Just in time for Black Marriage Day, tomorrow Lamar and Ronnie Tyler the couple behind Happily Ever After and You Saved Me present their new film “Men Ain’t Boys.” The Tyler’s traveled across the country to interview 45 men and multiple experts about the true definition of manhood in the Black community. A resounding theme in the film is how these men (all of whom are married) express their love. Watch as men from ages 22 to 77 explain not just why they love their wives but more importantly how they display their love. The Tylers hope to portray positive examples of Black men on film in a fashion that has never been done before with Men Ain’t Boys. The end desire is to present a blueprint for what real manhood is in our communities and families for not only men but also for our women and children. With Black marriage numbers at an all time low and Black divorce numbers at an all time high the hopes of positive, lasting, relationships look bleak until now. Executive Producers Lamar and Ronnie Tyler bring real married couples to the screen to chronicle the greatest love stories ever told. These real couples explain how their marriages had a direct impact on their lives. Featuring candid and transparent looks inside of the hardships, trials, and ultimate success stories of these amazing couples. YOU SAVED ME offers an unprecedented look inside of real relationships and what is required to sustain them. Originally scheduled to air tomorrow in selected areas to tie in with “Black Marriage Day” you can participate by writing to Tyler New Media P.O. Box 284 Grayson, Ga. 30017. There is a full training program that you can participate by visiting www.blackmarriageday.com/Black_Marriage_Day/Welcome.html Related Stories If He Doesn’t Pursue You Now, He Never Will Are You Taking Your Partner For Granted? 7 Tips To Get Along With Your Mother-In-Law
If you’re in the entertainment business, in any fashion, it’s safe to say Quincy Jones has had some influence on you. From creating some of the most memorable music in history to founding one of hip hop’s most loved magazines, Quincy Jones has done it all. WBW: Samples of History: Hip-Hop Mines Afrobeat In celebration of his upcoming birthday (March 14th), we decided to dish out the Top Ten Quincy Jones samples in hip hop songs. 10. Jodeci – Get On Up When Jodeci released their third single from ‘The Show, The After Party, The Hotel’, many didn’t catch the portion of Quincy’s 1981 track, “Velas,” a single off of the landmark album, ‘The Dude.’ Dalvin Degrate used the harmonica solo and other minor quirks of Jones’ jazz groove to make “Get On Up” sound richer. Anchored by a funky bassline and knocking drums, “Get On Up” helped Jodeci go platinum in a mere two months in 1995. Get On Up Velas 9. Jurassic 5 – Improvise Jurassic 5 broke on the scene in 1997 as the group bringing back true school hip hop. As the second single from their debut EP, “Improvise” mixed samples from Albino Gorilla and our man, Q. Quincy’s theme song for the 1972 comic caper film, The Hot Rock, was jacked. The group’s understated use of this old theme song proved they were trying to move into the future without losing sight of the past. Improvise: Hot Rock Theme: 8. The Roots – Clones The album, ‘Illadelph Halflife,’ was a departure for the crew from Philly. They went for a darker sounding record than ‘Illadelph’s’ predecessors. “Clones” served as The Roots’ first appearance in the top five of the hip hop charts back in ’96. Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson transformed a sexy jazz number evoking the feeling of July in New York City into an ill rap tune about not conforming to society’s images and remaining your true self. Clones Summer In The City 7. 2Pac ft. K-ci & JoJo – How Do U Want It 2Pac has always had the talent of smoothly injecting serious statements into fun party songs. On his number one single, “How Do U Want It,” Pac lays the smack down on C. Deloris Tucker, while trying to get into shortie’s cut off jean shorts. Producer, Johnny J , flipped Quincy’s 1974 bedroom jam, “Body Heat,” into a salacious tune for wannabe macks approaching women in the club. Listen to these two records and you’ll see why women would rather be with an old school mack than these new age “pimps.” How Do U Want It Body Heat 6. LL Cool J ft. Boyz II Men – Hey Lover Jones’ personal recordings haven’t been the only tracks sampled from his vast catalouge. His collaborations with Michael Jackson have been sampled a fair share of times. One of the most memorable is Uncle L’s ode to crushes. The Trackmasters lifted and looped the introduction of Quincy and MJ’s romantic, “The Lady In My Life,” to continue on with LL’s rap Lothario persona. Boyz II Men add smoothed out vocals to every around the way girl’s favorite summer love song. Hey Lover Lady In My Life 5. Juelz Santana – Mic Check Juelz Santana has never lacked confidence. When he dropped his second album, he crowned himself as what the game was missing. Back with avengance, Santana needed an anthem to match the aggression he was coming with. Neo Da Matrix added Quincy’s theme from the “Roots” mini-series so fans and other rappers knew how hard Juelz was coming. He might have sold the least, but he managed to be most feared by most emcees. See what a Quincy Jones sample and a little aggression will do for you? Mic Check Roots Mural Theme 4. Kanye West ft. T-Pain – Good Life Chicago’s native son is no stranger to sampling. The Louie Vuitton Don borrowed a few portions of Jones’ work on the Thriller jam, “P.Y.T.” If you listen closely, you can hear Michael Jackson in the background cooing,”Aww, baby.” The fact Kanye made it on this list is laugh worthy, considering the founder of Vibe Magazine dissed Mr. West by saying he was “just a rapper.” Quincy, tell us what’s good. Why ‘Ye only got a problem when you in the hood? Good Life P.Y.T. 3. Ludacris – #1 Spot Ludacris is consistently one of the most underrated emcees in the game. His 2004 album, The Red Light district, featured some of his most animated rhymes to date. The DJ Green Lantern produced “#1 Spot” is a prime example. Based on the dudes’ “Soul Bossa Nova,” made famous by the Austin Powers movies, Ludacris sent warning shots to any foe standing in his way with a smile. Sidebar: the Bill O’Reilly diss was too official. Number One Spot: Soul Bossa Nova: 2. Mobb Deep – Shook Ones Part II Mobb Deep’s infamously dark delivery and hardcore street tales have made them one of the most critically acclaimed rap groups hip hop has seen. On the classic, The Infamous , Havoc sampled a frightening fragment of a cool Quincy record, “Kitty With The Bent Frame,” to give “Shook Ones Part II” the element of danger it needed to match the duo’s storytelling. Prodigy and Havoc let all the killers and hundred dollar billers know theyweren’t Wu-Tang, but they weren’t “nothin’ to f*ck wit” either. Shook Ones Part II : Kitty With The Bent Frame : 1. The Pharcyde – Passin Me By Released in 1993, “Passin Me By” found the four member crew recounting stories of school boy crushes that end in heartbreak. Producer, J-Swift sampled “Summer In The City” for this classic. “Passin Me By” will forever resonate because there will always be some guy sprung over a female. By the way, our number eight selection shares the sample. Can you hear them in both records? what’s the difference between the uses of the two songs? Passin Me By: Summer In The City: RELATED POSTS: Quincy Jones Defends Working With T-Pain [VIDEO] Quincy Jones & Ludacris “Soul Bossa Nostra” [AUDIO] Quincy Jones Readies Tribute Album… To Himself
When disaster strikes we all want to know how to help. The people of Japan will need help for a long time to come. They may have just suffered the worst disaster in their countries existence. The following organizations are ready to help. Here is how to help you can do in addition to praying. They will need our prayers and all our support for a long time. It is our first reaction to want to help others when we see them in need. We are all citizens of the world. There are organizations who specialize in helping with relief. This is how you can help. You can help by reaching out to any of the organizations below. The Red Cross has already launched efforts in Japan. Visit Redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone. Save the Children has also responded. Eiichi Sadamatsu of the organization released a statement , saying: The organization is currently organizing efforts and donations to its Children’s Emergency Fund will support outreach. International Medical Corps is responding to the health needs of the disaster’s victims. Nancy Aossey, President & CEO, International Medical Corps said in a statement: To donate or learn about other ways you can contribute to its medical response, visit Internationalmedicalcorps.org . Also, text MED to 80888 from any mobile phone to give $10. The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund was launched at GlobalGiving.org to garner funds that will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake. It has already raised over $100,000, particularly from concerned Twitter users around the world. The project page explains: Salvation Army personnel are organizing efforts in Tokyo and will soon send a team to help the severely damaged city of Sendai, Japan . To contribute to earthquake relief, text ‘JAPAN’ or ‘QUAKE’ to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visit SalvationArmyUSA.org . Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan . To learn more about the organization’s efforts or make a donation, visit Doctorswithoutborders.org . Other relief organizations are also sending representatives to disaster sites, including AmeriCare and Shelterbox . MercyCorps is gathering donations for its overseas partner, Peace Winds Japan , which currently has personnel on the ground distributing emergency relief in Japan. Along with an appeal for monetary donations, Operation USA has also announced efforts to collect bulk corporate donations of health care supplies . If you are interested in donating bulk medical items, visit OpUSA.org . For any who have loved ones abroad, Google has stepped up to help. Along with a tsunami alert posted on its front page, Google has launched the Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake to help connect people that may have been displaced due to the disaster. Google has also launched a crisis response page filled with local resources and emergency information. Judy Chang, head of PayPal’s nonprofit group, announced that transactional fees incurred by money transfers to US 501(c)(3) organizations (or charities registered with the Canada Revenue Agency) between March 11 and April 10 will aid relief efforts in Japan. World Vision has announced global mobilization in response to tsunami warnings. Geoff Shepherd, the organization’s humanitarian and emergency affairs director for the Asia-Pacific region, released a statement on World Vision’s For more news please read News One’s: Twitter, Facebook Users Offer Donations And Words Of Support Related Stories: Tsunami Prayers: 8.9 Earthquake Strikes Japan [VIDEO] Feel Good Friday Vid of The Week: One Man And His Guitar Work It Out Wednesday:10 Steps To Peace Top 10 Charities To Trust
Couples Alert!- Have you ever heard of the term the “7 year itch”? A recent UK study conducted for Warner Bros to promote the film, “Hall Pass” in UK theaters discovered couples tolerance for one another has decreased from 7 years to 36 months. The study identified a list of things that couples acknowledged were annoying and bothered them about their partner. It revealed the longer couples were together, the harder its been to keep the “spark” going. A list of the top ten everyday passion-killers were the following: Weight gain/lack of exercise, 13 percent Money & Spend thriftiness, 11 percent Anti-social working hours, 10 percent Hygiene issues (personal cleanliness), 9 percent In-Laws/extended family – too much/too little, 9 percent Lack of romance (sex, treats etc.), 8 percent Alcohol – drinking too much, 7 percent Snoring & anti social bedtime habits, 6 percent Lapsed fashion-Same old underwear/clothes, 4 percent Bathroom habits – Stray nail cuttings etc., 4 percent. Do you believe this applies to couples here in the U.S.? Would you give your partner a Hall Pass? We’ve love to hear your thoughts. Hit us up! Read the full article here follow me on twitter- @elev8_Kelly Related Articles: Dr. Elisa’s 10 Tips To Lasting Love 4 Ways To Have A Healthy Relationship Celebrating Marriage: From Day One To Year Fifty
Josh Xantus is a super exciting new artist. I know, you’re thinking, another R&B singer? Well, Josh Xantus is an R&B singer and so much more. He’s an classically trained Julliard musician who has gotten the thumbs up from Stevie Wonder and we’re bringing him straight to you. Josh Xantus is known for singles like “ Mommy I Love You ” and “ First Time ” and you’ve gotta check out “ I Don’t Care .” I think that my favorite part of the interview was watching him play the piano. Talent is really winning. Check Out These Joints Too Top 5 Jay-Z R&B Guest Appearances Ghostface To Do R&B Album??
The last few years movies with solid moral messages have been showing up in movie theaters across the nation. They have been opening to great numbers. This is proof that there is a hunger for telling an honest story minus the gratuity of violence, sex and drugs. Four men, one calling: To serve and protect The synopsis of the movie tells of law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners are confident and focused. They willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark. They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift further and further away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those that are most dear to them? When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a new found urgency help these dads draw closer to God … and to their children? Moviegoers will again find themselves crying, laughing, and cheering—sometimes simultaneously—as they are inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these law enforcement officers. Raising their children? That will take courage. Take a moment and think about it…. Courageous … honor begins at home. Related Stories Movie Review:”The Grace Card” New Thought-Provoking Film Starring Louis Gossett Jr. In Theaters This February
Commitment is a word that drives people. It is the moments in which you become the most resolute about a decision or choice. What do your choices or non choices say about you? Many of us struggle with making commitments. Many of us do not honor our commitments. It is when we embrace the strength of our word do we become the person that we are destined to be. There is a wonderful in Matthew 5:37: Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. How many times have you wished that you could be stronger in w hat you would or world not do. Begin with this prayer: Lord, I give myself to You, whatever the cost may be. Take every aspect of my life and use me for Your Kingdom to glorify Your Name. I’m not here on earth to do my own thing, to seek my own fulfillment or my own glory. I’m not here to indulge my desires, to increase my possessions, to impress people to be popular, to prove I’m somebody important, or to promote myself. I’m not here to even be relevant or successful by human standards. I’m here to please You. To live like this, I yield myself to You, to know You, to love You, to obey You, and to grow in your Holy fear. I desire to become a person who understands and lives in reverent awe of You. I’ll do anything that You want me to do, go anywhere that You want me to go and say anything that You want me to say. Father, there isn’t any gift that You have for me that I don’t want. If You want to use me in a way that I’m not used to, I yield myself to that. Today, I affirm my love for You, my God, and I choose to live and minister in Your way. I trust You, Lord, to do that which I cannot do for myself. Teach me, guide me, and empower me to fear Your name. Today is that chance. You can start right here and now. Try this prayer for 40 days and see what changes in your life. Related Stories: Make Lent 2011 The Best Ever Minute Meditation: Prayer for Financial Security Feel Good Friday Vid Of The Week: His Eye Is On The Sparrow Mavis Staples Brings Gospel To Late Night TV [VIDEO] Minute Meditation:Prayer for Understanding
Commitment is a word that drives people. It is the moments in which you become the most resolute about a decision or choice. What do your choices or non choices say about you? Many of us struggle with making commitments. Many of us do not honor our commitments. It is when we embrace the strength of our word do we become the person that we are destined to be. There is a wonderful in Matthew 5:37: Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. How many times have you wished that you could be stronger in w hat you would or world not do. Begin with this prayer: Lord, I give myself to You, whatever the cost may be. Take every aspect of my life and use me for Your Kingdom to glorify Your Name. I’m not here on earth to do my own thing, to seek my own fulfillment or my own glory. I’m not here to indulge my desires, to increase my possessions, to impress people to be popular, to prove I’m somebody important, or to promote myself. I’m not here to even be relevant or successful by human standards. I’m here to please You. To live like this, I yield myself to You, to know You, to love You, to obey You, and to grow in your Holy fear. I desire to become a person who understands and lives in reverent awe of You. I’ll do anything that You want me to do, go anywhere that You want me to go and say anything that You want me to say. Father, there isn’t any gift that You have for me that I don’t want. If You want to use me in a way that I’m not used to, I yield myself to that. Today, I affirm my love for You, my God, and I choose to live and minister in Your way. I trust You, Lord, to do that which I cannot do for myself. Teach me, guide me, and empower me to fear Your name. Today is that chance. You can start right here and now. Try this prayer for 40 days and see what changes in your life. Related Stories: Make Lent 2011 The Best Ever Minute Meditation: Prayer for Financial Security Feel Good Friday Vid Of The Week: His Eye Is On The Sparrow Mavis Staples Brings Gospel To Late Night TV [VIDEO] Minute Meditation:Prayer for Understanding
No matter what stage in life you’re at, it isn’t always easy to make new friends However, making friends later on in life can be much more difficult. There may be colleagues at work, people you know at the gym, somebody you walk past every day? How many would you trust with a secret, or a problem? For people who have moved away to a new town, or whose relationship circumstances have changed, having to make new friends can be a daunting prospect. Following these suggestions can help make finding new friends a bit easier. 1) Do something ! Don’t stay in waiting for new friends to suddenly appear. They won’t. Sign up for an evening course and you could learn a new language, become a wine expert, improve your cooking skills, or make better use of your computer in just a few weeks. Go on the works night out, anything rather than spend another night in front of the TV. 2) Get Connected . If you can’t find a hobby or a social activity that interests you, why not see if there’s an event near by on something you have been interested in.. These are a great way of meeting people, and can be invaluable if you have moved to a new town, and don’t know anybody. As well as like minded people, these clubs offer many social activities and social group events which can range from quiz nights at a local pub, to foreign travel, and may include special offers on such products as medical insurance. 3) Speak Out, or Just speak . Although easier said than done, try not to be shy when meeting people for the first time, even though you may feel you lack confidence. When you are in a social situation, aim to make the first move, and other shy people will be glad you broke the ice. Accept that you won’t like everyone you talk to, and not everyone will like you. 4) Look Around. You may be able to tell a little about a person from the way they dress, or from what they are carrying. If somebody is carrying a camera, listening to a favorite song make eye contact. If they are reading a book or magazine, walking a dog, or pushing a pram, you might have something else to talk about. Look around. 5) Ask. Try to ask open questions such as “What do you think of …?” rather than “Do you like …?” as they require a more detailed answer, and encourage conversation. Questions that require a Yes or No answer don’t make for an easy conversation. 6) Do something you like . Like minded people can often become friends. If you’ve always wanted to do something different, or take up a new activity, this could be the ideal time. From abseiling to zoology, there’s bound to be a local club or society that you can join. If you’re an avid reader, why not join a book club. Volunteer work can be very rewarding if you have the free time. If you’re an animal lover, there may be an animal rescue center that you could help out. There is always something that you can do in a small way. 7) Social networking You can also make friends online using social media sites or chat rooms. However, these types of friendships are not usually the same as real life friendships. You might have a great time talking to someone in a foreign country who likes the same music and films as you do, but this friend probably won’t be able to give you a lift if your car won’t start. Look into ‘meet up”. Be active in building friendships . Once you’ve made friends, don’t forget to get a phone number or email address, and be positive! Contact your new friend, but don’t be put out if they are too busy or unable to meet you for a while. Remember not to seem clingy or desperate. If you have the opportunity to make more friends, then do so, don’t feel like you have to rely on just one person. Related Stories: Make Lent 2011 The Best Ever Think Before You React, Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff Is Anyone Happy?
Chris Rock recently stated that “I wanted to do something in New York,” right across the bridge from the New Jersey home he shares with his wife, Malaak, and daughters, Lola, 9, and Zahra, 7. USA Today reports that despite being the family man, the title of the new Broadway play that marks comedian and actor Chris Rock ‘s theatrical debut hardly suggests family entertainment. Yet Rock’s desire to spend more time with his family was a big factor in his decision to take on The Mother —————— With the Hat , which begins previews March 15. “Stand-up is fun, but you have to travel,” says Rock, 46, nibbling on fresh fruit at a restaurant near the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, where Hat opens April 11. (Read the entire article here) Related articles: Denzel Washington: “Man Gives The Award, God Gives The Reward” Gallery: Date Night, Obama Style
