---Congrats to President Obama---
Here is an excerpt of President Obama comments following the announcement of his Nobel Peace Prize win: “I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee.  Let me be clear:  I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations. To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace. But I also know that this prize reflects the kind of world that those men and women, and all Americans, want to build -- a world that gives life to the promise of our founding documents.  And I know that throughout history, the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.  And that is why I will accept this award as a call to action -- a call for all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st century.”

Marc Morial

Taraji P. Henson

Terrance Howard

Michael Vick

Business World Index

---Black male dropouts and incarceration---
On any given day, nearly 23 percent of all young Black men ages 16 to 24 who have dropped out of high school are in jail, prison, or a juvenile justice institution in America, according to a disturbing new national report released on the dire economic and social consequences of not graduating from high school. Dropouts become incarcerated at a shocking rate: 23 of every 100 young Black male dropouts were in jail on any given day in 2006-07 compared to only 6 to 7 of every 100 Asian, Hispanic or White dropouts. While young Black men are disproportionately affected, the report found that this crisis cuts across racial and ethnic lines. Male dropouts of all races were 47 times more likely to be incarcerated than their peers of a similar age who had graduated from a four-year college or university. "For too long, and in too many ways, young people across the country have been let down by the education system and by the adults responsible for their care and development," said Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. "Now is the time to increase the investments we make in young people, enhance the content, opportunities and supports we provide, and empower them to make better choices about both their individual future and the future of our nation. This report is another important step towards those ends." Released by a coalition of leading national and regional education, advocacy, and social service groups, the report, Consequences of Dropping Out of High School: Joblessness and Jailing for High School Dropouts and the High Cost for Taxpayers.

---2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS'---
CENTRIC announces the return of the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS, the classic music awards show that highlights R&B music's finest, and bridges the gap between the soulful sounds of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Academy Award nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard are slated to co-host the music special, which will tape at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, November 3 and will premiere on both CENTRIC and BET in a special simulcast at 9:00 PM (Check local listings). The CENTRIC PRESENTS: 2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS special will honor the longstanding careers and musical influences of legendary artists Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, L.A. Reid and Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds. The special will also celebrate soul music's legacy and the numerous artists who've helped pave the way for today's crop of performers. The CENTRIC PRESENTS: 2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS are guaranteed to take viewers on a soul-stirring ride through Soul Train's most memorable moments, as well as feature thrilling performances from today's hottest artists.

---DuBose Entertainment and NFL Star Michael Vick---
DuBose Entertainment and BET Networks will give viewers an unprecedented look into the life of Michael Vick, with a new original docu-series tentatively titled, THE MICHAEL VICK PROJECT. With Michael Vick's consent, the eight-part series, produced by DuBose Entertainment, MV7 Productions and Category 5 Entertainment, will follow the iconic and polarizing professional football player as he journeys on the road to redemption -- in both his personal and professional life. The cameras will not only capture the NFL star's return to football after a two year prison term stemming from his association with a dog fighting ring, but will also focus on much of his life prior to that turning point. Viewers will be given an unfiltered and personal experience of Vick as he restores his past and starts fresh for the future - not only for himself, but for his family and fiancee, Kijafa. THE MICHAEL VICK PROJECT is scheduled to premiere on BET in 2010.

---The Miss America Organization and Rush Limbaugh ---
The Miss America Organization (MAO) announced that Rush Limbaugh has been named as one of the national judges for the 2010 Miss America Pageant, which will be held at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 30 and broadcast live on TLC. Limbaugh will be one of a panel of seven distinguished judges that will help decide which of the 53 contestants will capture the Miss America 2010 title and serve as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network, as well as introduce the first Go Green platform for MAO.