Are You Ready to Set Your Vision in Motion in 2011?

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Are You Ready to Set Your Vision in Motion in 2011? Where: Red Lion Inn (formally Holiday Inn) 1050 Burnett Avenue Concord, CA 94520 Driving Directions When: Saturday February 5, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST Add to my calendar Calling all professional women (and the men who support them)! Are you ready to set your vision in motion in 2011? It's a new year! Where are you in achieving your vision? Have you started yet? Are you stuck somewhere on your journey? Do you need a little motivation and encouragement to continue? The Vision 2011 Seminar is the first in a series of Leadership Development Seminars for professional women in 2011. Join us for this kick off event as we explore our visions and dreams, set goals to achieve them, have fun and meet new people in the process! Click on the link below today to take advantage of the early bird special. $45 before Monday, 1/17 $65 between 1/18 and 2/2 $85 at the door. See you all at Vision 2011 and bring a friend! Get more information Register Now! I can't make it Feel free to contact us with questions or more information. Take our survey and vote for the top semiars you'd like to see in 2011: Seminar Survey Thank you for your attention and response. We look forward to seeing you at Vision 2011! Sincerely, Julianna Hynes & Beth Luke womeninleadership@xlence.org www.xlence.org 925 207-1578

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Upcoming MLK Holiday Events in Oakland

Courtesy of Mayor Jean Quan's Newsletter

• Saturday, January 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Clean Up in Beat 33: Meet at Allen Temple Church, 8501 International, at 8:30 am, and/or meet at the East Oakland Boxing Association, 816 98th Ave, at 1 pm.

• Monday, January 17, 8:30-1 pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Clean-Up: Meet at Madison Middle School, 457 Capistrano Drive.

• Re-establish a Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council for Beat 33 and meet your new Beat Officer, Eastmont Sub Station, 2651 73rd Avenue, Wednesday, January 26th, 6-8 pm.

Saturday, January 15 East Oakland Clean up
8:30-Noon Meet at Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd.
1-4 pm Meet at East Oakland Boxing Association, 816 98th Avenue

Sunday, January 16, Family Explorations! The Art of Storytelling from Martin Luther King, Jr. to President Obama, 1-4 pm
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St.
Admission Fee for adults, Children 8 and under free. Storytellers and musicians celebrate Black History Month in this family program. www.museumca.org or 238-2200.

In the Name of Love: 9th Annual Musical Tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 7 pm
Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr.
Oakland's only non-denominational musical tribute to Dr. King features several of Oakland's most outstanding and internationally known vocal treasures including American soul and R&B singer/songwriter Goapele, powerful vocalist and historian Linda Tillery premiering a new vocal duet with Gospel great Terrance Kelly, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Oakland Children's Community Choir with the Oaktown Jazz Workshops. Mayor Jean Quan will present the 6th Annual Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award to Achebe Hoskins for his outstanding work on behalf of the Oakland community. Presented by Rhythmic Concepts, Inc. Admission Fee.
www.mlktribute.com or 800-838-3006 /287-8880.

Monday, January 17 MLK Day of Service
8:30 am-1 pm MLK Day of Service in Sobrante Park
Meet at Madison Middle School at 400 Capistrano Drive. Bring gloves and clothes that can get dirty. Contact Bill Richie at 472-8911.

9 am-1pm MLK Day of Service at Lake Merritt.
Meet at the Lakeside Garden Center and join volunteers from Volunteers for Service and Volunteers for America in a major clean up of our beloved Lake Merritt. Bring gloves and water.

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Doolittle Dr. & Swan Way
8:30 am to Noon, Free Admission
This East Bay Regional Park District's event continues Dr. King's vision to improve lives, bridge social barriers and move our nation closer together to the beloved community. Volunteers will assist staff in restoration work and invasive plant removal in order to support and care for wildlife and their natural habitats. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and closed-toed shoes. Please also bring your own water bottle. Heavy rain cancels. Registration is required either online or via phone. www.ebparks.org or 888-327-2757 then option 2 followed by option 3.

13th Annual Make the Dream Real 2011 featuring Marianne Williamson
Taylor Memorial Methodist Church, 1188 12th St.
10 am to Noon, Free Admission
The keynote address will be by Marianne Williamson, world renowned lecturer, peace activist, cultural change agent and New York Times multiple best-selling author. Mistress of Ceremony will be Aimee Allison of KPFA's "The Morning Show." Performers include Ishmael Combs & the Taylor Memorial Children's Unity Choir, Destiny Knuckles, China Spirit Ensemble directed by Winnie Wong, the Oakland Interfaith Youth Gospel Choir directed by Terrance Kelly, Kenya Hall, Kimberly Turner & Tyrese Johnson, ArtEsteem youth Leaders and others. Three Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards will be given to deserving community members who are doing exemplary service work. Presented by the Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc. & Taylor Memorial Methodist Church.
www.ahc-oakland.org / www.taylorchurch.org or 652-5530 /444-6162

The Dream Lives On: Multicultural Peace Celebration & Rally
ILWU Warehouse Hall #6, 99 Hegenberger Rd.
10 am-2 pm, Free Admission
Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts will speak, along with youth speakers, an address by Mayor Jean Quan, remarks by YMCA of the East Bay President Rev. Robert Wilkens and entertainment.
798-5535.

Annual Classic Film Festival
African American Museum & Library at Oakland, 659 14th St.
11 am-4 pm, Free Admission. By popluar demand, AAMLO presents its Annual Classic Film Festival that takes folks back in time. www.oaklandlibrary.org or 637-0200.

Historic mural at the AAMLO>>

Wednesday, January 19, BART Celebrates Dr. King's Legacy Through Music and the Arts
2nd Floor Auditorium, Kaiser Center, 300 Lakeside Dr.
Noon to 1:15 pm, Free Admission
This celebration of Dr. King's legacy will feature performances by the Oakland School for the Arts Instrumental Music Department. 464-7139

Vote for the Local 5 Progressive Unity Slate for the California Democratic Party - 16th Assembly District - Oakland-Alameda-Piedmont-Endorsed By Gavin Newsom

From a colleague of mine and friend from elementary/high school, Chantal Reynolds:

I am running to be a delegate representing the 16th Assembly District

which includes the cities of Oakland, Alameda and Piedmont.  I’m

running on the Local 5 Progressive Unity Slate.  Please commit to

bringing out 2 to 3 people and spreading the word to 5.  Please spread

the word so that all of your family and friends can come to support my

slate!  We have to show the party our numbers and our strength, so

that our issues are at the forefront of the Democratic agenda. Please

come out, so that they know that we are here and have power in numbers!

You must be registered to vote in Assembly District 16-Oakland,

Alameda, or Piedmont.

Please vote:

Date: Saturday, January 8

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Laney Community College Theater

Address: 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA

As a delegate I will

 * Attend annual Democratic Convention

 * Network with other Democrats

 * Represent my constituency

 * Elect Party officers

 * Promote the California Democratic Party agenda

 * Endorse candidates for statewide, legislative and congressional office

 * Vote to endorse resolutions and ballot measures

You can vote for up to 6 men and 6 women on our Progressive Unity

Slate, so I hope you’ll vote for our full slate:

Women:

 * Ronnie Caplane

 * Emmy Fearn

 * Jennifer Pae

 * Amy Thorpe Peterson

 * Chantal Reynolds

 * Rebecca Saltzman

Men:

 * Sean Dugar

 * Joel Freid

 * Richard Fuentes

 * Abel Guillen

 * Dan Rush

 * Sean Sullivan

The Best “Game” is the “Truth”

By: Kevin L. Nichols


Note: This was originally written for a column in a magazine but never got published...

Back in my single days, I was always baffled by hearing other men talk about “game,” how much they had, and how they used it to advance their objectives (exploits) in a relational context. From these conversations and discussions, I uncovered their definition of “game.” To them, “game” was their uncanny ability to attract women based on superficial characteristics, such as the appearance of how much money they had, how handsome they were, how good they appeared to be in bed, and how into their “prey” they seemed to be. Often times, this meant that they would lie, rob, steal, and cheat to get whatever they wanted whenever they could. This concept of “game” allowed these men to think that they were God’s gift to women and if successful, they could convince their women that they were special, that it was OK to let down their guards, that they were the “only ones,” to lend them money haphazardly, and to sacrifice their bodies in the name of “love.”

Ironically, these were the same men whose conversations transitioned to how some women snapped on them and pulled a “Thin Line Between Love and Hate” or a “Waiting to Exhale” on them. As their perplexity diminished, I continued to ask, “Why do you have to lie to kick it?" That’s not “game.” “Game” is being a man of integrity and telling the truth. So many men looked at me as if I was speaking a foreign language where they just could not comprehend. “Game” is a reflection of maturity as well as security. If I man has it “going on,” that should speak for itself. He should not have to brag or highlight whether or not he has money, drives a nice car, lives in a big house, etc. to get a woman's attention.  A women will come to know those things in due time.

If a man looks good, he should know it already. He does not have to look in the mirror all day (unless he’s a Kappa), take pictures of himself half naked and send them to you via text or on Facebook. And he does not have to constantly ask you how he looks, he should know it. Anyone who needs to be so absorbed in themselves to this magnitude, is insecure and women need to guard themselves emotionally.

Granted, there is no “Golden Rule” as to how fast two people can fall in love, but just meeting some one, talking to them on the phone several times, and going out on a date or two in a week’s time does not constitute “loving” someone. “Lusting” someone perhaps but not “loving” someone. Talking about what he’s going to do to you sexually before you have sex is a “no no” as well and you should be cautious to not have big expectations (no pun intended). Once again, if you have to talk about it, it’s not all that. “Demonstrate don’t placate.”

Finally, if you just met a man last week, chances are he’s not a hermit. He was probably dating someone else before you met. It’s OK to admit that you are seeing other people when you are single. But if a man says, “you are the only one in my life” you should run because that’s just not realistic.

In summary, I have a vested interest in helping couples stay together and avoid being part of the ever-growing 50+% of divorced couples in America. How couples begin their relationships usually determines the same vices of how they will end. I strongly believe that women play a vital role in raising the bar for successful relationships/marriages. Please take heed and know that the truth is powerful and it does set you free. So many people get caught trying to keep up facades, trying to recall what lies were told to whom in order to continue the false perceptions and make believe personas. It’s easier to be honest, broke, and real in the Bay than living a fake lifestyle in LA for a whole host of other reasons, which I will not address today.  Define yourself by having integrity and security in being who you are today in your life, yet hold on to your aspirations of who you want to be. When you have achieved, then you can “be” but until then, just be “me.” Now that’s “game!”

Kevin L. Nichols is an author, President and CEO of KLN Publishing. LLC located in San Francisco, California.  For more information, please visit www.klnpublishing.com.

Copyright 2011   KLN Publishing, LLC   All Rights Reserved 

Happy Holidays!

Southern Cal Family Fun Spots for the Holidays!

By: Kevin L. Nichols

As parents, we often fantasize during the holidays of creating innovative traditions that the newer nucleus of our family will enjoy and one day incorporate in their own lives. Family pot-lucks and visiting friends have been the norm for many years and feel very comfortable. Although the economy may weigh in on what a feasible way to celebrate the holidays these days actually is; it is hard to resist the nostalgia that this time of the year brings. As you reflect on the fun that you had as a kid at places like Disneyland ^® and Knott’s Berry Farm ^®, have you recently thought what it would be like to celebrate the holidays in Southern California at one of your favorite “family-fun” destinations without breaking your piggy bank? If not, here is some information about 4 major attractions: Disneyland ^®, Knott’s Berry Farm ^®, LEGOLAND ^®, and Universal Studios ^®, and what’s going on there during the holidays.

Travel Considerations

If you have not been to the Los Angeles area in a while, it is about a 5 ½ hour moderate drive from the Bay Area (which assumes, bathroom breaks, rest stops, and an occasional meal) or an hour flight. Air travel lately has been extremely affordable. TraveZoo.com ^TM has been advertising sales on Virgin Airlines ^® (one of my personal favorites) for $39 & up each way per person, which is astounding. For those of you who refuse to go over your annual 12,000 mile allotment on your family vehicle, rental car rates can be found for $30 per day to about $75 per day plus gas depending on the vehicle, however, if you stay for the entire week, you might be able get a weekly rate. I recommend going to rental car company local editions for car rentals because the airports charge additional fees per day, taxes, and other surcharges. Hotel accommodations are fairly reasonable as well, but the prices also vary due to location. If you are on a budget, staying at the Disneyland ^® Hotel ^TM may be out of your price range for the holidays, however, a Residence Inn ^TM or a hotel with suites can be found on the periphery for less than $100 per night online via Expedia.com ^TM or any other travel website. Thus, for a week long trip for a family of 4, you can probably get away with either $360 for air, or $350 for a full-sized car/small SUV plus gas, and about $450 on lodging, for a total of about $800. If you are resourceful, you can also save money on eating out every meal at a restaurant by bringing food with you and/or purchase it at a local grocery store (i.e. Whole Foods ^®) in the area, and stay in a hotel with a kitchen. These are just some ideas of how you can make a trip happen, if you really want to.

DisneyLand ^® and California Adventure Park TM

It really is “The Happiest Place on Earth.” ^TM With DisneyLand’s ^® acquisition of Pixar ^®, it has more characters and rides than ever. DisneyLand ^® is ideal for families with younger children, however, the whole entire family can enjoy roller coasters, excellent shows, and share the magic that made our own childhoods so memorable. Some of my favorite attractions are the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Submarine ^TM, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster Voyage ^TM, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds ^TM. California Adventure Park ^TM highlights various native landmarks and attractions based here such as Hollywood and the Golden Gate Bridge. The parades often feature some of Pixar’s ^® signature characters from such movies as The Incredibles ^TM, Toy Story ^TM, and Cars ^TM.

This year, DisneyLand ^® is offering a free 4^th day when buying a 3 night, 4 day Vacation Package. The package also includes discounted park hopper tickets, however, you must stay at one of their resorts. In addition to its regular shows, such as Star Wars ^®Jedi Training Academy ^TM there were will also be some new shows for the holiday season, such as “Worlds of Color” – a nighttime water spectacle where storytellers on a massive stage of water in California Adventure Park ^TM. Paradise Bay becomes a magical kaleidoscope of color, lights, and music. You won’t want to miss the “Tron: Legacy” dance party, the “Disney Channel Rocks” and the “Disney Dance Crew” shows as well. For more information, please visit www.disneyland.com and for discounted tickets, please visit your nearest Costco ^TM.

Knott’s Berry Farm ^®

Knott’s is celebrating the 60^th Anniversary of Charlie Brown ^TM and the Peanuts ^TM Gang this year. “Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular” is a continuous light show filled with Peanuts ^TM three-dimensional figures, themed music, sound effects, voice-overs, and colorful projections of Peanuts ^TM characters.

Knott’s is known for its “friendliness” towards smaller children, i.e. Family/milder rides, however, their water rides and high thrill roller coasters make it a full-fledged amusement park. Some of my favorite rides are the Sierra Sidewinder, La Revolucion, Timber Mountain Log Ride, and the Perilous Plunge. One thing to note, Knott’s Berry Farm ^® is closed on Christmas Day. For more information, please visit www.knotts.com.

LEGOLAND ^® San Diego

LEGOLAND ^® is an amazingly unique destination in that many of the attractions at the park are created out of miniature LEGO’s ^®. As seen in the accompanying photographs, thousands of hours and LEGO ^® pieces have been used to create replicas of San Francisco, New York City, Mount Rushmore, and the Sydney Opera House for example. It also has water rides, roller coasters, and live shows such as “The Big Test” featuring the Fun Town Fire Department volunteers. LEGOLAND has a new water park, Sea Life Aquarium, and tons of rides, roller coasters, miniature golf, and fun for the entire family.

This holiday season, LEGOLAND ^® will be featuring “Holly Jolly Holidays,” a holiday festival that includes a life sized LEGO^® brick Santa and Reindeer, miniature Santas and reindeer delivering toys throughout Miniland USA, and the “Let it Snow” musical. Moreover, every night from December 26-31, 2010, they will be lighting up the sky with fireworks at the park’s closing. For more information, please visit www.legoland.com.

Universal Studios ^® Hollywood

Many people think that Universal Studios ^® is only the place where movies and sitcoms are made and that its main attraction is its world famous studio tour. Well there is more than meets the eye here with its roller coasters, such as The Simpson’s Ride ^TM, the Revenge of the Mummy ^TM ride, and the Jurassic Park ^TM ride. You will also get to experience the amazing King Kong 360° 3-D, which is touted as the world’s largest, most intense 3-D experience. The Studio Tour, still takes you to see Jaws, The Bates Motel, and the plane wreckage from the War of the Worlds, however, it also takes you to Wisteria Lane to visit ABC’s Desperate Housewives.

For the holidays, Universal will be celebrating “Grinchmas,” a festival full of holiday cheer, while Whoville comes to life. You can have your picture taken with the Grinch and Max, and even play in a real show. Lastly, there will be a celebrity reading of Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas and a tree lighting ceremony. As an exclusive online promotion, if you buy your tickets online, you get 1 week free for the price of one day. For more information, please visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

Thus, if you are straddling the fence and do not have any solid plans for the holidays, I strongly recommend that you consider making a Southern California fun spot your holiday destination this year. You can create your own family traditions that you and your children will never forget. If money is tight, there are ways to be resourceful. You just have to have a plan and make it happen. Happy Holidays!

Copyright 2010 KLN Publishing, LLC All rights reserved.

BANC's Understanding & Managing Internet Services

"Building Business Relationships, One Connection At A Time"

Bay Area Networking Consortium

Invites You To

Want to Know About LinkedIn, FaceBook, MySpace

Understanding & Managing Internet Services

Guest Speaker

Kevin L. Nichols

President & CEO of KLN Publishing

DATE: Thursday, November 11, 2010

TIME: 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

LOCATION: Monaghan's On The Hill

2820 Mountain Boulevard

Oakland, Ca 94602

Telephone: +1 510 482 2500

Non-Members $10

Members Free

For Each Attendee that brings 3 guests, admission is waived

(must all be accompanied in same group)

Bay Area Networking Consortium

BANC is a "boutique" networking organization, offering a structured program of an educational panel or presentation, Q&A and networking. We target serious business professional professionals, who understand the benefit of building their business-"one connection at a time." Additionally, we encourage giving back by mentorship and community service and donating goods ot local non-profits after each of our events.

Bay Area Networking Consortium

11200 Golf Links Road, Suite E

Oakland, California 94605

(925) 285-0515