Booker T. Washington - The Atlanta Compromise Speech (1904)

CAST DOWN YOUR BUCKET!

The Magic Of Magic

November 7, 1991 was one of the worst days of my childhood as I then knew it. I remember walking in the house from school and my mother telling me Magic Johnson was about to retire because he had HIV. At that very instant I ran into the bathroom, burst into tears and cried like a baby. Not because Magic was retiring, but because of the death sentence that came along with the diagnosis of HIV at that day and time. In 1991 HIV simply meant you were going to die of aids, sooner rather than later. As a fourth grader I didn’t know much about HIV/AIDS or how you caught it; all I knew was that it was bad and that it would make you really sick really fast and that you would die, looking like a shell of your old self. That was all that I could think of; my basketball idol, Mr. Showtime, Magic Johnson was going to die. As we watched the press conference all I could think was that Magic is going to die. In life everybody will die, but to a kid heroes don’t die, they are invincible. This harsh reality was something that in 1991 was unavoidable. Magic reiterated during his press conference that he would fight this disease with the same winning attitude and determination that he had on the basketball court. He made it be known that he would still be here for years and that he was not going anywhere. Although he was extremely optimistic about his future battling the illness, the consensus was that we would witness the death of a beloved superstar before our very eyes. Fast-forward 20 years later and everything that Magic Johnson said has not only came to pass, but he has exceeded the expectations of everybody except himself. Two returns back to the NBA Courts (1992 &1996), and 1992 Olympic Gold Medal with the Dream Team and a stint as part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers are just a few of the many things Magic Johnson has done since he was diagnosed with HIV in 1991. He has become a spearhead for urban development across the country. From movie theaters, restaurants and coffee shops to fitness facilities Magic has used his platform to inject life and money into neglected areas of the black community. As an advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness, he has been a strong voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the educating of people (the black community in particular) about the causes of AIDS and the reality which is AIDS. The fact that Magic Johnson has HIV has been a driving point for the fact that anybody can get this disease. Magic realizes that his positive status drives home the seriousness of this disease, yet his status also serves as a wakeup call for people to become educated about this disease and take safety measures to prevent themselves from acquiring this disease. The past 20 years has allowed Magic Johnson the opportunity to not only be an educator and an advocate for the fight against HIV/AIDS, but this time has also enabled him to be an inspiration for those living with this disease. The fact that he has overcome HIV with the same vigor that he overcame foes on the basketball court is Magic in itself.

Jacqueline Smith’s Dream: Her Stand

There are two sides to every story; whether they are seen or unseen. Many times things are thrust into our eyes, yet we have the option of viewing or turning an oblivious eye to the source or sources being placed in front of us. Mulberry Street is the where the curtain closed on one of the dreamers of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On April 4th 1968 an assassin’s bullet killed King on the 2nd floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel, the place where he was staying during his stay here in Memphis to help with the sanitation strike. An important voice of the movement died that day, but there was another voice within the same building which would be heard years later, that of Jacqueline Smith.
Jacqueline Smith made national headlines on March 2, 1988, as she was forcefully withdrawn from the Motel as a tenant, in preparation for the overturn of the Lorraine Motel into what was to become the National Civil Rights Museum. The fact that the Lorraine Motel has been turned into a tourist attraction rather than an entity that can refurbish the community and uplift the community is something that Jacqueline Smith has protested peacefully for the last 23 years. The gentrification of Mulberry Street and the surrounding neighborhoods has been based solely on the establishment of the National Civil Rights Museum. Gentrification is the act of the wealthy coming into an impoverished, low income area, renovate the area, move the current residents out and raise the prices and standard of living to where the poorer people that previously lived there cannot live or return because they are financially unable to live in the “gentrified” area. Smith has seen this happen to Mulberry Street. An area that once thrived off of the black dollar is now not able to entertain the black dollar. King was in Memphis during his “Poor People’s Campaign,” a campaign to make sure that the needs of the poor and oppressed of the US were met and addressed. This fact is one of the foundations for Smith’s protest. Gentrification is not about spreading money, but it is about making money and many times when is it comes to making money, extreme measures are taken. The National Civil Rights Museum generates millions of dollars a year, yet if one were to look around the neighboring community, this would not seem factual. Smith shares the same dream that MLK had in the fact that everybody should be equal and that nobody should suffer inequalities at the hands of others. The former residents of Mulberry Street and the surrounding areas have suffered the consequences of gentrification. Would Dr. Martin Luther King Jr want a community dispersed and disregarded for the reward of monetary gain and historical gratification? The King family objected the idea of building the Civil Rights Museum as did Jacqueline Smith. Her protest is that of peace, humility and knowledge. She doesn’t impose her protest on anybody, yet if you are wanting and willing to listen and engage in a conversation with her, she will enlighten you on her stance. The fact that she has maintained a peaceful protest with the same profile and location for nearly 25 years is extremely admirable. If you understand what Dr. King truly fought for then you will definitely understand Jacqueline Smith and her stand.

To Learn More About Jacqueline Smith And Help Her Fulfill The Dream In Any Way Visit Her Website At http://www.fulfillthedream.net/

Meet Hollywood's Next Leading Man: Timon Kyle Durrett

Every year Hollywood presents us with a new arrival that captivates the attention of its audience. The moment when a fresh face combined with an undeniable on camera presence grabs your mind and the star is revealed to you before your eyes. This past spring the world faithfully tuned into the new VH1 series "Single Ladies." Created by Stacey A. Littlejohn, "Single Ladies" is about 3 best friends living their lives in the city of Atlanta, working, playing and exploring the relationships that engage their lives. One of the most talked about and breakout stars of the show was Timon Kyle Durret, who played the characters of Quinn Davis an NBA Player and the ex-boyfriend of Val, one of the 3 best friends. "Quinn Davis" not only locked the interest of his ex-girlfriend Val, but Quinn also kept the viewing audience wanting more as well. Prior to his role in "Single Ladies" Timon Kyle Durrett performed in the Tyler Page stage play "The Marriage Counselor" in addition to work in numerous commercials,music videos, television dramas, sitcoms and feature films. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Timon and discuss his background, how he began acting, his career and his future.

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) Could you tell me a little bit about your background? What part of the country are you from?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} I’m a big city guy, born and raised on the South side of Chicago. I grew up in a big house with a big family. Lived there until I moved to
Los Angeles to actively pursue a career as an actor.

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) As a young child did you ever think that you would become a professional actor?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} I’ve always had an admiration for good stories, mostly the visual stories that movies told. Whether the movies were on the big or
small screen, I loved them. But my desire to actually be an actor
came about…I’d have to say in my mid-to-late teens. Before that,
I had a firm desire to be a visual artist. I had dreams of being a
modern day Leonardo Da Vinci.

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) When did you first catch the "acting bug" that everybody speaks of? Was it due to a particular instance in your life? A certain movie or play that you saw?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} Having a love for great stories, I would come up with some of my
own. I’d tell them to anyone who’d take the time to listen. My mother
would always say to me, “You know, you should be on TV.” One day
she told me about a radio announcement she’d heard saying there
were roles available for a movie being shot in the downtown area [of
Chicago] called There Are No Children Here starring Oprah Winfrey. I
booked a really small role. I contained myself when I was on set, but
my heart was racing a mile a minute. I was super excited. I couldn't
believe I was actually working on a movie. That’s when the “Acting
Bug” first bit me.

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) At what point in your life did you fully realize that you had the potential to become a great actor?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} Well, I’m still realizing potential now. I believe there’s always room to grow. Whether it’s acting or any other profession, if there’s a desire
to learn, which I love to do, there’s a place for growth. But when I
got the call from casting that I’d booked the role of Henderson in 20th
Century Fox’s feature film “Like Mike,” I was blown away. I thought
to myself, “Man, I’m really doing this?” That was a major point in life.

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) What was your first audition? How did it go?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} My first audition was for the made-for-television movie There Are No Children Here. But to be honest, I can’t really say how it went. I was
just amped that I was auditioning for a movie. But I guess it went
okay. I booked the part I auditioned for, right? (Laughs)

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS)You Attended Alcorn State University, which is in Lorman, Mississippi. How was the transition moving from the big city of Chicago to the small
town of Lorman? Tell me about your college experience.

{TIMONY KYLE DURRETT} Seeing different parts of the country wasn’t unfamiliar to me. My family went on vacations just about every summer. But my first year
at Alcorn brought on a heck of an adjustment. I was used to being a
mile or two – or even a few blocks – from whatever I needed. Plus,
I could take the bus and A-train if I needed to go further; like to the
North side. But not in Lorman. Everything was far away, there was
no public transportation system that passed by Alcorn, and I didn’t
have car at the time. So, I had to make friends quick, especially those
who had wheels. (Laughs) But I wouldn’t trade those four years for
anything. Some of my best friends to this day are my boys from “The
Yard.” (That’s what we Alcornites call the campus.)

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) You’ve had the opportunity to work on many different shows, sitcoms,movies and plays. Could you tell me about your body of work and which
was the most memorable experience?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} I’ve done print work, runway modeling, I’ve done commercials,
music videos, television dramas and sitcoms, feature films, and
one stage play, all of which I enjoyed very much. But I’d have to
say that Vh1’s “Single Ladies” and Tyler Perry’s “The Marriage
Counselor” are my most memorable acting experiences. With Single
Ladies, I love the angst and drama that happens in front of the
camera. Off camera, the laughs, fun and welcoming environment
make it seem more like I’m hanging with family instead of working a
television series. With “The Marriage Counselor,” the travelling and
sightseeing, the camaraderie and laughs – on and off stage – were
all fantastic. We had a ball. But to have every eye in a house on you,
to know that you have some control over the emotions of all those
people right then and there was a hair-raising, yet invigorating feeling
I hadn’t felt before as an actor.

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) You've had the opportunity to perform in Tyler Perry's play "The Marriage Counselor." I've seen this play 2 times and I must say that it was an excellent play. The characters in the play were people that could easily
be identified in real life. The actors that portrayed the characters did an
excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Could you speak on your
experience with the play?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} Being on tour with “The Marriage Counselor” was a lot of fun.
Travelling across the country. Seeing new places. Meeting new
people. Making new friends. Playing practical jokes on the other
cast members. (Smiles) It’s a time I’ll never forget. But what I enjoyed
most was playing Ronald Henry. I’d never played such a bad guy
before. Becoming someone totally opposite of myself and making so
many people believe it was authentic was…interesting. According to
a few of my friends, there are still people – men and women alike –
who can’t stand me because of that role. (Laughs)

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) If you could work with any actor/actress that is dead or alive who would it be and why?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} Meryl Streep. She embodies each emotion appropriate to not only a scene, but also an entire film. Her sentiments are almost…tangible,
if you will. She has this captivating sophistication that allows her to
say so much without uttering a single word. In short, she’s the bomb.
I’d love to work with her because I’m sure she’d bring something out
of me that I’ve yet to discover.

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) You recently completed the first season of the highly acclaimed VH1 series “Single Ladies.” The show proved to be a smash and definitely left viewers anxious for next season. Talk about the show and your character.

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} "Single Ladies" is a modern, sexy, comedic drama about Val,
Keisha, and April - three best friends with mixed views on sex and
relationships, which is set in the world of Atlanta fashion, music,
and celebrity. I play NBA star Quinn Davis, Val’s now ex-boyfriend.
Quinn, in my opinion, isn’t as bad a guy as most viewers make him
out to be. But I do thinks he’s an opportunist who’s used to getting
his way. He’s spoiled. It’s a fun role. I like the controversy it stirs
up.

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) What do we need to be on the lookout for in the future from Timon Kyle Durrett?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} I’ve gotten several offers for roles in feature films. So, I’ve been doing a lot of script reading to see if the characters pique my interest.
There is one character/project that grabbed my attention and I’ll be
working on that film in October 2011. But I can’t say what it is. It’s a
confidentiality thing. You know how that goes. (Smiles)

(D JORDAN PRODUCTIONS) If you could give some advice to that one reader out there that is trying to break into the showbiz business, what would you say to them?

{TIMON KYLE DURRETT} Think BIG, and then take action that’s even BIGGER!

For more details and updates on what Timon Kyle Durrett will be working on and events
he'll be attending, just go to www.facebook.com/tkdurrett or
www.facebook.com/timonkyledurrett to contact him.

http://DJordanProductions.com/

Happy Birthday John W. Coltrane

Happy Birthday John W. Coltrane. One of the greatest and most influential jazz musicians ever, John Coltrane transcended the world through his playing of the alto, tenor and soprano saxophones. Today is a day to celebrate the life and legacy of the great John Coltrane.

Michael Vick = Transformation

Michael Vick is transformation. On the field he is transformation. Off of the field he is transformation. In life we are all presented with different opportunities in our life that allow us to spearhead growth in our lives. Sometimes these opportunities are presented by coincidence, some by other people and sometimes out of necessity. Michael Vick's transformation has been the result of a domino effect of events that has taken place in his life. His life as a child to his imprisonment over dog fighting charges have been documented, both accurately and inaccurately. The environment which Vick grew up in and was a product of lead him to the dead end which was short term imprisonment. The transformation which Michael Vick has made in his life since he was released has been nothing less than amazing. On the field he has developed into an all around quarterback; off the field he has become a humanitarian, activist and inspiration for all people that have encountered obstacles to proceed forward with a positive attitude, humbleness and faith. At this time in America, Michael Vick is an example of what resiliency is all about. Vick has experienced the highest of highs, the lowest of lows and now that he has been blessed with the opportunity to experience triumph again, he is able to have a resounding effect on a society that is constantly encountering setbacks and seeking triumph.

A Body Of Work By Sheena Ohlig

Some may not know but you were a track athlete in high school and also on the collegiate levels. What events did you participate in?

SO: In high school I ran many events but my specialties were 100m and 400m hurdles & HJ (set my school HJ record of 5'6" to place 2nd in the state championships as a sophomore)

Most people are very good at telling people the things that they need to do to better themselves physically, but there is nothing better than a walking example. How do you feel that your self created work of art helps you in relaying the importance of physical fitness and how its important to your life?

SO: Work of art! That’s a new way to put it...that’s an awesome compliment! Well, as a personal trainer I find that it comes in handy very often actually. Most of my clients approached me initially for advice; seeing that I was in shape and admiring the kind of training I practiced they were had to figure out what it was I was doing to maintain my physique. Being in shape also helps motivate the people I work with, they see how I look and know that its possible to be in good shape...I can also relay to them my personal experience with the consequences of unhealthy weight gain, after I finished competing and wasn’t training at the same intensity I ballooned to an unhealthy weight...not necessarily obese but it wasn’t a good weight for my body and my body let me know it...I struggled with hypoglycemia, poor stamina and a lack of muscle endurance...I didn’t like how I looked in my clothes and I started shying away from being photographed...I’m a naturally outgoing person so that reality hit me hard and I wasn’t happy....I had to snap out of it and get back on track!...managing one's diet and exercise is simply a necessary part of life as long as you want to live a long healthy strong one that is...


Could you tell about your life as an athlete and how it has helped you reach the point you are currently at in your life right now?

Oh gosh, that would be long story but I wont bore you with the details (laughing)...I grew up an athlete really...I recall as a 7yr old running around the house hopping up the steps and jumping to see if I could touch the ceiling...I jumped and jumped every day trying to touch the ceiling so when I finally reached it I couldn’t stop...I used to get in a lot of trouble actually because I wouldn't stop the running and jumping and hopping in the house when my parents would tell me to sit down! (Laughing)...in middle school I began running track and playing basketball. I was never the fastest or strongest.... well okay maybe I was the strongest...(Laughing)...but the point is I was never the very best at everything but I always worked at what I did and put my best effort out.... I’m such a competitive spirit and hate losing that I just pushed myself harder and harder to be the best I could in whatever I did. In high school I was part of a great track team we won our conference championship meet 3 of the 4 yrs I was there, we won a state championship and I earned recognition on various group, conference and state levels. By my junior year I had started receiving tons and tons of recruitment letters from universities all over the country. I was personally recruited by my college track coach (Coach Brenda Cash) from the University of Memphis during the Penn Relays my senior year. While I liked a lot of the things all the letters were relaying from coaches who didn’t have the opportunity to personally recruit me, I really loved the personality and spirit of Coach Cash; we got along smashingly (Laughing)...that and she was one of the few coaches who agreed to let me try out for the school's basketball team should I commit to run for her LOL!


The one experience out of too many to count or recall is probably one of my greatest memories also...the summer after graduating junior high school my best friends (a set of twin girls - Ashley and Tia) and I heard about the open gym conditioning practice the HS girls were attending for basketball that year...and even though we were barely freshmen we decided to go...it was so hard keeping up with the older bigger girls but we did it and it paid off in the end because we were the only freshmen who earned varsity playing time and even started a few games that year...after that we never looked back, we maintained our varsity status and became captains of our team by our senior year. This experience resounds loudly in my life even today because it showed me that perseverance and dedication pay off, regardless of where you start off at you can get better and stronger if you decide to but it doesn’t happen magically on its own, you've got to work for it, you've got to make a conscious decision that its something you're going to do.



As a female do you feel like you are viewed different by your counterparts (both male and female) more on the inside of the sport or on the outside of the sport?

Wow, that’s a good question, I don’t think I’ve ever thought of that...I would say its different on both sides...on the inside of the sport the people who are in it (male and female) respect you based off of what you look like, they respect you more the better you look because they know personally what it takes to transform your body...so if you're in great shape then they know you're serious about the sport. I think men on the inside treat you more like one of they guys you know, they'll let you train with them and even listen to some of your advice whereas guys on the outside of the sport more times than not just admire your body for its attractive features...its funny because guys outside the sport of bodybuilding will laugh at the idea of training with a woman but then when they witness my workouts or the weight I’m using they often get surprised and are shocked by my no nonsense approach to working out. Some of the gym guys I know wont even train with me now, but not so much because I’m a woman but because they've seen me bring a few brave souls to the point of tossing their cookies by the end of a workout with me LOL...

I feel like as women on the inside of the sport we're all SUPER competitive, we're all similar in that way so a lot of times you'll get women who really try to size you up and figure out how they compare next to you however, I’ve found that most of the women I’ve met personally are really kind, helpful and encouraging...most of us tend to be trainers so you have enough self help mumbo jumbo floating around back stage or in the gym to fill a library of self help books LOL...women on the outside of the sport have their own challenge


Describe a typical day for you?

My days are so crazy, its sort of an oxymoron to call them typical (Laughing) but more times than not I have a pseudo routine

6am - a.m. cardio usually 45-60min
7:30 - breakfast
8:30a-5p (day job)
10a - meal
12:30 - meal
3:00p - meal (#4)
5:30-7 - weight training
7pm - meal #5 - usually a protein shake or post workout type meal
7-10p - training clients or running my boot camp (8:30 - meal #6 CARB FREE - high in protein and lots of green veggies)

Each day varies where I have anywhere between 1-3 clients...on the days I don’t have any clients I love spending that time with my family...my mom says I need to slow down but that’s easier said than done...and I get it from her anyway! (Laughing)...besides I don’t know what to do with myself when I’m not busy.

Typically I try to get to bed by 11p...and I wont event survive past 12a (Laughing)


How much of a role does dieting play in your preparation? Does dieting and training coincide with each other or do you have to focus more on one than the other?

Dieting has a huge role in my training. Namely because I LOVE to EAT!! (Laughing)...I eat every 2.5 to 3hrs (about 5-6 x a day), it seems ALWAYS eating...so I have to pick the right foods and eating times. Dieting and training definitely coincide equally; I actually eat based on how I plan on training that day. Higher carbs for leg training days, lower carbs for upper body days and even lower for my rest days. I manage my macro nutrients more so than my calories because its easier to keep track of...I’ve never been good at math and my memory sucks so counting up to a 100 or so grams is a lot easier than keeping track of 1200 or more calories...and I’m allowed to be a little flexible on the go when I know how many grams of carbs or proteins I have to play with. Typically I cycle my carbs when I’m prepping for a competition which means I will eat a carb rich diet one day followed by a 3 day carb depleted diet. Besides the counting aspect, playing around with the ratio of macro nutrients your daily nutritional regiment is made up of results in a more accurate handle on the composition of your shape and that’s really important being that the field of competition I’m in is pretty subjective. There are no specific definitions of "shapely", "toned" or "defined" just some of the characteristics we as competitors are judged on.
Do you feel that your discipline as a track athlete has helped you in your career of fitness (FIGURE) and bodybuilding?
Most definitely! As a track athlete you learn mental toughness...doing the same thing over and over and over again to condition your mind and body to do something without thinking when the time comes...namely when that start gun goes off...time goes by in the blink of an eye on the track so you don’t have time to think how many strides you'll take this time to the first hurdle or when you'll cruise vs. all out sprint...these are things you train for in practice so that its automatic when you take your first step out the starting block. As a figure competitor now that mental toughness has carried over in sticking to my diet, making it through a really tough workout even stepping out on stage and holding my poses/quarter turns for judging along with so many other aspects of competing. I’m sure people are going to think I’m crazy but I find it funny...oftentimes I’ll catch myself focused during a set of squats or tricep extensions or in the middle of cardio mentally ZONED OUT hearing the voices of my former track coaches "come on let's move", "dig deep!” "There are NO QUITTERS ON MY TRACK" "you only have one chance people, there are no DO OVERS”...

*Favorite clean food - turkey burgers (no buns of course)
*Favorite cheat food - pizza/french fries/ice cream.... chocolate cake...I cant make up my mind!!
*Favorite body part to train - legs/shoulders
*Least Favorite body part to train- chest (I already have small boobs and training chest just depletes them even more (Laughing) so I hate being a co-conspirator in the injustice of doing away with the little I do have)

What class do you compete in?
I compete in Figure and usually height class separates competitors so it really depends on how many competitors have entered but I’m 5'7 so I’m usually in the tall class


Would it be fair to say that the training for a weight lifting competition is probably more tedious than for track?
NO it would not be fair! (Laughing)...I mean certain aspects are more tedious...DIET especially! As a track athlete I could really eat anything I wanted because I was running almost 7days a week sometimes 2 or 3 times a day (GOD I HATED THOSE 2 a days!) (Laughing)...but as a figure competitor there’s more focus on the weight training, and maintaining a clean diet that I don’t have the luxury or eating whatever...whenever...so that’s tedious but in track the practices and weight training and monotony of doing the same drills over and over...or running the same track over and over could drive you nuts so I wouldn’t say its more tedious but they definitely compare.

The one thing I hate about training is __________
DIETING!!

Sheena Ohlig has a free day. What are you doing?
There are no free days in THE GRIND HOUSE...
But for sanity sake I love lounging around hanging out with my mom and brother or sorority sisters


Your life motto:
DIG DEEP! I came across this scripture one day while driving and listening to a local gospel radio station. It touched me because it can apply to so many aspects of life

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

I like this scripture because it tells us to strive onward, if you just keep digging and not faint you will reap the harvest...its like, sometimes you question what you're doing this or that for or why hasn’t this or that happened for you yet but applying this scripture we see that in due time what is meant for you will be yours as long as you don’t give up.

Happy Birthday 2Pac!

On this day we celebrate what would have been the 40th birthday of Tupac Amaru Shakur. The legacy of Tupac (2Pac) is something that has developed tremendously over the years. The impact that he had on the world is not only seen in the musical aspect of his contributions but in the world of film, philosophy and everyday life. To fully understand and appreciate the genius of 2Pac one has to dig deeper than the catalog of music that he left behind for the world to forever hold. When Tupac spoke people paid attention to not only his thoughts, but also people searched endlessly for the ammunition behind his thoughts. Some answers were found; many were not. Though he only lived 25 years he accomplished more in his short life than many people have in a combination of lives. The depths of Tupac’s thoughts were on the surface in his music but the roots of his thoughts and philosophies on life and society can be heard and understood in his interviews. While watching or listening to an interview with Tupac it is easy for you to lose sight of the fact that he is a musical artist; his intellect transcended his musical creations, leaving us still pondering many of the same questions and thoughts that he put into his lyrics nearly 20 years ago. The ills of society that he spoke of within his music (in black communities in particular) are still prevalent in today’s society. I challenge you all to listen to many of his interviews and hear his thoughts on race, American society, politics and music. You would be enlightened on the genius, which was snuffed out by a bullet on September 13, 1996. Tupac the actor was something that was developing right before our eyes. The fact that he had acting ability was evident in the fact that directors would seek him to be in their movies. Many of today’s artists have to have their representatives campaign for them for a movie part, yet Tupac’s developed ability as an actor enabled him to be able to display his talents as an actor in varying roles. The movies that he starred in hold legendary status similar to the music that he made. Many people from history that have legacies see their lives shared in many different avenues of life. Tupac was one of these types of individuals. Shakur’s impact was not limited to music and movies as evidenced by the fact that there are colleges that have courses geared towards the study of him, his music and ideologies. Worldwide there are statues erected in his honor from the United States to Germany. Many view him to be the greatest hip-hop artist of all time. Words have said this and numbers have proven this with the fact that Tupac has went platinum over platinum in album sales. As we celebrate his birthday today take time not only to listen to his music, but take a moment to listen to him speak outside of the studio. Read some of his actual statements, listen to his thoughts so that you can be able to have a better grasp of the person he was and why he was that type of person. Happy Birthday 2Pac!

CLASSIC VINTAGE 80'S SESAME STREET COUNTING TO 12 PINBALL SONG

The Spill Of The Mississippi River : Historic or Tragic

Historic or tragic? This is a question that will draw a different answer from different types of people. Within the last week, the city of Memphis has seen the Mississippi River reaches its highest level in over 70 years due to a significant amount of rain over the last week. This drastic deposit of rain in such a short amount of time has led to flooding not only in the city of Memphis, but also in the border states of Mississippi, Missouri and Arkansas. The level to which the water has risen has set record-breaking numbers. Along the way lives have been altered and homes, business and memories have been lost. The national and worldwide coverage of the flooding has shown images that solely focus on the downtown area of Memphis, Tennessee. True, the water has risen to high levels and the water in turn has reached the street of Riverside and covered the historic Tom Lee Park. But the areas most affected by the flooding have not been given the same amount of exposure. Areas of Arkansas have been flooded tremendously as have areas in Mississippi, most notable the town Tunica, Mississippi. Tunica, Mississippi houses casinos that provide not only entertainment to citizens in Tunica and other surrounding areas, but also jobs. The flooding has temporarily shut down operations at some of the casinos and this fact shows how people are affected in the aspect of not having employment, if only for a little amount of time. Parts of North Memphis and South Memphis are completely underwater, which has forced many residents to find new places to live. Given the fact that the areas in Memphis that were flooded are impoverished areas indicates that relocating and starting over will not be an easy alternative for these individuals. Many of these citizens have stayed in these neighborhoods for over 30 years. Many are beyond retirement age, having only a social security check to live off of. This check will not allow for relocation or a new home. However if attention were given to individuals in all areas affected by these floods, there would be a more urgent approach to help. The TNT Broadcast of the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma Thunder Playoff Game spoke about the flooding in Memphis but displayed on the downtown Riverside area and used the term “Historic” throughout the piece on the Memphis flood. The numbers which have been amassed by the rising river are historic, but in no way are the memories for those that have lost homes, jobs and memories historic; those individuals have tragic, life altering memories.

Allen Iverson Rookie Record Four Straight 40-Point Games

DON'T BLINK (A Tribute to the 1990 Loyola Marymount Basketball Team)

'Runnin Rebels of UNLV' - hbo sports documentary

Allen Iverson plays Dwight Howard

The Beauty Of "Elements Of Jazz"

Jazz is a form of music that is truly an appreciated art form. For the most part people don't wake up being jazz fans. The genre of jazz is a form of music that a person has to allow to come into their life for them to really appreciate it and all that it entails. The different instruments and the different inspirations for the jazz pieces are the elements of jazz which make the art form truly beautiful. Donna Mercer is a person that has developed an appreciation for jazz through circumstance. The interest and enthusiasm that she shares for jazz has led her to the development of "Elements of Jazz" an online website which allows a jazz connoisseur to feast upon any and everything pertaining to jazz. From history of jazz to new releases to reading material everything is visible on her site. Her energy has been spear headed into the social networking aspect of society and this is reflective in her legion of supporters world wide via the Internet. The fact that she was chosen as the "Community Blogger For Jazz" at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards is a testament to her hard work. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to speak with Donna in regards to jazz and her thoughts, feeling and outlook on the genre.

Greetings Donna ! I am really grateful for you taking time out of your schedule to speak with me. Could you please introduce yourself to those that may not know you ?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Greetings back to you, David! There's not much to tell. My name is Donna Mercer. I am the webmaster of www.elementsofjazz.com. I'm also the person behind blip.fm/ElementsOfJazz, www.youtube.com/user/EoJmusic and www.twitter.com/elementsofjazz.

What is JAZZ to you?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Jazz offers me a complete musical palette of what life is all about. It beautifully puts into context the challenges and successes of being alive each day.

At what point in your life did you first hear jazz? When did you fully begin to develop an appreciation for Jazz as an art-form?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I first paid attention to Jazz when I was a teenager - a friend of my mother's had a MyCoy Tyner album and was playing it at our house. It wasn't until about four years ago that I began to develop an appreciation for it, though.

Your "Elements Of Jazz" website is an amazing website. Could you tell us how you developed the concept for the website and what is your aim with your website?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Thank you, David! Prior to launching the website 6 months ago, I had kicked around the idea for over a year. I read a lot (online + books) and gleaned insight about how to run a blog/website from Darren Rouse, the webmaster for problogger.net. My aim is to make www.elementsofjazz.com an accessible, down-to-earth place to find out about contemporary and classic jazz.

Who is your favorite Jazz artist of all time?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I don't have a favorite jazz artist of all time. I'm fond of trumpet players, upright bassists, drummers and pianists.

What do you feel is an "Element" of Jazz that separates it from the many other genres of music, yet allows it to be a transcending musical genre.

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Jazz is a genre of music that all people seem to listen to. Its not like its specifically geared towards a particular ethnicity or culture. What do you think makes Jazz music this way ?
This will sound like a cliched response but I think that it's the freedom in jazz. A number of things occur in jazz (improvisation, for example) that aren't really accepted or expected in other music genres.

What other genres of music do you listen to?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I listen to ambient, house, classical, world, down-tempo, dub, reggae, hip-hop, neo-soul, blues and soul. Almost all major genres with the exception of country music.

I notice that you are diligent in your efforts to share your love for music and all that it entails with not only your Twitter Followers (12,575 Followers At This Very Moment) but also with those that visit your "Elements OF Jazz" Website. Can you describe this passion ?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I actually can't describe it. All I can say is that when I decide to commit my attention to something, this is the level that I normally bring to it.

Do you play any musical instruments ?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") No.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I love travel, hanging out with friends, reading, cooking, giving dinner parties, working out, gardening, being out in nature, biking, needlework, watching my favorite soccer team (Manchester City F.C.) play, learning new things and concepts; that sort of stuff.

What is something that may surprise us about you?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") This question made me laugh. I haven't the slightest idea what would be considered surprising about me, David.

How do you feel music plays a part in the life of a person?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Music can only play a part in a person's life if they invite it in. Some people just have it as background noise and don't really listen to it. It has the ability to motivate, inspire, comfort or enrage. That is subjective for each person, reflective of what is going on in their lives at any given moment.

If you could only listen to 5 songs for the rest of your life everyday all day, what would those songs be?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") That's an agonizing thought. I can't answer that.

Who do you think is the most influential Jazz musician of all time?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz")A lot of people come to mind for various reasons (Louis Armstrong, Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Lady Day, Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker and Art Tatum) However, I think that Miles Davis can be considered the most influential jazz musician.

Are there any future projects that we may need to be on the lookout for from you?
I have a couple of projects that are in the developmental stages - They haven't been agreed upon with all of the parties involved but you'll be one of the first people that I tell when things fall into place, David.

If you had to sum up Jazz in one word what would that word be ?

(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Sexy

www.ElementsOfJazz.com

www.DJordanProductions.com

JusticePlease: Justice...PLEASE !

JusticePlease: Justice...PLEASE !: "Is he not justified to have a little emotion pouring out from his soul ? Do you think he is not a human being ? Do you believe he has had a..."

One Man Can Make A Difference: Things You Don't Learn...But You Will Learn

One Man Can Make A Difference: Things You Don't Learn...But You Will Learn: "The institute of school teaches us the basic skills needed to function in a developed society. How to read, write, add/subtract, rationaliz..."

Things You Don't Learn...But You Will Learn

The institute of school teaches us the basic skills needed to function in a developed society. How to read, write, add/subtract, rationalize and analyze and explore. What school does not essentially teach us is how to live your life in a world where change and outcomes are not predetermined. Unlike a math problem or a sentence fragment where there is a formula or a solution that can be used to solve a problem, life does not always provide us with the perfect solution. Learning in life comes from the best teacher : TIME. The longer you live in life the more knowledge you will gain that will prove to be valuable to you at some point in your life, and if not your life, somebody else's life. Holding the highest degree from the most prestigious university in the world will not come with knowledge on how to deal with the sudden passing of a loved one, how to understand when a person is trying to take advantage of you, how to break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend or how to determine when you should stand out to make a point or silently protest to make the same point. The beauty of knowledge is that it is never ending and always attainable. As human beings we have to be able to first recognize that life is not only a learning experience, but that life is also a teacher. Everybody can learn not only from themselves but they can also learn from the lives of other individuals that have walked this earth. Drawing from the negative and positive experiences of those that have and are walking this earth is an education that one can attain until their last breath on this earth. Understand that there are many things to be learned in this world that are not in a book and that will never be written. The breath you breathe is your gateway to life's education.

Watch Yourself

As an owner of many watches I found myself having to constantly replace batteries on my watches. The one day it dawned on me. Pull out the setting pin on the watches that I'm not wearing. That lessened the battery use of all of my watches and prolonged the battery life of my watches. So remember to always pull out the setting pin on watches that you are not wearing.

Grover Washington Jr. - Let It Flow (for ''Dr. J.'')

Layne Harper-Cafe Con Leche

One Man Can Make A Difference

Today as we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and honor his legacy we must remember that this man, with all of the great things that he did did the same thing that we all can do ; MAKE A DIFFERENCE. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s was filled with individuals both black and white that came together on common ground of making a difference. The times were tumultuous and life changing yet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was able to realize that through all of the turmoil, ignorance, bigotry and life threatening situations presented to him daily that he would be able to make a difference for mankind even if he was not a live to see the difference. Even though Dr. King was one of the most prominent figures of the Civil Rights Movement lets all remember and be knowledgeable of the fact that he wasn't the only one. All of the individuals that took the initiative to improve the treatment of blacks in this country understood the value of one man and how one man can make a difference working collectively with another man for the common goal. 2011 presents not only the United States of America with different challenges and issues but the entire world. It is important for everybody to realize that he or she can make a difference for something positive to happen in the life of not only their selves but also in the lives of other individuals. Initiative is something that everybody can take in regards to making a difference. If you as a person have a thought or idea about something take initiative to ensure that you present yourself and others with the best opportunity to make the initiative you take be a positive step into making something productive happen. Too many times people will use the excuse of not being rich enough or smart enough to make a change in the world. When you reflect back at some of the most influential people this world has ever seen, you can see that in most cases they were not the wealthiest people or had the highest level of education. The one common denominator for those that have made change is the initiative taken to make something happen and the persistence to see something happen. Take comfort in knowing that you can make a difference in this world; the only question is will you ?

~This Is Knowledge Nick~