"Dec. 1: World AIDS Day" by Cyrus Webb

(Listen to the audio of this poem here: http://tinyurl.com/ycytd4w )

This day should be committed to memory,
A symbol dedicated to it for all to see
So that we never forget what it represents.
It's one of those issues that we all must face,
Ignoring its influence doesn't begin to erase
The number of lives that have been affected or lost in the years since this social war began.

So now we have a day to recognize,
To get together not only to socialize but remember that every 30 seconds another name is added to the growing list of casualties.

Yet the war wages on, and we have been drafted to the front lines,
Helping others find a reason to join the cause.
And to do that, we must sound the alarm.

Alarm those around us and beyond how risky behavior can harm them--or worse.
We have to consider the role we play and
How to behave so respect can become just as important as our feelings of regret.

This day has been set so none of us forget that we could be among the number referred to in statistics.
The battle is real. HIV is real, and I feel that though the message is being spread, it can be said how important repeating it is.

So this poem is my way of doing just that.
By stating the facts, I react to the pandemic with words put to the page.
And I hope that no matter what the age of the reader, it will help them begin to better respond to their role in the battle--fighting to win.

Cyrus Webb Presents Conversations Book Club's Top 100 Books of 2009

It is one of those lists that is a way of recognizing great books and also the authors who write them: Conversations Book Club's "Top 100 Books of 2009". Compiled by Cyrus A. Webb, this is just one way that the literary organization shows why it is one of the best for those looking for best in literature.

TOP 50 FICTION TITLES OF 2009

1. "Faces of Fear" by John Saul
2. "Mudville" by Kurtis Scalletta
3. "Lifestone" by Gary Kaschak
4. "Too Tall Alice" by Barbara Worton
5. "Kill Me Twice" by Jerry Bayne
6. "Change Up" by John Feinstein
7. "No More Tomorrows" by Rodney Lofton
8. "Lesson Learned" by Portia Cosby
9. "Mexican Whiteboy" by Matt de la Pena
10. "Battered Clergy" by Dr. Joseph Howard, Sr.
11. "The Girl Who Threw Butterflies" by Mick Cochrane
12. "Pieces of the Hole" by Tony Lindsay
13. "When Lightning Strikes" by Keya
14. "The Dyodyne Experiment" by James Doulgeris and V. Michael Santoro
15. "The Fox" by Arlene Radasky
16. "The Green Eyed Butterfly" by Kiffany Dugger
17. "Greenwood" by Herbert McCann
18. "Tatto Tears" by Mr. Mean Mug
19. "The Circulary" by J. C. Thompson
20. "Sunday Morning Secrets" by Shirlita McFarland
21. "Sense of Love" by Sheryl Mallory-Johnson
22. "Cheating On My Mistress" by S. Dodson
23. "Liquid Sunshine" by Justin C. Hart
24. "Children of the Waters" by Carleen Brice
25. "Breakneck" by Erica Spindler
26. "Loitering with Intent" by Stuart Woods
27. "Sweet Deception" by Patricia Sargeant
28. "Traitor" by Mark Eller
29. "Excess Baggage" by Sean Gardner
30. "Jena's Choice" by Beverly Scott
31. "Home Repair" by Liz Rosenberg
32. "Married Lovers" by Jackie Collins
33. "The Osiris Alliance" by Jack Ford
34. "Numbers" by Dana Dane
35. "A Misrepresentation of Myself" by Mary E. Gilder
36. "My Husband's Fiance" by Kaira Denee
37. "The Last Block In Harlem" by Christopher Herz
38. "Unsigned Hype" by Booker T. Mattison
39. "Deviations: Covenant" by Elissa Malcohn
40. "Pulling Me Back" G Starr
41. "Flames of Deception" by Marcia Woodruff
42. "Cowgirl Dreams" by Heidi M. Thomas
43. "Don't Hate The Game", Anthology edited by Michael T. Owens
44. "The Magic Bullet" by Andrew Neiderman
45. "Secrets Unveiled" by Sheshena Pledger
46. "Black Dogs" by Jason Buhrmester
47. "East Garrison" by G.M. Weger
48. "Lotto" by Joe McDonald
49. "Fatal Waters" by Iris Moss
50. "Louisa" by Richard Emmel

TOP 50 NON-FICTION TITLES OF 2009

1. "Cheaper" by Rick Doble and Tom Philbin
2. "Down At The Docks" by Rory Nugent
3. "Memories of Times Past" by Marta Hiatt
4. "Satchel" by Larry Tye
5. "The Pixar Touch" by David Price
6. "The Sky Rained Heroes" by Frederick Lacroix
7. "Promotion: Denied" by Joseph Hoffler
8. "A Mighty Long Way" by Carlotta Walls Lanier
9. "Young Professional's Guide To Success" by Ryan Kohnen
10. "Hope, Change and Obama" by Norma Lavonne Smith
11. "Step Out On Nothing" by Byron Pitts
12. "Leaving Johnny Behind" by Anthony Pedriana
13. "My Goodness: My Kids" by Nesta Aharoni
14. "The Catch" by Gary Myers
15. "Angels Among Us... Even In Iraq" Diane Hassan
16. "Innocent War" by Susan Violante
17. "Brothers Kept Apart" by Walter Phillips
18. "Moonwalk" by Michael Jackson
19. "Cancer Vixen" by Maria Acocella Marchetto
20. "The Smartest Way To Save" by Samuel K. Freshman and Heidi Clingen
21. "Parallel Play" by Tim Page
22. "One and The Same" by Abigail Pogrebin
23. "In My Heart" by Ursula Hanks
24. "Lessons For The Living" by Stan Goldberg
25. "The Anatomy Of Buzz Revisited" by Emanuel Rosen
26. "Shattered Reality" by Kimberly Cheryl
27. "Babe Ruth and The Baseball Curse" by David A. Kelly
28. "The Weight Of Silence" by Shelley Seale
29. "The First 30 Seconds" by Stephen Armstrong
30. "The Happiness Factor" by Kirk Wilkinson
31. "Trust God and Buy Broccoli" by Gerri Helms
32. "The American Evolution" by Matt Harrison
33. "Giants Among Men" by Jack Cavanaugh
34. "Border Crosser" by Johnny Rico
35. "Man-Up" by Ricky Spann
36. "Living In The Rear View Mirror" by Kim Vazquez
37. "Looking For Closure" by Maria Stewart
38. "She and I" by Michael R. Brown
39. "My Heart Has Wings" by Kris King
40. "Step By Step" by Bertie Bowman
41. "Miracle On The Hudson" by William Prochnau and Laura Parker
42. "Perseverance" by Carolyn Robenstein
43. "We Were Relentless" by Martin J. Levin
44. "Bittersweet Journey" by Anthony Littlefield
45. "Look Me In The Eye" by John Elder Robison
46. "You Gotta Dance" by Bryant Daluz
47. "Lucy's Story" by Larry Hamilton
48. "Shh...Don't Tell" by M. A. Moorer
49. "Hidden Butterflies" by Nikki Ransom
50. "Red Grange" by Gary Andrew Poole

Missed our list from the past years? You will find them at www.thebestbookclub.info.

The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State

Contact: Cyrus A. Webb, Founder of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign

cawebb4@juno.com / 601.896.5616



Earlier this year, ABC News reported that over 30 million Americans ages 16 and up were unable to read or write well. This proves what many have said for some time: Illiteracy is an epidemic that is spreading daily, claiming victims of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.

Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign and their literary partners are excited to announce a historic event geared towards sharing the gift of reading and books across the United States under a show of united support in each state. On Saturday, November 21, 2009 between the hours of 10-6p.m., The Write Stuff founder and host Cyrus A. Webb is working with others in scheduling Reading Parties (see http://tinyurl.com/readingparties ) throughout the country geared towards 1) speaking in one voice in support of encouraging reading, 2) supporting local authors and their books and 3) providing a positive outlet that is sometimes overlooked with all the chaos going on in the world around us.

Each Reading Party will be designed for that particular area by that particular area. Webb and his supporters will only act as a means to promote the event and help strategize where their is a need for assistance. During the time frame selected by each Reading Party, there will be booksignings, book discussions or whatever seems appropriate to that host. The events are part of the Art, Books & Beats movement (www.artbooksandbeats.com) which combines the power of visual/literary art, books and music. Those participating will be listed online at www.thewritestufftv.com identified by their state along with what type of event they are hosting as well as the time of their event. All Reading Parties are free to the public.

If you are in a position to do so, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign is asking that you bring a new or used book to the event you attend. Book donations will benefit CityKids Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, Everybody Wins, Reading Tree, Adele's Literacy Library and NEA's "Read Across America".

Have questions about this National Day of Reading? Are you an author, book lover, book club or entertainer that would like to coordinate an event in connection with our historic literary event? Contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

(Sun. Oct. 11th on Conversations LIVE! Radio): C-Murder: The Man, The Music, The Movement & The Mission

A CONVERSATIONS LIVE! RADIO EXCLUSIVE...

(NOTE: To listen to the show live online visit this link: http://tinyurl.com/krvl39)
In August 2009 he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Before and after the verdict opinions and even jokes about the platinum-selling recording artist/bestselling author were found in conversations, on television, radio and all over the internet. You've heard the rumors and read the headlines, but who really is the man born Corey Miller but who came to fame as C-Murder? On Sunday, October 11, 2009 @ 6p.m. CST (7p.m. EST/4p.m. PT) we examine that question and more in this special 90-minute live presentation that you will find nowhere else...

C. A. Webb Presents... "C-Murder: The Man, The Music, The Movement & The Mission"

Hosted by Conversations LIVE! Radio host Cyrus A. Webb, the discussion will begin at 6p.m. CST (7p.m. EST/4p.m. PT) with an in-depth interview with Kernell Reynolds, VP of TRU Records. He will talk about the man he knows as Corey Miller, what music meant to him, how they dealt with the controversy around C-Murder and how TRU will continue on while their President is away. Reynolds will also discuss the things being said about Miller and talk about what he hopes people will take away from his career, his commitment to the people of New Orleans and young people in general as well as how he encourages Cee's fans to continue the work he has begun.

This discussion will be followed up at 6:30p.m. CST (7:30p.m. EST/4:30p.m. PT) when Webb will talk with authors Jermnine Demouchette (JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS and Mr. Mean Mug (TATTOO TEARS), both of whom were inspired by C-Murder's desire to overcome bad with good and became writers because of his example.


Lastly, Webb will discuss C-Murder's bestselling novel DEATH AROUND THE CORNER and address these issues which are discussed in the book:
* Why is hate something that has to be addressed early in life before it festers and grows in ones heart?
* What happens after you die? Do we all have guardian angels that want to help us do what is right?
* When it comes to hiphop, can it break down the racial barriers that exist?
* To what extent do you show loyalty to those who you feel as though have been with you through the good and the bad?
* When we hear someone has been arrested or charged with a crime, do we automatically assume their guilt?
* At what age should youth be educated about sex, pregnancy and how you get sexually transmitted diseases?
* When it comes to the truth, is everything always cut and dry--- black and white?
* The book has what is considered a "mercy killing" by some. How do you feel about it and can you understand the reasoning behind it?
* Is abortion ever a solution in a relationship between consentual adults? What if the two were using some form of protection and it failed?
* When it comes to people like Pam (one of Daquan's sexual partners), what does it show for the reason why some young ladies are quick to have sex with the "bad boy" or "rough neck" on the block?

Webb will be taking YOUR CALLS AS WELL, so this is one show you don't want to miss! Save the date: Sunday, October 11, 2009. To listen to the show live online visit this link: http://tinyurl.com/krvl39 . For more information, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.


RELATED ARTICLES
10/07---"Mississippi should be honored": C-Murder Visit to Mississippi in Oct. 2007
“The TRU Story of How Conversations Partnered with Platinum-selling Recording Artist /Bestselling author C-Murder” by Herschel Dixon with Stanley Clark of For The People Productions
"Book Club President Vows To Continue The Dialogue Started by Platinum-Selling Recording Artist/Bestselling Author C-Murder"

New league of comic book superheroes bring message of hope and change to the world

New league of comic book superheroes bring message of hope and change to the world
By Cyrus A. Webb


At a time when the world is dealing with a recession, high umemployment, problems with illiteracy, teen pregnancies and other day-to-day situations, a new comic book series brings not only entertainment but a powerful message for those young and old.

The Legend of LIONMAN and the SEVEN KURODOS is the first culturally diverse league of Superheros with education as a focus. The series was created to inspire, delight, uplift and educate millions of children and adults all over the world. LIONMAN and his culturally diverse team of young superheroes perform heroic and moral deeds, both real and fictional, to help create a better world.

"We all need a Superhero to help us stand strong and make good choices," says LIONMAN founder, Grand Master Eric O'Neal, Sr. "This series of stories will help students strengthen their self-esteem and make appropriate choices in life."

Grand Master Eric O' Neal, Sr. has been an integral presence in martial arts for over 30 years and has been working with the youth of New Orleans for over 20 of those 30 years as a Grand Master of Karate. Raised in the Desire housing project and introduced to martial arts at a young age, Master O' Neal grew up admiring Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris for their outstanding contributions to the world and aspired to be amongst their ranks. At the age of eleven, he won his first karate tournament in Lake Charles, Louisiana and went on to win the All South National Karate Championship for three years straight. And this was only the beginning. Soon after, Master O' Neal embarked upon his travels throughout the country, competing and winning hundreds of coveted titles.

When Lionman was officially introduced early in 2009, it was with the message that change was not only possible. It was here. O'Neal has been taken advantage of every opportunity to share the hope that Lionman brings, going to colleges and universities as well as sharing his students and teachings at powerful venues such as the Essence Music Festival. Whether it is speaking to a small group of hungry individuals in the inner city or traveling to California to be a keynote speaker at the Masters' Karate Hall of Fame, there is no place the mission of Lionman will not reach.

O'Neal has already implemented the skills taught by the superheroes in his programs in New Orleans, LA, but that is only the beginning. He is taking the project nationwide and beyond. He explains: "In the near future LIONMAN and the SEVEN KURODOS will provide an online tutorial program (located through www.thelegendoflionman.com) where students can receive help via the website in various school subjects from pre-k through 12th grade. Students can receive wise counsel and support with problems that arise in school, at play, at home or within themselves to guide them in making good, appropriate choices. In addition, we have created positive songs that instruct kids in their decision making process."

The ancient legend of LIONMAN is a timeless saga that teaches lifelong lessons, amidst the drama and turmoil of the 21st century. Join us as we join forces to help our children begin to say, "Yes I Can!"

Grandmaster Eric O'Neal joins Shadow Play Entertainment and its family of authors encluding Tray Chaney (The Truth You Can't Betray), Jacki-O (Grown & Gangsta), Jermnine Demouchette (James Demouchette VS. The State of Texas), Mr. Mean Mug (Tattoo Tears) and Sherry Hill (The Marquise Hill Story) in promoting literacy worldwide.

To find more more information about The Legend of Lionman, visit www.thelegendoflionman.com. To see how you can bring Grandmaster Eric O'Neal and the program to your area or have him speak at an upcoming event, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@Juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Jermnine Demouchette: Using Family History of Crime and Tragedy to Offer Hope and Advice

Jermnine Demouchette: Using Family History of Crime and Tragedy to Offer Hope and Advice by Cyrus A. Webb

(NOTE: Jermnine Demouchette appeared as a guest on Conversations LIVE! Radio on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. You can hear the exclusive interview here: http://tobtr.com/s/699262 .)
Jermnine Demouchette is a man who understands what it means to appreciate every day of his life. The 34 year old Houston, Texas resident spends much of his time today with his family and marketing his book JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS. Though he appreciates each day and looks forward to a promising future, he understands that this is a luxury that many in his family have not had the privilege to do.

His book is a perfect example of that. It chronicles the life of his brother, James Demouchette, and the life that he lived which resulted in his being convicted of murder and executed in 1992.

“I grew up in Houston, TX,” Jermnine says, “but there wasn’t a lot of violence around me at that time.” Being the baby of 14 children, though, he saw several members of his family fall victim to crime throughout his life. “I know my daddy used to drink, and when he did he could be abusive to the kids,” says Demouchette. “He also used to lash out at animals and abuse them as well. My oldest brother was a pimp years ago. He is now a family man who has learned from the mistakes and decisions of his past. Another brother was convicted of bank robbery in 1982. He is scheduled to be released in Oct. 2009. My oldest sister’s son (my nephew) has been sentenced to 50 years in jail for murder, and I have another brother that has a life sentence, too.”

Jermnine’s father passed away in 1983. His momma remarried in 1985.

When it comes to his brother James Demouchette, Jermnine seems at a loss as to how to explain the man he became. “I’m not sure why James turned out the way he did,” he says. “I do know that he got his first gun when he was seven years old, and it seemed as though he always had one after that. James’ life was a revolving door in and out of prison. Before the murders in 1976 that eventually were the cause of his being executed, he had gone to jail in 1970 for burglary and was out on parole in 1974.”

Unlike the reform that it offers many, James’ crime spree continued even behind bars. He was cited many times for fights and even committed rapes and murders while in prison. Taking on the name Doom, the young man was described in turn by prison officials as the meanest man on death row.

Jermnine said that in conversations with her son his Momma found out more about how James felt about his life while locked up. “When he returned to prison and was sentenced to die,” he says, “James told Ma that he had been raped. Explaining why he was abusing other inmates he told her ‘It’s either going to be them or me.’ Later he would say that the things he was doing was ‘not something I wanted to do but had to do.’” Jermnine pauses and then adds: “He also told ma that he felt as though he was Satan’s child.” She last saw her son James in 1988.

James Demouchette was executed on September 23, 1992 after the United States Supreme Court twice declined to intervene. The 37-year-old inmate had no final statement, but his lawyers had argued that psychological tests describing him as a sociopath should have been introduced at his trial.

His life of crime included stabbing a fellow prisoner to death and wounding three guards during his 15 years on death row. The loss of Jermnine's brother was compounded by the death of his mother just three weeks later after a long fight with cancer.

To date 20,000 copies of JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS have been sold online, in select bookstores and through person-to-person marketing. It is getting the attention of people in the streets, those in the public eye like international rapper Slim Thug (seen here) as well as individuals all over the country.
Why did Jermnine decide to write the book and release it now? “I was inspired by C-Murder’s book DEATH AROUND THE CORNER when it came out in 2006,” he says. “Cee wrote about things I could relate to, and I knew that if he could use his experiences to write something that powerful then so could I. In 2007 I got over 700 Disciplinary Records about my brother from the Attorney General, and after reading through them I knew that this was something I had to share with the world. I wanted them to see exactly how things can happen.”

In sharing the rocky background of his family, Jermnine Demouchette is not afraid to share details about his own life in the process. “I’m not perfect. Though I never killed anyone, I got into trouble and was locked up in 2005 for theft and credit card abuse and served nine months. That taught me a lot. I didn’t want to turn out like my brother. I don’t care how hard you are, how gangsta you are or how much of a man you think you are, jail is a place that no one wants to be. I am hoping to use my story to help influence kids in a positive way. A life of crime is not fun and games. That is not a life that anyone should want, or that I would want for anyone.”

To find out more about Jermnine Demouchette visit http://www.myspace.com/jamesdemouchette. To schedule the authors for interviews or events, contact Cyrus A. Webb either at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

C. A. Webb Presents... "Separate But Equal: African American Authors in Today's Bookstores, Part 2"

Join Cyrus A. Webb of Conversations Book Club and Conversations LIVE! Radio for Part 2* of his discussion "Separate But Equal: African American Authors in Today's Bookstores". Joining Webb will be authors Evie Rhodes, Carleen Brice, Joey Pinkney, Tony Lindsay and Roy Glenn.

The discussion will take place live on Sunday, September 13, 2009 @ 6p.m CST (7p.m. EST/4p.m. PT) for the hour and will include your thoughts through the phone line and chatroom. Among the issues talked about will be the following:

1)How do you think a segregated section has affected your sales and audience personally?
2)How is any form of segregation accepted today as a "good thing"?
3)For readers who say it provides convenience, is it really just a sign of laziness that is negatively affecting book sales?
4)What role does the publisher play in making the playing field in bookstores more level?
5)How far are you willing to go to reach out to a wider audience of readers?

To listen to the show live and let your voice be heard, simply tune in to Conversations LIVE! Radio at this link: http://tinyurl.com/lasbje Want to email questions or comments for the panel? Send them to Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or leave them on his voicemail service at 601.896.5616.


*If you missed part two of this important topic with authors Gloria Mallette, Bernice McFadden and Margaret Johnson Hodge, visit this link: http://tobtr.com/s/673420 . Previous episodes of Conversations LIVE! Radio can be found here.