Number One Album Of Year Picks Pouring In From USA Today, NY Times And More, On Top Of Six Grammy Nominations And Slot On Awards Ceremony

Lawrence Beamen is a singular talent and a dynamic performer who dazzled his audience on “America’s Got Talent” with the richness and drama of his classically trained bass-baritone voice.

Democratic State Representative Garnet F. Coleman filed for reelection for a 10th term representing the people of Texas House District 147. Rep. Coleman currently serves as the Chairman of the County Affairs Committee.

Award winning singer/composer Dr. Rosephanye (pronounced Roh-SEH-fuh-nee) Powell is committed to reviving the African-American spiritual.

The Get Motivated Seminar featuring legendary motivator Zig Ziglar, America’s Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin.

An inspirational ceremony emphasizing Houston’s diversity and bright future will kick off a day of events marking the inauguration of Mayor-elect Annise Parker, City Controller-elect Ronald Green and Houston City Council.

The biggest party of the year is just around the corner as we all get ready to ring in 2010 with a colorful display of loud fireworks. It’s important to remember that on New Year’s Eve the sparkling, popping and crackling of fireworks can make many pets agitated and scared.

The Philadelphia Tribune, the nation’s oldest continuously published African-American newspaper, has announced the addition of Robert Bush as Advertising Director.

Mayor Bill White today announced the appointment of a blue-ribbon Commission on term limits. This Commission was created by an ordinance adopted unanimously by City Council.

The Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation (TWEF) will host “You Can Win In 2010” with International Author and World’s Leading Motivator Les Brown of Les Brown Enterprises on Monday, January 11, 2010; 6:30 p.m. at The Empowerment Center, 8333 Sweetwater Ln, Houston, TX 77037. This evening will be a time of empowerment, inspiration, and ignition as The World’s Leading Motivator, Les Brown gives the tools, directions and energy needed to create the momentum necessary for Winning in 2010. Dr. Margaret Ford-Fisher, President of Houston Community College Northeast, whose passion for education and lifelong learning has proven to be a vital force in the national and international educational community, will also be a guest speaker on this night of empowerment.

Representative Al Edwards will formally file for re-election to District 146 in Texas House of Representatives at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Harris County Democratic Party. After a productive legislative session, Al Edwards hopes to continue representing House District 146.

“(T)here is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.”

Houston Style Magazine is redefining the word “style.” Usually the word “style” is associated with fashion. A stylish person is one who wears the latest fashions and is current on the trends of the day.

With the launch of “Neighborhood Night” on January 14th, Monarch is destined to become the favorite gathering spot on Thursday evenings. Centrally located in the Museum District, steps away from the Medical Center, Rice University and the surrounding residential neighborhoods, Monarch will offer an unmatched opportunity to relax.

An inspirational ceremony emphasizing Houston’s diversity and bright future will kick off a day of events marking the inauguration of Mayor-elect Annise Parker, City Controller-elect Ronald Green and Houston City Council. The day will end with a free evening concert and fireworks for the public at Discovery Green. “I opted for a free concert over an invitation only gala because I want all of Houston to be able to participate in the celebration,” said Mayor-elect Parker. “I invite families to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets and join me under the stars in downtown Houston for an event that will have everyone on their feet dancing. It’s the perfect way to mark the start of a new decade and a new city government that I pledge will be inclusive and transparent.”

Kenyans Jason Mbote, third at the 2008 Seoul International Marathon in 2:07:37, and Charles Kibiwott, fifth in the same race in 2:08:30, are among the top men’s seeds in the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon. The 38th edition of the country’s premier winter marathon is scheduled for Sunday, January 17.

Ahhh, the new year. A time for fresh beginnings and resolutions made with the best intentions (then broken). Out with the old, in with the new. A time to use up that bookstore gift certificate that’s burning a hole in your pocket.
But what to buy?
Lucky for you, the New Year is also a time for the annual Best Of list. So without further ado (and because that gift certificate is tingling), here are my best picks for 2009:

Claude “Studio Beast” Kelly has made 2009 a true breakout year. Billboard Magazine recently ranked him #14 on the Hot 100 Songwriters for 2009, coming in just one slot behind Beyonce and outranking notables such as: Ne-Yo, Will.I.Am, Pink and Katy Perry.

What if a discovery was made that most DIET programs DO NOT WORK. That diets don’t lead to sustained weight loss or health benefits for the majority of people.

For the fourth consecutive year, H-E-B, The Kroger Company and Randalls Food Markets are teaming up with local media outlets ABC 13; Channel 11 KHOU-TV/DT; Channel 39; KFTH TeleFutura 67; KPRC Local 2; KRIV Fox 26 and KTXH My 20; and KXLN Univision 45