Top 10 MJ Tunes

We are all reeling in the aftermath of the loss of the King of Pop last week.

And I have not been immune to the thraw.

I am still composoing a more in-depth post about what the icon meant to me and the rest of the world, but I just wanted to share my top 10 MJ hits.

10. The Girl is Mine

9. Remember The Time

8. Jam

7. Keep It In The Closet

6. Liberian Girl

5. Scream

4. I Want You Back

3. Man In The Mirror

2. P.Y.T.

1. The Way You Makin' Me Feel

Equinox Cincinnati: Pride is not over yet!

I know that this event, which is sponsored by Greater Cincinnati's Gay Chamber of Commerce, is not connected with any of the Pride events that occurred a few weeks ago, but it does give us another reason to let down our hair and paint the town pink!

I just picked up my tickets to become a Host for the event.

For more information about the 3-day event (July 2-5) and a list of venues, check out the event website.

See you there!

Final 3 Days! 1/2 Priced Resumes, Cover Letters, Business Plans and More!

Just a little shameless promo for my company's Summer Stimlas Special, ending June 30, 2009.

50% off all professional writing services thru June 30, 2009!

http://IONConsultants.googlepages.com

Do you want to recession proof your resume?

Do you need a professional and concise business plan?

ION Consultants can give you the edge that you need!

It does not matter if you just need a new or revised resume, or something larger, like a
professionally produced economic development plan for your small business, ION Consultants can assist you in person (or via email/phone) to bring your accomplishments to light.

Resumes ------------$20

Cover Letters ----- $10

Business Plans -----$50

We believe in the power of a great first impression which is why ION Consultants’ emphasis is on quality and results, while working within your budget.

For additional information, please visit us at:

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You can also send your questions via email to:

ionconsultants@yahoo.com

Or follow us on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/#/pages/ION-Consultants/108622460796

And send us a tweet at:

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You can also read our blog @ http://iwillwriteit4u.blogspot.com

Cincinnati Does Idol

In the latest attempt to capitalize on American Idol and its subsequent "Reality TV" following, Cincinnati's own world renowned Opera Company conducted its first Cincinnati Opera Idol last night.

A few weeks ago 160 eager vocalist tried out for 10 coveted spots and last night those 10 voices shined.

Coincidentally; one of the best voices of the evening was my co-worker, Quarndra Ryan.

Throughout the night the 10 spectacular voices were supposed to be weeded down to 5, but due to a tie in the voting, 6 singers we pushed through to the next round of voting.

And my dear Quarndra made it!

The next round of voting for the first ever Cincinnati Opera Idol will begin Monday where online votes will be counted for at least a week.

Go to http://cincinnatiopera.com/ and watch the top 6 performers and then cast your vote.

Don't worry about forgetting because I will be sending out reminders here, on facebook and twitter.

May the best one win (go Quarndra!)

Ed McMahon Dies @ Age 86

He will definitly be missed.

WWCBD: What Would Chris Brown Do?

People Magazine answered some of the questions that we all had on our minds about the Monday's court appearance of Chris Brown and Rhianna.

More than four months after Chris Brown allegedly assaulted her, Rihanna is expected to break her silence Monday during testimony in a Los Angeles court. The hearing is to determine if there's enough evidence for a trial against Brown.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the case:

What will she say?

Rihanna's lawyer has steadfastly said the singer will comply with prosecutors and tell the truth. Her testimony is expected to mirror a detective's report. Experts say she could be on the stand for approximately two hours, including cross-examination by Brown's attorney. Cameras won't be allowed in the courtroom.

Will Brown be there in person?

Yes, he's required to attend.

But isn't it true that she can't be forced to testify?

Correct. While Rihanna is legally required to appear in court, she could refuse to take the stand and the court cannot threaten her with jail time [as can be done in a non-domestic violence case]. At most, she could be punished with fines or other sanctions, but a judge may be reluctant to do so. Also, prosecutors could decide last-minute not to call her as a witness.

Are the rumors true that she hit him first that night?

It's unknown – and may not soon be known. The detective's report makes no mention that she physically instigated the alleged fight, which the report says was started over a text message Brown received from a previous lover. Lawyers for both Rihanna and Brown had no comment on this question. The judge also may not allow questions to be asked about previous physical fights the couple may have had, which would be seen as outside the scope of a preliminary hearing.

Find out the rest of what People Magazine found out here.

Secrets to Writing the Perfect Resume --- Seminar

Here is information about the first seminar that I am offereing through my small business ION Consultants.

The following is what it is about, but more info can be found at http://ionconsultants.googlepages.com

Searching for a new job, whether you are an entry level candidate or someone with experience, can be a very disheartening experience. With the number of unemployed on the rise, coupled with many employers scaling back its workforce; employers are looking for any reason to discard your resume.

Should your resume be emailed or snail mailed?

Is more than one page okay?

What style of resume is appropriate?

Should a thank-you be handwritten?

At this seminar you will learn how to stand out in a pile of applicants.

You will come out armed with skills to produce a resume that reflects your best self, an engaging
and provocative cover letter, and all the proper follow up.

In this seminar we will examine:

- The resume, both in its hard copy and electronic form - The cover letter - The Thank You
Letter- Any Additional Correspndance

-Newly Added Portion* Innovations in Resumes

Camera Woes

I live and die by my cell phone.

I take pictures with it.

I blog with it.

I twitter with it.

Sometimes I even sleep with it (just kidding).

Needless to say, my cell phone keeps me connected in this small world. Especially while I am at work where, even on my breaks, we are unable to check our personal email....yea, know.

Since my phone seem to be the center of my life, the information that it stores can, at some point be irreplaceable.

Like, pictures, from Pride last weekend or the phots I snapped of my brothers high school graduation.

Yesterday, I had what some may call, a crash and lost alot of things stored on cell-y.

Moral of the story.....post more pics to your blog, facebook and fickr accounts!

Top 5 Hottest Single Sexy Stars of The Summer

People Magazine just posted a list of some of the Hottest Single Men of the Summer. Some of them are not my cup of tea, but all are very drinkable.

Here are my personal Top 5


# 5 CHACE CRAWFORD - I have never seen the original Footloose, but he sure does make me want to see the remake.

#4 ROBERT PATTINSON - Twilight hottie and also a major player in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

#3 DWAYNE JOHNSON - I think I like him better as "The Rock"...but no complaints here.

#2 ADAM LAMBERT - You got robbed my man!

#1 COMMON - Do I need to say more?

Librarian's Unite Against Google

Yesterday, TIME Magazine reported that the Justice Department will be looking closer into Google's plans to publish 20% of some titles online at no charge and reaping in a portion of the profit when/if the work is bought via their online service.

That part is not too bad, but what has most librarians' buns in a wad are the snippets of "orphan books" (out of print books who's author's and publishers are unknown) that will be published and then sold, where Google will reap ALL of the profits.

In my opinion, the market will dictate if people will go for these unpublished pieces of work. They have very little credit in the academic world if they are ever used for reference due to the fact that the author and publisher are unknown.

I say that if Google wants to publish them, go for it. In one respect it brings writing to a broader clientele which it would have not had reached otherwise.

Shout It OUT! Gay Man's Guide To A Job Interview

Published June 12,2009

Http://associatedcontent.com/article/127625/shout_it_out_gay_mans_guide_to_a_job.html?cat=60

Mayor Mark Mallory's Shop52 Small Business Series

Last night, I attended Mayor Mark Mallory's Shop52 Small Business Series at The Cintas Center in order to get some ideas as to how to grow my own small business.

This ongoing series will be held once a month for the next few months, focusing on different aspects of envisioning, starting and running a small business.

I learned alot, and even got a few jobs out of the participation.

For information about the next seminars, visit The Mayor's website.

Hope to see you there!

HIV in Cincinnati's African American Community

The Enquirer has a great article in today's paper chronicling some of the fears and misconceptions about HIV.

Kudos to them for publishing it.

I just hope that leads to more aggressive approach to HIV testing and AIDS awareness in our African American community.

Cincinnati NAMjA's Random Office (Cubicle) Pics

Here are some random pics of a few figurines I have placed in my office space from today's adventures @ the office.

Despite the dreary day, it has been a pretty fun @ the office. So fun in fact, the girls and I are springing for LaRosa's for lunch...let the good times roll!

A Call for Action

Early this morning, in the 400 block of East 13th, three lives were taken before they even had a change to live.

The coward that did this unimaginable act may not immediately receives what he deserves, due to our city's police force, despite their most valiant efforts, but even i he this perpetrator is never caught, he will see the whites of the eyes which he stole from this Earth.

Our neighborhood must take back its streets!

This abominable act occurred on the heels, and just a few feet from one last Saturday's Spring Fling, where children (and adults alike) enjoyed the afternoon and was momentarily taken away from the trials and tribulation of everyday life.

We Need To Be Visible - Those in our community (including myself) have to not be afraid to walk down the street, say hello to those hanging out on the street corner. If they can stand out on the stoop for hours at a time, I am sure that we can do the same.

We Need To Call Early And Often - There are several apartment buildings on the block in which I live, that are known drug dens. Our neighbors know it, and the Police know it, but yet they still exist. I want to plead to all of my neighbors to call the Police ANY time they see suspisious activity. That may be someone waiting i a parked car, for nor reason, and a person casing cars.

Act A Fool - If you are ever approached by someone who you do not know and they attempt to rob you....ACT A DAMN FOOL! Yell, scream, holler and let them know that you re not going down without a fight.

Of course this is not an all inclusive plan for decreasing violence. Cooperation with neighbors, the education system, organizations all will continue to play a part.

We have to stop this violence and we have to stop it NOW!

Pendleton Neighborhood Council's 7th Annual Spring Fling/Information Fair

Each year, along with my friends here in the neighborhood, I have organized this great event.

Every year, I invite non-profit organizations to come down and set up a booth and while providing some sort of activity for the children, they can also let the know what activities they have during the summer months.

This year's event was held in conjunction with the Pendleton Art Center's 2nd Look Saturday, this past Saturday, May 30th.

Nearly 150 people came out to enjoy a violence neighborhood party where the received important information about health and wellness in addition to jamming to a rockin' DJ while they learned f free activities which will keep them occupied through the coming summer months.

Thank you to the following organizations who participated this year:

Patchwork Kids

Kidz Club

Civic Garden Center

Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center

POCWA

American Heart Association's NKY Branch (Thanks mom!)

LeBlond Boys & Girls Club

Cincinnati Parks

Stop AIDS

"Final Friday" @ The Pendleton Arts Center, May 29th, 2009

The last Friday of each month, the Pendleton Arts Center, once one of the United States' leading shoe factories and now one of the largest collection of artist's loft under one roof in the country (close to 200 artists lofts), opens its doors and throws a party.

Located in the historic heart of Pendleton, the center charges no fee for you to wonder through all of the lofts sampling food, libation and some pretty good visual art work.

This particular night, I was volunteering for Stop AIDS, where a proceed of artwork purchased tat evening went directly to "fighting the cause".

Here are some of the pics that I sapped as I meandered through the 8 stories of art.