Only one more day to the weekend!!

On Monday, December 10, Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison in relation to the charges of financing dogfighting and killing non-aggressive dogs. Vick appeared in a Richmond, Virginia courtroom for the 90 minute sentencing hearing and told the judge that he used poor judgment and accepted responsibility for his actions. He could also be facing additional jail time, as he has not yet been to court on the state charges. I know there are plenty of dog lovers out there, but let’s be realistic. This past weekend, there was a huge fight in Las Vegas, featuring Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton. Boxing is right up there with dogfighting as a brutal “sport”; the difference is that none of the men are put to death when the fight ends. But are the people who bet on fighting ever arrested for “financing” boxing? Are the promoters ever charged with a crime? If (God forbid), one of the men who fought this weekend died, would the other be charged with murder? The jury in this case should have looked at this case in its entire context. I’m not condoning any of Michael Vick’s actions, but I definitely don’t think he should have to spend potentially over 2 years of his life in prison for dogfighting. Some people don’t even get that much time for the aforementioned charge of murder. Of an actual human being.

"For the very first time in my life, I feel compelled to stand up and to speak out for the man who I believe has a new vision for America."
- Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey joined Barack and Michelle Obama at free public rallies in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina this past weekend.
In total, they electrified nearly 70,000 people across three states and brought thousands of new volunteers into our crucial early-state operations. Oprah's public support has attracted a lot of attention and created a tremendous opportunity to reach out to people who otherwise might not hear Barack's message of change. This is also an opportunity for you to become informed, no matter what candidate interests you, or whoever you end up voting for. We all need to get informed and be prepared when we vote; it’s a right that is not exercised enough by young people. For information on this weekend’s rallies, please check out Obama’s website: http://my.barackobama.com/page/m/73a1cb28692f6b42/nWDumC/

Entertainment Blast......

Ike Turner, best known to us from his portrayal by Lawrence Fishburne in the movie “What’s Love Got To Do With It”, has died at the age of 76. His career was characterized by drug abuse and rock-and-roll music. He was credited for discovering Tina Turner, who later became his wife and claimed that he physically and mentally abused her. Ms. Turner declined to comment on Ike’s death (ya think?!)

Okay, we really DON’T love New York, but she sure does make for some interesting “news”. Now Ms. Big Apple is supposedly pregnant. Wow. No shock factor here, hasn’t she slept with every man who has been on the show? Maybe she should have held off on the boob job so she could order plenty of paternity tests when the baby comes!!!! The top 4 contestants are:
1. Chance—Ya’ll see how she brought him and his lame brother back on the show to “evaluate” the houseguests? Whatever. She wanted to pick him last season, but was scared of her dad, um, I mean her mom.
2. Chance’s brother—She keeps it in the family, and he DID cry for her when she eliminated him.
3. Buddha—He’s probably the only one big enough to handle her, plus he’s also got boobs to help with the breast feeding!
4. Midget Mac—Just because that would be HILARIOUS!

uh O uh O uh O..............Dont mess with B mutha. B and Mrs Tina was doing an interview in Chicago because house of Dereon is opening in store boutique in Macys on State street. When the interviewer started asking about why they make sizes that no one can wear, commenting that the clothes are hot but no one can fit them. Ms Knowles went off on the interviewer and cut the interview short. J lo must be smiling because she keeps stating that the copied her designs and that is why they are doing well. Dont hurt them Queen B's!!!!!!!!!!

Ashanti please buy your sister a entire outfit!!!! Why is she wearing a shirt as a dress??

Now how cute is this couple...........yeah right. But they are standing a little too snug.

Whats hot in the QC?????????? Check out P.S. Preferred List

Thursday

Ladies Night out @ V on the 4th - "A&J Entertainment"

Marini @ Rustic Martini - Klazzy.com (616 N. Tryone)

Friday
Red Carpet Affair @ Harry & Jeans - A Town Ent

Saturday

CharlotteVibe.com 3rd Annual Appreciation Party and Chris Jenkins Birthday Celebration @ Cuisine Malaya (1411 Elizabeth Ave)

Sunday

Annual Christmas Party @ Loft 1523 - Execuitve Entertainment

P.S…We give you what you crave, not just what you need!!!

Because This Must All End!!

We want to pay our respects and extend our condolences to the families of Sean Taylor and Chad “Pimp C” Butler. We were greatly saddened by the news of their deaths, as we know you all were. These are men whose lives were extinguished too soon, and this is the phenomenon we have unfortunately forced ourselves to deal with. Black people have waged war on each other. Most of us have personally and painfully experienced a young man taken from this world too soon by violence. We kill each other and ourselves. This must all end. I want someone to email and tell me if you didn’t immediately think that Sean Taylor was killed by a black man when you first heard the story. An apparent attempted robbery gone bad, and maybe a conspiracy theory? Tell me that you think Pimp C died of natural causes. Without toxicology evidence that won’t be back for at least 6 weeks. At the age of 33.
We are two Black women who are blessed to be able to write this blog every week. I love Black men from the bottom of my heart. Without them, we wouldn’t be here, have the strength we do, or have much of a future. We need them, cherish them, want to stop what has been the trend for over 300 years, which is Black on Black crime that especially targets Black men. Young men who never reach their prime. Men whose goals become getting their college degrees in prisons instead of colleges. This is a genuine appeal to every man reading this blog today. Please. Value each other as you do yourselves. Value your own life because you matter to someone, whether you know it or not. Make your life worth everything it is meant to be. Think.

On so many lighter notes….
See below for what’s happening in Charlotte this weekend.

December 7

1St Friday hosted by Lebron James @ NV Lounge, 209224 Torrence Chapel Rd., Cornelius, NC

13th Annual Jingle Bell Ball @ Mint Museum of Art, Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC

December 8


2nd Annual Holiday Party, hosted by The National Black MBA Association and the Urban League of Central Carolinas Young Professionals @ The Levine Museum of the New South, Uptown, Charlotte, NC

“The Power of Us” hosted by The Charlotte Steering Committee of the National Black Justice Coalition @ The Wadsworth House, 400 South Summit Avenue, Charlotte NC

“Undefeated” Mayweather and Hatton @ Jillian’s, 200 East Bland Street, Charlotte, NC



P.S… We give you what you crave, not just what you need!!

For The Love of Money.........

We just can't get enough of it...... But don't forget to keep it and make it grow.


Prosperity. Abundance. Riches. Wealth. Opulence. Plenty. Is your heart resonating "Yes" to these words? How about moolah. Dough. Greenbacks. Bread. Cash. Is your heart still saying "Yes," or are you having a more complicated reaction? Money is an idea loaded with both positive and negative associations, but it's worth remembering that "the love of money," and not money itself, is considered the "root of all evil." With money, as with anything else, we can benefit by turning our spiritual attention to it. Text by Susan Corso



25 Great Companies for Black WomenJayme S. Gayney, Essence Magazine
To create this year's list, Essence asked more than 60 business insiders -- headhunters, human resources representatives, research firms and nonprofit organizations -- to nominate companies with solid reputations for hiring, retaining, supporting and promoting Black women.Here are the findings for 5 companies (* Companies listed alphabetically):
1. Aetna, Inc., HartfordThere are strong employee networks at this health-care benefits company, with plenty of opportunities for Black women to meet others.
2. Citigroup, New YorkCitigroup has solid employee-led affinity networks and high-placed Black women. Citigroup also has 15 other Black women among its senior management ranks.
3. The Coca-Cola Co., AtlantaOne way the soft drink giant levels the playing field for African-Americans is by creating partnerships with groups like the National Black MBA Association in its search for capable and experienced employees.
4. Colgate-Palmolive Co., New York It's inspiring to see women such as Marsha E. Butler, D.D.S., senior executive and vice-president of global oral health and professional relations, in the corporate office.
5. Comcast, PhiladelphiaBlack women are represented throughout the company, starting with Charrisse Lillie, vice-president, human resources and senior vice-president, Comcast Cable. People of color make up 40 percent of the staff at this cable giant.


Click here to view the other 20 great companies

Trump's top ten ways of thinking like a billionaire:
1. Don’t take vacations. What’s the point? If you’re not enjoying your work, you’re In the wrong job. Even when Trump is playing golf, he is doing business. He never stops and haves fun while doing it.
2. Have a short attention span. Most successful people have very short attention spans. It has a lot to do with imagination. Often Trump will be talking to someone e and He will know what they’re going to say before they say it. After the first 3 words are out of their mouth, He can tell what the next forty are going to be, so he tries to pick up the pace and move it along. You can get more don’t faster that way.
3. Don’t sleep any more than you have to. Trump usually sleep about four hours per night. That’s all he needs and it gives him a competitive edge over his friend that sleep 10 hours.
4. Don’t depend on technology. A lot of it is unnecessary and expensive. If you have something important to say, look the person in the eye and say it. And if you can’t get there, pick up the phone and made sure they hear the sincerity in your voice. Trump says email is for wimps.
5. Think of yourself as a one-man army. You are the commander in chief as well as the soldier. You must plan and execute your plan alone. Billionaires like to win.
6. It’s often to your advantage tot be underestimated. You never want people to think you’re a loser, but it you don’t want them to think you’re the smartest guy either. Its even more impressive for people to learn about your accomplishments on their own.
7. Success breeds success. The best way to impress people is through results. You have to create success to impress people In the world of business. If you’re young and you haven’t had any successes yet, then you have to create the impression of success until you get there.
8. Friends are good, but family is better. I think Trump is meaning immediate family in the household, spouse.
9. Treat each decision like a lover. If you treat each decision like a lover-Faithfully, respectfully, appropriately-you wont be locked into a rigid system. Sometimes you’ll think with your head and other times with other parts of your body and thats ok. Some of the best decision are mad out of passion.
10. Be Curious. A successful person is always going to be curious. Don’t know why this is true but it is. You have to be alive to your surroundings and hungry to understand your immediate world.

Entertainment Blast

Usher Raymond V is here. Its official. And naming him a Jr. really puts her in position to be well off for life. Do your thing Tameka, but I swear you are looking more and more like NY mutha. LOL!! Poor Usher, you know you want Chili back!!!!!!!!!

Superhead at it again…..
Is there any man that wont be a victim of Ms Karrine “Superhead” Steffans. In addition to Lil Wayne and Darius McCreary, Sean Kingston is really in DENIAL and definitely SUICIDAL for messin with this chick. One of Sean’s boys said that the teen rapper does anything that she asks - including eating whipped cream out of her private area. How could he put his mouth down there, I guess Superhead is tired being the one to go down so she gets little boys to do what no man will. HA who will
be the next billboard #1 selling artist to fall victim.

1. Solider boy –Superman that hoe
2. Hurricane Chris -Hey bay bay
3. J. Holiday – Will he put her to bed……for good!!!!!!!!
4. The Dream – Shorty is not a TEN
5. Yung Ralph- Because he look like Money….LOL

Oh and the latest book is not hittin on Nuthin. Not tryin to hate do you boo boo.....

Elise Neal do your thang. Make some money somehow.....

Hottest events in Charlotte for the mature 21 but 25 encouraged……
Friday November 30
Funklabb - Flirt Fridays @ Sunset Club (PS Preferred)
Innercircle – Holiday Party I Party @ Mint Museum
Six Figure Entertainment – CREAM & BUTTER AFFAIR @ Harry and Jeans

Saturday December 1
Black Label Entertainment – SAGITTARIUS BDAY BASH @ Presto’s (PS Preferred)
Q92.7 – SOPHISTICATED SATURDAYS/Grand Master Flash @ Club Tempo
Charlotte's 1st Annual Black Expo @ Charlotte Merchandise Mart 11-7pm $10 adults $5 kids
2nd Annual Queen City Fashion/Hair Expo @ Club Eclipse
RaregroovesNC – The Good Life @ Allure – 25 & up preferred

Friday December 7th
FIRST FRIDAYS – Thomas Washington Troy Veale BlackIce – Kingdom Come hosted by LEBRON JAMES (PS Will be in the Building)

P.S. WE GIVE YOU WHAT YOU CRAVE, NOT JUST WHAT YOU NEED……

Please email us with your comments at professionalswagga@gmail.com

Giving Thanks to All......................

November is all about giving and being thankful. We want to let you know that we’re thankful for your readership and continued support, because we wouldn’t still be doing this without you!! We’ve been able to meet some great new friends and hope to continue to make our contribution to our community and our people.

Last Friday, in Washington, D.C, Reverend Al Sharpton organized a march on the on the U.S. Justice Department. He was joined by Martin Luther King III, National Action Network, Realizing the Dream, Tom Joyner, Warren Ballantine, Steve Harvey and thousands of others.
He was expected to be greeted by counter protesters asking why he and other social justice leaders have remained silent on a horrific crime that happened in the Dunbar Village projects in West Palm Beach, FL.
On June 18, 2007, a 35-year old Haitian immigrant was lured outside by a teenager who knocked on the door and said her car had a flat. Nine other masked teenagers broke into her house. They raped and sodomized the woman repeatedly, while beating up her 12-year old son in another room.
After three hours, the teenagers brought the woman and son together, forcing the mother to perform oral sex on her son while at gunpoint.
That night, the family walked a mile to the hospital, because they had no phone to call for help.
The counter protest is aiming to challenge the African-American leaders who were silent about this crime. NAACP, SCLC, ACLU and other social justice organizations made little to no official moves to bring knowledge about nor justice to this situation.
For more legal news, please check out
http://news.finditt.com/NewsList.aspx?cat=19&wcat=17


November is also National Runaway Prevention Month. Parents, we know that it’s hard to relate to your kids sometimes, and pre-teenagers are sometimes particularly hard to deal with! But we all remember what it was like to be that age (don’t EVEN think we’re that old!!!), and what we were feeling and going through. Here are some tips that will help foster positive relationships with your kids, nieces, nephews, and young cousins:
1. Spend time with your kids, engaged in activities that suit their ages and interests. Shared experiences build a bank account of affection and trust that forms the basis for future communication. Eat together as often as you can. Meals are a great opportunity to talk about the day's events and to grow closer with your children. Use the time for conversation, not confrontation. Read, watch TV or movies, and surf the internet together. Exercise or play sports as a family. Get involved in community service with your kids.
2. Help teens gain a sense of self-confidence.
Self-confidence is earned, not given. Give kids opportunities to learn skills and gain confidence. Offer praise for jobs well done, accentuate the positive, and emphasize the things your children do right.
If they fall short, suggest ways to improve; don't criticize.
Affection and respect will reinforce good behavior (and change bad) far more successfully than fear or embarrassment.
3. Encourage your teens to get involved in fun, safe, fulfilling activities.
Help your children to identify their strengths, talents, and interests and to find opportunities in which these assets can be developed.
Encourage them to volunteer in the community, join a youth group, or participate in arts or sports. It will give them a sense of accomplishment, connect them to positive peers and adult leaders, and – not least of all – keep them busy.
For more information on activities for kids, please visit http://www.charlotteparent.com/ and http://www.fathers.com/ers.com/


Information about our teens you should know…………..
-Data show that 35.7% of all births in 2004 were to unmarried women.
-Births in 2004 to both married and unwed mothers totaled more than 4 million.
-Overall more children will be much more isolated because not only will their parents both be working, but they will have fewer siblings, fewer cousins, fewer aunts and uncles.
-Teens’ loss of faith in the idea of finding a lifetime mate is the key in explaining the decline of marriage.
-Of the 32,000 African American boys in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades eligible to take an Advanced Placement exam in 2005, the report says only 1,229 did so. Also notes that 2004-05, six of every 10 suspensions involved a black student.
- Teen girls who watch more than 14 hours of rap videos are move likely to have multiple sex partners and to be diagnosed with an STD.
-57% of the songs on the top 10 CD contain sexual content, 19% included direct descriptions of sexual intercourse. That was in 1999 so imagine in 07 what the percent is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW MANY TEENS ARE HAVING SEX?
-One quarter of high school freshman girls and just over half of senior girls.
-Less than a third of high school freshman boys and 59% of senior boys have had sex.
-Nearly 9 of 10 students enrolled in alternative high schools have had sex.
-About 1 in 5 young people do not have intercourse while teenagers
HOW MANY TEENS ARE GETTING PREGNANT?
-At least 40% of all girls get pregnant before they turn 20 years old.
-Approximately 900,000 youths younger than 20 get pregnant every year.
HOW MANY TENN PREGNANCIES ARE UNINTENDED?
-Seventy-one percent of pregnancies among teen girls are unintended.
http://www.troubleteens.com/

Professional Swagga are all about helping pregnant teens as we are working on a project and if you would like for to email any comments please do at professionalswagga@gmail.com

Entertainment Blast

Erykah Badu Makes Honey Sweet Return?
It's been years since Erykah Badu brought her musical stylings to fans. A lot of singers have come and gone (Lauryn Hill…), but Badu is gearing up to make a full fledged return with her new single "Honey."
The 9th Wonder-produced song, which recently leaked, will officially be released on Tuesday (Nov. 20) and is described by Badu as "an old school track with some funk on it." According to a press release, the release of the single marks Badu's 10th year in the music industry.
Thank God for some good, soulful music that actually means something…Now if she does something with that hair, THEN we will be truly glad!!!

Former American Idol winner and singer Fantasia Barrino is rumored to be pregnant with her second child.
The alleged father is Atlanta rapper Young Dro, the protege' of multi-platinum rapper T.I. Currently, Fantasia stars in the Broadway production of "The Color Purple" in New York City. Remember those pics of her in a bikini looking a HOT GHETTO MESS? Well maybe she should have thought about that not being a good look for a soon to be mother…or on another note, I guess that’s proper for a soon to be B-A-B-Y M-A-M-A, LOLOL!

Keyshia Cole did her thang at the concert on Sunday………Do your thing mama.
Keyshia Cole was acting a fool Columbus, GA concert for R. Kelly's Double Up tour. She found out that she wouldn't be going on stage right before R. Kelly and that Mr. Ne-Yo had that spot, but Keyshia wasn't trying to hear all that since she thinks shes bigger than him. Now Keyshia I wouldn’t go that far. But Ne-Yo was the bigger person and gave up his spot.

Our condolences and prayers go out to Kanye West and family. As you all probably have heard by now, Kanye’s mom passed away last week. And according to one of Donda’s family members, Kanye's mother died of complications that arose while getting a tummy tuck. Dr. Jan Adams is who performed surgery and he has been pulled from television show on the Discovery Health Network. Due to Donda’s death more and more people are coming forward as to how he messed up surgery on them. Rhonda McClain states she went for breast implants and ended up with an infection and had to get the implant removed. So now one breast is bigger than the other. Gina Cloud wanted Dr. Adams to remove some unwanted skin from her stomach and ended up going back 4 times in 2 years to fix the problem he caused. He didn’t even numb her right because she could feel him cutting her. She states that Dr. Adams is such a confident man that he seems competent but he is not!!!!! Emma Larrea is suing him now for botching her breast implants and yelled at her when she complained about them!! Kanye West and friends can not believe this tragedy. Patti LaBelle, who is a close friend to Donda’s states she always talked about doing plastic surgery and often tried to talk Donda out of it. Dr. Adams still states he is not the blame for her surgery. There is rumor that she had a preexisting problem and due to that most doctors denied her unless she received a consent letter from her primary physician. This is such a shame……………. http://www.insideedition.com/

Apparently, they got into some verbal altercations while filming "American Gangster" a year ago or so, and eventually T.I. fronted Denzel off on the set, in front of camera and crew, basically saying "After 30 years in movies you are only getting $25 million a picture...I made that on my first CD!" and went on to list how he actually is set to surpass Denzel in career earnings by April of 2008. Denzel just laughed it off with his cheesy grin and said very little to T.I. for the rest of filming, even though they were in a few last scenes together. After the altercation, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Idris Elba also said very little to T.I. TIP just has a big head.

Professional Swagga with Consuela of "Women who rock"....Thanks Taru for gettin in where you fit in :)

WE GIVE YOU WHAT YOU CRAVE, NOT JUST WHAT YOU WANT....................

LET IT GO..................

Ways to Deal with Stress! (Without Totally Losing Your Cool).
1 Get rid of what's causing the stress - if you can, (that doesn't mean your younger brother or sister or your parents).
2 Change your attitude toward what's causing the stress. (Easy to write, harder to do). Write down what is causing you stress and how you react to it. Then take a nice deep belly-breath.
3 Face up to what's causing the stress until it isn’t stressful anymore. See “Bullying” if need be.
4 Avoid hassles. Identify the things that stress you out and eliminate them or prepare yourself to cope with them. Take a day off, that's what weekends are for.
5 Pursue a new hobby or sport. Take time to do what you enjoy, not what other people want or 'expect' you to do. Start keeping a journal. Writing down your thoughts and emotions can relieve a lot of stress and also help you see your creative side.
6 Don't deny or repress your emotions, this only compounds stress. Don't be afraid to cry; crying can relieve anxiety and let out bottled-up emotions.
7 Work on creating a stress-free place in your home. Your room should be a safe stress-free place for you to go to. Decorate it so you find it calming, soothing and safe.
8 Family and Friends. When you can talk to your parents in a loving and secure family, then that can help relieve a lot of the stress that you bring home from other places. BUT home is not heaven for a lot of teens and you can often run into many stressful situations there as you would anywhere else. You may have a close friend or a friend's parent(s) that you can talk to instead.
9 If you feel you simply cannot handle the stress in your life, consider outside help. You may be able to talk to a guidance counselor at school, or you may want to consult a qualified counselor or other practitioner who can help you handle your problems and learn effective stress reduction techniques. It is often beneficial to talk with someone who can offer an objective response whether a trusted friend or a professional counselor.
-Don’t be afraid to try new ideas, try Yoga, or Tai Chi both are good for you and you don't necessarily have to be a jock to do them or benefit from them. See Exercise also. Chill!

COLD WEATHER BEAUTY TIPS

Blustery winter weather has a way of sneaking up on even the most attentive beauty addict. “One of the most frequently asked questions I get from women of all ages is, ‘How can I treat my dry skin?’” explains skincare expert Cornelia Zicu, whose lavish Fifth Avenue day spa clientele includes everyone from Hollywood A-listers to politicos, business tycoons and royalty. “There are a number of simple things you can do every day that will help condition your skin and make it healthy. Some are unexpected; many are natural but all are easy to do.”Known for her dedication to natural ingredients - inspired by the homegrown remedies passed down from grandma in her native Romani - Zicu's new line doesn't launch until next spring, but in the mean time, try these tips she offers up for keeping your skin gorge when the weather isn't:

SEE AN EXPERT According to Zicu, the basis of any reliable skincare routine is a visit to an expert, be it at a spa, a dermatologist or a medical professional. "This person, however, should not be a sales person at a product counter in a department store."

CHANGE WITH THE SEASON "The beauty products you use during the spring and summer may not meet your needs during the fall and winter." She advises consulting an expert to see which products to switch or add to your skincare routine.

MOISTURIZE During the day, use lighter products; follow up in the evening with a moisturizer containing stronger active ingredients. If the weather is particularly harsh, avoid going outside after using anything with potent active ingredients. "Doing so will only exacerbate the effects of the pollution, wind and temperature outside on your skin."

GET BALANCED If you have acne or problem skin, include at least one or two products with strong active ingredients as part of a daily routine, but complement them with products that calm & heal.

DRINK YOUR 8 GLASSES Heavy clothing, moving snow or ice and navigating through crowded stores during the holiday season can work up a lot of sweat so drink plenty of water and attempt to cut down (or eliminate...if you're feeling particularly strong-willed) caffeine. "Even if you maintain a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, caffeinated drinks dehydrate the body down to the cellular level. Any H2O absorbed by the fruits and vegetables you eat will be eliminated by drinking coffee or soda."

USE A HUMIDIFIER Humidifiers allow your skin to absorb moisture in the air while you sleep. If your office allows, add one there as well. "Add a few drops of essential oils to the humidifier -- and even the ventilation system of your car -- for added benefits."

LIMIT HOT SHOWERS & BATHS Hot water dries out skin, so trim a few minutes and degrees off your shower. Room temperature water is particularly important for anyone with rosacea or sensitive skin.

THERE'S ALWAYS TIME FOR GEL If you're too pressed for time to moisturize after you hop out of the shower, try a gel that does triple-duty by cleaning, hydrating & exfoliating.

EXFOLIATE Once a week should suffice during winter; excessive exfoliation can not only cause dry skin, but exacerbate it.

WEAR SPF 15 OR MORE ALL YEAR The rays of the sun are out 365 days a year – including the rain, sleet and snow. Apply an SPF about 45 minutes to one hour before going outdoors. And if you're spending time outside, re-apply it roughly every half hour, depending on how strong it is.

-Lesley Scott

And as for your hair.......

*No Shine!Are you wondering where your shine went? Your hair used to be shiny, but lately it is looking duller by the minute. It could have something to do with product buildup. What you need is a good clarifying shampoo that will wash all of that buildup, right down the drain.

*Dry and Brittle If your hair is very dry and brittle, you might want to apply conditioner to your wet hair before you shampoo. It will help ensure that you don't wash out all of sebum that is so necessary to your hair.

*In The End...I know that this hurts, but long hair has to be trimmed to stay healthy looking. Doing so every six weeks, ensures that split ends won't travel up the hair shaft. Hair that is in bad condition, looks it.

*Don't Forget This Step When using tools that require a lot of heat or high temperatures to perform their duties, be sure to use a thermal protectant or straightening balm to protect your hair.

*Especially Now The cold temperatures and brisk winds can do as much damage to our hair as it can do to our skin. This is not the time to skip conditioning. In fact, spend a few more minutes giving your hair a little TLC.

THE WILL OF GOD

The will of God will never take you,

Where the grace of God cannot keep you.

Where the arms of God cannot support you,

Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,

Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,

Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,

Where the army of God cannot protect you,

Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the love of God cannot enfold you,

Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,

Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,

Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,

Where the Word of God cannot feed you,

Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,

Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Recipe of the week:

Oreo Balls: 1 package of regular Oreos (do not use double stuff b/c they are too greasy) 1 - 8oz package of cream cheese, room temperature Vanilla candy chips or white bark
Crush bag of oreos in a blender/food processor (you can use a ziplock bag and rolling pin to crush them). Mix crushed Oreos with cream cheese. Roll Oreo mixture into approximately 1 in balls and chill. Melt candy/bark in a small bowl or in a double broiler. Dip Oreo balls in melted candy/bark using either a toothpick or 2 spoons. Let candy/bark cool.
Enjoy! Thanks Lakendra for that great treat!!!!

Entertainment Blast.........

Thursday, November 8th

Ladies Night by A&J Entertainment @ V on the 4th
Bobcats vs Pacers After party by Sat Entertainment @ The Big Chill

Friday, November 9th

Blazers & Stilletos hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi @ Harry & Jeans
Flirtatious Fridays @ Tempo

Saturday November 10th

7th Annual No limit Larry Bday Bash by No limit Larry@ Jillians
Zodiac Saturdays by Orlando Farrar & Troy Veale @ Eclipse

SoulBowl Lounge by Digital Divas @ AMF Carolina Lanes

Sunday November 11th (no work on Monday so enjoy)

Swagga Sundays by Thomas Washington & Funklabb @ The Sunset Club

Women that Rock by Sol kitchen @ Loft 1523

Monday, November 12th

Monday Night Football @ Allure

Wednesday, November 14th

R&B Live Charlotte @ All Stars Bar & Grill

Pop Life-The Fall Series by Sol Kitchen @ Prevue

Thursday, November 15th

Toast to Success by KMB Marketing @ The Grape at Southpark

Party w/ a Purpose for Free! by Nottheaveeragechick @ morehead Street Tavern Downstairs

Movie Pick..........

Check out a great movie for the holidays.....http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thischristmas/

Up and coming local designer and promoter.....

Check out http://doitbigshoppingnetwork.net/default.aspx

We give you what you crave, not just what you want......

Corporate American Gangster........

Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe butt heads in crime drama "American Gangster."
After watching this movie we give it a 9. I'm so glad Cuba Gooding Jr. finally stopped with the lame comedy movies. My expectations were high knowing we have 2 academy award winners with Crowe and Washington.

Here is a synopsis of the movie:
In a way, he became the American Dream; he worked hard, played hard, kept his eye out for new opportunities, set his product above the competition's, and built his corporation and became rich from the ground up. If only Frank Lucas had chosen another line of work besides becoming the drug kingpin of 1970's Harlem. That's why renegade NYPD detective Richie Roberts is hunting him down. Det. Roberts has problems of his own at home and within the department that make the pursuit even more of a challenge. Can a straight-arrow cop like Roberts take down an operator like Lucas without getting a little dirty? We already know by attending the special premiere, but see for yourself this Friday when American Gangster debuts nationwide in theaters.
Now find a time and get your own opinion.............
Regal Crownpoint Stadium 12
9630 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC, 28270 Map It
(12:15), 3:45, 7:10, 10:40
Phillips Place Stadium 10
6911 Phillips Place Ct., Charlotte, NC, 28210 Map It
Buy tickets from MovieTickets.com by clicking a linked showtime.
11:15am, 12:30, 2:45, 4:20, 6:40, 8:15, 10:10
Arboretum Cinema 12
8008 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, 28277 Map It
Buy tickets from MovieTickets.com by clicking a linked showtime.
12:30, 4:20, 8:15
Regal Cinemas Stonecrest at Piper Glen
7824 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC, 28277 Map It
(11:45am), (12:15), (12:45), 3:10, 3:45, 4:15, 6:40, 7:10, 7:40, 10:10, 10:40, 11:35
Red Carpet Cinemas - Eastland Mall
5423 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 28212 Map It
11:30am, 3:00, 6:15, 9:30
AMC Carolina Pavilion 22
9541 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28273 Map It
Buy tickets from MovieTickets.com by clicking a linked showtime.
12:15, 1:15, 2:20, 3:45, 4:45, 5:45, 7:15, 8:15, 9:30, 10:45
AMC Northlake 14
7325 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28216 Map It
Buy tickets from MovieTickets.com by clicking a linked showtime.
12:45, 2:45, 4:00, 6:00, 7:20, 9:30, 10:30
AMC Concord Mills 24
8421 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC, 28027 Map It
Buy tickets from MovieTickets.com by clicking a linked showtime.
(10:25am), (11:20am), 12:20, 1:45, 2:50, 3:50, 5:10, 6:20, 7:20, 8:40, 9:50, 10:50
Carolina Mall Cinemas
120 Country Club Drive, Concord, NC, 28025 Map It
(1:30), (4:30), 8:00



The 13 Characteristics of Successful People............
Copyright 2002 by Jeffrey J. Mayer
I’ve spent many years studying successful people and have identified the skills, talents, and characteristics that enable them to succeed. As you look at and study these skills, talents, and characteristics, you’ll realize that you possess many of them yourself. Some of these skills and talents are more dominant than others and will play a greater part in your being, or becoming, a success in the business of life. These are the things you do well. The things you do easily and effortlessly. These are your strengths.
When you find you need a skill or talent you don’t have, just go out and look for a person or group of people with the skills, talents, and training you need. Skills and talents that complement your own. These people will become your teammates, colleagues, co-workers, professional advisors, and friends. With these combined skills and talents organizations grow, prosper, and become successful.
These are the five things you’ll find every successful person has in common:
1. They have a dream.
2. They have a plan.
3. They have specific knowledge or training.
4. They’re willing to work hard.
5. They don’t take no for an answer.
Remember: Success begins with a state of mind. You must believe you’ll be successful in order to become a success.
The following is a list of the skills, talents, and characteristics you’ll find in successful people:
1. Successful People Have a Dream. They have a well-defined purpose. They have a definite goal. They know what they want. They aren’t easily influenced by the thoughts and opinions of others. They have willpower. They have ideas. Their strong desire brings strong results. They go out and do things that others say can’t be done.
Remember: It only takes one sound idea to achieve success.
Remember: People who excel in life are those who produce results, not excuses. Anybody can come up with excuses and explanations for why he hasn’t made it. Those who want to succeed badly enough don’t make excuses.
2. Successful People Have Ambition. They want to accomplish something. They have enthusiasm, commitment, and pride. They have self-discipline. They’re willing to work hard and to go the extra mile. They have a burning desire to succeed. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Remember: With hard work come results. The joy in life comes with working for and achieving something.
3. Successful People Are Strongly Motivated Toward Achievement. They take great satisfaction in accomplishing a task.
4. Successful People Are Focused. They concentrate on their main goals and objectives. They don’t get sidetracked. They don’t procrastinate. They work on the projects that are important, and don’t allow those projects to sit until the last minute. They’re productive, not just busy.
5. Successful People Learn How to Get Things Done. They use their skills, talents, energies, and knowledge to the fullest extent possible. They do the things that need to be done, not just the things they like to do. They are willing to work hard and to commit themselves to getting the job done.
Remember: Happiness is found in doing and accomplishing, not in owning and possessing.
Anecdote: Many years ago I was asked: "Jeff, do you like pleasing habits or pleasing results?" As I pondered that probing question, and squirmed in my chair like a worm at the end of a hook, I felt as if I had painted myself into a corner. A few moments later I answered: "I like pleasing results." From that moment on my life changed. I began to do the things that were difficult, because they enabled me to achieve my goals.
6. Successful People Take Responsibility for Their Actions. They don’t make excuses. They don’t blame others. They don’t whine and complain.
7. Successful People Look for Solutions to Problems. They’reopportunity minded. When they see opportunities they take advantage of them.
8. Successful People Make Decisions. They think about the issues and relevant facts, give them adequate deliberation and consideration, and make a decision. Decisions aren’t put off or delayed, they’re made now!
SuccessTip: Spend more time thinking and planning before you make your decision, and you’ll make better decisions.
SuccessTip: When you don’t get the expected results from the decision you’ve made, change your course of action. Decisions should never be carved in stone.
9. Successful People Have the Courage to Admit They’ve Made a Mistake. When you make a mistake, admit it, fix it, and move on. Don’t waste a lot of time, energy, money, and/or other resources trying to defend a mistake or a bad decision.
Remember: When people are wrong, they may admit it to themselves. If they are handled gently and tactfully, they may admit it to others and even take pride in their frankness and broad-mindedness. But people become very defensive and angry when others try to cram their mistakes down their throats.
10. Successful People Are Self-Reliant. They have the skills, talents, and training that are needed in order to be successful.
11. Successful People Have Specific Knowledge, Training, and/or Skills and Talents. They know the things they need to know to be successful. And when they need information, knowledge, or skills and talents that they don’t possess, they find someone who does possess them.
12. Successful People Work with and Cooperate with Other People. They have positive, outgoing personalities. They surround themselves with people who offer them help, support, and encouragement. They are leaders.
13. Successful People Are Enthusiastic. They’re excited by what they’re doing, and that excitement is contagious. They draw people to them because these people want to work with them, do business with them, and be with them.
I must say well done!

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren












Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz
Parent company
Daimler AG
Production
2003-present(3,500 to be produced)
Class
Supercar/grand tourer
Body style(s)
2-door coupé2-door roadster
Layout
FMR
Engine(s)
5.4 L supercharged V8
Transmission(s)
5-speed Automatic transmission


Extended Forecast Charlotte, NC
Nov 2 Today
Sunny with gusty winds. High around 65F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph.
Nov 2 Tonight
A few passing clouds. Low around 40F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Nov 3 Tomorrow
Sunny skies. High near 70F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Nov 3 Tomorrow night
Clear. Low 39F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Nov 4 Sunday
Mainly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the mid 30s.
Nov 5 Monday
Sunshine. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s.
Nov 6 Tuesday
Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low 30s.
Nov 7 Wednesday
Sunny. Highs in the low 60s and lows in the low 30s.
Nov 8 Thursday
Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 60s and lows in the mid 30s.


Entertainment..........
Friday Nov 2
1st fridays - Jillians S. Blvd - Hosted by bobcats Raymond Felton and Jason Richardson and teammates. 21 and up welcome, 25 and up encouragedd.
Saturday Nov 3
MEZ and Kasey's B-day Bash - Harry & Jeans - 201 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC - 21 and up


Support Breast Cancer with a New Do...........

Join us at LADA's Hair Salon this coming Sunday, November 4 for a day of beauty at a great price that will benefit you - and breast cancer research!

The salon is open on Sunday from 1pm until 4pm. All payments for service will go directly to support Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for breast cancer research!

Haircut - Only $10
Haircut with Style - Only $15
Shampoo with Blow Dry - Only $10
Shampoo with Roller Set - Only $10

We give you what your crave not just what you need......................

Wake up beside the person you REALLY want!

How To Start Dating Again

We know, we know, we know. You’ve finally dumped that no-good boyfriend or girlfriend and now you’re ready to get back into that dating scene…kinda scary! You’re so used to being with that one person that it’s very hard to make that change. But what you need to do is get up, put on some clothes, get that hair tight, and STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF!! We’ve tried to find some ways to make the transition easier for all of you who are taking that dive back into the dating pool:

1. Deal With Your Unfinished Business
Take a closer look at the unfinished business in all of your relationships and any resulting patterns that surface. By examining the role you play in each interaction you have with loved ones, you'll not only be able let go of your past, but you'll also learn more about your motivations and expectations for future relationships as well.
2. Reflect on Negative Self-Talk
Have you ever noticed when you are alone the things you say to yourself without thinking? "I'll never get married," or "Why would anyone ever find me attractive?" are both examples of negative self talk. Catch yourself when you find yourself doing this, write your thoughts down, and reflect on why you’re feeling this way. Try to find ways to turn these into positive thoughts and feelings.
3. Define Your Needs
There is a fine line between having realistic relationship expectations and being open to whatever comes your way. Therefore, keeping an open mind while still remembering what's truly important to you in a relationship is ideal. Do you still want that brother or sister you wanted when you were 21 now that you’re 29 and much more “seasoned”? Probably not!
4. Feel ConfidentConfidence and self-esteem are crucial to putting your best foot forward and making a great first impression. Make sure to take the time to ease your nerves and deal with any dating fears before starting to date again.


Seeing Things Differently
Having trouble seeing where your partner is coming from sometimes? Here are eight tips for finding middle groundBy Dr. Scott Haltzman http://www.hitchedmag.com/
Question:Why does my partner seem to want different things from the relationship than I do?
Answer: When my office doors open to a couple who is seeking help in their relationship, not much time elapses before it becomes apparent that they are looking at the same relationship from two different perspectives: his and hers.
It's common to believe that couples' values for happiness are worlds apart. Actually, in most cases, men and women share many values they take for granted: they agree that they seek warmth, love, companionship, financial security and a safe environment to raise children. So, if they're on the same page with so many key issues, why do some couples have so many hard feelings about what they don't share?
Human nature explains part of the issue. It's rare when a couple sits around and celebrates all the things they agree on, but when there's that one point of discord, it consumes a great deal of their time and attention.
Different brains
Differences in how men and women perceive things also explain why we often feel our needs aren't being met. Brain studies show that men are excellent at navigating three-dimensional puzzles, but less accomplished at perceiving subtle changes in facial expressions; day-old boys are just as attentive to geometric objects as they are to human faces. Girls, on the other hand, pay rapt attention to faces from day one; they are more attentive to human emotions, and seem to have more diverse brain ability to verbalize their emotions. As boys and girls grow, they are shaped by their biology and social environment to have different strengths and weaknesses. When couples don't realize these differences, it can lead to misunderstanding.
When a woman doesn't realize that her guy may be listening to her with the sole intent of "solving her problems" (as he would a 3-D puzzle), she may feel unheard and uncared about when he interrupts her with suggestions. When a guy doesn't know that his partner wants to feel emotionally connected with him, he may feel rejected when she declines his invitation to sleep cuddled together.
Happy relationships are ones in which couples focus on areas of agreement and see the differences as a source of personal growth. Happy mates have the ability to capitalize on the differences between the sexes. Here are some of the things happy couples have taught me:
Women:
1. Know the things that make your man a man: Is he action oriented? Does he need pampering? Does he need credit for his achievements? Does he have a strong sex drive? There are many ways that your guy is different than you -- some of them are the reasons why you fell in love with him in the first place.
2. Nurture his nature: Okay, if you've figured out what makes him tick, why let those things tick you off? Instead, go with the flow. If he needs credit for small things, give it to him. He's happy, and you just saved yourself a lot of grief!
3. Take control of your happiness: Women today have more opportunities than ever, and unfortunately, more expectations as well. Here's the bottom line: you'll exhaust yourself if you try to be the best at everything all the time. Forget it. It's just not gonna happen. Instead, stand back and get a sense of priorities. Then, decide where to put your efforts, and ask your man to fill some of the gaps. But just remember, he's likely to do it his way [see (1) above].
4. Be good to yourself: a healthy diet, exercise, sex, "down" time and maintaining friendships can all be ways of keeping your life in balance.
Men:
1. Make sure your gal knows she's number one. She's working darn hard to juggle all the demands of today's woman. She's got to know that you're making her a priority.
2. Keep a "can do" attitude: Men sometimes feel overwhelmed with the "rules" of a relationship, and often believe that they can't get it right. When you take the time to see how your partner's needs differ from your own, you'll be in a better position to make both of you happier.
3. Get home! It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, and lots of guys focus on being the best, either on the tennis court or in the board room. But don't forget that your other half got involved with you because she wanted you around. You've got to balance your priorities so that your partner feels you're spending enough time by her side.
4. Learn how to listen. Your fix-it skills propel you to respond to your partner's conversations by either jumping in with suggestions (because you think that's what she needs) or just tuning out (if you think there's nothing you can do). There's always something you can do, and usually it involves supporting your partner and providing a caring ear. Listening is an important way to make her feel there is an emotional connection -- often a prerequisite to a great sex life.
When a couple can learn to respect their differences, and act in ways that honor those distinctions, they find the key to fulfilling the needs of their partner.


Marrying someone of different Faith?????
Love can overcome any obstacle; but deepening your understanding of love will take patience and time.What may help a great deal is to find out how you(and later, he) define the following words:
man woman husband wife marriage
I've observed and/or been in, the expectations that one partner has of the other and their role(s) are often way out of whack.
In addition, it will be very helpful to know his attitudes---and yours---toward the following subjects:
sex power money children
...as these are the areas all couples fight about the most. Again, almost all go into a marriage having little if any idea how their partner feels about these subjects; better to bite the bullet and learn well BEFORE the marriage than after. "Marry in haste, repent at leisure" is a good saying to keep you watchful and aware.

POEM.....................................
TOUCH A WOMAN'S MIND, AND YOU GET HER INTEREST
TOUCH A WOMAN'S HEART, AND YOU GET HER LOVE
TOUCH A WOMAN'S SOUL, ALONG WITH THE LORD TOUCHING IT
AND YOU GET PASSION BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS
ONCE YOU HAVE TOUCHED ALL 3YOU HAVE FOUND YOUR SOUL MATE
GOD ALWAYS GIVES HIS BEST
TO THOSE WHO LEAVE THE
CHOICE WITH HIM
RELATIONSHIPS DON'T THRIVE BECAUSETHE GUILTY ARE PUNISHED...
BUT BECAUSE THE INNOCENT ARE MERCIFUL.
LIFE IS SHORT!
BREAK THE RULES!
FORGIVE QUICKLY!
KISS SLOWLY!
LOVE TRULY!
LAUGH UNCONTROLLABLY
AND NEVER REGRET,ANYTHING THAT MADE YOU SMILE.
Keep Your thoughts positive, because your thoughtsbecome your words.Keep your words positive, because your words become your actions.Keep your actions positive, because your actions become your habits.

Talk happiness; talk faith; talk health. Say you are well, and all is well with you, and God shall hear your words and make them true.
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

And for all of us grown folks who didn’t graduate from A&T (not hating, 2 of my brothers are Aggies!), here is a rundown of this weekend’s hottest events!
Thursday, October 25
Card Slappin’ and Soul Food Smackin’
2424 NoDa, Suite 105
Ladies Night @ the V on the 4th
305 W. 4th St.
“Unwine Theory Jazz and Poetry” The Alumni Lounge
The Grape @ Northlake Mall
6801 Northlake Drive
Friday, October 26
Six Figure Entertainment Presents The Masquerade Edition
Ruth’s Chris (Uptown) 222 S. Tryon Street
Inner Circle Events Presents The Candyman Event
Zink American Restaurant 201 S. Tryon Street
Flirt Fridays @ The Sunset Club/ Eyes Wide Shut Edition
1820 South Blvd. (South End)
Saturday, October 27
Maz Entertainment Presents Hollywood Halloween
City Tavern Uptown in the Hearst Tower 214 N. Tryon Street
Brown Sugar Jam (SOS) featuring Special Ed
Grand Central-1000 Central Avenue
Official JCSU Alumni Homecoming Afterparty
Illusions Grill and Bar
3108 E. Independence Blvd.
Memory Lane JCSU Step Show Afterparty
Jillians Uptown
Ambience Entourage Presents “Celebrity Status”
Verona Lounge
127 N. Tryon Street (2nd Floor of the Ivey’s Building)


We give you what your crave, not just what you need..............