Editor-in-chief

First of all and foremost, I would like to give my heartfelt prayers to all of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In its aftermath, it is prudent upon us to do something for ourselves. Those so-called refugees are my family... and yours too! There is now sufficient evidence that we must save ourselves and not rely 100% on someone else to educate, feed, shelter, and clothe us. I feel that Hurricane Katrina can be a blessing in disguise and a wake up call to all of our leaders, churches, businesses and organizations concerning the poverty that is destroying and killing the masses of our people. The world, but mostly importantly us, can now see that Black, Brown, Native Americans and poor people are suffering tremendously.

THE ROCK is celebrating its one year anniversary of its online news publication. In our first year, we have received over a quarter million hits! We have a lot to be grateful for, and we anticipate an even greater growth during our second year. I personally would like to thank all of the people that have contributed to our first-year success which include the writers, editors, proofreaders, graphic designers and reporters. But most of all, I want to thank the readers and all persons who have contributed to the quality of excellence that we will relentlessly continue to pursue.

We are also commemorating the 10th anniversary of The Million Man March and the beginning of the Millions More Movement. May God bless us all in our pursuit for a prosperous life for ourselves, our families, our communities, this nation, and the world. May history look back and future generations give praise to a people who against all odds challenged themselves to reach for a higher level in their humanity.

Now is the time for everyone to enter and cultivate their gifts and talents, and do what they are born to do. Now is the time for us to stand up and stop making excuses of why we just can’t seem to get it together. Now is the time for us to unify and put aside our differences whatever it may be to uplift a dying world into a new beginning. It may not happen overnight, but we all must challenge ourselves to do better spiritually, culturally, mentally and financially. No more whining about why I didn’t get that promotion, or why am I disenchanted about this or that. Passing the blame onto a boss for not getting that promotion, a preacher for not receiving your blessings or a teacher for not learning the proper knowledge is counterproductive. Now is the time to be proactive and not reactive. Link up with persons of like minds and spirit. Nothing is wrong with getting togetherwith progressive people who can help us in our fields of endeavor or self-enhancement. Try new things culturally, spiritually, mentally and financially; it’s amazing what a little momentum can do!

Remember when we used to support one another and respect one another’s differences whether it was in politics, education, religion, social and/or economic. Remember when we used to congratulate one another on his/her accomplishments or lend a helping hand if that person needed help. Remember when there was always something during the day that made us laugh, count our blessings or at the very least… gave us hope for a better tomorrow. Remember when we used to wish each other the best, peace and/or blessings. Maybe you do or maybe you don’t, but history tells us that we all have experienced this whether it is directly or indirectly… back in the day! Now is the time for all of us to pick up the challenge for a better today and an even better tomorrow. Thank you for reading my brothers and sisters.

Peace & Blessings,
Michael

What’s the 411? It’s information. The most valuable commodity is information. Information produces knowledge; knowledge produces action. Action produces results. Everyone is getting information from a variety of sources such as print media, radio, television, billboards, books, and magazines, and/or the Internet. We are witnessing an era of complete access to the global marketplace, and it is the Internet that is the driving force.

You can now access information that is helpful in getting you to where you want to go. Now, you don’t need a whole lot of money or a lot of excuses to get started in whatever you want to do. The Internet provides a better playing field. Everyone has access to a computer. If you don’t own one personally, pay a visit to your local library or use a friend’s computer. What is the 411? That is the question. You are the answer.

Every second of every day we are marketing ourselves. You are the true product whether as a consumer or a producer. You are the instrument in which the information flows through because the mind controls the body. It is mind over matter. Your mind is the data bank in which the information is filtered. We all want to be successful, but we need an environment that is conducive to being successful. Now, there is a one-stop shop to mind and protect your interests.

THE ROCK eNewsmagazine is gathering information 24/7. It is a machine that is growing to attract a certain type of mindset. In my assessment of this online publication in the past few months, it is producing a progressive mindset in its network. It has no boundaries in terms of demographics, race, religion, profession, status, education, or socioeconomic background. Everyone’s God-given talents, gifts, and interests can be produced and/or found somewhere in THE ROCK. This is awesome. Its power is unlimited!

Whether you have an interest as an entrepreneur, journalist, lawyer, doctor, educator, historian, activist, or entertainer, there is something for you in the network. It may be in the section called The Entertainment Shelf with a link to Recommendations. This section offers guidance in the form of books, DVDs, and CDs; it may be in the Business section where you can contact an entrepreneur or get inspired by their profiles or articles. You may want to market your web page or web site to prospective clients. Maybe it is social or cultural, so you tune into the links entitled Women’s View, Mr. Right or The Mind of a Man. Maybe you want to be educated/entertained in The ePoetry Café or get acquainted with the lovely women In Fashion. Or just maybe you just want to relax and go shopping at The Crystal Palace Mall. Whatever is your reason for visiting, learn and have fun so you, too, can also prosper. What’s the 411? Seek and ye shall surely find what you have been looking for. Enjoy the journey.

Peace & Blessings

What is this business network? And why is it so important now? The business network is a support system made up of interconnecting persons in which communication is done on a regular basis to benefit the interests of each individual or group. This business network is important in a variety of ways. It is an entity that breeds unity in a common mind with a common vision towards a common goal. An individual or group can constantly get valuable information to better themselves both economically and culturally. You can engage in buying and selling, an exchange of ideas, a sense of belonging while marketing yourself, and/or use it as an inspirational and motivational tool. A network is not a "pyramid" scheme whereby only the top or first few persons involved benefit the most at the expense of others. In the meantime, the lower-half work the hardest for a few measely "crumbs" that fall from the table. No way!

A network takes on a life of its own and is bigger than any individual or group. As the entity grows, everyone grows. The business network’s growth and rise is dependent on unity. Within a network, you are either in or you are out. There is no in between. You have to bring something to the table. It is not a giveaway program. It is multi-level marketing to the highest degree whereby you make the choice of how you want to better yourself in whatever your gifts, talents, or interests may be at that particular time. It can be a life-changing, money-making machine if it is used in the right way and in the proper manner.

An exciting and new business network that has just come into fruition is the DelMarVa Network. We are very pleased with the first phase. It mainly consists of individuals, businesses, and organizations that reside or do business in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. It is growing each and everyday, and it has definitely broadened my horizon. Anyone who is connected in any way, shape or form to THE ROCK online newsmagazine has already entered The DelMarVa Network or more commonly known as The Network. THE ROCK eNewsmagazine is a vehicle or instrument of The Network.

Welcome and stay tuned at least on a weekly basis, if not everyday. Tell a friend, send comments, and communicate to members and friends alike. You technically are already in The Network, but you may not know it yet. Whatever your interests are, The Network can help you now… and in the future. It awaits you.

THE TIME has come to launch an attack on poverty, hopelessness, despair, and injustice in the arena of economics. This generation is witnessing the rebirth of a new era.

We have to create job opportunities to sustain ourselves, our families, and our communities. In this time, we must be willing to do whatever it takes to bring ENTREPRENEURISM into existence on a major level.

Entrepreneurism is having the state of mind to own and operate a business. You can obtain this mindset in a variety of ways. You can be self-taught, learn it from other business-savvy persons, or attend a business school. Whether it is career-oriented, extracurricular or a means of survival, the time demands us to move whole-heartedly in this new direction. With the recent cutbacks in education, welfare reform, corporate downsizing, the high level of unemployment and underemployment, entrepreneurism is a must.

In order to better understand our present economic condition, we have to know that America is undergoing an immense change economically. First of all, the cost of living has increased dramatically. Secondly, certain jobs have been replaced by computers and high-tech machines. Thirdly, there has been a great shift in this country’s jobs overseas. Lastly, the competition in the job world has increased. These four occurrences have put a tremendous strain on America’s economy. Jobs and wealth are now being generated by creativity and new ideas. Job creation and wealth are the basis for entrepreneurism.

Whatever it takes to uplift ourselves economically in this capitalistic society to be positive, productive, and prosperous must be done. In order to better ourselves financially, we must be willing to educate ourselves more effectively. A few excellent ways to get educated and informed about business is to join a network organization, attend workshops, seminars, and/or conferences. At the very least, the contacts you meet along the way can be very rewarding. Also, that so-called "dead end" job could be invaluable training for your future.

This generation has been awakened by the new generation of high-tech, hip-hop, and sports entrepreneurs to the limitless business opportunities that awaits us. Some community organizations, schools, and churches have already added entrepreneurship programs to their agenda. Try to read as many books and magazines as you possibly can about the business world. Remember, whatever your age or station in life, it's never too late to journey into entrepreneurism.

Without an economics plan, there is no master plan. This is the most educated and informed generation that has ever been produced; however, the once future goal of getting a well-paying job, buying a house, driving a "Benz or a Beamer," and living the "high life" has now been replaced by fears of losing that job or having no job at all. It is best to hold on to your job while seeking entrepreneurial opportunities, but it is not wise to not have a Plan B. Most likely, what you enjoy doing in your spare time, or for no pay is what you are born to do. You can do whatever you desire, if you have the courage and faith to do… whatever it takes.