President Barack Obama says he looks forward to a NATO alliance that is revitalized for the 21st century. President Obama vowed here on Friday to work with Portugal and all of Europe as Lisbon tires to cut public debt and soothe financial market fears. Portugal, struggling with a substantial public debt and deficit has had to pay dearly to borrow money on the bond market and has been under pressure to shore up public finances. The country parliament has approved a budget including salary cuts for government workers, which drew tens of thousands protestors into the streets.

(Looking Good there Looking Good^_^)

Portugal premier said there was a broad agreement with Obama about the need for regulation of the financial markets. Both Spain and Portugal are trying to prevent market concerns about the devastation in Ireland’s banking sector spreading to their countries and triggering a new Greek-style debt crisis. President Obama said “Obviously, Portugal is working through challenges created by financial markets, I think that it’s important to note that the prime minister has committed himself to a very vigorous package of economic steps, and we are going to be working with all of Europe as well as Portugal to support these efforts.”

In related news First Lady  Michelle Obama is still looking  amazing.Ok Ok Ok so its not related news by I know I needed some eye candy.

Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities have been considered the official North Texas charitable partner for the 2011 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. The partnership was announced during a private reception to kick off the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities signature fundraising event, The Second Annual Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational. Emmitt Smith Said “This is an excellent partnership for us and a wonderful way to participate in Super Bowl Weekend, Both Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities and the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration are about the community, uplifting and inspiring others, especially youth, and making a difference in their lives. It’s great that we’re able to help each other meet our goals.”

Melanie Few, President of Results Inc. producer of Super Bowel Gospel Celebration said “We are truly honored to have Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities as our North Texas charitable partner for the next Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, This is a natural match, a charity founded by one of the most celebrated NFL players and the only NFL sanctioned gospel concert during Super Bowl Weekend. It’s a win-win for us and the Dallas community.” Emmitt Smith will be co-hosting with Gospel great, CeCe Winans. Performances include Israel Houghton, James Fortune & FIYA, the NFL PLAYERS Choir and Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound” winning choir, “The Best Church Choir in America.” For each ticket obtained for the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, $3.00 will go to Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. Since its initiation in 1999, the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration has partnered with a charity in each Super Bowl host city, and has donated more than $400,000 and more than 5,000 tickets. USA Today named Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, as “One of the Best Super Bowl Events to Attend,” comes to North Texas on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Music Hall in Fair Park. Tickets to the event are $38, $58, $78 and $98 and are now available at www.ticketmaster.com.

It’s that time again when the OC takes you back with a Throwback Thursday’s hit. This week we’re featuring no one other than the Mississippi Mass Choir. This dynamic gospel sound has produced countless hits throughout their tenure.

The clip comes from a performance in 1995 where they performed one of my personal favorites “Grace and Mercy”. I’m sure you all can relate to this song. No matter how hard times may seem you can always be sure that God’s grace and mercy has always pulled you through the tough times.

You can always count on the OC to make you reminisce about some of your favorite gospel tracks. Visit with us next week to find out who’s next to be showcased on Throwback Thursday.

Are you looking to get in touch with the Lord and all his amazing creations? Is your church planning a prayer retreat and looking for a location? When MaryMary wanted to lose weight for their latest release and promotional tour they hiked mountainside and eat organic. You can be like your favorite singing sisters, but of course in style!!!

Travel to the luxurious Resort at Paws up in Missoula, Montana the most luxurious “glamping” (glamorous camping) tented camping adventure experience yet! Situated on the banks of Elk Creek, in Montana Creekside Camp features four 530-square foot tent suites for a family of four with attached private ‘kids quarters.’ Not your typical backyard camping experience, the luxurious tent also offers electricity, feather beds, western chic furniture, private decks, en-suite bathrooms and fireplaces. Conveniently located nearby each tent is a dining pavilion with a lounge and game area on one side and “creek-front” seating on the other, a stone fire pit and even a personal “camping butler.”

The outdoor adventure also offers plenty of wilderness activities for entire families to enjoy together, from horseback riding and mountain biking to sporting clays and ATV adventures.

Creekside Camp is a seasonal experience, available starting this month through late September. Rates in 2010 start at

$1,015 per night for the two-bedroom tented suites

$925 per night for the one-bedroom tented suites, double occupancy.

Talk about the new millennium prayer retreat!

After battling pancreatic cancer for two years, gospel patriarch Bishop Walker Hawkins will be remembered on July 20^th at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA. with a special concert which will feature many of gospel music greats.

(Images from Bishop Hawkins Memorial Service)

The concert which is titled “The Man, the Music, The Ministry: A Musical Salute to Bishop Walter Hawkins, will feature artist such as Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Bebe Winans, and Donnie McClurkin. The star studded lineup will also consist of Lynnette Hawkins, Ledisi, Karen Clark Sheard, Daryl Coley, Byron Cage, Melvin and Doug Williams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Ted Winn, The Love Center Choir, and Jonathan Dubose Jr.

(Images from Bishop Hawkins Memorial Service)

Also in attendance will be Hawkins’ former wife and gospel great Lady Tramaine Hawkins. Donald Lawrence, Kurt Carr, Edwin Hawkins (Bishop Hawkins Brother), Richard Smallwood and Rusty Watson will serve as music directors for the ceremony. BET personality Dr. Bobby Jones, former Sunday Best Judge Bebe, and his brother Dr. Marvin Winans will share responsibilities as the masters of ceremonies.

(Images from Bishop Hawkins Memorial Service)

Tickets were first come, first serve and vanished sooner than you could blink. For information about tickets contact Paramount Theater Box Office at 510-465-6400. Bishop Hawkins home going service will be held today Wednesday, July 21 at the Paramount Theater and will be officiated by Bishop Kenneth Moales.

KTVU.COM will webcast the Bishop Walter Hawkins Homegoing Memorial Celebration on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. P.S.T. In honor of Bishop Walter Hawkins, his family request that all donations be made to The Walter Hawkins Memorial Foundation. The Love Center Ministries will also be accepting cards, letters and donations in Hawkins honor at: Love Center Ministries, 10440 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94603.