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
Past Events
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Toni Beckham408.499.3664Toni@PRetCetera.comhttp://www.pretcetera.com/
PR, et Cetera, Inc. is an agent of this company/organization for promotional purposes only.Distribution of this promotional does not imply endorsement of views portrayed herein or onlinked sites. PR, et Cetera, Inc., its officers, agents and employees accept no responsibilityor liability for material contained in these pages or on linked sites.
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
New Members of 30 talent on MSN
03-10-06 AliceMarie3 03-06-06 Sharrie214
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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.
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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
http://mail.yahoo.com/config/login?/ym/Compose?To=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: http://mail.yahoo.com/config/login?/ym/Compose?To=poetnwrite@yahoo.com
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
Past Events
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If unable to view image below, click here http://www.dstsf-penfoundation.org/
Toni Beckham408.499.3664Toni@PRetCetera.comhttp://www.pretcetera.com/
PR, et Cetera, Inc. is an agent of this company/organization for promotional purposes only.Distribution of this promotional does not imply endorsement of views portrayed herein or onlinked sites. PR, et Cetera, Inc., its officers, agents and employees accept no responsibilityor liability for material contained in these pages or on linked sites.
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
New Members of 30 talent on MSN
03-10-06 AliceMarie3 03-06-06 Sharrie214
Advertisement
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)
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: http://mail.yahoo.com/config/login?/ym/Compose?To=poetnwrite@yahoo.com
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