The Touch That Changes Your Life

When we look at celebrities sometimes we think that they are these "super-beings" with powers that help them to transcend the barriers that others of us have found difficult to scale. However, what you will find is that these people who we admire and aspire to be like are just like us. The difference is, someone inspired them on to greatness. Someone made an impression on them and lucky for them, they were paying attention. You see, everyone has been/will be influenced by someone on their road to greatness either as a youth, during their adulthood or both. It's our job to simply recognize their existence and pay attention. In fact, the touching of our lives by others is part of a devine plan intended to help us make it to the next level.

This "touching" that I'm speaking of is something Denzel Washington knows about all to well.

In his debut as an author, Mr. Washington takes us on a brief history of how his life was shaped by several key players and the impact they made on his life before he became the actor we now affectionately know as Denzel. He uses his story as a lead in to the messages from 73 other leading personalities in sports, politics, business, and the arts.

When I saw this book on a recent trip to SAM's, I figured it would somehow speak to me. While I haven't completed reading it yet, I've already been lead to recall those who have made an impact on my life and what that meant to me. I'm sure it will have you doing the same. In the meantime, feel free to tell us about someone who has made an impact on your life and the lesson you walked away with.

Amazon.com - A Hand To Guide Me - Denzel Washington

Show Some Love

It looks like WalMart is trying to win the hearts of its customers back. In a time when profit means more than pleasing consumers (see Exxon Mobils $10 Billion profit in the 3rd quarter), WalMart has decided to take on a major marketing promotion geared towards luring traffic away from Walgreens.

$4 Generic Drugs (no insurance needed).

It's not an end all to the massive high prescription drug problem, but this type of competition is good for consumers. I know a lot of people had to make some decisions surrounding the surge in gas prices, but high priced prescription drugs have been a problem for a long time, especially for the elderly. It's good to see someone doing something about it, even if it is in the name of competition. Hopefully WalMart will see beyond the competition to keep this program around long enough to have a positive impact in the lives of seniors. So far they are in 27 states now.

In addition to that, they are cutting prices on more than 100 toys, and I know my kids will appreciate that!

Walmart adds 12 states to drug program

Friday Feature

Another week is in the books and there is no better way to celebrate than with some good music.
I had every album these guys put out back in the day. I even wanted to be in the group, although I couldn't hold a note until I got much older. They just seemed pretty cool to me and all the girls liked them, so that definitely made me want to sing.

So, since I really enjoy interviews and biographies, I thought I'd share this interview and a little bit of their music. So, without further ado, I give you, New Edition.


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Don Cornelius says, "Give it up for, New Edition (The Bobby Years)"


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I know everybody loved the addition of Johnny Gill and the song "NE Heartbreak"
(Check out those glasses on Ralph, I remember sporting those back in the day)

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New Edition: Official Site

Pronounced, A One Oh -- A10

St. Louis has a new group of teens that are trying to bring the Midwest swagger to the national scene. I learned about these guys from one of my co-workers whose son is a part of the group. She shared this video of them with me so I thought I'd show them some love. I listened to their music a while back and I really liked some of their stuff. What I really liked about them was that they were trying to do something positive, with regards to their careers at such an early age.

Currently they are in a video contest on "You Tube" and need some votes.

To vote, log into YouTube (you need an id and password) and click on the number of stars you think they deserve.

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While you are checking them out be sure to hit the link for their myspace page below and check out some more of their music. I like their single "two fives", a song about dime pieces. If you don't know what that is, chances are, you aren't one. Sorry.

A10 myspace site

All I have to say is.....

How about them Cards!!

I know my blogging buddy Lance is from NYC (we knocked off the Mets)

and my girl Sheletha

is the self proclaimed "Kitten from the Mitten"

but

Deeeetrrrrooooiittt is going down!

It's all about the STL baby!!!

St. Louis Cardinals Official Site

And You Thought They Were Mad About The Passion

Jean Claude Lamar (top right) has come a long way since his role in Spike Lee's "X". These days the Brooklyn native can be found writing, directing, producing and acting in films. This November look for him to star in a film he created called The Color of the Cross.

I know, I know, this has been a week for the brothers! First Obama says he's thinking about running for the Presidency, and now we have a movie about Jesus being black coming out. The Klan's terror alert is definitely set to red this week.


I'm sure Jesus being black is no surprise to black folks, heck we've always known Jesus was black, who else could feed 5000 people with two fish and five loaves. Seriously though, the Bible is full of people of color, but it will be interesting to see how this plays out or if it even lasts past a week in the theaters.

With that said, I have a question for all of you out there:
Do you think Christianity would be the religion it is today if Jesus was widely promoted as a man of color?

Color of the Cross
Black Christian Movies.com

Is America Ready for this?

As I sat in the barber shop over the weekend looking for something to read until it was my turn to sit in the chair, I couldn't help but be taken in by this image and headline.

I have been impressed with this brother ever since he hit the national political scene. I was even more impressed after reading his first book and finding out he was, as we used to say, "the truth".


This guy has all the makings of becoming the first African American President, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. All eyes are definitely on him. I even caught him on Meet the Press Sunday morning where he revealed that he is giving more thought to running in 2008, and I personally think he is a much better choice than Hillary. Hopefully the rest of the Dem's will be willing to back him rather than split the party over this.

He also has a new book out, that I can't wait to check out.
So, do you think America is ready for a black president? Check him out and tell me what you think.

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BarackObama.com
Time Magazine: The next President
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

Quality of Life: Nothing is better

Some movies just speak to you. I mean they reach right out and pull you and your emotions in to the point that you think someone has looked in on your life. When I saw the trailer of this movie, it touched me. No, it grabbed me. Not because it mirrors my life, because it doesn't, but because I understand that "can't stop-won't stop-gotta make it" attitude that the actor portrays in this film. I guess it also helps that it stars one of my favorite actors, Will Smith.


It doesn't come out until December 15th, so mark your calendar and be sure to check out Will Smith, his son Jaden, and Thandie Newton in " The Pursuit of Happyness".

There is also an ultimate internship contest that allows you to enter for a chance to win an internship with one of eight top firms. (See the link below for more info.)

Here's the trailer

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Will Smith Interview and Trailer
Pursue it: The Ultimate Internship Contest

Tying up some Loose Ends

With the exception of Sade, Loose Ends was one of the hottest groups to come out of London. I've always liked them and I haven't heard any of their music in a while so I thought I'd take a walk down memory lane and share my love of music at the same time. Check out the cut that put them on the map.

"Hangin' on A String"

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While we are at it, we might as well throw in some Sade. It's the least I can do, since I brought her up.

Check her out as the hot mermaid in "No Ordinary Love"

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Have a good weekend everybody.

Ya'll need Jesus Blair Underwood??

With everything I have going on these days I find it pretty hard to consistently read the Word. As well intentioned as I am, after working 12+ hour days and then spending time with the wife and kids, I usually don't feel much like flipping any pages. I know it's a shame to say it, but it's the truth. While I don't watch much TV, it seems that my time is constantly being vied for from outside sources. So my dose of the Word usually comes in the form of church, music, audio sermons or emails from friends or the office Bible thumper, and God forbid you end up on their distribution list. I mean, I love the Lord and all, but how many emails can you get in a week that require you to prove your faith by forwarding to all your friends. Good Grief! But that's not what I wanted to talk about. As I was saying, I'm finding it challenging to get my Jesus on these days, and believe me I've even looked into audio versions of the Bible, but after a while the readers voice began to bore me, but it seems someone was feeling my pain.



Thanks to the people at Inspired by...Media Group you can now get your daily dose of the Word (for now just the New Testament) as presented by over 250 African-American actors, actresses, entertainers and clergy. The producers of this took the Zondervan NIV version and kept it pretty true to form while adding a screenplay format.

Blair Underwood debuts as Jesus, Samuel Jackson is the voice of God, Angela Bassett adds life to the role of Esther and Denzel Washington plays Solomon! There are a host of other celebrities and I'm sure one of your favorites is included in the cast list. One of the Lo Zone favorite friends, Shaun Robinson , is even in the cast!

You can get your copy of this highly anticipated audio version of the Bible on CD or there is an MP3 version for you iPod users. So, do "The Sheletha" and go get your copy today, they are moving fast.

Inspired by...Media Group: The Bible Experience

Running Out The Room

If your place of employment is anything like mine, you have an occasion to hide what you are doing from nosey on-lookers who walk up on you. So, rather than clumsily search for the close window button, we've added a feature I'll call "The Sheletha", in honor of my favorite "Running out of the room" Lo Zoner.

...SHELETHA!!!!!!!!!

So In the spirit of my girl "Lee Lee", you will now have access to a little feature that allows you to go "Running Out The Room" on all of our blog posts. Just click the little green logo that follows for a quick demo.

Welcome to The Rich House

Welcome to my new spot! I figured it was time for me to get out and get a place of my own since I spent so much time blogging on my girl Lolita Files' blog spot. You can still find me posting on The Lo Zone, but I didn't want to wear out my welcome. She's been a gracious host, a great friend and a great HTML teacher (ala my own blog)!

Since this is the first post on my new blog, I figured I'd open up with a little "Rich House" music. This guy's music represented a major turning point in my life. He was the reason I opened up to discovering the pleasures of Jazz.

So, without further ado, I gladly present to you, the Late, the Great, Miles Davis!

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