Nigerian Times

15 Feb 2008 11:20 Africa/Lagos Why Obama Won a Grammy Barack Obama won the 2008 Grammy Award for the Best Spoken Word Album Where will his speaking skills take him next? RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since 1959, the Grammy Awards have included a category for the spoken word. Actors usually win this category, which is why Obama's win this year is noteworthy. The handful of politicians who were well-spoken enough to win a Grammy in the past have also found success in their political aspirations. Toastmasters International looked at presidential candidate Barack Obama, as well as some past politically-inclined winners, to define elements of their speaking techniques that helped each win a Grammy. Obama follows in the footsteps of other well-known politicians who have been awarded the Grammy. In fact, fellow candidate Hillary Clinton won for her book, It Takes a Village, in 1997. Also, Republican U.S. Congressman and Senator from Illinois, Ev...

Call For Nominations For The 2008 Br!ck Awards « on: Today at 01:57:05 AM » “The Oscars of youth service awards…”-CNN. Since 1996, The BR!CK Awards have honored the nation’s finest young world-changers. Winners represent the best in their field or issue and are rewarded with a huge community grant and a special televised award ceremony. Know how athletes have the Olympics and singers have the Grammy’s? It’s about time world-changers have their special night too. The goal of the BR!CK Awards is to shine the spotlight on these amazing leaders and give them the recognition and applause normally given to athletes, actors, and certain “personalities” or socialites who will remain unnamed…You could say that The BR!CK Awards ARE THE ANTI-AWARD SHOW. Instead of asking “who are you wearing?” the show asks “what are you doing?” Celebrities are included as presenters, not honorees. Former winners include a homeless teenager-turned lawyer who sued New York City for failing to provide adequate supp...