Thursday, December 31, 2009

VladTV's 10 Dumbest Athletes Of The Past Decade Brought To You By Ashlee Ray

WE ARE YOUNG MONEY (Cartoon)

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Funk Legend George Clinton, Founder of Parliament Funkadelic, Signs With Exclusive Solutions Management

George Clinton, legendary singer/songwriter and innovator of funk music, best known as the founder of the group(s) Parliament/Funkadelic, has signed on with Exclusive Solutions Management.

His new management Exclusive Solutions Management LLC (ESM) of Houston, TX, according to Clinton, "has been the best management experience of his career." After years of mistreatment Clinton was skeptical to work with new management; however he was won over by their commitment to helping him regain the intellectual property he had lost and seek restoration for him monetarily. ESM is an artist management company operating at the highest levels of ethics and integrity.

Despite his success, George Clinton, the funk music legend, has received little monetary gain over the past three decades from his musical works. He is the creator of hits such as, "Flashlight" and "One Nation Under a Groove." Clinton's smash hit "Atomic Dog" is one of the most sampled songs in history, yet Clinton does not receive any compensation from it since he does not legally own the rights to the song. Clinton is determined to bring awareness to some of the issues he and other artists face with mismanagement in the music industry.

Clinton is also fighting back against his former business partners and managers, Armen Boladian (Bridgeport Music, Inc.) and Nene Montes (Tercer Mundo). George knew early on the value of what he was creating and attempted to take steps to protect it by negotiating ownership with the labels (this was rarely done at the time) and worked hard to secure ownership of his masters, which at the time he did.

In 1984 Clinton filed bankruptcy. Armen and Montes were entrusted to act on Clinton's behalf as administrators only. There were several documents that appear to have George's signature on them which turns most of his publishing and masters over to Boladian and Montes, which caused Clinton to lose all rights and financial gain to all of his songs. Clinton asserts that, being an artist whom worked so hard early on to take care of the business side of his creative works, he would not be so careless as to sign over complete rights to his music for a lifetime. This brings to the forefront the ethical relationship between artist and the third parties whom they entrust to take care of their business.

Clinton has been entangled in various legal disputes for more than 20 years. The disputes have been against his management, record label, and publishing company all in an effort to recoup the money that he has lost through bad business dealings.

Clinton's mission is to bring awareness to the injustice and unethical behavior that continues to take place in the music industry. Many of the legendary artists of the '60s, '70s and '80s were taken advantage of by managers, record labels and others and have not seen the financial compensation they deserved. Many are experiencing financial hardship while someone else is reaping the benefits of their life's work.

A sadder reality is Clinton's mother, Julious G. Keaton, who died last week; however, Clinton is struggling to finance her funeral. Clinton, like so many artists, has experienced financial troubles throughout his career due to bad record label contracts and mismanagement practices. It is frustrating when you are a musical legend who has sold millions of records and spawned universal hits, but cannot pay for your mother's funeral.

At 68 years old Clinton continues to tour annually to generate income. Clinton says he is not afforded the ability to live off the residual income of his life's work of which he wrote, produced, and created because individuals and record label executives took advantage of him. Clinton wants to make it clear that he has not monetarily benefited at all from the more than 300 infringement lawsuits filed on behalf of the works he created, nor was he the instigator in these suits. At a time when he should be able to live off his life's work, Clinton is struggling to provide for his family and give his mother a proper burial.

For more information on George Clinton, visit http://www.georgeclinton.com/site/

KELO INVADES THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT IN AMSTERDAM

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

GET MONEY MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES NATIONAL LAUNCH

GET MONEY, the Magazine of Choice for the Corporate Hustler™, has announced the national release of its highly anticipated publication. The magazine will be available at newsstands across the nation Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

GET MONEY is a new urban business magazine published quarterly. The editorial content is similar to more traditional business magazines such as Forbes and Fortune Magazines. Articles covering business structures, investing, real estate, business planning, money management, and financial motivation form the basis of the GET MONEY editorial content. However, GET MONEY is written from a young urban point of view, and features well-known urban models such as Yolie Betty Booty™ (known from Smooth Magazine) and newcomer Jessi Apple™.

Kolie Crutcher, GET MONEY CEO states, "The mission of GET MONEY Magazine is to forever change the way young urban adults think about getting money, investing money, and keeping money; thereby inspiring the consistent actions necessary to create generational wealth."

The newsstand cover price for GET MONEY is $5.99. GET MONEY can also be purchased online or in person from Black Star Music and Film in Harlem, NY. Yearly and 2-Year subscriptions are also available. The yearly subscription price is $11.95, and the 2-Year subscription price is $19.95. Both subscriptions can be purchased online at www.getmoneymagazine.com.

Although GET MONEY is a magazine geared towards urban males, the publication also has a strong appeal to women. In particular, featured in the newsstand issue is an article titled "How To Hold Your Man Down, Without Holding Him Back!" written by Yolie Betty Booty. This witty article highlights 5 simple techniques women can use to help their man be at his best while he's out taking on the world. Early promotional copies of GET MONEY previewed "How To Hold Your Man Down", and the early feedback from readers was very positive, as it appears to be one of the issue's more anticipated articles. Articles "The 7 Laws of Money" and "Measuring Financial Success" are also early favorites.

GET MONEY Magazine will be hosting its Official Magazine Release Party in conjunction with Black Mens Magazine publisher John Blassingame's 16th Annual Fashion and Industry Networking Party on Saturday, January 16th, 2010, at the Marriot Newark, NJ International Airport location. Visit www.getmoneymagazine.com or www.lindennewday.com for details.

GET MONEY Magazine was founded in 2008 in the Bronx, NY by Kolie Crutcher. Kolie is the CEO of GET MONEY, and the author and publisher of the urban motivational book ELECTRIC LIVING: The Powerful Life!, currently available at Barnes and Noble bookstores.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Men Share How the Power of Forgiveness Changes Lives

A life stuck in neutral or reverse, anger, aches, pains, sickness, disease...these are some of the symptoms of unforgiveness.


When author Alethea Pascascio dared to accept the challenge of helping spread the message of forgiveness, she never imagined men being such an integral part of her audience.


"My first book, Bag Lady, is a novel with a forgiveness theme," said Pascascio. "I thought women would be the primary audience then to my surprise, I received a lot of great feedback from men. That is why I am so excited about my newest project, Forgiveness For The Man's Soul."


Forgiveness For The Man's Soul is a collection of real stories of forgiveness written by men. From childhood traumas to molestation to adultery- they have managed to share some incredible life changing experiences. And these men come from many walks of life--from the penthouse to the prison.


"I used to believe women were more forgiving than men," Pascascio continued, "but after this book I'm not sure about that. This project was cleansing for so many men because some, for the first time, exposed secrets that have haunted them for years. But what means the most is that they have chosen to forgive."


Forgiveness For The Man's Soul gives more than just a peek inside the male psyche, it will provoke thought and inspire change as you reflect on your own life. Although, 'Men' is in the title, this book is for anyone. It is a great stocking stuffer or gift for any occasion because forgiveness really is for everyone's mind, body, and soul.


Order for $11.95 at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or Your Local Book Store


ISBN: 9780977837717 / SKU: 0977837718



About the Author
Alethea Pascascio is an author, speaker, and workshop presenter. Her topics are usually forgiveness, self-publishing, and setting/achieving goals. She resides in the Midwest where she spends time with friends and family.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

2 new DVD's starring Robin Givens and Elise Neal by Tyler Perry like director coming 1/10, 2/10

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Phase 4 Films is pleased to announce the North American DVD release of the GOD SEND ME A MAN on January 19, 2010, and LET GOD BE THE JUDGE on February 2, 2010, a set of inspirational films from Director, Writer & Producer, Emmbre Perry.
 

GOD SEND ME A MAN follows Stacy, a promiscuous 20-something who is quick to judge those around her and has nothing but bad luck in love. She decides to re-evaluate her life and starts attending prayer service with the hopes of forming a bond with God.  Will her new choices finally lead her to love? The film features Robin Givens (Boomerang, The Family That Preys), Clifton Powell (Ray, First Sunday) and Nicci Gilbert (Meet The Browns).

 

In LET GOD BE THE JUDGE, Brian (Carl Anthony Payne II – “Martin,” “The Cosby Show”), is shot and must face the judgment of God in a courtroom.  God calls on people from his life to speak of his negative and positive qualities. As a result of the testimonials and his experience, Brian learns the power of God and rediscovers his spirituality.  Clifton Powell (Ray, First Sunday) takes on the role of the Judge/God and Elise Neal (“The Hughleys,” Hustle and Flow) plays Rachel, one of the witnesses brought forth to comment on Brian’s life.

 

In the footsteps of Tyler Perry, Emmbre Perry presents positive films based on the strong values of family and faith. "I'm excited about my first DVD release and I'm anticipating big things.  This will be a productive collaboration with an inspiring message to uplift,” said Perry.

 

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Emmbre Perry on GOD SEND ME A MAN and LET GOD BE THE JUDGE,” said Berry Meyerowitz, President of Phase 4 Films. “The immense success of Tyler Perry’s films demonstrates the market’s vast appetite for films that inspire and motivate.”

 

The SRP for both titles is $29.99 in the U.S., and $32.99 in Canada, at all major retailers.

 

 

GOD SEND ME A MAN:

Street Date: January 19, 2010

Pre-Order Date: December 15, 2009

Genre: Urban Inspirational

Run Time: 86 minutes

Rating: PG-13

Sound: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound

SRP: $29.99 U.S / $32.99 Canada

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Enhanced

 

LET GOD BE THE JUDGE:

Street Date: February 02, 2010

Pre-Order Date: December 29, 2009

Genre: Urban Inspirational

Run Time: 90 minutes

Rating: PG

SRP: $29.99 U.S / $32.99 Canada

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Enhanced

 

Phase 4 Films distributes features films, television and special interest content across all media in the North American market. Its label, kaBOOM! Entertainment, is one of the leading pre-school and children’s brands in the market.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Snoop Dogg Roundtable Interview

Snoop, in New York to promote his latest album, speaks to a group of 'journalists' about his project, his career, different topics posed by the group. This is the unedited, long interview filmed. Part laziness and partly because, well, I just wanted to post the whole damn thing! Shouts to Kayla (The Cashmere Agency), , Kisha Maldonado, Datwon Thomas (Global Grind), Adewole Oduye (BlackPlanet) and Gina Torres (AllHipHop).

Fashionista University Launches! Our new company that breeds future fashionistas- Saturday classes start Jan 16th

Starting this January, middle-school through college-aged students will have the opportunity to take a variety of “Saturday’s only”-seven week, hands on courses where they will learn the ins and outs of the fashion business including design, publicity, wardrobe styling/costume design, event planning, jewelry/accessory design and more. Run by fashion designers Kathlin Argiro and Courtney Zellmer and Publicity guru Gwen Wunderlich-Smith, Fashionista University gives students a Project Runway meets Gossip Girl real world approach, with celebrity, editor and guest designer appearances as well as access to fashion shows, showroom events, publishing houses, TV stations and more! Fashionista University provides tools teens need to turn their dreams into a reality and break in to the world of fashion with opportunities and experiences beyond anything they ever imagined.
SAMPLE COURSES:

Fashion Design 101
Over the 7-week course students will get a firsthand account of running a small business in the fashion industry from designers Kathlin Argiro and Courtney Zellmer. Students will learn how to create a collection from start to finish- from inspiration to presentation and everything in between using examples from Kathlin’s own collection, high-profile guest speakers, and actually take steps toward creating their own line. Students will learn about fabrics and how to use them, color stories, sketching basic fashion figures, story boards and presenting a collection to learn more about themselves as first time designers.

P.R. Prep 101
Fashionistas who are on top of the latest trends and are interested in being a part of the buzz, glitz and glamour are perfect for this crash course in the exciting field of public relations. Gwen Wunderlich of Wunderlich Inc. will help students begin their journey to becoming the next “it” publicist by sharing her expertise in the field, including her background of starting her own company from the ground up. Throughout the seven weeks, Gwen will introduce different aspects of the business that will help each student develop their PR skills and teach them the necessity of being connected. Students can expect field trips to the city’s hottest spots including a trip to the fashionista holy land – New York Fashion Week.
For the first Winter semester starting Saturday January 16th 2010, Fashionista University is offering these two separate classes above allowing students to focus on where their true passion lies, or participate in both courses giving them the ability to gain a better understanding of different aspects of each industry. The Spring Semester featuring additional courses starts March 20th 2010. Please Support the future of fashion by letting young fashionistas everywhere know about this amazing program so they can have a chance to dabble in the fast-paced, glamorous, exciting, down and dirty ins and outs of the industry and take their passion for fashion to the next level!
For more information and registration please visit www.fashionistauniversity.com .

Monday, December 14, 2009

Kim Coles to Host Fifth Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards, Jan. 30

Kim Coles will host the 2010 Los Angeles Organizing Awards, honoring the best and the brightest in the professional organizing industry, Saturday, January 30 at Raleigh Studios, Hollywood. CA. As the host, Kim will share her humorous personal experiences of working with a professional organizer.

"We're thrilled to welcome comedian Kim Coles as the celebrity host of the Fifth Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards," said Chantale Bordonaro, President of NAPO-LA. "Kim has an extraordinary charm in developing rapport with her audience and we're especially thrilled she has personal experience working with a professional organizer. Her skillful comedy has the unique ability to break down barriers and return us to common interest. This year's Awards will be the biggest and best event we've ever produced, complete with a Hollywood-style red carpet. The public is invited to join in the fun, and learn firsthand about the most effective organizing strategies, products and services available."

Kim is best known for her zany characters and outrageous sense of humor. She got her start as the runner-up in the Big Beautiful Woman pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She rode her beauty pageant success into a plus-size modeling career, and then began performing stand-up comedy and her show biz career really took off. Kim landed the spot as warm-up comedian for The Cosby Show. From there she appeared on several stand-up shows and also worked as an opening act for several popular musicians (Luther Vandross, Bobby Brown & The O'Jays). Her big break arrived when she was cast by the Wayans brothers in the sketch show, 'In Living Color'. Since then, she has appeared in several seasons of 'Living Single'. Kim has continued to work steadily, appearing in sit-coms, reality shows, and game shows. She is also a successful author and playwright.

The gala red carpet event, presented by the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO-LA) and Presenting Sponsor Avery Dennison, celebrates professional organizers who set the standard for home and business productivity, and the products and services that help consumers and businesses organize themselves and their information, manage their time and control habits that can lead to clutter and chaos. Los Angeles Organizing Awards' recipients are chosen by a popular national vote, taking place October 15 through December 15 online at www.organizingawards.com.

The top five finalists in each category are invited to attend the ceremony with a total of twenty-three awards presented, including: five awards for organizing products and retailers, five awards for organizing services, five awards to organizing professionals and four awards to media outlets. The chapter will also honor several of its members with chapter awards. The "Volunteer of the Year Award" is presented to the chapter member with an exemplary record of service. The "Leading Edge Award" recognizes a NAPO-LA member whose actions and efforts elevate the quality or profile of professional organizers everywhere. In addition, this year's "Special Recognition Award" will be presented by Avery Dennison to an individual or company who has performed or contributed significantly to the success of a particular project or initiative that benefits the public and the organizing profession.

About the Organizing Awards
The Los Angeles Organizing Awards were introduced in 2006 by the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO-LA) to honor professional organizers, organizing retailers, organizing products services & resources, charities, technology providers, authors and the media for their contributions to the organizing industry. The Awards conclude "National Get Organized Month." Tickets to this event can be purchased at http://www.organizingawards.com.

About Avery Dennison Presenting Sponsor
Avery Dennison Office Products (www.avery.com) markets products under the well-known Avery brand name and is one of the world's leading manufacturers of self-adhesive labels for laser and ink jet printers, labeling software, binders, sheet protectors, index and tab dividers and other office-, home- and school-related supplies. Avery Dennison Office Products, a business unit of Avery Dennison Corporation, is based in Brea, California. For more information about Avery-brand products, consumers can visit the Avery Dennison Worldwide Office Products Web site at www.avery.com or call the Avery Dennison Consumer Service Center at 1-800-GO-AVERY (1-800-462-8379).

About NAPO-Los Angeles:
The Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO-LA) is a group of 100 professional organizers and associate members dedicated to helping individuals and businesses bring order and efficiency to their lives. The Founding Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, "The Organizing Authority®," our mission has been to develop, lead and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry since 1985. The chapter produces the Los Angeles Organizing Expo as well as the Los Angeles Organizing Awards and is the recipient of the 2008 NAPO National President's Award for innovative contributions to the organizing industry. For details visit http://www.napola.org or http://www.organizingawards.com.

Awards Finalists, (in no particular order):

Best Organizing Product Retailer
Discover Organizing Incorporated
Franklin Covey
Organize.com
Stacks and Stacks
The Container Store

Best Closet Design Firm
California Closets
Closet Factory
The Closet Works, Inc.
Get It Together LA!
LA Closet Design

Best Garage Design Firm
Garage Envy
Garage Tek
Get It Together LA!
Gladiator Garage Works
OrganizeIT!

Best Office Organizing Product
Avery Labels - Avery Insert Tab Dividers
[InPlace] - Desktop File Sorter by Peter Walsh
Neat – NeatDesk
Pendaflex - SureHook Hanging File Folder
Time Timer, LLC

Best Home Orgaizing Product
Keepsake Keeper by Kangaroom Storage
Really Useful Boxes
ShelfGenie – Glideout
The Board Space Planning Systems
The Container Store – Elfa

Most Helpful Organizing Technology
IntelliScanner
iPEP Productive Environment Institute
iPhone
The Neat Company – Neat Receipts
Scan Digital

The Green Award for Most Eco-Friendly Organizing Product
Avery Eco-Friendly White Address Labels
Method Pink Grapefruit All-Purpose Cleaner
Recycle Bags by Kangaroom Storage
The Glam Can
Unikeep Enviro Binder

The Green Award for Most Eco-Friendly Organizing Service
Ann Sullivan, Organizing People for Life
College Hunks Hauling Junk
Go Junk Free America!
Sara Getzkin, Hands On! Organizing Services
Tanya Whitford, Organizing Wonders

Best Time Management Expert
Christine Reiter, Time-Strategies Services
The David Allen Company
Harold Taylor Time Consultants Ltd.
Julie Morgenstern Enterprises
Krista Colvin, Organize the Whole Shebang

Philanthropy Award
Leslie Haber, An Organized Life
Arizona NAPO Chapter, Go Month Foster Family 2007
Dorothy Breininger, Delphi Center for Organization
Heather Lambie, Your Home Editor
Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design

Best Show Incorporating Organizing on National Television
Clean House (Style)
Hoarders (A&E)
neat (HGTV Canada/Discovery Home Channel)
Oprah's Clean Up Your Messy House/ Peter Walsh (ABC)
Small Space, Big Style (HGTV)

Best National Makeover Reality Television Program
Extreme Makeover – Home Edition (ABC)
Home Made Simple (TCL)
neat (HGTV Canada/Discovery Home Channel)
Real Simple. Real Life. (TLC)
Stager Invasion (TLC)

Best Organizing Book
Organizing A to Z by Lisa Lelas
Organizing For a Living by Jackie Tiani
Organizing Outside The Box by Hellen Buttigieg
Sorted! by Lissanne Oliver
The Clutter Diet by Lorie Marrero

Best Publication Featuring Organizational Information
Better Homes & Gardens
Martha Stewart Living
NSGCD-The Chronicle
Ready Made-Instructions For Everyday Life – BH&G
Real Simple Magazine

Best Organizing Website or Blog
Clutter Diet Blog - Lorie Marrero
Jeri Dansky Blog - Jeri Dansky
LifeOrganizers.com - Paul & Valerie Holstein
Simplify 101 Blog/Website - Aby & Jay Garvey
Unclutterer Blog - Erin Doland

Most Valuable Educational Resource
A Red Bench
eSMMART
NAPO National Conference
NSGCD
Professional Organizer Training Institute

Best Organizer as Coach or Mentor**
Beth Randall, Joe Organizer
Denslow Brown, The Organizer & Coach
Elizabeth Hagen.com
Kristine Oller, Feeding Your Focus
Margaret Miller, WABC Coach

NAPO-LA Chapter Members only may vote for the following:

Most Innovative Organizer
Beth Zeigler, BNeato
Calahan Solutions, Inc.
Dorothy Breininger, Delphi Center for Organization
Elizabeth Hagen.com
Jodie Watson, Supreme Organization

Most Supportive or Organizer-Friendly Charity
Baby2Baby
Goodwill Industries International, Inc.
National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles
Out of the Closet
Soles4Souls

This event is produced by NAPO-LA with production support by the Dave Linden Group, Inc. and Avery Dennison as the Presenting Sponsor. Event video produced by Corp Shorts and hosted by KNBC/KCAL news reporter and anchor, Angie Crouch.

Star Has Some Advice For 50 Cent

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Low Minority Admissions Rate Sparks Pro Bono Effort

As college applications skyrocket this year, there's a worry that minority applicants in low-income areas, will face even tougher challenges than in the past. Fewer educational resources may be available to guide them through this year's overwhelming college maze. Many of them will not be able to afford admissions essay editing services, or top-notch college application counselors. So, Penn & Paper has decided to help these students--for free.
PennandPaper.com is a top-notch admissions consulting firm that has begun assisting minority high schools in the country with their college counseling and admissions essay needs.
The company's director, China Okasi, is an Ivy League expert who gives talks around the country on minority achievement and higher education. She states, "Pennandpaper.com's pro bono efforts can help any minority high school student get into college, especially if he or she has worked hard, and just needs to seal the deal." Okasi herself holds three Ivy League degrees.
The company encourages guidance counselors, principals and teachers from public high schools who are interested in this offer, to send a letter on letterhead, referring a pool of students to the company, and officially accepting the free service. Their recommended students will then receive essay editing help and admissions planning services via a one-hour appointment slot with Penn & Paper.
Letters should be emailed to contact@pennandpaper.com (Subject: PRO BONO). Students who have already written their personal statements/admissions essays, are strongly invited. For more information about the wide range of essay editing services, admissions tools and tips that PennandPaper.com offers, please visit their website at www.pennandpaper.com

About Penn & Paper
Penn & Paper (PennandPaper.com) is an admissions essay editing service that provides individualized counseling to applicants of all levels. Penn & Paper has helped several applicants seeking admission into competitive academic programs. The company's admissions consulting services strengthen an applicant's chances of getting admitted to college, business school, graduate school, law school, medical school and various fellowships/scholarships. For more information, please visit the company website at www.pennandpaper.com, or call (888) 653-0222.