BET's Programs for 2011

BET is offering new shows for 2011 including Let's Stay Together and The LaurieAnn Gibson Project and is also bringing back the favorites like 106 and Park.

We all remember BET in the days of Video Soul, Comic View, Teen Summit and Rap City. More recently, BET has continued to diversify and improve its programming by adding new shows and personalities. Reality shows, diverse music programs like 106 and Park and Bobby Jones Gospel that showcase hip hop, R&B and gospel music, syndicated sitcoms and talk shows are all a part of BET's lineup today.

BET's Reality Shows

BET's reality series have included College Hill, The Michael Vick Project, Monica: Still Standing, Baldwin Hills, Tiny & Toya and First In. Toya from Tina and Toya, the wife of Lil' Wayne, is expected to also have her own series in 2011, according to BET.com. A new reality series is also slated for 2011 with LaurieAnn Gibson, who according to BET.com, was a part of MTV's Making the Band. BET shares that Gibson is a choreographer and that the show will feature a competition among dancers. The LaurieAnn Gibson Project is set to air in the summer of 2011

Gospel Programming on BET

Gospel programs on BET have included Bobby Jones Gospel, Sunday Best and Celebration of Gospel. Bobby Jones Gospel is a definite staple in BET's programming. BET.com states that this program is the "longest continuously running original series on cable television" and will be returning in 2011. Other BET upstart shows include Sunday Best, the gospel version of American Idol hosted by Kirk Franklin with the duo Mary Mary and Bebe Winans as the judges. The Celebration of Gospel has been running for over ten years and has the energetic host, comedian, Steve Harvey.

Talk Shows on BET

Actress and comedian Mo'Nique  is one of the headliners on BET, but not in a new sitcom or movie. Mo'Nique hosts her own talk show, The Mo'Nique Show, which is exclusive to BET. In the past seasons, her show has featured the cast from The Game, Nelly, Musiq Soulchild and many other entertainers. BET is also airing episodes of The Wendy Williams Show. Williams' show also airs on other television stations and she interviews celebrities like Kelsey Grammer and Fantasia, chitchats about the daily happenings and shares information about fashion.

BET is Bringing Us Sitcoms

We have seen the syndicated sitcoms, The Bernie Mac Show, Everybody Hates Chris, The Proud Family cartoon and Girlfriends, on BET. For 2011, BET is bringing back the once CW Network show The Game for a fresh new fourth season. A new sitcom is also to be introduced called Let's Stay Together in relation to two couples and a single relative and their fun with romance. BET continues to enhance its programming so that it can attract a wider range of viewers. For 2011, new sitcoms to BET include new episodes of The Game and a new program Let's Stay Together. Fresh reality series are also in the plans for BET's 2011 programming. BET fans can look forward to seeing new episodes of their favorite shows, Bobby Jones Gospel and 106 and Park. For more information about BET's programming, please visit Bet.com.

We are our own miracles - we can help each other solve problems

Sometimes we look for miracles when there are bad things happening to us. However, every day, we have the miracle of life and love. No matter what the issue may be, there is some resolution. We often look at things negatively if it does not go our way.

If I am diagnosed with deadly disease, I will be devastated. However, I either have to accept it or let it kill me faster. Sometimes working on a positive outlook and prayer can help us balance ourselves.

Why do we always want to win? Or is it that what we perceive as winning in a situation really isn't? When my car broke down, I felt down. However, I am catching the bus, riding with friends or paying a taxi. This new experience actually helps me to save money becaue I stay out of the grocery store every other day.

I have resigned from a position without a new job. I was confident that I would be able to find employment. The job that I landed was not the ideal post for my background but the salary sold it for me. I learned well and have since transitioned to another organization.

I stay focused but I go through the ups and downs like everyone else. I don't always share my problems and actually I rarely do. I have friends who share and I try to give them a listening ear because sometimes that's all we need. I have a special friend who believes in solutions. I admire her for that because she is about making good things happen and sharing with others.

Everyone has their special things about them. We can all help each other stay focused and grounded. Pick me up when I am falling! Encourage me when I am slouching! Let's help each other set SMART goals! YEA US!!!!

The miracle in life is very simple. We have all the answers. Prayer, family and grounding oneself.

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New Episodes of The Game to Air on BET in January 2011

BET is bringing back the sitcom, The Game, in 2011 with new episodes and the original cast including Tia Mowry, Pooch Hall and Coby Bell.

On September 28, 2006, the CW Network premiered a new sitcom, The Game, which was created by Mara Brock Akil. The Game tells a story about the life of fictional football players of the "San Diego Sabers" and their relationships. The Game was cancelled by CW in 2009 and BET is planning to launch new episodes in starting January 2011.

The Cast of the Sitcom, The Game

The Game has an all-star cast of young actors who seem to carry their roles with passion. "Derwin Davis," the young rookie football player, is played by Pooch Hall. Derwin's girlfriend is "Melanie

Barnett," the young medical school student, played by Tia Mowry Hardrict. Tia is known for her role on the sitcom Sister, Sister with her twin sister Tamera Mowry.

The star quarterback of the show is "Malik Wright," a role that Hosea Chanchez ably carries. Malik's mother and manager is the spunky and vivacious "Tasha Mack" played by Wendy Raquel Robinson. We know Wendy from her roles on the Steve Harvey Show, Miss Congeniality (2000) and Two Can Play That Game (2001) which she acted with Morris Chestnut and Vivica Fox.

Coby Bell plays the cheapskate "San Diego Sabers" football team captain, "Jason Pitts." Brittany Daniel from White Chicks (2004) plays Jason's wife, "Kelly Pitts." Other notable actors who have appeared on The Game include Rick Fox (http://rickfox.com/), as himself dating Tasha, Robin Givens as herself, married to Malik for a short time, and Stacey Dash as "Camille," an eventual girlfriend of Jason. Musicians who have appeared on The Game include gospel's Donnie McClurkin, R&B's Musiq Soulchild, hip hop's Lil' Kim, Too Short and Soulja Boy, and rap's Rob Base.

The Game is a TV Show that Brought Comedy and Drama

The Game presented three seasons of amazing drama and comedy. The characters went through many life changes - from heartbreak to new nuptials. Derwin and Melanie broke up several times and eventually got married on the final episode. Derwin's child with "Janay," played by Gabrielle Dennis, was also born on the final episode. Melanie went through several love interests during the airing of The Game, most notably with the character, "Jerome" who is played by Mehcad Brooks.

Jerome eventually had relations with "Dionne" played by Shanti Lowry. "Dionne" was a stiff character who was once Derwin's publicist and Melanie's friend and roommate. Tasha's drama stems from her control over Malik, life and her short relationship stints. Tasha's most notable relationship is with Rick Fox and on the finale, the two are seen comforting each other. Jason and Kelly, who seemed to be the more stable relationship at the beginning of the show, eventually grew apart. The Pitts divorced and started seeing other people. By the end of the last season, Kelly realized that she still loved Jason but he was already involved with Camille.

Tasha had introduced Jason and Camille and when Kelly found out on the day of Melanie and Derwin's wedding, she attacked Tasha. By the last episode of The Game, Malik, who had earlier divorced Robin Givens, tried to help his half-sister, "Pucci" played by Lisa Tucker with her musical career. Malik's drama was much more subdued compared to the climaxes for the other characters.

What will BET bring with the New Episodes of The Game?

BET's commercials introducing the new season of The Game promises the same comedy and drama

and many surprises. The one constant seems to be the characters. Viewers will have to tune in to see how Melanie and Derwin are surviving as Mr. & Mrs. Derwin Davis and the effect of the new baby on their lives. We will also have to wait to see if Tasha and Rick Fox stay together. What antics will Malik be up to next and will Kelly and Jason ever get back together? Everyone will be on the edge of their seats on January 11, 2011 to see what the fourth season of The Game has to bring. BET's clips advertising the show share that Derwin's baby is now a two-year old living with him and Melanie.

Tasha seems to have a new love interest and teases about not being a 'cougar' but a 'mountain lion.' Kelly seems to be enjoying being divorced and is spending Jason's millions. The Game was a sitcom that ran for three seasons on the CW Network. The characters were all attached to the fictional "San Diego Sabers" NFL football team and shared drama and comedy with the viewers. The previous shows previewed infidelity, the effects of 'coming out' about homosexuality, parenting through Kelly and Jason, and Tasha, steroid abuse by Jason and true love between Derwin and Melanie. BET's new season is set to air on January 11, 2011 and it is hoped that the episodes will bring the same enjoyment as the three previous seasons. 

R&B of the 1990s: After 7's Reflections Album

The R&B group After 7 released its last album as a performing group in 1995 titled Reflections. R&B fans fell in love with songs like "Til You Do Me Right."

The R&B Group After 7 came on the music scene in 1989. The group members were Keith Mitchell and brothers, Kevon and Melvin Edmonds. The Edmonds are brothers to Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds who brought us songs like "When Can I See You Again" and "Whip Appeal." After 7 released three albums as a performing and recording group, After 7, Takin My Time and Reflections. Compilations of their music have been released after the group split up.

Music in 1989 When After 7 Released Their Debut Album

When After 7 released their first single in 1989, Cher was singing "If I could Turn Back Time," Fine Young Cannibals were grooving with "She's Drives Me Crazy" and Soul II Soul brought us "Back To Life." More upbeat songs like "Pump Up The Jam" by Technotronic and "My Perrogative" by Bobby Brown were released in 1989. After 7's music was much more soulful and reminiscent of the earlier groups like the Temptations, The O'Jays and the Isley Brothers.

After 7's Albums

After 7's debut album was the self-titled After 7 in 1989. R&B fans enjoyed "Heat of the Moment" and "Ready or Not," which will always be considered as a top R&B song. Takin My Time was released in 1992 with songs like "Can He Love You Like This" and "Baby I'm for Real (Natural High)." The last album, Reflections, was released in 1995. These three albums were all released by Virgin Records.

The Songs on After 7's Reflections

Reflections has twelve songs and all sing tribute to love. The songs were produced and written by Babyface along with Jon B. and The Boom Brothers. Keith Andes for Ande Pandee Entertainment also produced and co-wrote four of the songs on this album.

• 'Til You Do Me Right": This song was written by the Edmond brothers, Babyface, Kevon and Melvin. The title literally shares what the song is about. The second part of the chorus is "'til you do me right / only wrong is gonna come to you / nothing good is gonna come 'til you change…."
• "How Do You Tell The One": "How Do You Tell The One" was written by Babyface and is a song about breaking up. "Cause I care for you more than you know / although my heart says go" and "If I'm deserting you, I don't mean to make you cry" are examples of the lyrics.
• "Sprung On It": The Boom Brothers wrote "Sprung On It" which is the typical 90's song about infatuation or being "sprung." "Sprung On It" begins "Now I never thought that I'd be losing sleep at night / over you…." The song continues "Thoughts of you / keep driving me crazy / and if I don't sleep/ then it won't even faze me."
• "Save It Up": "Save It Up" is one of the more upbeat songs on Reflections and is reminiscent of the earlier R&B song "Heat of the Moment." Jon B. penned this song and also sang in the background vocals. Lyrics from this song include "take your time / let's make sure the feeling's right" and the chorus includes "Save it up baby love / don't hold back your lovin'."

After 7 Post Reflections

K-Ci & JoJo and along with Babyface and After 7's Kenny Edmonds and Melvin Edmonds joined together in 1997 for the sound track of movie Soul Food (1997). They, as a group called Milestone, sang "I Care 'Bout You" but the group did not release any other songs. Kevon Edmonds was featured on the soundtrack of the movie Save The Last Dance (2001) with the song, "Move It Slow." Kevon Edmonds has continued to sing and released the album Who Knew in 2009. After 7 was one of the R&B groups of the 1990s that had that classic R&B flow with soothing love songs.

After 7 released three albums while still recording and performing. Unfortunately, the group did not release any more albums after Reflections in 1995. However, Reflections will always remain one of the classic R&B albums of the 1990s with songs like "How Do You Tell The One" and "I Like It Like That."

Daily Resolutions - not for New Year alone

It's getting closer to resolution time! What's my resolution for 2011? I just want to continue being me. I make resolution sometimes daily, weekly or monthly. Some days, I just jump at new things.

I have goals but a New Year's resolution won't help me to get there. I know that I need to save more and I have already started cutting costs. i know I need to write more and I am writing more - thus the blog! I know I need to learn to say 'no'. Trust me - I am getting better at that. 'No' 'NO' 'no no'

I'd like to encourage everyone to do the best they can every day. If you must set a resolution, don't get discouraged if you fall back. Keep moving forward and try to improve your behavior. If you want to make more friends for 2011, you can't still be rude or shy or sarcastic. If you want to get closer to God, you can't keep smoking weed or heading to the club.

Set SMART goals and try to work with them. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely is SMART.

POEM: A New Insight

I am the one who says
that I will not give in
that I was born to win
and I admit that I have sinned
against God and others
lied to a sister or a brother
yes imperfect and simple me
i need to stop playing myself hopelessly
and instead speak righteously
use my vision as bright torch
and keep searching for the lost
the overwhelmed and deceived
because the only way I can learn from my bad deeds
is to reach out and spread love
but it takes not me but US
to get life moving right
keeping the positive insight
living to the glory of God's delight

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Let's Get the Writing Started Right! I had to work on mine for years

Many people express that they have problems with writing formally and informally. It is evident in the poorly written business correspondence, the ureadable emails and text messages and the poorly written homework assignments.

If you want to be a good writer, you need to read more and write more. That's why teachers encouraged us to keep diaries and journals so that we can write more often. Now we have the blog concept which is the same thing except we are typing instead of hand-writing. It does not matter once ideas are logged somewhere. Try to proofread your own work to minimize errors and if available, ask someone to assist.

I had to work hard on my writing skills over the years. I was OK in school and passed English with a B and received a General II grade for English and Literature. I think that I could form individual sentences correctly but struggled to write essays and short stories.

I head to the then BVI Community College (now HLSCC) and passed the Effective Business Writing Class but still was not confident with my English skills. I still felt that I was 'up-to-par' and could express myself. It was when I accepted to UVI that I realized that I need helped. I passed the entrance exam for both Math and English but failed the essay portion.

This was quite a blow to me and I ended up having to take a Skills class. In that class, the other students would say 'Why are you in this class?' because I seemed to get everything right. It was then that I realized that I really need to work hard to improve my writing skills - not just the barebones grammar but the finese and expression. I needed to understand how to put the well-written sentences together to create an interesting, concise yet detailed work.

I kept at it and was able to progress in my English and other classes. In the journey, I was encouraged to write poetry and today I have over 200 poems. I think that I have been blessed to find professors and other students who showed interest in my growth and who encouraged me to pursue things that I did not believe I could attain.

It is heart-warming for me to share today that I have expanded my writing resume to publishing every once in a while locally and I have written for CORE Magazine, Brown Eyez Magazine, DISH magazine and now Suite101.com. I love the challenge in it and I love sharing information that I think is useful to others.

My blog, Words of Ribbon, was left alone for a while but I must return more regularly to share some thoughts or some poetry. Afterall, my greatest philosophy is that parable about the servants in the bible. I honestly feel that it was their LITERAL talents that they were hiding and the master took them away when they did not use the talents.

Therefore, don't bury your talents. Use them for the good of mankind.

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