THE PLEASING SPOON

Product Review: The Naked Bee's Orange Blossom Honey Lotion

2012-01-31T14:36:00.001-05:00

"All The Good Stuff, None of The Bad Stuff"TM Product Description: The Naked Bee - Orange Blossom Honey Lotion combines organic aloe vera and sunflower oil with moisturizers and skin conditioners like honey, spirulina and hyaluronic acid to soften, heal and promote healthy skin. The Naked Bee - Orange Blossom Honey Lotion contains no propylene glycol, dyes or pigments and it is not tested on

No Name-Calling Week 2012

2012-01-13T13:33:00.002-05:00

No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities. THE HISTORY OF THE NO NAME-CALLING WEEK PROJECT No Name-Calling Week was inspired by a young adult novel entitled "The Misfits" by popular author,

Book Review: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore

2012-01-12T11:25:00.000-05:00

The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore Review by Tavares S. Carney Roadblocks, Detours and Open Doors Being the mother of a young, impressionable black male living in an urban area, I was intrigued by The Other Wes Moore being based upon events detailing the lives of two young boys living in the same neighborhood, whose lives began similarly yet became stark contrast as adults – one being an

Guilty by Association by Pat Simmons

2012-01-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

Book Review: One Day It'll All Make Sense by Common

2012-01-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

One Day It’ll All Make Sense by Common with Adam Bradley Review by Tavares S. Carney “Letters to Grow On” If one were to make a summation of this book in Common’s hip-hop lyrics, I would definitely say One Day It’ll All Make Sense is the author’s “Retrospect for Life” as he reflects upon his life from where he is today. The reason I emphasize present day is the fact I gather this

Give A Little - It Means A Lot

2011-12-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

This past Christmas holiday, some co-workers and I managed to give a little. As it turns out (and of course, we knew it would) our small gesture meant a lot to the young women at Alternative For Girls. It warms the heart to help those less fortunate. This thank-you letter makes me smile. Simply knowing that your contributions help someone along the way brings a sense of joy and fills the

Book Review: Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness by Toure'

2011-12-26T12:13:00.000-05:00

Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness by Toure’ Review by Tavares S. Carney “Rooted In, Not Restricted by Blackness” I first learned about this book when a friend mentioned having picked it up to take along on her travels. Shortly after, I began seeing “tweets” from Goldie Taylor, a CNN correspondent, which further peaked interest. The tweets pertained to “eating watermelon at the Ritz.” I just

Flight 777, One Layover – Judgment Day!

2011-12-14T15:48:00.000-05:00

When my mother phoned me and asked my daughter and me if we would like to attend a gospel stage play with her this past Saturday, I had no idea the good time I was in for. OK, so I did – Admittedly, I am a fan of gospel stage plays. But let’s face it, however, everyone cannot write a good script. Furthermore, it takes all parts of a machine to make it go – so hats off to the actors and actresses

What's On Your TBR List?

2011-12-08T18:05:00.000-05:00

As we approach the New Year, I'm searching for upcoming book releases to add to my To-Be-Read list. I typically prefer Christian fiction, or novels with an overall theme of inspiration, motivation or encouragement. As long as a lesson is learned, no matter what the trial, tribulation or circumstance, I will consider the read. In the coming year, I plan to include books with social, cultural

Detroit Sings - 6 Days Left to Enter Choir Competition!

2011-11-29T12:09:00.000-05:00

My TV20 Detroit Sings Choir Competition Showcase Do you think your choir is the best in Metro Detroit? If that's so, enter My TV20's choir competition for the opportunity to showcase your choir during our Detroit Sings holiday special. Show us - film your choir/ensemble singing a holiday song. Upload the video to My Share (link is available on TV20detroit.com home page) and include the link

Getting in Gear for the New Year

2011-11-29T10:48:00.002-05:00

Greetings everyone! It's been a year since I've last posted - I know. As some know, in November of 2010 I was readying myself for a major surgery. Long story short, the surgery was successful but not without a long recuperation period. During this recuperation period, and with so many other goings-on in the personal arena, I somehow managed to lose my reading/networking mojo. I'm blaming the

Next Up from Home Again: Tyora Moody

2010-11-06T18:51:00.001-04:00

Birthing Pains by Tyora Moody Is Birthing Pains your first published work? If not, what other titles have you authored? Yes. This is my first published work of fiction. Do you plan to write more stories or novels? I may write more short stories. This story was the first one I've written in over fifteen years. I have two manuscripts that I'm working whenever I can to find homes for with a

Next Up from Home Again: Dr. Linda F. Beed

2010-11-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Next Up from Home Again: Dr. Linda F. Beed Flavorful by Dr. Linda F. Beed How did you get your idea for your story? This fictitious story was pulled from what I’ve observed throughout my 25 years as a children’s minister. What is(are) the specific main theme(s)/platform(s) in your story? The main theme in this story is that even though we have made mistakes in our walk, it does not

Next Up From Home Again: Shenette Jones

2010-11-04T00:01:00.010-04:00

Next Up From Home Again: Shenette Jones Uncovered by Shenette Jones Is this your first published work? If not, what other titles have you authored? This is my first published work Do you plan to write more stories or novels? I'm completing the full novel of Uncovered which has unbelievable twists and turns that are not in the short story. I'm also working on a youth novel titled, T.J

Next up from Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships anthology - Maurice M. Gray

2010-11-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

Next up from the Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships anthology - Maurice M. Gray Family Matters by Maurice M. Gray, Jr. Is this your first published work? If not, what other titles have you authored? I am the author of two novels, To Whom Much Is Given and All Things Work Together (sequel to To Whom). I also contributed to two other anthologies, Blessed Assurance (2003 from

Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships (an anthology)

2010-11-01T00:01:00.007-04:00

Author, and now publisher, Wanda B. Campbell, releases the debut publication under Micah 6:8 Publishing. Home Again is an anthology of short stories authored by Wanda B. Campbell, Dijorn Moss, Tyora Moody, Trinea Moss, Maurice M. Gray, Jr., Shenette Jones, Bernard Boulton, Tavares S. Carney and Dr. Linda F. Beed. The stories are about restored relationships - husbands and wives, sisters and

Blog Tour Feature: A Love For Tomorrow by Vanessa Miller

2010-10-06T00:01:00.022-04:00

Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing

Blog Tour Feature: Right Package, Wrong Baggage by Wanda B. Campbell

2010-10-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

About the Author Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. She uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort. Wanda B. Campbell’s literary achievements include: Mommy’s Present, a short story appearing in the anthology

Faith-Based Hip-Hop Artist Lecrae Continues His Inspired Journey this Fall with Rehab

2010-09-12T18:21:00.001-04:00

Still sky high off the ascension of Rebel, his 2008 album, to the top of the Billboard Christian Albums chart, a first for any rapper, Lecrae, the world's best selling faith-based hip-hop artist, refuses to let up. Encouraged even more by the unprecedented 75-plus weeks Rebel spent on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart, Lecrae has returned with Rehab, his fourth album. Scheduled for a fall release

Blog Tour Feature: Soon After by Sherryle Kiser Jackson

2010-09-07T00:01:00.042-04:00

Getting to Know Sherryle Kiser Jackson TPS: Sherryle, when did you first begin writing? Sherryle: I can say I have been preparing to be a writer my whole life. I was that one who got in trouble for writing notes in school. My notes were so entertaining that in high school I would dramatize crushes and break-ups in mini books. I remember wanting to be a news reporter. I have an early memory

Blog Tour Feature: Desires of the Heart by Beverly Taylor

2010-09-06T00:01:00.006-04:00

ABOUT THE BOOK What would you do if you were in jeopardy of losing your man to another woman? Carson and Katharine O’Connor seem on the surface to be perfect people—good looking, successful and God-fearing, but no one could accuse them of being too perfect to be believable. Katharine spends her life building a home and family until the day Carson leaves her and allows a voluptuous, cunning

Eddie Connor: A Man on the Move - He's Purposefully Prepared to Persevere

2010-09-05T00:01:00.004-04:00

Purposefully Prepared to Persevere by Eddie Connor Review by Tavares S. Carney Roadblocks vs. Detours Purposefully Prepared to Persevere is an autobiographical testimony of author, Eddie Connor’s, personal journey from being diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness to the man he is today. Between the covers of Purposefully Prepared to Persevere, readers will learn who Eddie Connor was a

Interview: Authoress, Sandra Boykin

2010-09-04T00:01:00.006-04:00

Authoress, Sandra Boykin When and why did you begin writing? I started writing at the age of 11. I didn't know it then that it was my greatest indwelled gift from God. I was just inspired to write short stories and poetry. I remember even way back then how I could visualize stories in my head, almost like watching a movie, and then I would put pen to paper. It's very rewarding. I encourage

National Black Book Festival

2010-09-03T00:01:00.015-04:00

The National Black Book Festival (NBBF) is an annual event, sponsored by Cushcity.com, the world's largest African-American retailer online. The event attracts a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide. NBBF 2011 will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Houston. The event features a pavilion of authors,

Book Review: Inside Rain by Monique D. Mensah

2010-09-01T00:01:00.015-04:00

Inside Rain by Monique D. Mensah Amazon Rating: 4 Review by Tavares S. Carney Voices and Visions Author, Monique D. Mensah, delivers a gripping psychological thriller with her second novel, Inside Rain. After being witness to her mother’s cold-blooded murder, the emotional trauma suffered causes Rain to question voices of reason, all the while grappling to understand what actually

Event: United California African-American Bookclubs Fall Into Fiction

2010-08-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

For more information, please visit: http://www.nationalbookclubconference.com/

Paulette Harper brings us her latest, Completely Whole

2010-08-30T00:01:00.001-04:00

About the Author As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Paulette’s desire is to motivate women to reach their God given potential through conferences, workshops and seminars. Combining enthusiasm with an energetic speaking style, audiences describe Paulette’s presentations as inspiring, enriching and encouraging. She is committed to speaking a message that is always uplifting and edifying

Movie News: Latifah and Parton to star in "Joyful Noise"

2010-08-29T00:01:00.009-04:00

(From EURWeb.com) - *Like all strange pairings, there is a purpose for Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton’s hook up. The two will co-star in an upcoming studio production “Joyful Noise,” a gospel film to be released by Alcon Entertainment. While Latifa’s acting career has been on fire lately, with her recent role in “Just Wright,” she is set to play the part of a mother of two and new choir

Book Review: Beautiful Rage by Janaya Black

2010-08-28T17:31:00.001-04:00

Beautiful Rage by Janaya Black Amazon Rating: 4 Review by Tavares S. Carney Inside the Minds Janaya Black takes readers into the minds of women who kill in Beautiful Rage. Journalist, Vanessa Jackson, is on assignment, interviewing women of the Wayne County Correctional facility who want their stories heard. I like the way Ms. Black shows us the difficulty faced by Vanessa Jackson. How

Book Review: 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter

2010-08-28T15:58:00.001-04:00

32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter Review by Tavares S. Carney Amazon Rating: 5 The Life and Times of Davidia Jones Ernessa T. Carter’s debut, 32 Candles, is a coming-of-age story that begins in Glass, MS and takes readers on a journey leading to Los Angeles, CA. Readers begin this journey with Davidia Jones, the intelligent ugly duckling whose mother, Cora, is mean and abusive – the person

Blog Tour Feature: The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond by Chizelle Archie

2010-08-24T00:01:00.081-04:00

About the Author Chizellé T. Archie is an author, registered school nurse, mother and wife for thirteen years to her husband John Archie. She works for a private school and lives in Atlanta, GA with her family. About the Book Posh Manhattan investment banker Victoria Diamond Cartiér lives a life of ultimate success: owning an affluent estate in Harlem’s Hamilton Heights district, working on

Essence of Motown Literary Meet and Greet 2010

2010-08-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

WHEN: Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (ET) WHERE: Barnes & Noble 82 W Warren Cafe Area Detroit, MI 48202 Local Authors, Poets, Community Leaders and Businesses bring you LiterTainment at its best! Readers and Writers Join Us for a great time. This event is FREE to the public, but if you RSVP

Proverbs 31 Ministries: Get in the SONlight

2010-08-18T14:06:00.000-04:00

FOR YOUR INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT Excerpt from today's devotion . . . Authored by Lynn Cowell Life can be a lot like my myrtles. Sometimes, we are just not blooming. We might try the recommendations of friends. You need a hobby. You need a different job. You need a man. Wait until this season is over and then make a change. Often, though, what we really need is Sonlight. The

Book Review: Till You Hear From Me by Pearl Cleage

2010-08-09T19:35:00.000-04:00

Till You Hear From Me by Pearl Cleage Amazon Rating: 5 Review by Tavares S. Carney Different Road, Same Destination Only child to a stern, know-it-all, old-school civil rights pastor emeritus, and an ultra-feminist mother, Ida B. Wells Dunbar finds her way, and herself, in this tale of old school vs. new school, family and politics. Post-Obama campaign, Ida hopes to land a position

Happy Friendship Day!

2010-08-01T00:01:00.004-04:00

Friendship Day celebrations take place on the first Sunday of August every year. The tradition of dedicating a day in honor of friends began in US in 1935. Gradually the festival gained popularity and today Friendship Day is celebrated in large number of countries including India. On this day people spend time with their friends and express love for them. Exchange of Friendship Day Gifts like

FEATURED BUSINESS: Creations by Victoria

2010-07-30T15:47:00.001-04:00

Creations by Victoria was established in March 2008 by Victoria Blake out of her love for baking and creating unique and delicious baked goods. Creations by Victoria is a custom cookie & cake and edible arrangement company that specializes in unique and custom decorated cookies, cakes of all kinds, gift baskets and fruit arrangements for all occasions and special events. Creations by Victoria

Submit to the Keeping the Faith Anthology presented by Vanessa Miller

2010-07-28T11:03:00.000-04:00

Author, playwright and motivational speaker, Vanessa Miller, is in need of three (3) more stories for the Keeping the Faith anthology. Do you have a story of faith that you'd like to share with thousands of readers? Are you a writer, but you’re still trying to find a way to become published? Do you have a book out, but you just haven’t been able to connect with your audience yet, and you’re

Happy Parents' Day

2010-07-25T18:37:00.000-04:00

In the United States, Parents' Day is held on the fourth Sunday of every July. This was established in 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional Resolution into law (36 U.S.C. § 135) for "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children (ParentsDay.com)." The establishment of Parents’ Day affords a wonderful opportunity for communities,

Tashera Simmons Writing Memoir and Starring in Upcoming Reality Series

2010-07-23T14:49:00.000-04:00

Tashera Simmons Writing Memoir and Starring in Upcoming Reality Series Tashera Simmons, soon-to-be ex-wife of critically-acclaimed rapper, DMX, recently confirmed her official separation from her spouse of 11 years. Ms. Simmons’ upcoming memoir, Tashera Simmons: Strength of A Woman, is a positive story of she and the rapper’s life together. In an interview with AllHipHip.com, Ms. Simmons states

Company searching for qualified applicants to fill school bus driver positions.

2010-07-19T14:31:00.000-04:00

Company searching for qualified applicants to fill school bus driver positions. First Student, Inc., the nation’s leader in student transportation, will host two open job fairs on July 22 and 24, to fill approximately 100 school bus driver positions for Detroit Public Schools. The company is seeking applicants with or without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and will provide all necessary

Introducing Karen Dabney: Author, The Magic Pencil

2010-07-16T15:39:00.004-04:00

The Magic Pencil by Karen E. DabneyThe Magic Pencil, a powerful novel for young adults, is the story of Malcolm Bakersfield and the star of his latest and greatest dream, Nia Stellar. Nia is "the new girl" at Gillespie School. Malcolm quickly notices she's definitely different from all of the other kids he knows. One day, Malc forgets to bring his pencils to school and borrows one from Nia.

BOOK REVIEW: An Inconvenient Friend by Rhonda McKnight

2010-07-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

An Inconvenient Friend by Rhonda McKnight* Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney Amazon Rating: 4 Using What You Have to Get What You Want The author of An Inconvenient Friend, Rhonda McKnight, brings gold-digging Samaria Jacobs back for Round 2. Samaria first arrived on the literary scene in Ms. McKnight’s debut novel, Secrets and Lies. In this offering, Samaria is up to her same conniving ways.

Everyone wants to be a PRINCESS… now you CAN BE!

2010-07-07T10:48:00.000-04:00

Everyone wants to be a PRINCESS… now you CAN BE!The Princess Scholarship Program is designed to recognize women between the ages of 17-23, that are currently a high school senior or enrolled in an accredited Michigan university. The Parade Company is looking for candidates whom invest their time and energy in their community in a positive way and whom represent The Parade Company’s mission of

Book Review: Faith by Michelle Larks

2010-06-29T19:27:00.001-04:00

Faith by Michelle Larks* Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney Amazon Rating: 5 Through Thick and Thin Author, Michelle Larks, invites readers into the lives of Monet and Marcus Caldwell, a middle-aged happily married couple, whose years of fertility woes have left the couple feeling hopeless of ever being able to conceive a child. Just when everything seems to be going well for the couple otherwise,

Anyone need to be re-charged?!

2010-06-24T11:59:00.001-04:00

I share this devotional received from God's Daily Word on today because it speaks volumes to me . . . as I approach my 36th birthday, I need to get re-focused for a renewal . . . Read on . .. courtesy of Steve TroxelWhen the Apostle Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life was forever changed. Prior to meeting Jesus, Paul was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples"

From Proverbs 31 Ministries: The Return of Respect

2010-06-22T11:22:00.000-04:00

The Return of Respect 22 Jun 2010Micca Monda Campbell"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)When I was pregnant with my third child, I shamefully displayed a lack of respect for a police officer. It was a Wednesday afternoon and I was running late for church. On the way, I had to drop off my

Blog Tour Feature: Dreams That Won't Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams

2010-02-17T06:27:00.000-05:00

About the Book Indigo Burns is excited. Her wedding preparations to the man of her dreams are underway, her photography career is a success, and her family seems to be doing better than ever—all except her brother Reuben, who nobody has seen in years. But that’s about to change. When Reuben decides to move back home to Jubilant, Texas, he hopes to find healing with his sisters. But Indigo isn’t

Celebrate Black History Month w/ A Good Children's Book!

2010-02-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

Just Call Me Joe Joe by Jean Alicia Elster Amazon Rating: 5 Just Call Me Joe Joe by Jean Alicia Elster is a very quick, informative and entertaining read. The first of a 3-book series, this title is the story of Joe Joe, an African-American boy who loves to read. In this particular selection, Joe Joe is introduced to the world of the Negro Baseball League. While this book is informative from

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - Micah 6:8 Books, LLC

2010-02-03T08:32:00.000-05:00

Micah 6:8 Books, LLC is proud to announce the production of our first anthology, Home Again. We’d love for you to share in this inaugural event. We are seeking powerful and creative stories from seasoned and aspiring authors, demonstrating the power of love restoring broken relationships. For this project,

A New Network For Christian Creatives

2010-01-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

URBAN CHRISTIAN CREATIVE January 28, 2010 - - (Detroit, MI) - - Urban Christian Creative (UCC) is a new online social media network for christian creative-types. As President of Echelon Entertainment, Tavares Carney saw the need to bridge the gap between Christian creatives. Having established herself as a Christian book reviewer, Carney says, "I found myself promoting to book lovers, only. I

Book Review: Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

2010-01-16T09:29:00.001-05:00

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Amazon Rating: 5 Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney A Fine Line of Favor Dolen Perkins-Valdez delivers the gripping tale of primary characters, Lizzy, Reenie, Sweet and Mawu's, lives as slave maids and mistresses during the mid-19th century. Although from separate southern plantations, the mistresses vacation with their white masters to a free-state resort in Ohio

NOMINEES FOR 41st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS ANNOUNCED

2010-01-06T21:04:00.000-05:00

NOMINEES FOR 41st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS ANNOUNCED LIVE AT PRESS CONFERENCE BY TAYE DIGGS, MICHAEL STRAHAN, WANDA SYKES, KYLE MASSEY, CHRIS MASSEY, TATYANA ALI AND NAACP EXECUTIVES The 41st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS Airs Live Friday, February 26 On FOX BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., (January 6, 2010) -- The 41st NAACP Image Awards nominees were announced today during a press conference at The SLS Hotel at

Follow Him!

2010-01-05T08:59:00.000-05:00

I'd like to share today's devotional from God's Daily Word Ministries, as it speaks volumes to me and I hope it does the same for all of us :-) . . . Happy New Year! Soon after entering the promised land of Canaan, the children of Israel forgot about God and all He had done. They soon began to worship the false gods of Baal and the love-goddess, Asherah. It seemed like every generation

Book Review: Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight

2009-11-25T13:00:00.004-05:00

Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnightReviewed by Tavares S. CarneyAmazon Rating: 4Communication is KeyIn author, Rhonda McKnight’s, debut novel, Secrets and Lies, Ms. McKnight does a superb job bringing readers into the lives of the Dr. Jonah and Faith Morgan, a well-to-do married couple that endures tribulations stemming from Faith’s perceived selfishness and Jonah’s work ethic and ailing

Blog Tour Feature: Author and Marriage Coach, Jewell R. Powell

2009-11-15T20:56:00.009-05:00

Meet Jewell Powell, author of Marriage 101In July of 1992, Jewell met her Prince Charming at a Roy Rogers restaurant. When the couple decided to marry four years later, both were aware of the latest marriage statistics and the legacy of divorce that lay between them. Her parents divorced when she was four, after moving the family to Maryland, leaving her to be raised by a single mother. To

Book Review: Farther Than I Meant to Go Longer Than I Meant To Stay by Tiffany Warren

2009-11-15T20:40:00.007-05:00

Review by Tavares S. CarneyAmazon Rating: 4Warning SignsHave you ever met an intelligent woman who carries herself with dignity and class, and who seemingly has it all but one piece of the puzzle - a man by her side? In Farther Than I Meant To Go, this woman is Charmayne Ellis, a successful banking executive who allows her impatience and insecurity with her appearance to alter her decision-making

Book Review: Watch Your Back by Lisa Watson

2009-11-15T20:17:00.005-05:00

Review by Tavares S. CarneyAmazon Rating: 4Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies CloserThis is a story of money, power, love, trust, family and friends. Author, Lisa Watson, weaves a tale of deception from the very outset of the novel. The Mitchell family is loaded and it seems that more than one person is out to harm the heir to the Mitchell fortune. Through several events, Devon, the only

Book Review: Before I Forget by Leonard Pitts, Jr.

2009-10-02T10:36:00.002-04:00

Before I Forget by Leonard Pitts, Jr.Review by Tavares S. CarneyAmazon rating: 5 starsBefore I Forget by Leonard Pitts, Jr. is a story about men, their relationships with each other, themselves and their sons, as well as how their past relationships affect their present relationships. This is a novel about James Moses Johnson II, a once famed crooner whose diminishing fame, along with a recent

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER by Maya Angelou

2009-09-28T15:01:00.002-04:00

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTERBy Maya Angelou'A woman's heart should be so hidden in ChristThat a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'When I say.... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living,'I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.When

Feature Book and Author: Sins of the Father by Angela Benson

2009-08-27T05:30:00.015-04:00

Successful media mogul Abraham Martin has great wealth, an elegant wife, Saralyn, and a rebellious son, Isaac. He also has a secret: a second family that no one knows about. Now, after thirty years—driven by the urging of his long dormant conscience—Abraham is determined to do the right thing by finally bringing his illegitimate children into the light…and into the family fold.But beautiful,

Venus and Serena Williams join Miami Dolphins as Limited Partners

2009-08-26T19:39:00.005-04:00

Stephen M. Ross, Owner and Managing General Partner of the Miami Dolphins, today announced that Venus and Serena Williams, who have 18 Grand Slam singles titles combined and are residents of Palm Beach Gardens, are joining the organization as limited partners of the franchise.The Williams sisters are the first female African-Americans to hold an ownership stake in a NFL franchise and one of the

Feature Book and Author: Til Debt Do Us Part by Michelle Larks

2009-07-15T18:39:00.006-04:00

Making It WorkReview by Tavares S. Carney‘Til Debt Do Us Part by Michelle Larks is the story of Nichole Baldwin-Singleton, a seemingly once spoiled, little rich girl whose inheritance has not afforded her experiences of financial hardship, and her husband Jeff, whose childhood is a total contrast to that of Nichole’s. Jeff knows all too well about financial hardships and is determined to make

Featured Business: Cutie Booty Cakes

2009-05-25T13:58:00.002-04:00

After working for over a decade in non-profit management and government, and upon the birth of her son, Renee decided that working from home was the best choice for her. An opportunity presented itself and after being back at work full-time for 3 months, she left her position for a more flexible schedule. A graduate of Spelman College with a Master's Degree from The American University, Renee is

Victorious Enterprises Launches Victorious Magazine!

2009-05-23T09:20:00.002-04:00

The Pleasing Spoon is happy to wrap-up the blog tour for Victorious Magazine's premiere. We spoke with the founder and editor, Brooks J. Young, to discuss what her plans are now that she has "birthed her baby."As mothers plan and hope for their new children, now that you've birthed Victorious, what do you plan to do to shape and mold her into what you hope she becomes? As a new "mom" I have

Where are you now . . .

2009-05-14T12:43:00.001-04:00

. . . compared to where you thought you'd be?I had a very interesting conversation with some online girlfriends ofmine last month. Where are you now compared to where you want to be?Where are you now compared to where you wanted to be at an earlier age(i.e., elementary, high school, college)?As for me, when I was in elementary school I'd say, "When I grow up I want to be a news anchor or an

Book Review: Secret Daughter by June Cross

2009-05-13T18:50:00.003-04:00

This memoir is a very interesting look into what it was like growing up for June Cross, daughter of aspiring white actress, Norma Booth, and well known black comedian, James "Stump" Cross. Secret Daughter delves into what is was like for a young June growing up, sometimes in two completely different worlds, and trying to find herself and more about herself and her parents. This novel takes us

Nurses Week Ends Tomorrow!

2009-05-12T19:17:00.003-04:00

National Nurses Week is ends tomorrow! Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6-12th. Join TPS and the American Nurses Association (ANA) in saluting nurses across the U.S. this year. The ANA's theme is "Nurses: Building a Healthy America". This theme reflects the commitment nurses make every day for their patients, their communities and their country. TPS thanks all the nurses who have ever cared

Walt Disney Studios' First African-American Princess

2009-05-12T18:48:00.003-04:00

Walt Disney Animation Studios revvs up for the musical, 'The Princess and the Frog,' an animated comedy set in New Orleans starring Anika Noni Rose in the title role. The movie is a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana, and a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again. A fateful kiss leads them both on a comical adventure through the Louisiana

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T12:49:00.002-04:00

AI Has Lost it's "Girl Power"

2009-05-06T23:04:00.004-04:00

Tonight's results were quite surprising for me! AI has lost it's girl power this season. After the polls were in and the votes got counted, Ryan Seacrest revealed to America that the last girl standing, Allison Iraheta, is going home. Allison's akready in her hometown - Los Angeles, CA. All is not said in done for this 17 year old talented girl with the uniquely identifiable voice. She'll be

Dave Bing - Detroit's New Mayor!

2009-05-06T22:52:00.005-04:00

Dave Bing, a businessman and former NBA great, is now the mayor of the city of Detroit. Bing assumes the office after defeating former Mayor Ken Cockrel, who assumed the remainder of Kwame Kilpatrick's term after he resigned just this past September.The Detroit News reported approximately 92,000 Detroiters showed up at the polls.Bing, 65, received 48,951 votes to Cockrel's 44,703 -- a win of 52

Florida A&M Looking for Black Female Students

2009-05-06T16:13:00.001-04:00

Please share this information. Florida A&M Looking for Black Female StudentsScholarship InformationFlorida A & M University is providing an outstanding opportunity forBlack women entering college in the fall of 2009. It is designed toaddress their absence in the field of computer technology. Dr. JasonBlack is the Principal Investigator of a recently awarded $552,000 NSFGrant entitled

Upcoming Book/Author Conferences

2009-04-23T08:26:00.001-04:00

Here are a few upcoming conferences:APRIL25-26 L A Times Festival of BooksUCLA/Los Angeles: http://www.blackwriters.org/ MAY02-03 DFW Writer's Conference Grapevine Convention Center, Irving, TXhttp://www.dfwwritersconference.org/register/index.html16 - 17 National Black Book FestivalHouston, TX: http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/ 28-31 Book Expo AmericaNew York: http://

Book Review: Serving Justice by Jacqueline D. Moore

2009-04-09T20:41:00.002-04:00

Serving Justice by Jacqueline D. MooreReview by Tavares S. CarneyAmazon Rating: 3Pain and PrideMeet smart, sassy and successful legal professionals and friends, Angela, Theresa, Darlene and Rhonda, in Jacqueline D. Moore’s latest release, Serving Justice. These friends meet in college and become more like family over the span of approximately 20 years. This offering gives us the opportunity to

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

2009-04-06T10:33:00.003-04:00

FREE!! MIT announces its MITES Program, (Minority Introduction toEngineering and Science), a challenging 6 week summer program thatprepares promising rising seniors for careers in engineering andscience. If you are selected, all educational, housing, meals andactivity costs are covered. You must, however, pay for your owntransportation to and from MIT. To apply, go to http://mit.edu/mites GEORGE

10th Annual First Lady Conference - Dallas, TX (June 11-13th, 2009)

2009-04-02T19:24:00.001-04:00

Post Your Christian Book Trailers on BlackChristianBookVideos.com

2009-03-31T14:43:00.001-04:00

Getting your video placed on BlackChristianBookVideos.com is free. Placing your Christian book trailer on BlackChristianBookVideos.com helps you get more exposure for your book. To get your book trailer posted on BlackChristianBookVideos.com just email us at BCBV@BlackCBV.com with the following information:1. Title2. Author3. ISBN4. Page Count5. Price6. About 100 words of sales text7. A JPEG of

March 30th: Today is National Doctor's Day

2009-03-30T08:47:00.001-04:00

History of National Doctors' DayThe first Doctor's Day observance was March 30, 1933 in Winder, Georgia.Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set asidea day to honor physicians. The red carnation is commonly used as thesymbolic flower for National Doctor's Day.On March 30, 1958, a Resolution Commemorating Doctors' Day was adoptedby the United States House of

Virtual Fiction Writers Conference, April 16-18, 2009

2009-03-30T08:23:00.002-04:00

Taking It To The Next Level In 2009Virtual Fiction Writers Conference"Coming to a computer and telephone near you!"Thursday, April 16, 2009 - Saturday, April 18, 2009$50 Registration Fee Includes All Sessions!Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta, formerly Visions in PrintWriters Group are hosting their second annual Virtual WritersConference. The proceeds will be awarded as a college

Book Review: That Devil's No Friend of Mine by J.D. Mason

2009-03-28T19:51:00.002-04:00

Review by Tavares S. CarneyWhat Lies BeneathAuthor, J.D. Mason, brings readers into the lives of characters Kristine Fontaine, Lamar and Rhonda, Cole and Nora, Rayne, T. Diggs, and Cash. That Devil’s No Friend of Mine is a story of a trail of secrets, lies and family ties left behind by a strong-willed man, Bishop Fontaine, with convictions that influenced his family and those he cared for to

World Deliverance Temple's Pastors Anniversary Celebration

2009-03-28T10:09:00.001-04:00

Fantasia Barrino - Live in Detroit on Easter Sunday!

2009-03-28T10:06:00.001-04:00

Beware - Computer Virus threat for April 1, 2009

2009-03-27T14:41:00.001-04:00

A new virus known as Win32/Conflicker C (or sometimes as Kido orDownadup) has been discovered and is expected to activate on April 1st,which is Wednesday. We want to remind you not to open attachments inemails from people you don't recognize, to make sure your firewall isconfigured correctly, to check that all Microsoft critical updates havebeen installed and to update your antivirus program to

44 Presidents

2009-03-27T14:40:00.001-04:00

My bookclub buddy Jennifer sent this link - How many can you name?VERY INTERESTING HOW THIS IS DONE.... A SEAMLESS TRANSITION FROM ONE PICTO ANOTHER...... Forty four presidents!!! (there is music too if youwould like to listen)http://www.flixxy.com/presidents-morphing.htmHow'd you like it? Please leave your comments.

Braille appears to be dying, report finds

2009-03-27T09:03:00.003-04:00

Blind literacy rate declines to below 10%By Ben Nuckols, Associated PressBALTIMORE -- Fewer than 10% of the 1.3 million legally blind people inthe United States read Braille, and just 10% of blind children arelearning it, according to a report to be released today by the NationalFederation of the Blind.By comparison, at the height of its use in the 1950s, more than half thenation's blind children

April 10th is National Siblings Day

2009-03-27T08:47:00.002-04:00

Today is National Siblings Day. The bonds forged between brothers and sisters is typically one of the most enduring relationships throughout life.Today, nurture and celebrate your siblings.To learn more about National Sibling Day (officially celebrated in 40 states), please visit http://www.siblingsday.org .

Groundbreaking New Book - NAACP: Celebrating A Century, 100 Years in Pictures

2009-03-26T10:29:00.002-04:00

March 20, 2009 - The NAACP and The Crisis Publishing Company have joinedwith Gibbs Smith to bring you a visually stunning and groundbreaking newbook that captures the 100 years of the NAACP and The Crisis, NAACP:Celebrating a Century, 100 Years in Pictures ($40.00; 1-4236-0527-6; HC;600 Color and B&W Photos; 472 Pages; February 2009). The NAACP is builton the collective courage of thousands of

Food for Thought: Meet Me Where I Am

2009-03-26T10:09:00.001-04:00

"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all thingsto all men so that by all possible means I might save some." 1Corinthians 9:22 OK, so Paul never sinned in order to save a sinner BUT he understoodwhere a person was in their spiritual journey and met them on their roadas he began to minister. I'm so happy and thankful that my God does not chastise me when my faithfalls short of

Naked and Not Ashamed 1st Annual Women's Conference

2009-03-26T06:26:00.003-04:00

Documentary: Up and Coming Filmmaker on Injustice for Women in the Penal System

2009-03-25T19:20:00.005-04:00

IN JUSTICEContact: Oriana J. Bolden,Director (510)637-8262 info@reelchange.orgContact: Brittany Ballard,Producer/Field Producer(310)488-062 brittany@littleplowfilms.comWhat is really at stake in a system where corrections officers work overtime to take care of their children and inmates are separated from their children for up to 14 years for non-violent crimes they were set up to commit? Tearing

Food For Thought

2009-03-25T09:28:00.001-04:00

Here's something to ponder . . . I read this on Steve Troxel's God's Daily Word . . . Do we really know God's voice? How often do we set aside time tolisten? If we only occasionally listen to His voice, how will we evenrecognize when He calls? We live in a world so filled withdistractions, that we must not wait until the crisis of a storm. If wehaven't learned to filter out the competing noises

45 Lessons Life Taught Me

2009-03-24T12:48:00.001-04:00

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland ,Ohio "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolledoverTo 90 in August, so here is the column once more: ********************************************************** 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.2. When in doubt, just take

Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson Brings "Game of Life" to Dayton, Ohio to Inspire Kids to Make the Right Moves

2009-03-24T06:22:00.004-04:00

Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson, founder and executive director of the non-profit organization, Be Someone will be in Dayton, Ohio on Friday, March 27, 2009 to show at-risk youth how to make better decisions in school and in life.He will speak to the students and faculty of Thurgood Marshall High School, 447 Hoover Avenue, at 10:00 AM. At 12:30 PM, Hudson speaks at the Black Man's Think Tank in the

African Americans On The Move National Meeting - 2009

2009-03-18T20:50:00.001-04:00

Having trouble with relationships? Here's some motivation.

2009-03-18T08:20:00.003-04:00

EXCERPT: God's Daily Word, March 19, 2009 - Steve Troxel"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12).Though we may carry a healthy level of new caution as a relationship continues, we must never place conditions on maintaining our forgiveness.There WILL be times when we are burdened with hurt. But let's not seek revenge or try to withdraw and hide our

Cool Site for Teen Books!

2009-03-18T08:09:00.002-04:00

Visit Our Teen Voices Today!

Writtenvoices.com Book Review: The List by Sherri Lewis

2009-03-16T17:33:00.003-04:00

The List by Sherri LewisReviewed by Tavares S. CarneyThe List by Sherri Lewis is the tale of best girlfriends, Michelle, Angela, Lisa, Vanessa and Nicole, on a search for “The One”. All but one of the group has experienced what she believes to be intimate love and the loss that occurs as a result of the relationship ending.This novel has a storyline that is sure to appeal to women waiting for

Stay Empowered Through Ministry

2009-03-16T17:28:00.003-04:00

Rod of God

2009-03-10T21:07:00.002-04:00

Christian Book Expo's African American Pavilion Highlights Authors and Products that Meet the Needs of a Multi-Cultural Community

2009-03-10T20:48:00.007-04:00

ATLANTA, (March 9, 2009) - Get your tickets now and browse the Christian Book Expo's African American Pavilion at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, March 19-22, 2009.Come and meet over 200 authors and 60 publishers during the event. Take part in 150 seminars and nightly worship while picking up your copy of any of the thousands of Christian books that will be on display. Nightly