encourage each other, give each other permission to fly.
AliceMarie3 : As for podcasts, they're widely accessible and essentially uncensored. AliceMarie3 : Mass-marketing is kind of a thing of the past. Now it's all about reaching niche audiences. Poets who have Siamese cats. AliceMarie3 : AliceMarie3 : And happen to be Capricorns. AliceMarie3 : Oh, and of course, the podcasts are free to listeners, so that's always appealing! AliceMarie3 : Not free to produce though...I have to point out! AliceMarie3 : It's been lovely chatting about these important topics, Nicole. POETNWRITE : I must thank you again for first agreeing to interview
AliceMarie3 : My pleasure. POETNWRITE : in First Cut and second for being a guest in live chat with us tonight AliceMarie3 : And I wish you all the best with your anthology, your newsletter. I'm sure they require a lot of time and energy. POETNWRITE : Thank you again for being a person that shapes the imagine of my newsletter POETNWRITE : Yes, but I love it all AliceMarie3 : Thank you for the opportuni-tea. POETNWRITE : lol AliceMarie3 : Good night
POETNWRITE : glad I was around tonight to host POETNWRITE : any time you want to come back the door is open AliceMarie3 : I'm glad you could make it too. POETNWRITE : Thanks lol AliceMarie3 : Thank you, and lots of luck and light for the birth and beyond. AliceMarie3 : Good night! POETNWRITE : Thank you again and we must make time to meet soon POETNWRITE : good night

For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole Poetnwrite@yahoo.com


Image of A Rose by Nicole M. Stevenson


Blaze byAimee barclay Shull
Announcements
Hello,
I hope you're doing well. Spring's here (in NC). The cherry trees are in full bloom and the Japanese Maples are catching up. I've got a few readings/performances lined up for April要arious locations in MD, VA, and NC, as well as three events in New York. If you're in any of these areas, I hope you can make it to one of the dates!
(This info is posted in the Schedule section of my site, too):
Reading-Performance/Columbia, MDDate: 4/20/2006Time: 7:30:00 PMDescription: Featured reader/performer. The Howard County Central Library; 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway; Columbia, MD. For additional info, call 410.313.7834 or email Jean Pfefferkorn at pfefferj@hclibrary.org.
Reading/Richmond, VADate: 4/21/2006Time: 7:30:00 PMDescription: Nathan Leslie, Cheryl Pallant, and I will be reading at Chop Suey Books; 1317 West Cary Street; Richmond, VA. For additional info, call 804.497.4705 or write info@chopsueybooks.com.
Reading-Performance/Greensboro, NCDate: 4/22/2006Time: 7:00:00 PMDescription: Reading-performance, along with Nathan Leslie, Okla Elliott, and Mark Smith-Soto. The Lager Haus; 338 Tate Street; Greensboro, NC 27403. For more information, call 336.273.0973 or write Okla_Elliott@yahoo.com.
Reading/Raleigh, NCDate: 4/23/2006Time: 3:00:00 PMDescription: Nathan Leslie and I will be reading. Quail Ridge Books & Music; 3522 Wade Avenue; Raleigh, NC. For further info, call 919.828.1588.
CD Release Party for Larissa Shmailo/New York, NYDate: 4/29/2006Time: 2:00:00 PMDescription: I'll be joining Larissa, Keith Roach, Iris N. Schwartz, and Peter Spagnuolo. The band Bluebird will also be performing. Emceed by Roxanne Hoffman. The Bowery Poetry Club; 308 Bowery (between Bleecker and Houston); New York, NY. For more info, write SLIDINGSCA@aol.com.
Reading/New York, NYDate: 4/30/2006Time: 6:00:00 PMDescription: I'll be one of the features at the Gathering of the Tribes series, held at 285 E. 3rd Street (2nd floor, between Avenues C & D); New York, NY 10009. For further info, call 212.674.8262.
Reading/New York, NYDate: 4/30/2006Time: 3:00:00 PMDescription: I'll be a feature, along with Mich駘e Ramo and Heidi Hepler, at The Poet to Poet series. The Back Fence; 155 Bleeker Street; New York, NY. Emceed by Robert Dunn. For more info, write dunnmiracle@juno.com.
More of Me Disappears has garnered a few more reviews. Feel free to visit the Review section on my site, if you're interested.
I've got to say it (again): Please consider purchasing a copy of More of Me Disappears. You'll be supporting a poet, poetry, and a great press!
Thanks so much for your interest, and all my best,
John
http://www.johnamen.com/john@johnamen.com

















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Imagenouveau Newsletter
Keeping You In the KnowApril 2006
Spotlight on Michelle Monkou
:: All About Michelle
:: Finders Keepers
:: Live Interview with Michelle
:: Making Promises

Greetings!
Welcome to the April edition of ImageNouveau News. This month we are proud to feature romance novelist Michelle Monkou and her latest novel Island Rendezvous.
In this sultry tale of love we are reintroduced to some of the characters in Finders Keepers. Toni Kimball thinks that her little trip to the Bahamas is the perfect getaway. Little did she know that she would be running from home and into the arms of love.
The Journey to Love ...
In this followup to Finders Keepers, divorcee Toni Kimball is thrilled when her best friend Nicole Montgomery offers her a three-week trip to the Bahamas in hopes that Toni can locate Nicole's brother-in-law. Desperate to escape her parents home in Glenn Knoll until her condo is ready, Toni figures she will just check the phone book once she arrives in Nassau to see if Derek Calverton still lives there--then, spend the rest of her time soaking up the sun and taking in the sights. What she doesn't count on is Derek taking her breath away.
... Happens One Day At A Time
As a charter boat operator, Derek is used to attracting his share of women--whether they be married, divorced or just plain desperate. In the past, he hasn't had any problems keeping his distance, but the handsome bachelor has never met anyone like the vivacious stranger who crosses his path. He volunteers to show Toni around his precious island, and he sees the world through her eyes. Now if only he can find a permanent place in her heart . . .

All About Michelle
A True Multicultural Author
Reading books of all genres, Michelle developed an imagination powerful enough to set lofty goals, like being a published writer. Writing romances proved to be the natural choice after devouring well-crafted stories with historical backdrops from the genre greats like Barbara Cartland, Kathleen Woodiweiss, and Edith Layton, and the contemporary romantic suspense tales from Nora Roberts.
However, representation from the African-American community as romance writers or as main characters in romances was rare. With the pioneering launch of several multi-cultural romance lines and their continued success, there is now an outlet for diversity. Michelle’s dream came true in January, 2002 when she received a two-book contract from BET Books. OPEN YOUR HEART debuted in November 2002, for which she earned the prestigious Emma Award nomination for Favorite New Author of Multicultural Romance. FINDERS KEEPERS hit bookshelves in June 2003 and received an advance review from Romantic Times Book Club with a Top Pick and 4 1/2 stars. GIVE LOVE, a holiday anthology with Linda Hudson-Smith and Francine Craft, was released October 2003. MAKING PROMISES arrived in bookstores October 2004 and was featured in The Baltimore Sun.
Born in England and growing up in Guyana, Michelle enjoyed the rich history and culture of the Caribbean experience. Now living in the United States, she blends all of her influences with her American experience to spin romantic stories about real people with real conflicts who fall in love.
Michelle earned a Bachelor’s in English to hone her skills as a writer and a Master’s in International Business to earn a living while pursuing her dream. She is a member of several chapters of the Romance Writers of America. Michelle resides in the Washington , DC metropolitan area with her husband and two children.

Live Interview with Michelle
Cross Talk
Join us for a live interview with author Michelle Monkou on Thursday, April 5 at 7 p.m. EST on Cross Talk. You can tune in by going to ArtistFirst
If you have a question or comment for Michelle during the show send an email to DJ@artistfirst.com

Finders Keepers

FINDERS KEEPERS is like fine chocolate—only more enjoyable." Romantic Times — Top Pick & 4 1/2 stars

Making Promises

Washington, D. C. journalist Amber Delaney needs a change of scene. She's sick of her sleazy tabloid job, and her attempts at the newest courtship craze— speed dating—have been disastrous. So when she's sent to Texas to cover a career-making exposé, she figures maybe she'll meet a better crop of men. And she does—when her car dies in the scorching heat, she's rescued by a kind and handsome cowboy...the very man she's been sent to dig up dirt on.
Thank you for supporting ImageNouveau and our wonderful clients! Happy reading.
Sincerely, The ImageNouveau Team Donna Hill
Imagenouveau
email: writerdoh@aol.com
web: http://donnahill.com/
Dear Friends,Playscripts is pleased to announce the publication of 4 outstanding new titles, including a fresh adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" by theater legend Jon Jory, founder of the Humana Festival of New Plays. See below for a brief introduction to each play -- and remember that before purchasing books or performance rights, you can go online to read lengthy script samples for free! For full details, visit our New Releases page at: http://www.playscripts.com/new.php3(You can save 5% off all books when you place an order at the Playscripts website -- simply use Discount Code 'KTC' when prompted.)_________________________________________________F U L L - L E N G T H P L A Y S_________________________________________________"Are We There Yet?" by Garth Wingfieldhttp://www.playscripts.com/play.php3?playid=494Comedy/Drama85-95 minutes3 females, 3 males (6-16 actors possible)Amanda has to figure out her life "right now!" Her job largely entails dealing with angsty child actors, her ex-boyfriend keeps popping up in her thoughts and on her phone, and when she's hit with something much, much more overwhelming, she first has to deal with all the well-meaning support thrown her way. "Are We There Yet?" is a lightning-paced, bittersweet comedy about illness and endurance that hits us all where we live."We are all soon seduced by Garth Wingfield's sharp-as-a-scalpel script. A sublimely funny play that crackles, sweeping the audience from the sublimely witty to the tragic. A fluent, well-structured play that also boasts some glorious characterization, demonstrating Mr. Wingfield is at home on the stage. With flare and feeling, this is a play that deserves to travel far." --Evening Standard (London)_________________________________________________"Pride and Prejudice" adapted by Jon Joryfrom the novel by Jane Austenhttp://www.playscripts.com/play.php3?playid=803Romantic comedy120-130 minutes8 females, 6 males (13-40 actors possible)-- Critically-acclaimed premiere this season at three major regional theaters: Arizona Theatre Company, San Jose Repertory Theatre, and Atlanta's Alliance TheatreAll of the wit and romance of Jane Austen's classic 1813 novel come to life in this refreshingly fast-paced and engaging new adaptation. Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet's most urgent priority. But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it's difficult to escape the subject. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense -- but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems. In a society where subtle snubs and deceit proliferate, is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice, and to make the best match of all?"Jory, the former longtime producing director at Actors Theatre of Louisville and founder of its famed Humana Festival of New American Plays, has crafted an exceptionally clear, funny and moving version." --San Francisco Chronicle_________________________________________________S H O R T P L A Y S_________________________________________________"Honour" by C. Denby Swansonhttp://www.playscripts.com/play.php3?playid=807-- Author of "Everything So Far," "Governing Alice," and "The Atomic Adventures of Nikolai Nikolaevich"Drama40-50 minutes3 females, 2 males, 5 either (8-16 actors possible, gender flexible)A young woman named Honour hangs out behind the local big-box store and does nothing with her two best friends, Fib and Tryla -- until one day Fib decides to play a joke on the local military recruiter and fake-enlist. This flippant act draws their small group into a whirlwind of intimate betrayals, but Honour has more than that on her mind -- she's been having visions of Joan of Arc since she was twelve, and now Joan's urging Honour into battle. Meanwhile, a chorus of Cardinals is putting Joan on trial for heresy. (And because they're in St. Louis, they also play baseball.) What is honor? And how do you fight for it?_________________________________________________"The White Problem" by Jon Tuttlehttp://www.playscripts.com/play.php3?playid=526-- Author of "Sonata for Armadillos" and "Drift"Drama45-60 minutes2 males"The White Problem" dramatizes the remarkable life of Richard Greener, the first African-American to graduate from Harvard and one of the leading black intellectuals of the post-Reconstruction era. Facing a future rich with promise, he instead became a pawn in the battle for the hearts and minds of black Americans, was rejected by his wife and children, and died senile and utterly alone. Much of the text -- and the title -- is taken directly from his essays, speeches, and personal papers, and also incorporates the voices of Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois and others."A powerful text ... resonates on historical, literary and personal levels... In a master stroke, Tuttle lifts Greener's name from anonymity and ... reveals his heroism not in his race or class or gender, but in his humanity." --C. Reilly, Charleston City Paper_________________________________________________We hope that you enjoy these new additions to our catalogue. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or suggestions!Best wishes,Doug RandPresidentPlayscripts, Inc.tel/fax: 1-866-NEW-PLAY (639-7529)info@playscripts.comhttp://www.playscripts.com/325 West 38th StreetSuite 305Poetry Midwest is happy to announce the release of theFall 2005 issue (#14).With the new issue now online, Poetry Midwest, a downloadableonline literary journal, seeks poetry and micro-fiction(stories up to 300 words) for the Winter 2006 and otherfuture issues. Poetry Midwest is published three times peryear as a downloadable Adobe Acrobat PDF document. Deadlinefor the Winter 2006 issue is February 13, 2006.To submit, send up to 3 poems or 1 piece of micro-fictionunder 300 words in the body of a single email message to<mailto:submit@poetrymidwest.org> with the subject line"Poetry Midwest Submission: your real name" where "your realname" is your actual name and not the name of your emailaccount. Please DO NOT send email attachments.Full submission guidelines can be found on our web site at<http://www.poetrymidwest.org/>.Please address any inquiries to<mailto:editors@poetrymidwest.org>. Feel free to distributethis announcement to other online and offline venues.Thanks,Matthew W. Schmeer
Article
"Juried Art Shows; Nothing Personal Girl!"By Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
Article Word Count: 735
"Why even enter juried art shows?" a lot of fellow artists have said. I have often agreed, especially while walking away with one of my paintings or sculptures in hand, after being rejected from a show I wrote out a $50.-100. check for. It is humiliating and expensive!
"Why didn't they like me?" I pout close to tears as I lean towards my car.
It is difficult to 'not' take it all personally. What is a girl to do? Every artist I have met, successful or not, has taken the rejection of their work personally at one time or another. It is hard not to. I am an artist though, not a girl trying to be noted in society like Paris Hilton or Britney Spears. Although I must admit that I have contemplated what a good diet would do for me and possible a face lift! I am an artist who is trying to get my work out there in the .com world of galleries that go on forever, to improve my search engine and get noticed by Google and Yahoo. I don't find myself saying to the .com world or to Google or Yahoo, "Why don't you like me?" Of course not! I get on my computer and research about how to get my work noticed and how to compete. I ask myself the hard questions. "Is my work appealing to the buyers out there in cyberspace? Is it marketable, while still being true to myself and my own personal idea of creativity? Have I learned all there is to know?" Never! Who would ever say or think that'?
I don't look at myself that objectively when I enter juried art shows though... or at least I didn't use to. I used to think that it was all connected, my like- ability and my talent. The juror would not only accept me in the show but would honor me with an award because they would view my art and see my heart and glistening smile. They would understand beyond the laziness and excuse the limitations of my painting or sculpture before it was polished off enough to truly call it finished. They would magically understand my true hope for the end result and accept it 'as is'. They would ignore all other competition and choose me because I felt so strongly about what I was trying to say to project the passion inside my heart. Or maybe deep down I felt I should be accepted because I had worked so hard on the last show by setting up the table with flowers and linen table clothes for horderves and wine. Surely I had been noticed!
I am trying to learn to stand back and really look at my work objectively. What else is an easel for huh? I am taking the same approach to juried shows as I have been with the .com world and google and yahoo, with a realistic consideration and an acceptance that there will 'always' be people who are more fit than me... look at Paris Hilton and Britney Spears! Yet, because of my acceptance of the uphill struggle I see myself in the art world with an upward posture and a confidence that if I understand the journey and have my mapquest available to me. I am set. It doesn't take a tsunami to knock me over to accept my fate of being just like everyone else. I now enter juried art shows knowing I have done everything that 'I can' to present the best possible work that 'I' am personally capable of before it leaves my studio. Look out eminem there is a new rapper in town!
About the Author:
Kathy Ostman-Magnusen Hawaii, United States
Aloha! I am a figurative artist and Illustrator. If you check out my website you will see that I am very prolific in oils. My paintings are collected worldwide. I also do sculpture; images available upon request. I have illustrated for Hay House Inc. , Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. I also enjoy story writing and poetry. All of the paintings,stories and poemson my blogs and website are written by me.
Check out my website http://www.kathysart.com/
"Walk On The Wild Side" Series including the painting of "Neon Blue" is not on my website but can be viewed on my blog: http://kathysartcom.blogspot.com/
Aloha!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Ostman-Magnusen
=
30talent Chat Presents
Open forum for all to visit, Talent Talks!!http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/

February you missed author Jonathan Luckett http://www.jonathanluckett.com/ ! If in March you missed singer Alice Marie

http://www.alicemarie.net/

Check out who will be coming next.April 30, 2006 8pm est Erotic author of TOO TEMPTING TO TOUCH, Cherly Holt


May Artist Lashonda Scott Robinson http://scottrdesigns.com/ for more info on this artist's debut stop by our group

June Author Electa Rome Parks http://www.electaromeparks.com/

First Cut! Nicole M. Stevenson Editor 30 talent's First Cut!Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/ Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press http://www.sunpiperpress.com/
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthologyColumnist http://www.blackcoffeemag.com/ http://www.blackcoffeemag.com/ Contributing writer to several sites and magazines For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole Poetnwrite@yahoo.com
Submit Here!!
To All, I'd like you to partcipate an my upcoming anthology deadline June 2006" With submissions from authors Roger Dean Kiser, Renay Anderson, Evie Rhodes,Kim Robinson,Terri L. Bea, Marsha Lewis ,Poets Ayin Adams, myself, Shirley Cheng,Ceo's L. Guy Burton, Gary Wade, PsyD,Theresa S. Kearns, writer Jan Verhoeff, radio host Lillian Cauldwell,Nancy Gilliam songwriter, poet, author,Singer Mark Hughes George Cook owner of Let's Talk Honestly websites and others. Details below and pass on to others as well. Details "Unblock " will be the anthology sharing venues of channeling and connecting to your talent We are looking for stories from artist of all vocations who have encountered obstacles in their life stifling creativity; overcoming these barriers and moving forward with their own personal vision. Most artists have led extraordinary lives bringing them to a level of self gratification and achievement.; many who have endured the most unthinkable conditions. Yet remain undaunted by life's most difficult situations. The goal is to share their sage and wisdom with the world. We often ponder..."What is it that spurs artists onward, in the eye of turmoil, loss, hardships in their lives?" And in asking these questions, we have found inspirational and motivational stories from artists of all generations, since the turn of the century to today's modern individual The vision and mission with this project and book is to find extraordinary stories about other inspirational artists; paying our deepest appreciation and homage to them through their stories. In doing so with this labor of our love and admiration for other artists, we hope to share your story with the world. It will be, after all...the ultimate mark made here and hereafter. A legacy that will remain. We welcome stories from artists of any age whose story is not only inspirational, but stories that depict artists of all walks of life. We strive to find stories that will touch the hearts and lives of our children for generations to come. Your experiences will assist them in discovering basic integrity that they can use in their own lives. Your stories are personal and filled with passion and direction Your story should share your beginnings, life altering moments, and an ending that often closes with a sentiment of what will give other artists hope, inspiration and courage to move forward believing in their talent. The stories we choose will have heart and soul, as well as an element that makes us feel hopeful, connected, grateful, compassionate and appreciative. Story Specifications 1. It is preferred that all submissions are sent via email to: poetnwrite(at)yahoo.com ... 2. If you don't have access to the Internet, please submit your stories preferably typed on plain white 8 1/2" x 11" paper, in 12- point Times New Roman font or on a floppy disk. 2. Please be sure to type the author's name and contact information on the first page of each and every story. 3. Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300- 1200 words 4. Mail your submissions in a flat, 9x12 envelope if possible. 5. No anonymous or author unknown submissions please. 6. Send only one copy of each submission. 7. Contributors will recieve a copy 8. Petra Publishing http://www.petrapublishingcompany.com/ 9. Include Natural photo of yourself jpg 10. Book Release summer 2006 We do not return submissions, so please don't send the original. Chapters of the book will be divided Mail to 115-01 Farmers Blvd St. Albans NY. 11412 Att: Nicole Stevenson Upcoming Events
Toni Beckham408.499.3664Toni@PRetCetera.com

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First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor 30 talent's First Cut!
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press http://www.sunpiperpress.com/
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
Poetnwrite@yahoo.com (direct)

MSN! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: poetnwrite@yahoo.com

Interview with Alfonzo Blackwell

First Cut!


To All,

Welcome to another edition of First Cut! I'm truly glad that so many of you enjoyed the tribute to Gordon Parks. Also welcome to the new members of my group on 30talent msn and Oprah.com. View the art section art work done by actor Tyson Hall! Read the announcements and pay attention to the submit section so you know exactly where to send your works. Meet me in chat http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/ talent Singer Alice Marie Thursday March 30,2006 8pm est be there! Are you using your talent? If not why not?


Your Editor
Nicole M. Stevenson

Poetry
Fireside ImageryI sat and watched the fire dancing in the hearth.
With each snap and crackle, flickering flames, I watched their new found birth.
As I felt the warmth caress me, I felt safe within it's charm.
But to touch oh so lovingly would have caused me so much harm.
So I sat and watched with wonder as the flames slowly died
and I threw another log on just to see the flames rise higher.
I laid on the rug in front of the fireplace dreamy and content,
I closed my eyes and pictured the tree from which I smelled the scent.
A cherry tree with blossoms full, soon ripe with fruit to eat.
In my mind I bit into the fruity flesh, and savored oh so sweet.
I threw another log on with undivided care.
So many images danced through my mind, as I huddled there.
Copyright@2005
Ameasha Brown
ARt
Alpha and OmegaEnamel on Canvas24" X 36
Tyson Hall
Short Story
To Sleep, I DreadDreams that keep me awake
Kenny Love
I'm a 'cursed' novelist because ever since I began writing my first novel, I regularly experience a nightmare.
Cheryl, my beautiful wife, having enjoyed success as a model, decided to settle on a 'normal' career, becoming vice president of a Fortune 500 company.
The only drawback is, until recently, she was required to attend monthly classes or meetings out of town. During these times, the worst nightmares seemed to occur.
As she was away tonight, I experienced another nightmare…this time, best described on a scale of one to ten, as a twelve.
At the very least, it was off the Richter scale. The only good thing, if there was one, was that this was Cheryl's last night away as I anxiously awaited her return.
In this nightmare, she had been killed, although I don't know how, or why. In the opening scene, I was watching the embalming process through tear-soaked eyes, which was nothing like it is today.
Firstly, the funeral parlor was located in a strip mall. Secondly, the embalming area was not located in the rear of the parlor, but was up front and in open view.
Strangely, no passersby seemed upset, as I recalled the experience of death was once considered to be very respectable. But today, it seemed akin to a stop-in at McDonald's, except you casually dropped your order off instead of picking it up.
I watched people walk by, seeing all the gore, a few shrugging their shoulders, but all generally still moving along, most of them apparently not giving another thought to it.
I was immediately cast into this horrific scene, watching my wife embalmed vertically.
She was held up and supported by a strange apparatus that appeared to be a three-inch round elongated PVC-like pipe running vertically from along the left side of her head, down to her left leg, with the angular end of it inserted into her calf.
Her legs were spread a shoulder-width apart as her head sagged, with her chin resting against her chest. Her eyes were closed and her arms were outstretched and supported on what appeared to be a five-foot crossbar that ran behind her neck, giving her the appearance of being crucified.
She was still dressed, sans stockings, in a purple skirt and wearing the patent leather black high heels I had bought for this particular meeting.
I stared in disbelief as the blood churned and dripped, making awful sounds as the unforgiving embalming system forced it from her body and into what appeared to be a bucket that had been placed directly below her leg. Each drop seemed to be amplified as if a microphone was sending its reverberating sound through a public address system.
I approached to get a closer look, accessing the podium on which she was propped and braved a peek at the top of the pipe-like element, which I discovered had an open end.
I can't even remember what I saw or felt but I suddenly moved away from her and off the podium.
Through my peripheral vision, I saw a female whom I assumed was a mortician, dressed in a powder blue shower cap and matching waist-length clinical jacket, blue jeans and sneakers. She was on her knees spreading two types of gooey messes on the floor in wide back-and-forth rituals.
One of the messes she was spreading was a sparkling light green in color while the other mess was a hazy yellow that appeared to emit a foggy-like mist from it that rose to the ceiling.
An express delivery service person wearing a dark brown uniform labeled, "Jetstream Services" across the left side of the chest, burst into the parlor, flinging one of the double glass doors against the wall, then rushed to the mortician and handed her a small boxed package while saying nothing. I could not see his face because of a mask and cap.
The mortician stared up at the deliveryman with fear. She then yelled at me to run to her car and get her purse, which I did, although I can't explain how I knew which car was hers.
Rushing back inside and handing her the purse, the mortician, still on her knees and upset, jerked the purse from me and opened it. She extracted a money clip of bills and tossed it to the delivery guy, who then rushed out.
As I was still standing a few feet away from Cheryl's body, I had just turned to get another glimpse of her still being embalmed by this strange insensitive contraption when she startled me by suddenly jerking her head up from her chest, opening her eyes and locking a fixed stare onto something directly across the room on the far wall.
Simultaneously, she removed her arms from the crossbar and brought them down by her sides. She then flexed the muscle in her calf, which caused the contraption to remove itself while emitting a buzzing sound.
She then elevated her left leg in a jerky movement, and held it in a frozen state while the blood still dripped intermittently.
A male mortician entered from a back room, looked at my wife, and then stared at me while stating that some unwelcome visitor had been in the funeral parlor "messing with the body."
Suddenly, all hell broke loose. Cheryl's body made a strange guttural sound as she released her fixated stare, then turned to me. With a faint smile, she stepped away from the apparatus and down from the podium to the floor as her body appeared to gather its composure.
Then, more bodies, in all stages of decomposition appeared and began dancing around happily in what appeared to be a celebration of being 'alive'.
Seeing all of this, I'm now past the brink of any possible return to sanity and finally make my getaway, bolting out the parlor's front doors like a madman for my car, which was parked alongside the curb.
Rushing to it, while gathering the keys from my pants pocket, that old black and white movie, "Night of the Living Dead," began playing over and over in my mind.
The last scene I remember as I slammed my door, started my car and threw it in gear, was looking through the parlor's window to see the male mortician laughing uncontrollably at me while sitting in a rocking chair, holding a once dead baby. I barely smelled the smoke and heard the screeching from my car's spinning tires.
I was awakened by knocking at my door. I abruptly sat up, wiped the sweat from my brow and gathered my robe from the foot of the bed, putting it on as I headed for the door.
Peering through the peephole, I could see two uniformed policemen. A cold fear enveloped me as I, reluctantly, turned the knob.
"Um, what's the problem, officers?"
"Are you Mr. Simon...Mr. Peter Simon?" one asked.
"Yes, I'm Peter Simon...what's going on?"
"I'm afraid we have some unsettling news, Sir... it's..." He hesitated, looked at his partner, then back at me. "It's about your wife, Sir," he continued.
A chill ran down the length of my spine and I felt my palms moisten.
"My...my wife?" I muttered. "Wha-what happened?" I asked.
"Sir, I'm afraid there has been an accident," the other officer informed me.
"An accident? What kind of an accident?" I inquired, uncertain if it was Cheryl's inbound plane, or if she had an accident on the way home, as she had driven her car to the airport and left it reserved.
"Sir, your wife's plane crashed while en route from Saint Louis…unfortunately, there were no survivors."
Hearing this caused me to stagger backward as I drew my hands to my face and began to openly weep.
"Sir," the other officer began. "Sir, we are, indeed, sorry for your loss. If you will please come with us for identification…” he said.
"Yes...sure," I responded. "Please come in while I dress."
I dressed as they waited, then chauffeured me to the coroner's office located on the east side of town. After a thirty-minute drive, we turned into an all too familiar territory...pulling alongside the curb of a strip mall.
The driver shut off the car and both officers began to gather their accessories and exit the vehicle as I still sat, reluctant to move. Afraid of what was unfolding, I turned and peered out the car window and through the coroner's window to see in plain view, my wife in a vertical position, supported by the same type of apparatus in my nightmare.
I could also see the same male and female morticians with eerie grins on their faces, awaiting my exit from the police cruiser. They stared at me, and I, at them.
"God," I prayed as the officer opened and held the door for me while I exited the cruiser. "Please let this be just another friggin' nightmare."
Faces of People I wrote articles about or I've interviewed whether in newsletter, magazines or for my radio show First Cut!
Diana Petry Author/Poet
Evie Rhodes Novelist, Award-Winning Songwriter and Award-Winning Music Video Scriptwriter

Must Read!
Coming February 1, 2006 from Kensington Dafina

In this powerful collection, four acclaimed writers put their talents together to tell the unforgettable story of three sisters separated as infants-and how their paths finally cross in adulthood.
Leticia, Jamilla and Clarissa Holmes each know that they're one in a set of quadruplets-but that's about all they know. Now they're adults, thirty-three-year old women who are as different as can be. But they have one thing in common: they have never given up on the idea of one day finding each other.




Comic Said


What People Are Saying About First Cut!
Nicole,
What a fantastic tribute to Gordon Parks. I didn't realize how he
captured the face of black America until I read your article today.
His work will be missed.
Thanks for running my article with today's First Cut. I only hope
that it helps a few people out there notice this fantastic world that is all around them.
I loved your interview with Tyson Hall too. You so easily capture the essense of the person you are interviewing. Keep up the great work. Wishing you every joy, Joe

Announcements
Hey guys… join Marc Medley’s group. Here is the link http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thereadingcircle01/ .
This is a great opportunity for authors who are looking for more exposure from a great radio show focused on literacy and the betterment of our community.
Denise Campbell
Author/ Entrepreneur/ Screenplay
Titles: Love Thy Sister Watch Thy Back, Spanish Eyes,
Ebony Passion, By Faith, Man killer
http://www.denisecampbell.com/
Pass it on!Visit The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/TAF_1101 today and every day to click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button and help fund free mammograms for homeless, working-poor and uninsured women.This simple action costs you nothing, but makes early detection and survival possible! Funding is paid by site sponsors and goes to the nonprofit National Breast Cancer Foundation, which uses it to fund programs that provide free mammography screenings to women in need. You can click once per day.Pass it along as a way to fight breast cancer all year long!http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/TAF_1101Keep this chain of hope going.... Forward this email to others who may be interested in helping. Thanks for spreading the word!

Looking for persons that are talented in would like to network and have their talents get more exposure. Singers, Actors,Writers,Photographers, Editors, Agents, Artist all welcome. Welcome everyone, this is the platform for you join http://groups.msn.com/30Talent

Dear Nicole:Dramatists Play Service is pleased to announce the publication of: McREELE by Stephen Belber 3M, 2W “…Stephen Belber has kept a conscientious ear and an observant eye on the manipulative power of our easily misguided/hoodwinked mainstream media and its ability to willfully deceive itself. MCREELE courageously…illustrates this unfortunate state of affairs in the affairs of state.” —CurtainUp. “Stephen Belber’s new play, MCREELE, has a lot on its mind: truth and honesty in public and private life, media manipulation, faith in the judicial system, the packaging of a political persona, redemption from past disgrace.” —Variety. “…synthesizes all the best elements of political and racial drama and possesses the kind of clarity and moment-to-moment logic actors prize.” —nytheatre.com. PRIVILEGE by Paul Weitz1M, 2W, 2 boys “…delicately funny… [a] clear-eyed comedy about the collateral damage sustained by the family of a disgraced businessman…humanizes a world normally glimpsed only in tabloid flashes…[Weitz’s] bottomless knowledge of this territory emerges in small details that illuminate both the surface absurdity and the underlying poignancy…Weitz understands how the culture of wealth can weaken the bonds between parents and children.” —NY Times. “…the play succeeds wonderfully…a beautiful portrait of brothers helping each other cope with the adult world.” —NY Post. “Weitz has a gift for capturing the parlance of youth…” —Variety. --------------------------------------------------------------------------To read about these titles and purchase acting editions, visit the Now Published page on our web site at http://www.dramatists.com--------------------------------------------------------------------------Dramatists Play Service, Inc.440 Park Avenue SouthNew York, NY 10016Tel. 212-683-8960Fax 212-213-1539www.dramatists.compostmaster@dramatists.com

30talent Chat Presents
Open forum for all to visit, Talent Talks!!http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/

February you missed him author Jonathan Luckett http://www.jonathanluckett.com/ ! Check out who will be coming next.





March 30,2006 8pm est Singer Alice Marie

http://www.AliceMarie.net

April 30, 2006 8pm est Erotic author of TOO TEMPTING TO TOUCH, Cherly Holt


May Artist Lashonda Scott Robinson http://scottrdesigns.com for more info on this artist's debut stop by our group



First Cut! Nicole M. Stevenson Editor 30 talent's First Cut!Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/ Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press http://www.sunpiperpress.com/
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthologyColumnist www.blackcoffeemag.com http://www.blackcoffeemag.com/ Contributing writer to several sites and magazines For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole Poetnwrite@yahoo.com
Article
FORGIVENESS
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
I was driving down the road the other day when I saw a sign in front of a church. It said, "Forgive your enemies. It messes with their minds." As I read this sign I felt a smile come to my lips, a feeling of delight come to my heart, and a long, deep laugh come from my belly. When I finally stopped laughing at the joyous humor on this sign I realized something. What it said couldn’t be more true.
A person whose mind is full of anger, after all, gives anger to the world and expects anger in return. In the same way a person whose heart is full of hate, shares that hate with the world and expects hate in return. Likewise a person whose soul is full of hurting passes that hurt on to the world and expects to be hurt again in return. It is a horrible and vicious cycle that eventually destroys the person’s life and harms everyone he touches.
It is forgiveness that breaks this cycle, however. It is forgiveness that messes up the mind full of anger and shows it that there is another way to live. When you forgive another you keep your own mind full of peace, your own heart full of love, and your own soul full of joy. When you forgive another you pass these precious gifts along to them as well. When you forgive another you live the way that God meant for you to live and you show everyone around you how a Child of God can make this world a better and more loving place.
Keep on forgiving others then. Keep on messing with their minds. Keep on helping their hearts and souls. Keep on living the life that God meant for you to live. If you have to do it seventy times seven times then do so happily. God never stops forgiving us. Why should we ever stop forgiving other
Interviews This Way!
Multi Talent by Nicole M. Stevenson
Alfonzo Blackwell
When did you start playing the Sax?

AB: Well, I first learned to play the piano, by ear at the age of four. Before I finally chose to play the saxophone, I played the trumpet. Then I started playing the saxophone at eleven years old. My parents were a great influence on my love of music.

How many instruments do you play?

AB: There are several instruments that I love to play. I play the soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, piano, drums, bass and guitar.

When did you decide to write songs?

AB: Actually, I've been writing songs since I was very young. I was writing music since I was about thirteen years old. I've always enjoyed expressing myself, emotionally, spiritually and mentally through my music. Music is a profound art form that has the ability to capture one's senses in amazing ways. I strive to keep my creativity at the highest level at all times. Life inspires my work.

What has it meant to you to see your songs become a success?

AB: Well, Nicole I have to tell you that it's extremely pleasant and gratifying that throughout my recording career, my songs have been very successful. Radio and retail have been very good to me. It's truly a blessing for me. From song conception to mixing the final cut to hearing that the song is climbing the charts and is on its way to becoming a hit success. All these things are very inspiring and keeps me going on my musical journey. I have a great support system which starts with my parents, family and close friends.

What made you decide to start your own Recording Company?

AB: Wow, that's been a huge undertaking. I would answer that by letting you know that I originally had asked myself- Why not start my own Recording Company? I've been through the ends and outs of this business for so many years and I had acquired the necessary business knowledge and experience to run a successful company of my own. I knew that I was capable of accomplishing this massive feat. The industry has been slowly chipping away from its own self. I wanted to fill the gap that the industry has been carving out for several years now. That is...music has lost a lot of it's realness and creativity, just for quick profits. At Utopia Records, my goal is to remain at the cutting edge of creativity while fostering meaningful relationships with my artists and blazing a trail for these talented, innovative and expressive artists. As CEO, I ensure that a healthy, productive and creative flow process is prevalent amongst the artists, staff and myself. Utopia Records is a family. Success is measured by integrity at Utopia Records.

How long have you been in recording business?

AB: I've been in the recording industry for well over eleven years now and I founded Utopia Records in 1999.

What has been some of your greatest accomplishments?

AB: Some of my greatest accomplishments have been, firstly remaining grounded while in this business. I thank the creator everyday for my blessings. Second, my family has been the greatest support system for me and that is truly an accomplishment because it's a struggle to keep everything together at all times. My notable professional accomplishments are being a Top 10 Billboard charting recording artist, Billboard Music Video Nominee, Top 5 Song radio airplay artist, special guest performer for several great artists shows such as Gladys Knight, The Whispers and Brian McKnight, composed various theme songs for movies such as "Never Talk to Strangers" and also for television shows such as "Baywatch Nights", special guest performer for the prestigious 40 under 40 awards ceremony for bright, intelligent and successful black pioneers and entrepreneurs. Also, having music legends such as Bert Padell and Brother James Mtume take notice of my work, really means a great deal to me. Currently, I am the Founder and Musical Director of
two fast growing independently owned internet radio stations of its kind-SoulfulSmoothJazz.com Radio and SoulfulClassics.com Radio. The stations are smooth jazz, chill, classic soul and R&B formats. This is a major accomplishment for me at this present time.

Have you ever thought about opening up a school for the arts?

AB: Yes, I've always planned to eventually open up a school for the arts. That's what public schools are lacking at this time, music and art programs. I want to give children a place where they can go to be inspired like I had when I was young. Unfortunately, these types of programs are being shut out of schools. We need to make sure that we keep the music, dance, acting, poetry and art classes going so that we can continue to groom the young, or else there won't be the next great artists of the future. It's all of our responsibility. It's also a fact, that children are better academic students when they participate in music and the arts. My goal is to develop the center in a few more years. I also plan to expand the center to other cities as well. We must inspire and empower the our next generation!


Do you volunteer your time in anyway?

AB: I volunteer at various organizations including non-profit and charities that I care deeply about. I go to inner city public schools and conduct music clinics and seminars. I'm a board member of the Artist Empowerment Coalition which was founded by L. Londell McMillan, Esq. and Prince. This coalition was created to fight for the rights of musicians and recording artists regarding benefits, ownership of masters and etc. This cause means a lot to me because it symbolizes strength, integrity, courage and empowerment for all artists. I also have done voluntary work with the Rainbow House group home for infants with HIV. This is an epidemic that still needs a cure and it's extremely important that the entire world supports HIV and AIDS programs. We all are effected by this disease in some way.

Where can you imagine yourself to be in the future?

AB: That's an interesting question, Nicole. I named my first CD "Let's Imagine..." This stands for the imagination that lies in all of us. This also stands for the dreams and desires in all of us and most importantly, it stands for whatever, one can imagine... I see my future as a never ending journey that will be filled with the light of greatness and honor. I say honor because I'm honored to be on this earth to receive the gift of music and I say greatness because I constantly strive to be great and the best at what I set out to do in my life. I will always do things with honor and style. I will always 'keep it real'. I am reaching for unlimited possibilities, professionally and personally. There are so many things that I still want to do and accomplish. When I have lived more years, I will definitely write books about my life and other topics that fascinate me. I would like to teach the entire world, music in different forms of media and communications. I will continue to brand my music and make it available for all to receive something from it. I plan to own several other businesses as well and enter into joint business affairs with other talented young entrepreneurs. I'm already developing concepts for my future enterprises. I'm looking forward to accomplishing my future goals. ■

Alfonzo Blackwell's latest CD "Never Let You Go" is scheduled for release on May 30th.
Alfonzo Blackwell
www.alfonzoblackwell.com

Utopia Records
http://www.utopiarecordings.com/

SoulfulSmoothJazz.com Radio
http://www.soulfulsmoothjazz.com/

SoulfulClassics.com Radio
www.soulfulclassics.com

Submit
To All, I'd like you to partcipate an my upcoming anthology deadline June 2006" With submissions from authors Roger Dean Kiser, Renay Anderson, Evie Rhodes,Kim Robinson,Terri L. Bea, Marsha Lewis ,Poets Ayin Adams, myself, Shirley Cheng,Ceo's L. Guy Burton, Gary Wade, PsyD,Theresa S. Kearns, writer Jan Verhoeff, radio host Lillian Cauldwell,Nancy Gilliam songwriter, poet, author,Singer Mark Hughes George Cook owner of Let's Talk Honestly websites and others. Details below and pass on to others as well. Details "Unblock " will be the anthology sharing venues of channeling and connecting to your talent We are looking for stories from artist of all vocations who have encountered obstacles in their life stifling creativity; overcoming these barriers and moving forward with their own personal vision. Most artists have led extraordinary lives bringing them to a level of self gratification and achievement.; many who have endured the most unthinkable conditions. Yet remain undaunted by life's most difficult situations. The goal is to share their sage and wisdom with the world. We often ponder..."What is it that spurs artists onward, in the eye of turmoil, loss, hardships in their lives?" And in asking these questions, we have found inspirational and motivational stories from artists of all generations, since the turn of the century to today's modern individual The vision and mission with this project and book is to find extraordinary stories about other inspirational artists; paying our deepest appreciation and homage to them through their stories. In doing so with this labor of our love and admiration for other artists, we hope to share your story with the world. It will be, after all...the ultimate mark made here and hereafter. A legacy that will remain. We welcome stories from artists of any age whose story is not only inspirational, but stories that depict artists of all walks of life. We strive to find stories that will touch the hearts and lives of our children for generations to come. Your experiences will assist them in discovering basic integrity that they can use in their own lives. Your stories are personal and filled with passion and direction Your story should share your beginnings, life altering moments, and an ending that often closes with a sentiment of what will give other artists hope, inspiration and courage to move forward believing in their talent. The stories we choose will have heart and soul, as well as an element that makes us feel hopeful, connected, grateful, compassionate and appreciative. Story Specifications 1. It is preferred that all submissions are sent via email to: poetnwrite(at)yahoo.com ... 2. If you don't have access to the Internet, please submit your stories preferably typed on plain white 8 1/2" x 11" paper, in 12- point Times New Roman font or on a floppy disk. 2. Please be sure to type the author's name and contact information on the first page of each and every story. 3. Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300- 1200 words 4. Mail your submissions in a flat, 9x12 envelope if possible. 5. No anonymous or author unknown submissions please. 6. Send only one copy of each submission. 7. Contributors will recieve a copy 8. Petra Publishing http://www.petrapublishingcompany.com/ 9. Include Natural photo of yourself jpg 10. Book Release summer 2006 We do not return submissions, so please don't send the original. Chapters of the book will be divided Mail to 115-01 Farmers Blvd St. Albans NY. 11412 Att: Nicole Stevenson
Past Event
If unable to view promotional below, please click here:http://photos.imageevent.com/pretc/tonisholdingsite/2006-10Most-Promo.jpg
Master and Mistress of Ceremonies
Talented actor, writer and comedian, Rodney Perry is just off his duties as host of the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition, You may remember him starring along side Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey in Johnson Family Vacation. He has performed on BET Comic View
RODNEY PERRY
Golden Brooks is currently starring as Maya Wilkes, a sharp-tongued but good-hearted working mom who is trying to get her life back on track after her recent divorce, in UPN's Girlfriends. Brooks has an impressive list of television credits, and has performed extensively in theater. The
GOLDEN BROOKS
and Showtime at the Apollo. Perry is featured in the DVD/Pay per View Special Cedric the Entertainer's Starting Lineup II. Perry recently completed three films - Show-stoppers, Legacy with Tom Green and Halie Duff, and Wifey with Brian Hooks.
Multi-Cultural Prism Award recipient starred as an outspoken stylist in the feature Beauty Shop, starring Queen Latifah. She can currently be seen in Something New, opposite Blair Underwood and Sanna Lathan.
Featuring ...
Vocals by Neo-Soul ArtistSandy Griffith
Gospel GroupEugene Cole and Persuaded
Youth Hip Hop Dance Group W.H.A.T. from SF's Sunset Academy of Dance
Background host and narrator KBLX's Nikki Thomas
Video voiceovers by NBC11's Cheryl Hurd and T.J. Holmes

Yerba Buena Center forThe Arts Theater
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2006Doors Open at 7:00
Yerba Buena Centerfor the Arts Theater700 Howard St. @ ThirdSan Francisco, CA
$55 Call theater box office 415.978.2787

Benefiting "Take Flight" Continuing Education Program
Don your tuxedo or striking evening dress; pull your auto up to a waiting valet; and stroll down the fabulous red carpet to experience the glitz, glamour and entertainment whilecomfortably-seated at the exciting Grammy-style awards gala. -- A black-tie affair!

Companies/organizations interested in sponsorship, please email advertise@cityflight.com
Upcoming Events



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Well Connected Management & Events & Legacy Unlimited Entertainment (L.U.E)

Present NEW YORK'S HOTTEST SHOWCASE @ NEW YORK HOTTEST CLUB !
The National A&R & MAJOR LABEL SHOWCASE
Wed April 5th @CLUB SOL 609 W 29th St. NYC (11th/12th AVE)
6PM HEAVY NETWORKING! / 7PM SHOWCASE / AFTER PARTY 10:PM

MEDIA, A&R REPS & RECORD LABELS WILL BE ON HAND TO PARTY & WATCH THE HOTTEST 12 R&B, SOUL, LATIN & HIP HOP ACTS IN THE COUNTRY !
*INDUSTRY PEOPLE & LABELS!* WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS WORTH GOING TO?PUT IT THIS WAY (& READ SIDE COLLUM-->)OTHER A&R REPS, SIGNED ARTISTS & VIPs ARE ASKING US!, to put THEIR artists on! (that should tell you something!)A&R REPS & VIPs! to RSVP email WellConnectedMan@aol.com YOUR name, title, & company (A&R REPS RECEIVE FREE DRINK PASSES & VIP PASS!)ONLY 10 to 12 OF THE HOTTEST HIP HOP, & R&B, & POP ACTS WILL PERFORM FOR THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE INDUSTRY this night!




"S"-Wu Tang Clan, Cadinze.net, Giovonni Supreme




VP of A&R for KOCH & TVT (Dave Wilkes & Sean Roberts)




"BB" Universal Music, Well Connected Mgt.'s Brian Jay, "Cyn" Warner Brothers / Baroness Mgmt./Black Collar Records




BRIAN J-WMC, PLATINUM PRODUCERS The HEATMAKERS, FAT JOE & ICE T's MGR Mickey B, HIP HOP LEGEND MELE MEL




"OC"- VP A&R Universal Music, "FJ" National Dir. Atlantic Records, RUSSELL SIMONS MUSIC GROUP




XXL & KING Magazine EDITOR Bonsu, Wu Tang, Warner Bros/Barones
"This is THE EVENT, in the GAME RIGHT NOW" -SPIT DVD"My Dude Brian, [Well Connected Mgt], has the hot events in NY, I check em out, when I'm in town" SHAQUILLE O'NEAL"LOooooVED IT, I had a great time, thank you Soooo much!" Egypt -Power 105 FM Radio personality"
Columbia Records
"I just wanted to thank you for inviting me to the event. It was a very cool event and I will definetely be at your next one. Let me know what new things you are working on. Best wishes". CC - Columbia Records A&R

UNIVERSAL MUSIC & POWER 105.1 fm, (wwpr - New York)
"Brian, just wanted to thank you again for inviting me to the event last night. I appreciate how you took time and introduced me to people. I would like attend the next event that Well Connected is doing. As well as be involved with the production. Keep me posted as to what is going on the future. Thanks again". Brown- Universal Records A&R & Power 105

WARNER BROTHER RECORDS
"You are the coolest. It's hard to find good people I am convinced that you are :) I would love to work with you in any aspect. seeing first had how attentive you are impresses me a lot" -"C" Warner Brothers A&R Rep "Incredible hosts & talent every show" OWNERS ILLUSTRATED. "Once we went to the first WCM [Well Connected Mgmt.] event, we wanted to cover & attend EVERY ONE! SGIB MAGAZINE owner & best friend to the Godfather Of Soul JAMES BROWN. Gerard McCloud

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03-26-06 Pazook 03-15-06 AutumnMoon_Isis2 03-10-06 AliceMarie3Advertisement

Angela Wallace
Secret Dramas - Some secrets are meant to be told...
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First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor 30 talent's First Cut!
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press www.sunpiperpress.com
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
Poetnwrite@yahoo.com (direct)

MSN! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: poetnwrite@yahoo.com

First Cut Connecting To The Arts Tribute To Gordon Parks

First Cut!







Tribute Freedom Fighter
(AP)
Gordon Parks in December of 1968 directing the filming of 'The Learning Tree.'
Legendary photographer,filmaker,author,composer and muscian Gordon Parks!






To All,

I am truly happy to bring you another edition of First Cut but saddened by the lost of another talent Gordon Parks please enjoy my tribute to him and his talents. Thank you Mr. Parks for being a Freedom Fighter and setting the trail on fire! To all of the talented individuals that are coloring outside of the line....what a way to go! Multi talents keep on going don't let anyone close the lid on your dreams there are to many of you to name. Thanks to Actor/Artist Tyson Hall and Artist Lashonda S. Robinson for allowing your art to grace our pages.

Regards
Your Editor
Nicole M. Stevenson


ART

Tyson Hall
RevalationAcrylic on Canvas60" X 72"

Lashonda Scott Robinson

Foxy Brown

Tribute
Gordon Parks the multi talent, as I think back to last summer when Mr. Parks was being honored for the Phyliss Wheatley awards at the Schomberg how excited I was to meet the man behind the imagine. As, I thought about bringing his book faces so he could sign it and I thought this book is huge. The same word that comes to mind when I think of his accomplishments.

What does it mean to be first? Gordon Parks Hollywood's first major African-American filmmaker! He has been called the Godfather of Black photography and Black cinema. Parks' photographs of Harlem's Street Gangs from the World War II era render the gangsters elegant, and his photographs of Muhammad Ali and Malcom X are iconographic. Parks was for a long time the lone black photographer at Life; where over 300 of his photographs were published in the three decades he worked for the magazine. His 1971 book of photos, 'Born Black,' documents the resistance movement from Martin Luther King Jr. to Stokley Carmichael. His films'The Learning Tree' and particularly 'Shaft' were influential not only on future generations but his peers in Hollywood at the time.

.
Gordon ParksLangston Hughes, Chicago1941


Filmmakers Warrington Hudlin, Ossie Davis, Gordon Parks and Melvin Van Peebles meet in 2005. (Everett Collection)

I remembered the interview of 2005 because I was glued to the tv to hear the remarkable stories told by such Filmmakers Warrington Hudlin, Ossie Davis, Gordon Parks and Melvin Van Peebles . Gordon Parks has proven that a picture is worth a thousand words and Gordon Parks' photos are priceless!



Gordon ParksMuhammad Ali in Training, Miami, Florida1966
Poetry
In the twilight of a candle

Where have you been,the crowd was lost,the voices frozen,under many footsteps,lonely footsteps,underway to life and death and the silencebecame so deep,that even one eye could seea face in a mirror,in the twilight of a candle,watching how days went by,when the dream was ill,a dream seems to die,but you stood up in the rain.no matter all the tears,heavy shadows and pain,collecting every spark the ones of red,orange, green and pink,feeling so much better,feeling life and nature,link after link, still very relative,and so enjoy as long as you live,every link, because life,is short, is a ripple,a winkAllRightsReserved©AlexBlok2006

Faces of People I wrote articles about or I've interviewed whether in newsletter, magazines or for my radio show First Cut!

Alfonzo Blackwell musican


Cherly Holt author
Must Read!


Comic Said


What People Are Saying About First Cut!

Nicole,
I loved your interview and am glad that you included your art work as well. You still are going strong at 34 weeks and First
Cut has never been better.
Thanks for including my vision of a better world.Enjoy holding that new baby girl in your arms. They grow up so very fast. Wishing you every joy, Joe


Article
PAY ATTENTION
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
God gave me another gentle reminder of what is essential this morning. I was rushing around trying to get too many things done at once and not doing any of them very well. As I was about to start my next chore, though, I caught a glimpse of brilliant light shining through my living room window. The sun had just risen over the mountains and was shining brightly down on the Earth. It’s glorious, golden beams were joyfully waking the world. Seeing this I walked out on my front porch to take a break from doing and spend some time living. The sky was the purest blue imaginable. The air was so fresh and cool that I breathed in deeply with delight. I listened to the birds singing happily in the nearby trees as they greeted the morning. I then stood for awhile paying attention to this wonderful world God has given us. Before I went back inside I told God just how much I loved Him and thanked Him again for my life.
Life is so full of beauty, wonder, and delight. Life is so full of kindness, peace, and happiness. Life is so full of love and joy. God has given us a world overflowing with good things for us to rejoice in. It is up to us, however, to pay attention to them. It is up to us to take them into our hearts, souls, and minds. And it is up to us to share them with the world.
Don’t go through life too busy to see that essential wonder and beauty around you then. Pay attention to it. Pay attention to that golden sunlight and brilliant blue sky. Pay attention to that first flower poking its head through the dirt in the Spring. Pay attention to that smiling child wanting to play and laugh with you. Pay attention to that beautiful, old soul sharing stories about his life with you. Pay attention to those people who are reaching out to you and offering to share their love and joy with you. Pay attention to the glorious love that God freely offers you every second of your life. Life is too short not to pay attention.
Announcements
THE 1st ASPICOMM SELF PUBLISHING SYMPOSIUM & 1ST S’INDIE AWARDS PRODUCED BYRENEE FLAGLER DURING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH IS A LITERARY SUCCESS!by Heather Covingtonwww. Disilgold.comWhere were the next top self-published authors from around the nationduring Women’s History Month like Marc Lacy; author of (The Looking Heart &Reflux CD), Rodney E. Daniels (Only God Can Create a Woman), SherryBrantley (Best of Friends), Shirley Green (God Within a Shadow), VernelleEdwards (Missionary) James Nash (Truth Told), Naomi Douglas Davis (Write1.com), Mel Hopkins (Sleeping With the D-Man), C. Renee West (Caught in theStruggle), Joan Robertson (In the Winter of Her Season), Sherry Brantley(Choices the Power Within You), Leon Dickerson (Dr. Dickerson, HisDissertation, and God), Shirley Green (God Within The Shadow), VernelleEdwards (Missionary) and Lonetta M. Taylor (Fia and the Buttefly) on March12, 2006 from 8:00am-5:00pm?These next happening authors fast on their way up to the top of theAfrican- American literary scene as many guests got to know about theirlives and stories one- by- one were at The 1st Aspicomm Self-PublishingSymposium and S’Indie Awards, held at the monumental and historicalSchomberg Center of Research in Black Culture and founded and produced byMs. Renee Flagler (Aspicomm.com); Best Selling Essence Author of MountainHigh, Valley Low and founder of Futures by Design; a non profitorganization with “a mission to mentor and coach at risk teens for brighterfutures.” Monumental history was made on this day!The Aspicomm S’Indie Award winners were selected with much anticipation,nervousness and excitement in the air. Sherry Brantley; author of Best ofFriends won for Best Fiction Novelist, Kevin Wayne Johnson; author of GiveGod the Glory (not present) won for Best Non-Fiction, Marc Lacy; author ofThe Looking Heart won for Best Poet of the Year, Joan Robertson won forBest Spiritual/ Inspirational Novel, Lonnetta M. Taylor; author of Fia andthe Butterfly won for Best Children’s Book and Shirley Green; author of GodWithin the Shadow won for Best Cover. Heather Covington (President of theYOUnity Guild of America; editor-in-chief of Disilgold Soul Literary Review(Disilgold.com), EMCEE and judge of self-publishing contest, was awardedwith the Aspicomm Trailblazer Award of Excellence for outstandingachievement in publishing, media, marketing and support of the literarycommunity.The self-published authors were asked to introduce themselves and shareinsight about their books. Key highlights were when self-published authorLeon Dickerson (Dr. Dickerson, His Dissertation, And God) won iUniverseSelf-Publishing’s 8 week showcase program on Barnes & Noble Bookstores. Heather Covington invited JOLIE Magazine whom she’ll be referring 5 starbooks and writing movie and music reviews. The May 2nd Issue will featurepoet Marc Lacy, The Aspicomm Poet of the Year, Candice Dow (Caught in theMix), and Darshell DuBose Smith signed to Amber Books,Tony Rose’s leadingAfrican-American Publishing Company of Self-Help Books, Career Guides andCelebrity Bios (Amber Books.com) and who also attended the 1st YOUnityGuild Awards featuring Michael Baisden and Def Jam’s Bruce George.Poet Marc Lacy and all the way from Alabama was announced for multipleawards by C& B Book Distribution and Disilgold Soul Magazine. He will befeatured in JOLIE Magazine; “the First Beauty Magazine for African-American Women of Color (www. jolieliveprety. com) thanks to Ms. ReneeFlagler’s referral of Marc Lacy to the YOUnity Guild.JOLIE Magazine publishers attended the event and were surprised with a BestBeauty Magazine of the Year Award in commemoration of Woman’s History Monthfor fostering high self image in woman and being a leading new beauty andwellness publication focusing on women of color.Currently, there is nomagazine on the market that focuses strictly on beauty and style from anethnic perspective. Jolie Magazine was founded in 2005 by twoAfrican-American women, Alicia Marie Rivers & Rachel Breton afterrecognizing that African American communities, as well as Latino, Asian andother minority groups are grossly underserved in the quality and quantityof beauty, fashion, celebrity and style publications targeted to itsaudience. Jolie strategically caters to the needs and wants of this nichemarket.Other highlights marveled at this powerful event. Self-Published author,Rodney Daniels expressed his plans to take his book, “Only God Can Create aWoman” to the top where to belongs. The audience was marveled by authorNaomi Douglas Davis’s Write1.com featuring interactive email dialogue fromcharacters. Best Selling author, Vincent Alexandria was called up for asurprise role play skit on how to get industry people to notice a newauthor’s work to add entertainment for a venue designed to bring lessstress to the game of publishing and more motivation, encouragement andprofessional advice.Other notable and talented self- published authors from around the nationattended the event, receiving a generous wealth of information onspecially entitled panel discussions such as “How to Succeed in thePublishing Game,” “To Sell or Not Sell One’s Book,” “Distribute and GetPaid,”Rising Above the Masses; Marketing, Promotions & Publicity),”“Targeted Success by Market,”“Access to Capital & Smart Money Management bySmall Business Administration,” and a special “Hot Button Topics” led byauthor Vickie Stringer who helped to expose the pros and cons of allpublishing modes.The venue was quite entertaining and very informative as many guestsexpressed their admiration for panelist speakers like Vickie Stringer; HipHop Queen of Literature (Triple Crown Publications Publisher & Author) whowas also the Keynote speaker, Former William Morris Agent Mannie Barron(Menza Barron Literary Agency), Victoria Christopher Murray (RegionalEditor of Black Issues Book Review & Author), Julia Shaw (Director ofHarlin Jacque Publications), Phil Andrews (Public Relations Manager forSGIB Magazine.com and C& B Books Distribution.com).Afternoon panels included beneficial discussions by James A Nemley andMiguel Centeno (Directors of Small Business Consulting Services for theCommunity Development Corporation of Long Island, Inc.), Vincent Alexandria(Author, multi- talented entertainer and founder of the Brother 2 BrotherSymposium), Diane Gedymin (Editorial Director of iUniverse, a leadingself-publishing service provider) and Nancy Flowers (Flowers in BloomPublishing, Best-selling Essence author).Takesha Powell (Author of The African-American Writer’s Guide to SuccessfulSelf- Publishing) was admirably referred to as a leading book onself-publishing, although not present, and Vickie Stringer’s “How toSucceed in the Publishing Game,” who sold out her books later on duringpost panel discussions. Also, missed was Maurice Brian Henderson, butmentioned and receiving a gracious applause as a critically acclaimedwriter of 20 nationally produced plays and CEO of New Arts ProductionPublications .JOLIE Magazine received the Beauty Magazine of the Year Award. WandaStarkes was also a judge for event who could not attend and top reviewerfor the renown C& B Books (www. cbbooksdistribution.com); a company notedas one of the Top 100 Most Influential and instrumental businesses in 2006for promotion of literary artists by Black Issues Book Review (www.bibookreview.com). They’ve also supported authors like Cynthia D. Hunter(Diary of A Crack Addict’s Wife) now slated for a full play production thisyear. Black Issues Book Review Editor, Adrienne Ingram made it possible to bringthe event to Harlem’s own Schomburg as a resident of Harlem. The eventexpressed the need for authors and publishers to help and support eachother by promoting books with entities like AALBC.com of which Mr. TroyJohnson attended, showcasing one’s titles at Book Expo America where manybook deals have been made as featured in the current issue of Black IssuesBook Review and taking out sizeable ads in all minority newspapers whichreach the African-American community at large to better support sales andmore exposure. The event ended with networking, powerful connections andmemories that will last a lifetime thanks to the 1st AspicommSelf-Publishing Symposium. Renee Flagler has a new book entitled MisGuided that hits bookstores April2006. She omitted her biography for event, but Heather Covington,historian and author of Literary Divas™ scheduled for release this yearinterviewed Renee at event while event was occurring to in return, surpriseRenee with a YOUnity Guild Entrepreneurial Legend Award of the Year. Shewas also honored with a Proclamation from Senator David Patterson who namedthe month of March on th day of the Aspicomm Awards, NationalSelf-Publishing Month.
30talent Chat Presents
Open forum for all to visit, Talent Talks!!http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/

February you missed him author Jonathan Luckett http://www.jonathanluckett.com/ ! Check out who will be coming next.





March 30,2006 8pm est Singer Alice Marie

http://www.alicemarie.net/

April 30, 2006 8pm est Erotic author of TOO TEMPTING TO TOUCH, Cherly Holt



May Artist Lashonda Scott Robinson http://scottrdesigns.com/ for more info on this artist's debut stop by our group



First Cut! Nicole M. Stevenson Editor 30 talent's First Cut!Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/ Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press http://www.sunpiperpress.com/
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthologyColumnist www.blackcoffeemag.com http://www.blackcoffeemag.com/ Contributing writer to several sites and magazines For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole Poetnwrite@yahoo.com
Interviews This Way!
InSide Look by Nicole M. Stevenson

Tyson Hall native New Yorker! It is absolute pleasure to introduce this well grounded and talented individual. Tyson Hall is a multi talent Actor/Artist/Producer, we met at the White Rabbit in the Village a lounge were his work is on exhibit. When Tyson Hall walked into the room tall in statue...as he spoke I felt at ease he offered to show me more of his art..I first saw some of his art on his site.



What is your inspiration? TH: A lot of time it's the people. People need people...what they say, the way they conduct themselves. Children no limitations.


How long have you been acting? TH: When people ask me that question I say"I have been acting all my life" Professionally I have been persuing acting for eight years. I fell in love with what it had to offer. My first audition led me to really want to do it..it gave me a clue as what to do as an actor. There were four guys chosen for a film called "Mercy" it required four thugs to role up on on the lead character that happened to be in the wrong neighborhood. We jump out of the car and apporach him. The director hadn't chosen that one guy to say the lines. So he came into the holding room and gave me the scrip first to read. I never acted before..I begun to read "What are you doing around here" the director says "thank you. He gives the script to the next guy and he reads "Yo what are you doing around here" he put on a show. I saw that and I said"Wow, that's what I was suppose to do". I have been doing it ever since.


Who have you met that you can say that by watching them made you really want to persue acting? TH:Ossie Davis, he is very big. I met him while working at the acting studio, we did a reading of the "Blues for Mr. Charley" I didn't know he was going to be a part of it. It was a great experience to have worked with him and to have had shared the same stage with him. I also worked with Harry Lenox he played in "Five Heart Beats"," Commision"and "Commander and Chief". We worked together in on "Don't Explain" life of jazz musican Lee Morgan. He played Lee Morgan and I played his best friend. Olympia Dukakis we had the chance to work together in "Three Needles" It tells of three separte stories and speaks to the Aids community, also Lucy Lyn stars in it.


What events have you been to lately?TH: I went to the Rakim concertat BB King, and it was great. It was like watching a living legend.I had a good time the crowd and myself were singing all his classicand it was a fun night. After that I went to Reno NV (AALAM) for a literaryand media art conference. It was very informative and I meet somereally influental people.


Do you give any help to upcoming actors? TH: I provide private coaching and speak at various workshops through out the year about the business of acting.
What else do you see yourself doing? TH: At SOL film festival the most important thing we do is Screen indie films.I'm the founder of Sol Film festival. We had first festival in Oct 2005 in Northfolk Virginia. My partner lives there. We have various workshops for upcoming film makers, animation, entering into the biz,

How do your family feel about your talent? TH:They love it. They take pride in the fact that I am productive and prosperous at what it is that I am doing

Where can people view your art? TH: On the site of course and it ran the month of Febuary celebrating Black History and possiblyon a wall near you..



http://www.tysonhall.com/
Upcoming Events
JUNETEENTH LITERARY EXPO

Ralph Ellison Library and Families First Foundation will host thefirst JUNETEENTH LITERARY EXPO during Oklahoma City's 20thJuneteenth Celebration. We are looking for African American Authorsto sale and sign their books as well as share their publishingexperience.
The event will be held at:Ralph Ellison Library - Oklahoma City, OK
Saturday, June 17th, 200610:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The cost of involvement is $25 fee and 3 copies of your book. Inorder to ensure statewide distribution with our library system your
information must be received before March 31, 2006. Those who sendregistration after the March 31st deadline will have to pay a latefee of $15 (total registration of $40) and we will make every effortto include them in promotional materials. Please email MoniqueBruner directly at deltareviewer@yahoo.com before sending paymentand/or books.
Payment can be made via Paypal (to deltareviwer@yahoo.com) and bookscan be sent to the following address:Families First FoundationJUNETEENTH LITERARY EXPO6409 Braniff Dr.Oklahoma City, OK 73105If you have any questions or need additional information, pleasecall Monique Bruner at (405) 615-6711 or email atdeltareviewer@yahoo.com. Thank you in advance for your support.There is power in the word!Monique Bruner
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Submit
Anthology Seeks Submissions July Literary Press seeks poems, essays, and stories for an anthology to be published in 2006. No previously published, except by invitation. Guidelines – 2006 Anthology July Literary Press seeks stories, essays and poems for a projected anthology. The central theme is "Celebrations." However, all well crafted stories essays & poems will be considered. All submissions must be typed on white 8 ½ x 11" paper. Stories and essays must be double-spaced, poems single-spaced. Include name, address, phone number, email address and word count in the upper left corner of the first page. Please, no staples. No previously published. No electronic submissions. Stories – 5,000 words maximum Essays – 1,500 words maximum Poems - 50 lines maximum Stories & essays should be sent to: July Literary Press 294 Hunters Lane Williamsville, NY 14221 Poems to: July Literary Press 274 North Street East Aurora NY 14052-1334 SASE for response only. MANUSCRIPTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. Entrants chosen for the anthology will receive one free copy plus the opportunity to purchase additional copies at a discount. July Literary Press does not accept material that is pornographic, profane, sexist, racist or violent. Check out July Literary Press’ website: www.julyliterarypress.com For questions , e-mail gayb@buffnet.net or SASE to JLP, 294 Hunters Lane, Williamsville, NY 14221. Electronic submissions will be deleted unread. Deadline – March 31, 2006
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SisterDivas Magazine (http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.com)>is a quarterly MULTICULTURAL women's magazine that is>currently looking for submissions for its SPRING 2006 issue,>slated to be released on Monday, April 17, 2006.>>DEADLINE for submissions is Monday, April 3, 2006.>>>>Below are the columns SD currently needs submissions for:>*NOTE: When e-mailing submissions, please let us know>which COLUMN your submitting to within your SUBJECT>line. Thanks!>>>>Media>>We are looking for articles regarding movies, TV, and art.>Perhaps you want to write an article about the must-have>movies for today's women. Maybe an article on TV shows>that are showing women in a positive light. Perhaps there is>a concern of how women are portrayed in entertainment or>how much control women have in the entertainment industry.>>If you have an interesting angle for women in the media, e-mail>us at sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com. All submissions>must be within the e-mail message.>>All articles must be no longer than 2,000 words. All>submissions must be within the e-mail message.
>>Total Body>>Do you write articles on topics relevant to women's health?>Fashion? Beauty? Do you have a product that women just HAVE to>have? Are you an up-and-coming designer? Then you should>consider submitting to our column, TOTAL BODY!>>All articles must be no longer than 2,000 words. All submissions>must be within the e-mail message. If you would like to be>considered for an interview, you can contact us, too!>>Send all submissions and requests for more information to us at>sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com.
First Cut!


Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor 30 talent's First Cut!
Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talent/
Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press http://www.sunpiperpress.com/
Visionary behind "UnBlock" upcoming anthology
Contributing writer to several sites and magazines
For an interview, chat or free advertisement please email Nicole
http://mail.yahoo.com/config/login?/ym/Compose?To=Poetnwrite@yahoo.com (direct)

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