May by BRINK Magazine

#3*/, BRINK launch event info inside! May 26 + 7pm + The Cameo!

03-"/%0 4 USFOE NBH JTTVF .":

FREE

CONNECTING with the ladies of LIPSTICK MIXTAPES

the unconventional geek veronika tuskowski art new low other peoples property janelle monae monimay peace of my mind alex loyola hoops&yoyo 6 degrees of tv walk about caroline knows tales in the city jackie c is over it go out orlando plus more more more

BRINK m agaz ine

LAUNCH + CONNECT EVENT

WEDNESDAY MAY 26

7PM - LATE // THE CAMEO come one come all + connect

vitaminwater connect + Yelp Raphsodic Bakery + the green line Lola B + Sleazy McQueen www.facbeook.com/brinkmag + www.brinkmagonline.com youtube.com/brinkmag + twitter.com/brinkmag

MAY

CONTENTS 5 CONTENTS 8 CONTRIBUTORS 9 ED LETTER 11 go out Orlando sponsored by yelp 13 WALK ABOUT 14 VERONIKA’S CLOSET check out the art of veronika tuskowski and you wont believe your eyes 16 CULTURE CLUB + peace of my mind // media + peace of mind // movie + art // tv 17 Get in the pit and GO poke someone 19 JACKIE C IS OVER IT 25 hoops&yoyo hallmark’s celebrating and their lovable hoops&yoyo are in on the action 26 opp (you know me) other peoples property = vintage current creations! 29 BEAUTY stephanie fills us in on monimay and why we need to connect with great product 36 TALES IN THE CITY 37 CAROLINE KNOWS 38 HOROSCOPE 39 THE BAROMETER

31 The ladies of Lipstick Mixtapes are taking us behind the scenes of the blog that features music, pop culture, beauty and fashion in their photo spread of ladies doing beauty at its best. Featuring photography by Peter Guerrier and Anastasia Garcia. Cover Safia Michelle and Meagan B of Lipstick Mixtapes www.lipstickmixtapes.com MODELS (pages 32-36) Chris M. Kelly April Dawn Palozej LOCATION Eagles Nest Park

All shows: $5 21+/$7 under 21 doors @ 8 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)

May 2010

LIKE us on /brinkmag

TheCameo.org 1013 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, Fl 32803 407.385.0015 facebook.com/megalomusic myspace.com/megalomusicevents

BRINK PUBLISHER newsstand orlando editor-in-chief kyle m menard cOPY nicole ricks Executive Consultant steven ozer features beauty director stephanie crisan contributing writers katie bassham, jackie c, stephanie crisan, mark dodds, michael giaimo, nicole girata, melissa hebert, patrick t johnson, marti menard, scott moore, ashton morris, lori parks, kat peabody, mary seay, caroline st clair, jonathan woodard contributing photographers disney bolin, anastasia garcia, peter guerierr, jim white intern gretha mccandele find us online www.brinkmagonline.com LIKE US on facebook www.facebook.com/brinkmag follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/brinkmag watch us on youtube www.youtube.com/brinkmag general love, questions, Comments // info@brinkmagonline.com No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied by any method, electronically or otherwise, without written permission from the publishing company. All information within is deemed to be true and reliable. The Newsstand Orlando LLC., and all those associated with this publication assume no financial liability for any misinformation or typographical errors in advertisements. We may at times recommend various businesses that advertise in the pages, but we make no claims as to their promises or guarantees or products or services. BRINKmag 2009 contents The Newsstand Orlando LLC.

ADVERTSING

To place your ad in the next issue of BRINK mag contact BRINK: info@brinkmagonline.com 407-456-4813 www.brinkmagonline.com/advertising

MAY

ED LETTER

Welcome to the May issue of BRINK!

Voci Dance's iMove_2.0: iCandy

On May 26th, BRINK will have a launch + connect event at The Cameo for all of our readers and area businesses. We wanted to have a great space to celebrate the magazine, but also network with different organizations, establishments and the people behind them. We invite everyone to come to this free event, enjoy the night and make some great connections. That is what led to a theme in this issue. The May issue is all about connecting. The ladies of Lipstick Mixtapes connected and are pushing forward to make their brand a force in the city of Orlando. Most of our wonderful contributors pieces feature ways in which we connect and contributions towards our society. Almost every article has a way to connect with the individual it highlights. There are a million ways to connect, and we want to try every way. The May issue also highlights plenty of shops around town and local fare. I encourage you to check out each and every one of them and support our local businesses. Additionally, I have noticed a few new shops and restaurants opening in our city, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sure to keep you in the loop on openings, happenings, and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on. Enjoy the issue, have a great month and connect with us May 26 at The Cameo! Kyle M Menard Editor-in-Chief

TRIBUTORSCONTRIBUTORSCONTRIBUT Jackie C.’s professional career has led her through TV news, film and Reality TV production, and social work. She holds degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Film, and continues to work as a writer and producer by night, while holding down a “normal” day-job. She’s been an on-again/offagain O-town resident since the age of seven and resides on the East side of the metro area, which she lovingly refers to as “Upper-middle-classsuburban Hades.” She can be found hanging out anywhere there’s fresh air and trees, good beer or free wi-fi.

Jonathan Woodard is a musician/educator who lives in the artsy borough of Boston known as Jamaica Plain. He can be found regularly at various local haunts, in which people thinks he works there. He spends his time away from his beloved Celtics working in his band Lono and watching far to many movies. He enjoys fine wine and cheeses. Please feel free to send any threats, concerns, propositions, jokes, barbs, banter or any other form of correspondence to: woodardlovesyou@earthlink.net

My name is Stephanie Crisan and I live a fabulous life in New York City. I am currently an Advertising and Marketing Communications major at the Fashion Institute at Technology. I am a certified makeup artist and a cosmetics fanatic. There is nothing I love more than a little retail therapy at my neighborhood Sephora.

Caroline St. Clair is a marketing brand manager and spends the weekends scouring thrift stores, hanging out in the backyard with friends, and dj'ing at venues around town. A talented listener, she has earned the unofficial role of "therapist" to many of her friends by analyzing and offering frank advice on their relationship issues. Caroline St. Clair lives in downtown Orlando with her Chihuahua-mix, Gibby, four cats and two pet chickens.

I’m Patrick Johnson and I live in Orlando, Florida. I enjoy the entertainment business, particularly the animation film aspect. Working on a degree in advertising from International Academy of Art & Design. Three words to describe myself - hardworking. Alphamale. Jackhammer.

Hola!!!! My name is Nicole Girata. I’m originally from Miami but reside in New Jersey. I’m “Inspired by Inspiration” in poetry and art, these are a few of the seasonings for the flavor of my writing. I love adventure, long walks on the beach, and cupcakes!!!!! If you want to take a peek of my Public Transit Affair adventures, in my new state of mind check out http:// nikkiinnyj.blogspot.com/. Peace, love and goodness!!!!

Mark Dodds, self proclaimed street philosopher and cloud-envy-ist. Rather be drinking, rather be reading, but mostly ends up sleeping.

Mary Seay talks too much, about all things kitsch, art, memes, trend, gossip and geek. Now she’s spreading her rabble-habit to the printed page. Just try to hang up on her this time! Ha!

TORS

go out ORLANDO

food

Black Bean Deli 325 South Orlando Ave Winter Park (407) 628-0294 “Even 20 years ago it was highly recommended to me as the best Cuban food in town. Well I am happy to say that perception has not changed! The portions are still hefty. Hit if for lunch of dinner! You’ll eat happy!” - Jim S., Orlando

“This place is just the illest.. This place won my heart when they served me sushi burritos with chopsticks ...They had a music track spinning from Bob Marley to Jay-Z can’t knock the hustle and some of the dopest local artist work posted up. Ahhhh love at first visit...” - Daya A., Orlando

nightlife

Sky60 www.sky60. com 54 North Orange Ave (407) 246-1599 “Definitely the best rooftop Eden Bar bar in Orlando. at enzian More than 1300 South worth a stop in Orlando the downtown Ave crawl or if you are just Maitland ready for a chill night with a few (407) friends! The cabanas are private-ish 629-1088 and seat six people comfortably “ “Great, - Jessica E., Orlando friendly RedLight neighborRedlight hood gem! Wonder745 Bennett ful food, Rd lovely outdoor seating. very Orlando friendly waitstaff. Great for a re(407) laxing evening, or a quick bite 893-9832 before a movie at the Enzian..” - Alexis N., Orlando “Favorite bar ever. Gringos The beers Locos are mind-blowingly good and they 20 East get new ones in all the time; the staff Washington and owner are wonderful. Go in the St afternoon, at dusk, in the evening, Orlando in the middle of the night - just go.” - Brenda H., Orlando (407) 841-5626

Caseys 50 East Central Blvd Orlando (407) 648-4218

“Good with no cover, good music and low priced drinks, Casey’s is an open door to the beginning or the end of your night. Either you start there with a few drinks and leave before the alcohol hits, or you let the booze soaked drinks kick you in the face and weld your but to your seat.” - Ronald R., Orlando

shopping Red marq 308 South Park Ave Winter Park (407) 647-2336 “Red Marq is such a cute store! I love all the interesting gift ideas that line the shelves. From humorous books scrumptious smelling candles, you will find a special gift for anyone here.” - Dana H., Orlando

Peace of My Mind with LORI PARKS

Practicing Interconnectedness We are all one, we are all connected. We have all heard this said many times, but what does it really mean? Well, when it comes down to it, we all pretty much have the same need and desire to feel love, affection and acceptance. If this is true, then how can we as individuals tap into and promote interconnectedness? One way is recognizing that everyone is you. In seeing others as you or having the same qualities, good or bad, as you do, this will assist you in reaching a greater level of acceptance and compassion for others. For example, someone is doing something that irritates you, instead of getting caught up in the irritation, realize it is a trait we all possess to some degree. Practice accepting the person as they are and just moving on. You can also cultivate equanimity. This is when you see each person equally. It doesn’t matter if the person is a friend or stranger, you acknowledge each person with respect and kindness. This can be attained with a simple smile. Anything you can do to acknowledge as many people as possible that you come in contact with, promotes love and acceptance, which we all thrive from. Something else you can do to connect and make a positive impact is to send your blessings or wishes to others. When you enter an establishment, whether it be a cafe, boutique, dance club, lounge, gym or yoga studio, you can send your blessings to everyone. You can visualize a white light coming from your heart as it delivers love and happiness to everyone. You can silently say “I am joyfully connected to everyone” to feel interconnectedness instantly. Or, you can just smile at each person you encounter and send them love and appreciation. So shine on, share yourself, share your love, practice connecting and see the beautiful effect it has on yourself and others. Peace be with you!

References

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler M.D. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Walkabout with Mary Seay

College Park Yoga

Specializing in Power Yoga flows, this inviting asana turns up the heat and makes you sweat, but owners and instructors Calvin and Theresa kick your butt with love. CPY exudes a serene, welcoming energy, and while the instructors will assist you with perfecting positions, they don’t push you beyond your limits, allowing you to explore your practice at your own pace. Enhanced by an earthy color scheme, enchanting eastern art and soothing music, the result is a truly enlivening experience. You’ll come out of class rejuvenated, relaxed, reawakened... and ready to tackle the sales at shops down the street!

706 W. Smith Street (Moving to 3029 Edgewater Drive in June!) Class times vary www.collegeparkyoga.com

Modern Grace Boutique Need a sassy, flirty dress to go with those Khussas? Tap your sparkly toes down to Modern Grace Boutique, a fashion plate’s paradise! Grace, the owner with an eye for hotness, has dressed the season’s most original looks with an indulgent ambiance, making shopping seem less like a trip and more like a spa retreat (so bring your BFF). Funky purses, boho jewelry, luxe lotions and pretty patterns abound, with new styles and designers introduced regularly. Speaking of, I found several super cute pieces by Patricia Valery, the featured designer in BRINK’s April issue! Nothing but the best here, peeps! 2810 Edgewater Drive Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-5pm

WHO THOUGHT WALKING AND SHOPPING AROUND THE CITY BEAUTIFUL COULDN’T BE DONE? from what you may already know

to what you may have missed

Paxia Alta Cocína Mexícana Lounge With enlightenment in mind and shopping bags in hand, it’s time for some gourmet noms. Salsa across the street to Paxia, a thoroughly modern and definitely mmm-mmm twist on fine Mexican fare. Critically lauded and highly recommended by my pals with a discerning palate, Paxia beckons patrons with rich, sensual decor, sumptuous cuisine, signature margaritas served at their full bar and some of the best nightly food and drink specials in the zip code. As if you need another reason to go, show a same-day receipt from any retail shop in College Park and get a free margarita!

2611 Edgewater Drive Mon-Thurs 11am-3pm; 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-2am Sun 12pm-9:30pm www.paxiarestaurant.com

Beachcomber’s Bazaar Beachcomber’s Bazaar is not just a jewel in the rough, it’s a glittering bindi on the brow of College Park boutiques. Everything sparkles here, from the rainbow assortment of glass bangles and finely stitched Indian Khussa shoes, to Jody, the shop’s guru, who radiates passion for her wares and shares expert advice on caring for your exotic fashion finds. As a Khussa enthusiast, I guarantee they turn heads now as well as they’ve done for hundreds of years. Pair them with beautiful gifts, accessories and makeup crafted by the talented local artists Jody features. You’re sure to find something swoon-worthy at every turn! 2525 Edgewater Drive Tues-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 12pm-4pm beachcombersbazaar.com 11

VERONIKAS CLOSET Orlando’s best kept secrets are reveled through the individuals that live in this city. There’s one in particular that sets the trend in curiosity and “good karma” and that’s Veronika Tuskowski. Her art pieces are brilliant, colorful and will make you fall into a meditative state just staring at her paintings. Her paintings are always staring straight back at their intrigued viewers. They may even give a wink when you pass by. In some of her magnetic pieces, there’s an “eye” that I guarantee will catch your eye. It may represent a window to your soul or a gateway of your subconscious mind. Whatever representation you want “the eye” to be it is. With the rest of the painting full of color and life and of repetitive shapes one may fall in a peaceful trance. The way the colors just blend and mingle on the canvas are exquisitely perfect. Take a look at her one-of-a kind pieces and get lost in the translation. To connect with Veronika and learn more about her work, check out her bio and art at www.facebook.com/veronikatuskowskiart You wont believe your eyes. Find Veronika every Thursday at Graffiti Junxtion where she creates live art starting at 8pm! www.graffitijunktion.com/ [] - Nicole Girata

UPCOMING n o t a b l e RELEASES

MAY 4 8Ball & MJG, ‘Ten Towes Down’ Against Me!, ‘White Crosses’ Asia, ‘Omega’ Big Boi, ‘Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son...’ Toni Braxton, ‘Pulse’ Court Yard Hounds, ‘Court Yard Hounds’ Deftones, ‘Diamond Eyes’ The Fall, ‘Future Our Clutter’ The Flaming Lips, ‘The Flaming Lips...’ Minus the Bear, ‘Omni’ New Pornographers, ‘Together’ Josh Ritter, ‘Runs the World’ Rachael Sage, ‘Delancey St.’ Tonic, ‘Tonic’ Trina, ‘Amazin’ Paul Weller, ‘Wake Up the Nation’ Nikki Yankofsky, ‘Nikki’

suite heart

Janelle monae is back in fine form for another chapter in her “Chase Suite” - this time II and III combined in one album. Anyone that listened and consumed her first Chase Suite knows that Monae is a true artist devoted to her work and crafting gems such as “Many Moons” is more of an experience than actually producing a single song. Now, on the eve of her second major release, “The Archandroid,” Monae is churning out her unique rhythm and flow onto singles “Cold War” and “Tightrope” and this is just the beginning. With a full album of 18 tracks, and assistance on three of those tracks from Saul Williams, Big Boi and Of Montreal, one can only dream of what to expect. Take the ride down the neon valley street into Janelle Monae’s world and you wont ever wnat to leave. Connect with Janelle at www.janellemonae.com | “The Archandroid” out May 18th

Hippie Clothes By Jayli, Blue Sky And Peaceful People Handcrafted Bubble Wands • Nag Champa • Peace Jewelry And More!

407-810-4144 • CoolKarmaStuff.com • 941 W. Fairbanks Ave. • Winter Park

MAY 11 As I Lay Dying, ‘The Powerless Rise’ Charice, ‘Charice’ Crash Test Dummies, ‘Oooh La La!’ The Dead Weather, ‘Sea of Cowards’ Everest, ‘On Approach’ The Expendables, ‘Prove It’ The Frail, ‘Firefly’ Sage Francis, ‘Li(F)E’ Kaskade, ‘Dynasty’ Keane, ‘Night Train’ Jennifer Knapp, ‘Letting Go’ Meat Loaf, ‘Hang Cool Teddy Bear’ Miss Tila, ‘Welcome to the Darkside’ Various artists, ‘American Idol: Season 9’ We Are the Fallen, ‘Tear the World Down’ UNKLE, ‘Where Did the Night Fall’ MAY 18 Mindi Abair, ‘Mindi Abair in Hi-Fi Stereo’ Alex Band (of The Calling), ‘We’ve All...’ Bo Bice, ‘3’ The Black Keys, ‘Brothers’ Taio Cruz, ‘Rokstarr’ [U.S. Release] Danko Jones, ‘Below the Belt’ The-Dream, ‘Love King’ Pete Francis, ‘The Movie We Are In’ LCD Soundsystem, ‘This Is Happening’ Jamie Lidell, ‘Compass’ Sergio Mendes, ‘Bom Tempo’ Papa Roach, ‘To Be Loved’ [Live Album] Tracey Thorn (Everything But the Girl), Various artists, ‘MacGruber’ (Soundtrack) Suzanne Vega, ‘Close-Up Vol. 1...’ MAY 25 Authority Zero, ‘Stories of Survival’ Black Sunshine, ‘Black Sunshine’ Danzig, ‘Deth Red Sabaoth’ Drake, ‘Thank Me Later’ Leela James, ‘My Soul’ Keith Jarrett/Charlie Haden, ‘Jasmine’ Damian Marley and Nas, ‘Distant Relatives’ Plies, ‘Goon Affiliated’ Smashing Pumpkins, ‘Teargarden...’ Soulfly, ‘Omen’ Stone Temple Pilots, ‘Stone Temple Pilots’ Various artists, ‘Prince of Persia:...’ Various artists, ‘Sex and the City 2’ Various artists, ‘True Blood, Volume 2’ Widespread Panic, ‘Dirty Side Down,

Get in the Pit and Go Poke Someone by Jonathan Woodard

Connection. That’s a hard pill to swallow in some facets, an easier one in others. Connection, on its purest standing, needs a somewhat child-like bliss to foster and nurture a true basis. Be it a mild glance of shared amusement, leading to furthered conversation or even a common bond of the most superfluous means being brought up and sparking a simpatico. Regardless of its origins, it’s at a ghastly crossroads these days. Of course, this is somewhat of a misaligned statement in the sense that in our post-historic world we (in virtualreality) are far more connected than ever and yet in the same essence we (in realzies-ality) are even more disconnected than before. It’s a hard pill to swallow- but a horrifying offering that not even master scribes of the genre could stew up to curl the spines of a fainthearted few. Where can this hatchet lay, to bare witness the sinister spark that pushed a generation (and compromised how many more to come) to a ledge of solitude and solipsism, only to watch it dangle precariously on that said lip? The Sony M’n’F’n’ Walkman. What came after in the wake of the Walkman is a hard, albeit subtle, display of its original intent. You see- the Discman, iPod, Smartphones- every portable device that we’ve ceremonially wrapped around our existence in increasingly shrinking sizes and vast potential of power started with one man’s burning desire. His burning desire to encapsulate himself in a cocoon of wondrous mastery of the most prestigious musical expression. That’s right. Akio Morita wanted you to leave him

the hell alone while he was listening to his operas. As the head of the Sony corporation, Morita, could pretty much do whatever he wanted; so in 1978 he had a gentlemen by the name of Nobutoshi Kihara down in Audio research develop a portable cassette player so Mr. Morita could enjoy his common Trans-Atlantic flights while the Fat Lady literally sang. He wanted to shut-off. He wanted to engross himself in a statement so personal that he couldn’t share it properly with the rest of the world. Now there is a certain beauty to that, but the unfortunate problem with good intents is that they can often be sullied by horrible truth. The Walkman dropped in 1979. The cassette deck revolution had begun. I dare you to mention any 80’s film where in some part of the story (be it as set dressing, plot point, fashion accessory) does it not play a pivotal role. What would Marty McFly be without his Walkman? Many a thing, but is there no better statement to show this connection to his paltry suburban existence than him pulling off the headphones right before he nearly kills himself with a blast of sonic force so damaging that would have been the last thing anyone heard in the realzies-ality. Certain successes lead to eventual expansion… I’m not going to draw out the history of how one thing lead to another, but anyone with an Ericsson phone can attest- the wake is still long and wide. Now we’re here in an age where majorities of people get their news on Smartphones. The evening newscast is being thrown into question of relevance due to cable (the Late-Night feud further pokes this ember of truth with Conan signing for an 11 o’clock spot- not putting him in competition with Network, but the burgeoning youth culture revolt of basic cable.) We’ve thrown all of our 976 channels and vast bandwidth capabilities into a quagmire of baseless interaction and crude depictions of humanistic pleasure. We have exploited families, celebrities, the rich, the morbidly obese and most poignantly each other. For the more we look into ourselves the less people are finding. I can go on about media saturation and sublimation, but I won’t- it’s apparent as soon as you stop to focus on the realzies-ality of the situation. The other day on the subway, I cast a long slow glance down the length of the train car and saw an almost Orwellian nightmare. About 80% of the people were immersed into some small pocketable gadget, ear buds in, staring at a soft glow while nimble thumbs navigated a private little escape hatch meant for their eyes only. I can relate, don’t get me wrong. Not long forgotten are the days navigating an overcrowded high school hall- religiously blasting Mr. Bungle’s self titled album in hopes the evil circus playing from my headphones would steer me through the harsh sea of pubescence. I also wanted to connect. It’s crazy how we’ve also tricked ourselves into believing we’re more unified than ever. Take social networking sites… I’ve been able to reconnect with people I thought long lost to the strains of time. It’s good to see the girl whom I had a crush on in 7th grade (and wrote an amazingly sweet unsent letter to) is happily married with children, living the life she always dreamed of. However, it is unsettling when someone greets you in relation to your last status update. Don’t even get me started about online dating- it’s a catalog of insincerity that placates to our only viable form of social interaction these days: Aesthetics. You’re unsure of the “bar” scene, yet short cut a simple interaction of “Hello, how are you?” and engage what you find visually appealing anyway. What happened to random conversation and unexpected camaraderie? Perhaps we’ve banished such institutions in fear that a mass deception is amidst, that all we need to know is in the palm of our hands. Our reality, our friends, our entertainment, our obligations are all definable inside a little box. Well, true believers, I say disconnect. Throw away that box and re-connect with the possibility around you. Stop hiding in plain sight and jump in the pit and go and poke someone. I’m not talking virtually, I’m talking for realzies. [] Connect with Jon at woodardlovesyou@earthlink.net 17

unconventionally yours

twitter around Orlando @ColleenBurns Watchin’ my @ Orlando_Magic - not letting Joey Crawford ruin my game experience <3

The UNconventional Geek is more than a blog. Its a glimpse into the pop tart goodness of uber blogger Elizabeth Farmer and her weekly, sometimes daily, adventures in and out of Orlando. What makes this blog worth reading is the initial purpose of a blog: commentary entries about the bloggers life. The reason to stay and read is in large part because of the positive vibe and consistency of the entertaining and insightful postings. Entries often begin with some form of positive excitement, “wow,” “fantastic,” or another choice of exclamation and joy. Too many bloggers nowadays feel the need to let their stress and rants get the best of them and broadcast it to the world. To each their own, but don’t we have enough of that in the “real life?” Reading a blog is escapism, its taking a peek into someone else’s journey, why not make it a good journey? Precisely the reason to take a glimpse into The Unconventional Geek.

@WESH Couple Looking At Foreclosed Home Find Dead Body: Authorities say a couple looking at a foreclosed home in central...

Recent posts have taken our fearless blogger to California to attend open source platform Drupal’s annual conference. Some earlier posts have her discussing her love of indie bands and Euro pop as well as her fondness for basketball and sports. This blog is where pop culture meets nerd culture and it completely works. Go ahead, get unconventional, get geeky and get into The Unconventional Geek.

@AnnieElizabeth You wait 2 months to email me back and then call me “Anna”?!? To the bottom of my list you go.

Connect to The Unconventional Geek @ www.theunconventionalgeek.com

@poetryfreak38 Time to get ready for a fun day!!

@framesgalore Fun projects this week! An old decorative jar lid framed in a small maple box frame and an old round “76” gas station

@dafoodie DaFoodie is food paparazzi! http://tumblr.com/xxl8trl9p @johnkatez Dear Forever 21, you have a serious branding issue. Please work on that.

@kikomo_p What going on with you all today?

@spookychan i guess i need to give up the ghost and look at this page with new eyes tomorrow/today. good morn’ twitterland. @FabulousAlly Made my way back out to the pool to avoid Dave’s obnoxious cheering for the Magic.

JACKIE C IS OVER IT with jackie c

oh Lord! renting

don’t know if I’m cursed, but it seems almost unreasonable to think it could merely be coincidence that, for some reason, I always end up legally bound to a complete wackjob. I thought living alone would finally end the long line of wackjob roommates and thus, my binding to wackjobs. But no, the streak continues. Really, if I wanted to constantly be legally bound to a wackjob, I could have married one years ago! My loco landlord called me, in early March, to tell me he wanted his “sick mother” to move into the condo because she can’t climb the stairs in his huge, five-bedroom house. And, he can’t possibly move his office bedroom upstairs because all of that furniture is sooooo heavy. (Boo-hoo, like MY furniture isn’t!) Apparently, this is not a man who loves his mother, which is not surprising since he’s been very disrespectful toward me since the day I moved here. The tight-wad said he’d give me $1000 for the move and my troubles. Excuse me while I pause for hysterical laughter (Bwha-ha-ha-ha-ha...). It would cost a thousand bucks just to move me. I know; I called several movers. That doesn’t leave anything for my “troubles,” gas and milage spent home-hunting, reconnection fees, fees to change registrations and insurance coverage, or to offset the costs I might incur living someplace else for the rest of my lease. My response - make it $2000 PLUS the return of my deposit and he had a deal (a generous offer on my part). That quickly caused him to call back and say he was moving his mom in with his sister instead. (Apparently his mom’s not worth it.)

Then, he called me back in early April to change his mind, AGAIN. (Can you say, “high-maintenance girl?”) He offered me the $2000 I asked for and then kept me on the phone repeating himself over and over, talking about how this would be a good deal for me too. Dude, how many times do I have to pass this message on to people: If you are no good at manipulating, just don’t do it! It’s the fastest way to sound like an idiot because everybody knows what you’re doing. On top of the lack of mind games, his constant repetition reminded me of something. I couldn’t put my finger on it at first, and then, wait... something about college... coming back to me... a friend talking to a moosehead on the wall... repeating himself... it was at some party... that’s it! My landlord is drunk off his ass! Proof that I’ve reached an all-time low in my non-existent love-life, the only drunkdial I’ve gotten in years was from my landlord (a whiny, girly landlord at that). I agreed to look for a place again (my mistake), which resulted in him pestering me every two days by calling and texting at odd hours just to let me know how important it is for me to be out by May 1, dangling his meager offerings over my head. I don’t like being harassed, especially when I’m trying to do a loon a favor. I called him back to tell him (as pleasantly as I could) he needed to accept the fact that this is a process that takes time, adjust his medication to account for his hysteria, and stop with the Single White Female routine. Then he had his ex-wife call to threaten me. (Ooh! Now I’m shaking!) Worse yet, when I called him back to ask why he’s needlessly involving the ex-wife, he was slurring his speech and said it was because he was on pain killers because of some recent surgery. B-S! In November he sounded like Paula Abdul when I talked with him; back then he blamed it on having a “concussion.” This guy is a pharmacist, a pharmacist who’s already drunk-dialed me. I know he’s tapping the company supply! (Now he’s a desperate-housewife version of a girl.) Do you know what’s really sad? I had to pay $45 so this wackjob could run a background check on ME. When he threatened me again in his drugged-out stupor, I reminded him that he owed me $2000 plus the return of my deposit. Then, he changed his mind AGAIN, saying he couldn’t afford that. The weasel with a generous, six-figure income, a five-bedroom house, and a BMW backed out after I wasted a week’s vacation and tons of gas and milage on my car to look for a place. If you see my mugshot on prime time in the next few weeks, you’ll know why. I’m definitely OVER IT. I’m over roommates, landlords, and renting. I have found an upside to the down economy and it is all this upside down real estate. Apparently, these days it’s more affordable for me to buy a home than rent. So, by the fall, I should only be legally bound to the bank financing my mortgage and not to another wackjob! If you’re looking to also take advantage of the upside down market, keep a few things in mind. 1.) Most lenders want a decent credit score, so check into how you can raise yours. 2.) There are some great deals out there for first-time home buyers, but you need to shop around and talk to someone who knows all the options in order to find the best one for you. 3.) Many realtors won’t even deal with someone who hasn’t been pre-approved for a loan. 4.) Find a GOOD realtor. I’m lucky to have a trustworthy one living across the street from my parents. 5.) Short sale does not mean “short.” If you decide to make an offer on one or a foreclosure, check which bank is managing the home. You want to avoid the banks that are needlessly dragging out those sales.

Apparently, these days it’s more affordable for me to buy a home than rent. So, by the fall, I should only be legally bound to the bank financing my mortgage and not to another wackjob!

[]

In a Haaze

If you’re thinking about coming to visit or relocate to the “Big Apple”, guaranteed you will find someone or something that will catch your eye. This city is built on history and art and it has a lot of character. Seriously, I don’t think anyone can deny it. You will encounter a variety of local artists that bring a whirlwind of creativity at many local venues and lounges, displaying their vibrant paintings and oneof-a kind pieces. One local artist that will definitely inspire intrigue is Alux Loyola. His background of Mexican, Puerto Rican descent is the seasoning to his masterpieces. The art pieces are brilliantly vibrant with life and expression. His art has no boundaries. Guaranteed, once you see one of his pieces you won’t be able to take your eyes off of them. They are magnetic and enticing with so much culture and flare. You want to jump into the wonderland of each painting. Haaze is the name of one of his favorite pieces, which truly one can see why it lives to that name. You can see the love and passion he put into his creation and it certainly reflects those feelings. The base of this painting started with a face. From there the magic flowed and Haaze was born. The exquisite color patterns and infinite illusions come to life on this featured canvas. Overall, each one of his pieces is distinguished with different volumes of feelings. They have a story to tell and are inspiring to the eye. If you want to know more about Alux Loyola, this inspiring artist, please take a peek on his website. [] - Nicole Girata Connect with Alex @ http://www.aluxloyola.com/

6 Degrees of TV

I can now say that IMDB is my new found best friend. Very often, I find myself watching a show and losing any focus on a storyline because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to figure out what other TV show the featured guest star is on. Soon after, I find myself prancing over to my laptop to research cast lists and trivia from each program on IMDB. Below are how some of my favorites are linked : 6 Is the number of months glimpsed into the future on...

...Glee, where you can find Kristen Chenowith, who plays awesome alcoholic April Rhodes and who played Diane on...

...The Office, which guest starred Kevin Mchale as a kidnapped pizza boy. Kevin also appears as Artie on...

...Ugly Betty, where you could find costumes designed by Patrica Field...

...Flashforward, which stars Dominic Managhan and Sonya Walger, who can also be seen on...

with

PATRICK T JOHNSON

...LOST, which guest starred Julie Bowen, who can also be seen as Claire on...

...Modern Family, which is filmed in the same mockumentary style as...

...who also did costume design for the short lived 2006 ABC drama

6 Degrees. 21

New Low reaching comedic heights from our backyard by Greatha mccandele

Adams Bowers is the writer, editor, director and producer of New Low, a comedy film selected by the Sundance Film Festival in the NEXT category, which celebrates innovative films with low or no budget at all. Bowers, a Florida native, also stars in the film as Wendell. He’s a 20-something insecure slacker that is unable to decide whether he belongs with a bartender who likes to dive into dumpsters to find her morning bagel and likes to point out his flaw or an activist that’s trying to change the world and believes in him. New Low’s strength is Bower’s writing. Every piece of dialogue is sharp and witty. The characters are real and will keep you laughing from the beginning of the film to the end. BRINK had the opportunity to interview Bowers about the film, his influences and future plans.

BRINK: You’re a great writer. Every piece of dialogue is both entertaining and moves along the plot of the film. What was your focus on writing the film? Wendell’s relationships? Creating a great comedy? Adam Bowers: Thanks a lot, I appreciate that! I think I’m a tough critic of my own writing, which makes me trim a lot out until I only have what I need to hit everything I need to hit in a scene. Also, I have a rule when writing comedy that I can’t go more than three lines without a punch line (but usually I try to have one every other line with the line before it acting as the “set up”). This, I think, keeps the scene tight and fast, and whenever I found myself having a hard time doing this, it usually meant the scene needed to be refocused. I also like to find a really simple, one-sentence thesis statement that I use from the beginning of writing the script to editing that sums up the idea I’m exploring with the movie. And every choice I make during any stage of the movie is based off of what supports that thesis statement the most, which helps a lot. BRINK: While writing and shooting the film, did you feel the film was going to receive the attention it’s getting now? Bowers: Not at all. The only real reason I made it was because I was moving to Los Angeles, and I knew it would be a lot tougher to make something on my own out here. I wanted to make it as good as possible, of course, but I made it with no expectations. And once it was done, I was completely unsure about where it might go. I thought I’d have to hand it out to people individually and beg them to watch it. I actually wasn’t even going to submit to Sundance since it’s gotten a bit of a reputation as an “indie festival that’s not really for indie films.” But, a friend of mine convinced me on the last day they were taking submissions, and I drove a copy down to their offices in LA and dropped it off. Luckily, this year was the first year with John Cooper as the director of the festival, and he wanted to bring it back to its roots, so he created NEXT <=>, the section for low-to-nobudget films. Without that, I doubt it would have been in the festival, just because their probably wouldn’t have been a place for it. So, I definitely feel really lucky, and feel like it was partly a case of amazing timing. BRINK: Who are some of your influences as a writer and filmmaker? Bowers: Woody Allen, Larry David, Charlie Chaplin, Wes Anderson, Neil Labute, Charlie Kaufman, Richard Linklater, Judd Apatow, Adam McKay, Tommy Wiseau BRINK: The film was shot in Gainesville. Do you think the city influenced the film? Bowers: The city definitely influenced the film. Besides being partly autobiographical of a time of my life when I lived there, I wrote it with the city in mind. I wanted to shoot at all of the places in Gainesville that I loved, so I would actually write them as the specific locations in the script. It would have been really hard to find another city with a “Wayward Council” in it. BRINK: What’s next for you? Are you currently working on a new film? Bowers: I’m traveling with the movie to festivals right now but I’m also working on some new things. I’m not sure what will stick though. We’ll see where I am in six months. I’m just happy I’m not dead in a gutter right now. BRINK: What advice would you give to someone trying to make it as a filmmaker? Bowers: I would say the most important step is to just make something. That’s first, no matter how you have to make it. I know one filmmaker who made a feature length horror movie on disposable cameras from Walgreens. If you feel that compulsion to make something, find a way to make it. Second, though, is to make something YOU want to see. Don’t try to be smart and predict what the “industry” wants or whatever. Just make something you would love if you hadn’t made it, and be really honest with yourself about the quality of it. Have some level of standards that you’re not willing to go below. Also, have fun. That’s something we can do with our little movies better than the people who make big studio movies ever could. Connect with New Low at www.newlowmovie.com/

hoops&yoyo

Photo credits: Hallmark Cards, Inc. Army photo: photo courtesy of Jessamyn Engle

other’s Day is almost here and while you will be running frantically to find the right gift or words to express to mom how you feel, one company will be there for you—

Hallmark. The company has been making Mother’s Day special since the early 1920s and it has helped people express how they feel for 100 years. Hallmark’s centennial birthday was in January but the celebration will last all year long. The company has launched several projects on its Website to make its customers and employees part of the celebration. The “Share Your Hallmark Moment” asks customers to share how Hallmark products have shaped or influenced them. The “Hallmark Signature Blog” allows employees to share their own stories. And, “The Hallmark Timeline” shows Hallmark’s cards evolution since it was created until today. Today, Hallmark offers customers the ability to record their voices in the cards, send e-cards and it has even created animated characters for them.

In 2001, Hallmark created hoops&yoyo. They’re funny, happy and talkative characters. hoops is a pink cat with large eyes. He is playful and mischievous. His best friend is yoyo, a cute lime-green bunny that loves to tell stories as much as he loves candy. The pair is a big hit on the Web and in the retail world. Their website averages one million page views per month and more than 50 million hoops&yoyo free e-cards have been sent since 2004. hoops&yoyo even have their own line of pajamas at Kmart. Whether you use a cute cat and bunny to show mom how you feel or wait until the last minute to find a gift for mom you should know that Mother’s Day is the third-largest card sending holiday in the U.S., with 141 million cards exchanged annually. Hallmark won’t run short of cards either since it offers almost 1600 cards for Mother’s Day. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s also time for me to run frantically to find a gift for my mom. I wonder if Hallmark offers a “Mother’s Day/I’m-sorry for breaking another one of your dinner plates” card? [] - Greatha mccandele

OPP (Yeah you know me) ser·en·dip·i·ty (srn-dp-t) n. pl. ser·en·dip·i·ties 1. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. 2. The fact or occurrence of such discoveries. 3. An instance of making such a discovery. Having a serendipitous moment is exactly what led to the discovery of Other Peoples Property. A day in the life of BRINK research is filled with scanning the Internet for new discoveries and unlocking some of Orlando’s untapped talent. One crisp spring afternoon had our fingertips clicking over to Etsy.com, the local economy Internet megastore, and we soon found ourselves fixated on OPP. Loved the shop, loved the cloths, loved the idea... we even loved the font. The next thing we knew, OPP was on our list of entrepreneurs that need to be in BRINK. We met with Dana Roquemore of OPP and got the skinny on who’s down. How did OPP Originate? Other Peoples Property came about out of a LOVE for Vintage clothing and Timeless design. It was birthed as an avenue for GIVING. By reusing (and often updating) existing clothing, we reduce the need to buy New clothes while creating revenue streams to build sustainable communities in places of need. Who is the OPP audience? OPP is for everyone, but our main focus is on a 18-35 demographic. OPP appeals to the individual who has classic style and cares about quality clothing.

We try to connect with people who want their money to be invested not only in fashion, but in making a positive impact with each purchase. We find that many shoppers are unaware of the impact that disposable fashion has on the planet, and through OPP, their conscientiousness of the environment is raised. We offer personal shopping appointments to shop with our clients one-on-one, so we can focus on their needs and personal style. OPP Giving: OPP is very excited to be able to GIVE Financially to two Non-profit organizations. We give 15% of our profits to organization charity:water. It may be just a few dollars from your purchase, but it can really make a difference. One billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water - that’s one in six of us. Charity: water works to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of donations directly fund water projects. Just $20 can give one person in a developing nation clean, safe drinking ater for 20 years. To learn more about charity: water or to give directly please visit www.charitywater.org. We also have a Large Haiti Section, in which 100% of the profits go to a Haitian Orphanage to help relieve the burden of the Earthquake Relief. www.lespwaworldwide/lespwaworldwide.org. 26

Future Events: Every three months, OPP sponsors “Swap & Shop,” which has been growing exponentially over the last year and a half. According to the EPA, Americans throw away 68 pounds of clothing and textiles a year. We hope to lower the amount of materials wasted by asking you to clean out your closets! You bring all the things you don’t wear anymore, never liked to begin with, or just are plain tired of, and everyone one else does the same. There is always a lot to choose from, so you can leave with things that you will wear, thus keeping those clothes out of landfills. You can bring all aspects of your closet: clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags, etc. The idea is Bring something, Take Something. For free. For all the clothes that are left over, we will pull all the Professional Dress Clothes and Donate to www.DressforSuccess.org. Casual clothing is donated to a Local Homeless Ministry www.nosma.org. The OPP Shop will also be open for Vintage Shopping. The next Swap & Shop is June 11th. OPP will also be participating in the Pink Light Bazaar on June 6th at Redlight Redlight. http://www.facebook.com/pinklightbazaar OPP is also booking exclusive shopping nights for your group of friends, your sorority, or business. A night to have the shop all to yourself, drink some wine, eat some home baked treats and learn more about OPP. Contact us to book your shopping event. OPP Future: There are a lot of grand things in store for OPP in the future. As OPP receives more local and online exposure, and with word-of-mouth growing, OPP will be a more prominent place to shop vintage online and in Orlando. We hope to book out the summer with personal shopping appointments. Our blog will help everyone to keep up with OPP happenings, promotions and updates of how our shoppers are impacting the world. We also hope to partner with other like-minded companies to put on more events to showcase OPP and local businesses.

OPP connect ETSY: www.otherpeoplesproperty.etsy.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/OtherPeoples-Property/ Email: DanaMarieRoquemore@gmail.com Phone: 321.277.7167 Twitter: @danaopp Blog: www.otherpeoplesproperty.com 27

Imerman Angels carefully matches and individually pairs a person touched by cancer (a cancer fighter or survivor) with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer (a Mentor Angel). Cancer caregivers (spouses, parents, children and other family and friends of fighters) also receive 1-on-1 connections with other caregivers and survivors. These 1-on-1 relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience. The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world. Imerman Angels is a federally registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Mission Imerman Angels provides personalized connections that enable 1-on-1 support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.

OH ME OH MY how monimay has got you covered

These days, it seems that everyone has been touched in one way or another by the “big C” - Cancer. May happens to be National Skin Cancer Awareness month, so I am dedicating this article to a beauty product that was largely created to protect an area of our body that we all forget about – our SCALP. Last year alone there were over 60,000 cases of scalp cancer in the United States. Monica May Sanders, the creator and founder of MoniMay Hair Shadz and Sun Shadz, has been a hair color specialist in Phoenix, Arizona for over 15 years. She created Hair Shadz and Sun Shadz after her clients repeatedly asked her questions like “How do I keep my scalp from looking oily?” and “What can I do to keep my roots looking fresh between colorings?” Sanders first concocted liquid and loose power versions of Hair Shadz in her own kitchen. She later teamed up with a chemist in Phoenix to create a final product. In a terrible turn of events in 1999, Monica Sanders lost her mother to scalp cancer. A mole on her scalp developed into a malignant melanoma. Sanders realized a modification needed to be made to her already great product. SPF 15 was added to the cruelty free, all- natural, mineral powder products to protect the scalp from harmful UVA and UVB sunrays. Hair Shadz became a 3-in-1 product that could now potentially save lives. Hair Shadz and Sun Shadz currently come in 10 color variations (as well as a clear version). The product works as a dry shampoo, a root color corrector for between touch ups, and as a sunscreen for your scalp. It will suit the needs of ANY person with ANY hair color. The products are packaged as a portable vial with a brush applicator. The products are available in Whole Foods locations, salons, and dermatologist offices along the west coast but have yet to enter stores on the east coast. However, they are available for purchase online at www.monimay.com. Each 6.5 ounce container retails for $39.95 – it is long lasting and well worth it. Refills are available. Just pick the color that most closely matches your hair and you are ready to go! Connect with Monimay at www.monimay.com

COVE ER CO R V V E R O P E C U U MM P E UPE M NAME: KATIE B LOCATION: NEW YORK CITY OCCUPATION: GURU AT VH1, BRINK WRITER, BFF TO S

“I’m hooked! I am always busy and on the go so its great having a product that makes my hair look freshly washed and colored even if I didn’t have time to wash it. The SPF is definitely an added bonus – as a Florida girl I love to be in the sun but I burn easy and sunscreen is a must –with MoniMay I am totally covered!” NAME: STEPHANIE CRISAN LOCATION: NEW YORK CITY OCCUPATION: BRINK BEAUTY DIRECTOR, STUDENT, FASHIONISTA “I love MoniMay Hair Shadz and absolutely recommend it! As a student in New York City I am on a budget and cant afford getting my hair colored at the outrageously expensive salons surrounding me so this product is a perfect solution. It is super simple to use, it lasts a long time, and my hair always looks great!”

Now, let’s connect. Imerman Angels is a non-profit organization that connects cancer fighters with cancer survivors, people who have beaten that same type of cancer. This connection allows a cancer fighter to build a relationship, ask questions, and receive support and encouragement from someone who has gone through a similar situation. If you or someone you know is currently fighting cancer, if you are a survivor who wants to help others, or if you just want more information about Imerman Angels visit: www.imermanangels.org 29

LIPSTICK JUNGLE

nce upon a time, there was a duo dream team of make up artists who transplanted in Orlando from a place far, far way. The two fabulous ladies set out on an adventure to become the most fantastic make up artists in the land. First, they began making people look beautiful Second, the beauty they created turned to happiness. Lastly, the beautiful and happy new people that they transformed believed in what they got going on! The two ladies behind the brand, Lipstick Mixtapes, Meagan B and Safia Michelle, set out with the idea to show and teach women how to do makeup and it transformed into something greater than their imaginations allowed. In an effort to get exposure, Lipstick Mixtapes began to bring the wow-factor along with a touch of awareness to other artists who specialize in makeup, hair, graphics, events, design and more. Lipstick Mixtapes are all too familiar with phrases that start with, “this is what we like, this is what we do, and this is how we are, so let me tell you about it!” Thus, Lipstick Mixtapes revved its engine and the hype machine turned on to full speed. Simply put, Lipstick Mixtapes generate the hype! Meagan and Safia have a positive outlook on life and their purpose is to make things happen and create amazing work that inspires others. In their own words, “be happy with the person God has created us to be!” You better believe!

The spread is about being a beautiful, ambitious and fearless and wants to find where she belongs.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS (Safia) Meagan did the Makeup for both models and I did hair, and we both styled the fashions. That’s the great thing about being a team we’re able to do both, practically all the creative design or style ethics as we like to call it. We knew what we wanted and we knew what would work. The models we chose were amazing, Chris and April Dawn were superior talent, at first I felt l like they’re going to be “omg what are they going to do to us,” but as we started trying on the clothes I could see each girl was going to give the energy and what we were looking for in the photos. To connect with Lipstick Mixtapes please visit, www.lipstickmixtapes.com Safia and Meagan B / Lipstick Mixtapes Photographer (cover and current page) Peterson J Guerrier Connect with Peterson at www.guerrier.webs.com All featured photos (pages 30-35) Anastasia Garcia Connect with Anastasia at www.anastasiagarciaphoto.com

The contrast of her hair color with this chartreuse mini and her super long legs with hot ankle boots make this look spring spectacular!

Beautiful skin and great accessories is all a girl wants, right? Layers of shimmer are a must for and if the neck is glowing so must the skin.

Bright colors of turquoise, purple and coral are a perfect spring time palette. These are shades that allow the skin to look glowing and beautiful.

Aqua and Pink make for standout makeup colors next to neutral tones of colored clothing. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget accessories like a hat that gives this look just the edge needed.

tales in the city

Hey, I’m Ashton and have I got a story for you. My Orlando nightlife adventures have led me to take a pen to a pad and share them with my fellow Orlandoites. Read on and if you know the people in my stories - you might with ASHTON MORRIS not want to tell them. This drunken tale comes from a Mon Young Man X told us he was from Texas and was in the day night at Redlight, Redlight which is a great army or marines on a short leave from Iraq. He seemed to fit the Orlando bar with a huge selection of draft beers bill and I honestly could not tell you if he was drugged up or sufand a cool staff. fering from P.T.S.D. or both. Young Man X went on to tell us how he was fighting this war for us and not anyone else. During his I was smoking a cigarette out front with story he would randomly re-enact how overseas he would burst my new friend who was chronicling the saga of into a house and threaten the household. This whole time he was her dying tryst with another friend of mine. She high-fiving me (which was reciprocated out of concern for safety), was telling me how she was over him, although hugging us and being very touchy feely - which was creepy. to me it implied that by saying it out loud she really felt the opposite. It was quite the story We eventually found out that he initially came over to ask and made me wonder how come I’m never in us for a ride back to John Young to meet with his friends. We rethese messed up situations with lovers and peatedly rejected the idea, but he persisted with “I can just ride on ex-lovers...I envied it for some reason. This is the hood, I promise I’m not dangerous I’m fighting for you, come only the second time I have hung out with this on.” Eventually, I gave him my undershirt which proceeded to particular girl, but I immediately connected with have him show his appreciation by hugging me and shaking my her due to her kick ass personality. hand and saying “I love you brother.” Then the Redlight, Redlight bar tender came out and told him to be on his way. At one point Anyway, we’re both out front of Redlight, he began to tell the bartender the story all over again then tried Redlight having a cigarette when I spot a shirtto fist bump him (like isn’t that cool). The bar tender looked at less young man who starts crossing the street him and calmly stated, “I don’t fist bump on the [insert paragraph towards us. I whispered to her, “in 20 seconds 5 and 6 here],” which I thought was funny as hell. Young Man X some dude is going to ask you for a cigarette.” was so messed up but for some reason I didn’t feel empathy as I He walks over to us and its apparent he is normally would have and I don’t know why. tweaked out on [insert drug of choice]. To my surprise, he didn’t ask for a cigarette, but pro At this point, I’ve had too many drinks and I’m watching ceeded to spend a hefty amount of time talking this moment in the mind set of “all the world’s a stage,” and thorat us. oughly enjoying it. The bar tender gave Young Man X his socks as a kind of peace pipe to get this gentleman to leave which he This young man, who we will call “Young eventually did. With the exception of shoes, he had more clothing Man X” is about 20 years old with a buzz cut, on from our contributions that when he first arrived. no shoes on his feet and no shirt on his back... and he just walked from Colonial Drive. He pro For the rest of the evening the conversation switched ceeded to tell us his story about how he jumped between Young Man X and talk of my friends chaotic anti-relasix or so [insert derogatory word here] at John tionship salt and peppered in between statements. I feel like I’m Young Parkway (which was miles from where we in a dream, lost in a blurred thought, thinking, wow these are the currently hanging), how he beat them up, was people over there- barely old enough to have a dream of life, running from the cops and jumping in bushes and stuck with nightmares of I.E.D.’s. I know I don’t have enough all the way here to elude their every move. His cojones to do that.” The moment is all crazy and spinning, and I energy was so awkward and threatening that it think, this is an experience to talk about. would make anyone mentally prepare for any There you have it readers, my first tale of many to come kind of crazy or violent act that might occur durin my wild and crazy adventures in Orlando. Till next time, have a ing this meet up all the while trying to act cool, one on me. calm and unaffected by what he was saying. 36

with CAROLINE ST CLAIR

Dear Caroline, I am a single 35 year old woman who has a good job, no kids and (from what people say) is very attractive—but it has been almost a year since I had a boyfriend. I have met some guys my age who are very nice but I am just not romantically interested in them. I feel like I have so much to offer and it seems the months are just going by and here I am, always alone in bed every night. All my friends are married or in a serious relationship and it makes me feel like I am a freak. I tried the online dating thing but it just didn’t feel right so I dropped it. All I am asking for is to meet someone cute, funny and interesting—a male version of me! Beside the bars and Facebook, where do you connect with cool guys these days? -Not Desperate, Yet Dear Not Desperate, Yet, Ok lets get this straight: You are NOT a freak because you are single. And those married friends …? Ha. They may act like everything is wonderful, but if statistics say anything at least half of them are miserable and wondering why they took that trip to the alter in the first place. Many people would consider you very smart to be single, and even be envious! But even cynical old Caroline understands the need to have someone to hold hands with at the farmers market on lazy Sunday mornings. So where to meet men? I am not going to go into the clichés of volunteering at the soup kitchen or signing up for archery lessons to meet guys (although either one is a great thing to do just for the hell of it). And the internet dating stuff? Your instincts are good. Studies are starting to show that romantic unions made online are often quick to disintegrate. You mentioned that you often meet guys who are not your type romantically but are really nice. BINGO. Right there is your solution. It works like this: Nice guys usually have nice friends. Those friends also have nice friends. And many of those nice friends are also CUTE. So don’t be quick to dismiss a guy just because he doesn’t make you feel all tingly. Just be a friend. Hang out and play pool or drink sake or whatever. Some of my best friends are men…they are easy to hang out with, always bring a six pack over when they visit, and don’t get mad when you have to break plans last minute. And they ALL have friends who are just dying to meet you. It’s like job hunting: you can send out a thousand resumes, but in the end it is all about who you know to really land the job. And that my dear is the key to connecting with your next cute boyfriend! got a question only caroline would know how to answer? email or facebook us.

HORORSCOPE may ARIES 2010 (Mar. 21- Apr. 20) Money matters have been quite important and also quite confusing for you lately, Aries. Past due bills you’d forgotten about have shown up in the mailbox many of which are the result of plastic you eagerly pulled out and used last month to spoil a loved one. The good news is that once Mercury turns direct on the 11th, you’ll receive some long-lost monies of your own, so paying off those debts won’t be a problem. If you don’t have quite enough, alluring Venus in your house of communication will help you make arrangements with no problem at all! TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) After three weeks of working his way retrograde through your sign, Taurus, communicative Mercury will finally turn direct, bright and early on the 11th and there will be much rejoicing in your kingdom! All those miscommunications, lost directions, broken appliances, and electronics will finally be straightened out or fixed, and since you’re so fond of your possessions, this will be quite a terrific time for you! Of course, you also love to be with your dear ones - finally, there will be no more hurdles to jump over. It’s time to make some plans with no worries about the outcome.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Your axis of money matters - that is, personal matters and joint finances - will be quite a busy place this month, Leo. The good news is that as of the 11th, when Mercury finally turns direct in your house of career matters, that raise, bonus, or promotion you’ve been aiming for will finally come. If you’ve been waiting for what seems like forever, your patience will be rewarded, and the higher-ups who’ve been watching you will be grateful and appreciative for the time you’ve spent working hard and waiting for it all to come about. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) A huge astrological tug of war is going on this month, Virgo, and your sign will be highly involved in it. Sturdy, responsible Saturn (who’s been in your sign since September of 2007) will face off with Jupiter, the King of the Gods, who’s currently bestowing romantic Piscean magic to your house of one-on-one relationships. Now, your sign is all about work - hard work - as is Saturn. Jupiter, however, prefers play to work, and socializing to working at home alone, especially now that he’s feeling amorous. Your decision won’t be easy, but only you can make it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) The opposition between Jupiter, your own planet, and Saturn, his opposite energy, means that you’ll be tugged in two different directions this month, Sagittarius, between your emotions - which include your family and those tried-andtrue friends you consider family - and professional matters. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to manage to serve two masters, because you will - if anyone can, it’s you. The thing is, you’ll be quite tired after all the stress you’ll go through, and you’ll need some rest, and serious TLC. Fortunately, your sweetheart, if you keep them posted, will be there for you. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You’ll be in the mood to travel now, Capricorn - that’s for sure. Whether you decide to travel long-distance or just take a few days off for a long weekend in the vicinity - well, that will be the worst decision you’ll have to make besides whether or not you’ll want to go alone or bring your sweetheart along. Once Mercury turns direct on the 11th, it will be a lot easier for you to get in contact with the one you care for, so you’ll probably want to go with them. Extend the invitation, and expect it to be accepted.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Family matters may have been weighing heavily on you over the past few weeks, Gemini, but once the 11th arrives, you’ll be able to straighten everything out from petty sibling rivalries to major arguments over inheritances. Remember, you were born with the “gift of gab,” which isn’t to be taken lightly. You can talk to anyone about anything, and if you really need to - if it’s really important - you’ll manage to make peace between any warring factions. Just put that mighty talent of yours to work - that is, your way with words.

LIBRA Sept. 24 -Oct. 23 Pluto, the most intense of all planets, will take precedence over just about everything this month, Libra, especially when it comes to family matters - even if you’ve been trying to give your sweetheart the majority of your time. Communicative Mercury has been working his way retrograde in your house of shared resources, so you may have been doing battle over finances or inheritances. That’s never a pleasant thing, but at times, it’s necessary, and this may be one of those times. Some of those issues may have been secret in the past, but they won’t be any longer.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Several planetary allies will make it easier than usual for you to say exactly what’s on your mind this month, Aquarius, but once your own planet, Uranus, stops in his tracks on the 27th, it will be next to impossible for you to resist keeping a single word to yourself. Now, you were born an expert at saying exactly what’s on your mind and in your heart, so together with Uranus and red-hot Mars in Leo in your house of close relationships - and Leo can’t be shy about anything - anyone who crosses your path with questions will receive answers.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your axis of communications, near and far, will be activated this month, Cancer, thanks to an opposition between generous Jupiter and frugal Saturn. These two will cooperate - if you manage it right - to bring balance to all things, great and small. At the same time, chatty Mercury will finally turn direct on the 11th, and after three weeks of miscommunications and misunderstandings, you’ll actually be able to make plans and be able to keep them. Go ahead, then. After the 10th, make arrangements, settle disagreements, and know that promises made will be promises kept.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your house of close relationships has been playing host to the Sun and Mercury in Taurus for a while now, Scorpio - and since Mercury, the King of Communication, has been moving retrograde in that same sign since April 17th, it’s probably been tough for you to get together with the one you love. You’re the sexiest and most magnetic of all the twelve signs, however, so if there’s someone by your side you find absolutely delicious, you’ll be able to lure them closer, and let them know exactly how you feel - especially after the 11th, when Mercury turns direct.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You’ve been blessed for some time now, Pisces. Startling Uranus has helped you to break out of any rut you’re in and allowed you to use your innate power of invisibility to infiltrate any ranks - so once you’re where you want to be, you’ll blend in quite nicely. In short, for some years now, you’ve been allowed to mingle with anyone and everyone, to decide for yourself what’s most comfortable for you. This month, you’ll be able to decide, thanks to the added gift of generous Jupiter, who will help guide you along your way.

by Kim Rogers-Gallagher 38

the barometer #3*/, 03-"/%0 4 USFOE NBH JTTVF .":

FREE

CONNECTING with the ladies of LIPSTICK MIXTAPES

The BRINK event May 26th at The Cameo - hottest event in town!

Snap! Orlando! Photo fever, temperature rising!

RDJ is back in Iron Man 2! Must see movie!

The Social Chameleon! if you havent been to this super cute tapas/wine/beer spot in the Milk District, you are missing out!

New establishments opening/opening soon (Paris Market/Blue Bird Bake Shop)! Orlando is on an upswing!

Some ideas are just being taken too far. Judge for yourself at the Sony Style store where you can “enjoy” 3D TV. Bold Hype closed. Goodbye friends and thanks for the culture. (Look for them in NYC now!)

Disasters. The oil spill. Tornado’s, Tennessee, earthquakes. 39