Spiritually Inclined...

We feel so inclined to make all those we care about aware of the importance of spiritual well-being. Peace and serenity are two qualities that are needed in order to achieve balance in your life. Balance is one of the keys in having the highest quality of life. We offer you some tips on how to keep that balance. So whatever is causing you pain, stress, or anger, think about letting it go…

7 Quick Ways to Calm Down
Anxiety zappers that can rescue you from daily stresses by Therese J. Borchard.

I'm easily overwhelmed. When my kids' exuberant screams reach a decibel level my ears can't tolerate, when Chuck E., the life-size "rat" at the pizza place, starts doing his jig while flashing arcade lights blind me, or when I open my email to find 100 messages--I feel a meltdown coming on. Which is why I came up with seven quick ways to calm myself down.I turn to these when I don't have time to call my mom and hear her tell me, "Everything is going to be fine." They keep me centered and grounded for as long as possible, and they help me relax my body even during those times when screaming kids and dancing life-size rats converge.

1. Walk Away

Know your triggers. If a conversation about global warming, consumerism, or the trash crisis in the U.S. is overwhelming you, simply excuse yourself. If you're noise-sensitive and the scene at Toys-R-Us makes you want to throw whistling Elmo and his buddies across the store, tell your kids you need a time-out. (Bring along your husband or a friend so you can leave them safely, if need be.) My great-aunt Gigi knew her trigger points, and if a conversation or setting was getting close to them, she simply put one foot in front of another, and departed.

2. Close Your Eyes

Gently let the world disappear, and go within to regain your equilibrium. Ever since my mom came down with blepharospasm (a neurological tick of the eyelid), I've become aware of how important shutting our eyes is to the health of the nervous system. The only treatment available for this disorder is to have surgery that permanently keeps your eyelids open (you need to moisten them with drops, etc.). Such a condition would be living hell for my mom, because in closing her eyes she regains her balance and proper focus. The only time I recommend not using this technique is on the road (if you're driving).

3. Find Some Solitude

This can be challenging if you are at work, or at home with kids as creative and energetic as mine. But we all need some private time to let the nervous system regenerate. I must have known this back in college, because I opted for a tiny single room (a nun's closet, quite literally), rather than going in on a larger room with a closet big enough to store my sweaters. When three of my good friends begged me to go in with them on a killer quad, I told them, "Nope. Can't do it. Need my alone time, or else none of you would want to be around me. Trust me."My senior year I went to the extent of pasting black construction paper on the window above my door so no one would know if I was there, in order to get the hours of solitude that I needed.Be creative. Find your space. Any way you can. Even it involves black construction paper.


4. Go Outside

This is a true lifesaver for me. I need to be outside for at least an hour every day to get my sanity fix. Granted, I'm extremely lucky to be able to do so as a stay-at-home mom. But I think I would somehow work it into my schedule even if I had to commute into the city every day. Even if I'm not walking or running or biking or swimming, being outside calms me in a way that hardly anything else can. With an hour of nature, I go from being a bossy, opinionated, angry, cynical, uptight person into a bossy, opinionated, cynical, relaxed person. And that makes the difference between having friends and a husband to have dinner with and a world that tells me to go eat a frozen dinner by myself because they don't want to catch whatever grumpy bug I have.


5. Find Some Water

While watching Disney's "Pocahontas" the other day with my daughter Katherine (yes, I do get some of my best insights from cartoons), I observed the sheer joy the main character shows upon paddling down the river, singing about how she is one with the water. It reminded me of how universal the mood effects of water are, and how healing.On the rainy or snowy days that I can't walk the double stroller over to our local creeks, I do something the global-warming guys say not to; take a long shower, imagining that I am in the middle of a beautiful Hawaiian rain forest."Water helps in many ways," writes Elaine Aron. "When overaroused, keep drinking it--a big glass of it once an hour. Walk beside some water, look at it, listen to it. Get into some if you can, for a bath or a swim. Hot tubs and hot springs are popular for good reasons."


6. Breathe Deeply

Breathing is the foundation of sanity, because it is the way we provide our brain and every other vital organ in our body with the oxygen needed for us to survive. Breathing also eliminates toxins from our systems. Years ago, I learned the "Four Square" method of breathing to reduce anxiety:1. Breathe in slowly to a count of four.2. Hold the breath for a count of four.3. Exhale slowly through pursed lips to a count of four.4. Rest for a count of four (without taking any breaths).5. Take two normal breaths.6. Start over again with number one.


7. Listen to Music

Across the ages, music has been used to soothe and relax. During the worst months of my depression, I blared the soundtrack of "The Phantom of the Opera." Pretending to be the phantom with a cape and a mask, I twirled around our living room, swinging my kids in my arms. I belted out every word of "The Music of the Night." "Softly, deftly, music shall caress you, Feel it, hear it, secretly possess you...."The gorgeous song--like all good music--could stroke that tender place within me that words couldn't get to.

COLOR OF THE WEEK
BLUE - God's Righteousness (Rom 3:22; 4:13; 5:17; 9:30; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9; Heb 11:7) Because the believer has the forgiveness of sins and Positional Sanctification through the work of Christ at Salvation, the Father then imputes His Righteousness to the individual. The believer also shares Christ's Righteousness, since he is in union with Christ. This is symbolized by the color blue.

KEEP IT TIGHT!!!!

First and foremost, we would like to draw as much attention to the travesty of justice carried out this week by the City of New York. 3 accused murderers of Sean Bell, a black man, were set free by a judge. They were NYPD officers. See the videos to your right to hear and learn more about this horrible tragedy.

Okay, people, spring has REALLY arrived! It’s May, graduations, weddings, proms, and of course, PARTIES are everywhere you look…not to mention the weather is heating up, so…what are you doing to make sure you look your best wherever you go? We have found a few tips to help you on your way to looking and feeling great all throughout the spring and summer!


Hands and feet
Keeping these tight is a MUST all year round, but your feet are exposed in the spring and summer months, so you need to ensure you are NOT walking around here crusty! No one wants to touch or look at unkempt hands and feet.
Keep moisturizer handy -- all year round. Apply lotion after you wash your hands to help lock in moisture.
Pick a hand cream that includes sunscreen. A lotion that includes SPF 15 (or more) will help prevent sunspots and burns. The skin on your hands is already thin -- don't let a burn make the skin even more fragile.
Take care of your cuticles -- they're your body's guard at the gates. Don't cut or tear or chew your cuticles. If you need to, use an orange stick to gently push them back.
Going out into your garden? Don't forget to wear gloves to protect your hands while you work.
A manicure can help make you feel fun, graceful, and elegant. I know my hand gestures become more graceful when I've got my nails painted. I can't help it! Here are a few quick tips to keep your nails looking good and healthy.
Try putting polish underneath the nail, too! This can help prevent chipping and make your manicure last a few extra days. Beauty experts use this trick to get an extra three days of perfection out of a new coat of pain. It doesn't have to be color -- even clear nail polish on the underside tip of the nail will help.
When you are removing nail polish, apply lotion to your cuticles first. Protect the nail bed before you strip away the paint -- the lotion will help keep your nails healthy, strong, and hydrated.

Skin
Change Skin Care Routine
Spring season suggests more humidity, so now your skin doesn’t require as much moisturizer as it needs in winters. Go for some light moisturizer to keep your pores clear. It lessens the chances of getting blemishes. Keep your feet in good shape by exfoliating them to avoid problems, like dry skin and calluses.

Drink More Water
Drinking lots of water is the key to beautiful skin. Our body needs more water in spring season to remain hydrated. Wherever you go, carry a water bottle along. Since you start sweating in this season, there is a possibility of dehydration. Water is the best way to restore your fluids.

Avoid Exposure to the Sun
Whenever you’re out of your house, apply sunscreen liberally over the exposed body areas. The harmful UV rays are effective throughout the daytime. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Apply over lips, neck and arms too. Tanning is not healthy in any case; if you’re keen to have, then use artificial tan.

Exercise in Cooler Temperatures
If you have to go for a walk, jog or on your regular workout regimen, prefer doing exercises in the morning because temperature is usually low at that time. Otherwise, work-out inside your home where temperature is under control. Always use your own towel to keep skin clean and dry.

Local News
Charlotte only city where housing prices are still rising

The Associated Press

Charlotte was the sole major U.S. city where housing prices have risen over the last year, according to results revealed today for a widely watched index.
Housing prices dropped in February at the fastest rate ever, the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller found. The results indicate that the housing slump is gaining momentum and showing no signs of letting up.
The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index of 20 cities fell by 12.7 percent in February versus last year, the largest decline since its inception in 2001. Seventeen of the 20 metro areas reported record annual declines.
The index dropped 10.7 percent in January and 9.1 percent in December.
"There is no sign of a bottom in the numbers," David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P, noting that all 20 metro areas have declined for six straight months.
Half of the cities saw home values plunge by double digits led by Las Vegas at 22.8 percent and Miami at 21.7 percent. Those two areas experienced the sharpest appreciation in 2004 and 2005 with annual increases above 50 percent and 30 percent.
Only Charlotte posted a positive return of 1.5 percent year-over-year.
The narrower 10-city index declined 13.6 percent in February, a record drop in its two-decade history.

P.S. Preferred Spots
Thursday, May 1
Barack the Vote! @ Prevue, 2909 N. Davidson Street, Doors open at 10:00, free before 10:30, $5 after. Sponsored by the ladies of S.W.I.F.T. (Savvy Women Investing For Tomorrow)

Friday, May 2
Katt Williams @ Charlotte Bobcats Arena, 333 E. Trade Street, Doors open at 8:00. Tickets still available @ www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, May 3
Pumps and Chrome Motorcycle Showcase @ Mooresville Dragway, 8415 W. 152 N.C. Hwy, Mooresville, N.C., Begins @ 10:00 am, for more info, contact Neville @ 704-599-1507 or www.hi-definitionmc.com

Sunday, May 4
Secret Society Sundays @ HOM, 116 W. 5th Street, Doors open at 10:00, Dress code sexy. Cost: varies.

Monday, May 5
Speed Dating At AllStars @ AllStars Bar and Grill, 5638 Albemarle Road, Doors open at 7:00, Cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Tuesday, May 6
Fashion, Art, and Music with Biz Markie @ Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd., Doors open at 8:00, Sponsored by Tanqueray.

P.S. WE PUT THE PROFESSIONAL IN SWAGGA!!!!!

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!!!