Thursday, December 27, 2012

Estee: Conversations' Female Artist of 2012


by Cyrus Webb

Recording artist Estee first came to my attention in 2010 when she was promoting her single I WOULDN'T from the album JOY---and I have been a fan ever since. Her ability to take the listener on an amazing journey of self-reflection and gift of reaching the heart in the process made her an easy choice for Conversations' Female Artist of 2012, and it is my pleasure to bestow that honor upon her.

For Estee 2012 has already been one to remember, as she has been able to take her ministry of music and its message to the masses in so many great ways. As she has traveled, she has also been able to share some powerful songs along the way. One of my favorites became I'M STILL HIS, which allows the listener to admit their mistakes but also the realization that God still loves us and wants the best for us. Then came her single EXCUSES which also spoke to me in a big way. It takes you through the things we could say as excuses for not doing all we can in God's service, and then remind us that Jesus Christ gave so selflessly of himself, paying the ultimate price for our salvation.

During the holidays Estee also gave her fans and new listeners some amazing renditions of classics like O Holy Night that reminded us of the reason for the season.

This year she could do no wrong with her music, and the attention she is getting for it is more than deserved.

To find out more about Estee visit www.omega7productions.com.

Cyrus Webb Presents Tony Lindsay: Conversations' Author of the Year, 2012-13



by Cyrus Webb

Choosing the Author of the Year for Conversations over the past few years has been one of my greatest challenges, however, it also allows me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the wordsmiths that are delivering some of the world's greatest work. Past honorees have been Andrew Neiderman, John Saul, Wahida Clark and most recently Stuart Woods. All of them have been guests of mine through Conversations, and they all have shown themselves to be incredible at telling a great story.

For 2012 there was one author that consistently kept coming to the forefront of my mind because of the impact he was making, and it is for this reason that Tony Lindsay, author of titles like URBAN AFFAIR, ONE DEAD LAWYER, ONE DEAD PREACHER and now ONE DEAD DOCTOR (one of Conversations Top Books of 2012), is Conversations' Author of the Year 2012-13.

I first interviewed Lindsay some six years ago for Conversations Magazine. I was a fan of his that really wanted to share his story with our readers, and he was gracious enough to work with me in making it happen. We met face-to-face for the first time in 2008 when Conversations Book Club hosted him in author events in Mississippi and Louisiana.  It was great to spend some time with the storyteller, and get to know more about what motivates him as an author.

The gift that he has is one that I think is universal, but you will hear many talk about him in the singular vein of being a great "urban fiction" author. Being one that is not huge on such titles or generalizations, I would rather think of Tony Lindsay as a man that is able to tell a story in such a way that he can gather readers of various genres together around his work. He is definitely not a one-note. You might think you know him by reading books like STREET POSSESSION and URBAN AFFAIR, and then you might hear someone speaking about CHASIN' IT or MORE BOY THAN GIRL, and you will definitely get a different flavor of his literary palette.

In 2012 what struck me was that I was just getting the opportunity of digesting the lessons from his latest book of short stories called FAT FROM PAPA'S HEAD when ONE DEAD DOCTOR hit the market. Once again Lindsay was able to take us into the life of David Price and the issues he faced, reminding us of how much fiction can gave a true commentary on the events of our lives.

I hear people say if you are a fan of author Donald Goines you will like Tony Lindsay. That may be true to some, but it is not my experience. For me, Goines doesn't capture a world that speaks to me like Lindsay does. If anything, Tony Lindsay is the Donald Goines of my time. His words lift up and off the page into the reader's mind and heart, leaving an imprint that makes it almost impossible to keep it to yourself.

It is my pleasure to honor Tony Lindsay in this issue of Conversations Magazine and throughout 2013. His is a talent that the world deserves to know.

To discover him for yourself, look up his books at www.amazon.com.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Cyrus Webb Presents "Conversations Top 100 Books of 2012"


It is without question one of Conversations Media Group's most exciting events: revealing the titles that make up its Top Books of the year. For 2012 Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Book Club and Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine found it to be an increasingly difficult task.

"There were so many great books that came out this year it was almost impossible to narrow it down," he says. In the end he found his top fiction and non-fiction titles that he believes best represent not only what he loves about books but the world as well. Once again there are established authors as well as rising stars that are featured, keeping in step with Webb's desire to feature talent wherever it might come from.

What are the requirements for making Conversations Book Club's Top Books list? They are very simple. First books that make the list must be reviewed in print form. (No e-books are considered.) Secondly Webb would have had to have read the title by Nov. 1st of the previous year and by Nov. 1st of the current year for consideration.

Without any further ado here are Conversations Book Club's Top 100 Books of 2012:


Fiction (Listed in no particular order)

  1. "Fractured" by Karin Slaughter (Bantam Dell)
  2. "Watch Me Die" by Erica Spindler (St. Martin's)
  3. "Into the Darkness" by V. C. Andrews (Simon and Schuster)
  4. "Married in the Nick of Nine" by Alretha Thomas Diverse Arts Collective)
  5. "Tony's Tiffany" by John Mobley (FreedomInk)
  6. "Shades of Orange with Many Greens: Visions of Paul Cezanne" by by Walter E. Thompson
  7. "Who?" by Tiona Brown (DaSaint Ent.)
  8. "I Do Solemnly Swear" by D.M. Annechino (Thomas & Mercer)
  9. "Devil's Gate" by F. J. Lennon (Simon and Schuster)
  10. Yield" by Bryan K. Johnson (Bedside Books)
  11. "Tilt" by Ellen Hopkins (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster)
  12. "The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls" by Julie Schumacher (Delacorte Press)
  13. "Darling Nikki" by E. V. Adams (Strebor Books/Simon and Schuster)
  14. "Biten" by Dan O'Brien (unknown)
  15. "The Stalker Chronicles" by Electa Rome Parks (Urban Renaissnce)
  16. "The Choice" by Robert Whitlow (Thomas Nelson)
  17. "Flying Solo" by Jeanette Vaughan (Age View Press)
  18. "The Lost Daughter" by Lucy Ferriss (Penguin)
  19. "The Aloha Trilogy" by Stephen A. Enna & Dennis J. Wootten (Authorhouse)
  20. "An Echo Through the Snow" by Andrea Thalasinos (Forge)
  21. "Q Awakening" by G. M. Lawrence (Variance Publishing)
  22. "Kill Shot" by Vince Flynn (Atria Books)
  23. "Love in a Carry-On Bag" by Sadeqa Johnson (12th Street Press)
  24. "The Floater" by Sheryl Sorrentino (unknown)
  25. "Suzy's Case" by Andy Siegel (Scribner/Simon and Schuster)
  26. "The Cutting Season" by Attica Locke (Dennis Lehane Books/Harper Collins)
  27. "Alligater Lake" by Lynne Bryant (New American Library/Penguin)
  28. "How Angels Die" by David-Michael Harding (Q & CY Book)
  29. "One Dead Doctor" by Tony Lindsay (Pen Knife Press)
  30. "The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln" by Stephen L. Carter (Alfred A. Knopf)
  31. "Twisted Seduction" by N'Tyse (Strebor/Simon and Schuster)
  32. "Last Chance Texaco" by Joe Lee (Dogwood Press)
  33. "Bone Shadows" by Christopher Valen (Conquill Press)
  34. "Drawing Breath" by Laurie Boris (unknown)
  35. "Trickster's Point" by William Ken Krueger (Atria Books/Simon & Schuster)
  36. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" by M. T. Pope/Tina Brooks McKinney/Brenda Hampton/Terry E. Hill (Urban Renaissance)
  37. "Beauty to Die Foe" by Kim Alexis & Mindy Starns Clark (B & H Book"s)
  38. "Coming Home" by Stacy Hawkins Adams (Zonderman)
  39. "Cheeseland" by Randy Richardson (Eckhartz Press)
  40. "Twelve Months" by Steven Manchester (The Story Plant)
  41. "Damage Control" by John Gilstrap (Pinnacle/ Kensington Books)
  42. "The Last Refuge" by Ben Coes (St. Martin's Press)
  43. "Payback Ain't Enough" by Wahida Clark (Cash Money Content)
  44. "A Fistful of Collars" by Spencer Quinn (Atria/ Simon and Schuster)
  45. "Citycide" by Gary Hardwick (HardBooks Publishing)
  46. "Better Than Chocolate" by Sheila Roberts (Harlequin/Mira)
  47. "The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D." by Nichole Bernier (Crown/Random house)
  48. "Deadrise" by Robert Blake Whitehill (Calaveras Media)
  49. "Friends Forever" by Danielle Steel (Delacorte Press/Random House)
  50. "The Heat of the Night" by Pynk/Niyah Moore/Lorraine Elzia/Ebonee Monique/Lalaina Knowles/Elissa Gabrielle (Peace In The Storm Publishing) 
Non-Fiction Titles (Listed in no particular order)
  1. "The Obama Question" by Gary Dorrien (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers)
  2. "By Faith, Not By Sight" by Scott MacIntyre (Thomas Nelson)
  3. "Side-Yard Superhero" by Rick D. Niece (Five Star Publications)
  4. "Charlie" by Barbara Lampert (Langdon Street Press)
  5. "Dear Marcus" by Jerry McGill (Spiegel & Grau (Random House)
  6. "Self-Made Myth" by Brian Miller and Mike Lapham (Berrett-Koehler Publishers)
  7. "Fearless" by Maimah S. Karmo (Brown Books Publshing Group)
  8. "Lefty: An American Odysssey" by Vernona Gomez and Lawrence Goldstone (Ballantine Books)
  9. "Soul Rape" by Heyward Bruce Ewart (Loving Healing Press)
  10. "Crossing the Tracks" by Dolphus Weary (Kregel Publications)
  11. "Redemption" by Bryan Clay (Thomas Nelson)
  12. "Confessions of a Microfinance Heretic" by Hugh Sinclair (Berrett-Koehler)
  13. "Uncle Yah Yah: 21st Century Man of Wisdom, Part 2 " by Al Dickens (Wahida Clark Presents Publishing)
  14. "At the Feet of Jesus" by Joanna Weaver (Water Brook)
  15. "Dramas of a Bald Head Queen" by Nina C. Brewton (Write Right Publications)
  16. "Creating Time" by Marney K. Makridakis (New World Library)
  17. "Single Black, and Government Owned" by Omegia (O) Keeys )Passionate Writer Publishing) 
  18. "Fastest Man in the World" by Tony Volpentest (Bettie Youngs Books)
  19. "Boxing with God" by Robert Coons (USIAA)
  20. "Slow Democracy" by Susan Clark and Woden Teachout (Chelsea Green Publishing)
  21. "7 Secrets of a Phenomenal L.I.F.E." by Howard Partridge (Sound Wisdom)
  22. "The Shyster's Daughter" by Paula Priamos (Etruscan Press)
  23. "Unbinding the Heart" by Agapi Stassinopoulos (Hay House)
  24. "King Peggy" by Peggilene Bartels and Eleanor Herman (Doubleday/Random House)
  25. "Against Wind & Tide" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Pantheon Books)
  26. "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power" by Jon Meacham (Random House)
  27. "Marilyn" by Lois Banner (Bloomsbury)
  28. "Fraternity" by Diane Brady (Spiegel and Grau)
  29. "Everyday Meditation" by Tobin Blake (NewWorld Library)
  30. "Journey into Thought" by Sidney Andrews (iUniverse)
  31. "Tough Truths" by Deirdre Maloney (Business Solutions Press)
  32. "Life & Love: Through My Eyes" by Ramona Jones (FreedomInk)
  33. "Growing Up Ziglar" by Julie Ziglar Norman (Guideposts)
  34. "The Sacred Thread" by Adrienne Arieff (Crown Publishers)
  35. "A Dark Journey to a Light Future" by Tommie Mabry (WestBow Press)
  36. "Embraced by God" by Babbie Mason (Abingdon Press)
  37. "Beginning with the End" by Mary R. Morgan (Vantage Point)
  38. "Get Off Your Attitude" by Ryan C. Lowe (Sound Wisdom)
  39. "Identity" by Stedman Graham (FT Press)
  40. "No Problem!" by E M Hanley (Livre)
  41. "It's Your Life: Live Big" by Josh Hinds (Sound Wisdom)
  42. "24/6" by Matthew Sleeth (Tyndale House Publishers)
  43. "Cyber Bullying No More" by Holli Kenley (Loving Healing Press)
  44. "I Ain't Trying 2 Hear It" by Melvin White (Authorhouse)
  45. "Leaning Into Sharp Points" by Stan Goldberg (New World Library)
  46. "You Can Buy Happiness(and It's Cheap" by Tammy Strobel (New World Library)
  47. "Rocky Spirit" by Felice Cantatore (iUniverse)
  48. "The 12 Principles to Wellness" by Eleanor R. (Balboa Press)
  49. "Today: A Book of Daily Affirmations" by Christopher LaKeith Price (Estrus Publishing)
  50. "Live To Give" by Austin Gutwein (Thomas Nelson)
Interested in having your title considered for 2013? Contact Cyrus Webb directly at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Follow Cyrus Webb on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cyruswebb and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cyruswebb

To check out previous lists by Conversations Book Club or to stay abreast of upcoming literary events, visit www.conversationsbookclub.com. Keep inspired. Keep focused. Keep the Conversations going! 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Conversations with Music Magazine Nominated For 1st National Award

Conversations Media Group is pleased to announce that Conversations with Music Magazine has been nominated for Internet/Print Press Group of the Year by the Rhythm of Gospel Awards.

"We are excited and humbled by the nomination," says Mississippi native Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief/Publisher of Conversations with Music Magazine. "This shows that the hard work and dedication that we have given to this bi-monthly publication is paying off."

Conversations with Music Magazine began in early 2012 as a supplement to the monthly publication Conversations Magazine. It's purpose? To give a platform for nationally recognized artists as well as rising stars in music to share their stories and share how they have grown along their journey and what we can all learn from them and where they are going. Since it's debut it has featured the likes of Trey Lorenz, Ruben Studdard, Higher Authority, Israel Houghton, Freda Battle,Travis Malloy, Byron Cage and others. 

 Held in Jacksonville Florida, July 24-28, 2013 the 5th Annual Rhythm Of Gospel Awards (   www.therhythmofgospelawards.com ) is an annual nationally televised awards show filled with a variety of innovative and exciting showcases, choir competitions, pageants and achievement galas, bringing in over 6,500 excited, tourists, church, social and civic groups, families and business professionals throughout the entire USA, Canada, and Bahamas. 
                         
The Rhythm Of Gospel Award Show will spotlight 52 categories of recognition through various Churches and Religious Groups, Business/Community Leaders, and Independent Gospel Music Artist, giving them the opportunity to network formally while congratulating trailblazers from various sectors of the community and music industry.


This award show is an ongoing project and after only 5 years it has already been rated #3 amongst some of the more prestigious awards shows in the nation.  This newly acclaimed show is constantly growing and is said to become one of the nations best premiered events in the country for unfound gospel talent.

Nominees like Conversations with Music Magazine will be voted on by the people. Because of this Webb will be coordinating "Voting Parties" for supporters of Conversations Media Group and Conversations with Music Magazine to help spread the word. Online Voting will start November 1, -March 1, 2013. Log on to http://www.therhythmofgospelawards.com/VOTING.html to count your vote today and for more information. To contact Cyrus Webb, email him at cawebb4@juno.com or call 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.conversationswithmusic.com

Saturday, October 6, 2012

(Sat. Oct. 6th) Conversations Magazine Release Event in Pearl, MS



Join Conversations Magazine Editor-In-Chief Cyrus Webb and special guests author Glenda L. Hunter, recording artist Gutta Mane 601, fashion designer/stylist/talk show host Gail Ambeau and actor/model John Westley Dean as they celebrate the release of Conversations Magazine Sept./Oct. issue as well as the Conversations Model Citizens Oct./Nov. issue.

This will take place at Appetizers Restaurant (3000 Hwy 80 E * Pearl, MS) beginning @ 6p.m.

Admission is free, however, copies of the new issues of the magazine will be available.

For more details contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.conversationsmag.com

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Author/Blogger Tracy L. Bell Joins Conversations LIVE's Prime-Time Line-up

Conversations Media Group is excited to announce a new edition to the Conversations LIVE radio family. Beginning Thursday, September 20th at 8p.m. et (7p.m. ct/5p.m. pt) author/blogger Tracy L. Bell will begin hosting a weekly segment each Thursday called "Conversations of a Sistah".

The name of the segment is the same as her book Conversations of a Sistah and will include real topics and bold conversations that deal with everyday issues.

"I'm genuinely thrilled to have Tracy join the Conversations family," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Media Group and host of Conversations LIVE radio show. "It's been great to see how her book and blog have been so effective in stirring up genuine discussions, and I know she will be able to bring that same energy and excitement to this radio format."

With Bell's "Conversations with a Sistah" coming to Conversations LIVE, Webb has restructured the Thursday primetime line-up to make her the main focus of the evening. Beginning Thursday, September 20th the 30 min. time slot which begins at 8p.m. et will consist of a song of the week, Conversations' resident chef Bruce Tretter's Quick and Easy Cooking Segment, followed immediately by "Conversations with a Sistah".

"There is such an excitement about joining Cyrus Webb’s house of diversity with books, music and news combined with good entertainment and great conversation," says Bell, who will not only host but Co-Executive Produce the weekly show with Webb. "My feel is the vibe is live and always merry, and my “Conversations Of A Sistah” will add great commentary. My hope is to have bold conversations, bringing real talk to listeners about true experiences from everyday occurrences that deal with a reality of issues on so many levels. I want my segments to be impactful and personable that will lead to constructive conversations well after the talk."

Make plans to join Bell and "Conversations of a Sistah" beginning Thurs. Sept. 20th @ 8p.m. et (7p.m. et/5p.m. ct) on www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive. To contact Tracy Bell email her at conversationsofasistah@readywriterproductioncompany.com.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Cyrus Webb Presents "Issues That Matter, 2012"

Conversations LIVE radio show presents "Issues That Matter,2012": a look at three key components that will play a part in this year's election and the future of the United States. Joining host Cyrus Webb will be authors Marie Friedmann (LIVING ILLEGAL), Richard Kirsch (FIGHTING FOR OUR HEALTH) and Meira Levinson (NO CITIZEN LEFT BEHIND). Listen to the show here:   Cyrus Webb Presents "Issues That Matter, 2012" 06/11 by Cyrus Webb | Blog Talk Radio

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Introducing My Team Monitoring: Employee Monitoring Software


For some people they do their best work when they are left alone to do their jobs without much supervisions. Others need something more, and having someone looking over their shoulders is the only way they are to be trusted to do what they were hired to do. The sad truth is that some businesses however have found that their employees are lax on the job or not following through as they should. Still others might have concerns about theft and inappropriate activities while the employee is on duty. It is because of this that My Team Monitor is such an asset.

What is My Team Monitor? It is a Employee Monitoring Software that allows for employers to see what is going on while they are not there. It is easy to set up, and affordable for any business, and allows for the peace of mind that many want when they can't be physically in the workplace.

Some might see Employee Monitoring Software as intrusive, but think of this: If it was your establishment, wouldn't you want to make sure that things were running as they should? That is also what employees should be considering whether there is employee monitoring software or not.

In short My Team Monitor is definitely worth a look. The website www.myteammonitor.com has great demonstrations that anyone can view, as well as provides more details about the Employee Monitoring Software service and who it might best benefit.

To all those employees out there, this should be a great reminder that just when you think no one is watching, that is when you really need to make sure you are giving your very best.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Brotha Magazine Prepares To Recognize 2012's 40 Under 40

Brotha Magazine Prepares To Recognize 2012's 40 Under 40


As part of its continuing effort to recognize those who are not only giving back as part of their Christian responsibilities but in the community as well, Nebo Publishing and Brotha Magazine are pleased to announce the formation of its 'Brothahood of 40'. This will be a yearly celebration of 40 brothas under the age of 40 that are raising the bar by their example.
"This is not a competition," says Charles Clark, President and Founder of Brotha Magazine. "I see it as a way for our readers to celebrate those brothas whose hard work and dedication may have seemingly gone unnoticed. This is a way for us to shine a spotlight on those who in their professional and Christian lives are reaching for a higher standard."
The nominating process is simple. An email should be sent to forty@brothaonline.com with the name, age, city/state and head shot of the person being considered. The email should also include a paragraph which shares how the nominee is meeting the following criteria: their vision and leadership; innovation and achievement; community impact; growth/development strategy as well as faith based involvement.
The deadline for the nominating process is June 1, 2012, which this year's honorees being announced in the October/November issue of Brotha Magazine. For more information email forty@brothaonline.com.


Monday, April 23, 2012

(Sat. May 5, 2012) Cyrus Webb Presents "You Are Not Alone"

(Sat. May 5, 2012 * Pearl, MS) Looking for inspiration and the strength to move past something that is keeping you from moving forward in your life. Conversations LIVE radio show host and Rankin County native Cyrus Webb presents "You Are Not Alone", a discussion of how individuals are identifying the areas that have held them back and how they have been able to move forward and help others.

This free event will take place Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) at 1p.m. Joining Webb will be Mississippi authors Darlene Collier, Joseph Henderson and Glenda L. Hunter. All three have overcome challenges in their lives and come out on the other side stronger and in a position to encourage others through their stories.

If you have doubted your ability to achieve more or have felt a prisoner to the past, "You are Not Alone" will share the keys that we all need to unlock ourselves from the pain and be the person we were destined to be..

For details contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or call 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com.


Saturday, April 14, 2012

Alexander Gibson: Using Words To Fight The Stereotypes


by Cyrus Webb

For 25 year old Starkville, MS native Alexander Gibson words are not just something he does to pass the time. They are a way of letting others into his world and sharing what can be possible for anyone, no matter where they are from or what they had done in their past.

It was during his Freshman year in college that he came to the realization that he wanted to write and share it. "I was at a point in my life when I was really soul-searching," Gibson says. Jaded by the progress he had been making in his life, he started to analyze a lot of what people had told him up until that point. "Everyone told me that I had to get an education in order to get a great job. I learned through personal experience that where I was education promised nothing. It was at that point that I started writing."

His feelings about his life and the possibilities for his future were the spark that led him to keep a journal. As it progressed, however, Gibson says that things took a turn. "As I was writing and reading what I had wrote, I began to think that maybe something else could come from this." From there he started to write a book, sharing his thoughts about life in general, not believing everything you were told and the importance of finding your own way. One day after finding himself frustrated and stalled in his own efforts to really make a difference, he threw his work away. "I now see doing that as one of the biggest mistakes of his life," he confesses.

That was in 2006.

For the next couple of years Alexander Gibson didn't write anything. That changed in 2008, though, when he  began to see the need for someone to speak up for those around him that he felt was getting a fair shake. He began putting pen back to paper and decided to start his own organization to fill the gap for those seen as less than. This was the basis for Help For The Helped which was founded in 2009. "I wanted to change the way certain types of people in society were seen," he says. "I know the playing field will never be completely level, but we can do our part to make sure that others are getting their chance. Help For The Helped's mission includes helping individuals find employment, offering scholarships and even aiding in the rehabilitation of convicted felons.

This is something that touches close to home for Gibson, who admits that he hasn't always made the best choices in life. In 2010 he was facing 43 years in prison for selling marijuana. A college student at the time, he spent six months in a county jail with nothing but his thoughts. He admits that it took a lot of faith to believe he could get out of that situation with a favorable response, but he did. "I'm worth more to society in the world making a difference than behind bars," he says. "There are some people that just made mistakes. Not everyone had the support system to do what I have done. Building up Help For The Helped and sharing my story is my way of giving back some of what has been afforded to me."

In 2011 Gibson saw another dream realized with the release of his first book of poetry FIGHTING THE STEREOTYPE (published by Publish America). Through the book he is using his voice to remind individuals young and old that they don't have to be a statistic or just another face in the crowd. "That is the sole basis of what I do," he says. "What has happened to me can happen to anyone. Everyone has been stereotyped at one point or another. The question becomes are you fighting the stereotype or living up to it? Never doubt your potential. You have no reason to hang your head. Make the best of the life in front of you."

Stay abreast of updates by Alexander Gibson on Facebook by visiting www.tinyurl.com/alexandergibson. He can also be reached by email at realpoet0315@gmail.com. You can find out more about his book FIGHTING THE STEREOTYPE on Amazon.com at www.tinyurl.com/alexandergibsonbook .

Monday, January 23, 2012

(Sat. Feb. 4, 2012) Cyrus Webb Presents A Showing Of PRINCE AMONG SLAVES

Join Cyrus Webb as he presents the documentary PRINCE AMONG SLAVES at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) on Sat. February 4, 2012 beginning at 1p.m.
Based on the book by Terry Alford, Webb will also share his interviews with the author and the director of the project Andrea Kalin from his radio show Conversations LIVE. Admission free. For details contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com.

Friday, January 13, 2012

(Thurs. Jan. 19, 2012) Race and Rankin County Town-Hall Style Meeting @ Pearl Public Library

(Thursday, January 19, 2012) Join Conversations LIVE radio host Cyrus Webb as he hosts a conversation about the state of race relations in Rankin County, Mississippi.


How have things changed? Does the recent alleged hate crime in the state show that more progress and dialogue is needed? What about where the state stands on inter-racial relationships? All of this and more will be a topic for the discussion.

"We shouldn't allow others to define the kind of people we are," says Webb,36. He has hosted forums like this one over the past 5 years to discuss issues such as the sate flag, blacks and the Obama candidacy and the impact of Hip Hop on the black community. It is Webb's hope that citizens of Rankin County and others in the state can come together and find ways that we can better work together to achieve what we want for the future.

Admission is free. The public is encouraged to attend. For more information visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com. You can contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

(Friday Jan. 20, 2012) Cyrus Webb Presents "America Under Obama: 3 Years Later"


On Friday, January 20, 2012 Conversations LIVE host Cyrus Webb presents "America Under Obama: Three Years Later". His panel consisting of Journalist Billy Hallowell, Gary Dorrien (author of The Obama Question: A Progressive Perspective), Author Stephen M. Grimble (For Love & Liberty) & author John Maher (Learning From The Sixties) discusses what they think of Obama's re-election chances, the GOP field and what it will take to get America turned around and back to work. This is one conversation you don't want to miss.

The show begins at 8p.m. et (7p.m. ct/5p.m. pt) Listen live at www.tinyurl.com/americaunderobama3.

Monday, January 2, 2012

TAKE TEN: Author Patricia Neely-Dorsey

(REPRINT) Patricia Neely-Dorsey's book Refections of a Mississippi Magnolia was released in 2008 to glowing reviews, and she will be spending her time getting it out to the world in the coming months while writing on her next project. Patricia took out time recently to talk with Conversations about her beginnings as a writer, the book and what keeps her going.

Happy New Year to you, Patricia, and thank you for taking out time to participate in Conversations' "Take Ten". Before we talk about your book Reflections of A Mississippi Magnolia I want you to talk about you. How would you describe yourself and your evolution over the years?
Happy New Year to you, Cyrus, and Thank You for this wonderful opportunity to share with you about my book. In answer to your question, I would say that I have always thought of myself as very interesting and unique. On all of the questionnaires that I ever filled out since I was in grade school, I always described myself as that. Everyone also tells me that I am very funny.. so I guess I am that , too. People are always commenting on how funny some of my poems are. Evolution? Although ,I felt that I really knew myself inside and out and that everything was pretty much set with me, I think a real evolution began in me and with me when I turned 40. All of a sudden, it seemed that I just had all of these new revelations about myself and the world around me. It was like a new lease on life. The forties have truly been fabulous. and very eye-opening thus far. I feel that I know myself so much better and that I am so much more comfortable in the skin I’m in.

Growing up, I believe everyone has a dream about what they see themselves doing. For you how would were you answering the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
As far as what I dreamed of and wanted to be when I grew up , I never really had a realistic, concrete idea of that. In grade school, my idol was Beverly Johnson, one of the first black “supermodels”, so naturally I wanted to be a supermodel …but being 5’6 (not quite tall enough) and living in Tupelo, MS. I started to realize that probably wouldn’t happen ...But, then again, Elvis Presley came from Tupelo…so anything is possible (LOL). Obama validated that for all of us.

Are you surprised at the path your life has taken over the past five years?
I am very surprised at the path my life has taken, especially in the last two years. I wrote my very first poem at the age of 43 (February 2007) and had my first published work (Reflections)the following year (February 2008). Since then, it has been a whirlwind of new opportunities, experiences and adventures. I didn't even know how to log on to the computer and
e-mail until January 2008. I think that there is something to be said about late bloomers. (LOL)

Your poetry book seems to walk us through your life and those who have played a significant part in it. Why did you decide to share your talent with the world now and what led up to the publishing of the book?
Well actually the “talent” is all so new to me and I never wrote them with any intentions of publishing a book. Although I have always loved poetry, I never wrote a poem before 2007..except maybe a haiku that I attempted to write as an assignment in the sixth grade (LOL) I woke up on Valentine’s Day 2007 with this poem swirling around in my head. I got up and quickly scribbled it down. After that first poem, others started to flow in rapid succession.. In a couple of months, I had over 200 poems. A friend of mine encouraged me to publish them and I did. Because of how they were given/“gifted” to me in the manner that they were, I began to think that it was just meant for me to get them out there.

Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia is really a poetic autobiography.. Were you in any way hesitant to share so much of yourself this way?
It’s still very surprising to me when people say that I am sharing so much of myself because the things in the book are stories that I have told and things that I have shared with friends and the people around me over and over for years, just not in written or poetic form. So, I was not hesitant at all to share them with others in my book. It was very natural… just telling my same old stories to a newer, bigger audience (smile)

In your poem Bookworm (p.72) you give us an idea of how the love of words has been passed on through the generations in your family. As you know Mississippi has ranked the highest in the nation when it comes to illiteracy over the past few years. As a wife and mother who understands the pressures that many are dealing with from day to day, how do you think we can begin the journey back to finding time for reading?
I think that it is very important for parents to instill in their child/children a love for reading, for books and for the written word from a very early age. It has always been a tradition throughout my family that children in the family were given a book on any gift giving occasion. Along with any other gift that we might receive from our parents, aunts, uncles we also got a book. I have always made sure that there were lots of age-appropriate books around for my son from the time he was born. The day that he came up to me and said “I just love to read” was one of the best days of my life. I hugged him, and told him, with tears in my eyes, that he had just made his mother very happy. I feel that we must make reading a part of who we are (readers) not just what we do. To me reading is like breathing. You don’t have to ask a person to find time to breathe.. It’s what they do to live.

I found your book to be an easy read that can be gone through in an afternoon, but there are definitely some things in there that you want to not only reread but share with others. That was my personal experience. What was your hope readers would get from your book?
I love when people say my book is an easy read. That is the greatest compliment to me. To be an easy read it has to flow and be enjoyable. When readers read my book ,I want the words to transcend my life and my story and remind /connect them with their own wonderful childhood memories and common life experiences. It is so fulfilling for me to get letters and e-mails that tell me that what the readers have gotten out of the book is not so much about me but about them. One woman who was born and raised in Paris France and of European descent, e-mailed me and said that my Country Life poems really struck a chord with her and reminded her of some of the best memories of her life when she would visit her aunt’s farm in the country. That’s incredible!! As a writer,it is so gratifying to hear of those kinds of connections!

As a first-time author were you prepared for all the work that goes into not only publishing a book but marketing it as well?
I was TOTALLY unprepared. I have been told over and over and have found it to be true.. The REAL work of publishing a book is not in the writing or publishing but in the marketing and promoting. It can all be very overwhelming! It is vital to have good people around you who know the business for direction, advice, resources and pointing you in the write direction . Networking is KEY!!

Using your own experience as a guide, what advice would you give others who are thinking of birthing their own literary work?
I always emphasize what I call Patricia’s P-Attitudes..1) Positivity- be positive, believe in yourself and your book, 2)Persistence-Be relentless. Never take “NO” as a final answer. Keep knocking. If you can’t get in through the door, go in through the window. 3)Perseverance-Never give up 4) Patience. .Hold on. Hold tight. Sometimes, the answer or outcome that you seek might take a minute ( days, weeks or months) but keep the faith. It will come.

Thank you again for giving us a few minutes to discuss your beginnings as a writer. If our readers want to find out more about you, how can they find you online?
Thank you so much for providing this opportunity to connect with readers. My website is www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com or they can Goggle my name Patricia Neely-Dorsey and find more about the book and some of the social networking sites I am involved in.