(Sat. Nov. 20, 2010) Three Literary Voices Come Together To Promote Reading In Mississippi

(Saturday, November 20, 2010) Mississippi may be seen as having one of the highest illiteracy rates in the country, but that is being chipped away each and every day by organizations like Conversations Book Club.

Under the leadership of Founder/President Cyrus Webb, Conversations Book Club began in Jackson, MS with only three members at the Medgar Evers Library in November 2006 but is now undesputedly the largest co-ed book club in the country with chapters in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and meetings in Tennessee. Now four years young, Conversations is continuing its mission of providing something for everyone.


On Saturday, November 20th, Webb hosted authors Joseph Henderson (I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE), Diane Hassan (ANGELS AMONG US...EVEN IN IRAQ) and Tommie Watkins, Jr. (LIVING OUT LOUD) in events for the National Day of Reading in the cities of Jackson and Pearl in Mississippi.

The day began with "Breakfast with Books" where patrons at the Medgar Evers Library in Jackson, MS were treated with refreshments and an opportunity to socialize with the authors.
Stanley Clark, President of For The People Productions, joined the event as well. Being one of the founding members of Conversations, he shared his appreciation for the authors coming together to promote reading.


At the end of the event, author Diane Hassan donated a copy of her book to the library, presenting it to librarian Shirley Simmons.


The next stop was the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS. There authors Hassan and Watkins shared information about their books and talked about their individual experiences.


There Hassan donated a book as well, presenting it to the supervisor on duty.


Finally it was on to Appetizers Restaurant in Pearl, MS where the authors talked about their day and shared their plans for the new year.


To date Conversations Book Club has scheduled events for 93 authors since it began in November 2006, with many more already planned for the upcoming months. To stay in touch with Cyrus Webb and the Conversations literary movement, visit www.thebestbookclub.info or contact Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.214.0286.

If you are interested in more information about the authors, you can find it below:

Joseph Henderson --- http://www.joseph-henderson.com
Dr. Diane Hassan --- http://angelsamonguseveniniraq.blogspot.com
Tommie Watkins, Jr. --- http://www.twgllc.biz

Conversations Magazine's Print Edition Returns With Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011 Issue

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce the return of Conversations Magazine's print edition.

Founded by Mississippi native Cyrus Webb,35, as the third component of the Conversations Brand (following Conversations the radio and tv shows), Conversations Magazine originally debuted in print in April 2006. Months later Webb and founding member Stanley Clark would begin Conversations the book club. Based solely on subscriptions at the time and sold online, the magazine gained a modest 100 monthly subscribers to the publication that focused almost entirely on books and those who were living their dreams as published authors.

Like other publications, when costs outweighted the actual profit of the publication, Webb made the decision in 2008 to take Conversations completely online. Ironically, it was that year that the Conversations Brand began to change, including health and fitness items, food and then in 2009 adding fashion. Today, thanks to the eclectic nature of the brand, Conversations the radio show averages over 100,000 online listeners each month, garnering partnerships with national as well as up-and-coming businesses.

"The timing is just right," says Webb, who has been building the Conversations brand since the first component Conversations the radio show began on WMPR 90.1 FM in Jackson in July 2003. "Conversations has grown alot since the print edition of Conversations last saw the light of day. I think more importantly I have grown in my understanding that you have to feed more than a person's love of books. You have to feed their love of life. That is what my team it doing."

The reemergence of the print edition of Conversations Magazine will take place in mid-November with the December 2010/January 2011 issue. The edition will feature Conversations' Top 100 Books of 2010, profiles of authors Nancy T.Rosenberg, Mikki Zimmerman, Michael Dillon Scott and entrepreneurs like actor/author/recording artist Tray Chaney, actress/director/author Cherie Johnson and model/actor Nicoye Banks. Also included will be styling tips by fashion designer Gail Ambeau, cooking tips by Chef Bruce Tretter, and musical profiles of Laura Pascarella, The Artist Company and the rap groups Authentic and Dem Raleigh Boyz as well as Conversations' Artist of the Year 2010.

The magazine will be available at independent bookstores in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Pearl/Brandon and online at www.conversationsmag.com. It will be marketed through paid ads on Facebook,social networking sites, posters, Conversations LIVE radio, and other sites operated by Shadow Play Ent. PDFs of the bi-monthly edition will also be available through www.payloadz.com.

For additional information about Conversations Magazine including how to be featured and advertising in the publication, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or601.896.5616. Details can also be found at www.conversationsmag.com.

(Sat. Sept. 25, 2010) For The People Productions Co-hosts Author Ed Slack

(Saturday, Septembr 25, 2010) On behalf of Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and all of their literary supporters, thanks for making Author Ed Slack's visit to Mississippi a success.

Over the course of the day and in three events, we were able to show that individuals throughout the state are committed to working together and supporting the importance of reading. Escorted by Conversations Book Club President and Founder Cyrus Webb and Stanley Clark of For The People Productions, the author traveled through Central Mississippi sharing the message of his book TWO LEGGED SNAKES.

The day began at Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS where the author met patrons and interacted with library staff.





After that event it was on to Yazoo City, MS where Coach Staples of Focus On The Children, members of the city government and over a hundred residents came out to meet the author and support the Literacy Rally held in downtown Yazoo City.







The final event was at Appetizers Restaurant in Pearl, MS where the author shared in some great conversation over great food.



To find out more information about Dr. Slack and his book, visit www.twoleggedsnakes.com. To stay in contact with what's next for Conversations Book Club, visit www.thebestbookclub.info.

(Tues. Sept. 21, 2010) FTP's Stanley Clark and partners featured in Yazoo Herald

(Tues. Sept. 21, 2010) For The People Productions' Stanley Clark along with Coach Johnny Staples and Alderman Aubrey Brent were profiled in the Yazoo Herald today for their commitment to promoting reading. (see below)

(Article and photo above from Yazoo Herald ---Tues. Sept 21, 2010)

(Sat. Sept. 25, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment and For The Productins Presents Dr. Ed Slack

(Saturday, September 25, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and its literary partners are pleased to welcome Dr. Ed Slack, author of TWO LEGGED SNAKES(Understanding and Handling Manipulative People).

"I was introduced to the author earlier this year," says Mississippi native Cyrus Webb,35. He is the President of Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and host of Conversations LIVE Radio. "Dr. Slack was a guest on our radio show not long ago, and from there we began making plans to work together in scheduling some events."

Slack will be in Mississippi for one day only promoting his book, talking about what led him to writing and what he hopes others get from his advice.

* 11-1p.m. --- Dr. Ed Slack will be at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) meeting patrons and signing copies of his books.

* 2:30-4:30p.m. --- Dr. Slack will be the guest of honor at the Triangle Cultural Center (Ste. A, 332 Main St. * Yazoo City, MS). Specal guests include the Mayor of Yazoo City, City Council member Aubrey Brent, Coach Johnny Staples of Focus on the Children, Stanley Clark of For The People Productions and Cyrus Webb. Free food and music available as well as performances from area schools. Joining the event will also be the Yazoo City High School PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Assoc.) under the leadership of Patricia Wright. Ms. Wright will be bringing Nickelodean's Worldwide Day of Play to the afternoon's events. Worldwide Day of Play is an initiative dedicated to encouraging families to turn off the TV and GET UP, GET OUT and GO PLAY.

* 6-7:30p.m. --- Dr. Slack will be the guest of "Spoken Word Saturdays" at Appetizers Restaurant (3000 HWY 80 * Pearl, MS) reading from his book and signing copies. Admission is free and food specials are available.

Books will be available for purchasing at all events. To find out more about the author and the book, visit www.twoleggedsnakes.com.

For details about any of the events surrounding the visit, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Details can also be found at www.thebestbookclub.info. For more information about the Worldwide Day of Play, contact Patricia Wright, PTSA President at 662-571-3389 or via email at weloveyou@bellsouth.net.

(Mon. Sept. 6, 2010) FTP's Stanley Clark Talks Literacy on Conversations LIVE

On Mon. Spt. 6th, Stanley Clark of For The People Productions along with Coach Johnny Staples and Alderman Aubrey Brent of Yazoo City, Mississippi talked about literacy and the future of our children on Conversations LIVE with Cyrus Webb.

Listen to the interview here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2010/09/06/stanley-clark-coach-johnny-staples-and-alderman-brent-on-conversations-live

Mississippi Native Launches Campaign To Compete In Oprah TV Competition

For political pundits, "Super Tuesday" in November 2010 is the date they are watching to see what change will come to America, however, Mississippi native and multi-media personality Cyrus Webb is more interested in Saturday, July 3, 2010. That is the final day of voting in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity being offered by media mogul Oprah Winfrey. The reward? Five individuals who have the most votes on that date will be finalists in her competition to find the next big tv star. Winfrey has partnered with the celebrated producer of Survivor and The Apprentice to create a competition for her new network,the Oprah Winfrey Network or OWN, and 34-year old Webb believes he has a shot.

"It's not so much about thinking I am better than anyone," says Webb, who has been active in the arts and education-related projects for over a decade. "I just believe that I have been blessed with the ability to help others find and share their voices as well as encourage others to do the same."

In 2003 Webb became the host of his own radio show Conversations with C. A. Webb (now called Conversations LIVE). Since 2003 he has interviewed over 800 guests including some of the biggest names in the arts, entertainment and world of literature and those on the rise, as well as brought attention to issues that matter to everyday individuals. In 2005 Webb followed the radio show with the launch of his local tv show Conversations with C. A. Webb on the ABC affilliate in Mississippi. In 2006 Webb launched what is now the largest co-ed book club in the country: Conversations Book Club. The book club covers all genres and has garnered national attention. Webb has also contributed articles and interviews to over a dozen online and print publications including Mississippi's own Clarion Ledger, Jackson Advocate and The Mississippi Link.

When Webb heard about the competition Oprah was hosting, he knew that it was something he had to do. The contest was announced on Friday, May 14, 2010 and by the 19th Webb had submitted his audition video and was asking for votes.

To help Webb in his endeavor to be one of the 5 finalists on Sat. July 3rd, he is rolling out a national campaign with individuals across the country to make sure the word gets out. He has also launched www.themaleoprah.com to allow people a place to learn about him, vote and also do something else: vote for others, too!

"We can't make it in this world alone," Webb explains. "Yes, it is a competition, but I want to help others as they pursue their dreams as well. This is an opportunity for all of us to bring attention to what matters most to us." Because of this, friends of Webb who have entered the competition are also linked on www.themaleoprah.com so visitors can vote for them.

Webb is using social networking sites to get the word out and will also be leading an offline campaign complete with t-shirts and posters to remind people to vote all the way to the deadline. "It's all about consistancy," he says. "It's not about how strong you start. It's the finish that matters."