Love Is In The Air...

It’s prom season again, and this time of year has most young people excited and ready to get all dressed up!! Whether you have kids going to their first proms or know an older teenager going to their senior prom, you may find that a lot of them aren’t aware of all the preparations and thought that goes into making this one of the most special evenings of their lives. The 6th annual Prom Project, hosted by radio personality Janine Davis, has already started, and the final collection day for dresses is on April 11th, this Friday at ImaginOn (300 East Seventh Street), where Power 98 will be broadcasting live. The first prom is on April 19th, with prom season ending on May 17th. We’ve compiled some tips and reminders young people should keep in mind for this to be the memorable night it’s meant to be!


Girls
EAT YOUR DINNER…remember that he did pay a lot of money for the meal, and we promise, he won’t think you’re a pig! There’s nothing wrong with letting a guy see you eat.
Try on all prom dresses, accessories, and makeup at least a week before the prom. No need for surprises that can totally undo all the plans you’ve laid.
Wear your best smelling perfume WITHOUT overdoing it.
Go with the girls to the prom if you don’t have a date. Think of it this way, LESS STRESS!


Guys
Don’t walk ahead of or behind your date, it makes her feel like you are avoiding her.
Make sure you have dinner reservations at a NICE restaurant…you don’t want your date thinking you’re cheap!
Be on time…no girl likes to be kept waiting.
Always be a gentleman, you won’t regret it later!

And most of all, remember, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!!

This year, Professional Swagga has also decided to perform our own Prom Dress Drive. You can drop off your new or gently used formal dresses at Foot Fetish shoe store in Eastland Mall, located on the lower level, next to Lim’s. This year’s drive will be from Saturday, April 12, 2008 until Friday, April 18, 2008. On Saturday, April 19, the young ladies will be able to come and pick out their dresses, try them on, and also be directed to purchase the most fashionable shoes and accessories for their particular style. So please donate your dresses and support the young ladies that may not be fortunate enough to afford a prom dress!! For more information, please contact Erica (704-400-7748) or Delena (704-737-5389). http://footfetishnc.com/index2.htm



Back to the grown folks…

April is also the unofficial beginning of wedding season also, and when planning your big day, it’s important not to forget the tiniest detail. Of course, it’s nothing like prom!! The details are extremely minute and everything needs to be executed flawlessly. Whether you have a huge or small budget, your wedding day can be whatever you want it to be, you just have to make sure you plan accordingly. One of us is getting married this year so we know how hectic and stressful planning can be! Here are a few websites that you can go to in order to see exactly what it takes for your wedding day to be all your own:
http://www.theknot.com/
http://www.onestopweddingplanner.com/
http://www.onewed.com/

Congrats to the newlyweds that got married recently, and those planning to get married:

Jay-Z and Beyonce

Kanye West and Alexis

Alicia Keys and Kerry Brothers

Papoose and Remy Martin (now you know that's gonna be a MESS! All up in prison!)


All vendors and wedding coordinators looking for ideas and help with planning, please contact our Event Management Team at professionalswagga@gmail.com.


P.S. Preferred Spots

Thursday 4/10
Reggae vs. Hip Hop Thursdays, unofficial Elephant Man concert afterparty
Club Crystal, 3018 The Plaza
Doors open at 10, $5 cover all night.

Friday, 4/11
The Velvet Rope: Class Meets Seduction
The Café Room, 1250 Lucky Penny Street (off Freedom Drive)
Doors open at 10:00, ladies free until 10:30, dress code sexy.

Saturday 4/12
Young Jeezy: The Getdown or Laydown Edition, performing live
Club Crush, 300 Stonewall Street
Doors open at 10:00, 21 and up to enter, 25 and up preferred.


Monday 4/14
Speed Dating
AllStars Bar and Grill, 5638 Albemarle Road
Doors open at 5:30 pm, $15 cover.

Tuesday 4/15
Spring Forward and bring it back!
The Grape (Southpark), 4400 Sharon Road
5-9pm, Cover: complimentary

Wednesday 4/16
Bailey's Get Together featuring Estelle with host John Legend
Amos Southend, 1423 S. Tryon Street
Doors open at 8pm, $15 in advance, www.thesolkitchen.com





P.S...We put the Professional in Swagga!!

Ladies First.................

In honor of Women’s History Month, we decided to write a little something honoring all of the women throughout history and in our lives. First, we want to thank our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends. We love ya’ll and who else can you turn to if none of these women???!! I email my mother and aunt all day at work (ya’ll know how that is!) LOL! We laugh, argue, disagree, and with each other, and would’t trade any of them for the world…KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO!

One of the most ironic firsts is that this month in 1872, the first woman presidential candidate, Victoria Woodhull, was announced when she was nominated to the Equal Rights Party. Her supporters included trade unionists, women’s suffragists and socialists. (Women weren’t permitted to vote until 1920, however, they could run for office.) Although Woodhull is recognized as being the first woman to run for president, some historians question the legality of her campaign. In particular, she wasn’t yet 35, the constitutionally mandated age to run for president. WHATEVER. She was 34! Victoria was called everything from a witch to a prostitute for being an “overt” women’s rights activist. (Think about Hillary being treated like Obama in the media every day.) LOL, ok seriously…

She died in 1927 in England, still active in the women’s suffrage movement. And thank you, Victoria Woodhull, your name still lives on today because of what your accomplishments mean. Women have been on the presidential ticket in most elections since then, with a break from 1888-1940 and 1940-1968.

Bessie Coleman was a Black woman who held a distinction that no other American had, no matter what race, which made her stand out from the pack. She was the First African-American female pilot and first American to get an international pilot license. Rejected by American flight schools because she was a woman and African-American, Coleman traveled to Paris in 1920 where she became the only non-white student at the flight school. There, she learned to fly Nieuport biplanes and earned the first International Pilot’s License issued to an American.

Coleman returned in America in 1921 and her accomplishments as the country’s first African-American female pilot turned her into a celebrity. She appeared on newsreels, performed at air shows and gave lectures to other African-Americans on pursuing aviation careers. She hoped to open a flight school for black pilots.

With almost enough money to open her school, Coleman died in an accident at an air show in 1926. She was killed after being thrown from her plane. For more information on influential first women, click here, http://lifestyle.msn.com/MindBodyandSoul/womens_history_month.aspx

Entertainment Blast

Ms Ciara and Nelly have a secret...........Yes they are sneaking around, its a secret because Ciara is exclusive with 50cent. NO ITS NOT A RUMOR. And you know Nelly...on again off again with the Ashanti. Well this same source also states that Ciara and Ashanti was caught kissing, so I guess they are both sneaking around. Guess the secret is out and poor 50 is left out.

TI changin the game????


The judge let TI go to church this past Sunday for Easter. TI has been spotted talking with the preacher after service was over for a very long time at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. They said he is thinking about being a minister. Go head TI a true hustla...that's right serve the lord. AMEN





One more thing how is it Wendy Williams can talk all the $hit about everyone and their mother when she is at home getting beat and husband harassing other women. They always say the people like that always have issues at home. Come on Wendy at least get like Tina and leave the man.













PS Preferred Spots

Wednesday

Black Business Network @ Rustic Martini by the Sigmas of Charlotte and Charlotte Vibe



Thursday

Tallam Acey/Poetry Feature @ The Wine Up

Friday

Flirt Friday @ Sunset Club by Thomas Washington and Funklabb

Saturday

The March Soul of the Month Fest @ Club Eclipse

Monday

Charlotte’s Fashion Industry Night @ Allstars


PS. We put the Professional in Swagga..........

Spring Forward!!!!

Welcome back to Earth from your CIAA celebrations!! Thanks to everyone who came out to our parties that weekend, we had a blast and we know you did too!! Now back to the business…

The Democratic race is heating up, and Barack Obama is still in the lead. He leads Hillary Clinton by 124 delegates and trails in superdelegates by 32. He won the state of Wyoming this weekend, and Mississippi votes Tuesday. Please, all my people, black, White, Mexican, Chinese, Iranian, Puerto Rican, Laotian (you get the picture, LOL!), you need to VOTE ON MAY 5 because it’s so important that you make your voice heard...we need no more complaining about how the country is run when you can help change things. And THANK GOD that George Bush won’t see the White House ever again after next January (unless he forgets his coloring books!!) LOL!

Serious story here, 1 in 4 teenage girls has been found to have an STD, totaling more than 3 million young women. 50% of the teens with @ least one STD is black. This statistic is staggering, but is it really a surprise? With all of the pressure to have sex, or at least be sexy, it has to be hard to be a teenage girl these days. The videos, magazines, and commercials all promote teenage sex like it’s the right thing to do. Parents, talk to your teenagers about sex. It may be hard, but it’s harder to take them to the doctor and find out they have an STD, maybe an incurable one. And to all my beautiful young ladies, don’t ever feel like you have to give away a part of yourself to someone who at your age, probably doesn’t value or respect you the way they should. Think about the decisions you make…

P. S. Preferred Spots....

Tuesday, March 11

Alice Smith Live @ The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St.

Doors open at 8 pm, for tickets, call 704-376-3737 or http://www.theeveningmuse.musictoday.com/

Wednesday, March 12

The Pop life series @ Prevue, Noda, North Davidson,

Doors open at 6pm, Free all night.

Thursday, March 13

Talent Thursday @ Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd., hosted by comedian Nick Lewis
Doors open at 9 pm, free before 10 pm. $10 cover after 10.

Saturday, March 15
2008 Lux Life ACC Tournament Afterparty, Presto’s Bar and Grill, 445 W. Trade St.

Doors open at 10 pm, Ladies free before 10:30. Hosted by Thomas Washington and Professional Swagga.

Sunday, March 16
Direct Graphics, LLC presents We Love the Ladies Period, AllStars Bar and Grill, 5638 Albemarle Road, Everyone free before 11:30 with flyer, Ladies free before 11:30 without flyer.

Condo for rent...




659 Raya Ct Charlotte, NC


Spacious 3 story town homes with 1 car garage just 5 minutes from uptown. On the lower level there is a bedroom and bathroom. On the second floor the kitchen hardwood floors, cherry cabinets, pantry, and stainless steel and black appliances (Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishwasher, and Stove/Oven). On the third level is the 2nd bedroom and master bedroom. Master bedroom has bath with double vanity and garden tub. All wood blinds stay. Alarm can be activated. 1642 sqft; all electric. $1800 a month. Ready in June. Directions: Monroe road towards uptown, Left on Firefighter, Left on Raya and right behind garage. Contact Erica at 704-400-7748 for more information.

Ladies come out to the all new "RELAX EXPERTS". They are now open!!!!! Located 4820 Monroe Rd. (Eastway and Sharon Amity). This classy upscale salon has all the upgrades including Wireless Internet on the property. Check out the website: http://www.therelaxerexperts.com/ Call Darrin Blackmon at 704-309-0648.

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

ITS HERE...CIAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A lot of the mainstream media would like you to believe that the CIAA basketball tournament is a new phenomenon that is just another "black gathering" that does not have much significance or meaning. That is totally untrue and if you didn't go to an HBCU, then maybe you won't know this information. Even though most black colleges are not in the CIAA conference, it is the oldest Historically Black College Conference and was founded in 1912. Read below for more interesting facts concerning the CI double A!!!!!!


1830s - First HBCUs were established in the country.
1892 - Livingstone College and Johnson C. Smith University (then Biddle University) played in the first football game between two African-American colleges.
1912 - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association was founded in Hampton, VA. When the conference was founded, it was originally known as the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association. It's founding fathers were Allen Washington and C.H. Williams of Hampton Institute; Ernest J. Marshall of Howard University; George Johnson of Lincoln University (PA); W.E. Atkins, Charles Frasher and H.P. Hargrave of Shaw University; and J.W. Barco and J.W. Pierce of Virginia Union University.
1920 - The Pittsburgh Courier selected the first unofficial black college basketball champions, Howard and Talledega.
1927 - There were a total of 77 HBCUs enrolling almost 14,000 students.
1946 - First CIAA Basketball Tournament.
John B. McLendon, now known as the "Father of Black Basketball," along with Talmadge Hall, John Burr and Harry Jefferson formed the first CIAA basketball tournament in a small gymnasium in Washington, D.C. on a $500 budget. The tournament was played in Turner Arena. Many southern cities didn't want a predominantly Black collegiate conference in their venues and didn't rent to the CIAA. And when the conference finally secured Turner Arena, the players had to sleep on the floor because they weren't allowed in the hotels. Still, students and fans turned out at the gymnasium for that first tournament.
1954 - Brown V. The Board of Education desegregated public schools.
1965 - The NCAA began accepting black colleges for membership.
1967- NBA Hall of Famer Earl "The Pearl" Monroe played for Coach Clarence "Big House" Gaines at Winston-Salem State and helped his team win the Division-II national title.
1973 - NCAA Division II and III playoffs began.
1980 - Virginia Union Panthers won the NCAA Division II Championship.
1988 - CIAA Tournament moves to Richmond, VA.
1989 - President George Bush issued Executive Order 12677 to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs to provide quality education and to increase their participation in federally sponsored programs.
1990 - Leon G. Kerry is promoted to Commissioner of CIAA.
1992 - The Virginia Union Panthers won the NCAA Division II Championship.
1994 - CIAA Tournament moves to Winston-Salem, NC.
1998 - Commissioner Leon Kerry secured the largest sponsorship package in history among HBCU conferences and Division II when Coca Cola North America signed a five year, $2 million agreement with the CIAA. He surpassed the preceding record when Coke renewed the contract at $3 million for another five years in 2003.
2000 - The CIAA2000.com website is believed to be the first college sports internet homepage developed singularly for one event, the CIAA Basketball Tournament.
2000 - The CIAA Tournament moves to Raleigh, NC.
2005 - CIAA teamed up with ESPN, the nation's sports leader, to create the largest HBCU conference television package in history.
2005 - The Virginia Union Panthers win the NCAA Division II Basketball Championship and visit the White House.
2006 - The CIAA Tournament moves to the city of Charlotte, NC.
2007 - CIAA shatters economic impact and attendance records for the Tournament during its second year in Charlotte.

Official CI Weekend Party Spots
Come party with us at the hottest spots during CI week! Professional Swagga, Thomas Washington, and Firm events brings you the best of the best on Friday and Saturday.


Thursday, Start it off right by going to The Sunset Club for the CI Jump off!!!!!!!!!!! FunkLabb, DJ Chase & Thomas Washington present



Friday Night Fever @ City Tavern, Friday,

February 29, 21 and up, 25 encouraged Ladies FREE before 10:30 pm.Sex in the City @ City Tavern, Saturday, March 1, Ladies FREE before 10:30 pm.Get your $15 advance tickets to ALL events @ http://www.ez-tixx.com/ , hurry because they are going fast! ADVANCED TICKETS ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!!! http://www.uptownciparties.com/








Saturday is the Official CI 3-in-1 Day Party...that's right $20 gives you access to 3 hotspots The Attic, Madison's, and Grand Central. 3 is always better than one... 400 TICKETS ALREADY SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!

End your CI right............STAR POWER - 3 Ballrooms one price..... The Blake Hotel 555 S McDowell St 3 ballrooms 3 cities one price.
Welcome To DC ballroom - DC's finest gogo band, MAMBO Sauce
Welcome to NYC ballroom - performing live DJ Chase - BIZ MARKIE and celebrity friends
Welcome to ATL ballroom - The people's station, Mr. V103 aka FRANK SKI and celebrity friends performing live


JMI Telecom is proud to be sanctioned by the CIAA as the official host of the Premier CIAA Invitational Golf Tournament during CIAA week in Charlotte, NC. JMI is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) based in Charlotte, NC; offering telecommunications and information technology services to both residential and enterprise clients, providing them with a "Total Telecom and IT Solution". JMI is committed to leading and supporting events and organizations that provide for the advancement of people within our community and our country.Golf attire is required. Collared shirts and slacks. No steel spikes are allowed on the courseSchedule 9:30 AM: Registration/continental breakfast10:30 AM: Review rules of play11:00 AM: Shotgun start portions of the proceeds will go to the ciaa scholarship fund call 1-866-516-5104 or jmiciaa@jmisp.com for more information.

Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008 • Creative Loafing & The Sol Kitchen present Pop Life: The Tournament Edition. DJ DR, Kitch and Johnnie Davis on the wheels. 6 p.m.-2 a.m, Free food until 9 p.m., drink specials and mingle/network with some of the sexiest people in Charlotte . Exclusive/Official listening party for Erykah Badu's new album, "Amerykah" & Pete Rock's new album, " NY Finest's". Get there early!Prevue - 2909 N. Davidson St. 21 and over and no admission. http://www.thesolkitchen.com./



Thursday, Feb 28, 2008 The Sol Kitchen & Dynasty 5 presents "The Tip Off" with DJ BroRabb aka "Mr Lawd Have Mercy." 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Buckhead Saloon - 201 E. 5th St. (across the street from Bobcats Arena) $15 advance tickets while they last. 704-373-9380. http://www.thesolkitchen.com./ 21 and over - no athletic gear!

Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 The Sol Kitchen presents "The Mix Series" with Biz Markie & Friends. Charlotte's newest and hottest night club in Uptown, HOM located at 116 W. 5th St.(formerly Menage) 3 levels - Liv (lounge), Feast (cafe/restaurant), Play (top level dance club). 9 pm - 4 am. Serving food til 4am25 and over ONLY but if you are under 25 but above 21 and look the part, we might let you in - you need to be tight. Dress to kill is the dress code (it will strictly be enforced) & Smirnoff drink specials. For adv. tix/vip tix, http://www.thesolkitchen.com/ or call 704.375.3737. Table reservations


Saturday, March 1, 2008 Dynasty 5, The Sol Kitchen & Up Top Promotions present The Saturday Night Cabaret aka Ladies Night with/hosted by Grammy Nominated Artist Raheem Devaughn at The Omni Hotel 132 East Trade St. (2 blocks from the arena). Doors open at 9pm. 3 rooms for your pleasure! Dress Code enforced and $25 advance tickets while they last - http://www.thesolkitchen.com/, http://www.dynasty5.com/, Pacific Green - South Park Mall - 704.366.9474 or Eye Browz - Crabtree Mall (Raleigh) 919.789.0600

PS...We give you what you crave, not just what you need!!!

You Can Do Bad By Yourself!

Remember how your mother used to tell you that (and sometimes probably still does)! Well you can do bad or good by yourself, depending on your state of mind. Some people tend to think that they need to be with a significant other to make them happy, and that's just not the case. You need to find someone who you are connected with spiritually, physically, and in any other way you deem compatible. Learn to love yourself before you get involved with other people, and don't let anyone bring you down...you are worth so much more than that!!!

It Is Better To Be Alone Than In The Wrong Company

Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate – for the good and the bad.
The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you. Consider this:
Never receive counsel from unproductive people.
Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.
Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.
If you see people without a smile today…Give them one of yours!

Official CI Weekend Party Spots Come party with us at the hottest spots during CI week! Professional Swagga, Thomas Washington, and Firm events brings you the best of the best on Friday and Saturday.
Saturday is the Official CI 3-in-1 Day Party...that's right $20 gives you access to 3 hotspots The Attic, Madison's, and Grand Central. 3 is always better than one...
Fever @ City Tavern, Friday, February 29, 21 and up, 25 encouraged Ladies FREE before 10:30 pm.
Sex in the City @ City Tavern, Saturday, March 1, Ladies FREE before 10:30 pm.

Get your $15 advance tickets to ALL events @
http://www.ez-tixx.com/ , hurry because they are going fast!


Click here for more information: http://www.uptownciparties.com/


JMI Telecom is proud to be sanctioned by the CIAA as the official host of the Premier CIAA Invitational Golf Tournament during CIAA week in Charlotte, NC. JMI is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) based in Charlotte, NC; offering telecommunications and information technology services to both residential and enterprise clients, providing them with a "Total Telecom and IT Solution". JMI is committed to leading and supporting events and organizations that provide for the advancement of people within our community and our country.

Golf attire is required. Collared shirts and slacks. No steel spikes are allowed on the course
Schedule 9:30 AM: Registration/continental breakfast10:30 AM: Review rules of play11:00 AM: Shotgun start portions of the proceeds will go to the ciaa scholarship fund call 1-866-516-5104 or jmiciaa@jmisp.com for more information


Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008

• Creative Loafing & The Sol Kitchen present Pop Life: The Tournament Edition. DJ DR, Kitch and Johnnie Davis on the wheels. 6 p.m.-2 a.m, Free food until 9 p.m., drink specials and mingle/network with some of the sexiest people in Charlotte . Exclusive/Official listening party for Erykah Badu's new album, "Amerykah" & Pete Rock's new album, " NY Finest's". Get there early!
Prevue - 2909 N. Davidson St. 21 and over and no admission. http://www.thesolkitchen.com./



Thursday, Feb 28, 2008
• The Sol Kitchen & Dynasty 5 presents "The Tip Off" with DJ BroRabb aka "Mr Lawd Have Mercy." 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Buckhead Saloon - 201 E. 5th St. (across the street from Bobcats Arena) $15 advance tickets while they last. 704-373-9380. http://www.thesolkitchen.com./ 21 and over - no athletic gear!

Friday, Feb. 29, 2008
The Sol Kitchen presents "The Mix Series" with Biz Markie & Friends. Charlotte's newest and hottest night club in Uptown, HOM located at 116 W. 5th St.(formerly Menage) 3 levels - Liv (lounge), Feast (cafe/restaurant), Play (top level dance club). 9 pm - 4 am. Serving food til 4am
25 and over ONLY but if you are under 25 but above 21 and look the part, we might let you in - you need to be tight. Dress to kill is the dress code (it will strictly be enforced) & Smirnoff drink specials. For adv. tix/vip tix, http://www.thesolkitchen.com/ or call 704.375.3737. Table reservations

Saturday, March 1, 2008
Dynasty 5, The Sol Kitchen & Up Top Promotions present

The Saturday Night Cabaret aka Ladies Night with/hosted by Grammy Nominated Artist Raheem Devaughn at The Omni Hotel 132 East Trade St. (2 blocks from the arena). Doors open at 9pm. 3 rooms for your pleasure! Dress Code enforced and $25 advance tickets while they last - http://www.thesolkitchen.com/, http://www.dynasty5.com/, Pacific Green - South Park Mall - 704.366.9474 or Eye Browz - Crabtree Mall (Raleigh) 919.789.0600

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

Giving Back and Never Giving Up

February has been designated Black History Month since 1976. This was an expansion of Negro History Week, established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a Virginia historian, author, and journalist. This is a time to reflect on the accomplishments and sacrifices made by our Black ancestors and relatives. It has often been a long-standing joke in the Black community that we “got the shortest month of the year”, but you don’t have to wait until February to celebrate the great deeds and discuss the great injustices that Black people have traditionally gone through. There are countless resources that can be utilized all year round, and we have plenty of resources right here in Charlotte that you can check out for yourself:

www.museumofthenewsouth.org
www.charlottecultureguide.com
www.charlottemuseum.org

We should always celebrate our history, no matter what culture we come from or have assimilated into. This is a multifaceted and multicultural world, and we need to realize and strive to realize that every day. Some other notable events in history that occurred this month:

-The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848 between Mexico and the United States, ending U.S. Intervention in that area.
-Native Americans began The Longest Walk, a march from Alcatraz Island in San Francisco to Washington D.C. as a reminder of the forced removal of Native Americans from their lands due to White occupation. The march began February 11, 1978.
-Nelson Mandela was freed from a South African prison after over 27 years of imprisonment on February 11, 1990.

Make It Work!!
Last week was the infamous fall Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. It’s an opportunity to create a huge name for oneself as a designer, positively WOW the critics with a variation of your signature looks, or become the biggest flop in fashion history! Among those showing their fall collections were BCBG Max Azria, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Tracy Reese, and Zac Posen. The overriding theme this year was classic 1950’s chic—with a lot of dresses to show for it! Click here, http://www.amny.com/entertainment/custom/fashion/, for more info on Fashion Week, see the runway shows, or see how you can obtain that one of a kind couture outfit.



Entertainment Blast
Congratulations to big winners Kanye West and Amy Winehouse, who won four and five Grammys, respectively. Other winners include Rihanna and Jay-Z

(Rihanna and Jay-Z (Umbrella), Justin Timberlake, and even Barack Obama, who won for the best Spoken Word Album. Highlight of the night: Beyonce performing with Tina Turner! Congratulations to all of the winners and you can view the full list of Grammy Award winners here:
http://grammys.org/Grammy_Awards/50th_show/list.aspx


Official CI Weekend Party Spots
Come party with us at the hottest spots during CI week! Professional Swagga, Thomas Washington, and Firm events brings you the best of the best on Friday and Saturday. Saturday is the Official CI 3-in-1 Day Party...that's right, $20 gives you access to 3 hotspots, The Attic, Madison's, and Grand Central. 3 is always better than one...click below for more information:
http://www.theatticuptown.com/
http://www.madisonsbar.com/
http://www.uptownsgrandcentral.com/

Fever @ City Tavern, Friday, February 29, 21 and up, 25 and up encouraged. Ladies FREE before 10:30 pm.
Sex in the City @ City Tavern, Saturday, March 1, Ladies FREE before 10:30 pm.


P.S. Preferred Spots
Wednesday, February 13
R&B Live @ AllStars Bar and Grill, 5638 Albemarle Road, $10 cover
Want Me, Take Me, Buy Me @ Play @ HOM, 115 W. 5th Street, FREE

Thursday, February 14
Talent Thursday @ Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd., $10 cover
The Love Spell @ Verona Lounge, 127 N. Tryon, $15 cover

Friday, February 15
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Belk Theater
Rahsaan Patterson performing live @ Tempo, $20 cover
Glam Upscale Lingerie and Afterparty @ Villa Antonio, 4707 S. Blvd., ladies free b4 11:30, $10 cover

Saturday, February 16
Jermain Taylor vs. Kelly Pavlik, Allure Restaurant and Bar, 1508 S. Mint St., free b4 11.
Phenomenal Women’s Club of Charlotte 2nd Annual Founder’s Day Ball @ The Café Room, 1250 Lucky Penny Drive, $35.00 cover

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

Work Smarter, Not Harder.... Part 2

We love it!!!! This is the time of year when most people seem to be the most focused...use your energies to jump-start that project you've been too lazy to begin. Don't let sloth thwart the big plans and goals you have for yourself. And DEFINITELY don't let anyone else's baggage bring you down!! That being said, see the below article and read principles that can be applied to any aspect of your life...treat others how you want to be treated and great things come to unselfish people!!

Avoiding these seven deadly sins will also help individuals balance their "whole life" and assure they are ready to take on new workplace challenges as they are presented -- and execute them well.


Peter Drucker, the famed management author, guru, and teacher said it best: "Lifting a person's vision to higher sights, is the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard." Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes.

Seven Deadly Workplace Sins
At least seven "deadly workplace sins" detail key emotional offenses professionals should avoid at all costs to better assure upward career mobility. A few common sense tips will help aspiring pros get on the path to the ever-elusive paycheck promise land.
Pride
First, there's pride. Far too many who experience "workplace wins" take full credit for these achievements, regardless of any support or assistance received in the process. What often goes unrecognized is that people around, and especially below, the serially solo-successful resent the egocentricity, and may actually begin to actively undermine that person's efforts in the future. While one's pride wants all due recognition, a team philosophy can build the grass-roots support that can fast-track a career. Indeed, a dose of acknowledgment of and appreciation for one's peers and subordinates, so they may share in some of the glory, can go a long way to foster one's long-term success.
Envy
Moreover, while it's OK to recognize other individuals or organizations as they achieve, lamenting "what should have been yours" can be destructive and can adversely impact your own ability to focus on the job tasks at hand. Becoming envious of others in the workplace can sabotage your self esteem, which is one vital characteristic of every successful worker or executive. Rather than being envious, let the accomplishments of others become motivational fuel for your fire in working toward your own successes.
Anger
Anger is another motion that needs to be held in check. Begetting nothing but disagreement, dispute, tension or conflict, anger provides no benefit in the workplace. There is simply nothing productive about anger, which impairs one's objectivity, poise and self control. Don't let a bout of righteousness damage your reputation and image in the workplace. It's fine to feel passionately about your job or a project at hand and to disagree with others, but learn how to channel those emotions into actions that will work to your benefit in the eyes of others -- especially your superiors -- rather than against it. Those prone to angry outbursts rarely get promoted; they are seen as being poor leaders who cannot inspire or motivate others.
Short-sightedness
One's selfish desire for "more, sooner" is what motivates many in the Western culture to achieve their career goals. But taking this notion to the extreme can and will be self defeating as core values become misguided and life becomes unbalanced in the process. The road to success requires a long term approach in all aspects of one's job duties. Those laser-focused on quick, short-term gains may do well for the moment, but will be ill-prepared to take things to the next level.
Complacency
At the other end of the spectrum, sloth, or simply put, complacency and laziness have no place whatsoever in the workplace -- especially for those with high aspirations. Expecting one's past achievements and successes to carry them forward in their long-term career is imprudent. Today's uber-competitive global marketplace ensures that only those who continue to grow, evolve and make fresh contributions of value will succeed. In a global environment where outsourcing is becoming a norm, everyone at all levels of the employment "food chain" is now replaceable. So treat every work day and every project as if your job, and your future at large, depends on it. It very well may
Imbalance
Many individuals move up the corporate ladder so fast that they actually end up failing as a consequence. More isn't always better -- especially if you're not ready for the challenge at hand. It's important to ensure that you are not only professionally ready to take on a new and bigger challenge, for which expectations are equally bigger, but also that your personal life is ready for the new demands and strains to be placed upon it. Achieving career success also includes maintaining a life balance, and a misplaced professional desire can create a backlash both at home as well as amid peers for your perceived obsessiveness.
Lust
At times this can spill over to lust. An overly intense desire for what others have achieved at work, or being chronically dissatisfied with one's own status, is a surefire career killer. Spending an inordinate amount of time fixated on what you don't have rather than what you do will foster a bad attitude and negative overall demeanor.


Above all, one's overall "presence" in the office plays a big part in who gets promoted and who doesn't. No matter how ambitious, it's prudent to be present and make the most out of your current position at this moment in time. Organizations recognize and reward those with a good attitude who make the most of a situation. Winners recognize other's success with sportsmanlike conduct, while at the same time exhibiting an air of confidence that they, and their team, will realize their own great achievements.

John McKee, founder and president of BusinessSuccessCoach.net, is the author of "Career Wisdom - 101 Proven Strategies to Ensure Workplace Success" and "21 Ways Women in Management Shoot Themselves in the Foot

Copyrighted, Forbes.com. All rights reserved

Critic's Corner
"When to know you are not wanted"
This personally happened to someone I know. They tried to enter a certain establishment downtown close to College Street on a Friday night(we won't name any names, but the old MYTHOS) only to be turned away each and every time. The excuses are so weak. Examples: horizontal lines on shirt that represent hip hop, the short sleeve coming down to elbow, pant's legs too long, and the list goes on.......How hard it is for a neat urban man to enter into the establishment? Is the money not good enough or is it our culture? Email us and give us your experiences in Uptown Charlotte's hottest nightspots.
When culture clashes.........


Word of Week
caterwaul \KAT-uhr-wawl\, intransitive verb:
1. To make a harsh cry. 2. To have a noisy argument. 3. A shrill, discordant sound.



For those of us keeping count, it's now Hillary-3 (NV, NH, FL), Obama-2 (IA, SC).

Super Tuesday is next week, February 5, unfortunately NC is not participating; 24 other states will be holding primaries or caucuses on that date. Keep yourself informed, no matter who you find yourself endorsing...




PS Preferred HOT spots

Check out the only spot in the city that features poetry and a live band every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. JC the poet, of Touch One Productions, has been putting on this show for the last 7 years and is one of the best-known performers in Charlotte. Check out the website, www.touchoneproductions.com, and don't forget to go down to the Wine Up on 3306 N. Davidson Street, we promise you won't regret it!

$20 ROLLER SETS!!!! Ladies come out to the all new "Relax Experts". They are now open!!!!!!! Located 4820 Monroe Rd (Eastway and Sharon Amity). This classy salon has all the upgrades including Wireless Internet on the property. Special for the first week of February: "BRING A FRIEND AND RECEIVE 1/2 OFF YOUR SERVICE" (only for equal or greater value) Call Darrin at 704-309-0648.

Wednesday, January 30th

Black Business Network @ Allure - 1508 Mint St - "Female Entrepreneur in the Queen City"

Thursday, January 31th

Thirsty Thursdays @ Rustic Martini - 616 N Tryon - 616 N tryon steet by 9th

Friday, February 1st

1st Fridays @ Jillians - 200 E. Bland - BlackOut party hosted by Mya with DJ Magic

Monday February 4th

Martini Mondays @ Allstars - Albermale Rd

P.S.....What you crave, not just what you want!!!!!