Jeff Scott and Janella Meeks are two MVP's for New Jersey Nets Basketball who help bring programs and players into our commuities. Both are Community Relations Managers for The New Jersey Nets and are determined to assist in the social development of our communities. Janella Meeks, already the chief of staff for an elected offical, felt she needed a change. Armed with experience and ambition, Meeks then contacted the front office of The New Jersey Nets to find a position that she would relish. Jeff Scott , with a career in sports management, was busy working in Toronoto at The International Management Group, representing basketball phenon Vince Carter. Once Vince Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets, Scott followed. "I transfered to the New York office of IMG, but after seeing the Nets direction [ the move to Brooklyn] and Vince's involvement and appreciation for the team, I really had an interest of coming on in the community relations department and really work with and be involved in the initiatives they have planned." The Nets are involved in a host of programs of programs within the community including Student Rewards, bringing players to holiday events, hospitals and other arenas where children can interact with players. Both understand the outreach in Brooklyn will have a far a greater impact. "We are reaching deeper and deeper into Brooklyn, we want to make sure when we get there (2008-2009) we are one big family." states Meeks. Scott also feels the the Nets impact in Brooklyn will be greater than its current location in East Rutrherford, New Jersey . "When you compare East Ruther ford to Brooklyn, and East Rutherford has been a welcoming community for the Nets, but the community is spread out, I see moving to Brooklyn will be beneficial to the team as well. You have more than three million people in Brooklyn and as you know Brooklyn-New York in general-has some of most die hard fans in the world, coupled with the fact that professional sports have not been in Brooklyn for 50 years -we are definitely excited about the move and community oppurtunities." When conducting the interview I stated that it seems like the conmmunity efforts were being hidden from the peopel in the community. Scott quickly addressed the misconception or allegation if you will. "It is funny that you would view it as hidden. The NBA and its players-and I feel I can speak on their behalf-does the opposite to inform the commnunity, however the initial goal of the NBA is to entertain through sports and I think many of the great stories are overlooked because the game brings so much excitement, with the players, points scored and the playoff race. The NBA has incorporated required appearences where the players must meet and greet the community and most teams add on to that. The Nets are very very aware of the need and the attention that we like to put towards the community. When you look at our commuity list we have many programs, from educational to athletic soley for the community." Meeks greatest joy is when the players visit children who are hospitalized. "To see the look and smile on their face seems to make their illness go away, if only for a second, you have to realize that some of these kids have not smiled in a while. That is my greatest joy." We applaud their efforts and look forward to their continued involvemnet.

AMAG: Good to have you. I Just want to discuss with you the urban book climate presently. How is it going?Mark Anthony: Q-Boro Books is doing good, but the climate overall is crowded right now- competitive in the sense that there are a lot of self published books by the urban author. So there is a fight for shelf space in many book stores. How long have you been under Urban Books and how did that merger happen/who stepped to who? A little over a year. I knew Carl Webber since 98. I had self published in 98 and Carl had a books store. His sister edited my first book and our relationship grew from there. One day we were having a discussion about the overall business and strategy and he kinda approached me and initially I was of hesitant, but then I thought about it and it works- making everything systematic and it also went along with an original plan I had to become an imprint. Cool Cool. Would you say it is more work or less work? Definitely less work, because you have a partner leveraging the work. You have Carl Webber, Kensington sales force, the warehouses, because it is more systematic. But on the other hand the whole publishing process is different. [in the past] If we signed an author in March we could make plans to come out in May but we can't do that now, we have to get into a sale cycle with Borders, Walden, Barnes & Noble etc. It has to thought out, the timing must also be right. You essentially become part of a system and in the long run it'll make everyone much more money. Indeed. How are you enjoying the symposium? So far so good. I got here a little earlier to talk with everyone. I see your panel is up next. What can we expect? Sharing knowledge, hopefully so others can avoid pitfalls and set backs. Good Deal!

AMAG: Welcome. You are the author of Where Secrets Lies. Are you enjoying the second annual Self Publishing Symposium?Mahogany Star: I'm loving it. It very informative and exciting as I am a new to the publishing industry. It is full of info and opportunities. Will you be able to apply this new information after you leave here today? Absolutely, I have taken so many notes I will be able to apply much of this to promote myself and to help make me a better author. Was there anything topic discussed that may have been in conflict with the avenues you have taken to self publish your book? Not at all. I have heard of print on demand and having inventory in place. I did much of that research before I started but I am learning so much and reaffirming some of the measure I have taken. Best of Success!

Joining THE 50 MILLION POUND CHALLENGE means becoming part of something exciting, life- altering, historic, and tremendously beneficial! Not only for you, but to others in your family and community, as well as to future generations of African Americans. Why Join? Participating in The Challenge is not just about shedding those extra pounds - though that is critical to your health and well-being. It's about all of us coming together and looking out for each other as we work to take more control of our lives. It's about taking the time to reach out and lock hands as we join forces to fight the very real risk that being overweight poses to ourselves, our families, and our community. The Crisis The number one health crisis facing not only African Americans, but all Americans, is being overweight. Two out of every three adults (66%) today are considered to be overweight, or even worse, obese. Even more troubling, 17% of all children in the U.S. are now overweight. The statistics for African Americans are even more alarming-where almost 80% of adult women and 67% of adult men are overweight. Equally worrisome is that 20% of African-American teenagers between the ages 12-19 are overweight, and this number appears to be rising. Our teenagers are developing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and in some cases, early signs of heart disease. This decline in our youths' health can be attributed to poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate medical guidance. What We Can Do The very good news is that we have the ability to reverse these unhealthy trends! For many of us it's not just a matter of fitting into a smaller size, but a matter of life and death! THE CHALLENGE can do so much, not just for our physical health, but for our minds and spirit too. Below are just a few of the many things I hope we'll accomplish together. Shed those excess pounds, achieve healthier weights, and reduce our risk for life-threatening diseases. Unite as a community and pool our strength and resources to overcome the health problems that afflict us. Learn more about our bodies and what we can do to live healthier, longer lives. Teach our youth the importance of making healthy lifestyle decisions that will benefit them for years to come. Yours in The Challenge, Ian K. Smith, M.D.

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The naked body has a way of inviting attention and putting one " in the mood" especially when taking it all off for an audience. Tahjaleenie Tahji who is better known as Mega Body during shows is well acquainted with that image being in the exotic dancing industry for about thirteen years. With no shame in baring his all with the truth about lust verses love in the seductive world of booty shaking. Tahji's autobiography titled G-String Dreams True Confessions Of A Male Exotic Dancer is titillating readers with his open disclosures about past sexual adventures, joy and hardship as a stripper. Tahji entered the bump and grind game while working at conventional day jobs. Dancing since his teenage years, he knew entertaining was what he always wanted to do throughout his life. "I love being my own boss and dancing allowed me to make more money and travel," states Tahji. Even though the divorced father of five children and three step kids started out break dancing in the streets of Manhattan, he was compelled to take it to another level by exciting clients with his erotic dance moves. Tahji eagerly admits that the one word that describes his experience in the business is stun. "Looking at the ladies faces during my performances has been amazing which always inclined me to make the acts more steamier," declares the new author. Launching his first tell all mega hit with G-String Dreams that has already sold approximately two thousand and three hundred copies. The native Bronx, New Yorker is exhilarated about the vast response from customers, and feels honored to be the first African American male to write a book of this nature. "I want people to know about the highs with the lows of this adult line of work through my encounters who may have also experienced similar circumstances while growing up and become motivated to live their dreams no matter how much adversity is endured," says Tahji. Enlightening folks on sexuality, parenting, domestic violence, drugs, education and empowerment of which the artist highlights in GSD. The money shaking master wants perusers to honestly reflect within their selves as well as become inspired through reading about the hopes, insecurities, mistakes and miracles that developed him into the man he is today. No stranger to television or the media, Tahji has appeared on Rupaul, The Riki Lake Show, Maury Povich, several hip- hop videos and did a layout in adult magazines plus has his own calendars. The proud CEO and Founder is happy about his one year old independent publishing company called Survival First Publishing, Inc. "Writing is something I think I have always had a flair for, and now it's a pleasure to help new authors get published with their productions while directing my creations," expresses Tahji. Always hard at work, the multi talented entrepreneur is working on two new books to be released later on in the year. One day in the near future Tahjaleenie Tahji plans to retire from the exotic dancing field. "Dancing is elevating my publishing business off the ground as well as paying the rent. That's why I want people to read G-String Dreams so they can see the importance of never giving up on their dreams regardless of the obstacles and sacrifices," asserts Tahji. Determined to take the publishing corporation by storm, this striking dancer has a bountiful of stories along with adventures of his journey to be told that he wont stop promoting until he has established his mark in the literary circle. G-String Dreams can be purchased in select bookstores or online at survivalfirstpublishing.com.