I discovered something that can make you feel like a star.

I was on the computer last night, just after finishing a conversation with a friend and client of mine I am doing editing for her first book. I popped into my computer a CD that I borrowed from the Toronto Public Library. The CD was a Michael Bublé one with the song “Come Fly With Me” on it. On the CD, Michael Bublé offers his fans the opportunity to sign up to his mailing list. At first I declined. Then I thought how cool it would be to receive an email from Mr. Bublé. I popped back in the CD and signed up. Sure enough, there was an automated response with the name of Michael Bublé in my inbox.

As the CD was burning, I then thought about doing this for other singers I admire. I set up one for Madonna, Janet Jackson, India Arie and Seal. I tried to set up one for Jill Scott and Maxwell, however I could not see where this option was available online.

If you ever wanted to feel like a star and have some fun doing so at the same time – this is an extremely cost-effective way to do it. I also went on Barack Obama’s website and received a personal greeting from the President of the United States too.

Even with all of these special gadgets such as email from celebrities to make anyone feel special around the holiday season, I must say it has been the warm phone calls with the promise of making new friends, the touching cards from extraordinary people and the thoughts and kind words from students, colleagues and family of well wishes for the holidays that really touches my heart more.

Merry Christmas everyone, Happy Holidays and do have a Splendid New Year!

According to Billboard, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Maxwell and The Black Eyed Peas will perform at The Grammys next month.

Each artist(s) has multiple nominations,  Beyonce leads the pack with 10, followed by Taylor Swift with 8.

The Grammys will air live on Jan. 31st, from the  Staples Center in Los Angeles  on CBS.

For a complete list of nominees read here.

MC300-MS15 York-Sunbury Historical Society Collection Description (page 130)

If you are interested in any of these files then please contact the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick.

“This series contains the research notes and compilations of G. Harold Markham, of Saint John, who is numbered with those New Brunswick historians of the mid-twentieth century such as Maxwell and Manny who contributed so much to the preservation of the history of the Province.  The items here reflect a great deal of meticulous research as well as writing, and establish Markham as one who could vie for the title “New Brunswick’s Military Historian”.

Markham’s biographical notes on the New Brunswick Fencibles and the 104th Regiment should be of particular interest to genealogists, while his work on the regiments, their activities, quarters, and history should be of use to the military historians in general.  This series measures 25 centimeters.”

1  Typed manuscript of “The New Brunswick Fencibles” by G.H. Markham, (398 pp.); November 9, 1955.

2  Lists of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of the Kings New Brunswick Regiment, the New Brunswick Regiment Fencible Infantry, and the 104th Regiment in 1812.

3  Biographical notes, lists, and historical sketches of the Officers of the New Brunswick Regiment of Fencible Infantry of the 104th New Brunswick Regiment.

4  Additional biographical notes, lists, and historical sketches of the officers of the 104th New Brunswick Regiment.

5  Book of “Biographical Gleanings” of the 104th Regiment.

6  Biographical notes and historical sketches on the 104th Regiment including extracts from official records.

7  Casualty list of the 104th Regiment for March 5, 1813 to November 18, 1814.

8  Extracts from the pay list of the 104th Regiment from September 25, 1812 to March 24, 1813.

9  Biographical notes, lists, and historical sketches of the Kings New Brunswick Regiment (The New Brunswick Fencibles).

10  Biographical notes, extracts from official documents, and historical sketches on the Kings New Brunswick Regiment.

11  Biographical notes, etc., on the New Brunswick Fencibles.

12  Miscellaneous notes on the New Brunswick Fencibles.

13  Extracts of the official correspondence of the New Brunswick Regiment of Fencible Infantry.

14  Index of the military officers from the Royal Kalendar of 1789.

15  Index of the military officers from the Royal Kalendar of 1807.

16  Index to the army lists in the Royal Kalendar of 1817.

17  Addenda and errata for Service of British Regiment In Canada and North America by Charles H. Stewart, 1964.

18  List of Commanders-in-Chief of the British Army, 1674-1842; and of British Secretaries-at-War, 1661-1846.

19  List of the staff of the British Army in the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and their dependencies including the islands of Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Prince Edward, and Bermuda, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir John Coape Sherbrooke, 1814-1815.

20  A list of His Majesty’s Forces serving in Upper and Lower Canada from the Quebec Almanack and the British American Royal Kalendar of 1815.

21  Letter from Mrs. Wales C. Brewster to G.H. Markham containing genealogical information on Dr. Charles Earle and the Earle family; January 1956.

22  Papers on General Francis Cockburn and the Cockburn Family including letter on the General from the Phillimore & Co. Ltd. Record Searchers, chronology of the career of the General, a historical sketch of Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Cockburn, and a chart of Cockburn genealogy.

23  Papers on Lieutenant-Colonel William Drummond of Keltie including extracts from A Genealogical Memoir of the…House of Drummond by David Malcolm.  1808; a letter from the Registrar of Births, Edinburgh, 1954; a letter from Phillimore & Co., Records Searchers, 1939; and various other notes on the Lt.-Col. Drummond.

24  Papers on Captain Noah Freer and his family.

25  Papers on Captain John Jenkins, which also includes excerpts from Sir George Head’s Forest Scenes and Incidents in the Wilds of North America.

26  Papers on Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Moodie and his family.

27  List of the officers of the 104th Regiment.

28  List that compares the 104th Regiment with the St. John Militia giving biographical detail on many of the men mentioned.

29  List that compares the 104th Regiment with the grantees of Kings County.

30  List of the recorded desertions in the 104th Regiment for 1815, 1816 and 1817 giving place of desertion, date, name, commander’s name, and rank.

31  Extracts showing payments made for deserters and for recruiting of the 104th.

32  Annotated copy of the petition of Daniel Haycook and ten others belonging to the late American Legion asking for a grant on land on Grand Bay; April 22, 1785.

33  Copy of the petition of Corporal George Perkins of the Kings New Brunswick Regiment concerning land title withheld from him by David Moore; August 4, 1796.

34  Annotated copy of the petition of George Hardaker of Newcastle Parish, Northumberland County, asking for a grant of land; May 28, 1819.

35  Article on “Shiphouse Point, Smallest Naval Base” [New York State, War of 1812-1814.]

36  Article on Sacketts Harbour, New York State, includes a map.

37  Typescript of a letter from Colonel A.W. Playfair to the British Standard describing the general conditions endured by the 104th Regiment of which he was a member on their march of 1813; Bathurst, January 20, 1862.

38  A comparison of the march of the 104th Regiment and other troop movements over the same route during the “Trent Affair” of 1861-1862.

39  Note on the uniform worn by the 104th Regiment on the 1813 march to Quebec.

40  Letter from G. Harold Markham to Dr. G. Alvah Good discussing the march of the 104th; Saint John, August 8, 1957.

41   Extracts from Recollections of the War of 1812 by Surgeon William Dunlop of the 89th Regiment of Foot.

42  Unidentified extract on the battle of Lundy’s Lane.

43  Letter from G. Harold Markham to Dr. Lilian Maxwell (on a letter to him) discussing his research on the War of 1812; Saint John, October 10, 1951.

44  Manuscript plans of the battlefield and notes on the battle of Lundy’s Lane by G.H. Markham.

45  Article from the Niagara Falls Evening Review, September 11, 1941, entitled “Canadians at Lundy’s Lane” by Ernest Green.  This article was read before the Royal Society of Canada in May 1940.

46  Notes on the military quarters at Sydney, N.S.

47  Excerpt from John Stewart’s An Account of Prince Edward Island, 1806, on the defenses of Charlottetown.

48  Transcript of a “Report of all the barracks, batteries, block houses and other government buildings in the Province of New Brunswick in the year 1825″.  From Rev. W.O. Raymond scrapbook, vol. 7, page 150, in Saint John Public Library.

49  An account of Fort Ingalls at Cabano, Quebec, by Leo Bigue.

50  Transcription of “The Old Garrisons at Presqu’Isle and Grand Falls” from Rev. W.O. Raymond’s scrapbook, vol. 3, p. 247, in the Saint John Public Library.

51  Notes on the quarters of the 104th Regiment after the War of 1812.

52  Transcripts of the Regimental song, “A Soldier’s Ambition”, of the 104th Regiment written by Rev. Jonathan Odell and set to a score by David Garrick.

53  Excerpt from J.W. Lawrence’s The Judges of New Brunswick and Their Times, concerning the Trafalgar Ball given by Maj.-Gen. Hunter at the Province Hall, Fredericton in February 14, 1806.

54  Chronology of events in New Brunswick history, 1785-1851.

55  Article by G.H. Markham entitled “New Brunswick and the Gold Colony”.

56  Excerpt on the Quebec Bank, Quebec, for Mrs. Daniel MacPherson’s Old Memories, Amusing and Historical.

57  Clippings and notes on military fortifications, uniforms, personnel, and routes.

  a  Clipping re. “Sword for Col. Fowler of 104th; 1915.

  b  Christmas card with color print of “Officer of the 10th Hussars; 1835.

58  Research notes, letters, and lists on the 104th Regiment and other military subjects related to the War of 1812.

59  Letter to Lillian Maxwell re. 104th Regiment; Thomas Leonard, Sproule, and Moodie Family genealogies; 1941.

60  Pictures, photos and postcards re. March of 104th (all from Prov. of Quebec).

I am speechless. Each day that passes, Mary is getting more and more beautiful. It’s amazing!

- Don’t just stand there, take off your shoes and your coat, she ordered me.
- Why did you put a camisole? (a very sexy camisole, at that!)
- Uh, I was getting ready for bed. I have class tomorrow at 8am.
- You go to bed at 9 pm when you have a class at 8AM?
- You know, I’m lazy. I love sleeping and please stop looking at me like that. You are making me feel uncomfortable, she added.
- If you hadn’t put indecent clothes, I wouldn’t be looking at you lustfully, I said.
- Whatever, man

Mary’s apartment is small, but super tidy. Mary loves cleanliness and decoration is her forte. When she left me, my apartment took a toll: our beautiful home became a slum within a week. Mary and I are diametrically opposed. I am a fat slob who cleans his house every February 29th. Mary is the kind of person who does the housework every day.

What a lovely evening! The lasagna is excellent. Her apartment smells good. Knowing that I would visit her, Mary put a few drops of perfume on her body. Knowing me very well, she chose my FAVORITE scent: Anais by Cacharel.

Maxwell’s songs are playing in the background. Woman’s Work, Fortunate… These songs are creating a truly romantic atmosphere. I am eating my lasagna while looking at Mary’s long legs. Yup, you got that right: at the moment, all my senses are awake and alert and I have only one desire: make babies.

Unfortunately, my conscience is trying to ruin the moment. A real killjoy! Gradually, I start thinking about Betty and her brother in the hospital.

My mind is telling me no, but my body… my body’s telling me yes. It is a true battle: mind vs body. This is the civil war: the north against the south. Unfortunately for Betty, the South won the battle.

Mary is irresistible: Everyone succumbs to her charm. Sleeping with her was not the mistake. The real mistake I made was going to her apartment, thinking that I would be strong enough to resist temptation.

I wanted revenge, I wanted to turn her down because I wanted to prove to her (and to myself) that I can live without her. Unfortunately, the flesh is weak. As she approached me, I cracked.

- Pascal, I have a little secret for you, Mary said to me moments before our tumble in the sheets.
- I’m listening, I replied.
- Walls have ears, she said, in a seductive voice.

With a knowing smile, the smile of a conqueror, she came closer to me and whispered in my ear: “I want you to make love to me”. Then, she began kissing my neck, my cheeks, my lips.

Three hours later, I’m awake. My conscience doesn’t want to let me sleep. I keep thinking about Betty. I look at Mary, she sleeps soundly. I need to get out of here, I must go home. The truth is that during our frolics, I kept thinking of Betty. I just made a great discovery: I am in love with Betty. Right now, I just want to talk to Betty. I miss her a lot and I want to hear her voice.

I pull my jeans on in the dark. After looking around for a bit, I turn on the light because I can not find my socks. Mary wakes up.

- What are you doing? she asked me.
- I’m going home, I said.
- It’s getting late. Come to bed, baby. You go will home tomorrow morning.
- Mary, I want to go home now. You’re a great girl, but I just realized that I don’t love you anymore.

Mary is shocked. I put on my coat quickly. I know I hurt her and I hate to see her cry, but I’ve already made my decision and I’m not going to change my mind just to make her happy. I leave the apartment immediately without saying goodbye. I call a taxi. As soon as the cab arrives, I get into the car and I call Betty on the spot.

- Hello, she said
- Sorry to wake you up, but I really needed to hear your voice. I tried to call you several times during the day without success.
- I’m glad you called me. I wanted to tell you something.
- I’m listening.
- You’re a wonderful guy. During this whole ordeal, your help has been precious. I will be eternally grateful.
- Well, right now, I need a new liver. Mine is messed up, I drink too much alcohol. Can you lend me yours?

She smiled.

- All jokes aside, if you ever need anything, call me.
- Okay
- I love you.

Betty has never complimented me so much. Why is she doing that today? Why did she wait for me to sleep with Mary to confess her love for me? Right now, she probably thinks I’m the perfect guy. If only she knew…

Click here to listen

I’m going to revive the Mixtape For No One to showcase some of my favorite songs of 2009.  These are the hip-hop/R&B tracks.

1. “Never Forget You”  by Noisettes (Wild Young Hearts)
2. “The Power That Kisses Hold” by Eric Roberson (Music Fan First)
3. “Cold” by Maxwell (BLACKsummersnight)
4. “Fortune” by Little Dragon (Machine Dreams)
5. “Successful” (Featuring Trey Songz And Lil’ Wayne) by Drake (So Far Gone)
6. “Lola” by Me’Shell Ndegéocello (Devil’s Halo)
7. “Kinda Like A Big Deal” (feat. Kanye West) by Clipse (Til The Casket Drops)
8. “Casa Bey” by Mos Def (The Ecstatic)
9. “House Of Flying Daggers” (feat. Inspectah Deck, Ghostface & Method Man) by Raekwon (Only Built 4 Cuban Linx PT II)
10. “Maybach Music 2″ (feat. T-Pain, Lil Wayne & Kanye West) by Rick Ross (Deeper Than Rap)
11. “Errbody Scream” (Featuring Keith Murray) by Method Man & Redman (Blackout! 2)
12. “Tour Stories” by Souls Of Mischief (Montezuma’s Revenge)
13. “So Damn Down” by Tanya Morgan (Brooklynati)
14. “Thank You” by Jay-Z (The Blueprint 3)

New Maxwell and Nas. I think the Maxwell is off of BLACKsummernights and Nas added a verse but Im not sure. Peep it. Nas kills it and Maxwell jams like always. Its called “Help Somebody”.

Download here

The Grammy’s seem early this year. It will air on Jan 31, 2010. After reading over the noms, I’m filled with apathy.  I actually have heard most of this music which says…nothing.  I will watch the show for the performances and for Album of the Year. I’m hoping DMB will finally get the recognition they deserve from their peers. I’m also excited for Maxwell.

I’ve listed a few categories below. I’m probably not going to do a breakdown of the Grammy’s this year because I don’t like the nominations…And I’m working on my Top 30 (or 40) singles of 09.

Album Of The Year

• I Am… Sasha Fierce – Beyonce

• The E.N.D. -  The Black Eyed Peas

• The Fame – Lady Gaga

• Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King – Dave Matthews Band

• Fearless – Taylor Swift

Song Of The Year

• Poker Face – Lady Gaga & RedOne, songwriters (Lady Gaga)

• Pretty Wings – Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)

• Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)

• Use Somebody – Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill, songwriters (Kings Of Leon)

• You Belong With Me – Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

Best New Artist

• Zac Brown Band

• Keri Hilson (yay)

• MGMT

• Silversun Pickups

• The Ting Tings

Best Pop Vocal Album

• The E.N.D. -The Black Eyed Peas

• Breakthrough -Colbie Caillat

• All I Ever Wanted -Kelly Clarkson

• The Fray – The Fray

• Funhouse – Pink

Best Rock Album

• Black Ice – AC/DC

• Live From Madison Square Garden – Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood

• 21st Century Breakdown – Green Day

• Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King – Dave Matthews Band (tough competition)

• No Line On The Horizon – U2

Best R&B Album

• The Point Of It All – Anthony Hamilton

• Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics – India.Arie

• Turn Me Loose -Ledisi

• Blacksummers’ Night – Maxwell

• Uncle Charlie – Charlie Wilson

Best Rap Album

• Universal Mind Control – Common

• Relapse -Eminem

• R.O.O.T.S. – Flo Rida

• The Ecstatic – Mos Def

• The Renaissance – Q-Tip

Best Country Album

• The Foundation – Zac Brown Band

• Twang – George Strait

• Fearless – Taylor Swift

• Defying Gravity – Keith Urban

• Call Me Crazy -Lee Ann Womack

I can’t do anymore but there are about 1,567 more categories on Grammy.Org

I cant tell if this is a prediction or not.

CNBC FastMoney predicts that retail stocks are going down because a snow storm is coming.  I’ve never seen anybody apologize on Christmas because they couldnt get a present.  Won’t they just go another day?

Bloomberg On the Economy headline

1. Charles Maxwell

around 2015

Peak Oil

Nas jumped on his buddy’s track Help Somebody and added a nice verse at the end. While we are on the topic of Nas, what happened to his Distant Relatives album with Damien Marley? Last I heard it will be dropping in early 2010, but I thought it would have been out by now.

[Download]

It’s crazy to think that 2009 is already coming to a close.  It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating (or lamenting depending on your stance) the induction of Barack Obama as president. What a year it has been and as things are winding down, many of us are focused on spending times with our friends and families.  But lurking in the back of our heads, is 2009 and 2010 which is swiftly approaching.  I know I am taking inventory of the year behind and deciding if I am where I expected to be at the end of this year.  And my guess is that many of you are doing the same.  I’m definitely looking towards 2010 and am excited about the possibilities, but damn, did I do what I was ’supposed’ to do in 2009?  So, I thought in celebration of 2010 just weeks away, we chould countdown some of the best and worst in the world of celebs for 2009.  Let’s have a laugh and reminisce before we have to focus on our own 2010 resolutions.  I’ve divided these into 3 categories: “Too Much Vodka”, “Day Old Milk” and “Blended to Perfection”.  “Too Much Vodka” is reserved for those that got just a lil’ touch of the crazy in 2009.  For their sake, I’m hoping their bartender(s) were heavy-handed on the liquor so they can blame it on the a a a a alcohol.  “Day Old Milk” is sour and so are these celebs who did something dead wrong.  And “Blended to Perfection” is the award for making a perfect concoction to get ya tipsy off it’s goodness but keep you off the bathroom floor at the end of the night.  Mmm…Perfect.

Too Much Vodka:

R. Kelly – “Number One” worst album of the year
Untitled, the nameless CD and most recent release for Kels, was so bad there was no name to accurately describe it.  The subjects, melodies and beats makes it impossible to differentiate from one track to the next.  With classics like “Banging the Headboard” and “Pregnant”, the tracks aren’t exactly screaming authenticity and creativity.  There is a track called “Be My #2” which is a funky throwback to disco.  But the words?  “Be my number 2 but you’ll never be my number 1.” If that isn’t every girl’s dream, I don’t know what is.  Does there ever come a time that a grown a$$ man can talk about something else besides sex and cheating?

Beyonce – Déjà vu
Sure B has a song called ‘Deja Vu’, but why do I feel she’s trying to highlight that sentiment in every new video? The Single Ladies video was exciting – 3 beautiful ladies dancing and shaking their @$$ for a full 3:20 minutes.  Impressive.  It even became a phenomenon around the world.  Then came “Diva”….3 beautiful ladies dancing and shaking their @$$…And then “Ego”…3 beautiful ladies dancing….And let’s not forget “Sweet Dreams” where 3 ladies are…well, you get the picture *yawn*  Why dump Kelly and Michelle if you’re just going to get 3 random broads to take their places?  I’m glad Rihanna finally dropped an album so I can see something remotely creative in the pop/R&B diva world.  Check out Russian Roulette.

Ciara and Cassie – Edward Scissorhands strikes again
Pictures say a thousand words.  I just don’t feel you should have to try so hard to be cool and edgy.  What do you V&M lovers think?

Kanye West – Needs a “Swift” Kick in the @$$
‘Ye, you couldn’t have found a better venue to voice your opinion than ruining a young artist’s award-winning moment?  Epic Fail.

Day Old Milk:

 
Tiger Woods & Lil Wayne – Freak Responsibly
Both Tiger and Lil’ Wayne should take Wayne’s advice and be ‘always strapped’.  Tiger was hitting chicks raw and bringing that ish home to his wife.  And Lil’ Wayne had Lauren London and Nivea preggers concurrently. *gross*  Now, I’m not here to judge anyone’s actions, but not practicing safe sex is so passé. Stds are real.

Chris Brown – Woosah Brotha
Let’s all learn a lesson from Chris Brown that violence is not the answer.  But on the flip side, “Transformer Ya” is that new new.

Keri Hilson – Diva’s Don’t Diss
“Your vision cloudy if you think that you da best/You can dance/she can sing/but need to move it to the le… (Don’t do it to ‘em shawty!)”  So I understand Keri Hilson might be a little sour that she’s been writing songs for R&B singers and not getting the credit.  But going after Beyonce in a diss is NOT the answer.  It was in poor taste and unnecessary.  And if you’re doing it to promote your album, why not use a positive avenue for that?  B, although oversaturated, has a cult following and no one is impressed that you tried to talk ish.  Sit down. Miss DD Baabay.

Blended to Perfection:

 
Maxwell, Whitney Houston, Mike Vick –  Comebaaaaack!

Talk about comebacks.  Maxwell and Whitney Houston dropped great albums.  Maxwell’s had his signature soulful vibe all over it and Whitney’s adult contemporary joint was the story of a woman having faith and overcoming her situation(s).  I definitely feel a sense of pride when I listen to them both.  And Mike Vick is making the best of his new position with the Eagles.  Do yo thang brotha!  His time was served.  Let’s stop judging him and move-on in 2010.

Soultrain Music Awards – Pulled off a Winner (or Two)

I think everyone was a little apprehensive about BET’s 2009 Soultrain Music Awards.  And although they didn’t actually give out many awards to artists, the production was well-done and the performances were overall good.  Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson were quite the Oscar-worthy hosts.  The tributes to Charlie Wilson and Chaka Khan were heartfelt and energetic.  And the performances made me smile.  I give them an A for effort.

Michael Jackson – Goodbye love

We lost The King of Pop this year.  And it was definitely a sad time for the US.  I definitely tear’ed up when the news was released, and I flat-out cried during his televised memorial service.  But, he left behind a legacy of music, art and charity that may never be surpassed.  And for that, he gets the “Blended to Perfection” award.  And let’s not forget the release of  This Is It, even though it was not originally meant for the public.  It was a great production that showcased his love for music, art and people  So, let’s not forget Michael’s legacy and strive to leave behind our own.

How does your 2009 measure up to 2008?  Are you in a better place?  Who are you going to strive to be like in 2010?  And what celebs had the best and worst years in your opinion?

Nas adds a verse to his BFF’s BLACKsummers’night track.

Premiered at Bono’s (RED)Wire, where you can buy it for $1. Or you could save that $ for a better charity.

Maxwell feat. Nas – Help Somebody (Remix) | Mediafire

Spotted @ HHNM

Via: Nah Right

I am feeling the cardigan/vest look with jeans and boots. I fel like Chris Brown did this first.

John legend looking classic in grey. December 16.

Cuba Gooding Jr. also loves the grey! December 17.

Diddy unveils himself in wax.. and wears Grey to do it! December 13.

Sean Paul digs grey too! December 11.

Maxwell performs in a classic grey suit!

50 has a little grey in his closet too…

This isn’t really a feature or review, but a couple weekends ago I pretty much spent four straight days writing blurbs to go with Billboard’s best-of lists, as voted on by the in-house staff and some freelancers (myself included).

Let me tell you, writing this stuff (talking more about the decade list) was not easy! I’ll go into more about this when I post my own lists, but there were several albums on there that I either had not listened to before at all, or just hadn’t listened to critically. So, I had to do a ton of research and read a bazillion reviews of every record to figure out not only why it was good but also to see the bigger picture of why it was important. Oh yeah, and I listened to pretty much everything. It was hours and hours of work since I had to play catch-up on a lot of the music (I had to call one of my editors to explain why some of the rap/R&B albums were significant—I don’t mean that in a bad way, like they shouldn’t be on there, but I just don’t listen to much of it so I was clueless), but I learned sooo much and having the opportunity to write this was really exciting.

Note: a couple of these were wayyy edited, and rightfully so—namely Jay-Z (don’t really listen to him/rap in general) and Pearl Jam (my editor has seen them 100 times…obviously she will know what to say about their music better than someone who doesn’t really know their music). Just thought I’d throw that out there

Billboard critics’ top 10 albums of 2009 on Billboard.com

Billboard critics’ top 20 albums of the 2000s on Billboard.com

Maxwell feat. Nas – “Help Somebody (remix)”

Originally found on Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night album, this remix features a NaS verse for the Red Initiative. Always good to hear from him.

“Maxwell’s contribution to (RED)WIRE is an exclusive version of “Help Somebody,” one of the most powerful songs from his highly anticipated new album, BLACKsummers’night. The song is a call to arms, asking “If you see the future, ask it if I’m there.” This version, exclusive to (RED)WIRE, features Nas, who provides a rap at the end of the song about the responsibility to “help the helpless.”

DOWNLOAD: Maxwell – Help Somebody (Remix) ft. NaS (MP3)

Some new Nasir .. Enjoy!

Maxwell feat. Nas – Help Somebody (Remix)

Time is priceless because it can never be replaced, recovered or revoked.  John Maxwell used to tell us as a staff “You can tell a person’s priorities by looking at their checkbook and their calendar.”  How we spend what most would consider our top resources – our money & our time – tells a lot about us.  Here’s a little acronym I use to help me stay on track with my time:

T – take your time seriously. 

Psalm 39:5 says that each man’s life is “but a breath”.  We need to be very aware of how we spend our time.  I’m not saying we have to be serious all the time – having fun is important! - but we need to be serious about our time.

I – invest your time, don’t spend it.

This comes down to a mindset.  How do you approach your day?  How do you approach your week, month, year?  When we take our time seriously, we approach it as an investment – getting as much return on investment as possible – rather than an expenditure. 

M – maximize the moments

A couple of days ago my son started excitedly telling me something about his day.  I was engaged in some “important” stuff, but when I had to ask him to repeat himself, I realized my brain wasn’t engaging in the moment I should have been.  I stopped, focused on him, and listened.  It was the type of  moment that I soon will long for (he’ll be off to college in 5 short years). Moments happen everyday – with your kids, wife, friends & co-workers…even just moments of reflection as you go through your day – learn to maximize them, according to your defined core values - you won’t get these moments back, and you will rarely regret maximizing them.

E – engage in the process of life

Life is unpredictable.  There are times when you’re actively in the game, moving the ball down the field, and times when you’re on the sidelines watching (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 talks about the seasons of life).  All are important, and none are surprises to God.  I love Psalm 139:16 where it says God knew my days before I was born – He’s not surprised by anything!  Now, I know we make decisions that affect our days, but it says it right there – God knows my days before I was born (yea, don’t hurt yourself trying to reconcile those two concepts!).  Whatever “season” you are in, engage it with your time and allow God to work and move in you to accomplish the tasks, the healing, the equipping, the ministry – whatever it is He has designated that season in your life for. 

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
      Remind me that my days are numbered—
      how fleeting my life is.
 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
      My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
      at best, each of us is but a breath.

Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT) 

For a more complete Biblical study on time, visit here.