Noahs Arc Wedding Reception Party

Click the Picture for details :-)

Deandre Banks is FAMOUS LIKE OBAMA

I would like to give to this WONDERFUL idea my own submission. I actually admire a lot of folks that do not get proper recognition in my eyes, but if I have to pick one person at this very moment it would have to be a brother by the name of Deandre Banks.

Not to put his business out there, but this brother works tirelessly in the community, as an official career but at the same time as his own personal passion. He oversees and assists individuals whom are fatally ill (for over 10 years under and against the Giuliani administration), he assists with community drives which benefit people of color, and he has done some heroic things since I've known him; like leaving one office run by a slacking community-oriented official to stand behind someone whom although has lesser clout in this environment, is a person who seems way more concerned about the condition of our city and abroad. Deandre is the prime example of a changed agent. Instead of adhering to the political machine as we know it; which offered him a promotion, he chose to adhere to his belief in what he does. He chose HIS BELIEF. That's me all the way, so how can I not admire someone like that? Kudos to my brother Deandre!

B Michael L

Famous Like Obama Highlights!!!

Greetings Fellow Americans!!! As we progress toward CHANGE and as HISTORY is being made we should stand up and empower one another to change for the better. We are a melting pot that pertain different personalites, gifts, and all have different backgrounds; however we can support AND empower our brothers and sisters. Barak Obama is not the only American that is working toward change so why not be "Famous Like Obama" too. Take a moment now to write a brief blurb about someone that you inspire to be like or who you think needs recognition and they don't get it... Here is the chance to highlight them... Lets come together and empower our brothers and sisters...

Rules:
1. Write up a positive blurb about someone you admire or who you think deserves recognition.
2. Email your blurb to famouslikeobama@gmail.com
3. Forward this email to all your friends/contacts to showcase who you selected to highlight...

PLEASE ONLY POSITIVE BLURBS... These blurbs are only to empower each other!!!

EXAMPLE: I am really excited to be highlighting my mother Christell O'Neal, she has been my support system as a small child and even more so now that I am an adult. Many times people overlook their parents as someone who has to take care of them or support them, however that is not the case. There are many parents that only mother or father a child and is not a support system, best friend, or non-judgemental toward their child. I am really happy that God gave me the parent that I have, because without my mother I would be a train wreck. She was a single mother who worked hard to make me the man that I am today... I have probably let her down in many things that I have done; however she has never judged me at all. Mom I love you and YOU ARE THE EMPOWERING INDIVIDULAL that makes me the man I am today! :-)

Together we can recognize the positive things that happen in our WORLD... Let's make a difference starting with you.... Sign the email, date it and pass it along :-)

Dwight Allen O'Neal 9-24-08

Is giving up an option?

I have to say that September has been a very challenging month for me. To kick things off, my body was purging a kidney stone. Next, I came to a realization that I no longer wished to be mistreated by my peers when it came down to my time and contribution so I had to end business relationships and lastly, I had to let go of a romantic relationship. That's alot to take on in one month and even more to share ONLINE. But, I am a leader and I have nothing to hide. I think one of the things that black people pride themselves on is holding on to things. Keeping secrets if you will. I've heard people tell me that in their families, what happens in the home stays in the home. There is no need to tell your business to your neighbor. I totally disagree, it's unhealthy!

What I got from purging things from my life this month is that LIFE GOES ON. There are times when I just wanted to completely give up, throw in the towel if you will, but I can't give up. I have come a very long way in this world and there is a big fat world out there for me to explore. I came to the realization that I've been confining myself to one community and not allowing myself to open up and see what else is out there. Right now it's about exploration for me. I want to wrap my hands around new things and new challenges. One thing I will say about living in New York City is that it will turn you out if you are not careful.

So, if you are going through tough times in your life right now, allow them to be tough but be clear that YOU are in control and YOU can choose to change that situation or situations. Giving up is not an option.

The Future of Black Gay New York City

Five Seconds to AIR REVIEW

You HAVE TO SEE “FIVE SECONDS TO AIR”
By: Kenneth Maxwell

So what do you get when you take 6 talented radio actors in the 1940’s, whose fictional murder mystery ends with a realistic murder? Five seconds to air. So in the original stage play “Five Seconds to Air,” written and directed by Evan Storey and Laura Dickinson audiences are transitioned to ABN’s nighttime broadcast where art imitates life. In this murder mystery audiences get a full ride of entertainment Storey and Dickinson brilliant script comes to life and you cannot keep from laughing through all of the unexpected moments that the cast throws at you. Christina Cataldo comedic timing is perfect, she brings to the stage a modern day Lucille Ball (I Love Lucy), as for Joel Malazita he masters the art of actually living a character and allowing the audiences to see a realistic portrayal and really does bring forth a great level of talent. Halperin, Marino, Pettway, Jordan, and Perry are all a great team of actors who really captures their audiences for the full 90 minutes and each makes you wonder who committed the crime and who may end up dead next. “Five Seconds to Air” really makes you think that you might be watching the radio stage adaptation of “Clue”, however its original content and brilliant cast makes you not want to wait another five seconds to see the second act (you just want to dive right in), this comedy is truly a great opportunity to get out and enjoy a hot new Off Broadway show this up coming weekend.

Additional written material by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, Bob Carroll Jr, and Charlotte M. Russell. Produced by Nathan “Seven” Scott, Dwight Allen O’Neal, and Evan Storey.

Remaining Show Dates: 8:00 PM September 11, 12, 13, and 14th or 2:00PM September 13 or 14th

To Buy Tickets in PersonTheatre Row410 West 42nd StreetNew York, NY 10036 Open Daily 12-8pm


Directions to the Show by Subway/BusTake the A/C/E to 42nd Street or the N/Q/R or 1/9 to Times Square.

Falling Apart

While many people HATE admitting their age, it is actually something to be thankful for. I remember there was a time when I didn't have to concern myself with what I ate. I didn't care what time I went to bed, I could function on 2 or 3 hours of sleep. I didn't have to exercise or any of the things that I have been challenged to do TODAY.

The other morning about 2:30AM, I woke up with the most excruciating pain in my side. I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom where I began to feel dizzy and light-headed. The next thing I knew, I was laying in the bath tub. I was home alone with no one around to hear my cry for help. It took me back to those days of the commercial, where the woman says "I've fallen and I can't get up". Back in the day, those commercials provided humor for many of us, but I would have never dreamed it would happen to ME. I pulled myself out of the tub and made my way to my cell phone because I figured that I would need to call someone for help. The people I needed to call were stored in my cell phone but not in my memory bank as once upon a time I could recite most people's number, but technology allows us to store so why remember?

I called my best friend who was out of town. I called a close by neighbor who had a truck and was able to pick me up and take me to the hospital. Oh, I left out a very crucial element to this story.... I was passing BLOOD in my urine. I was so scared. I felt like I was falling apart. This had NEVER happened to me before, so why now?

We got to the emergency room and it was pretty quiet, thankfully and there weren't many people waiting to be serviced. They wheeled me in, took all my vitals and drew blood. Four hours later, after a cat scan and an ultra sound, I was informed that I had kidney stones. What? I've heard of gall bladder and kidney stones before, but I had no idea what they really were. Apparently, mineral deposits form and collect around each other getting bigger and bigger and at some point they have to pass.

All I kept wondering is, why is this happening to me? Is this a sign of aging? What was going on? I had been praying and asking God, but of course there is no direct answer. I just took all of this to mean that God was trying to tell me to SLOW DOWN. I had been running around tending to this and that and I hadn't been sleeping or drinking enough fluids. Now I have to start rethinking what I eat and be sure to drink plenty of water. I no longer feel like I'm falling apart, but I'm growing.

BLACK MEN. Tend to your health!

Wise words from Maurice Runea--- Talk about Self Growth

If there are people in your life who continually disappoint you, break promises, and stomp on your dreams, too judgmental, have different values and don't have your back during difficult times...that is not a friend.To have a friend you must be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyle.When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to GOD from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends who enrich my life. Over the years the names in my phone book have changed because I've changed for the better. At first you think you're going to be alone, but after a while new people show up in your life and that makes life so much sweeter and easier to endure.Remember what your elders used to say, "Birds of a feather flock together. If you're an eagle, don't hang around chickens: Chickens Can't Fly!I love myself and the Lord and thank Him for all that he does in my life, When fake people do things to intentionally hurt me, I know I can count on him to always have my back. He is my source of existence. He keeps me functioning each and everyday. Without Him, I will be nothing. Without Him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things.Be Positive - Be ProgressiveTake the time to make a positive difference in someone's life. Walk by faith, not by sightReceive your blessings. Heal the past; live the present; dream the future.To all you shady former friends, Thanx for teaching me the lessons that were meant for me to learn, for all the people who genuiely love me, keep doing so, your love, support and advice, coupled with my beliefs is what helped me to survive the coup of chickens that was trying to hold me down, So all my fellow Eagles lets glide away, Be happy, prosperous and leave the chicken (heads, LOL) to perish.Friends, Don't Hurt Friends, But Enemies Have No Boundries

The Future of Black Gay New York City

I am excited to announce a panel discussion that I will be moderating this coming OCTOBER at the CENTER. Come out and support this event. It is bound to be a memorable experience and something that this community will talk about for weeks to come. Don't miss it!

Say a little Prayer

So I received this email from my sister and very good friend in Atlanta. Our country is really seeking a change and their are billions of people is support of this man... here is a prayer that I am passing along to you for Mr. Obama...



Pray for his success and SAFETY...............
Dear God, I pray for optimum health, wisdom, mental clarity and political prosperity for Barack Obama, and for his protection, as he seeks to become our President! Amen. All you are asked to do is keep this circulating. A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle. Please Keep This Message Going!



To see how our people are coming together united to support change in this country is such a beautiful thing, I am really excited about the outcome of our election in November.

Five Seconds To Air - Coming soon...

I need Validation

Why do we worry about what people say or think about us? In life many people claim to say that they don’t care what others say about them as a person, however in life it seems that we always need a form of validation. Validation wants approval from others; the thing that wants this validation is your ego. The ego needs attention, and has the potential of feeling let down when it gets negative attention. Many times others judge you to make their ego feel superior; in life everyone at some point in time has made someone else feel less than the other. It would be so much better if we validated ourselves and that was enough to energize our spirits to do more. Another thing that would be helpful if we did encourage one another to do greater things, by doing that we will have the opportunity to inspire each other to make change in our individual lives.

When friends fail you...

We are about to experience a full moon for the month of August. Strangely enough I will be flying from Japan to return to New York so I will be closer to the moon than many of you reading this post. The full moon represents change and new growth and as uncomfortable as change may be for some, I embrace it.

I am currently transitioning to become a better person, a more mature person and while I am excited, I am also scared. I have noticed that a few of my relationships are shifting. Some of the shifts are positive while others are just shifting to a place where I'm not so certain that the friendships will continue to grow.

What I hate most is when people pull away from me for reasons that they choose not to explain, they just pull away. I aim to keep my relationships positive and communicate as much as I can, however, it isn't necessarily reciprocated and that's frustrating. I guess I don't understand how people who once upon a time were great friends could become distant acquaintances. So... What do you do when friends fail you?

Yes We Can

I love this message of Empowerment that is being shared with our world... We can do whatever we want... Stand up with these other people who are Famous Like Obama!!! Stand up and Say "Yes We Can!"

Life Lesson

If only good things happen we would never learn anything... I always tell people I enjoy learning... so why not learn from all of life's lessons. It seems that sometimes negative things come along and we tend to lose our focus. Don't allow this things to tear you apart... You can get an inspiration from all of life's experiences, just add each experience to your library of experiences.

My mother told me very recently that many times things happen to us to discourage us as people, because our blessing is right around the corner and the devil is always trying to steal our joy.

PS: I did go to that event I was telling you about and it was a blast :-)

Discipline

I have to admit that over the years, I have learned how to become better disciplined and focus, but I have to admit, it's NOT an easy task.

Working on one's self doesn't have to be difficult, I think we make it difficult because life tells us that we should just do as we are told. One of my quests as of late is to transform myself into a NEW person. Not that there is anything wrong with the OLD person, but I yearn for MORE, I year to be a better person. I want to expand my vocabulary. I want to meet new people. I want to travel to new places and see how people in other parts of the world live.

In recent conversations, I've told people that I am pretty bored with American culture. I've been fortunate enough to travel to countries like Brazil (twice), South Africa (twice, and lived there for a total of 4 months with plans to return later this year), Puerto Rico and my favorite new destination Japan! I have wanted to experience Japan for going on 2 years now and I am finally here! The country is amazing. The city is thriving and so clean. One thing that I like most about being here is that nobody bothers me. There is close to zero crime here, the customer service is impeccable. Their train system is like no other that I have ever ridden on and for the most part, the people are nice.

One thing I have to say about the Japanese is that they are pretty disciplined. From the way they keep their environment clean to the way they organize themselves day to day. I am trying my best to adopt a few ways while I am here. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a language barrier because I don't speak any Japanese. Thankfully, they speak English. Well some of them.

In closing, I ask the question: How disciplined are you?

To go or not to go

Do I want to go??? I really don't know. So being very known in New York City comes with a big price tag and one is making engagements. Now many times you have to do some things in the business that you don't really want to... Now for those of you that are reading this and don't know me, you are thinking... UMM who are you??? UMM what do you do??? Well I think the question should be, what don't I do... LOL... Here a few things I do, stay tuned I add things to the list like everyday.

Producer
Business Manager for a Cosmetic Company
Actor
Former Model
CEO of Production Company
Writer
TV Host
Music Artist (LOL)
Make-up Artist
Stylist
Socialite
Promoter
Party Host
Motivational Speaker
NOW BLOGGER!!!

Finding time to blog is insane.... Obama! HOW AND THE HECK DO YOU DO IT!?

Well tonight is the event of the weekend... and everyone who is anyone in NYC will probably be there, but my feet hurt and its raining... What should I do???

A. Go to the event and put on a cute smile!
B. Go to the event Network and Go Home!
C. A and B
D. Keep your but in bed on the Internet Googling Beyonce'

Umm I think I just answered my own question... LOL

Bite that Tongue

So one thing I have learned in life is... " You have to be a likable person to get ahead!" Now this may seem like common sense to many, however many don't seem to understand this in life. Now let's assume that you are the likable person, how do you actually deal with the person that you don't really care for? Well I have learned that you just have to, this is a very sad truth but in order to be a leader, you have to deal with everyone. I am learning this life lesson everyday and I deal with tons of people on a daily basis. It is a wonderful thing to have fame and being recognized, but the only way to have a loyal and true following is to become likable. When you are in the spotlight, people are going to say all types of things that may honestly hurt, but you have to bite your tongue and learn that they are only throwing words. In an argument who is right in the eyes of those having the disagreement? The two arguing, therefore neither is willing to listen to other person and settle, you just keep going at it waisting a ton of energy. Be a leader!!! And please pray that I learn to bite my tongue more often, because I wanna be Famous Like Obama!!!

I am Important

So I remember that all through high school, I was MR. POLITICS!!! I was all for running for every student office and I would usually always win, I was class Vice President as well as President of almost every other club in school. The question was why did I do it??? Was it to actually make change and empower my high school or to feel important. The truth is it was both, I really did like that feeling of being important and I loved the fact that what I said in a sense was the way it was going to be. I know that I left a major impact on my Senior Class and students that have followed me. I did learn that the sense of political urgency did escape me only to return recently, I am excited that this feeling has returned to me as I climb my own ladder of success. If you are not excited about this political election I urge you jump on board and mark your mark in history! Please don't follow in my footsteps of lack, because I lost that feeling of me thinking I could make a difference, up until now! I know that every vote we cast counts toward something major.

Do we need to be governed?

When we came up with the concept for this blog, it was a no brainer. We figured it would be a great way to support Barack Obama. I am honestly not very much into politics, I have have been, however, I'm finding that there is politics all around me in various forms. I HATE POLITICS! When I think of Politics, I think of rules, I think of lies and deceit, I think of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer and I don't like that. I know we all need to be governed by something or do we?

So, I ask the question... Who or what are you governed by?