Klazzy Magazine

klazzy

business, health, life, & leisure

.com magazine

. . .lifestyle of the distinguished urban professional

Is This The Only Path FOR CHILDREN? Helping Our

Children Do You Have

Condom Sense How Do I “Do”

Romance

Atlanta ~ Charlotte ~ Chicago ~ D.C. ~ L.A. ~ Houston ~ Miani ~ New York www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue -

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Publisher’s Word

Fear! Fear of loneliness or fear of love? Fear of failure or fear of success? Fear of not knowing or fear of finding out?

Every successful person had a support system and that one big break. Someone gave them a chance, and they took off. Someone pushed them, and was there for them when it got tough. How do you find these people? How does one come across a big break?

My journey becomes weary, my eyes are heavy, my mind is clouded, and I look up into the heavens and cry out, "God, help me, please give me the strength!". God didn't make me for this, did he? Or, did he?

I'm crazy yet dedicated. I'm stupid yet focused. Chasing a dream yet sticking to a plan. “Gramdmama's daughter ain't raise no idiot.” Who are my judges? They don't need to wear black robes because their skin is the same color as mine. I apologize for not living a perfect life. Well, not really. I apologize for not wanting to change my ethnicity to “Corporate American”. Well, not really. (you missed that one) What goes around comes around.

Congratulations, you “made it”. You forgot about the children. You have a salary, and a house and an SUV. You forgot about the children. You have a homeowner’s association, a driveway, and landscaping (don’t forget to turn on the sprinklers!). You forgot about the children.

Writing “checks” doesn’t cut it! Take off those blazers, kick off those heels, roll up your sleeves, stick out your hand, and physically help somebody. That goes for white, black, rich, poor, television host, or drama club, MBA, or GED. Help Somebody!

God isn’t just blessing you for your benefit, he’s blessing you to “bless” others.

Please, turn the pages, and read….. my crazy, stupid, dream. Wake me up when you finish.

Welcome to Another Klazzy Experience.

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Feedback ***********************

Bobby, Your publication is sooo exciting! Great artwork, great layout, and of course great end result for the readers. Much continued success.

Cathy Miller Beers CEO Magazine Yellow Pages ***********************

Bobby, I must say that I am EXTREMELY impressed by "Klazzy Magazine." And believe me........for me to say that is a huge compliment. I have a reputation of being a hardcore critic........especially as it relates to products and services geared towards the "urban" market. I am typically unimpressed with the lack of professionalism and content in most urban magazines. Sometimes I feel like we do such a disservice to our people by constantly perpetuating the very things that have our community in bondage (drugs, alcohol, the love of money, exploitation of women, etc.). I respect your magazine for finding that strategic balance of being engaging and relevant.

Be encouraged, Alicia V. Jolla Charlotte Economic Development Office *********************** Hi Bobby, I really admire what you're doing, pursuing your passion. You're definitely an inspiration for me to step out on faith and pursue my dreams.

I have glanced at the website and I must say I am impressed. Keep doing what you're doing. I will definitely spread the word to friends to be on the look out for your magazine.

Joy J. Blackmon ***********************

Hey B, I just wanted to let you know that I am really feeling your mag. You are a good writer with so much to inform the world on. Your eyes tell another story than your thoughts, deep you are young gentleman!

UniqueExpression

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*********************** I think this in an interesting concept. There are other online mags, but this one allows you to download and save each issue in pdf format. I like this because I can go back a year from now and re-read an article without having magazines piled up to the ceiling. I've also read that the creator is homeless which is a great story of will within itself.

Anonymous *********************** I think, since I signed up for the mailing, I would like 2 copies of Klazzy personally signed by the CEO!!! This, way when it blows up all big I can sell one on Ebay. (hahaha) Just kidding. It's GREAT to see that you have done so well. I am so happy for you.

Nakia Palmer *********************** There's a new fad in the United States.

Adopting orphans from other countries. It's a big thing now with the rich and famous, (Angelina Jolie) and even the rich and not so famous (Isolde Motley, a top executive of Time, Inc.). Why are people adpoting children from other countries when there are so many to adopt right here in our country?

According to Upscale Magazine (an issue from several months ago) so few Americans are adopting Black American children that our orphans are being adopted by Canadians. I've been planning on adopting a little girl from a country in Africa ever since I went to Kenya and saw the enormous number of orphans wandering the streets. But, after reading that article in Upscale about our children being deported I may reconsider my plans.

For the record, I think that any family that can love and support a black child, Canadian or not, should be able to take them.

Miss West Coast

*********************** I would like to tell everyone that society has brainwashed us all, well those that buy into the bullshit. we have aloud society to be our leader in our everyday lives no matter how big or small.

We're the consumers that buy the bullshit.

Exploitation is so far fetched and should also can be parallel to the modeling industrysupermodels. Are they whores? sluts? drug addicts? making money? marketing their bodies?

Well they're damn sure not saving the world by modeling Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Tommy H. or Versaci! and everybody is not involved in charities. You want to point your finger at the stripper or whore but they're not on welfare, its legal in Vegas (contradiction from our society and government) why be bothered with useless information about what someone has done or did or is doing. Character is built through experiences. It is defined "Good" or "bad" by society.

Society Crisis

klazzy people CEO, Publisher, Executive Editor Bobby R. Bowden Associate Editor Sabrina “Phennix� Davis Guest Editor Tiffany L. Jones Issue Design, Layout, Web Site Design, Advertising Sales, Marketing Editorial, & Photography (?any volunteers out there?)

Bobby R. Bowden ******************************** Special Thanks Ramona Gatling, Charlotte, Tabitha Stallings, Atlanta, Nedra Simone, Atlanta, Nicole Green, Atlanta, Alicia Jolla, Charlotte, Tameka Moseley, Charlotte, Darell Gooden, Charlotte, Carlow Smith, Atlanta, Jamille Brown, Atlanta, and Gary Long Atlanta.

A very special thanks goes to Jean Allen for always being there, and Cassandra Adams for putting up with me.

Klazzy Magazine is published monthly by Klazzy Magazine, Inc.All issues of the publication are available free of charge. Copyright 2004 - 2006 Klazzy Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, printing, reprinting, or altering, in whole or in part, for monetary gain or compensation, without the expressed written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited and illegal. All violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. All manuscripts, drawings, and photographs sent to Klazzy Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes, and are subject to the magazine's right to edit and comment editorially. Photographs, nor the editorial, nor the quotations accompanying such photographs are not to be construed as an indication of the person's sexual orientation, conduct, personality, views, or actual quotation. Klazzy Magazine assumes no responsibility to determine whether the people whose photographs, statements, writings, or advertisements are deemed as true, or have in fact endorsed such products or consented to the use of their names, photographs, statements, or writings attributed to them. The views expressed by writers, photographers, stories, articles, photographs, or advertisements are not necessarily those of Klazzy Magazine, Inc. or it's staff.

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Just 4 Kicks

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Guest Editor WHY COMPANIES SHOULD UTILIZE PUBLIC RELATIONS

Behind every successful company is a great public relations campaign. In order to succeed,

the world must first know that you exist. Advertising, marketing, and public relations go hand in hand. I normally encourage my clients to incorporate an effective advertising campaign into their annual budgets, with money being dispersed between TV, radio, print advertising (newspapers and magazines) and sponsorship opportunities. Throughout the year, while each campaign is running, I aggressively seek feature stories, interviews and any other opportunities for my clients to further brand their company name. Everything you do should be strategic and well thought out. It's important to first understand who you want to market your business, products, and or services to. Once you determine who your target market is, you then devise a plan on how you will reach those individuals. That's where a good publicist comes in handy.

Doing PR can be extremely tedious. So unless you plan on being on the phone and sending emails and faxes all day, I highly recommend you hire a PR firm to handle this important task for you. After all, they are the ones with the media contacts and the relationships to make things happen.

A Few PR Tricks of the Trade Partner with non-profit organizations in the community and receive free exposure. Just make sure that your logo/company name is featured on all commercials, press releases, web sites and or printed materials. Examples: Toy drive, feed the hungry, senior citizens day etcetera.

Sponsor events that will put your company in front of your target audience. Again, make sure your logo/company name is featured on all commercials, press releases, web sites and or printed materials.

Network, network, network! This is very important. You never know who you might meet so you should always have your business card and be prepared to talk about your company. You never know who will be able to help you out in the future. I do networking events twice a month and I can honestly say that with so many new people moving to Charlotte it's important to keep your name and face out there. Remember, you are a reflection of your business so get out there and sell yourself.

Donate items to charities and non-profits. (clothes, office supplies, equipment) Buy ads in journals for local community related events. This is a great way to stay connected in the community. ~Tiffany L. Jones For More Info Call: 201-304-2933

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klazzy

business, health, life, & leisure

.com

magazine

. . .lifestyle of the distinguished urban professional

for advertising bulk printing or web design just call:

704.293.8321 www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue -

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Makin’ Movez Actress, model, screenwriter, my motivation

comes from my familywho excelled in sports and music, so I ran track, but I wanted to use my athleticism for dance. I've been acting and participating in drama club, and performing expressive dance from middle school through highschool. I had a chance to go to a performing arts school in New York for dancing but my dad wasn't having that. I now have a degree in accounting.

While in college people would always encourage me to get into modeling. I had the desire, but not the support, but for the past few years, I've just been pushing myself. I currently have a role on a local soap opera here in Atlanta called A-Town East. My character is Nikki Swan. She's part of a crime mob but wants to give up that life. The boss told her she has to pay her way out. So now she has to venture alone on her own robbing sprees in order to finance her freedom. The show airs on Comcast 25. I had a role in the play "Secrets Men Keep" by Nedra Simone, and I was also on an episode of Maury Povich entitled "Geek to Sheek". So as you can see I’ve skipped around in the industry a little. I continuously take acting classes to mold my skills. I also take roles in independant films on "deferred payment", meaning you get paid if and when the movie makes money. You just act because you love the craft, and you look at it as practice. For the people who want to get in the industry music videos are not the route. Networking is most important.

Take acting classes to better your skills so when it's time to audition, you'll be ready. You also have to read and be knowledgeable about the business side of the acting industry or you will easily be taken advantage of. Do monologues on a daily or weekly basis, so that you will always be fresh. To me, my agent is like getting twice as much work done, but you can't just rely on them. I'm still out on the grind getting work for myself. I also keep busy by writing my own scripts, because you can't always wait for someone to give you a role. I may get my foot in the door enough to hand someone a script. So as you can see, I’m in it all the way. Never do something that you will regret later. There's a lot of drama in the acting industry, no pun intended, so don’t let it get to you. You can't live for other people, you just have to stay on the grind.

Makin Movez, Prieska

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Atlanta

No, no photos please. We don't want our pictures taken because it's not about us, it's about the

events. What makes us different from the others is first off, we're cool with a lot of those guys and we support their events as well. Mainly, we don't do it for a living. We do it for fun and for the people. We're all fans of other promoters. Before us, most of the parties were being done in hotels; away from downtown, and in hotel ballrooms. Our people were missing out on the downtown fun and something as simple as being able to use their credit card to buy drinks. Hey, we're just as educated. We have just as much class. We're gainfully employed. We dress nice.

Why do we have to be expelled to another part of town just to have fun? It's like on Friday and Saturday night we were being segregated from the people we work with every day. We found that once we moved here, we were still flying to Atlanta, DC, and Chicago just to have fun, but our corporate counterparts were partying uptown in the nice establishments. Charlotte is 30% black, and it's highly educated affluent black people here, so there's no reason why we can't facilitate the same type of entertainment here.

The first event was at Prestos April 2004, Saturday Night Fever. We were having social gatherings at our homes but it was beginning to be so many people, over 75, and they were scuffing up the floors, so we felt there was nowhere to go but out. Before the "social event" & "upscale party" scene began in Charlotte lots of people here went to 8-traks, the vault, crystals, club 2000. The hot spot for the "grown and sexy" was always CJ's on Sunday night. Varga also was a grown and sex spot. Then a lot of establishments began to relax the dress codes, and once again Charlotte's distinguished urban professionals were forced back into a social hibernation. Now, having an uptown venue seems to be the mainstream thing to do, which could be causing resistance from certain establishment who are afraid of attracting the wrong element.

So other promoters, just be careful. Unlike a lot of other traditional promoters, we do not use radio for advertising. All correspondence for promotions and marketing are done through e-mail and the website. Plus, if you've never been to an event, you can check out the photos on the site to see how to dress. More than anything, the photos on the site tell a story of where the concept came from and how it has progressed. There's even been word of corporate recruiters forwarding job candidates to the website. The parties are safe, they're laid back, the men are sharp, and the women are beautiful. If you don't have a good time, then that's something you need to take up with yourself. We have a pretty big loyal following, and it's getting bigger. There are tons of people who will only attend inner circle events. We don't try to always have an event at a certain time, we just focus on always having events at the "right time". Stay tuned, there are a lot of new things coming in the future. We also give "madd props" to the black owned establishments such as V-Lounge, and Tempo because they are providing a consistent venue for our community.

Our last words for everyone are to keep an open mind and continue to promote "all" promoters.

To the people, and promoters, of Charlotte, always stay progressive and think outside the box.

If you want to grow with the city then you have to take your blinders off. The more you enjoy the city the better it will be for everyone. If you have a problem with something, in life, then don't complain, do something about it. If you're standing around and not having fun, then go grab someone, if you feel that's not of you then you're living by somebody else's standards.

Makin' Movez James, Sheldon, & Adam Inner Circle Events (ICE)

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Handle Your Business

Public Relations Career?

Iaref you're looking for a new in-demand business with low overhead, or if you have a knack for communication and highly organized, consider training yourself to become an independent public relations advisor. Public relations advisors are becoming increasingly popular in our "information age". The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted public relations to be one of the fastest growing fields through 2008.

Though these services are in high demand, it is not just by large-scale corporations. Most small businesses and nonprofit organizations cannot afford to pay the fees charged by established public relations firms. Some of these fees run in excess of several thousand dollars a month, whereas an independent public relations advisor may charge only $50-$200 per hour, depending on experience. Small businesses are happy to pay these fees because they are much lower than those charged by established firms - which have significant overhead costs.

As an independent public relations advisor the majority of the contact with your clients will be via e-mail, fax and telephone. The core of your efforts will be broken down into 1) strategic and promotional planning, 2) event planning and coordination, 3) press release writing and mailing, 4) newsletter writing and design, and 5) media contact management.

If you're truly ready to dive into this industry then start out by familiarizing yourself in public relations procedures. If you do not already have experience, then you need to thoroughly educate yourself on the various services, strategies and tactics involved with this position. You can do this by interning with a public relations firm or taking a course in public relations. Make certain that the course covers all the basics of the industry. Just being able to write a press release will not cut it, the various strategic aspects are extremely important as well.

If the position is intriguing to you, yet the full aspects of it are a little overwhelming, then maybe you need a partner. If you're a great writer, and you have a partner that's great at event coordinating, then the two of you could come together and create a public relations firm. Either way, if this is an avenue you'd like to pursue, the time to start is definitely right now. ~klazzy

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Live Your Life

Helping The Children

It’s time to do more than just complain

Charlotte 14 - www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue

I met Alicia at a networking function. Her and a couple of her female colleagues along with me

and a few of my male colleagues were standing around "philosophizing" about the plight of the Urban Professional, choices we make in life, a person's dedication to their "life cause", and of course (males and females can never get together without speaking on this) DATING. I found her views on all of the subjects to be enlightening as well as open minded. She didn't have a "stubborn" stance on topics like a certain publisher of the magazine that you're currently reading who shall remain nameless. After exchanging pleasantries and business cards (some of us, ahem), we all began to talk about careers. Her career in particular peaked my interest (now I see why she's so open minded) so I had to find out more. A week later I found myself journeying into yet another building in uptown Charlotte that I constantly pass by but had no clue as to what goes on inside; continuously oblivious to the huge governmental sign sitting beside the road. After waiting forever (like two minutes) I finally met with Alicia who was suffering from allergies and feeling under the weather. So begins her story, but, as a courtesy to her, and to make things easier to read, I have edited out all of the sniffles, coughing, and sneezing. But, on a serious note, be sure to read this information carefully, and take notes.

What she had to say is really important to our community.

Tell me a little about your background.

I'm born and raised in Charlotte. Which is considered rare.

You mean rare for the corporate world?

Yeah, because most people that you meet are transplants from other places.

That's true.

So, I went to UNC Chapel Hill, majored in economics and public policy, also went to grad school there at the School of Government and earned my Masters in Public Administration. I worked at a consulting firm for about two years in that same area, then I transitioned here to Charlotte.

What did you do at the consulting firm?

We did workforce and economic development. More along the line of business development strategies. They cater to a lot of rural and urban areas. It's almost like a think tank and a consulting firm in one.

So they help companies with their development?

Some companies, but they usually help regions. Let's say there's a Community Development Corporation (CDC) that wants to bring some money in to reduce poverty levels. We may help them figure out a way to efficiently create jobs.

Ok, so how did your education and experience transition into what you're doing now?

Well, now my title is Economic Development Specialist. So with my consulting background, and the experience from doing research with my previous employer, that helps me now because I do a lot of research on the currently "distressed" corridors and distressed business corridors of Charlotte. In addition to that I also run the Mayor's Youth Employment Program. So the positions are similar being that I do a lot of research here but I also brought with me the networking and relationship building skills as well. Because now I'm having to go out and build www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue -

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relationships with the private sector in order to build the youth employment program and secure jobs for the kids. I'm contacting companies and asking them to hire "at-risk" kids for eight weeks during the summer. A lot of companies do not want to do it, so I have to show them the benefits of participating in this program, and explain to them how it helps their community, which helps Charlotte, which brings them more business. So this job ties together all of my relationship building, networking, consulting, and research skills.

What's the age range for the kids in the program?

16-21 What would a kid, or their parent/guardian, do to participate in the program?

Well, the program has been around for about 20 years and it's gone through a lot of changes.

Originally, they would just find jobs for kids during the summer, regardless of where or what it was; Carowinds, McDonalds, etc. If you needed a job they would find you a job. When I came in they were considering canceling the program for various reasons. I felt like the program was important but also needed to be beneficial. Instead of the kids just "having a job" I wanted them to go through a professional developmental program. I didn't see the need of getting them fast food or retail positions that they can get on their own. I wanted them to see what it's like to work 8-5 every day, and what it's like to work in corporate america. Now they can benefit from a “value added work experience�. This year we had to scale it down from 300 to 50 students and this was our pilot year for the reorganization of the program. We were able to get a few kids in the major companies of the private sector, but the majority of the kids this year worked with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. We've partnered with some of the youth groups here in Charlotte who assign each kid a counselor and track the kids from the 6th grade. This way, for example, a kid interested in information technology will not be placed in an architecture position.

Now 16-21 is a pretty big age group. Do you work with some of the college kids as well?

Not quite yet. In the post high-school age group we have one college student and one kid who had to drop out of school in the 10th grade. We're currently trying to determine who the new program will be catered to because a student in college who needs a summer job may not need to utilize the services that we provide.

Do the participants have to possess certain "criteria" to utilize the program?

They're "considered" at risk kids.

So a family with a decent income wouldn't be able to get their kids in this program?

It depends on where they live. If they live in an area that's deemed as an at risk community then they could. Being in an "at risk" area still gives them the potential to fall into the wrong crowd.

[I'm probably making a face right now judging by how Alicia is looking at me] See, "at risk" is an ambiguous term because anyone can be at risk.

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Right‌, because what criteria determines an at risk community?

Well, neighborhood development uses the term "distressed". There are a lot of community and economic factors that will determine whether or not an area is a distressed community.

So I would imagine things on the list such as homicides, incomes, foreclosures, amount of kids in each home, property values, etc. Are they determined by zip codes?

No, it's much smaller than that. It's broken down into zones.

So what's the average amount of zones in each zip code?

That's really hard to identify, in terms of an average. Some of the breakdowns may overlap zip codes. [pointing to a city map] You have central city, north, south, east, and west [Charlotte].

Then it can break down into subzones like NoDa, SouthEnd, DilWorth, etc. These are clusters of geographic entities that people are starting to identify themselves with.

I feel silly, I've always wondered what "exact" geographical areas constituted north, south, east, and west Charlotte, but now I see it's north, south, east, and west of the 277 loop.

Right.

[Alicia and I went off on a tangent for a bit talking about the "previously" distressed neighborhoods right outside of downtown and the city's Urban Revitalization program.]

What are your future plans for the Youth Employment Program?

I plan to evaluate the plan heavily, speak with employer participants to see how things went, and to increase support from the private sector meaning more companies within Charlotte. Mayor McCrory mentioned that this program lives and dies in the private sector, so we can not solely rely on Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte to employ the kids. We have to have support from the companies, but from the kids as well.

The Kids? What do you mean?

Some situations with some kids may be in violation of a company's employment policies and procedures, so we need stronger effort from the companies as well as the kids. We have a lot of evaluation to do, and I want to start the program earlier in 2007 beginning with an online application process which should begin in march. Not only do I want to see the program grow as a professional development program, but also as a staffing agency for young people where they can call a hotline and we can place them with a company based on their skills.

So what are the pay rates for these positions?

It depends on the company and the position. They can range from minimum wage to $10. So it's a good opportunity. When I came out of high-school I already had a resume with three references. None of my jobs were fast food or retail because I only worked internships.

Sometimes kids don't take advantage of opportunities such as that at an early age.

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Well how did you find out about the internships?

I went to Garringer, and got in good with my guidance counselor, which is something students can do, and I was in a program called the academy of finance. We had to do summer internships. I realize everyone will not have these programs, but if there is something that you're interested in doing then you need to seek someone out in your community who does that for a living and ask them can you shadow them or learn what they do whether it's a week or a month or whatever. If you're not gonna get paid, then so what! At least you will have the experience, and I guarantee that will pay off in the long run. When you get out of school what are these companies looking for? Experience! So you need to get it however you can, even if you have to work for free. The summer is not the time to just chill. That is the time to evaluate where you want to be in life. It's the time to set your goals and create a plan.

Why is the program only done in the summer?.

That's normally when internships are done because kids are in school during the school year and we don't want to interfere with that. There's always the possibility of co-op where students can work when they get out of school, but this is the pilot year, so we will see how the program develops.

Now, I asked the criteria for kids, what's the criteria for companies to be involved?

Nothing, just no alcohol, or porn or anything like that. They can not violate child labor laws.

Some of the kids are only 16. So for instance, a few kids work with landscaping, but they can't cut grass, or the ones with the transportation department that are out working on the roads, they can't use the equipment, so they have to just watch because if they get hurt then it's a liability.

So companies will need to contact you?

Yes they can call me at 704-336-2116. All we ask is that they pay the kids $7-$8 an hour, give them at least 20 hours per week, and mentor them. Actually teach them something. Like if you have a meeting take them to the meeting with you. So be a mentor instead of just a boss.

Are we going to continue to complain about the "problem", the problem being OUR OWN children, or are we going to be proactive and try to do something about it. If you own a company contact Alicia so that your company is available to "professionally develop" some of these kids each summer. If you work for a major company, or any company, talk with your supervisor or HR director and urge them to participate in this program as well. When each summer rolls around we want to have more positions available than there are kids. It's the communities responsibility to help to professionally develop the youth. When these kids start to work in corporate america at early ages they will respect and appreciate their lives and their communities more. ~klazzy

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Manage Your Health

USE CONDOM SENSE!

Charlotte 20 - www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue

AIDS is one of the top killers of African American men and women. So many of us are having

unprotected sex that's it's not even funny. Russian roulette. That's exactly what we're doing. We might as well spin the barrel, point a gun to our heads, and pull the trigger. A woman saying that she's on birth control does not protect you from contracting HIV or AIDS. You could be dead before the child is born.

A man saying that he loves you does not protect you from contracting HIV or AIDS. You could be dead before he cheats on you again. A woman being in her late 50's or a man being a CEO will not protect you from contracting HIV or AIDS. You could be dead before the other retires. Condoms are everywhere, they're inexpensive, and there is no excuse. Tameka Moseley, with her KillJoy Community Group, is trying very hard to help us use a little "Condom Sense". Why don't you help her?

What are some things in your background that made you want to do what you're doing right now?

Basically college life and seeing women make poor choices. I've always been that girl to be like, "don't go home with him, you don't know what he got". So just being real vocal about that. Because I've always been vocal about one night stands. I see it with black women, all they see is what he's driving or how much money he spends at the club. That's just so tacky. You're gonna let that dictate who you lay down with. I tried to talk to the girls in the club even before I was doing this. So I've always been vocal, so, when I moved up here I just saw it a lot more because I worked at a modeling agency and it was in my face. So I felt like I have to do something so two months ago I started this community group KillJoy and basically just been promoting it at the nightclubs and rehab centers and at churches. I do public speaking announcements, and I did a talkshow.

Is there a meaning behind the name?

Yes, a "KilJoy" is something or someone that hinders a great moment in your life, and that's how I view HIV and Aids like if you're out at a club or a social event, and it starts getting late, and you're engaging in casual conversation with someone and they were to tell you that they were HIV positive that's a "killjoy" because first you didn't see it coming and second because you don't know if you want to continue to get to know this person, so that's where the killjoy effect comes into play.

Ok. Now you said that you worked at a modeling agency. What were some of the things that you saw going on at the agency?

This particular agency felt that modeling was sitting pretty girls in VIP, and I was in charge of "watching" the girls. And watching the girls and them sitting in vip and having men come at them in a sexual way, a lot of these women would go home with those guys.

Go home with what guys?

The guys that would pay their extra money to sit in VIP. That doesn't mean that he has a lot of money, that just means that he had a preference [ of being in VIP].

Do they think that these men had a certain status?

Yeah.

Do you feel that some of these women had low self esteem?

I wouldn't say low self esteem, I would just say that they made a poor choice in the matter. I would tell the models, don't go in there drinking because you don't know who you're talking to. Don't go in there acting "a hot mess". Because you're cute, and you're with a modeling agency doesn't mean you should go home with these guys because they're gonna run that game on you. They see that you're pretty and they know that you're use to men throwing money in your face, so they're gonna try you because they want to www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue -

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see where your head is. So I would tell them you gotta be smarter than that. There's nothing like a beautiful girl that's smart and can handle herself in the club. That's attractive. You don't want to go home with them because guess what they're gonna do Saturday night? [Run] the same thing [on some other women].

So the basis of this is to educate women about making better choices in their sexual lives?

I mean, that too but just to promote HIV awareness. My slogan is "do you have condom sense". All it takes is a condom and common sense to save your life. If you want to make a poor and quick sexual decision Friday night and go home with someone, use a condom please, that's all I ask. Don't sit there and think he's clean because he doesn't look sick. Don't do that to yourself, just protect yourself. So, I was going to the nightclubs and me stopping someone in their tracks or just casually having conversation with someone in the bathroom, or a guy talking to me at the bar and I'm sitting here talking about this, their thinking who are you with. This is my own community group and I promote myself, and I just want people to just be aware, so when I start talking about HIV and Aids they can be aware. Yeah she may have a coach bag or a nice outfit on but HIV is liveable now. They have medecine now so that they will look like me and you and there's no trace of sickness. Therefore they don't look sick. The only way you know is if she's honest with you, and if you guys do have a sexual relationship, hey let's be honest with each other, let's go get tested.

Because people are so insecure or they think they're gonna hurt somebody's pride when you ask them let's go get tested for HIV. I'm all about saving my life. So yes, if I were single, I would ask a brotha "have you been tested for HIV" or when was your last HIV test. So if he's gonna take offense to that then I feel that God has already saved me, and I don't need to deal with you then.

So why just aim all of this toward women and not men?

Well men need to hear it too because men are going home with women that quote-unquote "look clean".

So you promote this for women and men?

Yeah! When I spoke at the McCloud center it was a group of men and women and they were just like you're 29 and you're so young. These people were already HIV positive and they're like "Why didn't we have someone like you [to talk to us] when we were young?" So many people want to be conservative about it. I'm not going to talk to you about it at church behind the alter, I want to intervene when the moment is about to happen. That's where I want to get you and be like look, if you go home with this dude, use condom sense. Here's one of my flyers, my flyers have condoms on them, so use comdom sense sista.

Then you can see it in their eyes that they start thinking, and that's beautiful to me. I'm like "Yes! I just saved a life".

So you speak to people who are already HIV positive?

Yeah I speak to both. I spoke at Betthany Baptist Church. The age range was like 6 year olds to 60 year olds. With the kids I spoke about self respect and molestation. Because some parents don't tell their 6 year old, "don't let your uncles touch you", or "don't let daddy rub up on you", "you're too old to be taking baths with your brother". It's so taboo, but I'm like you gotta talk to your kids about that because they don't know. All they see is family. People have sick minds but they look normal. So you never know what goes on in someone's mind. With the kids I go that way. With the teenagers I also talk about self respect and I get more in depth about HIV and Aids. I always ask them, "How do you get HIV?", and there's always a misconception. "Kissing", and I'm like sweetie no! So I have to educate them. While educating them I'm entertaining them, and since I'm not coming at them with a suit and a bible, they're gonna listen to me.

So, how often do you speak?

Whenever someone calls me. Johnson C. Smith wants me to start going to the frat parties and handing out my flyers. I work with Metrolina Aids, Charlotte Mecklenburg Health Department. There have been hundreds of new cases of HIV reported in Charlotte since the beginning of 2006, and these are just the people who are going to get tested. There are so many people who have it and do not get tested. There is also a break out of syphilis in Charlotte as well. syphilis is a bacteria. Many women contract it and think

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that it's a yeast infection. They may use a yeast infection treatment and continue on with their lives. They're spreading this disease and they don't even know it. This bacteria may also lay dormant in women for 6-8 weeks. If she's promiscuous, she could infect several people before she even knows that she has it.

And they're not getting tested to find out what it is.

Exactly, and these diseases are affecting our people. Aids is the leading cause of death among African American women 25-34. I personally can't see it being blamed on the "down-low effect" because we can't generalize that.

I'm not an expert but if all of these Aids cases were being spread due to African American men being bisexual, then wouldn't just as many black men be dying at the same rate as black women?

That makes sense.

My conspiracy theory is that Aids is manmade. Personally I feel that it was some type of disease that was created to be used as chemical warfare. It starts out undetected and then attacks the human immune system. I think some military somewhere created it for that purpose. However, it took longer to work than they expected, and infected people began to mingle with other people, and it began to spread. But anyway‌.. the numbers of these diseases are staggering, and the black population here in Charlotte is small. There's 6 degrees of separation between people in general, but here in Charlotte, with blacks, I feel that there's only 3 degrees of separation. I always run into someone who knows some else that I know. So with the black population being that small, I can only imagine how easily HIV and other diseases are spread throughout the black population in Charlotte.

That's true. People always talk about family members who died of Aids, but they always tell us that they died of cancer.

What happened in your life to make you become so adamant about educating people about HIV and Aids?

Just meeting men when I was single, and how quick they would try to get me in the bed. I'd be like "What if I'm HIV positive?", and they say" You don't look like you're HIV positive!". I'd be like like you're so stupid and I'd get mad and go off on them. This was before I started the KillJoy community group, and I'd sit there and try to enlighten them. I'd tell them "Dude, you need to pay more attention and you need to start respecting yourself. So basically just from having general conversations with men and women. Everyone makes quick decisions or quick choices, bottom line, because we're all human, but when you add poor sexual choices to that it's dangerous because the last thing you want to do is die from something you could have prevented.

Now, how can someone get in contact with you if they want you to come and speak for them, help you pass out flyers at nightclubs around town, or make donations.

They can call me at 704-756-4920 or e-mail me at resetlibro@yahoo.com. All donations will be used to create flyers, t-shirts, purchase condoms, and hold informational events.

I must say, I really commend you for being so aggressive about wanting to educate our people.

What you are doing is not the type of venture that will make you any money. You are just out there giving your all trying to inform people and that's great. So Klazzy.com Magazine will continue to do all that we can to support your efforts, and we wish you much success in your efforts.

Thank you! ~ klazzy www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue -

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Live Your Life

Romance?

How Do I Do That?

Whether you've been in a relationship for over 25 years or are just starting out, we all have our own idea of what romance is. Romance is an essential element of every successful and passionate relationship. Usually relationships start with romance but life has a tendency to interfere. Listed below are the 10 biggest misconceptions that people have about Romance:

1. Romance and Sex are the Same Thing: This could not be any further from the truth.

Although romance can lead to sex, sex does not always "mean" ROMANCE. Think of Romance as 'Mental Foreplay'. Romance let's your significant other know that not only did you think about them but you took the extra step to show them how much they mean to you.

2. There's no Time for Romance: Between our jobs, hobbies, and all the other things that life throws at us, our relationship with our partner tends to take a back seat to those things we perceive as more important in life. The reality is that the relationship with our partner is the glue that holds everything else in our life together. Adding Romance to your relationship will not only make it more exciting but also more enjoyable.

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3. Being Romantic requires a lot of money: Romance isn't about how much money you spend on your partner. It's about trying to make some of their fantasies and dreams come true.

Most of the time just opening the door for your partner or complementing them on the way they look will make them feel more loved than buying them an expensive gift (unless you live in Charlotte).

4. Romance requires a great deal of time and effort: While some aspects of romance can require lots of time, it is also about the little things that make a big difference. A simple thing like turning down the lights, playing soft music, and slow dancing in the kitchen while dinner is in the oven exudes Romance and takes very little time and effort.

5. Only Women are Romantic: In most relationships, the woman is considered to be more romantic, however this does not have to be the case. Both men and women need to partake in the hunt for romance. The only difference between a romantic person and the unromantic person is the amount of time they devote to doing the little things for their partner and their relationship.

6. Flowers and candy always work: Although flowers and candy are a nice gesture, they are so commonplace. You can still give your partner flowers and candy but spice it up a bit. Try taking your partner to the place where you first met or kissed and present the flowers and candy to them there. Going that extra step and not stopping at the ordinary makes all of the difference when it comes to Romance.

7. You're either born a romantic or you're not: The truth is, no one is born with a 'Romance Gene', (unless they're name is Bobby R. Bowden). Everyone (else) has to learn how to be romantic either from a book, the way your friends or family treat each other, movies, TV, or some other resource. One nice thing about Romance is that it is contagious, as time goes on you want to be more and more romantic towards your partner and chances are your partner will be more romantic in return.

8. Saying 'I Love You' is enough: Everyone likes to hear 'I Love You' but when it comes to Romance, actions can say more than a thousand words ever will. Being truly romantic is about backing up the words with something your partner will remember. Try something like writing 'I Love You' on the top of the stick of butter with a toothpick before setting it on the table for dinner. (I luv U butt-er uh‌) 9. Romance takes a lot of preparation: The nice thing about Romance is that there is no exact formula - what one person finds extremely romantic may not be romantic at all to someone else. The key to being Romantic is to find out what your partner finds Romantic.

Don't be afraid to ask them, they will be glad you did.

10. Being Romantic on Valentines Day is enough: Being romantic on the days you are supposed to be is expected. Being romantic all year round on the other hand is vital to the overall health of your relationship. Every successful relationship needs impulsiveness and spontaneity (backseat of my Jeep)- it keeps things exciting.

Contributed by: Bryan Heestand Rominder.com www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue -

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Klazzikal Exprezzionz

style & poetry

Right now I feel like a bird Caged without a key Everyone comes to stare at me So much joy and revelry They don't know how I feel inside Through my smile I cry They don't know what they do to me Keeping me from flying I know why the caged bird sings Only joy comes from song She's so rare and beautiful to others Why not just set her free ~Alicia Keys

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Please Again your smell your scent yes there is a difference the sweetness fill the air yet you're not here physically... when I close my eyes I open my mind you open my heart my breath quickens my pulse accelerates your SPIRIT FREE! makes love to my soul your aura overtakes my will we make love all over again we make love as you drive home like I drove you to ecstacy we make love as you slide into your bed like I slid into your body your smell so sweet your scent intoxicating the sweetness fill the air Please come back Take me again My Angel ~Ballantino

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Infinity Ballantino, You will feed me creativity and explain its position whenever I do not comply with the traditional world, You will lead me in a manner that allows me to trust you for no reason at all, You will capture every moment that we spend together through poetry, song and silence, You will lighten the load of despair by the very reflection of your own life displayed with true words, You will protect me, nurture me, free me, and teach me outside of the classroom that has held me captive for many years, You will open my eyes, promise the vision, trace my trails and design a path for me to accompany you through this life, You will command my love, respect and soul I will surrender! ~Angel

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The Fifth Element Angel, I Remember..... how I FELT before I met you because I knew I was about to meet someone special how I FELT when we first shook hands our eyes met our skin touched. It was a new feeling our souls connected how I felt at our first outing, the Bobcats lost our personalities met. hmmmm...... interesting how I felt on our first "date" nervous, "don't fuck it up", be cool, you're Bobby great food, great wine, great conversation our intelects were introduced, followed by our lips. electric! hey, we got a B on the paper how I felt during our first "quality time" session old memories, old hip hop, old souls our minds became intertwined. intriguing how I felt during our first encounter lifting you quickly, laying you down gently sweet lovemaking then sweat, damn, what a workout our bodies became one as time progressed you captured my spirit as time progressed you captured my soul mind, body, spirit, soul you captured my mind you captured my body you captured my spirit you captured my soul I Gave You My Heart.... ~Ballantino

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Enjoy Your Leisure A P N P e O wO

L

O f F u n

Atlanta A transplant from Deleware, Carlowe Smith had a vision for some of the adults in Atlanta that are looking for something to do. However, Loop Leagues of America is not your daddy's pool league . . .

How long have you been doing this pool thing man?

I've been working on it since like '97 What made you get started in it?

I had an idea while watching a game one day about changing up the game with a black cue ball and a white eight ball something to just change up the game. So I started with that in '97, and I was trying to push the product. The name of the game is called Loop which is Pool spelled backwards.

So did you create this yourself?

No, it's a legal game in the industry, but nobody has known about it until now, and nobody has marketed it. So, I didn't know it at the time, it just came to me. Then I got this book, the encyclopedia of billiards, and I found out it was an official game.

Ok, and it was originally set up that way with the black cue ball and the white eight ball, or do you use the eightball as the cueball?

No, I had to get the black cue balls manufactured. They have them, but they're called novelty so there's no market for it, so I had to specially get them manufactured so that if you scratched on a coin operated table, the cue ball will return like a regular cue ball.

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I think that's really hot. I knew you guys had a pool league, but I didn't know you were doing something totally different. Now billiards is starting to pick up around the country just as poker did. Is it picking up in Atlanta pretty fast, and how widespread are the tournaments right now?

Everything now is done in metro Atlanta, but we are about to spread regionally and eventually nationally. So we want more metros, communities, and pool players to go to the website, get more information, and get involved.

So when do you forecast having the first regional tournament?

We have singles tournaments twice a month and we have team tournaments twice a year. The next team tournament is September 30th right out here at JR's Billiards, (3131 Campbellton Road Atlanta GA 30311). Right now everything is local in metro Atlanta, but we look to have a regional and eventually a national tournament as soon as we get a few more markets open.

That's why we encourage people to log on to the website and get more information on getting leagues started in their areas. We also do charity events and fundraisers to allow the players to give back to the community. We also have a trickshot artist, Okinawa Slim, here in Atlanta.

He's the only black trickshot artist, and helps to train kids to play.

Ok, that's hot!

Yeah, because a lot of people like this because it gives them something to do outside of just going to shoot with their friends. It gives them a chance to compete and network. So when they get the kids involved they have the junior national league for the children to compete.

Before this, billiards competition was not well known in the African American community, so that's why we have the league to help bring the fun and excitement of the industry to our neighborhoods.

Ok, so now you will be known as the father of Loop! Yeah, I'm officially giving you that title, because most people have never heard of this style of play. Now what are you currently doing to promote the league as well as the tournaments?

Well, everything that we do is in one of six pool halls here in the Atlanta metro area. Plus I have a few sponsors, one being www.longuniquehomes.com, who do things such as sponsoring the t-shirts, and people just see us around or in one of the poolhalls, and ask us about the league.

Well, we here at Klazzy.com Magazine will play our part in helping to get the word out. Now what do you have to do to get the word to spread to different areas?

Get players interested in other cities, and use the players to gain access to other pool halls.

Then we will educate the pool halls on what we do so they can incorporate it into their repertoire and everyone will be on the same page. That way, people in Atlanta will be doing the same thing that people in DC, LA, or Charlotte are doing. At the end of each session, which is six months, the tournaments will begin. So we would do locals, then regionals, and then nationals. Plus, the national tournament will be held in different cities each year.

I can’t wait to see the first tournament. How can people contact you once again?

They can go to the website, www.loopleague.com. www.klazzy.com - The Fifth Issue -

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