Hit Song About Job Loss: New Movie "Up In the Air" Features A Song Written by Man Who Lost His Job

This was very inspiring. “Up In The Air” is critically acclaimed and poised to pick up Golden Globes in several categories, including Best Picture.It may follow with Oscar wins as well. Whatever its award rake up count come February or whatever date next year the Oscars are scheduled, it is so good to be reminded that it’s never too late to pursue dreams. It seems that in the current “spirit of the times” and as some would say “zeitgeist” if you have the determination, drive and talent you can make it to where you want to be. It appears that the doors are open for the underdog or those who are not so hooked up or linked with heavyweight connections. American Idol, America’s Got Talent and the Susan Boyle-esque rags to riches success stories seem to be the order of the day.

This experience,too, illustrates that the doors can open and true talent coupled with being “in the right place at the right time” can make all the difference. Some call it synchronicity. Some call it luck. I call it a blessing.

Congratulations to the songwriter and to the heavyweights who helped to make it happen for him.

To see a trailer of the movie, tou can also click here.

Join Alicia Keys On Her Journey Back to Africa

Join Alicia Keys On Her Journey Back To Africa.

5 People
5 Extraordinary Days
5 Life Changing Experiences

Text "Alive" to 90999

in reference to: Text Alive Contest | Keep a Child Alive (view on Google Sidewiki)

From the Archives Dec. 1, 2009-Alicia Keys World AIDS Day Concert

Tonight Alicia Keys will perform a concert to benefit her organization, Keep A Child Alive. In conjunction with World AIDS Day,it will be broadcast live from New York's Nokia Theater.

Heavier Octaves gives a special "shout out" to Alicia. We appreciate her courageous and compassionate involvement in KCA's effort to provide prescription medications and other needed medical supplies to those children suffering with the disease.

in reference to:

"A reminder...Alicia Keys will be playing a benefit concert tonight in support of World AIDS Day 2009. The concert will be taking place at the Nokia Theatre in New York City and will be streaming live over YouTube in real time. Proceeds from the New York benefit concert entitled “ALICIA KEYS Live! One night. One voice. One life at a time” will go to Key's own charity "Keep A Child Alive.""
- www.heavieroctaves.org: Alicia's State of Mind and Alicia Keys World AIDS Day Special On You Tube Tonight! (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cynthia Wilson Speaks...: Michael Jackson's Final Show

Photo Source-posted by a fan on Michael Jackson's official site

As momentum builds around Michael Jackson's upcoming release and the world works itself  into a pop icon worthy frenzy, and record and movie tickets soar, "I pray that Michael rests in peace." I also pray that his loved ones have contentment in their hearts knowing that Michael is indeed at peace.

During this time, I would also ask  that you reflect deeply on Michael Jackson's life, artistic contributions and the tragic events surrounding his untimely death. Ask in your hearts what  we can do as a society  and as individuals to prevent such tragedies in the future.Yes. Like many before, Michael is gone too soon... Yet, in the end...despite grief, shock, suspicions and misgivings, it is ultimately God who knows best. What we perceive as untimely is always a bitter pill to swallow. It sometimes takes years of  healing before hurt and disappointment can be released and replaced with trust in a greater plan and higher power.

Continue to pray for Michael and his family. Below is a trailer of the movie "This Is It".

Peace and enjoy the movie trailer. Pass it, the song, your quiet reflections and prayers on and on...

Give Them Their Flowers...

Cynthia Wilson chatting with Black Film Icon and Actress Ruby Dee at the National Newspaper Publisher's Association (NNPA) Awards Reception honoring Ms. Dee during the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Weekend-Fri. Sept. 25,2009

I was happy to be there and even happier that the National Newspaper Publisher's Association(NNPA) was honoring her with an award that night, giving her flowers while she could still enjoy them. It was a particularly special time for me. You see the last time I had the opportunity to talk with Ruby Dee was in 1983 in Detroit, Michigan at the after party for a play entitled the Ninth Hour written, produced and directed by playwright Barry Pugh.

 That very same night at the same party we also celebrated our birthdays together. Yes. Ms. Dee was gracious enough to share her birthday with me. And, I can't tell you what that did for me as a young African American woman, serving as Special Project Assistant for the first African American woman to be elected to the Detroit City Council, Erma Henderson. I was turning 29 and Ms. Dee...well, I will let her tell you that as I don't recall(smile). Her kindness that night has remained on my heart all these years. So, it felt fantastic to catch up with her briefly about that and to also let her know that she should have been the one walking home with the Oscar that night in 2008 for her portrayal of Denzel Washington's mother in the 2007 movie American Gangster. She was so gracious and humble looking at me as though she was so pleased and also a little surprised that I would think so much of her performance. She was as humble then as she was that night during the after show reception for the Ninth Hour's cast. And, as I reflected on the event of some twenty-six years ago, it became even clearer to me why the NNPA award tonight had her name on it.

 The playwright who she and her husband, Ossie Davis traveled to Detroit, taking time out of their busy schedules to portray characters in his play, was relatively new, up and coming. He was ecstatic about their involvement and I was thrilled as well, since he was a friend and client. Yet, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis saw something special in his writing and his artistic interpretation of Christ's crucifixion and his last hours on earth. It was also a project sponsored by the church where Barry was a member. "In presenting Dee a Black Press Champion award, Danny Bakewell, chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the Black Press of America, said she was chosen to be honored ''not because she's an actress and a writer and a producer that we honor her. It's because she's an incredible human being. She is one who stands as a model for all of us as a mother, as a wife and as somebody, who in spite of all of her achievements, never left her community.''(more...) No truer words were ever spoken. I can attest to that from life experience. God bless you Ruby Dee and NNPA for honoring you. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me and share your favorite scripture.

 Again, you deserved that Oscar... But, God had something bigger and better for you. Peace and blessings, Cynthia