Welcome to another edition of eSpot – Interviews on the Go.

Be sure to tune in to the interview with Author Michelle Larks as she discusses her new Urban Christian Novel Keeping Misery Company.  To listen to the interview, CLICK HERE.

This is the second installment of interviews I’ve done with previous American Idol contestants over the years. Today’s American Idol alumni spotlight is : Kellie Pickler.

SMALL TOWN GIRL – The Kellie Pickler Interview

By Shelia M. Goss

“On Small Town Girl, there are songs about going out having a good time. There are slower songs about getting your heart broken. It’s a very intimate album–a song on there for everyone.” ~ Kellie Pickler

Shelia Goss: How long have you been singing?
Kellie Pickler: I’ve always been singing. Music has always been a passion of mine. I always knew that this was what I wanted to do with my life, but had to figure out how to get to this point. When I auditioned for American Idol I had no idea that I would make it as far as I did. I made it to the top 6 and toured the country with the top 10, so it’s been very exciting.

Shelia: Has everyone always been supportive?
Kellie: There were some people who thought it was impossible to do. Some people told me I needed to go to school for something because I was living in a fantasy world. I knew I wouldn’t be happy unless I was doing something I wanted to do.

Shelia: Regardless of what other people say, sometimes you have to follow your dreams.
Kellie: I have to live with the decisions that I make. My grandfather went with me to the auditions. There was between 8500 to 10,000 other people there. It was very intimidating, but my grandfather said, “Kellie, what do you have to lose?”

I’m so glad I stuck in there. Sometimes your dreams are all you have and you should never doubt yourself. I think you should always go for your dreams. You can let the people who say you’ll never make it, make you stronger

Shelia: Have you ever considered motivational speaking?
Kellie: Absolutely. I used to speak in schools before I made it on Idol. I would give testimonial speeches. There are different things I’ve overcome in life.
I love to be a witness to other people. With the exposure I’ve gotten from Idol, I can have a bigger effect on people now.

Shelia: If you could compare yourself to other singers, who would it be and why?
Kellie: I don’t really compare myself to anyone else. I think being different makes you who you are. I don’t want to be someone else. If I had to be compared to anyone, I would want to be compared to Dolly Parton. She’s my Idol. I really admire her. She’s an incredible singer, songwriter, performer and has the best personality. She can act. She’s the whole package. I think years later, people will look at me and see some of her in me. I hope to follow in her footsteps.

Shelia: Have you met her yet?
Kellie: Not yet, but hopefully I will. I’ve always wanted to write with her.

Shelia: When someone picks up your CD, what should they expect?
Kellie: It’s going to be like an open book in my life. I put a piece of my life in every song. It’s very personal and honest. American Idol showcased some of my life but there are so much they didn’t show. I co-wrote five of the songs–including Red High Heels. The songs are very personal to me.

Shelia: What’s been one of the hardest obstacles you’ve faced recently?
Kellie: Every since Idol, everything has been easy for me. There’s a lot of hard work and dedication, time and preparation for putting an album together, but it’s been all worth it. I’m having fun. I can’t really complain about anything.

Shelia: Since American Idol, your life has been at a fast pace. How do you juggle your professional and personal life?
Kellie: A few family members or friends might drive or fly out here to Nashville. This is my life now. Right now I’m paying my dues as a new country artist. I see my family when I can. They know this is my lifelong passion and dream. They are very supportive of me.

Shelia: Do you still keep in contact with other American Idol contestants?
Kellie: Yes. We’re all busy working on our own projects. We text each other and speak regularly.

Shelia: Do you plan on doing any acting–like your idol Dolly Parton?
Kellie: Absolutely. I’ve always been interested in TV and film; however right now I’m focusing on my album and establishing myself as a country artist. It’s something I would look into doing in the future.

Website: http://www.kelliepickler.com

Shelia M Goss is an entertainment writer and National Bestselling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Violets are true, Paige’s Web and Double Platinum. For a full bio, go to www.sheliagoss.com.

Maybe in my quick haste to see who was nominated this year for the 80th Annual Academy Award shows simply known as The Oscars, I overlooked something.

Why? Why? Why wasn’t The Great Debaters nominated in any category.  Why? Why? Why wasn’t Denzel Washington or any of the other cast members from that movie not nominated. Why? Why? Why wasn’t any of the producers nominated?

Out of all of the nominations, only 1 person of color was nominated and that was Ruby Dee (which is a long overdue nomination).

Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett, “I’m Not There”; Ruby Dee, “American Gangster”; Saoirse Ronan, “Atonement”; Amy Ryan, “Gone Baby Gone”; Tilda Swinton, “Michael Clayton.” For the full list of nominees, click here.

I don’t know about you, but although I’m not a member of the WGA, I am boycotting the Oscars this year for reasons of my own. 

The Club Mentality: Wife … from the club … NOT HAPPENING

By  Single Black Male

I remember back in college actually having to convince some of my female friends the club wasn’t a good place to meet their boyfriend. To me … I was shocked that I had to actually argue this point. I thought it was clear to everyone that the club was for finding one night stands, jumpoffs, and bucket heads … not Ms. (or Mr.) Right.

Why is the club tailored to those looking for temporary love? What is it about the club that is poisionous to the creation of true love? Why is any relationship formed in the club almost always doomed to fail? Simple … the Club Mentality.

I can’t speak for everyone, every club, everywhere, but generally speaking, the club is the definition of … “the frenzy”. There is a lot of liquor involved, its an enviroment solely focused on social interactions between men and women. The music is too loud for conversation. Lights are dim and liquor flows freely. Its one of the few places you can walk behind a female, start grind on her ass … and not break any laws or be arrested. Rules, laws, and social norms that are upheld on “the outside” … simply don’t apply here. Its a different world.

A lot of guys go to the club to take a girl home with them. They are often the most aggressive too. In addition, as a guy, you know more girls are going to be open to conversation as opposed to the “real world” … so you don’t have to worry about “bothering” someone. While physically abusing a girl is still just as wrong, all those overly aggressive moves you had to retire are now allowed and often practiced. Also, for some reason, a fight is now a possibility. While at work your calm, on the road you let people pass you, but in the club … let someone scuff your sneakers or spill your drink … bout to be a misunderstanding!

For the ladies, you know that someone is going to disrespect you. Your a** will be grabbed, someone is going to pull your arm and not want to let go, and somebody is going to be overly aggressive about getting your number. A guy is going to come up to you and start “dancing” … which is closer to sex than anything else, but for some reason … tonight its OK. And while your open to conversation for any “cute” guy who is “acting right” … you also prepared a set of statement for those … “showing their a**”.

In both cases … you’re not thinking or acting logically. You’re not the same person that you are at work, or in the grocery store, or while walking down the street. I know the thought of sleeping with someone I have known for less than 24 hours suddenly seems more appealing to me … personally. And once that liquid courage (alcohol) gets in the system … Mild mannered SBM(Single Black Male) suddenly becomes … well this post isn’t about me …

Not only is the person you meet at the club not a valid representation of this person, but its hard to take anyone as serious in the club. I’m thinking about different things, the “standards” your getting judged by are significantly different, and honestly … even if I meet Ms. Right … I still might do something stupid and probably will try to cheapen something that could have been nice. Its sad, but its so true.

I will say, there are certain lounges, Happy Hours, and upscale lounges that can provide a relatively healthy meeting place for single individuals … but that isn’t the norm.

Single Black Male blogs regularly at http://www.singleblackmale.net/

WE should not let the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and others be in vain? 

Martin Luther King “I have a dream” The full version of Martin Luther King’s famous “I have a dream” speech

Sadly, we’re dealing with a lost generation. A generation who is materialistic no matter what race you speak of. A generation of young black men and women who don’t know their history and when you try to talk to them about it, they look at you like you’re from another planet. In order to appreciate where you are today and to appreciate the possibilities of a future, one must know where they come from.  It’s important for young black men and women to know that we are an intelligent race of people. Most of the things in life we enjoy today is because of an invention or creation that was inspired by God through the minds of an African American man or woman. Lets not forget that we are leaders. That we are a unique group of people. That God has given us each talents and we must utilize those and not allow people to kill your dreams because they can’t see the possibilities in you. Believe. Believe that you are and that you can. Show that your ancestors didn’t suffer and die in vain. Rise up and do what some might say is the impossible, but with God all things are possible.

This document was posted on DC Speaks blog.

This is just one example of a piece of our history that we do not dare want to repeat. We’re not being sold on the blocks, but slavery still exists–LETS FREE OUR MINDS.

Post Written By - Angela

When experienced in the right emotional, spiritual and biblical posture, sex is very good.  It feels good, the energy between the two is not wasted or spilled for the sake of not wanting to get pregnant.  The two, in harmony, are pleased and ultimately ecstatic with the outcome of the hours or minutes of togetherness.  The heart is right, the motives are pure and the results are as God has ordained.

On the other hand, sex outside the emotional, spiritual and biblical posture leaves a person emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted.  They are now in a confused state of mind to the point that what is and was wrong is absolutely good and right to them.  They begin to experience the fear of he/she is not going to COMMIT to the relationship; or why don’t you love me.  Granted, some of this goes on when two are engaged within the perimeters of biblical statues.  And, knowing this to be the truth, one of the two, if not the two altogether, have tainted motives and true love and release is not the ultimate end.

I have learned that when we will ourselves to the will and instructions of what is morally good, no matter what evil comes our way we will be able to endure and still enjoy that which is better for us.  If better is possible…then good should not be enough for you.

Remain pure to yourself and to God.  Enjoy sex and love and marriage and the taste of life’s radiant energy in the chambers of your secret place…with your husband or wife. 

 O.P.B. stands for Other People Blogs. These are a few places I visited this past week. Check them out:

Listen to the single “Mad Money” inspired by the upcoming movie Mad Money. To listen to the song go to www.myspace.com/younggeesrecords.

For all you movie buffs, check out Bettye Griffin’s Blog: