Ludacris Becomes Latest Artist to Design Cap for the New Era 'CAPTURE THE FLAG' Series

As a hip-hop superstar, actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman, Ludacris can now add "cap designer" to his list of achievements. He designed the cap himself with features like a large Atlanta Braves "A" style crest on the side-front left that is half clear crystals on the right and half black crystals on the left. The cap is black with red piping and also features the "Disturbing Tha Peace" logo in the flocked lining and under visor flip along with the "Just Getting Started" logo on the back.
The event held at the Atlanta New Era Flagship store was sponsored by Vitamin Water and Crown Royal. If you get a chance stop by the New Era Flagship Store located at 117 Luckie St., starting Friday.
This cap will be available exclusively globally at New Era Flagship stores and online at www.neweracap.com for $125.00. With only 200 units available worldwide, this cap is extremely limited.

Runway RED Atlanta

The Show Me the Way Foundation is pleased to announce Runway Red, the 2nd annual charity fashion gala featuring pint -size socialites, mini-me movers and shakers and their well-known celebrity parental escorts. As the culmination to the foundation's 2008 Red Campaign, the Show Me the Way Foundation transitions making a difference into a family affair by utilizing this initiative as a way to create exposure and raise imperative funding for children infected by or affected with HIV/AIDS. Runway Red takes place on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the America's Mart in downtown Atlanta. Doors open at 6:00pm and show starts promptly at 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale today. Runway RED will be as entertaining as informing as guest will enjoy learning about the sole purpose of Campaign RED while viewing exclusive fall and winter Back to School collections from Macy's and high-end fashion designers from all over the world including: Jack & Jill, Sean John for Kids, Rock and Republic, Lil Miss Muffet, Burberry for Kids, Paige Denim, Tommy Hilfiger, and Bo Peep Kids. Join the Show Me the Way Foundation for Runway Red, Saturday, July 26th at the America's Mart and help make a difference. Special thanks to this year's top tier sponsors - Macy's, V-103, and Jezebel Magazine.

Tickets are selling quickly. Make sure you purchase yours today. www.runwayred.eventbrite.com.

R&B Live with Byran Micheal Cox

It is officially summer and the Atlanta scene is buzzing. I kicked off my summer days by attending the monthly edition of R&B Live at Luckie Lounge. I missed the previous month so I was super excited to get in on this one. Not to mention of my fave super producers Bryan Michael Cox was hosting. Jazzy Pha, Keri Hilson, Polow Da Don, and Trauma were in attendance. We were graced by performances by Atlanta’s own Algebra check out her music at www.myspace.com/algebrablessett, this chick can rock a stage. We also got a glimpse of B.Cox’s new group Dirty Rose (wwwblackbabyonline). Ladies def look out for these brothers. They had the soulful tunes and that make you go wild. Lookout Day 26 you may be getting a run for your money. B.Cox also introduced us to another artist under his wing, Canadian native Voice. Wow can this brother croon. But I have to admit he needs a little help in the stage presence department. And then the moment I have been waiting for Mr. Cox’s solo debut as a performer himself. B.Cox has decided to step out from behind the scenes and bless us with his musical talents. Not really what I expected from him as far as sound, I guess I really love his ballads and know him for that. But he did surprise me with his style. He gave us some rock mixed with R& B with some hip hop. I don’t know B. Cox, I am still little taken back. Would I by the album? Of course because it is B.Cox.

Sarah Jessica Parker Upstaged

SJP recently got a serious shock to her fashion-loving system when she realized that the Nina Ricci dress she wore to the NYC premiere of Sex and the City has already been worn on two separate occasions by two other high-profile women. At this year's Met ball, socialite Lauren (Davis) Santo Domingo showed up on the arm of the designer of the strapless silver ensemble, Olivier Theyskens.
In addition, Lindsay Lohan was also seen sporting the gown in a campaign for Disney.

LifeStyle:

Eco-Friendly Wines For Under $25

Can Vendrell Cava Brut Reserva

http://www.organicvintners.com/
For bubbly that won't break the organic piggy bank, try Can Vendrell's Cava Brut Riserva, a Champagne-style sparkling blend of Spanish organic white grapes with flavors of green apple, pear, and almonds and a somewhat dry finish; the perfect complement to creamy artisanal goat cheeses or fresh and briny oysters on the half shell. An organic bargain for only $19.00 a pop.

Laced Up Sneaker Bontique joins XXL Magazine's Dawton Thomas to Lauch the F.I.L.A. 80's Fly Boy Classics

Laced Up 572 Edgewood Ave Suite 114Atlanta, GA 30312

Email: sneakers@lacedup.biz












Last night I dropped in on Laced Up and editor and cheif of XXL Dawton Thomas lauch party for the 80's original F.I.L.A. "Fly Boy Classics" collection. If your a sneaker head then Laced Up is where you want to go pick up your flyest kicks.

Owned by Ernel Dawkins, Laced Up has quietly gained momentum as the sneaker haven of choice amongst the celebrity sector of Atlanta, 'lacing up' kicks for the likes of Outkast's Big Boi, who came through show love last night, rapper T.I., Baltimore Raven's Jamal Lewis, and Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins, to name a few. Dawkins says "Our clientele is part of an ever growing populance of true sneaker-heads worldwide that have somewhat incited a movement of authenticity, creativity, and motivated by distinction".






The owner attributes the success of Laced Up to the true to life fertility of progressive Atlanta community and encourages other young people to set their sights high, and meet their goals.


So if you looking for the hottest sneaks to give you that street cred stop by the store and get Laced Up.
Thanks Garner Circle for the invite.


Exculusive: Dela Soul Dunks- top




Brand New: Ciano Farmer $169.00

LifeStyle:



A Little Black Dress Called: LIFE



As Social Divas, we know that if there’s one thing we can’t live without, it’s our infamous little black dress. After all, a truly polished woman’s wardrobe is just not complete without one.
Now we have a new LBD to add to our collection:
Janet W. Thomas State Farm Agency is sponsoring the FREE speaker series: The Little Black Dress Called: LIFE! for divalicious women who want to get more, well, everything!
Each series event is held from 6:30PM to 8:00PM, on the third Thursday of every month, at the Janet W. Thomas State Farm Agency, located in Buckhead Court at 3872 Roswell Road, Suite C3. Wine and cheese is always served, along with tips and tricks to further divafy your life.
The Little Black Dress Called: LIFE’s topic for May is Organizing Your Life. Join us right after work (6:30PM) on May 22nd for a bit of education from speaker Jaye Gennuso of Catalyst Organizing. You might just learn some new ways to get yourself together, Diva.
RSVP by May 20th by calling 404-816-8885.

Text Etiquette

How many times have you had a conversation via text message? Setting up dates, asking questions, getting directions, a hello and good bye, even arranging an occasional late night rendezvous. We all do it. But when does texting become extreme? Is there a limit to texting when you are in a relationship? Have you been dumped by text? Better yet, have you taken a text the wrong way? I am a part of text mania. I find myself spending twenty minutes texting what I can say in five. Yes, I booty text and yes, I have text someone to never call me again. Convenient yes, but texting is also impersonal and in many cases misunderstood. Let’s look into the realm of text messages.
I recently ended a year long relationship with someone who found no problem with text messaging me all the time. When we first started dating we were great with communicating verbally and exchanged a minor text here and there. When he moved up north our quality time suffered tremendously, so hearing his voice was the panacea until the next visit. After a while he began to text me consistently about everything; what I did that day, what I was going to do tomorrow, next day…hell next month. Before I realized it we were having an all out conversation on my cell phone via text and I had not heard his voice in months. I addressed the situation but to no avail he still continued and I eventually ended it. The funny thing about it is that he didn’t and still doesn’t see anything wrong using text messaging as a primary communication tool. I felt he was less involved in the relationship, possibly cheating or shutting me out all together. Either way, the love language we had created had been reduced to a short hand vocabulary.
Using text messaging as a means of intimacy is not a good idea. Abbreviating words and substituting conjunctions for numbers, can not take the place of hearing the voice of your loved one. Imagining the smile on their face when they say hello and in return the joy you bring to them when you respond. To put it bluntly, it murders vocal chemistry. It diminishes the memory imprint of his laugh and masculine baritone and her soft whispers and sweet hellos. Text messaging does not allow you the familiarity with your mate’s conversation because truth is anyone could be entering the letters. And if you’re already having trust issues, I would not recommend texting at all and just “make the call.”
On the flip side text messaging is used to disconnect. Yes — this is a new fad…breaking up by text. I can recall a break up in 1996 by a guy who sent me not one, not two, but three pages of 42-86-13 (in pager language: his code-cuts-my code). Yeah, that bad. Back then there was only two or three buttons to push on pagers; one to retrieve and one to delete and change settings so creativity was a must when sending notes. 86ing someone on a Motorola is by far the most creative. Nowadays, text messaging has made breaking up a little more informative. A person can use text lingo to not only tell you it’s over but also give reasons why. ‘It’s not working out’, ‘it was the end’, ‘I’m sorry I don’t want to lead you on,’ ‘it is what it is.’ Or most popular in the news: “I Wnt 2 Dvrce U” what Britney Spears supposedly text Kevin Ferderline. Be it short worded or fragmented statements, either way it’s a cowardly way out and is highly not recommended.
In fact, there are a few rules to the texting world, better termed “Text Etiquette”. Here are a few:
KISS (Keep It Simple and Short) Conversation: Great for simple sayings of affection, even a bit of sexual conversation; hence KISS. Pouring out your entire heart would be a bit much. Think about it, the time you’d take to type up what you want to say would be double the amount if you’d just call. After all, hearing your voice would make the other person’s day brighter.
Clarity: Be clear in your text. Use caps only when you are being aggressive. Check your messages before hitting the send button. It is so simple to miss a letter or number and that itty bitty mistake can cause a large problem. Dbl chk b4 u snd.
Don’t analyze: Most text messages are read through emotional eyes or business minds, so misinterpretation is possible. Don’t read any further than what is on the screen. If you’re not sure what the person meant, call and ask.
Check the vibe: Watch your tone. What’s nothing to you could be a lot to someone else.
NO TUI’s (Texting Under the Influence): In case you didn’t know, when you are out for a night of drinking with friends, leave the phone in the car, at home or just turn it off. Drunk calling is not attractive. This includes sending pictures as well. Remember, the sun will come out tomorrow.

article courstey of Angel Christmas

High Heel in High Places

The National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment ( NABFEME) hosted a professional development seminar “High Heels in High Places” Brunch this past Saturday at the Marriott Downtown.

Okay so ladies listen up if you’re a business professional or an aspiring business professional then you should and would want to know this organization.

WHO is NABFEME: NABFEME is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to the support and empowerment of women of color in recorded music, the media and related entertainment industry fields.

WHAT THEY DO: They are committed to the development of support programs and the creation of alliances that will assist members in achieving their personal and professional goals.

The seminar highlighted the achievements of some of the top female executives in the entertainment field. The panel consisted of some of the most influential and power women in Atlanta. Amanda Davis, Emmy award winning co-anchor for FOX 5 Atlanta and “Good Day Atlanta”. Shared with us some of the obstacles she had to encounter while being a new anchor. From having an employer not understanding those days when you hadto bring your child to work with you to knowing how to negotiate salary battles in a male dominate field.

Hannah Kang, General Manger, Grand Hustle. She oversees T.I.’s Clothing line, AKOO ; sports management, Grand Hustle Films, and the day to day operations of the office. Ms. Kang brought a more urban perspective to the table and the inside track to the hip-hop world. Her advice, if you plan on going into the hip hop industry, carry one self as a business professional at all cost, never mix business with pleasure. If you happen to get involved with someone in the industry make sure it stays between the two, don’t be one of those women that sleep around in the industry to get ahead.

Melanie Few, CEO and President, Results Inc. a leading Urban Marketing and Entertainment Marketing agency. With clients including: The Coca Cola Company, Revlon, General Mills and Hallmark.
Here are some tips about Results Inc and major accomplishments
· The first agency to secure over 1 million dollars in sponsorship for a faith based tour.
· Persuaded The Coca-Cola Company to align it’s 1996 Coke Classic campaign with gospel in the first promotional association of it’s kind.


If you want to know how to brand yourself then panelist Melissa D. Johnson, entrepreneur, author, and Personal Brand Strategist is who you should look up. She is the CEO of and President of Velvet Suite Marketing Consulting Group, Inc.(www.velvetsuite.com) headquartered in Atlanta. She was able to supply us ladies with sound advice on how to brand a business. Make sure that like many of us, choosing a second career that the second time around you are being involved with something you love. Know the person you want to be and the things you want out of life. Do just do it for the money, research and know what it takes to succeed in that business.

My favorite PR guru Nicole Garner, President and CEO of Garner Circle Public Relations Firm(http://www.thegarnercircle.com/. Garner shared with us how she decided on her business back in college. How she took the time to research her market and took the necessary steps to educate herself on the PR biz. She started representing herself as a PR person even before she had a real established business and today her efforts gleam. She is also known as the youngest in charge.

Phaedra Parks, The Parks Group, P.C. Ms. Parks is the Managing Partner at The Parks Group, P.C. a Atlanta based boutique law firm. She has severed as a legal analyst for NBC and Fox News regarding the Michael Jackson trail and has been featured and recognized nationally on Entertainment Tonight, EXTRA and Court TV. She let us know, that just because you see someone on the red carpet or TV don’t take for granted how that person got there. She shared some her experiences from paying her own way through law schools working odd jobs to being one of the two entertainment law offices in Atlanta, which surprisingly enough Ms. Parks shared is dominated by Jewish men.

And rounding out the panel was Roberta Shields, Executive Director of Ludacris Foundation and yes the beautiful mother of Ludacris. Ms. Shields was able to share her insight on more non profit business. Being the COO and CFO of Bridges Enterprises , which include entities in Music, Real Estate, Publishing and now restaurants. She was proud to speak on the Ludarcris Foundation and how the foundation has donated over $750,000 to support organizations that work to help our youth live their dreams. The organization has more than $3,500 hours invested in hands service to youth.

This seminar was powerful and gave so much insight for women to believe and achieve the dream of being that top executive. I think the common theme through out the seminar that was repeated throughout each women’s story was even if you have nay sayers, or continue to hear no, or you can’t do that, continue to follow your passion and be who you are.

What also made this seminar complete was the guest speaker from Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Grayson Campbell, that’s right ladies have your fiances together before you start on your new business venture. Campbell’s advice follow the 4 L’s
· Love with your doing
· Love Life, finance what you love
· Longevity, get you some life insurance, long term healthcare
· Legacy, start estate planning, will planning, investing.

Thanks NABFEME for the personal invite and checking out the The Social Scene.
If you want to know more about this organization or to become a member log on to www.nabfeme.org

Vendor


Panel Members

l to r: Roberta Sheilds, Hannah Kang, Phadera Parks, Nicole Garder, Melanie Few and

Amanda Davis

Melanie Few, Results Inc.


Hannah Kang, Grand Hustle



Melissa Johnson, Velvet Suite Marketing

LIFESTYLE:

6 Signs Your Job May Be in Jeopardy

Your Performance Assessment
First, ask yourself some tough questions about your role at work, recommends business coach and author Mary Key. Your answers will provide good indicators.
The questions include: What would be the impact of your departure? What kind of ROI (return on investment) is your employer getting from your performance? Have you gotten positive reviews? Do you get along with coworkers? Can your skills translate to other positions within the firm?
"If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, or if you have some responses that might be negative, your job may be on the chopping block in a downturn," says Key, who heads the leadership practice for i4cp, The Institute for Corporate Productivity, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Time's Not on Your Side
Having extra time for two-hour lunches, marathon computer games, and multiple instant-message chats with loved ones doesn't bode well for a long future in your current position.
"If you were once a busy professional and now work is being taken away and given to someone else, or you're not being assigned new work, you should start asking some questions," says life and career coach Annemarie Segaric.
Where Have All the Clients Gone?
If the new business team seems to be spinning its wheels, as major clients jump ship and they are not replaced, your job could be on the hit list.
"There is only so long that your boss can be giving you busy work," says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Northampton, Massachusetts-based Human Resource Solutions. "Eventually, his boss will catch on, and it will be time to go."
Experienced Workers Need Not Apply
Warning: Your company starts posting openings for entry-level workers, without announcing new initiatives or experiencing a mass exodus of employees.
"This is a clear sign that they are trying to cut payroll costs by hiring less experienced people," Matuson says. "It won't be long before you receive the pink slip."
The Risk of Mergers
If bad times drive your company to merge with a rival, start polishing your resume, advises Kevin Steele, president of The Winter, Wyman Companies.
"In almost all cases, there are many employees whose job responsibilities are duplicated by someone at the acquiring company, and, in an effort to cut costs and maximize ROI, the acquiring company will usually move quickly to eliminate the overlap," Steele says.
Friends in Similar Places
When friends or others you know who have equivalent jobs in the same or a related industry begin to suffer layoffs, know that you could be next.
"Layoffs happen in waves," says Segaric, author of "107 Tips for Changing Your Career While Still Paying the Bills." "What goes on in other companies can be used as a barometer for what is happening in the industry as a whole."

source Yahoo, Hot jobs

GLOW IN THE DARK TOUR

If you have not had a chance to check out Kayne West Glow in the Dark Tour then your missing a treat The tour is staring back up after West took about 6 months off from touring after the sudden lost of his mother Dr. Donda West. The Glow in Dark tour made it’s way to Atlanta last night, with N.E.R.D, Lupe Fiasco, Rhianna and Kayne West.. I got to concert late so I completely missed Lupe’s performance that was a bummer, this is like the second time I have missed his show and he breezed the A town. I did get to catch N.E.R.D perform. There show was alright, I am not really a big fan of theirs so to me they could have very well went on first. I was puzzled at the size of the performance stage, it appeared very small. It seemed more like the artist were cramped on stage very restricted to perform and of course for N.E.R.D no room for skate board ramps, bummer. Even Rhianna’s performance was a little lack luster. I thought she was an excellent performer but that stage was cut short. I mean any wrong move by her or her dances and a major disaster was bound to happen. But I give Rhianna her kudos she stuck with the motto the show must go on, as she made her way threw “ Hate that I love You”, duet with Neyo, I was kind of hoping Neyo would surprise us and come on stage. That didn’t happen, but still sounded good. She also performed “Umbrella” of course complete with a dance troop of umbrellas. I can’t wait to catch her n concert by herself, I fell she can rock the house. So in between sets, we had to wait patiently for grand super star performance Kayne. With his Broadway stage set up, we figured out why the other performers got less than half the stage. Kayne’s set up took up the remaining. While the set was being put together for Kayne the crowd had some uproars when Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Chaka Zula and yes the legendary Quincy Jones strolled threw making their way to VIP seating of course. Wow Qunciy Jones came to see Kayne, now that’s big.
So finally lights out and the show begins. Hold on get your sealt beats strapped and prepare for blast off to planet West. Kayne took us on space journey that started with us landing on a another planet stranded from all civilization. The screen comes down and we are being guided by a talking digital projection that goes by the name Jane. She is our real digital girl in an analog world. As we take this journey with Kayne we get “Stronger”, Find a “Golddigger”, then things “All Fall Down”, but we make it through ““The Wire”, and “Touch the Sky” to say “Hey Mama” and know that “ Jesus Walks” with us. All while being the brightest star in the universe.

If you missed Atlanta, then don’t’ worry the are several shows left that perhaps you can catch in another city, check your local ticket outlets for remaing concert dates.

LifeStyle:

Fresh out of Ideas for Mothers Day

Give the gift that's always the right size and never gets exchanged. It's easy to send a gift certificate for everything from jewelry to music and designer clothing to electronics. Check out some of our most popular gift cards below, or choose a category to the left and take your pick from your favorite stores. Here are couple that I think will make a lot of moms happy.

http://www.ftd.com

Spa Finder Certificates are redeemable at over 3600 day, medical, destination and resort spas worldwide. Unwind, relax and renew your mind and body with your choice of pampering experiences. Get a massage and facial at your favorite Day Spa! Enjoy the rejuvenation benefits of new cosmetic procedures at one of our Medical Spas! Combine resort spa with exotic travel and go somewhere you've always dreamed about.

Beauty.com

The Beauty.com gift card makes it easy to give the perfect gift. Let your gift recipient pick their favorite luxury beauty products, or use their gift at drugstore.com to purchase everyday basics and fun, hard-to-find items! With over 30,000 products available from the brands you love and trust, the Beauty.com gift card just keeps getting more attractive.
We offer the Beauty.com gift card in a variety of amounts:
$25
$50
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Plus, these cards never expire! Since there are no deadlines, time limits, or expiration dates, a Beauty.com gift card can keep on giving long after the occasion has passed. It's the perfect gift to give and to receive.

http://www.ebags.com/giftcertificates

Give an eBags email Gift Certificate. They're delivered free of charge, and on the schedule that suits you. Just choose the amount of your gift in any denomination, and we'll email your gift right away or on a future date.

source MSN

Ludacris Foundation Ralph Lauren Event

Hello Urbanites:

It has been warm weather here in Atlanta and summer time is near. With that being said the events are in full spring. So let's gear up and find the hottest things happening around town.
My calender is full of charity events this week. Which I love. It is so nice to actually site what entertainers and higher ups do with wealth knowledge.

This charity train kicked off with Ludacris and his shopping event at the The Ralph Lauren Event in Lennox Mall. The was classy and beautiful. It was a pleasure to attend this charity benefit. The event gave invitees the chance to shop at Ralph Lauren and have a portion of the proceeds towards the Ludacris Foundation.

The mission of the foundation is " To show young people they are the architects of their future and instill our "Principles of Success" - a roadmap for achieving dreams. To connect with our youth to build stronger families and communities.

Luda is always giving back, even before he joined us at Ralph Lauren store he was holding a separate event over at his new midtown eatery Straits Restaurant, which benefited AIDAtlanta.

Find out more about the foundation and how to get involved log on to

(http://www.theludacrisfoundation.org/).

Check some wonderful video of the event courtesy of our favorite controversial blogger Gyant over SOHH.

PUT YOUR RESUME ON A TEE...........





I had to do a write up on this unique tee shirt. I thought is very different an interesting, adding some flavor to this world of style. This definitely for the fashion icons that dare to be different.

Need a job? Got a torso? You are in luck. Blackbird Tees has got you covered. This innovative Seattle based company provides t-shirts with a catchy slogan on the front and your personal resume on the back. Those with the bravado to do so can become a walking billboard for themselves. Who better to represent you than you?

These custom tees by blackbird will surely get you noticed by potential employers.

prices range start at $25.00 and come in several colors for men and women.

DRIFT CITY RECORDS
Q. Parker (112) Hosting Open Call Dance Auditions Solo project "Real Talk" Coming Fall' 08

Q. Parker (112) Open Call Dance Auditions
This Event Will Be Televised
http://www.talkingwithtami.com/
Quick Links http://www.officialdriftcity.com/www.myspace.com/kitparkerwww.myspace.com/officialdriftcity

Q Parker from the Grammy award-winning group 112 is set to release his solo project, "Real Talk".He is currently looking for the hottest and best dancers to complete his team. Q Parker accompanied by world renowned choreographer, Al Jamal will hold dance auditions this Monday, April 28th. Please see below for complete details, this dance audition is for women only! Details: Q is seeking passionate dancers to accompany him on tour and performances around the release of his solo project "Real Talk." We are looking for women dancers 18 years and older.

Please bring a high heel shoe/boot with appropriate dance attire and be prepared to learn a short routine. Bring a head shot or snap shot and dance biography if applicable.

Location:"Marvelous" Marvin McIntyre Studios1345 Boyd Avenue Suite AAtlanta, GA30318

When:Monday April 28th from 5-8pmCheck in is from 5-530pm**Please arrive promptly at 5pm**

Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival

Last week was the 6th Annual Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival. Now you maybe asking yourself, what exactly is the Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival? Like most Atlantans we simply have not ever heard of this event or often get it mixed up with other film events.

The Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival is one of the fastest growing film festivals in the southeast, and, has positioned itself as the preeminent launching pad for independent films and to discover new talent worldwide. While attending the festival you are able to view Independent film premieres, check out some of the panel dissuasions with the film makers and cast or just network.

The 2008 film screenings shown in were African Underground: Democracy in Dakur All Nighter, African Underground: Democracy in Dakar is a groundbreaking documentary film about hip-hop youth and politics in Dakar Senegal.To view clips of this film please visit (http://nomadicwax.com/film/democracy-in-dakar), JADA The Movie, Jada Davis' life is thrown into a spin when her husband is killed in a questionable car accident. Her once prosperous middle-class lifestyle comes crashing down when the insurance company calls the accident a suicide and doesn't pay on the policy. Directed by Clifton Powell. Tupac: Assassination Conspiracy or Revenge?, (http://www.craveonline.com/articles/music/04648921/tupac_assassination__conspiracy_or_revenge.html.
Panel discussions included, Independent Film Distribution & Pitch Session, which allowed filmmakers to gain an insider’s knowledge to face the challenge of having only a few minutes to convince agents, producers, and financiers to look at their projects.

This annual event was started by Founders and Executive Producers, Kiyomi & Mark Eschoe, to provide an outlet here in the metro-Atlanta area to provide a platform for urban filmmakers. I caught up with Kiymomi while attending the festival as she gives a brief description of the film review.







“The Festival exists to provide an opportunity for independent filmmakers of color in which to have their works showcased before the community, as well as, serve as an avenue of discovery for industry professionals seeking new talent.”

For information about the Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival and how you can submit your film or documentary log on to www.sjuff.com

Baileys host John Legend and Estelle concert at SugarHIll.
Afterparty with Estelle in VIP…

I heard the concert was awesome. I did not get to attend but I have heard nothing but lovely things about it. I did however get to catch with Estelle at the concert after party at Sabor Lounge. Although she did not grant me my personal one on interview I did manage to sneak in a few questions. You know in a casual kind of way, while we party with her and her crew in the VIP section. I must admit the London born star is very outgoing. She greeted me with warmth as though I had been a one of her homegirls from London. She told she is excited to be dong the tour and wanted to hit as many cities as she could. I had to keep it brief because at this point she wanted to hang out and chill, but she did be so kind as to stop and take a few more photographs with the girls. I hopefully we can gain a more detailed interview in the future. I am denying to ask are you really searching for that “American Boy”. Her album Shine will be dropping in the US on April 29th so be sure to go and pick that up, I guarantee you want be disappointed. Until then check out her tour schedule on her myspace page. www.myspace.com/estelleonline

One to One with Vanessa and Angela Simmons

So I sat down with these beautiful ladies yesterday while they are in Atlanta promoting their new spring line for Pastry Shoes, we also got a chance to speak on their involvement with The Girl Scouts of America, careers outside of Pastry’s and the new season of Run’s House with the newest edition to baby Miley.

Although the ladies wouldn’t crack on detail about who’s dating who. We do know that Angela is currently dating Terry Kennedy (TK) the skate boarder from the MTV show Viva La Bam and Pharrell’s skate team. I caught a cutesy pic of them from of all places myspace.

Go Ang...they make a cute couple.

I must admit these ladies are absolutely gorgeous; their personalities were sweet as pie. They spoke with such articulation and grace. They made sitting down and having conversation feel like we have been old friends.

I apologize for the choppy video, I am learning. Just another day in the life of a writer trying to make it happen.






If you would like to hear the entire video click link http://www.zshare.net/audio/10042345114df37d/
Thanks M. White at FindEntertainmentNow.com for recording.

You can check out the new line of Pastry at www.pastrykicks.com/ . The girls have expanded the line to sandals, gym bags, clothes and other tasty treats. You can now get Pastry Shoes at other various online retailers that include www.solestruck.com, http://www.finishline.com/, www.zappos.com.

CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAHPHER D. BLANKS SHOWCASES “ALTER EGO”

Monday night hosted a red carpet list of artsy, trendy, Atantans for celebrity photographer D. Blanks and his “Alter Ego” pictorial exhibit. Alter Ego introduces us to breath taking photos of celebrities that dared to face themselves through an alter ego.

For those of you who are not familiar with the photography of D. Blanks let’s take a walk through some of his work and clients. Derek’s work has been featured in many high profile magazines, and at several national galleries, all while working with A-list of celebrity clients from Usher, Brandy, Mary Mary, Tracy Edmonds, and Ludacris, to name a few.

The event gave way to support from many fellow Atlanta superstars, Mychal Knight from Project Runway and the K$D Suite, who is featured in a pictorial came thru to show love.

Along side Janelle Monae, Cee-Lo Greene, newbie’s on the scene Dorian (College Hill- ATL), Shavon (College Hill- ATL), and Nicole Garner, The Garner Circle PR. And lastly, my personal fav. T.I. Yeap that’s right straight off house arrest for six months he and cutesy Tiny came out to share this night with Derek.
And this is just a short list.

Other celebrity guest included Bree (ANTM – Cycle 5) and Camille McDonald (ANTM –Cyclye 2 ), you guys remember her. She gained fame from Cycle by refusing to change her walk from her signature pose, you know the one that was going to make her famous. I have to say guys don’t believe everything on T.V. she is the nicest chic ever. She is working on a lingerie line check it out at http://www.lingerwear.com/, not much to it yet but soon very soon. Cristal Steverson, Flava of Love and Charm School was also in attendance. She has worked a lot with Derek. Check out her myspace for some shots. (www.myspace.com/seriouslycristalfanpage)

When asked about his alter ego project, Derek states,
"The people that we see everyday have so many sides to their personalities besides what we see at that moment. This collection allows them to show these sides unapologetically. If it wasn't my own work, I'd still think it was amazing!"

“Alter Ego” is a follow up to his previous project “Daughters of Men", a photo essay book featuring Sanaa Lathan, Beyonce Knowles and Yolanda Adams.

Besure to check out Derek Blanks and his beautiful work at www.dblanks.com www.myspace.com/dblanksphotos.

Thanks April Love for the personal invite.

LUXURY LOUNGE AND ROLLS ROYCE

It was a perfect night for the” Luxury Lounge” event presented by Rolls Royce which took place at Aftertfacto, a modern contemporary furniture provider with unique designs and eclectic styling’s located on Peachtree Rd.

The” Luxury Lounge” is produced by The Atlantan Magazine and Entertain Corp to host an private event showcasing Luxury Lifestyle living through the use of entertainment (film, music, spoken word and comedy). The Luxury Lounge targets the Urban Community living within the metro Atlanta Area with a household income of at least $250,000 per year. Exclusive invited guest will become more familiar with various luxury products while giving them an opportunity to try these products.

Invited guest included Greg Williams of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Atlanta, Vernon Jones, Dekalb County (GA) CEO, Former NBA player Kevin Willis, Atlanta’s own super producer Jazz Pha, Raz B former member of the group B2K, Upcoming actor Kal Cauthen , from a new television series Atlanta Homicide which hopefully will be picked up soon.

Jazze Pha and guest Terrance Freeman

Luxury brands in attendance were Dermalogica, a luxury line skincare company,
(www.PrettyFacesSpa.com) Hair Me 1st, exclusive distributors of Indian & Malaysian 100% Remi Hair ( http://www.hairme1st.com/), YoungBlood Timepicces, luxury watches for men and women, (http://www.ybtimepieces.net/), Ash Cigar Company, newest cigar company in Atlanta (http://www.ashcigar.com/).
guest and Tom Patton -owner Ash Cigar Co.
A Portion of proceeds from the “Luxury Lounge” will go to Music Education Group (MEG) non-profit 501 ( c )3 organization, created to provide programs that allows students to become more creative and responsible by introducing them to the world of music. MEG Inc works to reduce low self-esteem and juvenile delinquency by offering an activity-based program that allows students to express themselves positively.