Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Pre-Seaon Game 4 by Vicki Farries

Let's all Welcome Vicki Back as she guides us through the2007-08 Pittsburgh Steelers Season!

Every week since pre-season started the Pittsburgh Tribune Review has documented win-lose comparisons with Noll, Cowher and Tomlin’s first pre-season as head coaches. After 4 weeks, Mike Tomlin is 3-1, to Chuck Noll’s 1-3 and Bill Cowher’s 2-2. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing in my book for it’s still pre-season.

Pittsburgh sports beat writers and reporters feel compelled to make comparisons even as far as to speculate major changes in the offense and defense before the regular season starts. Nothing is in stone until the Steelers play their first regular season game against Cleveland. That’s when it counts. Some are speculating that the running game will be disbanded for a high powered air attack due to the actions of Sunday’s game against the Eagles. The reason for the air attack was due mainly to the fact that the Steelers could not get a running game going. In the first half, Fast Willie carried 10 times for 32 yards (average 3.2 yards per carry). So far this pre-season, the Steelers have been challenged with the rhythm of the running game, partly due to the inconsistencies in the offensive line. Also, you have to hand it to Eagles defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson. The Eagles were ranked 28 against the run last year and Johnson made some adjustments to improve run stuffing.

The running game will always be the bread and butter of the Steeler offense. So when the offense sputters in the running game, the offense needs to go to the air. Big Ben threw 25 passes for 247 yards and spread the ball to seven receivers. Ben also connected with Fast Willie and Najeh Davenport with screen passes. In fact, Najeh had two long receptions from Ben totaling 58 yards on screen passes that fooled the Eagles. So if the Steelers can’t pound – screen it. Versatility is the name of the game. With versatility becomes unpredictability which keeps an opposing defense on their toes. Defensively, the Steelers are still having trouble covering the TE. Last week against the Redskins, it was Chris Cooley. Sunday it was Matt Schobel. In the second quarter, the Eagles 2nd down and 20 on their 4 yard line, Donovan McNabb threw to Matt Schobel to complete 22 yard play for a 1st and 10 on the 26. The good thing is that was the only time on Sunday and the Eagles did not score in that series. The first team defense stood their ground for the rest of the first half(The week before Redskins QB Jason Campbell and Todd Collins hit Chris Cooley 4-5 times in the first half for first downs.)Special teams - Sepulveda blew one punting 14 yards to the Steeler 20 giving the Eagles excellent field position. Thanks to the defense they got only 3 points out of it. (He is a rookie and I give him this one just as long as he forgets it and doesn’t let that happen during regular season. Did you see how Tomlin handles that mistake? Is he a forgiving man or what? Cowher would have showered that kids face with spittle over something like that).Even with that mistake, I saw some improvements with special teams in regards to tackling and hitting. What still needs work is catching and yards after the catch. Too many fair catches called.

This is a short week this week. Steelers play Carolina Panthers Thursday. 10 were cut from the team Monday including RB and Pittsburgh native Kevan Barlow (no surprise there) and more cuts to follow after this game. We won’t see much of the first team starters this game for it will be final evaluations for some of those who didn’t get in the first cut. In 12 days, the regular season begins. Woo hoo!! Here we Go Steelers, Here we Go. vfarries@comcast.net


Friday, August 24, 2007

Wilkinsburg Community Days

The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation Promotions Committee is proud tosponsor this years’ Wilkinsburg Community Days. As part of the WCDC’s on-goingefforts to revitalize Wilkinsburg’s Business District, they have worked to create awonderful event. The 3-day festival will feature vendors, DJ, live music andactivities for the whole family. Mayor John Thompson, Wilkinsburg Borough Council,Wilkinsburg School District have worked side by side WCDC in this joint communityeffort to make this festival a success. WCDC has also united with the HarambeeUjima festival that will take place on August 25, 2007 in Homewood to present an ArtGallery Crawl. The initial tour will be with local and state officials, includingAllegheny County Commissioner Dan Onorato and the Mayor of Pittsburgh, LukeRavenstahl, and Mayor Thompson.

Friday, August 24th:Radio Remote (WAMO), Karaoke with DJ X-Man at 4:00 and in the evening there will bea Bike Ride and Rally with Wilkinsburg Mayor John Thompson, performance by LeRoyWofford, the Blues Man at 7:00

Saturday, August 25th:Art Gallery Crawl - a walking tour to view art exhibits, galleries and art spaces intwo neighboring communities, Wilkinsburg and Homewood-Brushton. The Art GalleryCrawl will begin at 10:00 am with Dignitary Tour by Local and State Officials. Included in Wilkinsburg Tour will be the six murals by artist Kyle Holbrook. The bus tour for the Gallery Crawl for the two communities is FREE and open to thepublic. The Art Gallery Crawl is one day, ongoing between 12:00 and 7:00 pm, andpatrons may start at any location.

Children’s activities including: petting zoo, games, inflatable rides WilkinsburgFire & Police Dept demonstrations: auto crash rescue and fire truck tour; and thesecond annual Wilkinsburg Idol talent contest featuring local talent. The New ShowBand will perform at 1:00.

One Million Black Fathers Expected to Lead the 2007 March for Educational Excellence in American Schools

One Million Black Fathers Expected to Lead the 2007 March for Educational Excellence in American Schools Over 204 Cities will Participate in the Largest, Organized Back-to-School Effort in U.S. History (Pittsburgh, PA) – Like an army on its way to battle, hundreds of thousands of men will wake their children, make them breakfast, check their book bags, and then take them to school on the first day of school this fall school year. This scene will be played out at thousands of schools across America and other parts of the world. Last year, about 300,000 men from 127 cities participated in the Million Father March 2006. This year, an estimated 500,000 men from 200 cities are expected to participate. The Million Father March 2007 provides an escort of safety, support, and encouragement to children of all ages.

Participants in the event include fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers and friends of the family. Although this event is sponsored by Black men, women and men of all races are encouraged to take their children to school on their first day. We are pleased to take part in this National Movement, that calls for men who to take responsibility for their children's education. Our children are not statistics, they are our most precious resource, as such they should receive our highest priority. Parents should be held personally accountable if their children do not receive the best education available. - Paradise Gray

"Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school more / and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college," says Phillip Jackson, executive director of The Black Star Project, a Chicago-based non-profit leading the yearly Million Father March initiative. Additionally, children have fewer behavior problems when fathers listen to and talk with them regularly and are active in their lives. A good father is part of a good parent team and is critical to creating a strong family structure. Strong family structures produce children who are more academically proficient, socially developed and self-assured. Such children become adults who are valuable assets to their communities. "Better parents produce better communities, better schools, and better students with higher academic achievements," says Jackson. Since schools across America and the world start the year on different days and months, the March will be a rolling event that takes place on the first day of this school year in cities, villages, and towns / between August 7, 2007, and October 13, 2007.


The 2007 Million Father March is sponsored in part by The Black Star Project. Please visit our website for complete information at http://www.blackstarproject.org/. You may also email millionfathermarch@gmail.com for more information. We ask that all fathers, community organizations and individuals join with us to make this a successful event. Please email or call us to add your organization to the list of supporters.


The Black Star Project
One HOOD
The Millions More Movement
B-PEP
Community Empowerment Association
The Coalition Against Violence
The Pittsburgh Gathering
Brother 2 Brother
Brotha Ash Productions
Muhammad Mosque No. 22
Potters House Ministries
Disciples of the Village
Joshua Men (PFA)
Fatherhood Magazine
1Livevision Multimedia
DJ Goodnight
Uwebtv.com
Maleness 2 Manhood
One Hill Coalition
Office Of Multicultural Affairs, Duquesene University
Mark Brentley Sr., Pittsburgh School Board Director - District 8




*Updated Pittsburgh Area School Opening Schedule
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Allderdice High School
Starting date: Aug. 30
Estimated enrollment: 1,650
Boyce Campus Middle College High School
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 180
Central Catholic High School
Starting date: Aug. 28
Estimated enrollment: 850

East Allegheny
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 1,874

Gateway
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 4,300

McKeesport Area
Starting date: Aug. 28
Estimated enrollment: 4,168

Oakland Catholic High SchoolStarting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 550

Penn Hills
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 5,190

Plum Borough School District
Starting date: Aug. 28
Estimated enrollment: 4,200

Riverview
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 1,175

Serra Catholic High School
Starting date: Aug. 23 for freshmen. All others, Aug. 24
Estimated enrollment: 350

Wilkinsburg
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 1,403

Woodland Hills
Starting date: Aug. 28
Estimated enrollment: 5,000

WESTMORELAND COUNTY
Derry Area
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 2,538

Franklin Regional
Starting date: Aug. 28
Estimated enrollment: 3,756

Greater Latrobe Area
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 4,200

Greensburg Central Catholic High School
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 525

Greensburg Salem
Starting date: Aug. 29
Estimated enrollment: 3,083

Hempfield Area
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 6,475

Jeannette City
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 1,250

Norwin
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 5,200

Penn-Trafford
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 4,500

Southmoreland
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 2,165

Yough Area
Starting date: Aug. 27
Estimated enrollment: 2,480
*School information from:
What's new as students return to classes By Kelly McKinney and Eric SlaglePittsburgh Post Gazette - http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07235/811333-56.stm
Thursday, August 23, 2007
------------------------
This is a reminder to all to PLEASE attend the Town Hall Meeting on Friday August 24, 2007 at Reizenstein School.

There will be a panel discussion with School Board Directors Mark Brentley and Randall Taylor, PPS Special Schools, PSE and Student Services Director Dr. J. Kaye Cupples, and Educator Dr. Fred Douglass. Two (2) representatives from Community Education Partners (CEP) will also be in attendance.

We are hoping for a large turn out to send a message to the School Board and Administrators that we care about the education of children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Please spread the word!!

Sincerely,
Lucille Prater-Holliday
Black Women's Empowerment Institute

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

14th Annual Aliquippa Art and Music Festival

Date: 8/29/07

From: AAUD Festival Committee

Contact: Rosalyn Johnson or Jovita Williams

Phone: 724-378-7422

E-Mail: jwilliams@aaud.org
http://www.aaud.org/art.html


Aliquippa prepares for annual Festival

Aliquippa, PA: Excitement is growing for the 14th Annual Aliquippa Art and
Music Festival, scheduled for Saturday, September 15. The Festival, which
is sponsored by the Aliquippa Alliance for Unity and Development (AAUD), is
expected to attract thousands of people to downtown Franklin Avenue for fun
activities, art, food and live music throughout the day.

A parade featuring over 200 participants including local dignitaries,
marching bands and other talent will kick off the Festival at 10 a.m.
traveling down Franklin Avenue from Kennedy Boulevard. Dozens of
organizations will be represented by vendor booths offering food (including
a rib cook-off in the afternoon), crafts, children’s activities and more all
along Franklin Avenue.

An art exhibition and juried art contest with pieces from local and regional
artists will be on display at the Broadcast Street Café. This showcase of
area talent is a celebration of the arts as a tool for renewal and hope.
Visitors to the gallery will be asked to cast a ballot in the Aliquippa
Choice Award for their favorite piece.

Free concerts at the Main Stage, which has been relocated to the Town Towers
parking lot, will keep the Festival’s energy high all day. Starting at
11:00 a.m., the Main Stage will feature local favorites Casanova, The Flow
Band, Billy the Kid and the Regulators, Artistree, Hank Dolo, and Young
Grammar. Gospel presentations will also be featured on the Main Stage to
include such performances from The Christian Lighthouse Church Choir, Debbie
Tucker and Company, The Freeman Family and Friends, The Light of Judah, and
Our Brother’s Keepers.

A raffle for Pro-Athlete memorabilia, which includes a football autographed
by Ty Law, will be held. Tickets are available now and through the Festival,
with the drawing at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Stage. This year, there will also
be a Chinese Auction for prizes which include a Walt Disney World vacation
package, a gift basket from the Robinson Mall, Pittsburgh Steelers
memorabilia, and a host of other prizes which have been graciously donated
to the AAUD.

The Festival Committee looks forward to a great success in bringing together
the people of Aliquippa and neighboring communities to highlight the arts
and to showcase Aliquippa as a vibrant, resurging, economically and socially
viable community.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

THE FAIRVIEW PARK ANNUAL OLD FASHION PICNIC

THE FAIRVIEW PARK ANNUAL OLD FASHION PICNIC
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007 - NOON – 6:00

OLD FASHION GAMES FOR ALL AGES, PONY RIDES, PETTING ZOO, FACE PAINTING, MOONWALKING, BALLOON ART, BALL GAMES, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE!!!

  • FEATURING LOCAL ARTIST:
    CURTIS LEWIS, JR. AND FRIENDS & JAMES ZIEGLER AND ANOTHER LEVEL
  • TETHERED BALLOON RIDES (WEATHER PERMITTING)
  • ENTER THE OLD FASHION BAKE OFF CONTEST
    WITH AN APPLE PIE OR POUND CAKE (ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY 3:00)
  • MAKE A BASKET, PACK A COOLER (BLANKETS & LAWN CHAIRS WELCOME)

OR

PURCHASE ITEMS FROM THE CONSESSION STAND FEATURING OUR FAMOUS FRIED CATFISH SANDWICH AND FRESH CORN ON THE COB, AS WELL AS OTHER FUN FOODS

FESTIVITIES ARE “FREE” AND OPEN TO ALL

Directions to Fairview Park: Travel the Parkway East to the Murrysville exit Rt. 22 East. Travel Rt. 22 approximately 11.1 miles. Turn left on to Rock Spring Road ( this is the first left pass Gene & Boots Candy) At the end of Rock Spring Road turn right. Parking is on the left side of the road.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 412- 553-6450

Sunday, August 5, 2007

HOSTILE CONFRONTATIONS – Create more Problems than they solve


by Renee P. Aldrich
“Anger and hatred cannot bring harmony. The noble task of arms control and disarmament cannot be accomplished by confrontation and condemnation. Hostile attitudes only serve to heat up the situation, whereas a true sense of respect gradually cools down what otherwise could become explosive….” Dalai Lama

Stories about fighting, filthy language, actual verbal and/or physical confrontations, boasting about threats that you have hurled at supervisors or family members, reports of having cursed someone out royally; does any this sound like what you would hear in a men’s locker room, a pool hall or on a construction site? Perhaps it does, but sadly, these are also sounds you would hear at any given time on the back of a bus filled with young black women between the ages of 18 and 25 (and even younger).

These are manifestations of the hostility that seems to be so pervasive in women in this age group. They erroneously think this is the answer to any challenge they encounter with other people or situations (such as someone bumps into them at the club). I refer to the head snapping eye rolling, hand on hip finger waving sisters who think they must exhibit this behaviour in order to be seen, or to display some type of false bravado.

However, the truth is that most often these actions have more to do with feelings of insecurity and fear of being judged rather than real anger. Yet, there are times when it is real anger, but the anger is misdirected. It could be distress about being a 22 year old single mom of 2, you have no diploma or GED so you are stuck at a menial job and do not see your way out. Perhaps the anger is at the boyfriend who, now that you are 7 months pregnant, is frequently seen at the club with his new conquests. And he has not phoned you in two weeks. While these are legitimate problems, unfortunately they are not legitimate reasons to snap at everyone you come into contact with, walk around with a chip on your shoulder, or if you are fortunate enough to have a job, go to work every day with the “I want to fight” look on your face. At the end of this behaviour, the problem is not fixed and things are most likely worse; because you’ve probably managed to alienated those closest to you.

Make no mistake, this is not a phenomena relegated to younger women. I have had many negative experiences with angry confrontational women of color over 45 years of age. I can site two separate incidences with women in the workplace. The first was years ago when I worked at an Association in Washington DC with a woman we will call Mary. The other was about 12 years ago with a woman we will call Betty, while working in a Senior Administrators office at a University. Both of these women had been in their jobs in excess of 15 years, both were very capable and worked hard. I was a new employee in both cases and an easy target for their disdain. Both Mary and Betty were deeply resentful of my presence because the hiring process was mishandled by management. Mary in DC had been in her position as receptionist with this Association for quite a number of years. She did not have the skill set and therefore had been passed over for the executive assistant job three times when I was brought in. I was recruited and hired to be a back up to Betty at the University; and she had not been allowed to participate in the selection process.

No doubt they both had cause to feel disrespected and angry, but I should not have been the target of their resentment. . At the Association it was particularly problematical because though Mary lacked the advanced skills necessary to do the job I did, she had many years with the company and she knew her work very well. Ours was a small office and we had to work closely together -- she made my life miserable simply because she could. She did not direct her anger to the management who had overlooked her for years, nor did she elect to seek other employment. At the University, ultimately it took an intervention from another senior administrator to influence a change in Mary’s behaviour towards me; but not without much wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Historically Black women have had to be every thing to everyone, we’ve had to keep families together, raise children alone, work as domestics, in factories, in restaurants, and/or other low paying or demeaning jobs just to keep a roof over their heads. There have been instances when we’ve had to stand strong with husbands, being a source of support and strength when they (the husband) have had to endure adverse situations. Therefore it became necessary for us to take on a stalwart posture with a no nonsense attitude ‘ready to take on anything potentially threatening to our family environment.

Somehow over the years that demeanour which we once needed to protect and advance our families and show support to our spouses, has been transferred and embraced by some young sisters and held on to by many older sisters, and the results have not been positive. The dynamic has changed so that instead of a tool to ‘guard’ us from very real adversaries, that fighting spirit and hostile posture has become a weapon we use against each other, and a place behind which we hide our insecurities, fears and inadequacies.

It has been said in so many ways that engaging in hostile confrontations rarely works. It is ineffective in the work place, employment is at stake. It does not work in families; we know that siblings go for years of not speaking to each other about incidences that can rarely be remembered It does not work with adult children, if you’ve done your job you should not need to ‘get into it’ with another grownup, if they are minor children then there should be no back and forth argument anyway. Most assuredly it does not work with spouses, ask yourself when is the last time a huge confrontation resolved anything with him or her? Most importantly, when we allow ourselves to be drawn into pointless argumentation—WE GIVE AWAY OUR POWER!!

Be assured that the idea is not that we should be doormats for others, be they spouses, employers, children, siblings, family or friends. Nor is this to suggest that we should walk around with a perpetual grin on our faces or that we will not be challenged by the behaviour of others towards us. The hope is that we learn to position ourselves so we are not drawn into hostile confrontations. It is important to map out a strategy that will remove you from such situations before they start. We do have choices in all matters and if we do not have choice of what the other person is doing, we have the choice of our reaction.

A Woman entering a softer more loving relationship with herself, recognizes the importance of preserving her mental and physical health by choosing to avoid ugly, hostile confrontations. She knows that it is healthier to deal with a situation in a manner that will affect results—major confrontations make complicated matters even more complicated. When we love ourselves to want the best for ourselves, we are satisfied to ‘rest’ in our correctness, chose our battles, and then approach the battle to get results. Additionally, we have enough security and sense of self to not engage in scenes, make scenes or be drawn into scenes to prove any point to anyone..

Mission for the Month:

Your Mission for this month should you choose to attempt it is to ‘Turn off your Hot Button” If you know you are always in attack mode, and are quick to jump into your “angry black woman stance”, then you are also aware of the chaos it creates in your life. Make a commitment today to choose a more effective way of handling controversies that come up and people who create controversy—and by all means don’t be the source of your own

Tips to accomplish the mission

  • Do an honest self assessment—recognize the need
  • Approach the problem seriously pray for guidance
  • Stop with excuses, such as, “this is just how I am and that’s that”—this implies you don’t have control over your actions, and you do
  • Look into a yoga class or find books on how to de-stress
  • If you know your anger is rooted in other things, seek help to deal with the underlying cause of why you are prone to anger and over-reacting


Renee is a Community Cancer Control Health Educator for the American Cancer Society, a writer of poetry and prose, and is free lance writer for the New Pittsburgh Courier. She can be reached at Tehreh06@aol.com or 412-414-1347. You may also post a public comment below.

Montour High Student Receives Outstanding Student Award


Release Contact: Corporate Planners
corporateplanners@yahoo.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday- August 6, 2007 –

Montour High Student Receives Outstanding Student Award

The second time around is often the best time around...And so it is for Philemon Lamont Norris I, 18 year old Senior this fall at Montour High School and son of Rev. Urie & Denise L. Norris who reside in Robinson Twp. Philemon completed the Technology Leadership Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, Tonya R. Grover- Founder & Executive Director. The mission of the TLI program is to provide students who are typically underrepresented in the Computer Sciences with opportunities, tools and motivation needed to pursue Computer Science related degrees and excel academically, socially and professionally.
This is also the second year for TLI (6) week program. The Student recognition & exhibition program held at the conclusion of this program was held this past Thursday- August 2, 2007 in the William Pitt Union at the University of Pittsburgh. During this recognition program, Philemon earned the Outstanding Student Award in Computer Systems 2. Several additional awards were given to a number of other well deserving students.
Philemon looks forward to visits to additional colleges this fall, with the goal of being accepted into a notable Computer Science program for fall of 2008. “ I am so glad I decided to stick with this program for this summer too. I attended last summer and knew that the program had high goals-it was hard, but the more I attended, the more I wanted to attend. I learned so much more this summer. I am now looking for an internship program that will help me to further define my interest with computers ” states Philemon.
Additional dedicated students who attended and graduated from this fantastic computer program are as follows: Alonzo Anderson , Ivory Bennett, Brionna Coates, Omar Curges, Taylor Doaty, Phillip Ferguson, Taylor Ford, Douglas Foster, Eric Harris, Tyrone Harris, Hannibal Hopson,Donte ' Jeter, Denise Jones, Shaquilla Kerney, Sarah Mays, Alisha Murray, Kristopher Murray,Adda Pinkeney, Kevin Ridgway, Lucus Sauer, Trinity Sheppard, Issac Taylor, Shakir Wellons and Michael Whitelock.
For more information regarding TLI call 412 624-4765. For more information or to contact Philemon Norris at (412) 494-5858 or email: philnhot101@gmail.com

Thursday, August 2, 2007

YA MOMZ HOUSE RECEIVES 2007 MID-ATLANTIC EMMY NOMINATION



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information Contact:
Beth Snyder
Business Manager/ PR
Ya Momz House, LLC
bsnyder@yamomzhouse.com
412-977-7026

YA MOMZ HOUSE RECEIVES 2007 MID-ATLANTIC EMMY NOMINATION

(Pittsburgh, August 2, 2007) Emmai Alaquiva from Ya Momz House, a full-service recording studio located in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty section, received a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nomination. The nomination is for music composition and arrangement for the production of several soundtracks including “In Country: A Vietnam Story”, “Jim Crow Pennsylvania”, and “From Pennsylvania’s Dutch Kitchens”.

The nomination comes as great recognition for a long road of hard work and commitment. Alaquiva, Owner and Director of Creative Services, opened the doors to Ya Momz House, then a 300 sq. ft. studio, in 2001 after being homeless for two years while working as a doorman at the Shadow Lounge and as a board operator at the now closed WURP 1550am.

The original thought for the studio was that it would be a safe and comfortable place for local music artists to come work on their music at an affordable price. The business has since expanded to a 1200 sq ft studio consisting of a Lounge Area, Control Room, and Live Room that performs a wide variety of services for clients both locally and nationally.
"My heart is filled with the deepest appreciation from every corner of my soul to be recognized amongst other talent in the country. I could not even think of accomplishing anything of this level without the people of Pittsburgh supporting me to keep my dreams alive while I try to inspire the people around me to keep theirs alive as well,” Alaquiva said.

Most recently, Ya Momz House has launched the Hip Hop on Lock Project as a way to give back to the community that has supported Ya Momz House. The project is designed to teach inner city youth tangible, life- long skills such as leadership, teamwork, and cooperative economics through the creation of a CD under a mock record label. The students learn how to write, record, and produce several songs in addition to learning how to copyright their work. At the end of the program, each student has a completed CD that they had a hand in creating.

Ya Momz House has also received two Telly Awards for soundtrack work that was completed for some other of WQED’s past documentaries.
###

Ya Momz House, LLC is located in East Liberty at 124 S. Highland Ave., Suite 206, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Some of Ya Momz House current clients include PBS, WQED, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Dr. Goddess, GetGO, Giant Eagle, Malik Yoba, Michael Blackson, Raheem Devaugn, Slum Village, HutchSimon Project, Nathan James, Vanessa German and more.

Some of the services provided at Ya Momz House are audio/live recording; mixing; mastering; music production; mix tape production; Radio and TV commercials; VoiceOvers/Aircheck demos; Sound design for theater; performance soundtracks; step-show contracts; retail store mix CD's; Film Scoring; Artist development; visual design (CD covers, posters, business cards); CD Duplication; ASCAP/BMI registration; and listening sessions/release parties.

Talk to Me Review by Corporate Planners

Although the Actor/Producer and Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle (Ralph "Peety" Greene) was the reason I attended this movie, it was the wonderfully surprising passionate performances of Chiwetel Ejiofor (Dewey the station's Program Director) and Taraji P. Henson (Ghetto fabulous and playing Greene's " lady",Vernell ) that most drove the temperature of this movie.

Besides the entire movie being a step back in time and further education for me about a mid 60's African American D.C. Shock Jock. There were many other deep thought provoking moments in the scenes of this movie that drew you into reflecting on aspects of your own life. For me and in particular, this movie reminded me of how our thought process and subsequent actions impact others around us- good or bad.


This movie showed how the power and influence of one individual, who operates within his giftedness, can be an awesome and power source within their arena. However take this same individual who is lead to operate out of his or her calling, and that same once powerful source could become powerless and ineffective. One question and subsequently confirmation that developed from this movie for me was do we in life follow the path and operate out of our own giftedness and calling? Or, do we aimlessly follow the paths and aspirations of others dreams and expectations that someone else may have and transfer for and to us? Do we know who we really are in life ? Do we know what we stand for and do we stand for that with confidence and boldness? In knowing who you are, what is your giftedness? What is your purpose and passion in life? How much more effective would we all be if we knew the answers to these questions...I do -do you?


If any movie makes you think- it is definitely worth seeing..."Talk to Me" is one of those movies!


Although this film is very historically entertaining with great music, strong messages of determination, perseverance and team work, some of sexual content and language is not appropriate for children. Cedric the Entertainer ("Nighthawk" Bob Terry), Vondie Curtis-Hall (Sunny Jim Kelsey), Mike Epps (Milo Hughes) had performances worth mentioning.


We have stories like this and more to tell folks-so please go see this movie this weekend to make a difference! So read this link and come back and share your thoughts by adding a comment.


Peace and Blessings, Corporate Planners