Tuesday, May 21, 2013

INSPIRATION: Frustrated Dreamers, Don't Give Up! (Tyler Perry)




We plan to share inspirational letters every week on our blog, below is the latest inspirational note from Tyler Perry. This touched us and we feel it will touch others. During these hard economic times, many have taken a break from their dreams to work a job they hate...but hold onto your dreams, continue to take action - even if it is just a little step every day, and then ask the most high to continue to guide you so that your dreams may dream for you and eventually become a reality. 

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THIS IS FOR FRUSTRATED DREAMERS by Tyler Perry 
I was driving in to work this morning and I started thinking about all the days I dreaded going to work. I was so sick of it… the job, my boss, the people I worked with, the traffic… I would wake up angry every morning. I didn’t want to deal with the crap of the job, but I was forced to go. I had been homeless, I was broke, living paycheck to hopefully the next paycheck. I couldn’t take a day off for fear I would get fired. I was just frustrated. I thought I hated my life and the job. 
It was so aggravating because God had placed all these dreams and hopes in my soul and mind and I had no idea how they were going to come to pass. To have a dream of being something better and living better than the way I was at that moment and to not see a way of getting there felt like death to me. I thought, “Dear God, why would you give me so much hope and not make a way?” But what I learned through prayer was, with no path in front of you and no road map… this is where true faith begins. With faith I realized that I wasn’t frustrated with my life or the job, I was frustrated because I was a person who had dreams for myself, a person who had visions for my life and I wasn’t living it. Have you ever been there, where you felt so strongly that there was more to this life than what you see in front of you?


One of the most difficult things about being a dreamer is the fear that the dream will never happen. I’m here as a living witness to tell you your dreams can come true. You can’t give up. And I am here to let you know that everything can work together for your good. The time that you are spending on that job that you think is a dead end is not. You’re being prepared just like I was. I was a shoeshine boy, I worked as a bill collector, a used car salesman, in housekeeping in a hotel, and they all were preparation for where I am now. 
What do these things have to do with where I am now? I’m glad you asked. I am able to use skills that I learned. I shined shoes, so I know how to shine my shoes if I need them to look nice. Selling used cars was a great way to learn how to close a deal. Bill collecting taught me great negotiation skills. Working at that 5-star hotel taught me a lot about travel. Every experience in your life is here to teach you something.
Today, while you’re at work, don’t be frustrated. Look around you and ask God what are you there to learn and how will it be a part of your future dream. Honor that job, do the best you can at it, because God will bless you for honoring something that belongs to another. 
I hope this inspires you today. If you need a little more inspiration then watch my first sit-down interview in years with Oprah on Oprah's Next Chapter. It airs this Sunday on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network at 9/8c. I talk a little about not giving up. I know it will move you.

Here’s a prayer for today: “God help me hold on, help me to get to what I dream of, help me to honor where I am today so that I can appreciate where I will be tomorrow. In Jesus' name.”
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VIDEO: Emotional Reunions at Briarwood Elementary School in Oklahoma


Picture by Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman
Pictured above, a teacher hugs a child at Briarwood Elementary school after a tornado destroyed the school in south OKC Oklahoma City, OK, Monday, May 20, 2013. Near SW 149th and Hudson. By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman

Below you will see a video of tearful reunions at Briarwood Elementary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones due to the tornado in Oklahoma. Our thoughts also go out to those who may have lost their homes and/or personal belongings, we pray all things can be restored in time. 

video

Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio Confirmed for X-Factor



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Fox has confirmed that former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland and Latin singer Paulina Rubio will be the new “X Factor” judges for season three, joining executive producer-judge Simon Cowell and his surviving panelist from last season, pop singer Demi Lovato.
“It’s taken more than a decade but I’m delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!),” said Cowell in a statement. “Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. It just feels like the time to do something different.”
Both have experience judging, as Rowland at one point judged the U.K. version of the X-Factor and Rubio judged the Mexican version of The Voice. 
We applaud Cowell for sticking with the X-Factor, as it has not reached the heights of his previous project American Idol. We wonder if the audience is growing tired of these talent shows, as Idol's ratings have lowered as well.

NEW MUSIC: Mario's Somebody Else feat. Nicki Minaj

Mario has joined forces with Nicki Minaj for his new single, "Somebody Else," produced by Polo Da Don. Check out the audio below! The song will be available on iTunes tomorrow (May 22).

Janet Jackson is Prepping New Music, 'Janet' Album Turns 20!


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Well it looks like the Rhythm Nation star will NOT be retiring from music...her marriage to billionaire Wissam Al Mana will not stop the icon from her true love of music. 

Janet recently sat down with Billboard Magazine to speak on her upcoming music plans. "We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music. I am excited about the direction we are taking." As for when the music will be released, she said, "I don't want to rush it … I don't want to put a time constraint on the creative process."

Janet (1993) album cover
The singer also spoke on the 20th anniversary of the Janet album, which has sold 7 million copies since 1993. "I can't believe it is already 20 years!" she said. "I always write my music based on what is going on in my life. I wanted to allow people in … I want my fans to really know me. That janet. album was sexual and I was beginning to really discover that side of me."

Janet also spoke on her love of Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice," which samples one of her big hits, "Anytime, Anyplace." 

Well we can't wait to see what's next for Janet...hopefully some more films as well! 

FIRST LOOK: Idris Elba's Mandela Poster

Geez....who knew Mandela was this sexy.... but in all seriousness...below is the first look at the poster for the film, Mandela, starring Idris Elba!! The Justin Chadwick-directed film will cover Mandela's early life and 27 years in prison. Skyfall star Naomie Harris will portray Winnie Mandela.

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Monday, May 20, 2013

VIDEO: Beyonce Speaks on new film EPIC, says her voice confused Blue Ivy!


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Singer Beyonce sat down with Amy Robach of ABC, and spoke on her newest role. In the upcoming animated film, "Epic," Beyonce reigns over the forest as Queen Tara. The singer says, she was connected to the character. "She is so graceful. I wish I could be that graceful. It's so beautiful to see that and hear my crazy voice. It's so strange," the singer told ABC.


Beyonce mentioned how her daughter Blue watched the film with her, but is too young at this point to truly understand what was going on. "Like, why is that voice coming out of that queen?," Beyonce stated.

Beyonce also addressed some of her insecurities when trying to get back into the "groove" after having her first child. Check out interview below.



VIDEO: Prince Rocks the Billboard Music Awards 2013

The legend, the icon Prince rocked the Billboard Music Awards 2013...he did not disappoint! Sporting his natural...Prince had the crowd on its feet his entire performance.

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VIDEO: Chris Brown's Performance of "Fine China" at the Billboard Music Awards 2013

Chris Brown at the Billboard Music Awards 2013

Chris Brown channeled his inner Michael Jackson at the Billboard Music Awards 2013...as he performed his song, Fine China. 

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VIDEO (YIKES): Miguel Crushes Two Fans during Billboard Music Awards Performance

Miguel at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Miguel was feeling the music during his performance at the Billboard Music Awards 2013...so much so, he jumped over the audience, only to land on the heads of two girls. Catch clip.

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Hopefully the young girls are ok...yikes!

Full performance of Miguel



VIDEO: Nicki Minaj Gives Lil Wayne a Lap Dance at Billboard Music Awards 2013

Many men around the U.S. are fixated with Nicki Minaj's "booty," she took it to another level last night at the Billboard Music Awards 2013, when she grinded Lil Wayne in front of millions. Lil Wayne ended with "all that a**." Lol hilarious!

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VIDEO: Justin Bieber + Will.i.am's Performance at the Billboard Music Awards 2013

This generation's teen idol performed his single, Take You, which was chosen by his fans via an online poll. Justin Bieber arrived via a space ship...he definitely took his fans on a journey.

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He later won the award for Top Male Artist, beating Drake and Flo Rida.



Bieber also shared the stage with Will.i.am