Poetry Corner Presents: What If There Were No Black People

This is a story of a little boy named Theo, who woke up one morning and asked God, "What if there were no Black people in the world?"

Well, God, thought about that for a moment and then said, "Son, follow me around today and let's just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world. Get dressed and we will get started."

Theo ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. But there were no shoes, and his clothes were all wrinkled. He looked for the iron, but when he reached for the ironing board, it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a Black woman, invented the ironing board and Jan E. Matzelinger, a Black man invented the shoe lasting machine.

"Oh well," God said, "Go and do your hair." Theo ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there. You see, Walter Sammons, a Black man, invented the comb. Theo decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. You see Lydia O. Newman, a Black female invented the brush.

Well, he was a sight, no shoes, wrinkled clothes, hair a mess without the hair care inventions of Madam C. J. Walker, -- well, you get the picture. God told Theo, "Let's do the chores around the house and then take a trip to the grocery store."

Theo's job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P. Ray, a Black man, invented the dustpan. So he swept his pile of dirt over in the corner and left it there. He then decided to mop the floor, but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a Black man, invented the mop.

Theo thought to himself, "I'm not having any luck." "Well, son," God said. "We should wash the clothes and prepare a list for the grocery store." When he was finished, Theo went to place the clothes in the dryer, but it was not there. You see, George T. Samon, a Black man, invented the clothes dryer. Theo got a pencil and some paper to prepare the list for the market, but noticed that the pencil lead was broken, as well he was out of luck because John Love, a black man, invented the pencil sharpener. He reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a Black man, invented the fountain pen. As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge invented the type writing machine, and W. A. Lavette, the printing press.

So they decided to head out to the market. Well, when Theo opened the door, he noticed the grass was as high as he was tall. You see the lawnmower was invented by John Burr, a Black man.

They made their way over to the car and found that it just wouldn't go. You see, Robert Spikes, a Black man, invented the automatic gear shift and Joseph Gammel invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines.

They noticed that the few cars that were moving were running into each other and having wrecks because there were no traffic signals. You see, Garrett A. Morgan, a Black man invented the traffic light.

Well, it was getting late, so they walked to the market, got their groceries and returned home. Just when they were about to put away the milk, eggs and butter, they noticed the refrigerator was gone. You see, John Standard, a Black man, invented the refrigerator. So they put the food on the counter.

By this time, they noticed it was getting mighty cold. Theo went to turn up the heat and what do you know, Alive Parker, a Black female, invented the heating furnace. Even in the summer time they would have been out of luck because Frederick Jones, a Black man, invented the air conditioner.

It was almost time for Theo's father to arrive home. He usually took the bus, but there was no bus because its precursor was the electric trolley, invented by another Black man, Elbert T. Robinson. He usually took the elevator from his office on the 20th floor, but there was no elevator because Alexander Miles, a Black man, invented the elevator. He usually dropped off the office mail at a nearby mailbox, but it was no longer there because Phillip Downing, a Black man, invented the letter drop mailbox and William Barry invented the postmarking and canceling machine.

Theo sat at the kitchen table with his head in his hands. When his father arrived he asked, " Why are you sitting in the dark?" Why?? Because Lewis Howard Latimer, a Black man, invented the filament within the light bulb.

Theo quickly learned what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world.

Not to mention if he were ever sick and needed blood. Charles Drew, a Black scientist, found a way to preserve and store blood which led to his starting the world's first blood bank.

And what if a family member had to have surgery. This would not have been possible without Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a Black doctor, who performed the first open heart surgery.

So if you ever wonder, like Theo, where we would be without Blacks? Well, it's pretty plain to see, we could very well still be in the dark!!!

Author Unknown

I Miss You When I Sleep

I Miss You When I Sleep is a childrens book that is a must read. As a parent it is very important for me to have books that I can sit down and read with my kids that will bring us even closure together. Reading time is a perfect way to spend special quality time with your kids and create those life long memories.

I Miss You When I Sleep by Noelle LeVeaux is a great bonding book to have and share with your kids. There is nothing like a book that inspires love, emotional growth and bonding between you and your kids.

ABOUT THE BOOK (info from Amazon): I Miss You When I Sleep is the story of a little girl who is looking for any excuse not to go to bed. Throughout her bedtime routine, she argues with her mom about everything from PJ's being too small to her room being too dark. But most of all that she misses her mommy when she sleeps. All along, her mother persists on, ensuring they'll get to her final goal - getting Sydney to bed. And although she seems to ignore Sydney's distress about missing her when she sleeps, her mom knows exactly how she feels.

This book will be fun to read every night before bedtime. It will put your kids to bed with a smile on their face, knowing you miss them as much as they miss you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Noelle LeVeaux is a proud mother of two beautiful girls. She is the director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications for Children's Medical Center, a top ten pediatric hospital in Dallas, Texas. She enjoys writing, spending time with friends and family and serving her community. This is Noelle's first children's book.

Alexa Polito is the illustrator. She is an exceptional artist whose works can be found in a variety of venues. Visit her website at www.alexapolito.com. Noelle LeVeaux Website

Best Selling Auhor Jackie Collins Has A New Juicy Book

Best selling author Jackie Collins is back with a new juicy book called "Poor Little Bitch Girl". This is Collins 27th book and at age 73 she still can entertain us with a good read.

The book is about 3 women that have pasts that are coming back to haunt them.

Meet the 3 women (from JackieCollins.com):

Denver Jones is a hotshot twenty-something attorney working in L.A. Carolyn Henderson is personal assistant to a powerful and very married Senator in Washington with whom she is having an affair. And Annabelle Maestro—daughter of two movie stars—has carved out a career for herself in New York as the madame of choice for discerning famous men. The three of them went to high school together in Beverly Hills—and although Denver and Carolyn have kept in touch, Annabelle is out on her own with her cocaine addicted boyfriend, Frankie.

Then there is Bobby Santangelo Stanislopolous, the Kennedyesque son of Lucky Santangelo and deceased Greek shipping billionaire, Dimitri Stanislopolous. Bobby owns Mood, the hottest club in New York. Back in the day he went to high school with Denver, Carolyn and Annabelle. And he connected with all three of them. Frankie is his best friend.

When Annabelle’s beautiful movie star mother is found shot to death in the bedroom of her Beverly Hills mansion, the five of them find themselves thrown together . . . and secrets from the past have a way of coming back to haunt everyone. . . .

Here is a snippet from the 1st chapter (from JackieCollins.com)

CHAPTER ONE: POOR LITTLE BITCH GIRL

Annabelle

Belle Svetlana surveyed her nude image in a full-length mirror, readying herself for a thirty-thousand-dollar-an-hour sexual encounter with the fifteen-year-old son of an Arab oil tycoon.

Belle knew she was a beauty. What the hell, enough money had been spent along the way to make sure she was beautiful. A nose job ordered by her mother when she was a mere fourteen, a boob job shortly after – that was her decision. And then later, liposuction when needed, lip enhancement, regular facials and skin lasering treatments to make certain her skin remained the milky white she’d worked so hard to achieve (getting rid of her freckles had been a bitch, but she’d done it).

Ever since her teenage years Belle had strived for perfection, and now she’d gotten pretty damn close. Her hair was a pale golden-red, shoulder-length and wavy. Her eyes were a spectacular emerald green. Her body – a playground of delights.

Yes, she thought, staring intently at her unabashed nakedness, I am worth every cent of the thirty thousand dollars cash already neatly stashed in my safe.

Usually she did not go out on “dates” herself, but Sharif Rani – the oil tycoon – had insisted that it was she who should teach his youngest son the joys of the flesh. So, for a princely sum, she’d finally agreed.

Reaching for a peach slip of a dress, she stepped into it, powdered, perfumed and ready for action.

Thirty thousand an hour, not bad for a job which would probably take her no more than fifteen minutes to complete.

Of course, she could have turned the job down and suggested one of her twenty-thousand-an-hour girls, but sometimes it was fun to play – especially as she could pick and choose amongst her roster of rich, powerful and famous clients, which included everyone from Hollywood’s biggest stars to several princes, more than one captain of industry, a few superstar rappers, dozens of sports heroes, and too many politicians to count.

Yes, Belle Svetlana – née Annabelle Maestro – ran the most exclusive, expensive call-girl business in town – the town being New York as opposed to Los Angeles, the city she’d grown up in, surrounded by luxury and all the opulence two movie-star parents could buy.

Thank God she’d escaped those two egomaniacs – Mom, the ethereal queen of quality independents – and Dad, the macho king of big-budget schlock. What a horror show, having them as parents.

When she’d dropped out of college in Boston and settled in New York, neither of her loving parents had given a rat’s ass. Admitting to a grown daughter did nothing to enhance their public images, so they’d arranged to send her a monthly allowance, blithely told her to follow her dreams, and left her to her own devices.

Annabelle was no slouch when it came to following her dreams. She’d soon found herself caught up in the club and party scene – a lifestyle that had satisfied her for a while, until one night she’d been introduced to Frankie Romano – a popular deejay who worked private parties and the occasional hot club. One look at him and it was lust at first sight.

Originally from Chicago, Frankie was quirky and attractive in a Michael Imperioli kind of way. Fast-talking and edgy, he had longish dark hair, ice-chip blue eyes, and sharp features.

The trouble with Frankie was that he was usually broke, this on account of the fact that he was a dedicated coke-head, and whatever money came his way went straight up his nose.

Annabelle fell hard, for in spite of Frankie’s drug use it turned out that he was a star in bed – whenever he wasn’t too coked out to perform. She didn’t know anything about his background, and she didn’t care. As far as she was concerned, they were soulmates.

After a few weeks of crazy togetherness, Frankie had moved into her SoHo loft. Annabelle hadn’t objected. The only downer was that she’d found herself spending her entire allowance keeping him in drugs, so it wasn’t long before – at Frankie’s urging – she’d called her dad in L.A. and requested that her allowance be increased.

Ralph Maestro, the self-made son of a Brooklyn butcher – a man who’d gotten shot by a robber when Ralph was twelve – told her no way. “I made it on my own without two cents to rub together,” he had sternly informed her. “We’ve already given you a head start. If you want more money, I suggest you go out and find yourself a job.”

Annabelle was furious. Her parents raked in millions, and Daddy Movie Star was telling her to get a job! Screw them! It was increasingly obvious that they didn’t give a damn about her.

A couple of weeks later, she and Frankie had come up with a masterplan. They’d been lying in bed reading the lurid headlines about a married politician who’d recently gotten caught having sex with a series of high-priced call girls.

“How stupid is he?” Frankie had ruminated, scratching his skinny butt. “The dumb asshole should’ve paid cash. That way nobody gets busted, an’ everyone goes home happy.”

“Cash is good,” Annabelle had agreed. “For special girls only.”

“Yeah,” Frankie had said half-jokingly. “Not some mouthy skank who’s gonna sell her story, but very special girls. Y’know the kinda babes I mean. Models, actresses – they’re always on the lookout for an extra score. An’ here’s the sweet part of the deal – we know ‘em all.”

“We sure do.”

“So…” Frankie had said after a thoughtful few minutes. “You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?”

She was indeed. And so their adventure had begun.

At first they’d both considered it a lark, but after a few months it had turned into one of the most successful call-girl businesses in town.

Flushed with success, Annabelle had soon created two identities for herself. As Annabelle Maestro, she was a girl struggling to make it in the fashion industry as a sometime designer. As Belle Svetlana (she got off on the exotic sound of the Russian surname), she was a woman of mystery who was able to supply the right girl to satisfy any man’s fantasy.

For a price.

A hefty price, depending on what was required.

Annabelle’s girls were not hookers. They were stylish, good-looking career women who enjoyed the extra income. Models, actresses, singers, designers, all classy, smart and discreet, and some of them quite well-known.

It was Annabelle’s idea that the girls they recruited should wear masks when they went on jobs, to hide their identities. She was sure that the men would get off on the mystery, and the girls were happy too, imagining that wearing masks would conceal their true identities.

Finding the right girls was no problem. Frankie, a major cocksman before hooking up with Annabelle, knew them all, and he used his considerable way with words to talk them into anything. A shitload of untaxable cash income was the big temptation, and as Frankie pointed out, since most of the girls were fucking for nothing, what was the big deal if they did it and got handsomely paid? Especially if they were able to remain anonymous.

Frankie vetted all their would-be clients, while Annabelle liaised with the girls and arranged the appointments. Between them they pocketed 60 per cent of every assignation, and it didn’t take long before they were rolling in cash. It was always cash, no paper-trails involved.

Now they’d been doing it for almost a year, and what a sweet money-making business it had turned out to be. Neither Annabelle nor Frankie had any complaints – that is, until they both realized they needed help.

After thinking about it for a while, Frankie had recruited Janey Bonafacio, one of his many cousins who lived in Brooklyn and worked as a bookkeeper. He’d asked her if she’d be interested in working for him, and since she’d always harbored a huge crush on Cousin Frankie, she’d immediately quit her job and was hired to take care of the phones and schedule the girls’ appointments.

Janey, a 275-pound unmarried mother with a nineteen-year-old son, Chip, was delighted to get the job. Worshipping her cousin from afar was one thing, but actually working for him was a dream come true, even if the business he ran with his snooty girlfriend was fairly dubious.

Annabelle trusted Janey, but she wasn’t so sure when it came to Chip – a surly slacker with way too much attitude and a complaining disposition. Annabelle regarded him as a not-so-charming Frankie in training. They used him to run errands and drive the car.

“At least they’re family,” Frankie had assured her. “They’ll never screw us.”

“Don’t be so naïve,” she’d retorted. “When it comes to money, everyone has an agenda.”

“Hey!” Frankie had said. “We’re payin’ Janey plenty to make sure they stay discreet. An’ remember this – Janey’s got a thing for me. She’d never do anythin’ to hurt me.”

Annabelle was not so sure.

* * *

After making certain that she looked her most seductive, Annabelle buzzed downstairs to check that her car was waiting. Her main residence was a Park Avenue penthouse where she and Frankie spent most of their time, but she still kept the SoHo loft; it was the place where her parents and old friends could contact her. Not that her parents ever did – she heard from them maybe once every few weeks. As for her old friends, she was not interested in them; she had a new life now, and in her new life very few people knew who her parents were and where she came from. That’s the way she liked it.

Earlier in the day, Frankie had driven to Atlantic City to spend the weekend with a couple of his guy friends, Bobby Santangelo Stanislopoulos, and Bobby’s business partner, M.J. Annabelle knew both Bobby and M.J. from way back when they’d all attended the same high school in Beverly Hills. Yeah, fun times. Bobby and M.J. were a grade ahead of her, but she’d never forgotten the infamous prom night when the three of them had hung out, gotten totally high, and on a dare she’d ended up making out with the two of them.

Hmm…just one of those crazy, out-of-control teenage escapades, although it was quite a memorable experience. Neither Bobby, M.J. nor she had ever mentioned it again. It was a no-go zone.

Then one night, years later, after she’d moved to New York, she’d walked into Mood and there they were – Bobby and M.J. At first it was quite a shock seeing them, but they’d soon got to talking and catching up on old times. In fact, it was M.J. who’d introduced her to Frankie.

She’d never told Frankie about her one night of lust with his two best friends, since some things were best left in the past. Besides, she didn’t imagine he’d be too thrilled if he ever found out – and when pushed, Frankie had a vicious temper.

Since gambling seemed to be Frankie’s new passion, she hadn’t objected to him taking off. Her live-in boyfriend was a handful and then some, so she didn’t mind the occasional night on her own. Chilling out without Frankie would allow her a pleasant break.

The desk porter informed her that her driver was indeed parked outside.Picking up her Chanel purse, she headed for the door.

As she stepped outside, the phone began to ring. She chose to ignore it; she had a thing about phones, hated answering them. Whoever it was could leave a message.

She left the apartment and descended in the elevator, quite psyched about the prospect of inducting an innocent young man into the joys of sex. His father, Sharif Rani, was one of their biggest customers. Sharif required a different girl several times a week, and he always came back for more. Annabelle considered Sharif Rani to be a primo client, along with the Hollywood movie star who was an insatiable pussy-hound, and the Hall of Fame rock ‘n’ roller with the nine-inch cock and a penchant for girls who would agree to indulge in bathroom activities all over his craggy face.

“Good afternoon, Miss Svetlana,” the desk porter said, moving out from behind the long marble counter, rubbing his palms together in anticipation of a large tip.

Annabelle discreetly slipped him a twenty. She’d learned early on that it was smart to keep everyone happy.

The desk porter tried not to stare at her. She was a beauty, with her pale red hair and slinky body. She was also quite mysterious. Nobody in the building knew what she or her boyfriend did, just that they were young and rich and that they had plenty of good-looking friends.

Annabelle walked outside, slid onto the back seat of the Mercedes they’d recently purchased, and settled back against the plush leather. She was glad this was an afternoon assignation, because after educating the boy she’d decided to pop into Saks and buy herself the new patent-leather Prada purse she’d seen in the catalogue. And since Frankie was not big on buying her gifts, maybe she’d even treat herself to a David Yurman piece of jewelry.

Yes, that’s what I’ll do, she thought dreamily. I’ll reward myself for five minutes of not so hard work. I deserve it.

“Hey there,” Chip said, glancing in the rear-view mirror, his narrow eyes busily checking her out. “How’s it goin’?”

“I’m not in the mood for conversation, Chip,” she said crisply, tuning him out because he bothered her, he always had. There was just something about him…

“‘Scuse me for existing,” he muttered.

Damn! She decided then and there that Chip had to go. And the sooner the better.

© Jackie Collins 2009 .

**now in stores

Keep A Look Out For This One: Miki Howard's Auto-biography

Keep a look out for this one: Miki Howard's autobiography "Always Had Shoes". The R&B/Soul singer Miki Howard has been missing from the music scene for several years now and recently made an appearance on the Mo'Nique show. During her interview she mentioned that she had written her autobiography "Always Had Shoes" which talks about her life growing up with parents who were gospel singers: Josephine Howard, of the 'Caravans' and Clay Graham of the 'Pilgrim Jubilee's'; growing up in the church and her music career.

Miki Howard who was is best known for her songs "Love Under New Management", "Come Share My Love" and many others took a break from music to raise her children.

Howard's performance on the Mo"Nique was a nice old school flash back. She still has an amazing voice even though you could tell she was some what rusty. Its truly nice to have Miki back hopefully she will be releasing new music real soon. No word yet on when the book will be released.

Charlie Murphy New Book The Making of a Stand Up Guy

photo: charlie murphy myspace

Comedian Charlie Murphy has a new book called "The Making of a Stand Up Guy". The older brother of comedian/actor/producer Eddie Murphy, former head of security for Eddie and former felon has come along way and made a separate name for himself outside of being Eddie Murphy's big brother. Charlie became a household name when he joined the Chappelle Show and then went on to star in such films Roll Bounce, Players Club and several others. He also has done voice over work for Budweiser, Cartoon Network series the Boonedocks and video games Grand Theft Auto.

Although he just recently lost his wife Tisha Taylor on Dec. 13, 2009, Murphy continues to focus on his rising career in the entertainment industry.

DESCRIPTION: Charlie Murphy is the outrageously funny comedian from Chappelle's Show, whose breakout role -- as himself -- in his True Hollywood Stories about Rick James and Prince rank among the best sketch comedy performances of all time. A successful stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and actor, Charlie has led an incredible life of highs and lows on his way to becoming a stand-up guy.

In his raucous and revealing memoir, Charlie details his life on the road with Eddie Murphy, his nights on the town with Rick James ("the first man I ever met who had a swimming pool in his living room"), and his crazy movie audition with Chris Rock. He takes us backstage with Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx; on the set with costars Denzel Washington, Vanessa Williams, and Sammy Davis, Jr.; in the studio with Stevie Wonder; and off the wall with Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson.

Along the way, Murphy reveals the ups and downs of his fascinating life -- growing up in Brooklyn, getting in trouble with street gangs on Long Island, doing time in jail, serving in the Navy, and supporting his brother's meteoric rise to fame as both protector and collaborator. After selling screenplays and landing roles in seminal films like Jungle Fever and CB4, Charlie decided to get up on stage -- at the age of forty-two -- and give stand-up comedy a try. And the rest, as they say, is history...

Filled with hilarious Hollywood antics and raw personal insights, The Making of a Stand-Up Guy is Charlie's story of finding his passion, seizing the day, and finally stepping into the spotlight with mic in hand. This is the real Charlie Murphy, unfiltered and unapologetic, in his own words.

Tori Spelling Writing Her 3rd Book

Tori Spelling writing her 3rd book. The former 90210 star has already 2 best selling books under her belt and is sure to have a 3rd best seller come June. Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, will publish her third book, titled uncharted terriTORI and scheduled to hit stores in June.

"I love sharing my stories and experiences with people and connecting to them on both a humorous and emotional level," Spelling, 36, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "The response to my first two books has been so amazing that I wanted to write a third one for my fans."

"uncharted terriTori" speaks of her life as a mom, wife and mini mogul.

** The fifth season of her hit reality show, Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, will premiere on Oxygen in the spring of 2010.

2010 Radio One Book Fair News

This book fair features local and national authors, booksellers, writing workshops, storytellers, face painters and marketplace craft fair. The Book Fair is a community event sponsored by Radio One Cincinnati, celebrating literacy, the power of words and the love of reading.

Join us for this spectacular event! From books, to the marketplace, to the children’s corner, we have something for everyone! Bring the entire family!

Feb. 6th 10am - 5pm

Venue: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Phone: 513.679.6024

Address:

50 East Freedom Way Cincinnati, OH 45202

**Call for writers, editors, publishers, and book sellers going on now! Call the Book Fair Hotline at 513.679.6024.

***Are you a vendor interested in displaying your product at our Book Fair? Download the Exhibitor Application

Inside Edition's Chief Correspondent Writes Book: The Last Day of My Life

Inside Edition's Chief Correspondent, Jim Moret writes a book "The Last Day of My Life". The former CNN Reporter experienced financial problems after loosing his job and tried to make ends meet by getting a Sub-prime loan which could escalate his payments to $10,000 a month. He says this was the biggest financial error he made. Finding himself depressed and with suicidal thoughts he became frightened when he saw his suicide play out in his head. Moret reveals that he visioned himself driving his car over a cliff and his family collecting the multi-million insurance policy.

President & CEO of Cartel Publications is Looking for a Male Model

T. Styles the President and CEO of Cartel Publications is in search for a male model for the cover of Pitbulls In A Skirt

QUALIFICATION'S:

- Must be 18-30

- Must have a light complexion.

Interested individuals should send pictures to: Cartelpublications@yahoo.com

**SayWhatNews had the pleasure of interviewing T.Styles a couple of years ago. Read about her journey to being a successful best selling author to owning her own publishing company: T.Styles Interview

New Autobiography About Warren Betty Claims Actor Slept with Almost 13,000 Women

after photo: getty images

New autobiography claims that actor Warren Betty has slept with almost 13,000 women. Peter Biskind's new biography, "Star: How Warren Beatty Seduced America," alleges that the 72-year-old actor has bedded "12,775 women, give or take."

The figure "does not include daytime quickies, drive-bys, casual gropings, stolen kisses and so on," according to the book.

The biography even goes as far as claiming the actor didn't lose his virginity until age 20 (which really is none of our business and there is nothing wrong with waiting until you are grown).

Peter Biskind has reportedly said the book was authorized, but Beatty's lawyer says otherwise.

"Mr. Biskind's tedious and boring book on Mr. Beatty was not authorized by Mr. Beatty and should not be published as an authorized biography," attorney Bertram Fields told the Huffington Post.

Beatty has been married to actress Annette Bening since 1992. They have four children.

Prior to his marriage, Beatty had several high-profile relationships with stars including Natalie Wood and Madonna. He was also rumored to have had relationships with Jane Fonda, Joan Collins and Diane Keaton.

Biskind's biography is set to be published on Jan. 12.

source: KTLA

Madonna's Sticky and Sweet Tour Gets Its Own Book

Madonna's "Sticky and Sweet Tour" gets its own book after its mega success. With already one success under their belt with "Madonna: Confessions, Madonna and Guy Oseary celebrate the amazing success of Madges tour with a new book.

Book info: Sticky & Sweet, takes a look at Madonna’s celebrated Sticky & Sweet Tour, which broke all previous records and became the number-one highest grossing tour of any solo artist ever – with Madonna playing before 2,350,282 fans and selling over 280 million dollars’ worth of tickets. The tour has been extended through the summer of 2009 and will have passed the mark of 400 million dollars in ticket sales by the time it’s complete.

In over 500 full-color photographs taken on, and backstage, during the course of this historic 58-show tour, Oseary documents the four acts of the rock-driven, pop journey that is the Sticky & Sweet show.

Book available January 9th, 2010.

Poetry Corner Presents: A New Beginning by Stacey Chillemi

photo: nayafineart.com

A New Beginning by: Stacey Chillemi

There comes a time when the meaning of life begins to make sense,

At first it may not,

The sky at first may look dark,

The path one needs to walk down may be hard to see,

Never let a disorder control one’s destiny,

life created will not move forward,

cannot be positive, fulfilling future,

If you let it control your mind, body and soul,

At this point, one cannot give up,

A disorder cannot control,

You control your disorder,

Accept yourself,

Accept your disorder,

Love yourself now and forever,

You were thrown against a corner when you developed epilepsy,

Getting up was not an option,

Now it is,

Today is a new day,

If you stay down life will pass you by,

So help yourself get up,

fight the battle and win,

To win the battle you do not have to stop having seizures,

Winning the battle is teaching you how to live a healthy productive life,

Helping you cope,

Life may not always become what you want them to be,

The road you lead may have some u-turns involved,

Do not fear,

For change can be good,

Follow your path that was laid out for you,

The sun is now shinning,

You can now see your path

There is a plan, a destiny that awaits you,

Do not question your destiny,

Do not ask questions such as “why me?”

Accept the path that has been laid in front of you.

Do not be afraid,

Take one day at a time,

Be proud of who you are,

Walk with courage and your head up high,

Believe in yourself,

Focus on the positive,

For the footsteps embedded in ground of your new path will become the solid foundation to your future.

Bernice McFadden Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Her Best Selling Book Sugar

Author Bernice McFadden celebrates the 10th anniversary of her best selling book Sugar with a The 10th Anniversary, 10K book Campaign to help spread the word and introduce more book lovers to the book.

Although the campaign is coming to an end on January 9th, 2010, you can still purchase the book before the end of the campaign.

Book description: “Bernice L. McFadden's first novel begins with the brief, poetic description of a crime so startling that the reader is helplessly drawn in, as if a bright red door stood ajar on a bleak and forbidding house. Pearl Taylor's daughter, Jude, has been found murdered and mutilated near a field at the edge of town. "The murder had white man written all over it," writes McFadden. "But no one would say it above a whisper. It was 1940. It was Bigelow, Arkansas. It was a black child. Need any more be said?" In the years that follow, Pearl catches sight of Jude in so many strangers that when Sugar Lacey comes to town and sets up her unwholesome "business" in the house next door, she doesn't know whether to believe what she sees in Sugar's face: a striking similarity to Jude, dead 15 years. In her sedate but supple prose--rising at times to a light, unforced lyricism in the description of landscape or character--the author perfectly renders the closed and protective society of a small Southern town, the superstitions, gossip, and prying.”

McFadden said the following on her blog: "As for me, I will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary for all of 2010!!

In order to further commemorate this milestone, I will be awarding 10 lucky winners a copy of the 10th Anniversary Edition of SUGAR!"

You can enter to win a copy of the book @ Bernice McFadden Blog

Writer Charles Dickens Tooth Picks Sells At Auction for Writers Artifacts

Charles Dickens tooth pick get auctioned off for thousands of dollars at an auction for writers artifacts. The ivory toothpick used by Charles Dickens was purchased for $9,150 by an unknown buyer. The winning bid almost doubled Bonhams auction house’s not-so-great expectations. The dental device comes with a letter from Dickens’ sister-in-law verifying its use by the classic author and the handle is engraved with his initials.

Michael J. Fox New Book Coming Soon

Michael J. Fox new book coming soon thanks to Hyperion. Hyperion announced that it will be publishing Michael J. Fox’s next book, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future.

The book, which will be published on April 13, 2010 — will offer guidance and encouragement to graduates. “Though he didn’t finish high school, Fox values both formal and informal education,” the press release says. “The book offers realistic observations — ‘One’s education is never complete’ — and common sense suggestions for a rifer life — ‘When things go bad, as they sometimes will, don’t run, don’t hide, stick it out, and be scrupulous in facing every part of your fear."