LeBron's Magic Shot, Do You B.E.? Xerox Says... Yes We Can!

President Obama Taps Judge Sonia Sontomayor For The High Court The Face of A New America

It's a new day for all Americans. There is something to say about folks from humble beginnings, excellent work ethics and HUGE dreams. We salute our hermana, Judge Sonia Sontomayor!

A Great Time To Be A Woman. Xerox Appoints Ursula Burns

We are seeing the Obama Factor, Michelle that is ... Black Woman are SO in. It's no secret to US-- we have always been smart, talented, beautiful, diverse, multi-lingual, sexy and B-A-D! Congratulations to Ursula Burns, the FIRST Black Woman to take the helm of a Fortune 500 company.

Lebron James ... Pure Magic

This is my favorite time of the year to watch basketball ... the well marketed and 'corporate ties NBA Playoffs. I love sports... especially basketball... it's refreshing and sexy to watch well compensated athletes W-O-R-K it O-U-T. Of course, you might catch some magic here and there. This past Friday, did not disappoint with 1.0 seconds on the clock and Sir James with a basketball. Cleveland listen up - play 48 minutes against Orlando, each player needs to step up and you must win on Tuesday!

Do You B.E.?

I love Black Enterprise - let me say that from the jump. Wasn't really certain about going to Detroit for the Entrepreneur Conference -- given the state of the Motor City. Well, I came out stronger, better and more thankful. Met Pam Perry of Ministry Marketing Solutions for the first time since our first encounter 2 years ago via the web; we did a FREE PR Bailout Boot Camp together in the Big D; almost 60 people deep on a rainy Saturday with Congressman John Conyers, Jr.

I would say my best memories from this year's conference was:
1) Town Hall meeting discussing President Obama's Economic Agenda: A Boom or Bust for Black Business? moderated by the distinguished Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr., Harvard University, with a spirited panelists including Tara Wall (Washington Post) and Warren Ballentine (syndicated radio host). 2) Entrepreneur Awards Luncheon with special guest Spike Lee. It was refreshing to hear Spike complete sentences and not be so vague. 3)Chris Bryant, founder of Rapport Strategies giving a dynamic presentation on "Preparing the Work Force."
Next year's conference will be in Atlanta and the networking and knowledge is well worth the money and energy. We must invest in each other.

John Conyers Is He Smoking ? What Do You Mean A Performance Tax For Radio? Many Radio Stations and Black Artists Will Be Impacted
Call Your Local Radio Station and Legislature To Learn More

Conyers Makes Statement Regarding The Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848).

Conyers Makes Statement Regarding The Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848).

Rep. John Conyers, Jr. , (D) MI-14 made the following statement, on May 13th, 2009, at a Judiciary Committee hearing before offering an amendment to the Performance Rights act insuring that the needs of small, minority, religious, and non-music broadcasters are taken into account as he and other Members of Congress continue to work on the legislation. The statement indicates his intentions to improve the legislation.

As everyone in this room knows, the Performance Rights Act is one of my top priorities this Congress.

On one hand, I believe that the time is finally ripe for establishing some form of equity for recording artists – allowing them to be paid fair compensation for their creativity.

On the other hand, I am concerned about the economic impact this bill may have on broadcasters, particularly smaller broadcasters.

I know times are tough, and it is not the intention or goal of this legislation to drive broadcasters into bankruptcy or to bring about a widespread consolidation of the industry.

That is why I have been, and remain, committed to finding a middle ground on this issue. I believe a number of steps we can initiate today will help us achieve this result:

First, I – along with a number of my colleagues – will be offering a managers amendment that addresses several of the concerns that have been raised at our hearings and subsequent meetings.

The Managers Amendment provides a number of accommodations, including delaying the bill’s effective date, reducing the royalty payments due, and insuring that the needs of small, minority, religious, and non-music broadcasters are taken into account.

Second, today’s markup is not the end of the legislative process, and I remain ready and willing to work with all interested parties in developing any necessary further accommodation, as long as they are willing to work with us in good faith.

Third, I am requesting – along with Ranking Member Smith and Reps. Jackson Lee, Gonzales, and Lungren – a GAO study to analyze the economic factors for radio broadcasters and performing artists and copyright owners related to this Act.

This does not mean that we do not have enough information to move the bill forward at this time, but that as we move forward we can and should supplement the information available to the rate-making authority.

Fourth, I plan to remain diligent in ensuring the vibrancy and competition available in the broadcast and other relevant markets. The last thing any of us wants to do is preside over a broadcast market that becomes more concentrated, and less diverse.

I therefore plan to work with Subcommittee Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member Smith and Subcommittee Ranking Member Coble in planning hearings on this subject in the very near future.

I understand this is an important an emotional issue for many. Creative rights go to the core of our cultural and intellectual health as a society. Broadcasters are a vital cog in our local communities and our political debates.

I believe we can encourage creativity, while at the same time protecting the economic viability of local broadcasters, and I believe today’s markup represents a good first step towards protecting both.

###05-14-2009###

Caviar & Chitterling - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Caviar--Chitterling TONIGHT @ 8PM
Exclusive with Thembisa S. Mshaka Author
Put Your Dreams First- Handle Your Entertainment Business

Call-in Number: (646) 200-4565

Upcoming Show: 5/26/2009 8:00 PM

Host Name:	Caviar & Chitterling
Show Name:	How To Put Your Dreams First & Succeed In The Entertainment Biz
Length:	30 min
Description: h:19057 s:545022	An exclusive interview with Thembisa S. Mshaka, author of Put Your Dreams First - Handle Your (entertainment) Business. Put Your Dreams First will help you... 1)Break In or Transition 2)Work Smarter 3) Separate Sex From Business 4)Be The Force Behind The Boss 5) Start Your Own Company or Label

GameFace Brand Makeover
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http://www.taylormademediapr.com
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Available for Speaking Engagements

Don't Give Up... Its Closer Than You Think

Hi, thank you for reading my blog. As we face this turbulent and challenging financial times, I want to encourage you to never give up. Spoke with a colleague this week and he was so close to giving up and I had to remind him now is the best time to reinvent. There are no rules in a recession, whatever worked before ... is not working now. Please realize the best way to find a job is to volunteer your time and energy. Let people see you in a positive light by giving back and organically things will start to happen. I can only stress that impressions is everything. Stay involved and active. The perfect opportunity won't find you, you must create it

We are all in this together.

Listen to my BlogTalk Radio show every Tuesday at 6pm for Tips from top Career executives and coaches. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Caviar--Chitterling

It’s Time To Become A Brand New You! –
Re-Invention Tips To Weather Any Storm

April 21, 2009, New York, NY…It’s no secret that given the economy, it is imperative to market your true authentic self when seeking clients, employment opportunities and growing a business. In an unsettled economy– everyone must develop a BRAND NEW ATTITUDE to “standout” from the competition.

I have put together a PR Re-Invention Plan to help individuals get the opportunity they desire using PR as an empowerment tool. Keep in mind these tips have worked for her past clients from Citibank, Sony Music, D’Angelo, Jill Scott, Mariah Carey, NBA’s Ray Allen and Chris Webber to name a few. Taylor Bass says, “Now is the time to make the economy work for you and be fearless. Sell and position yourself/brand like nobody’s business. Be Your Own Publicist. For every job posting you have thousands of applicants. It is imperative for each person to stand-out and secure the opportunity.”

Here are some sure-fire ways to get your brand noticed, secure the perfect job, market one’s business and STANDOUT, mentioned in my condensed learn as you go soft cover (108 pages), “You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins” A Smart Do-It-Yourself PR Guide For Those On A Budget.

Tips to implement as you create awareness and grow your brand, right now:

1) Think Linearly.
Act with a plan. Identify where you want to work, what salary you want to make, and how you can be an asset to the corporation

2) Be prepared. Is your portfolio screaming, “hire me, I’m desperate?” Keywords are important for coding and garnering an opportunity. Ex: PR Expert instead of Publicist in the experience column will send a stronger message to employers. Play yourself up.

3) Be Viral. The Internet is a force and you must participate. For companies/clients to find you must participate in social networking- for example: (Blogtalkradio, LINKEDIN, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter). Blog 2x a week; e-blast newsletters; Sign up today and start blogging to get your name out there. Prospective Employers are using Google© to learn more about the candidates. Also, it is imperative to have a web presence with a functional, smart, attractive website. A website will give your brand a global presence.

Make certain your incorporate your tagline into all your emails to build brand awareness.

4) Be prepared for the opportunity. Let people know who and what you have to offer. Be your own publicist and bring the hype. Create an electronic media kit listing your skills, accomplishments, and awards. Make certain your presentation is creative, “out of the box” approach and appropriate for your industry. Compose a press release lauding your best work/project.

5) Promote yourself.
Brand you. Remember, you are an authority in your field, so begin to visualize, and execute your plan as if you were a rock star.
Write an Op-Ed piece in your favorite newspaper, journal, magazine and get a byline (this means that you get credit for writing the story) Service the byline to the companies you want to work for and be on their radar. It’s all about impressions and follow-up.

6) Authenticity. You must appear sincere and approachable. Employers/clients want to know that you can deliver. If you say you are the best -- then bring it. Show letters of recommendations, praises from your former boss/project managers, and colleagues. Volunteer your time at a non-profit to keep your skills razor, network and secure job leads.

To purchase "You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins"": A Smart PR Guide For Those On A Budget, visit-- http://www.karentaylorbass.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.target.com.

Words are powerful. I am a woman of power. Indeed.

This past February, I attended the 4th Annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit at the fabulous Ritz Carlton in Orlando. It was my first time attending, and certainly not my last.

OK... let me say the staff at Black Enterprise under the guidance of Mr. & Mrs. Earl Graves sure know how to plan, promote and execute an outstanding event. I had the BEST time.

Everything about the conference was memorable; the food was freakin' delicious; the keynote speakers, especially, Robin Roberts was the B-O-M-B. ... awe inspiring; morning workout with Dr. Amin ( too much sexy in the morning) was uplifting and tiring; the modules ranged from reinvention to retirement. Trust me ... well worth the investment.

My Top Reasons Why You Should Attend

1. You are a woman of power. Act like it.
2) Networking. Deals are made.
3)Golf, tennis, Spa anyone?
4)Power workout AM session
5)You are not alone in your phase, struggle and success
6)Hear from the best about re-invention, packaging, loving, and health & wellness
7)Learn how to crack the dexterity code, executive coaching, financial
8)Standout speakers like Carla Harris, 'The Power of You"
9)Check your emails all day with the Verizon Internet Lounge
10) Macy's fashion show sponsored by Verizon and hosted by the amazing Audrey Smalls
11) Reconnecting with good friends and simply sharing.
12)Most importantly, you will be Re-Charged and that has no price ticket.

See you next year in Palm Springs.

Chris Brown - Man Up!

All I have to say is Chris Brown needs to man up.

You need to step to the podium and issue a real statement, show remorse for your actions and have a plan of action to deal with your demons. A reconciliation and promising never to do this again is sooo classic battery/abuse/Ike Turner behavior.

Chris Brown fire your "spin" team, they are not helping your profile. You need to turn this around and fast for all concerned. As a mother of 2, with a young daughter, I am drawn to this DRAMEDY. I hear young Black girls and boys on the bus talking... "What did she do to piss him off?" "She had a good thing going with Chris and messed up.? Are you freakin' kiddin' me

This kind of behavior is not normal. Chris Brown has serious problems and the good guy image turned psycho is not sexy. Chris Brown, man up. A generation of folks will think this is normal behavior courtesy of the popular machismo image seen all over the media courtesy of too many young and paid celebrities.

Chris, please take this situation under control and do the right thing.

1) Cease speaking through your representatives. Issuing statements are not working.
2)Fire your over-paid spin doctors
3)Publicly apologize, show remorse and take action for your awful behavior
4)Other than praying and speaking to your pastor, take some real actions
5)Volunteer at a youth center for 1 year (minimum) and mentor young kids about expressing their anger through communication.
6)Volunteer at a group home for girls and listen to their pain
7)Record a song and all the proceeds should go to an organization empowering battered teens/women/men
8) Ice yourself after all this. We need you to go away for a moment.

Chris Brown, Man up!

Be A Do Right Man, Chris Brown Stand Up

This entry is for Chris Brown and his handlers.

Chris, it's time to issue a real statement and empower young Black males, girls and adults to take ownership of their actions.

No one knows what happened that night except for you and Rihanna.

All we know is that something went very wrong that night.

I can't begin to tell you how many young girls and boys have expressed its Rihanna's fault.

Jive Records and Chris Brown do damage control now. Own this horrible incident, propose actual healing steps for young folks.

As a PR Expert, I can advise you of the following:

1) Own the problem. Have you heard the word Mea Culpa?
2)Hold a press conference, publicly apologize profusely and show humility
3)Set up a charity for young men to get help as it relates to anger management and family issues.
4)Volunteer your time to an organization working with young people
5)Release a single to benefit women/families of domestic violence

And...

6) Don't ever put your hands on a woman. That's real wack, weak and inexcusable.

Is It Really Free Speech? NY Post Cartoon InAppropriate

Is It Really Free Speech? NY Post Cartoon InAppropriate

Is it really free speech?

This cartoon is simply inappropriate for a myriad of levels. It's blatantly racist.

NY Post you need to be checked.

Why would you portray the President of the United States in this manner? Are you afraid that President Obama will succeed and lead Americans out of this financial calamity caused by the Bush Administration? The NY Post has been against the stimulus package from the beginning citing every reason why it won't work and no real suggestion or indication that maybe ... just maybe... this package could work to stimulate the economy and save everyday people from drowning.

If one of us fail ... we all fail. This is America where all dreams are possible. Right?

All New Yorkers are outraged by the cartoon. This is not a Black thing ... its an American thing.
Get with it.

As a PR Expert, impression and authenticity is everything. I preach to my clients and constituents about accountability. Is this the image and perception you want the "world" to see? I would hope not.

We are all responsible for making a better world.

STAY RAZOR -THE BRANDING BEGINS NOW

A dear friend of mine, Sharron Troupe, sent me an email at the closing of December 31st and it truly resonated with me. There was one line that said "Stay Razor in '09!"

I thought about what that meant, meditated and came up with the following:

1) Be Sharp. Take 2009 by the balls and know all & everything is possible. The historical Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

2) Brand You. With the economy experiencing a downturn, layoffs everywhere, its time to PROJECT yourself as an EXPERT now.

3) Be Strategic. PR is FREE. Media outlets are clamoring for interesting stories, new experts and a fresh "real" face. Learn secrets to brand you; leverage your brand to mega millions; how to be an internet star so top TV producers can find you. Register for my Caviar PR Boot Camp on Saturday, February 21, 2009, 9:00AM-4:30PM. Pitch your product on the spot to the confirmed speakers.
EARLY VIP RECESSION PRICE - $109 before February 16, 2009
(Includes all boot camp materials and refreshments)
$129.00 After February 15th

Speakers:
Karen Taylor Bass - PR Expert. Best-selling Author. Motivational Speaker. Blogger. Radio Host. Today's competitive market requires leaders to set themselves apart from the status quo. For the past 20 years, I have mastered the art of keeping a fresh edge on the competition using public relations as an empowerment tool. www.taylormademediapr.com; www.karentaylorbass.com

LeGrande Green - former Supervising Producer at the Oprah Show and winner of 3 daytime Emmys. Currently at Nickelodeon/Viacom. www.legrandetv.com

Nicholas Hirshon – A prominent staff writer at the New York Daily News covering all beats from culture to politics. NY Daily News boasts a daily readership of 2.5 million. www.nydailynews.com

Rosalind McLymont- is editor-in-chief of The Network Journal, New York's premier magazine for Black professionals and business owners. www.tnj.com

Andrew Bass – As Chief Idea Maker of Straight Design, Andrew Bass has spent 20 years perfecting his craft in the areas of identity & branding, editorial design, print media and promotion. His company provides Fortune 500-styled visual strategies for small-businesses and not-for-profits that are simple and direct. Having worked and led various art departments of corporations like ESSENCE Communications. McGraw-Hill, Earl G.Graves, LTD; CMP Media and VNU Business USA. www.str8tdesign.com

4) Be Still. Listen to your thoughts and know what you think you and feel will be manifested. Project power, confidence and trust.

5) Be Viral. The Internet is a force and you must participate. For companies to prosper they must participate in social networking- for example: (Blogtalkradio, LINKEDIN, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter). Blog 2x a week; e-blast newsletters; schedule tele-seminars; webinars; and service podcasts.

6) Be Equipped. Buy my book, "You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins" A Smart Do-It Yourself Guide For Those On A Budget; 108 pages filled with "real" information and top contributors to help you secure Caviar PR On A Chitlins Budget. Available February 1, 2009.

7) Be Persistent. N-O means keep trying. Get your message out there and don't take no for an answer. You are an EXPERT, start leveraging now.

8)Be Strategic. Make certain your collaterals (business card, website, bio media kit, etc.) tell your story. Create a marketing budget and hire the most talented man or wo-man.

9) Be No Nonsense. Get up and get going. No more excuses. Start building your brand and sign the mega million opportunity.

10) Network vs. Net worth. Leverage your contacts (network) to introduce you to substantial net worth ($$$).

11) Stay razor!!!