A while back I began to do research on a fun way to exercise that wouldn’t make me feel bogged down, or bored. I came up with the idea of dance first, and after a few weeks of dancing to the radio in my room this idea too became boring. Once again I was faced with the dilemma of a great exercise program that quickly became incredibly boring. That is when it occurred to me that I was looking for something that was designed to get my heart going, but I was leaving out my brain. It was then I went back to research. I wanted something that I could do and learn from at the same time. That is when I found Capoeira, the 400 year old African Brazilian martial art dance form.
Originally developed by slaves, Capoeira (cap-o-ei-ra) has recently gained popularity in pop culture as well as in your local neighborhood gym or fitness club. Capoeira is a fighting style based heavily on martial arts, dance, acrobatics, culture and music. The slaves were able to practiced Capoeira by convincing their masters that it was ritual tribal dancing. Yet in actuality they were cleverly disguised fighting moves that the slaves used against slaves catchers. Because of its underground beginnings Capoeira was outlawed for many years before being allowed back into society. It’s been building and gaining popularity until now it is nearly a household name.
Capoeira is typically taught with sweeping moves, kicks, and head strikes. Recently teaching punches and hand strikes have become the norm although it was not always that way. Some experts have hypothesized that this is because it was originally developed by slaves that were in handcuffs and fighting against their guards. Another possibility for the primary use of feet is the common West African belief that hands are for creation and feet for destruction. Capoeira is usually played in a circle or "roda" (ha-da). The roda is constructed with a circle of people within which Capoeira is played. Although Capoeira may have been meant for battle the way it is currently taught it does not focus on injuring the opponent. Instead, it emphasizes on the skill.
So now you know the background, why is it so good for you? Simply, Capoeira is guaranteed to give you not only a cardiovascular work out; but also work your mind and body. While you sweat, your mind will be focused on anticipating your opponent's next move. Although all of this sounds overwhelming, only you can get in the way of your progress. This sport will help you to be more creative with your moves to keep your opponents on their toes. What’s more you’ll spend so much time learning and perfecting your moves, you’ll hardly notice your thighs toning, your upper body strength improving, your vigor and stamina increasing. Essentially your entire body will become healthier. Most aerobic exercises only tend to focus exclusively on our physical being, Capoeira also helps us to train our mental being. Below are a few of the mental and physical benefits that Capoeira can offer.
Gain a singing voice
Enhanced Mobility
Spatial awareness
Increased Flexibility
Development of another language
Rhythm
Provides a personal creative outlet
Strength
Gain self-confidence
Endurance
Foster cultural identity
Cardio-vascular fitness
While this is a great way to get and stay in shape it should be noted that people thinking of beginning a life as a Capoeirist need to be certain of their flexibility as well as their strength. For more information on strength and flexibility please see: http://www.planetcapoeira.com/comments.php?id=12_0_1_0_C. This site beautifully describes flexibility, the types of flexibility and strength training one can begin to prepare one’s self for Capoeira. As always before starting any new exercise program you should always seek the advice of your health care professional. You should always ensure that you are training with a licensed fitness professional.
Copyright © 2006
The original article was posted on October 9th, 2006 on EDGE Boston.
See the original article posted below at:
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=health_fitness&sc=fitness&sc2=features&id=2884
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Bio for Author Anya Nicole
Being raised in the ghetto of West Philadelphia has not stopped this young writer from seeing her dreams come to fruition. Anya Nicole was unwavering in her strength to preserve to make life better for herself.
Anya’s childhood was spent with her older sister in a single parent home. Watching her mother go from job to job and use welfare to fill in the gaps had a profound effect on a young Anya. Her mother did her best to ensure her daughters grew up right and had all that the needed. In turn the aspiring author took that lesson and applied to her own life. She received a BA in Communications from Temple University and a Masters in Health Education from Saint Joseph’s University. It has always been Anya’s hope that she would create a life that would be comfortable for herself and her family. She knew that her vast education would help her provide that life.
Yet while fostering her desire for a sound education the joy of writing entered her life. In the 3rd grade when Anya won a poetry writing contest she suddenly realized that words brought her world to life. She had found her calling when she discovered that through words she would be able to bring her life to the eyes of others.
Anya has said, “I am a writer who writes about what she sees and encounters. I want people to see what I see.” That is exactly what she has been able to do. She brings street life situations and methodically interlocks them with drama and intelligence. She has spent most of her time fine tuning her ability to describe stories in vivid detail. This was something that became of great value to her when she began writing for Philadelphia Metblogs.
While Anya has always been set on making her dreams come true she has had an amazing amount of support behind those dreams. Writer, Karen Quinones Miller has been a true mentor and believer in Anya’s ability to succeed. Karen comes in second to Anya mother; who Anya counts as the loudest person in her cheering section.
With so many behind her and while admiring Urban Literature writers such as Nikki Turner, and Kwan Foye, Anya became driven to finish her first manuscript.
Yet life continued to intervene, Anya proved she wouldn’t be broken. Although to some people, difficulty in life and seeing people that she loved struggle and die everyday may have been a negativism, to Anya it was fuel for the fire. “Growing up not knowing where we were going to get the money to pay the electric bill or put food on the table; and seeing my mother put cardboard in her shoes to preserve them so we could have new shows and clothes on our back, changes a person.”
After college was over, and her success had been acknowledged by her friends and family, society still threw Anya a rough deal. While working at a store as a checkout clerk she was looked down on, disrespected and robbed at gun point. “There were people throwing their change at me and looking down at the job I did. Here I knew that I was just as educated as they were. I hated it, knowing I wanted to write and being stuck behind a counter bagging groceries.”
Even though she had hit a low point Anya looked back to the determination that her mother had raised her to have. It was always her intention to become a role model for other young kids in the ghetto, so that they would know they too could be more than society suggested to them. She was able to find a job in her community and began focusing her attention on finishing her first novel, which she completed in 2006.
Her novel Corporate Corner Boyz pays homage to Anya’s knowledge of the streets and her vast college education. This is an author to watch and a woman who is destined for more than greatness can define.
Anya’s childhood was spent with her older sister in a single parent home. Watching her mother go from job to job and use welfare to fill in the gaps had a profound effect on a young Anya. Her mother did her best to ensure her daughters grew up right and had all that the needed. In turn the aspiring author took that lesson and applied to her own life. She received a BA in Communications from Temple University and a Masters in Health Education from Saint Joseph’s University. It has always been Anya’s hope that she would create a life that would be comfortable for herself and her family. She knew that her vast education would help her provide that life.
Yet while fostering her desire for a sound education the joy of writing entered her life. In the 3rd grade when Anya won a poetry writing contest she suddenly realized that words brought her world to life. She had found her calling when she discovered that through words she would be able to bring her life to the eyes of others.
Anya has said, “I am a writer who writes about what she sees and encounters. I want people to see what I see.” That is exactly what she has been able to do. She brings street life situations and methodically interlocks them with drama and intelligence. She has spent most of her time fine tuning her ability to describe stories in vivid detail. This was something that became of great value to her when she began writing for Philadelphia Metblogs.
While Anya has always been set on making her dreams come true she has had an amazing amount of support behind those dreams. Writer, Karen Quinones Miller has been a true mentor and believer in Anya’s ability to succeed. Karen comes in second to Anya mother; who Anya counts as the loudest person in her cheering section.
With so many behind her and while admiring Urban Literature writers such as Nikki Turner, and Kwan Foye, Anya became driven to finish her first manuscript.
Yet life continued to intervene, Anya proved she wouldn’t be broken. Although to some people, difficulty in life and seeing people that she loved struggle and die everyday may have been a negativism, to Anya it was fuel for the fire. “Growing up not knowing where we were going to get the money to pay the electric bill or put food on the table; and seeing my mother put cardboard in her shoes to preserve them so we could have new shows and clothes on our back, changes a person.”
After college was over, and her success had been acknowledged by her friends and family, society still threw Anya a rough deal. While working at a store as a checkout clerk she was looked down on, disrespected and robbed at gun point. “There were people throwing their change at me and looking down at the job I did. Here I knew that I was just as educated as they were. I hated it, knowing I wanted to write and being stuck behind a counter bagging groceries.”
Even though she had hit a low point Anya looked back to the determination that her mother had raised her to have. It was always her intention to become a role model for other young kids in the ghetto, so that they would know they too could be more than society suggested to them. She was able to find a job in her community and began focusing her attention on finishing her first novel, which she completed in 2006.
Her novel Corporate Corner Boyz pays homage to Anya’s knowledge of the streets and her vast college education. This is an author to watch and a woman who is destined for more than greatness can define.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Kahnma the West African Songtress
16 bars won’t be necessary, all it takes is a single note from Kahnma to command the attention of any room. Although small in physical stature, this West African princess has stage presence that is as enormous as any super star. Kahnma’s genuine and honest music is a step in a new direction leading us on a delightfully fulfilling path. Her soulful style masterfully blends R&B and Reggae, and with it Kahnma is guaranteed to have the industry’s attention.
Yet it hasn’t been all melodious harmonies for Kahnma. She is no stranger to struggle, at the tender age of ten Kahnma fell victim to Liberia's civil crisis, which landed her as a refugee in America. Since then her sole purpose has been to bridge the gap between African and American culture through her music. She plans on doing this by being able to relate to her American audience and as well as bringing awareness to the destruction of her homeland. Identifying with the struggles of Bob Marley, the drive of Lauryn Hill and the playfulness of TLC, she's uses her love for music to overcome her battle of being what she calls a "war baby".
As a singer songwriter, and performer, Kahnma has worked with R&B star Montel Jordan, opened up for Musiq Soulchild, Blu Cantrell, and Bad Boy recording artists Boyz n The Hood. Most recently she will be featured on Bizzy Bone's latest album. Kahnma can be seen performing in clubs all over the country including Atlanta, Georgia's Apache Cafe, Columbus, Ohio's Brownstone and the legendary House of Blues in Los Angeles, California. With the acceptance of artists such as Beenie Man, Baby Cham, and Def Jam recording artist Rhianna, the world of entertainment is more then ready to fine tune their ears to what the lovely Miss Kahnma has to offer.
Arrangement Copyright © 2006
To hear more from Kahnma please go to: http://www.myspace.com/kahnma1
Yet it hasn’t been all melodious harmonies for Kahnma. She is no stranger to struggle, at the tender age of ten Kahnma fell victim to Liberia's civil crisis, which landed her as a refugee in America. Since then her sole purpose has been to bridge the gap between African and American culture through her music. She plans on doing this by being able to relate to her American audience and as well as bringing awareness to the destruction of her homeland. Identifying with the struggles of Bob Marley, the drive of Lauryn Hill and the playfulness of TLC, she's uses her love for music to overcome her battle of being what she calls a "war baby".
As a singer songwriter, and performer, Kahnma has worked with R&B star Montel Jordan, opened up for Musiq Soulchild, Blu Cantrell, and Bad Boy recording artists Boyz n The Hood. Most recently she will be featured on Bizzy Bone's latest album. Kahnma can be seen performing in clubs all over the country including Atlanta, Georgia's Apache Cafe, Columbus, Ohio's Brownstone and the legendary House of Blues in Los Angeles, California. With the acceptance of artists such as Beenie Man, Baby Cham, and Def Jam recording artist Rhianna, the world of entertainment is more then ready to fine tune their ears to what the lovely Miss Kahnma has to offer.
Arrangement Copyright © 2006
To hear more from Kahnma please go to: http://www.myspace.com/kahnma1
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Bio for Bigepac
Some may know him as Kade, others as IAMRAP, or K-Rida; but he's made his greatest success as Bigepac. Regardless the name the talent is the same. Bigepac, born Kyle L. Jones now represents the 610 as the newest up and coming thing in the rap game. With the stage name Bigepac this artists delivers as much as the name projects. He uses smooth and twisted metaphors like the late Biggie Smalls; but his own personal life has given him struggles to spit about. Bigepac started performance at a young age, and although his sound may be reminiscent of the late TuPac Shakur, Bigepac brings a style that is purely his own.
During a particular performance where many important and potential investors were present; Bigepac wasn't nervous. He took the stage and made it shine. Once his lyrical genius hit the mic and his creative beats hit the speakers Bigepac was on.
He has created popular singles such as As I Sit Back which chronicles his relationships with his clique and his determination in the game. The song tells of his ability to be laid back but still keep his serious street credit while he runs things. A second single Too Many Fish In Da C outlines relationships, rebounding and enjoying the club scene. Both of these singles are club banging and have received club play in popular local clubs. Currently Bigepac is in the process of planning highly anticipated concert events.
This is only where the story begins with Bigepac, he’s got a history.
Watching his family go without did not put a chip on the shoulder of this artist. He missed out on much as a young child and the struggle did take its toll. He had to make do and make many a sacrifice in order to come out with positive results. Despite his hard times he never lost sight of his dreams and his ambition to make them happen. It was always his belief that his dreams would one day benefit not only himself but his children's children. Bigepac was quoted as saying that;" Although times were rough and it looked like I was going nowhere fast my dreams drove me." That is basically what he has done, he has stayed driven.
Dealing with the ups and downs of project life hasn’t stopped Bigepac from making it happen. While working on his first and second album Bigepac started his record label Heaven or Hell Records. He now has a strong grouping, of talented artists under his belt. These artists can be seen spittin' and harmonizing all over Bigepac's lyrical creations. Look for up and coming reggaeton artist King Caesar, and reggae artist Nan-Do Boom, as well as singers Melissa, and Nida and guitarist MF Steve.
Bigepac plans to take the industry by storm. He has the intention and the know how to take the world to new places with his force and creativity. He has a complex business mind and a serious drive to become more than a success. Don't sleep on this artist/businessman, because Bigepac is building an empire.
Learn more about Bigepac at www.heavenorhellrecords.com
Copyright © 2006
During a particular performance where many important and potential investors were present; Bigepac wasn't nervous. He took the stage and made it shine. Once his lyrical genius hit the mic and his creative beats hit the speakers Bigepac was on.
He has created popular singles such as As I Sit Back which chronicles his relationships with his clique and his determination in the game. The song tells of his ability to be laid back but still keep his serious street credit while he runs things. A second single Too Many Fish In Da C outlines relationships, rebounding and enjoying the club scene. Both of these singles are club banging and have received club play in popular local clubs. Currently Bigepac is in the process of planning highly anticipated concert events.
This is only where the story begins with Bigepac, he’s got a history.
Watching his family go without did not put a chip on the shoulder of this artist. He missed out on much as a young child and the struggle did take its toll. He had to make do and make many a sacrifice in order to come out with positive results. Despite his hard times he never lost sight of his dreams and his ambition to make them happen. It was always his belief that his dreams would one day benefit not only himself but his children's children. Bigepac was quoted as saying that;" Although times were rough and it looked like I was going nowhere fast my dreams drove me." That is basically what he has done, he has stayed driven.
Dealing with the ups and downs of project life hasn’t stopped Bigepac from making it happen. While working on his first and second album Bigepac started his record label Heaven or Hell Records. He now has a strong grouping, of talented artists under his belt. These artists can be seen spittin' and harmonizing all over Bigepac's lyrical creations. Look for up and coming reggaeton artist King Caesar, and reggae artist Nan-Do Boom, as well as singers Melissa, and Nida and guitarist MF Steve.
Bigepac plans to take the industry by storm. He has the intention and the know how to take the world to new places with his force and creativity. He has a complex business mind and a serious drive to become more than a success. Don't sleep on this artist/businessman, because Bigepac is building an empire.
Learn more about Bigepac at www.heavenorhellrecords.com
Copyright © 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Car Commerical
Missy is very jumpy, excitable yet a tad slow and the weaker of the two. London is dominant, and snotty.
Missy: Like Omigod London look at all of these leftover 2006s. There’ll be like no way the 2007s will fit. We needa like, do something.
London: Ok ok be cool Missy, you don’t want frown lines.
M: But 2006 is like so over, ABC Toyota is supposed to have like the best deals, we gotta tell people…[London interrupts her]
L: Can we like focus? We’ll do a commercial.
M: Oh I can I be in it.
L: I said we.[In a snotty tone]
M: Ok, yes…so like what’ll we tell people.
L: That ABC Toyota has 2.9% financing… [Missy interrupts her]
M: On select models, oh that’s like hot.
L: [She gasps] Uh, like totally rude Missy, could you like not interrupt me!
M: Sorry [Wimpish]
L: And like I’ll get to tell them that ABC Toyota has leases on Corollas for $199…[Missy interrupts her]
M: Don’t forget the $299 leases on Camrys.
L: Missy if you interrupt me again you are so not in the commercial!
M: Sorry, can I tell them where ABC Toyota is?
L: [sigh] Fine.
M: When should I tell them?
L: Now Missy…[In an annoyed tone]
M: Come to ABC Toyota on Main Street Yourtown.
L: Are you happy now?
M: Uh uhn and I’m ready to do the commercial now.
Copyright © 2006
Missy: Like Omigod London look at all of these leftover 2006s. There’ll be like no way the 2007s will fit. We needa like, do something.
London: Ok ok be cool Missy, you don’t want frown lines.
M: But 2006 is like so over, ABC Toyota is supposed to have like the best deals, we gotta tell people…[London interrupts her]
L: Can we like focus? We’ll do a commercial.
M: Oh I can I be in it.
L: I said we.[In a snotty tone]
M: Ok, yes…so like what’ll we tell people.
L: That ABC Toyota has 2.9% financing… [Missy interrupts her]
M: On select models, oh that’s like hot.
L: [She gasps] Uh, like totally rude Missy, could you like not interrupt me!
M: Sorry [Wimpish]
L: And like I’ll get to tell them that ABC Toyota has leases on Corollas for $199…[Missy interrupts her]
M: Don’t forget the $299 leases on Camrys.
L: Missy if you interrupt me again you are so not in the commercial!
M: Sorry, can I tell them where ABC Toyota is?
L: [sigh] Fine.
M: When should I tell them?
L: Now Missy…[In an annoyed tone]
M: Come to ABC Toyota on Main Street Yourtown.
L: Are you happy now?
M: Uh uhn and I’m ready to do the commercial now.
Copyright © 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Interview with ReaL
When I asked the Pacific Northwest born ReaL his thoughts on his music he had this to say, “This music is me, about me, my life. Its real.”
ReaL is no novice to musical innovations or hard times and struggle. He’s dealt with life on the streets, hustlin’, heart break and death. What does one do with a full life, and an amazing talent? ReaL makes amazing music to match. He’s taken gritty street life, hip hop and crunk beats and laced them with smooth R&B vocals to move the feet and the soul. Yet there was more to learn from ReaL.
ReaL has no intention on missing the chance to be heard and sharing his life story with the rest of the world. Although he is well aware of his talent and singing abilities, ReaL also knows that there are artists out there that are not only pioneers of the industry but deserve his unending respect. When I spent time talking to up and coming artist ReaL he gave me a run down on where ReaL has been, and where he plans on going.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Mostly on the West Coast between Seattle and Los Angeles, but a lot of different cities contribute to “ReaL,” from Chi-town to the ATL from VA to Reno, Sacramento and Oregon. I’ve been so many places and have taken something from each. I really feel at home in diversity. [The same way] everybody has to come up, hustlin’, doing what needs to be done to get by.
Q: What's music all about for you? Why music, why not something else? When did it become more than just a pass time?
A: Music is the essence of my being; the very root of my soul is music. It’s always been music for me, there was never a question if it was gonna be music. It became more than a pass time the first time I stepped into a studio at age 13.
Q: Tell me about unexpected changes, and how you handled them.
A: I really welcome change. All artists and all hustles are subject to change without notice…”did you get the memo?” Aha, you gotta be able to roll wit whatever life throw atchu. I didn’t know I wasn’t gonna have no father figure, that’s just life, I could deal wit it. ”Man up,” as we say or crumble, and I ain’t the one to crumble.
Q: What or who have been some positive influences?
A: First my grandmother (mother) - she did her best to raise us right, tried to keep me around the church and outta trouble. Pioneers in music have also been important positive influences for me, even cats like the Beatles and Elvis have attributed. Most definitely, Hip hop in general has played a major role.
Q: What about negative barriers?
A: Ignorance in general is a huge negative barrier. Haters, people who judge me based on trivial things as opposed to the music.
Q: What has kept you driven and focused on music?
A: The hustle. Knowing what’s on the backside, or the flip side, knowing what I want, and knowing what I don’t want, more importantly. [I have] the desire to be an icon in something that has given me so much.
Q: Who in the mainstream of the music business gets the most respect from you right now?
A: Luda! That’s my guy, he plays on words like none other! Big ups and Luda, if you reading this, we gotta link up one day soon and do a joint! To my dudes at Aftermath, G-unit and Shady records! You all inspire me and to work wit ya would be an honor! Em is a pioneer, for obvious reasons he has opened many doors for cats such as myself! 50 showed the world that you can come from nothing and came up! Diddy, E40 my guy! Cube n’ them, Snoop -- basically anybody whose doing it real big and not conforming to what the “industry” says to do. Oh and Mos Def, and Jamie Foxx -- I always knew he was hot like fire, it was only a matter of time before the general public would accept him for what he is -- a true artist, a triple threat!
Q: Who's CD, who's work is paramount to you?
A: PAC, Biggie, Jay Z, 50cent, Eminem, Freddie Jackson, SOS band, New Edition and all the offspring, Run, Public Enemy, to really break it on down, Hip Hop in general has been major, it has offered me a home and an outlet. Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Ojays, etc…
Q: Why should the public want to hear you?
A: I’m not a carbon copy of anything they seen before, I am all new and all original. My style and sound is Grimy, gutter, street, whatever word you wanna use, its ReaL. I keeps it sexy for all my ladies and hood for the fellas, everyone should get on board ya dig?
Q: Who is your sound comparable to?
A: No one really, although my influences can be apparent in my music.
If you have to pick somebody though, I’d say you can feel a lil R Kelly mixed with Joe and Dave Hollister with a side of Aaron Hall topped with Anthony Hamilton over easy.
Q: When did performance start for you?
A: When I was [around 4 or 5 years old] I was doing talent shows for the family at reunions, in the living room, wherever and whenever.
Q: In ten years what will you have accomplished?
A: I will have broken down all stereotypes associated with R&B as it pertains to white dudes, my empire will be strong and vast, and cats with real talent will have opportunities that I can provide. The ReaL dynasty will be in effect, merchandising, movie deals, and endorsements. All that!
Q: What do you want us to know about you or your music future?
A: Don’t miss out on the music cuz you too occupied with the story, and don’t miss out on the story cuz you too occupied with the music, there are many facets to ReaL and I will share all that I can with the world. Get ready and stay ready, I’ll be in it for the long haul, ya dig?
Q: Where can the public find out more about you and your music?
A: Most definitely checkout the website at http://www.realgrimy.com/, it’s going down! Get on that good ReaL fan club so I can come to a city near you real soon!
And BIG UPS to MYSPACE!! Every artist’s dream come true! Check me out at the official myspace spot: www.myspace.com/realgrimy and remember, I’m not like a lot of these artists out here, I do care about ALL my fans, I’m accepting all adds and I definitely try to respond to every message personally! So holla at ya boy! And keep supporting ReaL R&B and Hip-Hop. For Press Inquiries please contact Heidi Buech, Publicist, at heidibuech@comcast.net.
Copyright © 2006
ReaL is no novice to musical innovations or hard times and struggle. He’s dealt with life on the streets, hustlin’, heart break and death. What does one do with a full life, and an amazing talent? ReaL makes amazing music to match. He’s taken gritty street life, hip hop and crunk beats and laced them with smooth R&B vocals to move the feet and the soul. Yet there was more to learn from ReaL.
ReaL has no intention on missing the chance to be heard and sharing his life story with the rest of the world. Although he is well aware of his talent and singing abilities, ReaL also knows that there are artists out there that are not only pioneers of the industry but deserve his unending respect. When I spent time talking to up and coming artist ReaL he gave me a run down on where ReaL has been, and where he plans on going.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Mostly on the West Coast between Seattle and Los Angeles, but a lot of different cities contribute to “ReaL,” from Chi-town to the ATL from VA to Reno, Sacramento and Oregon. I’ve been so many places and have taken something from each. I really feel at home in diversity. [The same way] everybody has to come up, hustlin’, doing what needs to be done to get by.
Q: What's music all about for you? Why music, why not something else? When did it become more than just a pass time?
A: Music is the essence of my being; the very root of my soul is music. It’s always been music for me, there was never a question if it was gonna be music. It became more than a pass time the first time I stepped into a studio at age 13.
Q: Tell me about unexpected changes, and how you handled them.
A: I really welcome change. All artists and all hustles are subject to change without notice…”did you get the memo?” Aha, you gotta be able to roll wit whatever life throw atchu. I didn’t know I wasn’t gonna have no father figure, that’s just life, I could deal wit it. ”Man up,” as we say or crumble, and I ain’t the one to crumble.
Q: What or who have been some positive influences?
A: First my grandmother (mother) - she did her best to raise us right, tried to keep me around the church and outta trouble. Pioneers in music have also been important positive influences for me, even cats like the Beatles and Elvis have attributed. Most definitely, Hip hop in general has played a major role.
Q: What about negative barriers?
A: Ignorance in general is a huge negative barrier. Haters, people who judge me based on trivial things as opposed to the music.
Q: What has kept you driven and focused on music?
A: The hustle. Knowing what’s on the backside, or the flip side, knowing what I want, and knowing what I don’t want, more importantly. [I have] the desire to be an icon in something that has given me so much.
Q: Who in the mainstream of the music business gets the most respect from you right now?
A: Luda! That’s my guy, he plays on words like none other! Big ups and Luda, if you reading this, we gotta link up one day soon and do a joint! To my dudes at Aftermath, G-unit and Shady records! You all inspire me and to work wit ya would be an honor! Em is a pioneer, for obvious reasons he has opened many doors for cats such as myself! 50 showed the world that you can come from nothing and came up! Diddy, E40 my guy! Cube n’ them, Snoop -- basically anybody whose doing it real big and not conforming to what the “industry” says to do. Oh and Mos Def, and Jamie Foxx -- I always knew he was hot like fire, it was only a matter of time before the general public would accept him for what he is -- a true artist, a triple threat!
Q: Who's CD, who's work is paramount to you?
A: PAC, Biggie, Jay Z, 50cent, Eminem, Freddie Jackson, SOS band, New Edition and all the offspring, Run, Public Enemy, to really break it on down, Hip Hop in general has been major, it has offered me a home and an outlet. Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Ojays, etc…
Q: Why should the public want to hear you?
A: I’m not a carbon copy of anything they seen before, I am all new and all original. My style and sound is Grimy, gutter, street, whatever word you wanna use, its ReaL. I keeps it sexy for all my ladies and hood for the fellas, everyone should get on board ya dig?
Q: Who is your sound comparable to?
A: No one really, although my influences can be apparent in my music.
If you have to pick somebody though, I’d say you can feel a lil R Kelly mixed with Joe and Dave Hollister with a side of Aaron Hall topped with Anthony Hamilton over easy.
Q: When did performance start for you?
A: When I was [around 4 or 5 years old] I was doing talent shows for the family at reunions, in the living room, wherever and whenever.
Q: In ten years what will you have accomplished?
A: I will have broken down all stereotypes associated with R&B as it pertains to white dudes, my empire will be strong and vast, and cats with real talent will have opportunities that I can provide. The ReaL dynasty will be in effect, merchandising, movie deals, and endorsements. All that!
Q: What do you want us to know about you or your music future?
A: Don’t miss out on the music cuz you too occupied with the story, and don’t miss out on the story cuz you too occupied with the music, there are many facets to ReaL and I will share all that I can with the world. Get ready and stay ready, I’ll be in it for the long haul, ya dig?
Q: Where can the public find out more about you and your music?
A: Most definitely checkout the website at http://www.realgrimy.com/, it’s going down! Get on that good ReaL fan club so I can come to a city near you real soon!
And BIG UPS to MYSPACE!! Every artist’s dream come true! Check me out at the official myspace spot: www.myspace.com/realgrimy and remember, I’m not like a lot of these artists out here, I do care about ALL my fans, I’m accepting all adds and I definitely try to respond to every message personally! So holla at ya boy! And keep supporting ReaL R&B and Hip-Hop. For Press Inquiries please contact Heidi Buech, Publicist, at heidibuech@comcast.net.
Copyright © 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Credit Girl
Weighed down
Forced upon bended knee
Pushed to death of self
By society
She wanted to be perfection
Paid for new everything
Now she is the perfect conception
Of death by the "jones"
She fell hook line and Coach
For unattainable class placement
She looks gorgeous in her debt
Living in a dirty basement
No Fifth Avenue home
No on lookers awed
No trip to Paris, the Islands or Rome
No one to save her
Her stale money
The promises of one more day
She can do nothing now
She is lifeless like autumn's bare trees
Gone are the parties
Gone is the false wealth
Gone are the men
Gone are the girl and her sense of self
This was published online at http://www.swartzentruber.com/13-bad-credit-risk-bankruptcy.htm. It is a literary interpretation of an artist's painting. Both the poem and the painting can be viewed at the aforementioned site.
Forced upon bended knee
Pushed to death of self
By society
She wanted to be perfection
Paid for new everything
Now she is the perfect conception
Of death by the "jones"
She fell hook line and Coach
For unattainable class placement
She looks gorgeous in her debt
Living in a dirty basement
No Fifth Avenue home
No on lookers awed
No trip to Paris, the Islands or Rome
No one to save her
Her stale money
The promises of one more day
She can do nothing now
She is lifeless like autumn's bare trees
Gone are the parties
Gone is the false wealth
Gone are the men
Gone are the girl and her sense of self
This was published online at http://www.swartzentruber.com/13-bad-credit-risk-bankruptcy.htm. It is a literary interpretation of an artist's painting. Both the poem and the painting can be viewed at the aforementioned site.
Copyright © 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Our Unhealthy Children
Imagine you have diabetes, hypertension and are also 20-30lbs over weight. In addition, you are unable to gain access to healthier foods, or safe, easy ways to exercise. It does not stop there, let’s continue the vision. You are also unaware of how dangerously unhealthy you are becoming. The final piece of the vision, you are only 10 years old. Are you shocked? Unfortunately you shouldn’t be. The aforementioned scenario is one that numerous children and adolescents live daily. Our youth has been becoming increasingly unhealthy for the last three decades. Since the early 1970’s the youth of this country has been on a steady increase of excessive weight gain. In fact the prevalence of excessive weight gain in children and adolescents has actually doubled since the 1970’s.
While just over 30% of male and 30% of female children and adolescents suffer from excessive weight gain, the minority community suffers more severely over all. Of course, it should be noted that children and adolescents from all nationalities and ethnicities can have excessive weight gain which can lead to negative health effects. However, it is far more likely for children and adolescents of African American and Hispanic descent to have excessive weight gain and the corresponding negative health effects because of these risk factors.
Instead of getting bogged down with more numbers and statistics we need to establish a better understanding of excessive weight gain. If you are told that you suffer from excessive weight gain that means that your Body Mass Index or BMI measures higher than the normal range. The important thing to note with BMI in children and adolescents is that, it is calculated differently than it is in adults. In children and adolescents BMI is calculated to determine underweight, overweight, and risk for being overweight. This is because the amount of fat in a child’s body gradually changes as they grow. Furthermore, girls and boys differ in their body fatness as they continue to grow and reach puberty. These are the reasons why BMI for children, sometimes called BMI for age, tends to be age and gender specific. Once the BMI for children and adolescents is calculated it is placed on age and gender specific charts. These charts measure the BMI in children and adolescents between the ages of 2-20.
Typically persons between the ages of 2-20 should be healthier and more active than their older counterparts. Unfortunately, innovations in computers, video game systems, personal video players, lack of educational funding and unsafe environments have put a hindrance on what was once abundant exercise and activity. This is especially the case for inner city children and adolescents who do not always have a safe outdoor environment in which to play and exercise. Due to the rise in crime in most cities and the lack of safe recreational facilities many parents do not feel safe allowing their children out to play. Due to socioeconomic barriers, activities once taken for granted are nearly lost to them altogether.
On the other hand with so much going on inside why would a child voluntarily go outside to play? They have all day playmates inside. With the vast amount of television shows to watch and video games to play it is far more interesting to stay inside and play. Plus parents know where their children are when they are safe guarded in the home.
Lastly, with the amount of funds constantly being stripped from educational spending after school and outdoor activities are being lost at an alarming rate. Thus children and adolescents are not only unable to learn about how unhealthy they may be they are also not afforded anyway to become healthier. These factors are leading our youth to have excessive weight gain and the related negative health effects.
With these factors continuing to worsen most of our children or adolescents that have excessive weight gain will carry that weight with them into adulthood. Essentially that means that they will also carry with them the negative health effects that come along with excessive weight gain. Often times these are chronic illnesses that often worsen with age, need constant treatment, and have no cure.
Illnesses such as Asthma, which tends to run in higher instances in overweight children and adolescents. There are also a large number of overweight children and adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes. This is one of the most significant reasons for the rise in adult Diabetes. In the mid 90’s the percentage of childhood Diabetes rose to 16% verses the 2 to 4 % that it was in the early 90’s. These same children and adolescents are also 12.6 times more prone to have higher fasting blood sugar levels, one of the number one risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes. This form of Diabetes is predominantly seen among children and adolescents of African American and Hispanic descent. There is also Hypertension which is 9 times more likely in children and adolescents that are overweight than not. Hypertension also tends to be more prevalent in persons of African American and Hispanic descent. These negative health conditions are enhanced by high sugar and high fat diets that are usually found in the homes of African American and Hispanic decedents. These are also the same ethnic groups that tend to live in inner cities where crime is higher, and educational funds are smaller.
Children and adolescents that are in the category of overweight not only have to deal with the physical effects but also the psychological effects of being overweight. Usually these children are subjected to teasing, alienation, sadness, negative stereotyping, depression and eating disorders. At times parents of overweight children and adolescents often take a forceful approach to getting their children to lose weight. This too can often be perceived as negative and actually do more harm that good. So we are left with the burning question of what can we do to help our youth?
It is important to understand why and what has caused our youth to be over weight. It is lifestyle alone, or is environmental factors, or perhaps it is genetics. Typically it is a mixture of all three and with positive reinforcement and support we can help our children eat better and get the exercise that they need. That way we can give them the foundation to be healthy, happy, and emotionally sound adults.
Copyright © 2006
This article will be published on http://urbanfitmag.com
While just over 30% of male and 30% of female children and adolescents suffer from excessive weight gain, the minority community suffers more severely over all. Of course, it should be noted that children and adolescents from all nationalities and ethnicities can have excessive weight gain which can lead to negative health effects. However, it is far more likely for children and adolescents of African American and Hispanic descent to have excessive weight gain and the corresponding negative health effects because of these risk factors.
Instead of getting bogged down with more numbers and statistics we need to establish a better understanding of excessive weight gain. If you are told that you suffer from excessive weight gain that means that your Body Mass Index or BMI measures higher than the normal range. The important thing to note with BMI in children and adolescents is that, it is calculated differently than it is in adults. In children and adolescents BMI is calculated to determine underweight, overweight, and risk for being overweight. This is because the amount of fat in a child’s body gradually changes as they grow. Furthermore, girls and boys differ in their body fatness as they continue to grow and reach puberty. These are the reasons why BMI for children, sometimes called BMI for age, tends to be age and gender specific. Once the BMI for children and adolescents is calculated it is placed on age and gender specific charts. These charts measure the BMI in children and adolescents between the ages of 2-20.
Typically persons between the ages of 2-20 should be healthier and more active than their older counterparts. Unfortunately, innovations in computers, video game systems, personal video players, lack of educational funding and unsafe environments have put a hindrance on what was once abundant exercise and activity. This is especially the case for inner city children and adolescents who do not always have a safe outdoor environment in which to play and exercise. Due to the rise in crime in most cities and the lack of safe recreational facilities many parents do not feel safe allowing their children out to play. Due to socioeconomic barriers, activities once taken for granted are nearly lost to them altogether.
On the other hand with so much going on inside why would a child voluntarily go outside to play? They have all day playmates inside. With the vast amount of television shows to watch and video games to play it is far more interesting to stay inside and play. Plus parents know where their children are when they are safe guarded in the home.
Lastly, with the amount of funds constantly being stripped from educational spending after school and outdoor activities are being lost at an alarming rate. Thus children and adolescents are not only unable to learn about how unhealthy they may be they are also not afforded anyway to become healthier. These factors are leading our youth to have excessive weight gain and the related negative health effects.
With these factors continuing to worsen most of our children or adolescents that have excessive weight gain will carry that weight with them into adulthood. Essentially that means that they will also carry with them the negative health effects that come along with excessive weight gain. Often times these are chronic illnesses that often worsen with age, need constant treatment, and have no cure.
Illnesses such as Asthma, which tends to run in higher instances in overweight children and adolescents. There are also a large number of overweight children and adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes. This is one of the most significant reasons for the rise in adult Diabetes. In the mid 90’s the percentage of childhood Diabetes rose to 16% verses the 2 to 4 % that it was in the early 90’s. These same children and adolescents are also 12.6 times more prone to have higher fasting blood sugar levels, one of the number one risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes. This form of Diabetes is predominantly seen among children and adolescents of African American and Hispanic descent. There is also Hypertension which is 9 times more likely in children and adolescents that are overweight than not. Hypertension also tends to be more prevalent in persons of African American and Hispanic descent. These negative health conditions are enhanced by high sugar and high fat diets that are usually found in the homes of African American and Hispanic decedents. These are also the same ethnic groups that tend to live in inner cities where crime is higher, and educational funds are smaller.
Children and adolescents that are in the category of overweight not only have to deal with the physical effects but also the psychological effects of being overweight. Usually these children are subjected to teasing, alienation, sadness, negative stereotyping, depression and eating disorders. At times parents of overweight children and adolescents often take a forceful approach to getting their children to lose weight. This too can often be perceived as negative and actually do more harm that good. So we are left with the burning question of what can we do to help our youth?
It is important to understand why and what has caused our youth to be over weight. It is lifestyle alone, or is environmental factors, or perhaps it is genetics. Typically it is a mixture of all three and with positive reinforcement and support we can help our children eat better and get the exercise that they need. That way we can give them the foundation to be healthy, happy, and emotionally sound adults.
Copyright © 2006
This article will be published on http://urbanfitmag.com
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Bio for Lisa Marie
Lisa Marie was taken with acting at an early age. By the age of 5 she already knew that acting would be a huge part of her life. Her experiences in acting began with roles in the theatre. She had featured roles in the productions of Cabaret and All That Jazz. Additionally she is skilled in Modern Dance. She also had a guest appearance in the European cast of Up With People.
While in high school, Lisa Marie had the opportunity to meet Oscar winning deaf actress, Marlee Matlin. Marlee Martlin is best known for her role as Sarah Norman in, Children of Lesser God. To Lisa Marie this was a defining moment. She felt a special connection to Marlee Matlin who is also an actress that is hard of hearing. To Lisa Marie Marlee Matlin was a true inspiration. It was then that the aspiring actress saw that she could over come any obstacles in order to achieve her dreams. She was not about to let anything stop her from her goals.
Lisa Marie's struggle with hearing loss and the industry would have been stepping stone on the staircase of defeat for others. However, for her it was a motivation for success. She found success in showing off her acting skills to directors and producers. Lisa Marie feels that she stands out in her profession because although she is hard of hearing she has done speaking roles at full speed without the use of sign language. Lisa Marie prides herself on being able to speak extraordinarily well, despite her hearing impairment. In fact, she treats the directors and producers who doubt her as healthy challenges. She prides herself on being able to play her roles to an audience without them ever knowing that she has a hearing impairment.
Although, Lisa Marie was and is driven in acting she has also pursued other careers. She intended to be a woman of many hats. During the seven years that Lisa Marie lived in sunny Los Angeles, California she began professionally modeling. She was featured in the Ujena Swimwear Illustrated, Bikini Team and became a Model Semi-finalist as well as a Miss Hawaiian Tropic Contestant. It was during this that she met many resourceful people within the entertainment industry. She made strong ties with photographers, models, and actors. These special people not only helped her with the first hand experiences of the entertainment industry, they also gave her constant encouragement and positive influences to draw from. Lisa Marie also gleamed much from the experiences themselves. Of these experiences Lisa Marie says, "[They] helped me learn more about myself and reaching my potential as a model with an emphasis in fitness and shaping my self esteem."
One person who has been a source of strength to her is her close friend Johnny Alonso. Johnny has also been a huge influence on Lisa Marie and her career. Johnny, who an actor in his own right, is best known for WB roles in OC, One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek. Lisa Marie says that "he is what keeps me driven and motivated as an actor". Johnny has continued to give Lisa Marie straightforward advice on all aspects of being an actor and how to achieve progression in the entertainment industry. Johnny Alonso will be featured in the Robert DeNiro film, Blue and another thriller film, The Haunting. Lisa Marie says, “He is an "A-list" actor. His unbelievable drive as an actor and the way he delivers his characters. He is a man that knows exactly what to do in front of the camera”.
Another positive jolt to her career was when Lisa Marie met Robert Garcia Christie, who became her acting coach. She gives great acclaim to Christie who helped shape her career and acting style. "My acting coach [has] been a tremendous and positive influence [to] my acting since I began taking his film actors training".
Positive influences have been an abundant part of Lisa Marie's journey in acting and modeling, although she also has had to meet with transformations and stumbling blocks. After earning her Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a specialization in criminology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Lisa Marie changed gears and moved to the DC Metro area. After working for a year as an Assistant Director of a Youth Leadership Program, the program unfortunately came to an abrupt end. This was a blow to Lisa Marie who had made the move across country to pursue her second passion of working with children. This gave Lisa Marie the insight to make some important decisions. "I did a bit of soul searching and it dawned on me to realize that I was missing something that truly [belonged] to my heart and that was going back to acting".
That is exactly what Lisa Marie did. Thanks to a good friend/ mentor urging Lisa Marie to come to a networking event she was able to make contacts in the DC metro area. It was from this networking event that Lisa Marie landed her first role in a mainstream film. The film, Flags of Our Fathers directed by Clint Eastwood will be released in 2006. Additionally, following her Clint Eastwood film, Lisa Marie completed a small principal in the pilot, Signals by Roman Pictures Inc. Recently, just completed her supporting role in the Dobler's Pen Production for Where's Duff? Of late she has earned a prominent speaking role in a upcoming TV drama series called The Church. The Church, will begin shooting in the early summer of 2006.
While Lisa Marie is acting she continues to attend auditions on a regular basis. If that seems like a full schedule, it just scratching the surface. Lisa Marie is presently in understudy with the Robert Garcia Christie Film Actors Training.
Lisa Marie's determination and love for acting has caused her to overcome hindrances to reach for the stars and become a star in her own right.
Copyright © 2006
To find out more about, or to contact Lisamarie Holte Model/Actress
follow the links below:
http://LisamarieHolte.StarSearchCasting.com
http://www.myspace.com/lisamarieholte
While in high school, Lisa Marie had the opportunity to meet Oscar winning deaf actress, Marlee Matlin. Marlee Martlin is best known for her role as Sarah Norman in, Children of Lesser God. To Lisa Marie this was a defining moment. She felt a special connection to Marlee Matlin who is also an actress that is hard of hearing. To Lisa Marie Marlee Matlin was a true inspiration. It was then that the aspiring actress saw that she could over come any obstacles in order to achieve her dreams. She was not about to let anything stop her from her goals.
Lisa Marie's struggle with hearing loss and the industry would have been stepping stone on the staircase of defeat for others. However, for her it was a motivation for success. She found success in showing off her acting skills to directors and producers. Lisa Marie feels that she stands out in her profession because although she is hard of hearing she has done speaking roles at full speed without the use of sign language. Lisa Marie prides herself on being able to speak extraordinarily well, despite her hearing impairment. In fact, she treats the directors and producers who doubt her as healthy challenges. She prides herself on being able to play her roles to an audience without them ever knowing that she has a hearing impairment.
Although, Lisa Marie was and is driven in acting she has also pursued other careers. She intended to be a woman of many hats. During the seven years that Lisa Marie lived in sunny Los Angeles, California she began professionally modeling. She was featured in the Ujena Swimwear Illustrated, Bikini Team and became a Model Semi-finalist as well as a Miss Hawaiian Tropic Contestant. It was during this that she met many resourceful people within the entertainment industry. She made strong ties with photographers, models, and actors. These special people not only helped her with the first hand experiences of the entertainment industry, they also gave her constant encouragement and positive influences to draw from. Lisa Marie also gleamed much from the experiences themselves. Of these experiences Lisa Marie says, "[They] helped me learn more about myself and reaching my potential as a model with an emphasis in fitness and shaping my self esteem."
One person who has been a source of strength to her is her close friend Johnny Alonso. Johnny has also been a huge influence on Lisa Marie and her career. Johnny, who an actor in his own right, is best known for WB roles in OC, One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek. Lisa Marie says that "he is what keeps me driven and motivated as an actor". Johnny has continued to give Lisa Marie straightforward advice on all aspects of being an actor and how to achieve progression in the entertainment industry. Johnny Alonso will be featured in the Robert DeNiro film, Blue and another thriller film, The Haunting. Lisa Marie says, “He is an "A-list" actor. His unbelievable drive as an actor and the way he delivers his characters. He is a man that knows exactly what to do in front of the camera”.
Another positive jolt to her career was when Lisa Marie met Robert Garcia Christie, who became her acting coach. She gives great acclaim to Christie who helped shape her career and acting style. "My acting coach [has] been a tremendous and positive influence [to] my acting since I began taking his film actors training".
Positive influences have been an abundant part of Lisa Marie's journey in acting and modeling, although she also has had to meet with transformations and stumbling blocks. After earning her Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a specialization in criminology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Lisa Marie changed gears and moved to the DC Metro area. After working for a year as an Assistant Director of a Youth Leadership Program, the program unfortunately came to an abrupt end. This was a blow to Lisa Marie who had made the move across country to pursue her second passion of working with children. This gave Lisa Marie the insight to make some important decisions. "I did a bit of soul searching and it dawned on me to realize that I was missing something that truly [belonged] to my heart and that was going back to acting".
That is exactly what Lisa Marie did. Thanks to a good friend/ mentor urging Lisa Marie to come to a networking event she was able to make contacts in the DC metro area. It was from this networking event that Lisa Marie landed her first role in a mainstream film. The film, Flags of Our Fathers directed by Clint Eastwood will be released in 2006. Additionally, following her Clint Eastwood film, Lisa Marie completed a small principal in the pilot, Signals by Roman Pictures Inc. Recently, just completed her supporting role in the Dobler's Pen Production for Where's Duff? Of late she has earned a prominent speaking role in a upcoming TV drama series called The Church. The Church, will begin shooting in the early summer of 2006.
While Lisa Marie is acting she continues to attend auditions on a regular basis. If that seems like a full schedule, it just scratching the surface. Lisa Marie is presently in understudy with the Robert Garcia Christie Film Actors Training.
Lisa Marie's determination and love for acting has caused her to overcome hindrances to reach for the stars and become a star in her own right.
Copyright © 2006
To find out more about, or to contact Lisamarie Holte Model/Actress
follow the links below:
http://LisamarieHolte.StarSearchCasting.com
http://www.myspace.com/lisamarieholte
Monday, May 15, 2006
Bio for Deirdre Shavon
Deirdre Shavon is making a career out of a passion. The actress/model first fell in love with the theatre as a young child. Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia it gave her closeness to New York City and Broadway. Her parents often took her to both on and off Broadway productions. Thus her roots have been firmly grounded in the versatile theatre industry. In her first play she earned the role of Imogene Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Deirdre went on to do other musicals such as Annie, Babes in Toyland, Oliver, The Sound of Music, and, The Wizard of Oz.
Deirdre’s parents made sure that she tried new things and met new people. She says that thus us why she is such a well rounded adult. However, the well rounded actress of today was not spared from difficulties. As her interest in acting grew her All American family life came to a halt with the divorce of her parents. Though she did not let the family’s divide remove her from her passion she did come away with lessons in loyalty, forgiveness, and strength.
Deirdre continued her theatre education in college by taking classes at the University of Pittsburgh and surrounding schools. It was at this time that Deirdre took a job at a talent agency. Her supervisor urged her to have a comp card done. Deirdre had originally planned to ignore her supervisor until it occurred to her that if she didn’t try her life would never change. Yet, if she tried and succeeded things would never be the same again. With nothing to lose she leaped head shot first into modeling.
She quickly got work and did several runway shows and print ads before leaving Pittsburgh. Now that college was over choices had to be made. Deirdre decided to move. She took up residence in the DC metro area. Knowing that she wanted to continue her pursuit of acting/modeling she had to start over again. She first had to learn who she could trust and where to start. She notes this as one of the greatest difficulties that she had to face. Deirdre chose to face it without her family’s knowledge and thus without their support.
These difficulties coupled with a new city, no job, and limited funds were hard on Deirdre. She saw many days where acting seemed as though it would be a hobby and not a career. She kept her determination and drive, and work started to come. She had unending support of good friends to help inspire and motivate her.
Thinking back she says a second set of difficulties came when people in the industry began to down play her acting abilities. They saw her pretty face and nothing else. Feeling downtrodden Deirdre credits not only her supportive friends but a strong sense of self with keeping her on the straight and narrow path. She continued to work hard and it paid off.
She got a spread in Two Mundos magazine. This was quickly followed up by several runway shows for Guess, Steve Madden, Levis, and Arden B. Having decided to make 2005 a productive year she set up meetings with DC agencies. She was able to land the role of Miranda in Missy & Miranda. She was cast opposite her good friend and colleague Kristine Kelly. While filming and promoting the film at this year’s Sundance Festival Deirdre learned more about a fickle business and calls this trip a learning experience.
She knows that risks will be necessary in order to have staying power within the industry. She looks to her favorite actors for examples of strong staying power, James Caan, Charlize Theron, Meryl Strep, Shirley McClain and Sandra Bullock. They know how to stay young and reinvent themselves, which is just what Deirdre plans to do.
Deirdre is still pursuing her career with the same passion and drive to make something of herself for herself first. She says that “I need to prove to myself that I can succeed in this business. That is far more important than proving it to anyone else.”
Her determination and focus has not gone without praise. Being chosen for a project is a huge compliment to Deirdre. She knows that it means good job, she also knows that it means get ready to do more hard work. With that mentality behind her it’s easy to see that Miss Deirdre Shavon’s career is gearing up to be a promising one.
Copyright © 2006
Deirdre’s parents made sure that she tried new things and met new people. She says that thus us why she is such a well rounded adult. However, the well rounded actress of today was not spared from difficulties. As her interest in acting grew her All American family life came to a halt with the divorce of her parents. Though she did not let the family’s divide remove her from her passion she did come away with lessons in loyalty, forgiveness, and strength.
Deirdre continued her theatre education in college by taking classes at the University of Pittsburgh and surrounding schools. It was at this time that Deirdre took a job at a talent agency. Her supervisor urged her to have a comp card done. Deirdre had originally planned to ignore her supervisor until it occurred to her that if she didn’t try her life would never change. Yet, if she tried and succeeded things would never be the same again. With nothing to lose she leaped head shot first into modeling.
She quickly got work and did several runway shows and print ads before leaving Pittsburgh. Now that college was over choices had to be made. Deirdre decided to move. She took up residence in the DC metro area. Knowing that she wanted to continue her pursuit of acting/modeling she had to start over again. She first had to learn who she could trust and where to start. She notes this as one of the greatest difficulties that she had to face. Deirdre chose to face it without her family’s knowledge and thus without their support.
These difficulties coupled with a new city, no job, and limited funds were hard on Deirdre. She saw many days where acting seemed as though it would be a hobby and not a career. She kept her determination and drive, and work started to come. She had unending support of good friends to help inspire and motivate her.
Thinking back she says a second set of difficulties came when people in the industry began to down play her acting abilities. They saw her pretty face and nothing else. Feeling downtrodden Deirdre credits not only her supportive friends but a strong sense of self with keeping her on the straight and narrow path. She continued to work hard and it paid off.
She got a spread in Two Mundos magazine. This was quickly followed up by several runway shows for Guess, Steve Madden, Levis, and Arden B. Having decided to make 2005 a productive year she set up meetings with DC agencies. She was able to land the role of Miranda in Missy & Miranda. She was cast opposite her good friend and colleague Kristine Kelly. While filming and promoting the film at this year’s Sundance Festival Deirdre learned more about a fickle business and calls this trip a learning experience.
She knows that risks will be necessary in order to have staying power within the industry. She looks to her favorite actors for examples of strong staying power, James Caan, Charlize Theron, Meryl Strep, Shirley McClain and Sandra Bullock. They know how to stay young and reinvent themselves, which is just what Deirdre plans to do.
Deirdre is still pursuing her career with the same passion and drive to make something of herself for herself first. She says that “I need to prove to myself that I can succeed in this business. That is far more important than proving it to anyone else.”
Her determination and focus has not gone without praise. Being chosen for a project is a huge compliment to Deirdre. She knows that it means good job, she also knows that it means get ready to do more hard work. With that mentality behind her it’s easy to see that Miss Deirdre Shavon’s career is gearing up to be a promising one.
Copyright © 2006
1996, 2006 Some Music Lasts
Thinking back to 1996…
I got this silly forward a few days ago called 10 yrs ago. It came with questions that you have to fill out on yourself before sending it on to your group of friends. In doing this forward I was focused on thinking back to high school. Yuck! One of the questions was ‘what cd was on repeat in your stereo?’ (Because who had a mp3 player in ’96?) This was an easy question for me it was the cd, The Score the sophomore album from The Fugees. The Fugees a trio containing Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michael, had phenomenal success and went on to win two Grammy’s that year. Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song by a duo or group for their remake of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly”. Good times right?
Well ‘Ready or Not’ (to use a title of another one of their hits from The Score) here they come. The Fugees are recording a new album as you read. It is currently an untitled album but thanks to the internet we know that the first song is called “Take It Easy”.
Separately the three stars have done amazingly well. Lauryn set a record as the only female performer to be nominated for 11 Grammys and won a record 5 including Best New Artist and Best Album of the Year for her first solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Wyclef went on to record 5 albums and Pras established an acting career.
Despite all of their individual fame I couldn’t help but wonder when will they get back together and what will the material sound like? As an eager fan I’ll have to wait like the rest to see what they are planning for us in this coming year. Rumor has it that the album should drop before the end of 2006. I’ll ‘take it easy’ til then but I can’t wait to have new material from the trio in my mp3 player.
Copyright © 2006
I got this silly forward a few days ago called 10 yrs ago. It came with questions that you have to fill out on yourself before sending it on to your group of friends. In doing this forward I was focused on thinking back to high school. Yuck! One of the questions was ‘what cd was on repeat in your stereo?’ (Because who had a mp3 player in ’96?) This was an easy question for me it was the cd, The Score the sophomore album from The Fugees. The Fugees a trio containing Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michael, had phenomenal success and went on to win two Grammy’s that year. Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song by a duo or group for their remake of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly”. Good times right?
Well ‘Ready or Not’ (to use a title of another one of their hits from The Score) here they come. The Fugees are recording a new album as you read. It is currently an untitled album but thanks to the internet we know that the first song is called “Take It Easy”.
Separately the three stars have done amazingly well. Lauryn set a record as the only female performer to be nominated for 11 Grammys and won a record 5 including Best New Artist and Best Album of the Year for her first solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Wyclef went on to record 5 albums and Pras established an acting career.
Despite all of their individual fame I couldn’t help but wonder when will they get back together and what will the material sound like? As an eager fan I’ll have to wait like the rest to see what they are planning for us in this coming year. Rumor has it that the album should drop before the end of 2006. I’ll ‘take it easy’ til then but I can’t wait to have new material from the trio in my mp3 player.
Copyright © 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Interview with Ms. April Carson
I got the opportunity to sit down with the talented Ms. April Carson. She currently calls Hollywood, California home to her life and her music. She has begun to make her mark on the industry and is planning to be a force to be reckoned with.
1. How and where did you come up?
I was born and raised in Portland Oregon with three older sisters, younger brother, a Christian mom and a hustler for a dad.
2. What's music all about for you? When did it become more than just a pass time?
Music is about living a dream I had buried in my heart as a child. It's about using a gift bestowed on me by God. It's about reaching for greatness. I began to take music seriously a few years back when I hired a professional vocal coach.
3. What or who have been some positive influences?
My mommy, for her undying prayers, love and support. James Leach of Sesac, because he signed me after only hearing me sing over the phone. Finally, my man. I can't explain it, but the way he lives life inspires me, he's so positive.
4. What about negative barriers?
I've experienced plenty of barriers like anyone else, but learning how to persevere despite them has made me into who I am today.
5. What has kept you driven and focused on music?
I almost gave up on it but, in the end faith has kept me thus far.
6. Who in the music business gets the most respect from you right now?
Missy Elliot, I love her creativity. India Irie, her lyrical content is masterful. Madonna, is fabulous and over forty, constantly reinventing herself. Kanye West , for his dedication to making great music. Beyonce, because of her fire.
7. Who's CD, who's work is paramount to you?
India Irie, work speaks to my soul. Her music is inspiring and encouraging, when I heard her first album Acoustic Soul, it was like I gained a sister.
8. Who is your sound comparable to?
I've been told it's a mixture of Missy(for style) and Beyonce (for vocal ability). Honestly, I don't want to I sound like anyone.
9. When did performance start for you?
In sixth grade at a school talent show.
10. Where can the public find out more about you and your music?
Currently the public should view www.myspace.com/aprilcason for updates. There's and album dropping this year, and performances to follow.
11. Anything else you want us to know about you and your music future?
That I'm here to be me, not to clone anyone else. I don't make music according to trends. I simply create what my spirit is leading me to do in that moment. I plan to make my mark on this industry and stick around for a while. So don’t sleep, be looking for me, because I'm one to watch.
Copyright © 2006
1. How and where did you come up?
I was born and raised in Portland Oregon with three older sisters, younger brother, a Christian mom and a hustler for a dad.
2. What's music all about for you? When did it become more than just a pass time?
Music is about living a dream I had buried in my heart as a child. It's about using a gift bestowed on me by God. It's about reaching for greatness. I began to take music seriously a few years back when I hired a professional vocal coach.
3. What or who have been some positive influences?
My mommy, for her undying prayers, love and support. James Leach of Sesac, because he signed me after only hearing me sing over the phone. Finally, my man. I can't explain it, but the way he lives life inspires me, he's so positive.
4. What about negative barriers?
I've experienced plenty of barriers like anyone else, but learning how to persevere despite them has made me into who I am today.
5. What has kept you driven and focused on music?
I almost gave up on it but, in the end faith has kept me thus far.
6. Who in the music business gets the most respect from you right now?
Missy Elliot, I love her creativity. India Irie, her lyrical content is masterful. Madonna, is fabulous and over forty, constantly reinventing herself. Kanye West , for his dedication to making great music. Beyonce, because of her fire.
7. Who's CD, who's work is paramount to you?
India Irie, work speaks to my soul. Her music is inspiring and encouraging, when I heard her first album Acoustic Soul, it was like I gained a sister.
8. Who is your sound comparable to?
I've been told it's a mixture of Missy(for style) and Beyonce (for vocal ability). Honestly, I don't want to I sound like anyone.
9. When did performance start for you?
In sixth grade at a school talent show.
10. Where can the public find out more about you and your music?
Currently the public should view www.myspace.com/aprilcason for updates. There's and album dropping this year, and performances to follow.
11. Anything else you want us to know about you and your music future?
That I'm here to be me, not to clone anyone else. I don't make music according to trends. I simply create what my spirit is leading me to do in that moment. I plan to make my mark on this industry and stick around for a while. So don’t sleep, be looking for me, because I'm one to watch.
Copyright © 2006
Bio for Lady B.L.A.D.E
Rising female mc Lady B.L.A.D.E was born and raised on the streets of Brooklyn, New York. Being the baby of the family she had her two older brothers to mold herself after. Rapidly life forced her to grow beyond her years. With the influences of her family Lady B.L.A.D.E turned to music at an early age. It was this love of music and family that kept her sane and strong. Being that her mother is a vocalist and her older brother an aspiring rap artist, talent is in the blood of this female mc. By the time she reached the age of 12 she had filled 2 notebooks with prose, R&B lyrics and Rap verses.
Lady B.L.A.D.E also looked up to outside influences. These musical influences are the roots of the tree that is the female mc. Women such as Salt n Pepa, MC Lyte, and naturally Queen Latifah, lit the path for Lady B.L.A.D.E.
By the age of 14 she connected with a female mc. Unfortunately, the group didn’t do much together and eventually their time ended. Being determined and about her grind Lady B.L.A.D.E did not let that hold her from her passion of being a mc.
Then in 1998 she and a second female MC integrated their talents to form another group. This group had more success. They went on to work with producer Patrice Germain P/k/a “Mix Master G Flexx” and recorded four tracks for his compilation album “Taking It to the Streets”. After these successes Lady B.L.A.D.E and her musical partner decided to call it quits.
It was not long before Lady B.L.A.D.E returned to the rap game. This time she is hitting the world of entertainment as a solo artist. Now back with a vengeance Lady B.L.A.D.E has sworn to give us a unique style that will hype the ladies as well as earn street credit from the male audience. Lady B.L.A.D.E’s song writing abilities will keep listeners intoxicated. She’s got a gift to tell a story wrapped in a rhyme. She has sophistication as well as street knowledge that makes her receivable on all levels. On http://www.flocabulary.com/ you can check her out. She has composed an educational piece on the role of Harriet Tubman in the Civil War.
Currently she is working on her solo album. The release date has yet to be made, but do not sleep on Lady B.L.A.D.E. When asked her feelings on the rap game she was quoted as saying “I am now ready for the game, the question is, is the game ready for me?” With this type of force behind her rhymes it’s safe to say that Lady B.L.A.D.E is down to make things happen.
For more information on Lady B.L.A.D.E check her every Sunday from 12-3pm on the Grindethiks Mixtape show http://www.scrubradio.com/. You can add her as a friend and leave a comment to support her on www.myspace.com/dablade . On http://www.femmixx.com/ you can learn more about her journey to the top of the rap game in the interview section. She is also featured in the March-April issue of the Yellow Rat Bastard in the Celebrity Look a Like section under Queen Latifah. Last but not least do not miss Lady B.L.A.D.E on DJ Nina 9's All Female Mixtape entitled "Guns & Roses" Vol 2 to be released Summer 2006.
Copyright © 2006
Lady B.L.A.D.E also looked up to outside influences. These musical influences are the roots of the tree that is the female mc. Women such as Salt n Pepa, MC Lyte, and naturally Queen Latifah, lit the path for Lady B.L.A.D.E.
By the age of 14 she connected with a female mc. Unfortunately, the group didn’t do much together and eventually their time ended. Being determined and about her grind Lady B.L.A.D.E did not let that hold her from her passion of being a mc.
Then in 1998 she and a second female MC integrated their talents to form another group. This group had more success. They went on to work with producer Patrice Germain P/k/a “Mix Master G Flexx” and recorded four tracks for his compilation album “Taking It to the Streets”. After these successes Lady B.L.A.D.E and her musical partner decided to call it quits.
It was not long before Lady B.L.A.D.E returned to the rap game. This time she is hitting the world of entertainment as a solo artist. Now back with a vengeance Lady B.L.A.D.E has sworn to give us a unique style that will hype the ladies as well as earn street credit from the male audience. Lady B.L.A.D.E’s song writing abilities will keep listeners intoxicated. She’s got a gift to tell a story wrapped in a rhyme. She has sophistication as well as street knowledge that makes her receivable on all levels. On http://www.flocabulary.com/ you can check her out. She has composed an educational piece on the role of Harriet Tubman in the Civil War.
Currently she is working on her solo album. The release date has yet to be made, but do not sleep on Lady B.L.A.D.E. When asked her feelings on the rap game she was quoted as saying “I am now ready for the game, the question is, is the game ready for me?” With this type of force behind her rhymes it’s safe to say that Lady B.L.A.D.E is down to make things happen.
For more information on Lady B.L.A.D.E check her every Sunday from 12-3pm on the Grindethiks Mixtape show http://www.scrubradio.com/. You can add her as a friend and leave a comment to support her on www.myspace.com/dablade . On http://www.femmixx.com/ you can learn more about her journey to the top of the rap game in the interview section. She is also featured in the March-April issue of the Yellow Rat Bastard in the Celebrity Look a Like section under Queen Latifah. Last but not least do not miss Lady B.L.A.D.E on DJ Nina 9's All Female Mixtape entitled "Guns & Roses" Vol 2 to be released Summer 2006.
Copyright © 2006
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