Everyday Hot Topics

Shadow Play Entertainment, Innovations, Inc., Hollygrove Publishing and their partners in encouraging literacy throughout the United States are gearing up for a historic literary journey of a lifetime: to find the next big thing in publishing. This new project will not only encourage creativity but provide assistance to those who are looking to make it in the world of publishing. Introducing “The Write Stuff” (http://www.thewritestufftv.com), a new reality show designed to assist individuals in their quest to better understand how to get their work recognized as well as network with those who have made it in the industry.

Created by Cyrus A. Webb (Shadow Play Entertainment/Conversations Book Club) and Zane Bell (Innovations, Inc.), the show will take fourteen (14) contestants who have drive, ambition and the willingness to succeed through 12 weeks of challenges that will prepare them for the competitive literary world that they want to be a part of.

Airing on the CW Channel as a Paid Program, the show will initially be seen in Houston (TX), Detroit (MI), Boston (MA), Montgomery (AL), San Francisco (CA), Miami (FL), New York (NY), Atlanta (GA) and Jackson (MS) to an audience of over 5 million households. After airing, all espisodes will be available on The Write Stuff TV channel on Youtube found at http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv. As new markets open, previous episodes will be re-aired with the finale airing simultaneously.

During the interview process, “The Write Stuff” will put the contestants in the faces of those who can make it happen and give them the tools they need to be successful. At stake is the ultimate prize for anyone who wants to make their mark on the industry: a ONE-BOOK DEAL provided by Hollygrove Publishing! Along with the book deal and recognition of having “The Write Stuff” comes a prize package worth over $16,000: two years of representation by Shadow Play Entertainment to guide the winner in the career ($6,000), a detailed marketing plan and consultation from New York Times Bestselling author J. L. King and his company J. L. King, LLC ($5000), a website and promotional material package by The Risque Cafe ($4500), 10 virtual copies of the winners’ completed book on cd by AG Press ($120), a brand new Dell Laptop ($600) as well as features in Conversations Magazine, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine along with other print and online publications across the country!

Explaining why Hollygrove Publishing wanted to participate in such a major way with this groundbreaking literary endeavor, President Brian W. Smith said this: “This writing business is extremely difficult to break into if you aren’t already a celebrity. A program like “The Write Stuff” is long overdue - it gives aspiring authors a chance to be discovered and it promotes literacy, all while entertaining the public…I jumped at a chance to be a part of this.”

J. L. King, who has appeared in national publications and on The Oprah Winfrey Show had this to say about The Write Stuff: “I feel with all the reality shows that allow people to follow their dreams to become models, chefs, and designers is great. But, having a show that showcases writers who could be the next best selling author will by far be the show that will truely motivate, inspire and change the world through the pages of a book. Books last a lifetime!”

“This is an excellent opportunity for youths, college students, and aspiring, passionate writers to express themselves in a positive manner while remaining true to who they are,” remarks C Jay of The Risque Cafe. Based in Memphis, TN, C Jay sees the potential in her city and the silver lining offered by this reality show to others throughout the country. She also realizes that many are just looking for hope. “The Write Stuff could be this hope to many to make their dreams come true.”

Beginning in January 2009, live auditions will take place in Jackson (MS), Memphis (TN), Montgomery (AL), Houston (TX), Atlanta (GA), Metairie (LA), Chicago (IL) and San Francisco (CA), however, online auditions are accepted as well. Details are available at http://www.thewritestufftv.com. Judges include up-and-coming as well as bestselling authors from across the country. There is no doubt that this project will be one for the record books, getting national attention as well as helping many to make a name for themselves—all while encouraging literacy.

Have questions about the process, interested in advertising, cross-promotion, trade-out opportunities or want to see how you can be involved? Contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com, James Magee at 601.937.3245 / manof1524@yahoo.com/ or LaTeshia Pearson at 601.624.2835.

The multi-platinum producer and entrepreneur, Eric B. is breaking record deals for traditional as well as non-traditional music distribution. Music and Internet companies have proposals on the table to for Eric B. Feat. Avion album. The streets are talking about the new Eric B. project dropping sometime late spring 2009. Eric B. discovered the rapper, Avion, who delivers a unique sound and lyrics.

Born and educated in Brooklyn, NY, Avion has lived in Miami for ten years and both have an influence on his savvy style. Avion’s combination of east coast and southern appeal is the right mix for what music listeners want today. The single “Hit the Floor” with Rough Ryder RIAA Platinum rapper Jadakiss is on the hook. The Single already has rave reviews from several well-known industry music critics.

The interview took place in Eric B.’s head quarters, which is in one of his spacious mega mansions. Eric humbly says, “My goal is to build a 21st Century Motown. Motown an assembly line for hit music. Motown was a true music factory. Eric B. continues, saying, “Product with the Motown name is still viable ten, fifteen, years after its initial release. Most of the hits made a decade ago are still playing on the radio airwaves today. This year the company will build the 21st Century Motown, which has both a music and film ventures under development. Eric B. Music Group is aggressively building the next generation of producers…”

Eric B. Special Projects is working with strong, young, talented producers that are consistently delivering the goods. During the interview Eric B. recently produced a duet for teen phoneme, Corey Golden and other well-known Radio Disney talent. The song sounds like a piece from the Broadway play Grease.

“Eric B. feels that it is important that we build a foundation on good product. The music, and lyrics, come from sought after talent working under the Eric B. brand and quality control. Most of our producers may not have gotten the shot with another label. We looked to develop raw talent…Eric B. hand picked talent that we feel have potential to be the next breaking artist. Music reviews are coming back strong,” According to Richard V. Mahee, Executive at Eric B. Special Projects.

In the mid 80’s managed by Russell Simmons, Eric B. was paid in full with a $1 million advance from a record company (the first ever in hip hop game). Eric B. also was advanced another $1 million from a publishing deal on week later. $2 million in advance for a project is not even obtained by many signed artists in 2008. The reason why is because “Eric B. brings the highest quality of product in everything that he does. The Eric B. featuring Avion project will also bring tremendous opportunities for our partners and sponsors to leverage their brands,” Says Richard V. Mahee.

Eric B. is also known for chart breaking music, selling out concert halls to Madison Square Garden. “It will be interesting to see the span of generations that will come out to the show. The show will pack many coliseums to the max,” Says Richard V. Mahee.

In the mid 1980’s, Eric B’s influence was the inspiration for trends such as the valor Fila tennis suits, which then cost $1,700 each at the time, heavy solid gold rope chains. Eric B. is now setting more luxurious trends amongst his peers and today’s youth markets. When it comes to lifestyle, Eric B. raises the bar and always has. “People remember Eric B. as the first one in the industry to drive a Rolls Royce (his first car), but many people do not know that Eric B. is also behind music trends like party remix “Pump up the Volume”, which was produced by UK based M.A.R.S.,” Notes Mahee.

His new project features the first artist to be released under Eric B. Music Group, “Avion”. Eric did this album with “A” (Avion) because he enjoys working with great musicians. Avion is an exception. Eric B will release an exclusive interview, which will be released through Billboard Publicity Wire next week. The article will focus on how Eric B. is on top of the game and being paid in Full Twice.

Eric B. started his music career at a New York Radio Station WBLS doing street jams. “It is important to the industry that we have people who understand music making artist and repertoire (A/R) decisions.” Adds Eric B. Who is the ultimate decision maker for our brand,

Coming from a background in radio, Eric B. hopes to continue to win over the ears and hearts of radio mix show DJ’s nationwide. Clubs and stations are starting to play the Eric B. feat. Avion record “Hit the Floor”. The complete album, which has 19 songs, including “Hit the Floor”, is under tight wraps until its release. The project is still untitled but has been played for a handful executives and insiders at and the other music publishing companies. The response is “this project will be a classic… Every song on the album is a hit record,” Says Mahee. The team of executives and consultants are handing this project with special care. Eric dictates his ideas and concepts to Richard V. Mahee, who is known for his business development and marketing savvy have identified business targets of who we want to work with and are only knocking on those doors.

The video for “Hit the Floor” will hit the market in mid March. Eric B. Special Projects management team is also in negotiations with Boulevard Industries for a feature film, which is in pre-production. The cast will feature Eric B., Mahee and other members of Eric B. Special Projects executive management team such as: Supreme, Eddie Fuqon Brown, Freedom, John Cato, talent Avion and hot rising star model TL Blake. TL Blake now 20-years-old is one of the hottest new talents to break into young Hollywood scene may be featured in the video. TL Blake was recently the only teen model named to Stars Confidential Most Popular Teen List and Cultural Mall 100 Most Beautiful Worldwide List. TL Blake is now breaking out in to music videos and feature films. Casting for the project begins January 15th 2009.

Eric B. Special Projects is booking a series of shows (events) in major markets with a well-known international nightclub chain. “The vibe is luxurious private, mature and intimate…Its about spending time with fans, friends and family to come out and enjoy themselves,” Says Mahee. Tickets for our club dates are rumored that VIP tickets start as high as $250 per person. No comment on the price for general entry as of yet. The events will launch off during the 51st Grammy Award Weekend.

Eric B and Avion will also do a series of Concerts dates which are already being scheduled for summer 2009. Eric B. and his legal team, headed by Washington D.C. based lawyer Floyd Blair, will make a decision on what deal Eric B. Music Group will sign before the album is dropped summer 2009. The Eric B. Feat. Avion single “Hit the Dance Floor” is released the January 7, 2009.

Eric B.: Previous Hits include:
“Paid in Full”, Chart positions: #58 US, #8 Top R&B/Hip Hop, Last RIAA certification: RIAA certification: Platinum Singles, “Eric B. Is President”, “I Know You Got Soul”, “I Ain’t No Joke”, “Move the Crowd”, “Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em”, Chart positions: #32 US, #10 Top R&B/ Hip Hop, RIAA certification: Gold, Singles: “Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em”, “In the Ghetto” “Mahogany”, “Don’t Sweat the Technique”, Chart positions: #22 US, #9 Top R&B/ Hip Hop.

Hype Press Update

Guide for Using Survey Kiosks for Instant Customer Feedback Sponsored by Opinionmeter

Opinionmeter International announces the release of a Survey Kiosk buyer’s guide. The guide explains how survey kiosks enable companies to better understand the needs of their customers by capturing real-time in-store customer feedback.

San Leandro, CA (PRWEB) January 5, 2009 — Opinionmeter International, developer of the award winning customer satisfaction feedback system, recently sponsored the publication of “Gain Valuable Information at the Point of Experience — Survey Thy Customer”. The guide explains how survey kiosks enable companies to better understand the needs of their customers to build loyalty and retention. The guide was published by KioskMarketplace.com, the leading daily news and information portal covering the kiosk and self-service-technologies industry.

“Gathering customer feedback as close as possible to the time the customer experiences the product or service is essential. Combine this with Opinionmeter’s ability to deliver that feedback in real-time and you have an extremely powerful management tool for achieving customer service goals and loyalty,” said Morgan Strickland, CEO of Opinionmeter International. ‘We were pleased to be a part of this comprehensive publication.”

The guide details the benefits of deploying a real-time, point-of-experience survey kiosk and offers best practices gleaned from real-world implementations. It also explores the history of survey kiosks, discusses how they work and shows how electronic customer satisfaction feedback surveys can better engage customers and improve customer loyalty and retention.

In addition, the guide includes an overview of available survey systems on the market, their relative costs, and popular added-value features to consider. It also offers guidelines for writing an effective customer survey and tips for maintaining a healthy response rate.

“Especially in dire economic times, using real-time survey kiosks makes tremendous sense because you capture customer data at the experience, feed it into your number-crunching application and see and react to the information immediately,” Francie Mendelsohn said in the publication’s introduction. Mendelsohn is president of Summit Research Associates, an international consulting firm devoted to kiosks.

Opinionmeter’s solutions are used in various industries, including healthcare, financial services, the public sector and higher education. They have licensees and equipment in use in countries throughout the world. They are committed to helping organizations gain valuable feedback from their customers.

“We’re focused on capturing the pulse of the customer before they leave the store, the clinic or the museum,” explains Strickland. “Our solution delivers fresh, real-time feedback to organizations, allowing them to improve their customers’ experiences, sometimes immediately. This new guide from KioskMarketplace.com explains this concept in great detail.”

To download “Gain Valuable Information at the Point of Experience — Survey Thy Customer,” visit KioskMarketplace.com, or click the following link: Survey Kiosk Buyer’s Guide (http://www.kioskmarketplace.com/specialpub_182.php)

About Opinionmeter

Opinionmeter International is a leading provider of technology-based customer satisfaction market research tools. With a range of interactive survey devices Opinionmeter enables its clients to capture real-time ‘voice of the customer’ satisfaction feedback at the point-of-experience (the moment the customer experiences the product or service). Built on the Windows platform, Opinionmeter can deploy its system onto a wide range of devices (including handheld, tablet and survey kiosk devices), providing maximum flexibility and device independence. More information, including an online web-demo and Guided Product Tour are available at www.opinionmeter.com

Media Contact:

Morgan Strickland

Opinionmeter International

510-352-4943, x101

About Kiosk Markeplace

Kiosk Marketplace, owned and operated by Louisville, Ky.-based NetWorld Alliance, is the world’s largest online provider of information about and for the kiosk and self-service-technology industries. The content, which is updated every business day and read by business and industry professionals throughout the world, is free.

###

Contact Information

Morgan Strickland


Opinionmeter International

http://www.opinionmeter.com


510-352-4943

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• Let the Bidding Begin in Online Auction of Denver Luxury Homes

Minn. board expected to announce Al Franken winner

MINNEAPOLIS – The state Canvassing Board was poised to certify the results of the recount in Minnesota’s grueling Senate election in Al Franken’s favor — but that doesn’t mean the race is definitely over.

The board was to meet Monday and was expected to declare which candidate received the most overall votes from nearly 3 million ballots cast. The latest numbers showed Franken, a Democrat, with a 225-vote lead over Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, who led Franken on election night.

But after the announcement, there will be a seven-day waiting period before an election certificate is completed. If any lawsuits are filed during that waiting period, certification is conditional until the issue is settled in court.

Lawyers for both campaigns have laid the groundwork for lawsuits through public comments and legal maneuvering. In recent weeks, as Franken clung to a small lead, Coleman’s lawyers promised a lawsuit over their claim that some ballots duplicated on election night wound up being counted twice in the recount.

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Of course, the repugs are going to fight til the death over this, but it looks like they will just continue to be obstructionists and Franken really has won!

Όλα άρχισαν τον Δεκέμβριο ( όλα;).

Reid: ‘I really do believe President Bush is the worst president we’ve ever had.’

In early 2006, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said of President Bush: “I really do believe this man will go down as the worst president this country has ever had.” This morning on Meet the Press, host David Gregory asked Reid whether he regrets making that statement. Reid refused to back down. “I think you just have to call things the way you see them,” he said. “I really do believe President Bush is the worst president we’ve ever had.”

Update - White House Press Secretary Dana Perino issued a terse response to Reid’s statement. “The Senate Majority Leader isn’t really taken seriously,” she said.

(Think Progress)
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I think anyone would be hard-pressed to find someone who disagreed with Reid’s statement of fact. Perino’s pathetic snark was pretty funny though.

Al Franken Wins! Minnesota thank you!! Good Goddess, did I ever need a good laugh after that freaking bad year of 2008. There’s more than one kind of diversity. And Al Franken in tights, impersonating Mick Jagger is just the kind of diversity desperately needed by that stuffy old mostly white millionaires club called the U.S. Senate!

TGW: Senator Al Franken!
MN board to certify Franken’s win in tight senate race
Reid To Coleman: It’s Over. Concede.
Can Franken Give Burris His Daily Affirmation?
via

Al Franken Politics Mick Jagger Minnesota News Change