(Sat. April 3, 2010) Conversations Welcomes Mississippi author Rita B. Davis

(Saturday, April 3, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club are pleased to host Mississippi author Rita B. Davis at its meeting on Saturday, April 3, 2010. This will take place at Appetizers Restaurant (3000 HWY 80 E * Pearl, MS) beginning at 6p.m.

If Davis looks familiar, it's because she has been supporting meetings held by Conversations all year, however, during this event she will be talking about the pain of losing a child and how that led her to write the book OVERWHELMED about her experience and his life.

The book will be available for $15.00, however, the event is free and open to the public. Appetizers will be open for meal and drink orders.

For more information about this event, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

(Fri. March 26, 2010) Author Herndon Davis' Visti To MS: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

(Note: Due to a personal emergency, author Herndon Davis had to cut short the Mississippi leg of his events. This means that events scheduled for St. March 27, 2010 are being rescheduled for a later date.)

Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club wish to thank those who made author Herndon Davis' visit to Mississippi a success. Though the author is a native of Alabama and has been to Mississippi before, this was his first visit to promote his new book REPACKAGED COMMON SENSE.

Led by Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb and For The People Productions President Stanley Clark, the day began at Peeples Middle School in Jackson, Mississippi. Thanks to the support of teachers like Mrs. Jacqueline Bolden, Herndon shared his personal journey with the students and tried to instill in them the importance of writing and telling their own stories.

"If you don't tell your story, then someone else will," the author told them.





He went on to share points that he hoped they would take away from his book and his visit. "Remember that you are not what other people say you are," Herndon said. "Don't accept the stereotypes that others try to put on you."

After leaving Peeples, Webb took the author by the Medgar Evers Public Library, the place where Clark and him founded Conversations Book Club in November 2006. Davis was able to meet some of the staff of the library that was there when the book club started and even posed with the statue of the library's namesake, civil rights leader Medgar Evers.


From there it was on to Morrison Academic Center where Davis, Webb and Clark were warmly greeted at the door by Mrs. Sterling, the school principal.
An eager group of students and instructors listened to Davis as he shared more of his own experiences in business and his journey to success. "It's hard work," he told them when one student asked what it was like working for yourself, "but it's my passion."




One of the most important points he tried to drive home to the group was the importance of not being led by the past. He rolled up one of his sleeves and showed the group a scar on his arm. "I got this in a fight on a school bus," he told them. "I remember the incident, but it doesn't hurt anymore. That's what we have to do in life. We might remember things that happened, but they don't have to hurt us anymore. We are not victims."

Mr. Davis also shared with the group the importance of planning for the future, especially if college is their goal. "The work begins before you get to high school," he said. "You have to start preparing now, and working with your teachers is a part of that."

ABOUT REPACKAGED COMMON SENSE: Repackaged Common Sense is a 13 chapter, 200 page spiritual guide book for individuals seeking career and business success by utilizing spirituality tools and techniques. The book speaks directly to career minded people-of-faith from all beliefs as it is written through the lens of universal spirituality and metaphysical thinking.

The book's author created the guide based upon his nearly twenty year career in corporate finance, human resources and media/PR as both an employee and now as an independent business owner. He credits his success to embracing new age spiritual concepts which he lovingly coins as "repackaged common sense."

Find out more information about the author and his new book at http://www.repackagedcommonsense.com.

(Press Release) Cast Member From HBO's The Wire Talks Black Marriage

Cast Member From HBO's The Wire Talks Black Marriage

Tray Chaney featured in Black Marriage Day Documentary Premiere


Known as Poot Carr from the HBO series, The Wire, Tray Chaney sheds the well-known corner boy personae to join his wife Ayesha and seven other couples in Tyler New Media's documentary, YOU SAVED ME, an intimate look into the lives of eight married African-American couples.

"A project like this shows more of the real me," says Chaney. "A lot of times people try to make other actors and myself like the characters we bring to life. YOU SAVED ME gives you the Tray Chaney that my family and friends know when the cameras are off. That is the me that I hope others will draw encouragement from."

This Sunday, March 28th, Chaney will join Black Marriage Day founder Nisa Muhammad and film creators and Essence bloggers Lamar and Ronnie Tyler as they host the DC area red carpet premiere of the film that debuts in 28 cities nationwide this weekend as part of the national Black Marriage Day celebration.

A follow up to Tyler New Media's 2009 best selling documentary, HAPPILY EVER AFTER: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, YOU SAVED ME explores marriage's trials, changes, successes, and ultimately the individual healing that comes out of true love and commitment.

Motivated by the sobering statistics surrounding high divorce and low marriage rates in the Black community, Muhammad, who was featured on CNN's Black in America 2 , and Lamar and Ronnie Tyler, authors of the award winning blog Black and Married with Kids, have joined forces through the premiere designed to counter pervasive negative views of Black marriage in society. A panel discussion follows the event. YOU SAVED ME will be released on DVD at Amazon.com Monday, March 29th.

WHEN: Sunday, March 28 2010
Press Arrivals: 2 p.m.; Film creators, Black Marriage Day Founder and featured couples available for interviews.
Red Carpet: 2:30 p.m.
Film Screening: 3 p.m.

WHERE: Publick Playhouse 5445 Landover Rd Cheverly , MD 20784

Official Trailer: www.yousavedmemovie.com

This program is co-sponsored by M-NCPPC's Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County. For ticket information visit http://yousavedmemovie.eventbrite.com or call 301-343-1828.

(Fri. March 26, 2010) News From Shadow Play Entertainment

Since it was formed in 1999, Shadow Play Entertainment has been committed to sharing the talents of its clients and making a difference in the lives of others. Now in March 2010, President and Founder Cyrus Webb is pleased to once again share the most recent highlights from the growing public relations family:

* Are you the author of a book that is considered inspirational and designed to help others? Are you an independently published author who is finding it difficult to get into bookstores? Then Christian Touch Media (3154 Mansfield Hwy * Forest Hill, TX 76119) is just for you. Located in Forest Hill, TX and founded by author J. Nicole Spencer, Christian Touch Media allows your books to be stocked and sold on a consignment bases and allows you to be marketed through their site www.christiantouchmedia.com and get on bookshelves next to books that are distributed nationally. Nicole is also the host of a radio program in the area as well called "On the Spot", and she will use that to market those who are sold in her store as well. If you are interested in this great opportunity, feel free to contact Christian Touch Media directly with any questions. Nicole can be reached at 817.413.4544 or info@christiantoucmedia.com. Make sure you tell her that Shadow Play told you about it.


* Fashion designer/stylist/radio show host Gail Ambeau has been featured by California-based City Flight Magazine in an article called "Fashion: Contemporary African American Designers from San Francisco to New York" Read the article here: http://cityflight.com/?p=757#more-757


* Want more Gail Ambeau? She has also been featured by Woman's Day onlnline in an article called "9 Secrets of Wardrobe Stylists". Read it here: http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Fashion/Personal-Style/9-Secrets-of-Wardrobe-Stylists.html


* Shadow Play welcomes Dr. Diane Hassan, author of ANGELS AMONG US...EVEN IN IRAQ to its family. After spending almost 20 years in Iraq, Diane wanted to share her experience and her story about the people with others. Find out more about the author and the book at http://www.angelsamonguseveninirag.blogspot.com/


* Shadow Play is also working this Spring and Summer in the promotion of bestselling author Electa Rome Parks' newest title DIARY OF A STALKER. If you are looking for a spicy thriller with an enjoyable storyline, this is one book to put on your list. Find out more about Electa and her other work at www.electaromeparks.com.


* Texas client Shane Gregory aka Mr. Mean Mug was recently featured by celebrated speaker/blogger Derrick Hayes. His comments on overcoming obstacles can be found here, http://derrickhayes.com/blog-1/


* Shadow Play Entertainment client and friend Tray Chaney is celebrating the launch of a new project featuring himself, his wife Ayesha and seven other couples. It is a Tyler New Media's documentary, YOU SAVED ME: an intimate look into the lives of eight married African-American couples. YOU SAVED ME explores marriage's trials, changes, successes, and ultimately the individual healing that comes out of true love and commitment. With a premiere on Sunday, March 28, 2010, YOU SAVED ME will be released on DVD at www.Amazon.com beginning on Monday, March 29th. Read more about the project here, http://shadowplayent.blogspot.com/2010/03/press-release-cast-member-from-hbos.html

(March 22-30, 2010) Coming Up On Conversations LIVE! Radio

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce what you can look forward to in the coming days on Conversations LIVE! Radio. Hosted by Cyrus Webb, the award-winning talk show heard on the radio dial in the South and online worldwide continues to bring you the guests that people are talking about and shows on the issues that matter to you.

(To listen to any of the shows live, simply visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or listen via the studio line at 1.347.426.3645. All guests should call into the program at least 5 minutes early to ensure you are connected when the show goes live.)

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010 @ 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) --- Host Cyrus Webb welcomes multi-media personality Herndon Davis to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about his journey to success and the tour he is currently on to promote the new book REPACKAGED COMMON SENSE.

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) --- Host Cyrus Webb welcomes author Charmaine Tucker to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about her new book and what's next for her in 2010.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) --- Host Cyrus Webb welcomes back author Diane Hassan to Conversations LIVE! Radio to catch listeners up on what she has been doing and to talk about her book ANGELS AMONG US...EVEN IN IRAQ.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 @ 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) --- Cyrus Webb welcomes author Kelly Zimmerman Green at the top of the hour to talk about her journey as an author and the book Tender Love. At 30 min. past the hour, Webb welcomes back author Valerie Dodson to talk about her new non-fiction title.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) --- Cyrus Webb welcomes author Michele Cameron to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss her career as a writer, and what she hopes to achieve in 2010.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) --- Bestselling author Deborah Gregory of Cheetah Girls fame talks to Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE! Radio about her remarkable achievements and what's next for her.

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010 @ 7p.m. EST (6p.m. CST/4p.m. PT) --- Host Cyrus Webb welcomes author Dela Sandra McKnight to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss her new book THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS. At 45 min. past the hour, stay with Conversations for this week's edition of "Herschel D's Weekly Sports Wrap-Up".

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010 @ 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) --- Host Cyrus Webb welcomes bestselling author Zetta Elliott to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about her amazing career during Women's History Month.

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010 @ 1P.M. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) --- Host Cyrus Webb welcomes recording artist Debra Ashley to Conversatiosn LIVE! Radio to talk about her amazing career, when she found her voice and to debut her single DO IT AFRAID.

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) --- Cyrus Webb welcomes author A. P. Jones to Conversations LIVE! Radio to talk about her journey as a writer, her new book BILLION DOLLAR WINNER and what's next for her.

Missed any of the live shows? Catch up at www.conversationsliveradio.com.  Interested in advertising on Conversations LIVE! or being a guest? Contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Author Electa Rome Parks' Trip To Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

(Sat. March 20, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club thanks everyone who played a part of Bestselling author Electa Rome Parks' trip to Mississippi being a success.

The last time the author was in the Magnolia State was for Conversations' Book Lovers Day in 2008. (see below)
At that time she was joined by several authors, however, this year readers got to spend time just with her.

Electa began her day at Books-A-Million in Jackson, MS. There she was able to meet with readers and talk about her sixth book DIARY OF A STALKER.




From there it was on the Pearl Public Library where she was greeted by the Reference Supervisor Jennifer Vess, and once again got a chance to talk about her new book and her overall career as an author.



After a short break, it was on to Appetizers Restaurant where she was able to get a bite to eat and talk about some of the themes in her latest thriller.

For those in Mississippi that might have missed Electa, there are signed copies of her book at Books-A-Million. To find out more about the author and her overall literary journey, visit www.electaromeparks.com.

Herschel Dixon: Pulling His Own Weight In The Fight Against Obesity

by Cyrus Webb
(Note: Herschel Dixon spoke to Cyrus Webb on Conversations LIVE! Radio about his journey. Listen to the interview here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2010/03/21/herschel-dixon-and-sedrick-muhammad-on-conversations-live-radio


The journey of Herschel Dixon is one that men and women across the world can relate to in some way.


Growing up, sports were more than just a hobby for the Cuba, Alabama native. Beginning at the age of four, he had found something he not only enjoyed but was good at. Growing up in Aurora, IL, he did well in school academically, but by the age of 12 or 13, he was already thinking of making football his profession in life. He trained hard, lifting weights and tried to take care of himself inside and out.

In high school Herschel was at the top of his game in football as a member of the Waubonsie Valley Warriors with numerous scholarships and college opportunities at his feet. By his junior year attending college at Western Kentucky his battle with his weight led to depression and threatened to derail his hopes for the future. But the worst was yet to come.

Herschel would not see his dream of playing ball professionally come to light. Though he left college,he didn't leave behind the eating habits that he had picked up. "Fast food was my biggest weakness," he confesses. "I looked at food as my way of escaping my problems instead of dealing with what was really bothering me."


By 2009, he found himelf married with two children and at a dangerous weight of over 380 pounds. It was at that point Herschel looked at his life and knew that he had to make a change. "I love my family with all my heart," he says, "I knew that if I kept on the path I was on, that I wouldn't be here for them in the future."

In August 2009, Herschel began to take steps that would change his life. After weighing his options, he decided to undergo the gastric band procedure, but he knew that was only a fraction of the equation. In order for him to make a real difference in his life, he was going to have to change his lifestyle as well---and that included what he put in his body.

Exercise, dietary supplements like Optimum Nutrition and making healther choices when it came to food became part of a new routine for Dixon. It also brought about a new mindset as well. "I look at food as something I have to do," he says. "I understand it's not my friend."

Eight months later and after losing over 80 pounds, Herschel may not be playing professional football, but he is making the most of each day. The 31-year old is hosting his own weekly radio show called "Herschel D's Weekly Sports Wrap-Up" and is a supporter of literacy programs like The Write Stuff and even has his own project in the works called Read Or Die.

Success looks different to him now. It's not about a big contract or even fame. "Success for me is about being the best husband, father and individual that I can be," Herschel says. "I want others to be able to look at me and what I've done and say that I encouraged them in their own fight. If I can help others, then that is all I could ever ask for."