ROI National

12/31/2025

Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The statement, "a countdown represents Time running out, not Rebirth," captures a common and impactful perspective on the nature of time and the finality of existence.
Time Running Out Countdowns and hourglasses are powerful metaphors for the finite duration of life. Each ticking second signifies time passing, never to be regained. This perspective emphasizes urgency, the importance of living with intention, and the inevitability of an end. It highlights a linear view of time, where moments slip from the present into the past.
Not Rebirth This view contrasts with cyclical or "rebirth" concepts found in certain traditions or fictional narratives, such as some video game mechanics where a "Rebirth Countdown" might lead to a redeployment or a new beginning for players in a game mode. In a general philosophical sense, however, a simple countdown typically signals an approaching conclusion rather than a renewal or a fresh start.
This understanding underscores the shared human experience of time's passage and the finality of our moments.

They sanitized it. Commercialized it. Turned the most dangerous night of the year into a party. But the New Year was never about champagne and resolutions. I...

12/31/2025

Haym Salomon, a Polish-Jewish immigrant and key financier of the American Revolution in the 1700s, known for brokering crucial loans, especially for the Yorktown campaign, and aiding figures like James Madison, but died penniless as his government debts went unpaid. Salomon, born around 1740, used his financial skills and language abilities to support the American cause, becoming an indispensable but often overlooked figure in the nation's founding.

Origin: Born in Poland (c. 1740) to a Sephardic Jewish family, he fled persecution and came to New York in 1775.
Skills: A multilingual broker skilled in finance, he worked with international trade and bills of exchange.
Patriotism: He joined the Sons of Liberty, was imprisoned by the British as a spy, and later escaped to Philadelphia.
His Role in the Revolution:
Financier: He worked with Robert Morris (Superintendent of Finance) to secure funds for the struggling Continental Congress.
Yorktown Campaign: He raised the $20,000 needed for George Washington's troops to march to Yorktown, securing the final victory of the war.
Loans: He personally loaned money to Congress members like Madison and Jefferson.
His Legacy:
Unpaid Debts: After the war, the government couldn't repay him, and he died bankrupt in 1785.
Heroic Sacrifice: He is remembered as a dedicated patriot who sacrificed his fortune for American freedom, dying in obscurity. Free 🆓 Bisiness Feed Philedelphia.

One man quietly financed the birth of the United States — and history nearly erased him.While battles were fought on the ground and diplomacy played out in E...

12/24/2025

Wesley’s Theory Lyrics
[Produced by Flying Lotus & Ronald "Flippa" Colson]
[Additional production by Sounwave & Thundercat] The title refers to Wesley Snipes, an American actor who was incarcerated for tax evasion. Lyrics specifically address how no one teaches poor Black males "to manage money or celebrity," and if successful, they are exploited or have power taken away from them.

[Sample: Boris Gardiner]
Every n***a is a star, ayy, every n***a is a star
Every n***a is a star, ayy, every n***a is a star
Every n***a is a star, ayy
Who will deny that you and I and every n***a is a star?

[Intro: Josef Leimberg]
Hit me
When the four corners of this cocoon collide
You'll slip through the cracks hopin' that you'll survive
Gather your wit, take a deep look inside
Are you really who they idolize?
To Pimp a Butterfly 🦋

Get an inside look at Kendrick Lamar's creative process as he breaks down the lyrics and Creative Process behind "Wesley's Theory" in this exclusive MTV inte...

12/22/2025

Web Design & Digital Marketing (ROI National / Kirk Lockhart)
Kirk Lockhart Sr.: A digital creator and strategist with 25 years of experience in digital marketing and web design.
ROI Local Web Design Company: Associated with Kirk Lockhart, this agency offers services including web design, social media management, and SEO. Contact can be made via Facebook or by calling 469-209-5680.
RoiNational: Features the "East Coast Classic Music Feed" and related digital services.
Top Brooklyn Web Design Agencies (2025)Ask Kirk Lockhart About Web Design RoiLocalWebDesign.com

12/10/2025

Broadway's origins trace to 1750s NYC with a small theater on Nassau Street performing plays, evolving through Shakespeare to popular Vaudeville and musicals by the 1800s, culminating in the modern Theater District's 41 professional venues, showcasing a vibrant history from early productions to today's blockbusters like Hamilton, despite challenges like the Depression and movie competition.
The Origins: 18th Century Beginnings
First Theater (1750s): New York's first theater company, led by Walter Murray and Thomas Kean, established a venue on Nassau Street performing Shakespeare and ballad operas like The Beggar's Opera.
Early Expansion (1800s): The Park Theatre (1798), Bowery Theater (1826), and Astor Opera House (1847) emerged, with musicals gaining popularity and Vaudeville becoming a staple by the mid-1800s, attracting audiences as theaters spread from Madison Square to Union Square.
The Golden Age & Modern Era (Then & Now)
The "Great White Way" (Early 1900s): Electric lights turned Times Square into the "Great White Way," boosting Broadway's glamor, though silent films threatened live shows, pushing producers to create spectacular musicals like The Black Crook (1866) and later hits.
Depression & War (1930s-1940s): The Great Depression hit hard, but resilient productions like Oklahoma! (1943) and Showboat (1927) defined the Golden Age.
British Invasion & Megamusicals (1980s-1990s): Shows like Cats (1982) and The Phantom of the Opera (1988) brought huge productions and international flair.
Contemporary Broadway (2000s-Present): Today features diverse hits like Wicked (2003) and Hamilton (2015) in its 41 professional theaters, balancing innovation and commercial success.
Broadway Today
The District: Today, "Broadway" refers to the 41 large theaters (500+ seats) in Midtown Manhattan's Theater District and Lincoln Center.
A Global Phenomenon: It remains a global hub for live theater, music, and dance, a vibrant cultural institution built on centuries of performance.

As the 1830s arrived, the heart of theater began to move uptown — toward Broadway. The street was wide and busy, filled with carriages, merchants, and immigr...

12/08/2025

Shedeur Sanders started as quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in their 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans today, December 7, 2025. He had a career-high performance with 4 total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). Cleveland Loses again but Sanders continues to improve.

Get NFL Sunday Ticket: https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticket/Watch live local and primetime games, NFL RedZone, and NFL Network on Plus.NFL.comCheck o...

12/07/2025

FreeBusinessFeed Philedelphia PA.
Remembering the Maestro Behind the Blue Notes, Harold Melvin, on ...
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes was a pioneering Philly Soul vocal group formed in Philadelphia, known for defining the smooth, orchestrated "Sound of Philadelphia" in the 1970s with hits like "If You Don't Know Me by Now", "The Love I Lost", and "Wake Up Everybody" featuring the powerful vocals of Teddy Pendergrass, with the group's founder Harold Melvin leading the charge for decades, leaving a lasting legacy on R&B music.
Key Facts:
Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 1954.
Sound: Philly Soul, R&B, Soul, Disco, characterized by rich orchestrations and socially conscious lyrics.
Key Members: Harold Melvin (founder), Teddy Pendergrass (iconic lead vocalist), Bernard Wilson, Lloyd Parks.
Producers: Key figures in the Gamble & Huff production team at Philadelphia International Records.
Major Hits: "If You Don't Know Me by Now", "The Love I Lost", "Wake Up Everybody", "Don't Leave Me This Way", "Bad Luck".
Legacy: Helped shape modern R&B and soul, influencing many artists, with hits covered and celebrated for decades.
Harold Melvin (1939-1997):
Born in Philadelphia, Melvin started his career early, forming the group that became The Blue Notes.
He was instrumental in developing the Philly Soul sound and guided the group to international success.
Melvin suffered a stroke in 1996 and passed away in his hometown of Philadelphia in 1997.
Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010):
Joined as drummer in 1970 and became the lead singer, bringing dynamic vocals that defined their biggest hits.
Left for a successful solo career in 1976, but the group continued with other vocalists.
Center City 19102, 19103, 19106, 19107
South Philadelphia 19145, 19146, 19147, 19148
West Philadelphia 19104, 19131, 19139, 19143, 19151
Northeast Philadelphia 19111, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19152
North Philadelphia 19120, 19121, 19122, 19132, 19140
Fishtown & Northern Liberties 19123, 19125

classics like "If You Don't Know Me by Now," "The Love I Lost," and "Wake Up Everybody" consistently topping charts and acclaim, highlighting their Philly Soul power, especially with Teddy Pendergrass leading vocals on many hits from albums like I Miss You, Black & Blue, and Wake Up Everybody.
Top Songs (Ranked by Impact/Popularity):
"If You Don't Know Me by Now": A defining soul ballad, Grammy-nominated, multi-million seller, and RIAA "Song of the Century" contender.
"The Love I Lost": An iconic disco-infused Philly Soul classic, another million-seller.
"Wake Up Everybody": Powerful social commentary, a major hit with chart success.
"Bad Luck": A signature upbeat track with a massive sing-along chorus.
"Don't Leave Me This Way": A soulful classic, popular on R&B charts.
"I Miss You": The title track of their breakthrough album, a signature ballad.
Key Albums (Ranked by Influence/Success):
I Miss You (1972): Launched them on Philadelphia International, featuring "If You Don't Know Me by Now".
Black & Blue (1973): Balanced ballads with upbeat hits, including "The Love I Lost".
Wake Up Everybody (1975): Home to the socially conscious title track, a high-ranking album.
To Be True (1975): Featured the hit "Bad Luck".
Why They're Ranked Highly:
Teddy Pendergrass: His powerful lead vocals during their peak cemented their legacy.
Philly Soul Sound: Masterful production by Gamble & Huff created timeless, rich soul music.
Enduring Hits: Their songs remain popular, crossing generations and genres.

Harold Melvin, the unsung genius behind Philadelphia soul, built an iconic sound that captivated millions. At 57, his life story ended quietly, a stark contr...

12/07/2025

There's no single "Top 10 Falsettos" list, as it's subjective, but top US male falsetto singers often cited include Prince, Frankie Valli, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Philip Bailey, Eddie Kendricks, Barry Gibb, Justin Timberlake, Al Green, and Russell Thompkins Jr., known for incredible range and soul/R&B hits, alongside rock figures like Steve Perry, while modern artists like Billie Eilish also use falsetto powerfully.

Falsetto isn’t just about hitting high notes.
It’s about control, emotion, and knowing exactly when to float.

Each of these voices had moments where their falsetto became the song:

Eddie Kendricks
“Just My Imagination,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”
That airy, pleading tone helped define The Temptations’ sound.

Bobby DeBarge
“Stay with Me,” “All This Love,” “A Dream”, and "There'll Never Be"
Silk-soft falsetto that felt effortless, sweet, and vulnerable all at once.

Eddie Holman
“Hey There Lonely Girl”
One of the purest falsetto performances ever recorded. Pain, longing, and restraint in one voice.

Philip Bailey
“Reasons,” “Fantasy,” “Can’t Let Go”
A falsetto that soared without losing strength. Technical, emotional, and unmistakable.

Each one used falsetto differently.
Each one left a permanent mark.

So now let’s settle the debate (or start a new one):
Who’s your favorite falsetto?

12/07/2025

AskKirkLockhartAbout:
New Netherland & New Amsterdam | History of American Women
New Netherland began as a Dutch fur trade colony (1624), with its capital, New Amsterdam, established on Manhattan Island after Peter Minuit "bought" it in 1626; it grew into a diverse, thriving port under the Dutch West India Company, known for tolerance and trade, but was bloodlessly surrendered to the English in 1664, renamed New York after the Duke of York, solidifying its shift from Dutch to British control and laying the foundation for NYC's global status.
Origins: Dutch Arrival & New Amsterdam (1624-1664)
Dutch West India Company: Founded the colony of New Netherland to capitalize on the fur trade, establishing a presence in 1624.
Manhattan "Purchase": In 1626, Governor Peter Minuit famously arranged the "purchase" of Manhattan from the local Manhattan (Lenape) tribe for goods valued at 60 guilders (about $24), establishing a strong claim.
Settlement & Growth: The settlement, Fort Amsterdam, grew around the fort on the island's southern tip, becoming the capital, New Amsterdam.
Diversity: Attracted settlers from various European nations (Walloon, German, English, etc.) and enslaved Africans, making it a diverse hub, history/founding-new-amsterdam.
Governance: Became a significant trading port, granted municipal government in 1653, and developed unique cultural foundations, say when-was-new-york-founded-26/ and.
Evolution into New York (1664)
English Takeover: In August 1664, English warships arrived, demanding surrender.
Bloodless Capitulation: Governor Peter Stuyvesant, unpopular and outgunned, surrendered New Amsterdam without a fight, as residents favored the generous terms offered by the English, according to americanheritage.new-amsterdam-becomes-new-york and becomes-new-york.
Renaming: The English renamed the city New York, honoring the Duke of York (later King James II).
Legacy
The Dutch period instilled values of tolerance, free trade, and diversity that shaped New York City's unique identity, .

“New Amsterdam,” tells a captivating and compelling story of ambition, exploration, and adventure in the Dutch Colony of New Netherland.*Episode 3 - This Mea...

11/20/2025

Kirkopolis Logo Universe. 35 likes · 4 talking about this. ROILOCAL LOGO CREATOR LOGO-LOGOS -INSPIRED BY THE WORD. Home | KIRKOPOLIS LOGO UNIVERSE · About · Custom Logo Design Inglewood CA 90301 · Contact
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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

11/20/2025

🤩STAR ⭐️S🌟💫🌠☄️🔯✴️✡️☪️🔭😳
Etymology for the word "star" in Europe [OC] [2000 x 1650 ...
The English word "star" evolved from Old English "steorra," which comes from the Proto-Germanic *sternan-. Ultimately, it traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂stḗr, meaning "star," and is distantly related to the idea of "burning". This root is shared with many other languages, creating cognates like Latin "stella" and Greek "astḗr".
Proto-Germanic to Old English: The path to the modern English word began with the Proto-Germanic *sternan-, which became the Old English word "steorra".
Proto-Indo-European root: The Proto-Germanic word comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂stḗr, which also means "star".
Possible deeper meaning: Some etymologists propose that the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂stḗr is a derivative of the root *h₂eh₁s- ("to burn"), suggesting the original meaning of "star" was "the thing that burns".
Cognates: This root is the source of many words across different languages, such as:
Greek: astḗr
Latin: stella
Sanskrit: stṛ

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