The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong: Highest Hotel in the World Opens

Want to get high ... legally? No, we're not talking a Saliva trip à la Miley Cyrus, but a literal 118 stories high.




The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong yesterday announced the opening of their 16th property in Asia, which boasts the title of "highest hotel in the world." Located at the very top of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Hong Kong and occupying floors 102 to 118, the hotel takes the honors away from the current title holder in Dubai.

"The opening of this landmark hotel in Hong Kong is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication to delivering the very best product, facilities and service in this international gateway city," said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

Arrival
Don't prep for a long elevator ride just yet. The hotel's arrival lobby is actually located on the ninth floor of the building, where guests will pause before being transported to floor 103, which offers panoramic views of Hong Kong and the harbor.



Rooms
The large but intimate-feeling hotel features 312 guest rooms ranging from 530 square feet for a basic Deluxe to 3,920 for the Ritz-Carlton Suite. All of the rooms offer amenities including WiFi, iPod docking stations, blu-ray DVD players and flat screen TVs. Want to splurge? We'd suggest booking a Club-level room, which offers panoramic views, a dedicated concierge, meeting rooms and complimentary food and beverages throughout the day.

Restaurants
You won't go hungry either. The hotel's six dining venues have been created by some of the biggest names in restaurant design, including Japan's Spin Design Studio and Wonderwall. The hotel offers three restaurants on the 102nd floor, including Tin Lung Heen, which offers Chinese cuisine with a Cantonese influence, Tosca, an Southern Italian restaurant with an open kitchen and the very stylish The Lounge & Bar. Don't miss the lounge's crystal fire pits.

Perhaps the jewel in the crown is Ozone located on the hotel's 118th floor. This sleek, stylish and contemporary restaurant and bar offers up a menu of contemporary Asian tapas, signature cocktails and a stylish wine list. There's even an al fresco terrace - just don't look down!

Sweet tooth? You'll want to save room for The Chocolate Library on the 103rd floor and, for those who want a quick bite during check-in, there's also a patisserie located on the ninth floor.





Spa
Of course, no Ritz-Carlton would be complete without a spa. This branded ESPA spa is located on the hotel's 116th floor and offers nine treatment rooms plus two couples suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. We've heard the facials are truly spectacular, but the treatments all sound top-notch. Naturally, the hotel also features a fully equipped fitness center, the highlight of which is an indoor infinity pool overlooking the Victoria Harbour on the 118th and the 92' x 23' LED screen on the ceiling that can display images and videos.







What To Do
In the podium of the ICC, the one million square foot Elements shopping mall offers some of the finest shopping in Hong Kong. The ICC also offers direct connections to Hong Kong International Airport in 20 minutes and Central in five minutes.

Looks like we're planning a trip to Hong Kong in the near future - what about you?

Author: McLean Robbins

50 Marketing New Line of Wireless 'Sleek by 50' Headphones

(AllHipHop News) 50 Cent's G-Unit affiliated company SMS Audio LLC recently entered into a deal H&HY Imports and TV Goods Inc., to market a new "Sleek by 50" line up headphones that will be coming to the market.

The rapper's company SMS is in the process of creating a variety of audio products.

TV Goods Inc. and H&H have agreed to producing global informercials to market the products, which includes a new, over-the-ear-wireless version of the Sleek by 50 line of headphones.

"I am excited to be taking the next step toward the launch of a line of high-quality audio products," 50 Cent said in a statement. "TV Goods is the right partner for direct response marketing of our first audio product. This is their specialty. I know quality sound equipment, and TV Goods knows how to bring it to consumers through their living rooms."

According to H&H Chairman Kevin Harrington, 50 Cent's involvement with the company has had a drastic impact on the company since the pair announced a deal in January.

50 sent a number of tweets to almost 3 million of his followers, urging them to buy stock in H&H Imports, resulting in him earning a reported $8.7 million, after H&H's stock jumped from $0.10 a share to $0.39 a share.

"Working closely with 50 Cent has had a tremendous impact on the company and its future prospects," Harrington said. "He is a great marketer with an eye for business opportunities."

Author: Nolan Strong

Slim Thug Feat. Rick Ross "How We Do It" (Behind The Scenes Footage)

Slim Thug Feat. Rick Ross "How We Do It" (Behind The Scenes Footage)

Quik Shot Of Slim Thug At His New Video Shoot For His Song " How We Do It " Ricky Rozay Made His Appearance Down To Texas To Support The Boss Hogg President.

400 Toes Is All A Sister Knows

This is Lulu White [Lulu Hendley] she was the most sucessfull Black female Pimp of all time, procuress and entrepreneur in New Orleans, Louisiana during the Storyville period.
An eccentric figure, she was noted for her love of jewelry, her many failed business ventures, and her criminal record that extended in New Orleans as far back as 1880. That criminal record is special in the fact the she was the only and first woman to ever receive a pardon by a US President! That's right, she had the best poo-nanny for sale in the nation! And her presence was in such high demand even the President had to set her free.

The exact dates of White's birth and death are not known. She was born on a farm near Selma, Alabama, but claimed to be an immigrant from the West Indies. Publicity from about 1906 claimed that she was 31 years old. She was of mixed race, and enjoyed, for a time, an affluence rare for those of African American descent. Jazz historian Al Rose sought documentation of her death, and believed that she died at the residence of former Madam Willie Piazza in 1931.

In 1906, she ran into financial difficulties that left her destitute, and moved to California. She commuted back and forth between California and Louisiana several times over the course of her career and kept a high profile until the demise of Storyville. A teller at the National Bank of New Orleans reported that, in 1941, White made a withdrawal. Otherwise, no information about her post-Storyville life remains. Until forcible closure in 1917, White ran a sumptuous brothel known as Mahogany Hall, located at 235 Basin Street. It was known as an 'Octoroon Parlor' meaning that all of the girls working there were light-skinned African Americans of mixed racial descent. The four-story house reportedly cost $40,000 to build (about $1 million in 2008 dollars).

According to publicity of the time, Mahogany Hall, housed forty women. The official brochure for the house also stated that it had five parlors (one of which was a 'Mirrored Parlor') and fifteen bedrooms, each with its own adjoining bathroom. Famous Storyville photographer E. J. Bellocq's surviving photographs of the house attest to its abundance of elegant furnishings, huge chandeliers and potted ferns. The building housed several expensive oil paintings, Tiffany stained glass windows and other works of art. Filmoe Slim or Pimpin Ken never had 400 toes on the street at the same time before. She goes down as the greatest Pimp of All-Time, hands down!

Author: Christopher Gonzales

Why Do Men Hate These Popular Trends Women Love?

We may get excited about a pair of 70s-inspired flared jeans or one of Gwen Stefani’s asymmetrical, pattern-on-pattern getups, but guys don’t always see fashion the way we do. In fact, some of the trends we swear by they find downright unattractive. In this episode we’re highlighting six that, according to our research, rank as guys’ least favorite. Watch and see if you agree.


Now, just because guys don’t feel the same way we do about certain trends doesn’t mean that we’re going to abandon them or love them any less. On the other hand, there are some here that are probably best left for the runway. Here are the six fashion picks guys don't get:



1. Ugg boots

The on-set footwear of choice for celebrities (how many times have we seen photos of the “Gossip Girl” crew in gowns and Uggs?) is admittedly hard on the eyes. But in the right situation and when worn with jeans (NOT jean shorts), they’re worth it. If more guys tried on a pair, they’d understand. It's the shoe equivalent of comfort food.

2. Oversized sunglasses

Guys think they make us look like bugs. I think they add glamour and drama. But, I’ll concede one point: It’s important to find a size and shape that actually fits your face.

3. Jumpsuits

Even stylish and svelte women like Blake Lively and Kourtney Kardashian can barely pull them off. I understand the retro appeal, but they’re awfully hard to look good in. Guys win this one.

4. Red lipstick

This one was a surprise. Apparently, some guys find the un-kissability factor a turnoff. I think there's nothing sexier than red lips, gold eyeshadow and extra long lashes.

5. Harem pants

Celebrities like Julianne Moore and Jessica Alba have tried their best to make them look halfway decent, but there’s no way anyone can honestly say there isn’t a more flattering option then a pair of pants that look like they come with a built-in diaper. Guys win this one, too.

6. Socks with sandals

Respected indie fashionistas like Chloe Sevigny and Alexa Chung valiantly tested the trend but I say the sexiness of a strappy sandal is undercut by a wooly underlayer.



What do you think of the list? Would a guy’s opinion make you re-think your fashion choices?

Author: Sarah Bernard, Host Of The Thread

Prince Noy - (Under The Scope Talent)

Born September 23, 1984 in Nyack,Ny the world didnt know one of its future stars entered the scene. As a new yorker and raised with a single strong mother, Noy the Prince was blessed to be able to travel back and forth to Villa Humacao, Puerto Rico therefore growing up between the worlds of Rap & Merenge/salsa/reggaeton. Also an unforgettable timeline in his life during the teen & early twenties in the military allowed him to gain a worldly sense of knowledge and discipline which helps him out tremendously on outlook on life. In addition to the knowledge his motivation behind music is sincere as he lost his first born child at the age of 2 to a car accident, its led to believe from this moment on his passion for music could not be held in any longer. Now as a California Citizen Prince Noy is facing the respectable challenges of being in a hostile envoirment such as the Central Valley of California and is ready to take on any situation that may present itself. He has a Unique and anti-typical way of telling my stories, as well as the ablity to Create a song with out any type of profanity or negative reflections on women and still make the song sound attractive, interesting, and presentable. The Prince is well on the way through a path of becoming my destined goal as not only an entertainer to the social world but a positive image and icon to the real world. His influentual impact on artist and fans is simply remarkable. Noy also has the ability to sing and write for hip hop/R&B artist with the multi talented skills of word knowledge and catchy concepts. He also can expand his talents to reggaeton and latin music due to the fact that he is Bi-lingual in eglish and Spanish. A couple of things that separate him from a large amount of hip hop artist are the fact that he is completely original, and on top of that his gifted versatility allows him to be original in an innovative fashion. Another point is that there is obvious substance in Prince Noy`s projects with a relative meaning to the song which may be the the same experiences a lot of his listeners are going through. With influences like hip hop legends such as Biggie Smalls,Krs-1, Big L, Tupac, and Jay-Z just to name a few. Im looking forward to attempting to put a dent in the music industry remotely similar to them. Using his well thought out punchlines in mix with his new york body of work meshed with A dose of California shine he is confident in pursuing his passion for music.

G-Shocks & Jordans

Cool Grey Edition:

Lady Gaga Shatters Records With New Single

After just 3 days, GaGa's 'Born This Way' has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with an awe–inspiring 448k downloads, making giving it the 1st–week highest digital sales by a female artist in history (3rd highest overall). Claiming the title as the chart's 1000th #1 single, the track also scored the largest premiere–week airplay figures with an audience of 78.5 million listeners.
The success of 'Born This Way' eclipses the achievements of Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' which debuted at #1 4 weeks ago by selling 411k in digital downloads and 45 million audience impressions. 'Born.' even entered at #14 on the Pop Songs lineup, positioning it as the 2nd highest debut by a song on the chart in history.
Nevertheless, despite GaGa's massive accomplishment, she was unable to outshineMariah Carey's 18–year record on the Pop chart. Music's best–selling songbird maintains her record for having the highest debut on the Pop Songs tally with'Dreamlover' which entered at #12 in 1993.

Facebook Can Lead to Depression in Adolescents, Report Says

Just when you think you've got the whole social media thing covered with your tween or teen, a new tech-related monster rears its ugly head.

As if sexting and cyberbullying weren't enough for parents to worry about, now "Facebook depression" joins the list of things to fret over.

This new phenomenon is identified as depression that kicks in after adolescents spend a lot of time on social media sites, leading to classic symptoms of depression, according to a new report on social media and children released today by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Viewing a constant stream on Facebook that includes happy, boasting status updates and photos of your peers having a great time can make kids feel worse about themselves, the Chicago Tribune reports.

"It can be more painful than sitting alone in a crowded school cafeteria or other real-life encounters that can make kids feel down, because Facebook provides a skewed view of what's really going on." Gwenn O'Keeffe, the report's co-author, tells the Tribune. "Online, there's no way to see facial expressions or read body language that provide context."

Kids who suffer from online depression are at risk for social isolation, just as with offline depression, and may turn to risky Internet sites and blogs for "help" -- which may encourage substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices or self-destructive or aggressive behaviors, the researchers say.

This phenomenon is of critical importance in light of the significant increase in the number of kids using social media sites over the last five years. In fact, the study says, social media use is now one of the most common activities of children and adolescents.

Recent statistics show that 22 percent of teenagers log on to their favorite social media site more than 10 times per day, and more than half of teens log on more than once a day, according to the report. In addition, 75 percent of teens now have cell phones, with 25 percent using them for social media, 54 percent for texting and 24 percent for instant messaging.

With this mind, the researchers say a "large part of this generation's social and emotional development is occurring while on the Internet and on cell phones."

The reports notes that social media can benefit kids, saying it can "enhance communication, facilitate social interaction and help develop technical skills." Social media also can help adolescents identify volunteer opportunities, augment traditional classroom learning methods and even help shape their sense of identity.

"But because tweens and teens have a limited capacity for self-regulation and are susceptible to peer pressure, they are at some risk as they engage in and experiment with social media," the report states.

Tweens and teens can sometimes find themselves on sites and in situations that are not age-appropriate, the authors note, adding that unhealthy offline behaviors frequently find their way online now, with bullying, cliques and sexual experimentation cropping up online as cyberbullying, privacy issues and sexting.

Other problems that can often result from extensive social media use include Internet addiction and sleep deprivation, the researchers note.

"Some young people find the lure of social media difficult to resist, which can interfere with homework, sleep and physical activity," O'Keeffe says in a news release.

O'Keeffe says parents need to understand how their child is using social media so they can set appropriate limits.

And, although many parents are tech savvy and have a presence on many of the same social media sites as their children, some parents may still find it hard to relate to their kids online.

Author: Honey Berk

Honey is a freelance writer and marketing consultant, focusing primarily on topics related to sustainable, green living. As an accredited LEED green building professional, Honey has developed, designed and created content for national environmental organizations’ websites. Kids: 2. Parenting style: Cool mom with a dash of anxiety. Follow Honey on Twitter @honeyberk

Radio 3000 Birthday Bash Commercial

You Don't Want To Miss This Event Going Down April 2nd In Tracy,Ca. We Putting It On Live For The 209

Saturday Chill Session

I'm Playing Online Poker Sipping On Lager & Smoking Grapes On This Cold Saturday Night. Sometimes I Just Like To Enjoy The Company Of Myself You Know? Get One With My Thoughts. My Album Is Coming Out Almost Perfect In My Eyes I Got Some Dope Features On There To Compliment My Flow. The Website Is Doing Exceptionally Well In It's First Couple Of Months. Traffic Has Risen Each Week And With Each Story We Post. Still Looking For more Writers That Know How To Work Blogger.

Tomorrow I'm In Modesto At The Bar & Grill For The 4th Annual 209 Indie Fest! Pretty Big Event The Last 4 Years You Might Wanna Come Threw There. All In All I'm Living, Taking Care Of Mines, And Making Great Music. Keep Supporting The Hard Work I Put In, All I Can Say Is I'm More Than Thankful For The Love. G-Shocks & Jordans Will Be Dropping Soon For Free Download On Here. Bookmark The Page For Easy Access To Us. God Bless All Of You & Your Loved Ones

G-Shocks & Jordans

Black Ice Edition

Little Libyan Superman

This week I was reading an article about a downed United States F-15 fighter jet (approx. cost 150 million dollars) somewhere in the sovereign nation of Libya. You might have knowledge about the news, and the American military's account that it's falling was due to "mechanical failure" rather than a result of enemy suppression. A ask myself why all briefings from the top brass of our country always contest loss of personnel or equipment is either a result of mechanical failure, friendly fire, or kamikaze style religious patsies? But if I am honest with myself, I know the answer. It is all explained in the ancient classic book by Sun Tzu titled "The Art of War". One of his main points towards the beginning clearly explains the "Art of Deception". To be truthful from a leaders standpoint, such info could possibly crush troop morale, and jeopardize the support of citizens back home. As if Libyan anti-aircraft guns and S.A.M.S (Surface to Air Missiles) shoot water ballons, and their heat seeking projectiles are made of Play-Doe.

This photo I stare at with intense, intrigue, and compassion. I see the fresh green landscape and what appears to be a suburban housing development similar to a county that you and I currently hold residency in. I see the father of children wearing American made Levi's holding his cell phone. I wonder if he has service still? Maybe he has it with him just to document history with a "jpeg" file? Is his wife back at home filled with anxiety because her Little Libyan Superman is at ground zero of the incident.

Then comes the cute three year old boy, mouth open, wearing camouflage dungrees (the irony), and the Libyan flag around his neck. It stirs emotions inside of me. Mostly compassion for the Little Libyan Superman's current predicament. He is at that age when all external stimuli is tasted, digested, and absorbed into the psyche. The destruction, sounds of gunfire, and supersonic jets passing over head is absorbed. The conversations his dad is having with the locals and the tones at which he expresses himself the boy understands. The subliminal tattoo that will chisel his character for years to come. It reminds me when I had the opportunity to raise my own son. Watching every move I made, words I spoke, songs I listened to in his presence, and filtering of the shows on television we would watch. The Little Libyan Superman's age is so fragile, so innocent.

Governments and wars don't care about such an impact. Egos have taken control, and self-centered goals and material domination becomes the un-natural beast! I hope when he becomes a man he will be able to channel such experiences from the past to have a positive effect on his future. That is if another "mechanical failure" doesn't hit his home first. Thoughts of you Little Superman.


Author: C. Gonzales

G-Shocks & Jordans

Okay Somebody Stop My Fresh. Jordan Primes Is Nice Right? And That G-Thang Is Mean!









Orion Edition

Concrete Curtain

I hit the storage unit I own last week and it reminded me of an experience when I seen the jacket above. It's hard to remember what year it was but if Mack Jr. (my son) is 13 now then it had to be around 2001. I had landed a charitable job in the mortgage industry located in Livermore, CA and decided to move close by (2.5 miles). After establishing myself as a true "go getter" I treated myself to a fly apartment in the desirable neighborhood simply because I could afford it. Everything was so close as far as a night life, there was no need to drive. After several months with getting familiar with my surroundings, I decided to step out vs. heading back to the comfortable tenderloins of Stockton, Ca. I walked downtown and hit a spot that was knocking some Too Short. I had on a jean Platinum Fubu outfit with a crazy nice logo of Fat Albert on the back, pants too! Black Timberlands and a cell phone that was about a year before its time.

I hit the club and posted at the bar. Clearly I felt out of pocket, there's no colored folks in site. But like some hard headed black people like myself I said fuck it. I stubbornly felt invincible to my surroundings. The DJ plays some Mac Dre and that's a signal for those who understand the "Thizz" movement, to hit the floor and commence to "giggin". Two white girls feel the swagger and decide to join. Hey, its all good right? They were friends but obviously trying to out do one another. I recognized and when the song was finished I bought them both a Redbull and Vodka just to chill out. (wine would have been better, now I know) The ugly one got aggressive and I gave her a straight arm just so she could recognize game, chill out. She started poppin off at the mouth and I was like whatever! Clubs over and time to go home so I start to stroll.

I'm was on my phone feelin myself talkin to the ex-wifey telling her I made it and shit. A Ninja was clockin $80k suggesting she should come visit. Half way strolling to the crib, I look back and Livermore Police Department drew down on me (pulled out there guns). I dropped my phone and cooperated! No explanation, no reason, for arrest until I got in the back seat. The aggressive white girl in the club was the Sergeant on Duty's younger sister. I told him, "on my life I never was aggressive with her or threatened her in any way". He was not hearing it and told me I was lucky just to be going to jail. That's when I got quiet and said Fuck! There goes my job. But it was Wednesday and for sure I could bail out and be back to work by Friday. I had good money!

I sucked it up and caught the flu immediately when I hit the main pod and a bunk at Santa Rita County Jail in Pleasanton, Ca.. My immune system shut down due to stress. I called my best friend G-Mac and he excepted every collect call. They wouldn't let me bail out until Monday and I was so sick I couldn't make it to chow time. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Thank God brothas recognized me from Stockton because of a local Rapper that goes by Melly Mel. They blessed me with oranges, apples, and fluids so I could gain my strength back over the weekend. Men in there call the place "the concrete curtain" because no matter your situation, nobody really could see your pain.

I believed in my friend G-Mac and he got me released Monday morning round 9am. I jogged 3 miles to the bus stop and on the way home, I hit the Plesanton Mall to pick up my sons Christmas pictures we took. Boy was he shining! When we took those pics I made sure he got a good nap prior and was full of Ms. Fields Chocolate Chip cookies! We had three outfits a piece and were feeling like celebrities at the JC Penny's photo department. The Puerto Rican dude taking the pictures was really having fun too. I remembered him well.

Once I got off the bus and arrived at the mall, guess who I opened the door for? That's right, the same girl who put me in jail! I smiled and asked her why? Her and her girlfriend ran to the car and I told her we would she each other in court. Picked up my pictures of Mack Jr. and headed straight to work. My bosses were white but they knew I was out of place trying to kick it in the Livermore night life. Plus my value on the job was too great to let go of me. I raised the bar for the hole office and they were glad I was back. During lunch I called a lawyer and scheduled an appointment with him the next day. Wrote a check for 5 racks thinking I'd be all good. You see paying for your innocence everyday on television so I was comfortable. Not the case. All the money did was drop the accusation to a misdemeanor battery charge and community service for basically letting a white girl know I'm cool...

The crazy thing is that when I decided I had enough of Livermore and bought a new KB home in wine country Patterson, Ca, I came home from the grocery store and laid down upstairs and heard the next door neighbor whooping his woman's ass! I woke up and said damn...how can I go over there and settle that shit down? I had never introduced myself. I grabbed the unopened bottle of Belvedere I bought recently, found an adhesive bow, and headed there house with the house warming gift. Took a while for them to answer the door but guess who it was? Yep, the same Puerto Rican dude that was the photographer at JC Penney's. He was embarrassed and his girl was hella fine! I never touched her though. Neighbors are too close for comfort. But you never heard him putting hands on her again. A single, black, and successful male with all the big boy toys right next door can have a positive influence when your an insecure man putting your hands on your woman.

Life is crazy..Somebody told me long time ago that taking a personal inventory was important to let go of unfortunate fluke circumstances that occur. Write the shit down, mail it, and be done with it. So poof! Be gone. I'm good and still here. Thanks to all the Stockton, Ca black men that recognized my illness while on lockdown and my close friend G-Mac. I had breakfast with him this morning. I will always keep this jacket, it's a trophy.

Author: C. Gonzales

Model Watch - #3 Tatianna Roberts

Tati Is From San Fransicso,Ca. She Was So Professional She Had Her Answers Ready To Go When I Interviewed Her. So I'm Going To Copy Paste Her Answers To My Questions. lol

QUESTION: How Old Are You

Tati: 20yrs young Born Aug. 11th





QUESTION: How Long Have You Been Modeling

Tati: I started doing a little modeling when i was 14 but my mom was a single parent and she never had enought time to invest in me so I'd just recently started doin it again all on my own this past year...
I was also in a beauty pagent when i was 15 and was name 3rd runner up for Miss Teen of the nation 2006







QUESTION: What Do You Do When Your Not Modeling

Tati: I am part time student studying to achieve degree in Bus/Theatre, I work as a Brand Ambassador promoting different products from make-up to dog food. and I am also a mother of a 2year old who keeps me busy when im not pursing my career.

QUESTION: What Would Be A Modeling Milestone

Tati: To walk in Fashion week in Nyc and to work with Willi smith...
and work with Nigel Barker!!







QUESTION: When Asked Is There Anything More That We Left Out

Tati: Plz dont forget to add I am an aspiring actress that dances and can rap as well!!!
END:

Now That Is What I Call A Young Lady With Drive. Stay Focused Tati You Looking & Doing A Great Job!

Sav - (Under The Scope Talent)

This Dude Got Talent And I'm Not Saying That Because He From My City (Stockton) The 21 Year Old Moved To L.A. To Pursue His Talents And From The Sound Of It Is Doing Good. I Love To See Artist From My Area That Really Have Talent & Pursue It Daily. Look Out For This Cat He Is Smooth.

G-Shocks & Jordans

As You Know I Have A Street Album Coming Out Before My 3rd Studio Album. Well I'm Doing A Series On Here To Promote that! Check Out The First Edition Of G-Shocks & Jordans Below!












Black & Gold Edition

The Soul Of Women Of Color

This picture here is not of the brilliant author for the book that I am currently captured by. This is a picture of one of millions of strong hopefull Black Women that never ever gave up the believe that she would see the light of freedom. She is anonymous but beautiful. Heart made of the finest metallurgical substances that can be found on earth and beyond. Hands stronger than a retired mechanic, emotions that run further than long yonder. She is the one that kept a stern face amongst chaos and total devastation of her dignity. Body, mind and soul. She didn't know how to read or write but her mind was savy, slick, and acute! She held it inside though. She had double the trouble versus the male slave. She had the Slave Master to please and the jealous mistress (slaveowners wife) against her at all times! Both with relentless psychological warfare that would make the underground tunnels in Vietnam look like rides at a Raging Water theme park. She was the backbone and pure essence of why I have the color in my skin today. She deserves a name so I will call her Tyra Blackshear. I use Blackshear because it doesn't appear as if a sir name of that nature would have any ties to the ownership of a white man like Jones, Johnson, Jefferson, etc. I wanted to give her a name far from anything associated with days of yore. This woman was inherited from a died sister of the slave master willed to a child that was only 5 years old upon receipt of her property. Therefore she was the slave masters stock and pleasure until the child was old enough to assume the responsibility of slave ownership. In Tyra's adolescence several offers were made for her purchase but the slave master could not do so. Tyra belonged to his niece. Free black men that fell in love with Tyra attempted to purchase her and the mistress would inform Tyra "she would be pickled and skinned" if she ever entertained such a thought. There are so many scenarios to describe so many acts of abominations to speak upon I am currently lost for direction! Trya would be raped at an early age by a small, pale skinned, varicose veined diabolical heathen! The slave master worked with pre-meditation. He knew as a virgin, she would not have the certain deadly disease of syphilis. There was not cure back then. Only thing prescribed for such a condition was liquid mercury to be injested to curb the unGodly stomach pains. As well the slave master thought he gained the mental dominance needed to have an obedient slave nigger. And he was right. For the wealthy slavery master that had several hundred slaves under his command, there was always ample amounts of female slaves that were impregnated by him or that had just given birth. The irony was that he was fucking is wife at the same time. And when the mistress gave birth she would pick which slave that was lactating at the time to terminate her child's breast feeding and commencing of breast feeding the mistress' child for a minimum of a years time frame. If the slaves child was 2 months old, so what! That baby must be weaned and fed corn feed and pork fat. Oh that pig saved our lives people! If that slave was seen breast feeding any other baby than the mistresses she could be killed on sight! Quite often the female slave was the ultimate care giver for the child that owned her. What a feeling that must have been. To raise a child that in time will own you. Fuck, that's enough for tonight. I can't take no more right now. Til tomorrow.


Author: C. Gonzales

Hardwood Heaven

It is almost that time of the year. On Saturday April 16th the battle of the worlds greatest modern day titans commences. The road to supremacy. It is the time when finding a flat screen 50 inch high definition "boob tube" is of greater importance then the firm grip this cell phone has on me. This is the 65th NBA season and somehow the NBA finds a way to draw B-Ball fans from all over the globe to tune in. My educated guess as to the magnetic effect the NBA draws, is due to being one of the rare REAL reality shows to watch. No one hitter quitters, no one "off" game by your superstar and done. 16 teams make the cut. 8 from the best-coast and 8 from the east. The Spurs, Lakers, and the Mavericks have clinched their respective spots in the west while the Celtics, Bulls, Heat, and the Magic are primed to make their run in the east. Still a lot of slots left and the jousting has begun! Who will get knocked off the Clydesdale and sent home to watch like me, with a cold Budweiser and a recliner? Or better yet to be on TNT as a guest for the half time shows with Ernie, Chuck, and Kenny. 40 games in 40 nights! Please believe my man Ervin Magic Johnson will be giving you that wonderful laugh, smile, and fashion statement. He has a guaranteed seat on any telecast like I do at my favorite cafe.
It will be that time of the year when, you absorb the panoramic view from your $750 dollar mid upper level ticket. Where you will sent picture mail from your cell phone to your Facebook page rubbing it in to your cronies because they ain't there. You will see the finest of the American women on deck and if you look close enough and pay attention, you will actually see some of them change outfits during halftime. That's right, I have seen it go down. I call those ones "the front row hoes". Enough of the ladies though, it about the less than 15% body fat agile giants, the round ball, the three point line, and when grown men like myself try and get a glimpse of the mega ballers versions of their playoff sneakers! It is the one time when men can act like a woman does while in Nordstroms after Thanksgiving.
This is the time of the season when you won't find the players that made it at the nightclubs on a road trip trickin. You might catch them in the visitors locker room right after the game watching film on their Ipod's in the whirlpool with beats by Dr. Dre headphones on, focused, studying. Or back at the hotel working with trainers loosening muscles and sleeping in portable hyberbaric chambers to speed the recovery process. Team mate bonds become closer, clowning, joking and slapping bones if they won. The veterans that have rings already, grab the attention of those that don't. Similar to when Michael Jackson took over the nations airwaves to plead his innocence. This is when they smell, vision, and taste the right to be called a World Champion. The ring, the diamonds, the trophy, the pictures, the resume, and the parade. What a feeling it must be. You might wonder who is my team? Well lets just say that I am an editor on an all purple web site for a reason! Let's make this happen. Who you rollin with this year?


Author: C. Gonzales

Bridge That Connects Denmark & Sweden Goes Under Water

Now I Don't Think I Would Ever Go Down There If I Lived In Sweden Or Denmark

Soulja Boy’s Brother Dies in Car Accident In Charleston, MS

Soulja Boy’s half-brother, Deion Jenkins, 14, passed away last night (March 20) after getting involved in a car accident in Charleston, MS.

As of press time the details of the crash are unknown. SB expressed his loss on his Twitter account earlier this morning. “[At] home crying my eyes out I can’t believe my lil bro is gone…today is not my day. RIP lil bro love you always :(.”




Soulja’s associate, Michael “Miami Mike” Sykes of Palm Tree Entertainers added on his Twitter page, “The Flags are @ Half Staff @ the Offices of SODMG & PTEM RIP to @Souljaboy little brother who passed away in a auto crash last nite.”

The funeral proceedings will happen this Saturday.

Rhyme Vs Crime

Quite often I am on Facebook and Twitter following several Rap artists. Some are well established and financially set for generations to come. Others are consistent mid-level independent artists making the necessary adjustments in the game to establish themselves. Comments/posts from a majority of them (on both levels) have the theme of "there are more rappers now than mic's to be passed." The allure of the fast dollar, drama, and quick fuse fame explosion has taken over. Substance and creativity with the lyrical poetry has become scarce to say the least. Big market distribution deals and recording contracts have been taken over by the corporate ameba moving giants. The mp.3 file has completely put a monkey wrench into the profitability of the music industry juggernauts.

As a result of technology "new booties" in the rap game have the ability to get a laptop, Pro Tools or Q-base software, a radio shack mic, a keyboard from best buy, and web access allowing for, within a matter of hours, a track on You Tube and a low quality video. It's an awesome concept if applied correctly! However the demand from the major music media has taken its toll. The pressure to "earn stripes" has become equivalent to the power of an American crocodile's bite per square inch!

It's disappointing to me because I have listened and viewed rap and hip-hop since it's inception and seen it go from dancing and respected "crew" representation, to upliftment of black youth, from the youth, to all out anarchy. It has now become an industry of "negative shock value". Everyone is going to jail and prison for solid amounts of time for the illusion of credibility. I'm just grateful that I was fortunate enough to have a level of consciousness as a young man prior to the roar of the convergence of rhyme and crime. Be careful what you pretend to be, because it just might become reality. Some of ya'll new jacks think singing is "Homo" but these R&B cats pack events with some of the most classy women on the planet throwing panties on stage! The only rapper that I can think of that has maintained credibility without speaking on drugs, guns, hoes, and trappin that keeps the ladies wet is LL cool J. Next time you consider jumping in the booth, try writing a song about a woman you wanna get with and see how it works. All I know is the truth in poetry always holds more power than written or freeystyle fallacy. See below for a roll call of rap artist having mainstream success that are either in jail, prison, on death row, dead, fresh out, or awaiting sentencing.

Waka Flaka Flame, JA-RULE, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi, Beanie Siegel, Big Lurch, Black Rob, C-Murder, Cassidy, Chi-Ali, Cool-C, DMX, Da Brat, Too Short (2 DUI'S in two wks both on the same street on the Vegas strip), Foxy Brown, Gucci Mane, Lil Boosie, Lil Wayne, Lil Kim, Lloyd Banks, The Mac, Maino, Mystikal, Numskull, Ol-Dirty Bastard, Pimp-C, Prodigy, Ras Kass, Remy Ma, Shyne, Steady B, T.I., Tony Yayo, and Tupac. These are ones that I can just think of but there are many more!

I'm out Chris Gonzales :::::Drops the Mic::::


Author: C. Gonzales

Texas Rapper Slim Thug Accused of Pistol Whipping A Man

A Texas man has filed a lawsuit against Slim Thug, who is accused of assaulting the man during a business meeting.

According to the lawsuit, Plaintiff Clarence Evans attended a meeting at a residence in Harris County with Slim Thug and several associates.

Clarence Evans claims that he was “suddenly and without warning” attacked by Slim Thug, who allegedly struck Evans in the face with the end of a pistol.

The lawsuit claims that Slim Thug ordered his associates to attack Evans and rob him of his money.

“Defendants participated in the attack and directed the other attendees of the business meeting to attack Plaintiff and steal any money Plaintiff had in his pockets at the time,” the lawsuit claims.

Clarence Evans is seeking an disclosed amount for a variety of charges.

Evans is suing Slim Thug and his associate Raymond Thomas for medical, hospital and pharmaceutical charges, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical disability and disfigurement.

High Profile Prosecutor Busted For Cocaine Possession Himself!!!!

Clark County’s Deputy D.A David Schubert is known to be pretty hardcore in court. When celebrities like Bruno Mars and Paris Hilton got busted for cocaine possession, Schubert was the one prosecuting them in Vegas. Mars and Hilton and the like are probably laughing their behinds off now, because Schubert was arrested for—wait for it— cocaine possession on Saturday night!That’s him in the glasses and the gray tie standing next to Mars in the photograph. Just screams “love to party,” doesn’t he?

Schubert’s already been released from the Clark County Detention Center, but he’s probably going to lay low for sometime, right? Seriously…how’s he going to send people to jail for coke now?


Author: Ambika Muttoo

Fashion Designer: Ennio Capasa

Here Is Our Second Fashion Designer We Have Featured On It's Reynolds.



Ennio Capasa The Designer For (Costume National) After completing his studies at Milan’s Accademia di Brera, Capasa moved to Tokyo to work with Yohji Yamamoto for two years.
Back in Italy, in 1986, he presented his first women’s collection in Milan with CoSTUME NATIONAL. Since 1989 he has paraded his creations in Paris at the fashion week every year.




A multi-talented, multi-faceted designer Capasa is the stylist and art-director for CoSTUME NATIONAL, CoSTUME NATIONAL HOMME, and C’N’C CoSTUME NATIONAL – the line’s brand for young people. He also designed the headquarters of the organization in Via Fusetti, Milan as well as his flagship stores around the world.








To celebrate 21 years of CoSTUME NATIONAL, Ennio Capasa took on the staging of Michel Gondry’s exhibition “L’arte del sogno” (Dream Art); he created the C’N’C CoSTUME NATIONAL dress for the Absolut vodka bottle – a sensual creation in vinyl- black and also the new Alfa Romeo 147 C’N’C CoSTUME NATIONAL – produced in limited numbers.





















Ennio Capasa (Below) is an Italian fashion designer, he was born in Lecce in 1960

Call-Forwarding Scam Reappears: Don't Be Tricked Into Dialing *72

Officials are warning people to be careful of an old con that's popped up again -- the call forwarding scam.

Victims often think they're doing a kindness to a stranger or for a friend. The phone rings, usually late at night, and callers tell the victim someone has been injured, and to contact an officer at the scene.

How to get the officer? By dialing *72, then a phone number.

But that *72 only activates the call forwarding function -- letting the con artists make collect phone calls and pay-per call services on your dime. Many people don't find out they've been conned until they receive a whopping phone bill.

It's recently been an issue in Michigan, where the Isabella County Sheriff's office issued a warning.

A similar scam involved someone claiming to be an inmate, saying he dialed the wrong number, explaining he has been arrested -- and please dial *72 and the "right number" so he can reach his mother or family.

That's how the scam started in 2004, when Cook County Jail inmates in Chicago used *72 to make hundreds of long-distance calls, all paid for by someone else.

Better Business Bureau officials say consumers who fall for the scam should dial *73 to deactivate the feature and report unauthorized charges to their phone companies.

Author: Dawn Fallik

Safe Vacation Secrets That Can Save You Hassle & Money

Well If Your Like Me And Travel Away From Home A Lot This Info Should Come In Handy From www.walletpop.com

Iphone Camera Hacker Takes Over TV's In New York

This Device Would Be Cool To Have. You Can Sit By A Jumbo Tron At A Ball Game And Put Your Promo Up. lol Could You Imagine How Mad Companies Would Get If These Got Out? I'd Walk In Best Buy And Trip Them All Out In The Entertainment Section.

Wyclef Jean gets Shot in Haiti

Wyclef Jean was shot in the hand yesterday just outside Port-au-Prince in Haiti.

He was treated at a local hospital and released.

A rep for the singer said the bullet just grazed his hand and he’s doing well, saying, “He’s fine now. It happened late yesterday night and he was released after a couple hours.”

The shooting comes on the eve of the presidential elections. Wyclef was a candidate but ruled ineligible because of residency requirements.

Wyclef says he had just left his car, when he heard gunfire. He says the next thing he noticed he saw blood on his shirt and shoes. He has no idea who fired shots or whether he was even the target. Now That Is Haiti For You

300 Years of FOSSIL FUELS in 300 Seconds

If You Did Not Finish School We Will Catch You Up In This One Video About Where You Live And How You Came To Live This Way. This Video Is Simple Yet Sticks To Bases So Clear That By The End You Should Know What You Have To Do, And How You Should Start Looking At Our Way Of Life.

Old Age Hobby - 51' Chevy Pick-Up & Schwinn Model

Some of the most precious family heirlooms are of minuscule monetary value. They become priceless due to the passion, time, and craftsmanship used to arrive at the final product. I remember back in 1984 me and my best friend would go to K-mart and get the tighest lowrider models we could find and spend the whole weekend building them. We took great pride throughout the assembly. My friend was also 4 years older than I and familiar with how to attach the electric engines from the Tyco fixed track mini cars to our models. Once our cars were completed we would attach a positive and negative electric charge to a 12 volt battery and watch them go front-back-side-side! Imagination is an amazing quality to have. My model cars were priceless!





That being said, check out this 51' Chevy Pickup Truck wet with Purple Candy slammed and the all crome old school Schwinn in the back. Awesome display of attention to detail! A 25 year old Rap Artist from Rollin Records that goes by the name of Zino built this along wit his dad (Ben Varela Sr.) After watching the trade his dad has been doing for over 20 years, he decided to jump in the game himself. He has been building these cars for a couple of years now and from the looks of things he is patient and talented!















It is good to see hobbies like this still being passed down from generation to generation. The time spent with a loved one, discipline required to complete, and posting on your mantle once done, gives you the sense of accomplishment that cannot be sold. That's a tight whip Zino. Can't wait to see more!


Author: C. Gonzales

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