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My Declaration - it's time...............

Posted by DawnKA on April 7, 2008 at 2:00pm

On March 14th I wrote this declaration and I just thought I should share with you..............I have read the Bible, The Secret, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success,The Power of Intention - I can go on and on........ I read the books, I become inspired and I pledge to myself that I am going to follow the principles of these teachings. They all share the same point - your thoughts are powerful and thus the keys to our life's success begins with the mind and how it is used.I have done it all! I have set aside the time to meditate between 7:00 and 7:30pm with specific instructions not to disturb me during that time period. Well, it just did not go smoothly. If everything was fairly quiet almost all afternoon, by 7:01 it all begins - the laughter, the loud shhhhhhh - mommy is trying to meditate, the door to my room is suddenly a magnet for traffic. One evening, I stuck my fingers in my ears and squeezed my eyes shut. I was determined to reach that zone - the calmness, the one with myself, the ability to relax and let go. Needless to say, that was not working. I decided to fore go the evening time slot and go for the 5am period - that should work. Well, it has not. I haven't gathered up the discipline to meditate. I am wide awake yet I am thoroughly engaged with the news - as if it wont repeat all morning.I am writing this now openly. It's out there - I need to focus on applying the principles of the inspirational teachings. I have to make this year a powerful and profound year. After all it is up to me and all I have to do is apply my thoughts in a positive direction. I am aware that it is not going to be easy, but I have to work through the distractions. I will begin to meditate tomorrow - it is time.

Living Your Life OUT LOUD - How a Life Coach Will Help You Get There

Posted by Alive Inc & ALIVE Magazine on April 7, 2008 at 2:06am

Greetings,Saturday afternoon, I had the opportunity to be interviewed on the Hour to Empower with Mo and Mickey. I wanted to share the link to the interview.http://www. blogtalkradio. com/empower/2008/04/05/-Living-Your-Life-OUT-LOUD-How-a-life-coach-will-help-get-you-there

[Business Opportunity] African Villagers Connect With Nokia Siemens

Posted by Jim Neusom on April 6, 2008 at 5:58pm

Greetings Family,(Contact Information At Bottom Of Page)It's your friendly neighborhood "Digital Drummer" again (smile)As I wrote in my article on Africa being the world's fastest growing mobile market (see http://www.blackwebportal.com/wire/DA.cfm?ArticleID=3498 ): As the originators of American and world Pop culture, Black programmers and developers should be looking at the African market the way Black Jazz musicians looked at Europe in 50's - The Land Of Opportunity And Wealth. Below is a news article sent to me from the BDPA-Africa Yahoogroup. As the nation's oldest and largest Black tech organization, the BDPA (see www.bdpa.org) has many forums and social sites set up to promote and empower Blacks in technology.Like the BDPA, I believe we must begin to reach out to our African brothers and build bridges of entrepreneurialship that will allow us to side-step the mega corporations and sell our goods and services direct to the mobile and net-based African marketplaceBrother Chifu (chifu2222@gmail.com) is a prominent and active Digital Drummer, living and working in Africa for the betterment of the Black online Diaspora. Please take the time to give the brother a shout-out and let him know that we in America are listening.For more info on this unique business opportunity,See http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com/global/IndustryThemes/new_growth_markets/village_connection.htmRemember, We Must Share The Knowledge (Network)...To Share The Dollars!!!***************(Advertisement)*********************Need some great ideas for corporate or personal gift-giving?Then go to City Lights Software(http://www.citylightssoftware.com )and see some of the most unique afrocentric gifts available online!We Deliver ONLINE - Direct To Your Desktop for just $14.95Please take the time to purchase one our afrocentric screen savers TODAY!Don't Just Talk the Talk...Let Your Dollars Walk the WalkIf you have any problems with purchasing online contact me direct at sales@citylightssoftware.com or call (213) 944-4176******************************************************----- Original Message ----From: "BDPA-Africa@yahoogroups.com"To: Jim Neusom (jneusom@yahoo.com)Sent: Sunday, April 6, 2008 8:32:09 AMSubject: [BDPA-Africa] Digest Number 19902. African villagers connect with Nokia SiemensPosted by: "Chifu" chifu2222@gmail.com Sat Apr 5, 2008 5:14 pm (PDT)African Villagers Connect With Nokia Siemenshttp://it-online.co.za/content/view/253592/142/Nokia Siemens Networks has added Internet access capability to its Village Connection, combining technology with business model innovation to create a self-sustaining model for rural access in emerging markets.The Village Connection with Internet Kiosk will enable people in remote villages to access the Internet. Internet Kiosk allows them to connect, and access online information with an opportunity to improve their quality of life.The Internet Kiosk provides a holistic solution which brings voice, SMS, and Internet access to rural locations untouched by the power of the Internet and mobile communication. Internet Kiosk will utilize the IP backhaul connection of the solution.The key challenge for the rural connectivity is affordability, and typically consumers with low income in rural areas can spend only very little on mobile and Internet services. Nokia Siemens Networks Village Connection addresses these challenges by combining technology with business model innovation to create a solution which is self sustaining, easy to implement and benefits everyone involved.For rural consumers Nokia Siemens Networks Village Connection is, in many cases, the only way to access voice, mobility and the Internet. It helps them communicate across geographic boundaries, and access information to realize greater business and social opportunities.In areas such as healthcare, education and business, the power of the Internet can transform lives. By enabling the people to have affordable access to online information services such as commodity prices, healthcare and education, Village Connection Internet Kiosk will improve the wellbeing, knowledge base and economic prospects of rural consumers.Village Connection Internet Kiosk also provides rural consumers with shared access models similar to those available to Internet café customers in urban areas.Local entrepreneurs who support the operator and manage Village Connection networks for mobile services, can now also provide services based on Internet access.Village Connection Internet Kiosk is easy to operate via a shared computer in a village. Entrepreneurs have a valuable role as they are able to tutor villagers on how to use the Internet for accessing relevant information and services.The system provides villages with autonomous local access points, which include all the technology needed to establish a village-level communications network.These local networks can be run by village entrepreneurs as franchises, reducing costs for network operators. In turn, local networks support full connectivity to an operator's main network.***************(Advertisement)*********************TraVerus Travel - Become a part of the most unique family in MLMTo learn more about free travel visit their websitewww.traverusfaststart.com/yes.html******************************************************This Online Journal was brought to you by InterServe Networks. Feel Free To Forward To Your Network Of Online FriendsWe Practice Responsible E-Commerce Marketing and Privacy Policies. We do not indulge in or encourage Spamming. We never send unsolicited emails. You are receiving this message as part of our opt-in subscriber mailing list or you are a member of an affiliated newsgroup.For comments or suggestions please contact us at the following;Jim Neusom (jneusom@yahoo.com)Executive Director/PublisherInterServe Networks/City Lights Software, Inc.www.citylightssoftware.comwww.freshfaces2u.comwww.myspace.com/jimneusomwww.myspace.com/freshfaces2uTo subscribe to our opt-in mailing list simply send an email to; The_City_Lights_Reporter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ( on Myspace go to http://blog.myspace.com/jimneusom )

This just in!! Think Spring... Think Green... Basic Websites starting @ only $85!! Very limited time offer!

Posted by Paradise on April 6, 2008 at 6:10am

Say goodbye to Winter and celebrate the arrival of Spring with PLS3s Green Spring Website Special!Traditionally, green is the color of spring, new and freshness. Green is meant to stand out and attract attention. As many things outdoors begin to take on various hues of green, We want to help you 'go green' online, too!!PLS3 Green Spring Website Special-----------------------------------From Apr 5, 2008 to Apr 13, 2008, create an eye catching website for only $85. This cost includes your domain name, hosting, and design! (Editing is additional!!)Create a website that stands out and catch their attention. With all the free tools and applications that come with your new domain name, it's not difficult at all. Also includes:100MB Hosting account10 personalized email accounts (complete with shared calendar, tasks and contact lists)Complete suite of Web Tools (including guestbook, email form, hit counter, etc.)BlogForumGallery (coming soon)The Hosted Gallery is the upcoming addition to the Hosted Applications family. Like the Hosted Blog and Forum, this is a one-click no-hassle easy-to-use application. It allows you to create an interactive photo gallery and showcase on your website without the hassle of database or scripting requirements.Think Spring, Think Green, PLS3 Green!Sincerely,PLS3 TeamFeel Free to pass it on!!

Online Networking What's All the Fuss? - Thursday, April 10, 2008 7:00 pm CT - 8:00 pm CT

Posted by Alive Inc & ALIVE Magazine on April 5, 2008 at 4:00pm

Online Networking What's All the Fuss?Thursday, April 10, 2008 7:00 pm CT - 8:00 pm CTOnline networking is taking over!Are you joining the millions of individuals utilizing online social networks like MYSPACE, YAHOO GROUPS, GOOGLE GROUPS, FACE BOOK, and Ning?This seminar shows participants how to build a huge online network in a relatively short period of time.Want to start a business?Want to grow your business?Have a new book, product or service you want to share with others?Bring pen and paper and join us for this teleseminar!Space is limited so reserve your seat today.Upon confirmation of payment, you will receive conference log in information.To order tickets, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/108435333.

Networking - There IS a Method to the Madness - Tuesday, April 8, 2008 7:00 pm CT - 8:00 pm CT

Posted by Alive Inc & ALIVE Magazine on April 5, 2008 at 3:19pm

Networking - There IS a Method to the MadnessTuesday, April 8, 2008 7:00 pm CT - 8:00 pm CTThe first time this seminar was offered was a phenomenal success! We are offering this seminar again. Please join us. Once your seat is reserved, you will receive conference materials as well as the telephone number to the conference.What is networking? Simply put networking is the exchange of information. Networking is also relationship building. In this seminar, participants will learn the purpose of networking and how to successfully network. Whether you are looking for a new job or seeking to grow your business, this seminar gives you to the tools to succeed.Get answers to many questions including:What are the benefits of networking?How does networking help my business/career?Do I already have a network?How do I network?With whom do I network?How much time should I dedicate to networking?Order your ticket now at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/108425303.

Functions of African Art pt2

Posted by Kala Mujibha on April 5, 2008 at 9:00am

African art serves to facilitate communication between people and supernatural forces and beings. Objects made to fulfill this function are chiefly in the form of human or animal figures. They are given their powers by religious practitioners who are able to make contact with the spirit world and to work with magic. Sculptures of this nature serve such essential purposes as warding off disease, natural calamities, and other evil; bringing fertility to people, animals, or crops; and rendering difficult judgments. They are frequently rubbed with palm oil and coated with other potent materials both to imbue them with their magical powers and to maintain their effectiveness. Certain large sculptures in this category are invoked to assure the general well-being of the entire community. Smaller examples are used by individuals to bring similar benefits to themselves and their families.Art is also made in Africa to indicate the wealth and status of its owner. Objects of daily use such as neck rests, stools, cups, boxes, staffs, and pipes are carefully carved to proclaim the taste and social position of those who use them. Much of this art is purely decorative, made to be seen and casually admired by all members of the community. Other examples serve to signify that their owners have undergone the process of investiture to become rulers and are therefore entitled to the prerogatives of leadership.Art plays an essential role in the lives of the African peoples and their communities. It serves a much more vital purpose than merely to beautify the human environment, as art is usually employed in contemporary Western societies. The beauty of African art is simply an element of its function, for these objects would not be effective if they were not aesthetically pleasing. Its beauty and its content thus combine to make art the vehicle that ensures the survival of traditions, protects the community and the individual, and tells much of the person or persons who use it.

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AKUABA FERTILITY DOLL~ $42.00This Akuaba figure is an ebony, hand-carved symbol of fertility. This doll includes an authentic, Asante, cowry shell and/or trade beads waist band and earings. An intricate design is also etched into the head of this beautiful figure, bringing a finishing touch to this beautiful sculpture. Whether you seek a wonderful decorative piece, or wish to inspire someone to bring forth a wonderful blessing to the world, let this Akuaba doll be a great addition to your space. Get this sculpture or any other item, and as a BBWO member you get a free gift offer from Aseyori! Once you purchase, send an email from your BBWO account to receive your gift!Check Out:http://www.aseyori-market.com

The Buy Black Collective

Posted by Kala Mujibha on April 5, 2008 at 8:00am

http://sistapreneurs.ning.com/group/thebuyblackcollective DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE ON SUNDAY JUNE 1 2008!Looking to gain clients and connections for your business? Here's an opportunity to gain growing clientèle, increase sales, and wield success while empowering each other!Why Buy Black?:It is reported that Black people in the U.S. spend over 1 trillion dollars annually. Unfortunately the majority of these dollars are funneled out of the Black communities, making others increasingly rich and leaving Black people increasing dis-empowered as a whole.Isn't it time we start consistently supporting each other? That's where the Buy Black Collective comes in!The purpose of this group is to encourage each other to support our businesses in order to build up support and success for the various endevours that each person is trying to promote.It's time we take decisive action and truly be our brother/sister's keeper by supporting one another!How it works:Each week one member of BBWO is chosen to receive support by all the other members of the group. For one week the other members must do all that they can to foster support for that member's business. Support is given in various ways, and everyone participates until every member receives one week of support from the others.What types of Businesses can be listed?:You can list any kind of business, as long as it is Black Owned and online. Black owned means that the founder and person who makes the executive decisions of the company are of African descent ( and I don't mean the first human was found in Africa so we are all of African descent. I am talking about " I have to check black on this application in order to receive financial aid").Check us out: http://sistapreneurs. ning. com/group/thebuyblackcollective

Have a Most Prosperous Day...

Posted by Rickey on April 5, 2008 at 1:07am

Chained & Bound Reading Report

Posted by ALLYSON B CAMPBELL on April 4, 2008 at 11:20am

This report was written about my book that I submitted to the Publishing Company: DORRANCE PUBLISING COMPANYMarch 19, 2008READING REPORT"Chained and Bound", written by Allyson B. Campbell, is an intriguing submission of original fiction that focuses on the extraordinary life and exploits of the main character. Having successfully readjusted her life following a nasty divorce from her husband, "Maxine" has settled into a comfortable life. Shortly after the dissolution of her marriage, she begins dating a friend of her ex-husband named "Paul". A kind, attentive, and loyal man, Paul falls deeply in love with Maxine. While enjoying his birthday dinner celebration together, he unexpectedly proposes, catching her completely off guard. Although she feels strongly about Paul, Maxine is unsure if she is ready to wade back into the often-rocky waters of matrimony. The fate of her future resting with her answer, Maxine is vexed with mixed emotions. Eventually, she comes to a decision which she feels is in the best interests of all those involved. From this foundation, the author constructs an entertaining tale.Composed in a captivating narrative and compelling dialogue, the text flows at a brisk tempo. The plot contain more than a few strategically placed, unexpected twists that should maintain the reader’s interest throughout. The characters are developed and presented in a multi-dimensional fashion revealing the intricacies of their unique personalities and individual agendas. In addition, Mrs. Campbell effectively manages to avoid artificially padding the work with superfluous material and unnecessary characters thereby keeping the focus directed towards the primary storyline. Navigating the plot to well conceived and logical conclusion, the author could leave the reader with the sense of time well invested in the reading of this story.Allyson B. Campbell’s highly creative style of writing and keen attention to detail could further enhance the appeal of this work.

Generational Views - 40 Years After The Death

Posted by Jim Neusom on April 3, 2008 at 9:46pm

Generational Views - 40 Years After The DeathBy Jim NeusomThe City Lights Reporter(www.citylightssoftware.com)April 3, 2008Friday April 4th is the 40th anniversary of the death of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. A recognized American Icon. In the 40 years since his passing, we the direct beneficiaries of his legacy (meaning all Americans), have made much progress, and lost much ground...in achieving that dream which he so beautifully articulated on that hot summer day in 1963.Stop and think...it's been less then a generation and now we have a African American, who all the world says, is "qualified" to be the leader of the most powerful country on the planet earth! What an accomplishment. In Rev. King's day, a Black man wasn't considered qualified to be a fireman, more or less a President. To put it simply, we were lucky to be workers, forget about leaders. Ohhh...how times have changed!!But as this election season has shown, we have so much further to go. To paraphrase Rev. King; a nation that continues to spend more on its military then the betterment of its society, is approaching spiritual death! (see Where Do We Go from Here http://www.mlkonline.net/quotes.html). Today, we have publicly castrated a man of God, who's 35 years of good works, have been condensed down to a 30 second sound bite for essentially saying the same thing as Rev. King...God Damn America!If in 2008, Rev. King's 1967 sermon at New York's Riverside Church was on YouTube, we would be calling him a Racist instead of Peacemaker. How many times would Fox News replay his statement calling America, "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today". Oops I forgot, they did call him a race baiter, communist, and much more within the pages of the New York Times, after he spoke out against the war...I guess times really haven't changed.So where am I going with this...as my Jewish brethren say, we must "Never Forget". On this coming Friday, do not let your children be fed His-Story by those who want to turn the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King into a caricature of "The Good Negro" for public consumption. Sit your children down and tell them the entirety of Rev. King's life, and not just a 30 second..."I Have A Dream" sound-bite.***************(Advertisement)*********************Need some great ideas for corporate or personal gift-giving?Then go to City Lights Software(http://www.citylightssoftware.com )and see some of the most unique afrocentric gifts available online!We Deliver ONLINE - Direct To Your Desktop for just $14.95Please take the time to purchase one our afrocentric screen savers TODAY!Don't Just Talk the Talk...Let Your Dollars Walk the WalkIf you have any problems with purchasing online contact me direct at sales@citylightssoftware.com or call (213) 944-4176******************************************************This generation is the culmination of the hopes and dreams of 300 years of Black struggles. They have never known the institutional segregation and oppression that we Boomer's did. Most have never been called the N-word in anger. To them the issues of discrimination and injustice are rooted in slavery, not in the pains and sacrifices of their own mothers and fathers. When they hear the stories of the 60's they think Ancient history...not Resent history!!It's been less then 40 years since Jim Crow prevented you and I, from living where we wanted, going to school where we wanted, working were we wanted, but this generation only knows media sound bites and history book test answers. They have a whole different perspective on American history and like in Pop culture, when they hear the N or B word, they think...Not Them!As Barak Obama articulated so well in his speech "A More Perfect Union", race in America is seen differently through generational prisms. "This union may never be perfect, but...what gives me the most hope is the next generation" (see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23690567). Rev. King's youngest daughter, Evangelist Dr. Bernice A. King (speaking with the fervor and power of her father about the Jena 6 phenomena), went so far as to call them the Joshua generation. A generation that sees giants in the land and still say...Yes We Can!When we look into our children's eyes, we understand in the twinkling of an instant what has carried our people through slavery, reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the turbulent 60's, that the faith of a child can move mountains. Over the course of this country's development, we have heard plenty words, and seen many broken promises, yet in our hearts...we too still believe. As our fathers and their fathers before them, we will not quash the embers of faith and hope within our children eyes. Our parents thought we were crazy to stand against the fire hoses and police dogs of the 60's. And I'm sure Black mothers wondered why their sons were going to fight for freedom in Europe when they were not free here. But they looked into their children's eyes, and saw the same spark of faith...that we see today.So this Friday, as we are bombarded with media images of Rev. Martin Luther King's contributions to the greatness of America, let's not forget to take the time to teach our children about how far we've come, and how far we have yet to go. Let us fan the embers of our children's faith, with truth and honor...not myths and sound bites.***************(Advertisement)*********************Looking For More Exposure, Want To Help A Good Cause, Need Money???Come on over to www.freshfaces2u.com and register to win $10,000 dollars CASH!At Fresh Faces2u it's NOT about how you look...But Who You Are!Join us in our mission to change the image of women in the mediaSign Up Today At Fresh Faces2u.com******************************************************This Online Journal was brought to you by InterServe Networks. Feel Free To Forward To Your Network Of Online FriendsWe Practice Responsible E-Commerce Marketing and Privacy Policies. We do not indulge in or encourage Spamming. We never send unsolicited emails. You are receiving this message as part of our opt-in subscriber mailing list or you are a member of an affiliated newsgroup.For comments or suggestions please contact us at the following;Jim Neusom (jneusom@yahoo.com)Executive Director/PublisherInterServe Networks/City Lights Software, Inc.www.citylightssoftware.comwww.freshfaces2u.comwww.myspace.com/jimneusomwww.myspace.com/freshfaces2uTo subscribe to our opt-in mailing list simply send an email to; The_City_Lights_Reporter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ( on Myspace go to http://blog.myspace.com/jimneusom )

b-gyrl.com accepting submissions...

Posted by bgyrl4life on April 3, 2008 at 8:19pm

About b-gyrl.comThe momma of our movement online, hip hop culture from a female persuasion, not simply music. b-gyrl launched on mp3.com in 1999 as a sista driven fan, industry & networking portal, radio station & podcast & digital imprint. It began with us.Currently accepting submissions from female artists, djs, designers, videographers, producers, dancers....we want everything...show the world how you do what you do...If you got what it takes, we wanna know!

Know your rights: Equal Rights, Equal Voices | Migrant women in the European Union

Posted by Joy on April 3, 2008 at 7:24pm

The situation of migrant women in the EU is thereforeof great concern for EWL and an area whereEWL has been keeping a key watch on policy-makersover recent years and has responded to severalproposals for legislation in this regard. Without theinput of women, immigration policy will remain genderneutral.Click here to read more

Immerse Yourself Poetically in April

Posted by Diane on April 3, 2008 at 4:38pm

April is National Poetry Month and on the Black Author Showcase™ we are celebrating by posting a new member poem each day in April on the Main page. Days one and two were Marc Lacy and Afrika Midnight Asha Abney. Don’t miss the twenty-eight other talented poets we have lined up for you.You’ll also want to check this out: BAS is hosting a live poetry panel & podcast April 23rd with our member poets to discuss their work and offer advice (on either writing or the publishing process) for aspiring writers. There will also be a big surprise for our participating poets. Call in and share your words and rhymes, everyone is invited. Click here for more information on the BAS Poetry Spotlight.

Howard University Continuing Education & Black Author Showcase™ Black History Celebration

Posted by Diane on April 3, 2008 at 4:36pm

Sandra Kelly, HUCE; Kyndall Brown, Diane Williams, and Abiola AbramsWow! What a fun night! Sorry you missed it!Howard University Continuing Education in partnership with Black Author Showcase™presents a Black History Celebration.Friday, February 29, 2008 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Howard University, Continuing Education1100 Wayne Avenue • Silver Spring, MD 20910Refreshments served • Prize DrawingsFeaturing tastings of Niellys Ultimate products •FREE ADMISSION TO PUBLICGet your Free Ticket here.Featured author signings:Poetry from one of the youngest members of the showcase, Kyndall Brown, author of “I Ain’t Ascared of Nutin’ - The Evolution of Me”.Abiola Abrams, host of BET’s Best Shorts, indie filmmaker, and author of the new Simon & Schuster novel Dare.

www.planetabiola.comPanel Discussion of BAS member Anita Hackley-Lambert’s biography of F.H.M. Murray - First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice. Featuring Rev. Reginald M. Green, freedom rider and Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang, Howard University Professor of African Studies.

Here's why you need travel insurance.....

Posted by Margaret Salmond on April 3, 2008 at 4:27pm

This week, we have had two airlines (ATA and Aloha Airlines) close up shop and leave their passengers stranded. If this would have happend to you, what would you do?I always stress the importance of travel insurance because you never know what could happen and you need to protect your investment.Having travel insurance will offer you peace of mind in these troubling times. Its worth the cost (which is mininal compared to what you could lose). Make sure to talk to your agent about adding to your next tripAs taken from CNN this morning.....Cruise ship debts leave tourists stranded(CNN) -- Several hundred passengers on a luxury round-the-world cruise-ship tour were stuck Thursday on an island in the Atlantic Ocean after the vessel's owners ran into legal troubles.The 460 passengers and 200 crew members were marooned after their cruise ship sailed into a port in the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago about 684 kilometers (425 miles) west of Morocco.Portuguese authorities detained the ship -- the Van Gogh -- on Tuesday because of a legal claim against the ship's owners, said Marcus Neal, operations manager for Van Gogh Cruises. They seized it in the port of Funchal, a city of about 100,000.The passengers were making their next-to-last stop on a 93-day cruise around the world. They paid between $12,000 and $44,000 for the voyage.Passengers are able to leave the ship, said British actress Shirley Ann Field, who was among those on board, but she said most were staying put until the dispute was resolved."It's better just to stay here and see what happens," she told CNN.Neal said he hoped the dispute would be resolved soon.The Van Gogh is owned by a Dutch company called Club Cruise, and it had been chartered for years by a separate company, Travelscope Holidays.When Travelscope ran into financial trouble in December, Club Cruise reached an agreement to let administrators run Travelscope. The administrators claim Club Cruise broke its contract with Travelscope.Van Gogh Cruises, which operates the ship, said it did not know why the administrators launched their claim shortly before the end of the cruise, rather than afterwards

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY

Posted by Dr. Angela Williams on April 3, 2008 at 1:53pm

I AM CELEBRATING ANOTHER YEAR TO BE ALIVE AND TO BE IN GOD- WON'T YOU PRAISE GOD WITH ME?God Bless,Dr. Williams

Are you really conditioning your hair

Posted by Eddie on April 3, 2008 at 10:30am

WWW.FABULOUSBLACKWOMAN.COMMany people believe that just because they put a conditioner in their hair, they are conditioning it...This is FALSE. Many conditioners are used for the "slippage" factor and the ONLY good they do is make it a bit easier to manage the tangles or napps in my case. Conditioners SHOULD be used to strengthen the hair. When purchasing a conditioner, one should make sure the label indicates it is indeed a deep conditioner and/or should be left on for up to 15 minutes and heat will give further benefits...If none of these are on the label, you are probably using an instant conditioner which like I said..does NOT condition.It takes approximately 15 minutes for the outside layer of the hair to expand, heat (using a plastic cap with or without a hair dryer or warmed conditioner) may cause it to expand quicker. Once the hair expands, the beneficial ingredients such as protein and/or oils can be deposited, which eventually leads to stonger, longer and healther strands.

Come back soon when I talk about the different kinds of conditioners and their different levels of benefits

What's happening at WWW.FabulousBlackWoman.com Major UPDATES

Posted by Eddie on April 3, 2008 at 10:29am

WE HAVE NOW INCLUDE EXCITING ARTICLES AND INFORMATION FOR YOU FABULOUS WOMEN & MEN.THIS MONTH'S ARTICLES ARE: PRICELESS HOUSEHOLD TIPS, LEARNING TO ACCEPT YOURSELF AND THE HARMS OF USING "REGULAR" SHAMPOO. http://fabulousblackwoman.com/MonthlyUpdate.htmlNEW APRIL SPOTLIGHT: Check out this extraordinary author D.J. Parhams. Ms. Parhams is a Chicago South Side native. Her book The Blues For Anne Mae takes reader’s back into the 1980’s and into the life a young girl with a mentally-ill mother that lives through her daughter. Annie Mae suffers through many traumatic events, an eye witness to her mother’s evil against her father, and all the drama that comes along in the music industry.http://fabulousblackwoman.com/Spotlight.htmlIf you are interested in being a spotlight, please contact me.Are you listed in our BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY??? If not, WHY NOT, it's exposure for you and your business 100% FREE. http://fabulousblackwoman.com/Blackbusinessdirectory.html We have to support Our businesses and keep our money in Our communities. The economy is HORRIBLE and is not looking like it will be getting better anytime soon. It's a fact that the minority is getting hit hardest and if we don't support one another, our financial fate is sealed. If you are interested in advertising in the May issue, please let me know.I know you've heard of Myspace...Well Black Business Space is like myspace, except it is a HUGE networking community as well as a marketplace to sell, barter, and purchase good from black entrepreneurs. If you are looking for merchandise, retail or wholesale or services, why not check here first. I have been a member for a very short time and have had much success. Check it out...Even if you aren't a business owner, why not make a profile? Here's mines http://www.blackbusinessspace.com/profile/Eddie55Check out what they are saying about Ms. Eddie at Black Business Space http://www.blackbusinessspace.com/forum/topic/show?id=820753%3ATopic%3A172061Mark your calendars...APRIL 19th is the OFFICIAL FBW Coming Out Party...This Party is not just about me, but about US. Please bring your business cards for networking opportunities. We are going to be learning how to take care of Our hair and maintaining healthy, gorgeous Black hair as well as being introduced to some trendy and FABULOUS accessories. Join us for Prizes, Games and FUN. Information time and place listed here http://fabulousblackwoman.com/MonthlyUpdate.htmlCHECK OUT THIS MONTHS SALE ITEM http://fabulousblackwoman.com/Shampoo.html And read the testimonies of Satisfied Customers http://public.fotki.com/AngelNapps/guide-to-growing-yo/book/shampoo.htmlWhile you are there, check out my entire album and see the great progress of using the priceless information from the book and products www.fotki.com/AngelNapps

FUNCTIONS OF AFRICAN ART

Posted by Kala Mujibha on April 3, 2008 at 8:26am

FUNCTIONS OF AFRICAN ARThttp://www.aseyori-market.com/page/1001433There are two distinct and closely interdependent planes at which art functions. These are the spiritual and the secular. The spiritual domain involves religion, with the associational elements of ancestor worship and the various shrines -- communal and personal -- which are installed. Many African societies repose faith in their ancestors. Though dead, ancestors are believed to have the power to transform themselves into formidable spiritual entities who generally intercede in support of their offspring. It is this need to fulfill religious obligations, to appeal to, or venerate ancestors, or to appease malevolent powers, that has encouraged the production of artworks -- in wood, metal, clay or composite materials -- in considerable quantity.Art, then, has an aesthetic constant that is determined primarily by performance. Frequently, it is the medium that becomes the issue, sinceunimprovement in human conditions is often blamed on the ineffectiveness of the particular artwork.The concern for social security, group solidarity, personal and corporate welfare, procreation and survival is shared by many African societies. Survival in this context is not limited to human survival. It is recognized, for instance, that man cannot survive in the absence of reliable agricultural produce. Let us examine this a little further.Most African communities attempt to be as self-sufficient as possible. Indeed, of all things agricultural self-sufficiency is an imperative. For this is one of the cardinal principles of survival. An African proverb says that a hungry stomach cannot accommodate or tackle other issues. Yet, farmers recognize that tilling the soil and planting the seeds may not be sufficient, on occasions, to ensure good harvest. They recognize their powerlessness in the face of inclement weather. Lack of rain, or an excess of it, may spell disaster for the crops, which would either dry up or remain bloated underground. It is this desire to appease the unseen forces responsible for such developments that has led man to resort to extraordinary means.Enter the diviner. Through divination, he attempts to diagnose the cause and prescribe solutions. Probable questions the diviner might ask his oracle are: "Why are the gods angry with us?" "Have the ancestors forsaken us?" "What did we do wrong?" "How do we rectify this situation?" Responses from the oracle would vary from one situation to another. But it may result, as in the case of the Bamana of Mali whose chi wara headdresses are a specimen of creative elegance, in the people being advised to commission masks and dance with them.In some cases, the oracle may reveal that the ancestors had been angered through a misdeed. There would be need for propitiation. Sacrifices may be ordered to be offered at the community shrine. This may involve the appearance of masquerades to cleanse the society of the desecration. Several carved figures, masks and masquerades in African art serve this purpose of atoning for a misdeed, cleansing any defilement, purifying the soil, supplicating for rain or asking for a successful harvest.In this connection, art objects which are the usual physical elements of a shrine become the platform through which ancestral biddings are met. Sacrificial objects vary. In general, emphasis is placed upon edible things. Thus, animals such as pigeons, rats, chickens, snails, rams, goats and at times cows, may be sacrificed. What the ancestors need most is the blood of these animals, which is poured on the art objects in the shrine. Kola nuts, millet beer or palm wine, palm oil, corn and beans are some of the objects that may be used for sacrifice. Pieces of prepared dishes are also fed to the objects. It is the cumulative effect of this which produces the compulsive additiveness noted in some artworks, or the heavy encrustations on some of them. In many instances, encrustations are indicative of the degree of veneration which is attached to the spirit or medium personified by the art object.

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Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.