Can Using the Power of Attraction Counteract Systematic Oppression?

I think I’ll just analyze this question from either personal experiences or by sharing true experiences of others. Subsequent to revisiting an Oprah Winfrey speech; and thus resolving myself to become more resolute in my position of dispelling negativity with relentless, mind on the vision, steadfastness, and urgency; positivity has resulted from my every move. In addition to the stress from the unfortunate verdict in the Zimmerman Trial; vile, untrue allegations that could have devastating effects on our current housing arrangements have surfaced. They could result in an extended interruption in our education and cause delay in the successful accomplishment of our hearts' passions, in which we are abundantly vested and indebted.

Being very much indirectly affected by the dissension that followed the Zimmerman free to go verdict, melancholia sought to overwhelm. In an attempt to shield myself from witnessing the contempt of a biased system of justice, I did not watch the Trayvon trial or the Zimmerman verdict, and would rarely discuss the issue. Wanting to be the first to inform me of the verdict, my daughter called, abruptly announcing that she and my grandchildren would not be attending my upcoming graduation from Full Sail University, located in Winter Park, Florida.  While the depressive state of affairs have escalated, we have been Graced to, “Joy in the Blessing” of ‘Positivity" and to escape the grips of asininity that results in gloom and doom.

Entertainment Business Graduate Student
Queen Searles with
Angelic Vocalist Bridgett Bryant 

Having similar experiences to those recounted by Oprah Winfrey, my consistency of thought attracted, songstress Bridgett Bryant into my life. She is one of the pristine background voices on, You Will Know, by my favorite brand in entertainment and subject of my graduate studies, Stevie Wonder.














Mr. Wonder's Masterful Deliverance, sophisticated syncopations and Heavenly collaborations lifted a writer's block and assisted me in completing the requirements of my Media Publishing and Distribution course.

The power of attraction is positivity.  Holding on to that spirit of Love and Positivity, Graced me to meet, Aisha Morrris, the daughter of the man behind my favorite brand in entertainment, for whom I would most like to work, Sir Stevland Morris. Seeing the granddaughter of Lula Mae Hardaway, a women whom I immensely admire and sincerely appreciate for her courage, pertinacity, and empowerment; overshadowed every negative experience that I had to endure in life to get to this place. Queen Mother Lula Hardaway is the person who signed and sealed a righteous deal that delivered to the world the gift of Love, in the personification of Stevie Wonder, through the genius of her son, Stevland Hardaway Judkins Morris.

   

                        I was Blessed to take Pictures with the

                        Wonderland Queen of Positivity

                                          Aisha Morris

                                     Heart of My Heart

                              Granddaughter of My Queen

Miraculously, the Power of Attraction was Counteracting Systemic Oppression in realtime. At the exact time that officers from outside of our district were continuing in their orchestrated harassment and humiliation in conjunction with Apartment Management; I was enjoying a KJLH Sunday Gospel Brunch at the elegant Chart House in beautiful Redondo Beach with emerging artist Negus RA.

and KJLH personality Lon McQ

and Sultry Singing Sensation
Will Wheaton

Police officers had affixed a card outside of our door when we arrived home, alleging that we hit another tenant's car.

I was already dealing with massive harassment by property management that caused a previous withdrawal from my graduate studies, including serious injuries to my foot due to exposed carpet nails. The property security guard had come to our unit on several occasions due to false reports of noise.

However, the day prior this BLESSED KJLH SUNDAY GOSPEL BRUNCH, Police officers unduly awakened me at nearly 2:00a.m. causing me to experience exceptional anxiety and reoccurring nightmares of Chicago style predawn raids…Once again the power of attraction spared my life from doom and gloom. My subconscious will to be happy, and to live prosperously by pursuing positive and productive passions, has thwarted every negative invasion with exponentially positive experiences.

I remain mindful that, 

"A Time to Love can't be just another project, 

it must be our promise."

A promise to love one's self first 

and the DIVINITY of CREATION 

will draw all things necessary to turn your projects 

into promises fulfilled.

After several sleepless nights, I slept with my headphones on listening to Bridgett Bryant's Soulmate Collection on repeat. This act transformed nightmares into pleasant dreams and uncharted passions into purposeful pursuits. As a result, my Loving You Haiku; Sometimes it Rhymes book has evolved into a massive collection of beautiful haiku poetry and matching artistry.

   Songstress Bridgett Bryant Angelically

 lullabied me to sleep and transformed 

nightmares into pleasant dreams.  

 

From my lifetime experiences, the Power of Attraction is a Universal Supernatural Magnetic Force that   draws to you whatever your soul's eye sees, your mind conceives, your heart desires and your actions pursue.

Queen Searles

Does Systematization affect all indirectly?

With the recent six-jury decision in the case of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman, America’s systemic oppression and its unfair judicial systems have evoked global controversy. As is evident in much of the ongoing conversations, Dr. King’s precepts, that eloquently illuminate the theory of “interrelatedness,” are apropos to examine, relative to the state of affairs, in one of the world’s most esteemed countries. Capricious unjust afflictions have been continuously perpetrated against Africans, who were enslaved, forcibly brought here, placed in bondage, and unmercifully beaten until they bowed down in total submission, were stripped of everything, and were allowed to own nothing.  Although the posterities of these Africans were born in America, they are constantly being denied equal constitutional protections under the law in the year 2013.  

Heirs of the Africans who built this land from their blood, sweat and tears are being overtly and covertly attacked beyond reason; physiologically, psychologically, judicially, administratively, politically, economically, socially, and otherwise. Throughout all of history’s deplorable degradation, African-Americans have remained dignified and have made substantial strides in overcoming prejudicial barriers. As President Obama expresses in his impromptu speech, regarding the jury’s Zimmerman is innocent verdict, although things appear to be getting better with each generation, he somberly relates to the plight and emotions of African American people through association. Hannity attempted to impugn President Obama’s profound use of affiliation by disdainfully attacking the president with disparaging analogies.  The commentator recounts conversations where one of Dr. King’s speeches is perversely juxtaposed and contextually retched to support the annihilation of an unarmed young Black Man.  

Renowned author and prolific negotiator Roger Fisher, advocates using connectivity to advance negotiations. Similarly, Dr. King’s statement, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny,” impels thought provoking calculated actions to rise above ‘numwittedness’ as advocated by some.  Intelligence is demonstrated when people unite to affect the pocketbooks of the perpetrators of inequity, while simultaneously protecting their family, friends, entourage and fans from potential attacks and casualties.  While people are entitled to their own opinions, The Highest Power, will inevitably address those who obstinately cling to obvious wrongs, as expressed by one of the jurors, who may eternally experience sleepless nights. 

Detroit Free Press. Retrieved July 28, 2013 from

http://www.freep.com/article/20130726/NEWS07/307260050

Roger Fisher Beyond Reason. Retrieved July 28, 2013 from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMJcY5psm_0

Msnbc. Morningjoe. Retrieved July 28, 2013 from

http://www.

If You “Own Your Power,” Can Industry Systematization be Circumvented?

In light of the recent trademark infringement case, Kelly-Brown v. Winfrey, “Own Your Power” has become a controversial phrase, and one that I must admit is having a positive impact in my life. As a result of this powerful command, I have begun to take control of my own power. Having been discouraged by the lack of response from industry professionals to various forms of telecommunications, I walked bodaciously into the law offices of one of the most distinguished entertainment attorneys in the industry. Humbly, I requested an interview to complete this industry blog post assignment for my Advanced Entertainment Law (AEL) course at Full Sail University. 

Fortunately, reviewing the Kelly-Brown v. Winfrey case sparked a fire that has me walking in my authority. My primary objective was to complete an interview with an entertainment industry attorney who could answer questions pertinent for building TrueVine Entertainment and proficiently developing emerging brands. Simone Kelly-Brown’s courageousness, demonstrated by standing up to one of the world’s most powerful talk-show hosts in the world, helped me begin to synthesize the wealth of knowledge gained throughout my life. Win or lose the case, this can only be a win-win situation for Kelly-Brown. Her boldness to defend her brand rather than yield to the shadow of mogul Winfrey, has gained her respect, and new admirers, including myself.

“Entering action with boldness has the magical effects of hiding our deficiencies” and eliminating obstacles (Greene, 2000). One hurdle to overcome, in achieving success in the entertainment industry, is getting to yes from vetted professionals who have answers to the many questions that can help neophytes make their presence known and grow their business. Boldness, courage, and confidence are impressive traits that can help you gain respect of the “gatekeepers” who protect access to those who can help you achieve your dreams.

Through prayer, faith and owing my power, I was blessed to gain the attention of Sandy Hart, who has 30 years experience working as an administrative assistant for one of the firm’s founding partners. When approaching the very first gatekeeper, the receptionist, I calmed my nervousness with a warm smile, and rather than answering her question, “do you have an appointment,” I redirected by responding, are you Liz, I spoke with you over the phone last week… “Building an affiliation” came very naturally, as the office was adorned with some of my favorite flowers and she was in a glowing motherly way (Fisher and Shapiro, 2005). 

Thank you to Beautiful Ms. Hart

on behalf of all neophyte

entertainment professional who

may find benefit from this post.

The receptionist personally went to the offices of the executive assistant, who came out to greet me and gave me a very compelling interview before leaving for lunch.  I was very encouraged when Ms. Hart pulled out the questions that I had sent previously by e-mail. With clerical business skills honed at a local business college, Ms. Hart had had several years of experience working for attorneys before joining the team of entertainment professionals at the entertainment law firm. She stressed the importance of professionalism, multi-tasking, documentation and working efficiently and effectively to produce “win-win” outcomes for everyone involved.  She corroborated many of the lessons learned throughout my studies, including the importance of networking, modeling successful people and using social media to build a fan base.

Ms. Hart emphasized that artists must be very proactive in their own career by availing themselves to every possible opportunity, including auditioning for local showcases sponsored by radio and television stations, as well as studios offering industry competitions. They must, “power through rejection,” avoid procrastination, constantly refine their skills and stay abreast of technology as well as other events and trends that affect the industry. Her best advice for artists to build a reputable team, in order of importance, is as follows:

1.     Develop convincing talent that makes you outshine your competition.

2.     Be knowledgeable about the industry and your plan.

3.     Conduct research to find opportunities.

4.     Always have business cards on hand with current information and headshots.

5.     Audition, apply to showcases and competitions

6.     Network at auditions, festivals and through social media.

7.     Get noticed by utilizing YouTube.

8.     Find an agent who is committed to your best interest, who has connections and who can present your plan.

Once an artist establishes an impressive fan base they will be better positioned to attract the attention of a manager or agent for representation. The hiring of an entertainment attorney is usually done when there are actual deals to be made and agreements on the table.  The search for an entertainment attorney can begin with industry referrals and continue with an Internet search and contacting the local Bar Association to see if they have a referral service.  Attorneys will generally have access to referral lists that can identify agents, publicists and additional resources to help the artist build a reputable team.

I began to immediately implement some of Ms. Hart’s suggestions into managing TrueVine artist Negus RA, by demanding that he put a music video up on YouTube immediately. This helped me to connect with the artist and gain a better understanding of his music. Although my preference is for love music, listening to THA INTRO helped me realize that this emerging artist has great potential to write cutting edge music for movies such as the box office hit White House Down. Save the President, a lot of people went home in “body-bags.” 

Allen, P. (2007). Artist management for the music business.  Elsevier Inc., MA

Fisher, R., Shapiro, D. (2005) Beyond reason: Using emotions as you negotiate. New York, The Penguin Group.

Greene, R. (2000). The 48 laws of power. New York. The Penguin Group.

Are Legal Woes for the Rich and Famous Rooted in Systematization?

Bureaucracies grounded in suppression, through actions and/or inactions that result in people suffering from scarce resources and unfair practices, have long been associated with the woes of the economically and socially deprived.  

Could similar systemic forces be the root cause of situations that lead to excessive litigation for many entertainment artists? 

We must remember that oppression of one is oppression for all.  In his Letter from a Birmingham jail, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., states the concept more eloquently as in the excerpt below:

Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states… Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial "outside agitator" idea.

The accuracy of Dr. King’s treatise manifests through the reactions and consequential realities that exist for those closest to the oppressed as well as through the onlookers of inequity. Our interdependencies can lead to encounters that may yield conflict. However, being draped in the cloak of togetherness thus bonded by truth, harmoniously resolving conflict based on prudence should be our primary goal. Commitment to practicing the fundamentals of positive productive negotiations that generate mutually beneficial returns when transacting entertainment management business will minimize potential litigation. 

The absence of these basic principals can cause dissention that spirals into legal liabilities, which cost substantial time, money and enormous opportunity costs. These factors weigh heavily on an artist’s career. Such can be witnessed from an examination of events that lead to the social, economic, legal, psychological and physiological demise of many artists historically.  Most recently notable among this vast group is Michael Jackson.

As one who is greatly inspired by my cyber-mentor, who is living with retinopathy, the case of Cariou vs. Prince is currently relevant to a gift I personally created from the protected work of another artist. Motivated through my studies, I commissioned an artist months ago to create a very special gift. The artist was unable to deliver the gift; therefore, I was inspired to create a unique gift that could be seen through the eyes of my online mentor. Studying the impact of the case has eased my concerns about transforming another’s work without obtaining express permission. This case confirms that newly transformed artwork would be protected under the doctrines of fair use if it is distinctly different and transformative.

Two weeks prior to Stevland Morris’ birthday and a few weeks before the seventh year anniversary of his mother’s transition, I witnessed an interview in which my life-long hero appeared distraught about the potential for nuclear war to arise. Realizing that this time of the year could be stressful for him, particularly coupled with his inability to, like Dr. King, live outside of the realm of festering world discord, I felt a deep need to deliver a gift that would uplift him and let him experience the return of love and joy that he shares through his music and never-ending good deeds.  According to the doctrines of fair use, because my artistic concept is not only uniquely different, it has the purpose of transforming the Rotell etched pencil drawing for the sighted into the Searles & Allen creative artistic form for the blind and visually impaired to see, therefore it should be protected under the fair use doctrine. In the case of Cariou vs. Prince, the lower court ruled in favor of Cariou on the basis that Prince’s works were not transformative because he did not comment on the original works of Cariou.  This decision was unanimously reversed on appeal with three judges consenting that comment on original works is not prerequisite to demonstrating transformative use.

          Would Black Jesus on the right qualify for the fair use defense to copyright infringement?

Searles & Allen
Black Jesus
for the Visually Impaired

Rotell
Black Jesus
Original Print

My interpretation of fair use is clear; on the other hand, the decision in the Kelly-Brown v. Winfrey case where a U.S. Court of Appeals overturned Oprah Winfrey’s victory in a New Jersey district court arising out of trademark-infringement allegations is perplexing. “The First Amendment prevents a trademark owner from using trademark law to limit public discourse (Butler 108).” Winfrey’s legal team argued this defense, however, on appeal the judge stated that Winfrey’s argument was inadequate for supporting the fair use defense. 

The most heartbreaking case in current history that could affect my business plan is the kind of perpetual litigation that tormented Michael Jackson and which now plagues his mother, Katherine Jackson  as well as his children, who filed a wrongful death suit against the promoter and producer of the concert that resulted in the entertainer’s fatality.  Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) is accused of being negligent in hiring Dr. Conrad Murray without conducting a background check.  Julee Milham, former Chair of the entertainment Art and Sports Law section of the Florida Bar and a guest lecturer for a Full Sail University class, highly emphasized the importance of conducting investigative research on all people that will be interacting with artists in her top advice for Advanced Entertainment Law students aspiring to become artist managers.

AEG’s accusations of extortion by the Jackson’s, in my opinion, represents shameless debauchery and the epitome of humiliation to the Jackson’s, their friends, loved ones, and loyal fans.  Apparently throughout the life of this ancestral Prince of Peace, systems of greed resulting in the exploitation of some major artists has plagued Michael Jackson’s soul as the true extortionists thrive from the pain of his genius, even onto his transition.

As a TrueVine Entertainment Product and Artist Executive, it is my goal to utilize the knowledge gained through the research conducted herein for the purpose of providing clients with strategies that limit liability and to conduct sagacious business interactions that protect intellectual property.  We will protect artists from burnout as well as conduct background and security checks on everyone having contact with our artists.   

Butler, Joy R. The Permission Seeker's Guide Through The Legal Jungle: Clearing Copyrights, Trademarks And Other Rights For Entertainment And Media Productions. VitalSource Technologies/MBS, 062007. <vbk:MBS1001866#page(108)>.

Can Blind Faith Negotiations Obviate the Evil of Systematization?

Unfortunately, co-author of the texts used to teach Negotiation and Deal-Making (NDM) skills at Full Sail University, Roger Fisher, transcended this lifetime on August 25, 2012 at the age of 90. Fisher co authored the book “Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In” with William Ury and Bruce Patton and the book, “Get what you want: Improve Your Relationships:Beyond Reason Using Emotions as you Negotiate.” Fisher advanced the theory of talking to those whom some may consider terrorist- minded human beings. He used the principles of listening to ascertain the concerns of Iran’s Ayatollah during the 1981 hostage crisis. Fisher says, “[One] can learn more by listening than by judging from a distance.” In an effort to access the root of the dissension between countries, he advocates that a President should use second level people to initiate negotiations.

One of Fisher's co-authors and colleagues, William Ury, corroborates his theory, referring to the second level team as "the third side" of a conflict. Ury defines the third side as, “us, the community, the friends, the allies, the family members, the neighbors.” Ury goes on to explain that the role of the third party is to help take conflicting parties to the “balcony… a metaphor for a place of perspective where we can keep our eyes on the prize.” We remind the parties of a conflict what is at stake and help them get to the 'balcony' in resolving the conflict. In his conclusion, Ury empowers us with the secret to peace, which is, “The Third Side.” He recounts an African Proverb, “When spider webs unite, they can halt even the Lion,” and analogizes that, “if we’re able to unite our third side webs of peace, we can even halt the lion of war.” Ury admits that in its simplicity, it is not easy to resolve conflicts involving the use of weapons of mass destruction; however, he avers that in his almost four decades of involvement of global negotiations, he has, "yet to see a conflict that cannot be transformed" utilizing the third party approach. He further invites us to consider taking the third side to assist in bringing the world a step closer to peace.

Stevland Morris, my cyber mentor, is so troubled by the tensions rising due to the threats being made by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to wage nuclear war against the U.S. and its allies that he is requesting an invitation from President Obama to personally visit Jong-un as a third side to obviate the devastating “Evil” that would result from such an attack on humanity. In an interview with, Mesha McDaniel, Sir Stevland Morris expressed gratitude for the Divine Blessings of being the personification of Stevie Wonder, but he believes that the Creator also has a more Supreme Ordination for his life.

From the comments made during the Wonder and Hayes backstage interview at the Academy of Country Music Awards, I surmise that liken to Jesus and many of the great prophets that followed in His footsteps, Sir Stevland is an ambassador of love and peace, who is destined to use his music to help save the planet from self-destruction. There is no doubt in my mind that, just as the pied piper in the fable saved the town from being destroyed by rats with his pipe, Sir Stevland can use the Harmonica Man and his sultry pipes, to turn shouting threats of harm into singing songs of happiness; thus potentially saving the world through love and music.

However, for “Blind Faith Negotiations to obviate the evil of systematization," that could result in nuclear war, it will be necessary to organize a dynamic team to assists in accomplishing this task. As Stevie Wonder’s 'online graduate student' artist manager, I would say to President Obama, in considering your second-level or your third side negotiation team, “Please contract renowned and vetted negotiator, William Ury of the Harvard Negotiation Project to coach and accompany Sir Stevland, as well as myself to help conduct Stevie’s business affairs and to manage his diet, while I simultaneously make real-world connections to gain mastery of negotiation skills.” With a third party team, ordained by The Most High, that includes Stevland Morris, William Ury, and Queen Searles, among others; the United States of America will be blessed to have a balcony experience where we can all enjoy life more harmoniously on Higher Grounds.

Systematization Infiltration No - ‘Wonder Blunder’

In my initial Blog Post, I defined systematization as “the debilitating condition resulting from bureaucratic systems of operation that tend to impede and place limitations upon an individual and/or an organization’s ability to excel beyond the constraints of scarcity and surpass their highest expectations.” I further stated that “at some point throughout one’s career journey, they will likely encounter systematization.”  The effects of systematization have found its way into the University of Hawaii through a scam that has caused them embarrassment and the loss of over half a million dollars including the cost of cover-ups and investigations. Government officials required the university to publically reveal details related to what the media has termed, the “Stevie ‘Wonder Blunder’ Concert.” 

Infiltration and collusion between university employees and others posing as the business manager for Stevland Morris is no “wonder blunder.”  No duplicitous catchy title, with overtones that could lead reads to believe that Stevie Wonder or his management team could possibly be involved in such a fiasco, should be used to headline such vile transgressions.  As pointed out in the article, university officials did not exercise due diligence in checking the background of those impersonating Mr. Morris’ agents.  It is incomprehensible that a blatant conspiracy could be trivialized as a blunder, in other words mistake.  Any university clerk, secretary, or administrator could have easily contacted anyone at any of Mr. Morris’ establishments to confirm the name of his business manager.  It should be standard practice for any business professional to corroborate an event before disbursing funds.

Mr. Morris is blessed to have astute managers such as Brett Steinberg and Rob Light, representatives of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), as gatekeepers of his business affairs.  Exactly how they became aware of the unauthorized concert was not disclosed.  However, they prevented Stevie Wonder fans from experiencing the pain of showing up for a fiasco that would have left everyone wondering how our hero could disappoint his lifelong fans.