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contentsTake Cover J’adore

(pronounced Jah-Door)

the re alit y Issue

56 68 79 76

alex mccord and simon van kempen: beyond housewives

Ramona Singer: having it all

josh altman: million dollar listings

64 68

Jennifer Williams: out of bounds

carla facciolo: mob wives

Tyce Diorio: the art of dance

Nadia Bjorlin: the naturally naked truth

80 82 84 86

laura govan: on the ball

Giuliana Rancic: reality check

brandon beemer: come clean

jackie christie: in control brian friedman: making moves claudia lopez: tough love tracy dimarco: jerseyliciousness ABOVE images BY: Mark Sacro

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contentsDepartments J’adore

(pronounced Jah-Door)

the re alit y Issue

life & leisure

FASHION>>Forward

mODEL CITIZEN

entertainment

110

36 A Vision Of Heiress 42 Spring Fashion Trends For 2012 46 Watch This

48 Crème De La Crème 50 Sammi Giancola 52 Natalie Nunn 54 Deena Cortese

90 Top 10 Sexiest Reality Stars 92 How To Throw A Party With Class 93 Nick Brown: Relentless 92 Super Bowl's Greatest Hits 96 Book Club 98 Down By Law: Randall E. McMillan 100 On the Reel

rave reviews

102 Flawless Victory 104 The Tech Side 106 Streetlines: It's Auto Show Time

life & times

36 50 52

images BY: Allen Chu, Justin Hyte and Mark Sacro

102

16 Up In Smoke: The Cigar Game Has Changed 18 Escapism: Suite Spots Worldwide 22 The Dish: Reality Cooking Shows 24 Hip Sips: Vodka To Rockya! 26 More Hip Sips And Cold One … 01 29 Healthy Living: Yoga's Stretch To Popular Culture 30 Rules Of Love: VH1's Matchmaker Siggy Flicker 31 Reality TV Vs. Sitcoms: The Good, The Bad, And The Dirty 32 Gift Guide 34 Beauté And Grooming

110 Business, Career, & Banknotes 111 Reality TV Stars Turned Entertainers 112 Linda Hogan: A Letter to J'Adore 114 Reality Television Suicides 115 Can You Really Find Love on Television? 116 Grand Finale

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Publisher's Letter Greetings J'Adorians!

image BY: Derek Blanks makeup: Tierra Burrell Hair: Gena Sullivan Styling: Betrice Benbow

It is my esteemed pleasure to present to you, our faithful readers, the very first issue of 2012: the Reality Issue. This also marks the relaunch of our new and improved J'Adore Magazine! With the New Year, we felt it necessary to make a few changes to this publication as well as our burgeoning website, Jadoremag.com. As you browse through our pages, you may notice the flow and structure has changed; in particular, the names of the different categories and subsections. Our goal was not to change who we are—a "themed" lifestyle publication delivering the same message, celebrating different cultures and bringing them all together in one unique publication. However, we demonstrated our growth by improving the publication's overall look and feel, which in essence gives you a better reading experience. I am truly excited about the new look and I trust you will be as well. The celebration of our relaunch comes with four amazingly stunning covers with stellar images shot by some of the industry’s leading photographers! Gracing our covers, we have Giuliana Rancic, E! Network’s host and star of Giuliana & Bill; Ramona Singer, star of The Real Housewives of New York; Jennifer Williams from Basketball Wives; and last, but not least, Brandon Beemer from Dirty Soap. These glossy pages of our Reality Issue not only feature some of the top reality stars currently on television, but we offer our readers an in-depth look into their real life. We discuss those who have successfully turned their fame into million-dollar empires, others who have found love on television, as well as those who sadly took their own lives due to the pressure of reality TV and media. In addition, we also feature Suite Spots—exciting new travel destinations throughout the world; cars of the future in Street Lines; Hip Sips’ tasty new drinks; wonderful Gift Guides for your significant other; beauty tips; as well as advice on love from VH1's relationship expert Siggy Flicker. In a personal heartfelt letter to J'Adore by Linda Hogan, the ex-wife of Hulk Hogan, she speaks on her rocky marriage and life after reality TV. Fashion Editor Juliet Vo highlights all the hottest new trends for the spring, while Jerseylicious star Tracy DiMarco gives our readers tips for healthy hair. J'Adore also sat down with Financial Advisor Angela Reed to discuss the importance of money management, and the realities of the music business with celebrity Entertainment Lawyer Randall E. McMillan. I am sure our readers will find this bit of information beneficial. In closing, honoring Black History Month, we had the pleasure of interviewing an original Tuskegee Airman, Cyril "Billy" Byron, in an emotional yet uplifting interview as he discusses his life as an Airman, his thoughts on the new film Red Tails, as well as watching its screening at the White House with President Barack Obama and the First Lady! This issue is definitely a collector’s item and is filled with a plethora of great reading material for your Reality fix. Enjoy! Oh, and please don’t forget to visit us online (Jadoremag.com) and follow us on Twittter @JadoreMagazine. As always, God bless and never forget to keep Him first!

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J’adore

staff

Chief Executive Officer – Courtney Francis Publisher - Taneish Leslie Executive Business Director – Ricardo Johnson Chief Financial Officer – Leon Minott Director Of Finance & Business Operations – Haasan Austin EDITORIAL Editor In Chief - Jasana Alleyne Executive Editor - Dennis Malcolm Byron Copy Editor - Andrea Irvin Beauty Editor - Alex LaMarsh Fashion Editor – Juliet Vo J’ADORE DIGITAL Deputy Online Editor – Shawn Jackson Associate Editor – Lauryn Peterson Managing Online Editor – Laura Turner Online Entertainment Editor – Erica Rae ART & CREATIVE SERVICES Creative Art Directors - Taneish Leslie, Jasana Alleyne & Elese Patterson Art Director – Fran Sherman Graphic Designer - Byron Harris Photo Editor – Allen Chu Production Director – Alex LaMarsh Fashion Stylist – Betrice Benbow Director Of Special Events – Michol Gardner Executive Promotion Directors – Neishon Leslie & Mike Swaby STAFF & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ale Sharpton, Andrea Janise, Laura Turner, Sean Williams, Alex LaMarsh, Juliet Vo, Reese Harlan, Dennis Malcolm Byron, Evierobbie, Robert Littal, Robert J Mair, Erica Rae, Imani Pope-John, Modelisque, Laura Shands, Sia Tiambi Barnes, L. Raquel Peterson, Loc Da’Borg, Noah Barrett, Linda Hogan PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Sacro, Allen Chu, Justin Hyte, Steven Khan, Derek Blanks, Jeff Byron, Dennis Malcolm Byron, Pete Souza JADOREMAG.COM Web Designer – Signature Media

J’Adore Magazine and jadoremag.com reserve the right to update and change this disclaimer at any time. The opinions expressed in the editorial, article, and interviews published within this publication and on our website, www.jadoremag.com, are solely the opinions of the writers and do not represent the opinions of the J’Adore Magazine staff. All Web site design, text, graphics, the selection and arrangement thereof, and all software are © 2006 - 2012 J’Adore Magazine. Permission is granted to electronically copy and to print in hard copy portions of jadoremag.com for the sole purpose of information or personal entertainment. Any other use of materials on jadoremag.com, including reproduction for purposes other than those noted above, modification, distribution, or republication without the prior written permission of J’Adore Magazine and jadoremag.com is strictly prohibited. All other trademarks, product names, and company names or logos cited herein are the property of their respective owners, and any use of their material is hereby gratefully acknowledged. Sources, authors, dates, etc. are specified whenever and wherever possible. J’Adore Magazine makes no claims to any non-original properties and utilizes material whenever courtesy is allowed or implied. Except as specifically stated on this site, neither J’Adore Magazine, jadoremag.com, nor any of its creators or other representatives will be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this site. By using links provided on jadoremag.com that lead to sites other than the J’Adore Magazine, you agree to hold the Publisher of J’Adore Magazine from any liability resulting from your use of those sites. This is a comprehensive all damages of any kind, including (without limitation) compensatory, direct, indirect or consequential damages, or loss of data. J’Adore Magazine distances itself from content on non-J’Adore Magazine web sites and is not responsible for the content on the sites to which it links.

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j'adore on the web:

There’s a lot more J’Adore in store! Simply visit Jadoremag.com and look for up-to-the-minute updates on everything from entertainment news and fashion trends, to tech advancements, travel deals, sports transactions and so much more. Also, our Reality Issue continues online! Here are some features to look for:

Log On! My Bloody Valentine: A candid view on why “Cupid ‘effin sucks.”

Reality Unchained:

DVDs you need to rent or buy

Basketball Wives’ Royce Reed:

The cast member and mother of NBA star Dwight Howard’s son hangs out with us.

The Journey of Madness:

A memoir of a globetrotting travel scribe, Everobbie.

Street Lines:

The latest auto reviews including the all new Audi TTs and XF Jaguar

Suite Spots:

The best hotels including Detroit’s Westin Book Cadillac and Miami’s Fontainebleau

hip sips:

The newest libations that are getting poured at bars.

plus:

Our Dining Guide, more Gift Guide items, The Dish: An interview with Chopped Champion Chef Danielle Saunders, and so much more!

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life & leisure

u p

cigar has gamechanged. i n

s m o k e :

the

words By: Sean Williams

Cigar don and owner of El Primer Mundo, Sean Williams, gives a detailed breakdown on the current status of ‘sticks’ worldwide, down to the leaf.

My cigar line, El Primer Mundo, has been on the market for a little over five years now. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the country spending time in cigar retail shops and cigar bars hanging out with fellow cigar lovers. In these spots, there is a lot of debate about politics, sports, pop culture, entertainment, etc. However, there is one thing that’s not really debatable anymore: there are a high number of phenomenal cigars being made outside of Cuba!

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While Cuba still has a lot of lore and certainly continues to put out some great sticks, I’d put any number of cigars from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Honduras up against the best that Cuba has to offer. This is a sentiment shared by some of the most true cigar aficionados and authorities in the game. As readers scan the rating panels in industry publications such as Cigar Journal, Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Snob, and Smoke Magazine, the change is obvious. Cuban cigars are fighting and in many cases losing the ratings battle to other countries like Nicaragua, in particular. Over the past four years, only one Cuban cigar has been named Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado. And for the other three years, two were Nicaraguan cigars and the third was made in Honduras, but primarily comprised of Nicaraguan tobacco. So how did we get here? As the Cuban revolution began to heat up 50-plus years ago, countless numbers of incredible tobacco growers and cigar makers fled the island and landed in countries throughout the globe looking for new places to grow high quality tobacco. They would eventually land in select countries that shared two most common traits: they were near the equator and they had volcanic soil. Central America provided these two traits like no other place on earth. As you look at the tobacco growing regions in Nicaragua, it’s easy to understand why this country’s cigars are ‘stomping the yard’. Nicaragua boasts four distinct growing regions that offer tobacco with a variety of profiles. The cradle of Nicaraguan cigar production is in the city of Esteli. Esteli’s fertile black soil produces a heavy, full-flavored tobacco leaf. This dark, rich and aromatic tobacco is the strongest grown in Nicaragua. A little north of Esteli is Condega, which grows a lighter, yet savory leaf. Due to the cloud cover in the Condega Valley, the tobacco leaves are thinner and sweeter. As you head further north near the Honduran border, you hit the Jalapa Valley, which pound for pound has the best tobacco in Central America. Jalapa

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Valley offers up an incredibly rich leaf with a distinct sweetness. This region also produces the best wrapper leaf. As we round out the growing regions in Nicaragua, we land on the Island of Ometepe, which is only accessible by boat. The tobacco on Ometepe is grown near the two volcanos that created the island centuries ago. Ometepe tobacco has a core of sweetness and a very distinct spice that separates it from the rest of the tobacco in Nicaragua. With such a serious mix of tobacco coming out of Nicaragua and the rest of Central America, there is no wonder why the cigar landscape has changed so much over the last decade and why the cigar community has embraced it. If you are new to the scene and you plan to be a part of the cigar community, be on notice that the game has changed. Here are some tips: • Be sure to take some time to explore cigars from all over the world so that you can decide for yourself what you like. • Don’t make a decision based on old perceptions. Approach the process of picking out cigars like you would when picking out wines. • Ask questions about the tobacco in cigars you’re interested in trying. Over time, you’ll develop your palate and gain a true appreciation for what the cigar experience truly has to offer. • Please don’t be the one who walks up to a man enjoying his cigar and ask him ‘Is that a Cuban?” because it’s most probably not. In the end, explore the world without prejudice before judging where the best cigars are produced. Enjoy your sticks! Be sure to visit Sean’s Primer Mundo Cigars site at primermundocigars.com. J

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life & leisure

e s c a

suite spots

worldwide words By: Dennis Malcolm Byron

There is no mystery to it, we love to travel! But besides all the attractions, eating like royalty, and the pursuit of being pampered, the places we stay abroad certainly weigh on the chances that these goals are met. To help you meet vacationing bliss half way, here is a collective of some of the world’s most revered Suite Spots. We also added nearby museums, historical landmarks, delectable eateries, festivals and other happenings you don’t want to miss after you unload your bags. See you there!

Le Domaine

Le Domaine de Lonvilliers, St. Martin With St. Martin being world-renowned for having virtually two European experiences side by side—the Dutch side and French side—say “oui” to the latter and relax at the serene Le Domaine de Lonvilliers. Embellished with a fusion of French and Caribbean flare, this four-star hotel features spacious, posh suites with a sumptuous view of white sands meeting the glistening waters of the Caribbean Sea. Whether unwinding in your suite’s large soaking tub supplied with select Bulgari bath products; hiking the breathtaking, 900-acre Natural Reserve a few steps away; exploring the lovely capital of Marigot; or indulging in delectable cuisine at the hotel’s La Table du Marché overlooking the majestic waters, St. Martin’s list for bliss is virtually endless. Don’t miss: A scenic dune buggy tour of Orient Bay; wine tasting at Bacchus; the enlightening Awaraks Museum; Fort Louis which boasts the best view of the island; relaxing on Pinel Beach; a full-service boat trip to Anguilla, Sandy Island and Crocus Bay; and top-notch cuisine at l’Astrolabe in Orient Bay, Grand Case’s Le Cottage, and Les Boucaniers on Nettle Bay. hotel-le-domaine.com

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p i s m

hyatt regency, curacao

Hyatt Regency Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, Curacao Curacao, one of the three beautiful ABC islands (Aruba and Bonaire are the others) located just 35 sea miles from Venezuela, has some beautiful resorts, but the Hyatt Regency Golf Resort, Spa and Marina is arguably the best. Since its opening in April of 2010, vacationers worldwide have flocked to indulge in this 27-acre Dutch Caribbean resort’s impeccable service; delectable cuisine; plush amenities; oceanfront location between the Caribbean Sea and Spanish Water Bay; and world class 18-hole Pete Dye Golf Course. The room choices are extraordinary, including the Respire by Hyatt Hypo-Allergenic Rooms, and the Sea Traditions Spa Suites that flaunt spa-like accommodations, a pillow menu and personal butler. Whatever your pleasure, this resort will have it. Don’t miss: Shopping in Willemstad; the Floating Market; unforgettable sea exploring with the eccentric Captain Goodlife; and the annual star-studded North Sea Jazz Festival in September that featured Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Sting last year. curacao.hyatt.com

Hotel de Bourgtheroulde BAR-Atrium

Hotel de Bourgtheroulde

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Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Rouen, France There is more to France than just Paris, so find out the glamorous way by heading to Rouen in Upper Normandy and stay at the stately Hotel de Bourgtheroulde. Upon entrance from the stunning façade dating back to the French Renaissance, the jaw-dropping atrium sets the tone for this 78room historic landmark; besides its chic bar, the entire floor serves as the skylight for the heated lap pool adjacent to the tranquil Spa du Drap d'Or directly one floor below. Situated in the center of Rouen’s Place du Vieux Marché, the numerous museums, shopping on Rue du Gros Horloge, and the globally renowned gastronomy of La Couronne (established in 1345) are just a few steps away. To add, art history lovers will be in paradise with a plethora of artwork by Claude Monet and other pioneers of the Impressionism movement within close proximity. Hotel de Bourgtheroulde and its culturally rich environs should be on your bucket list. Don’t miss: The Cathedrale de Rouen, Sainte Jeanne d'Arc, Rue de la Vicomté, the spectacular Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Gros Horloge clock, and a quick train ride to Monet’s charming home in nearby Giverny. hotelsparouen.com

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The Fairmont Southampton Hotel and Hamilton Princess, Bermuda Fairmont’s Hamilton Princess and Southampton are two of the most revered hotels on the mid-Atlantic island of Bermuda. Stationed a few blocks from nightclubs, shopping and dining, the Hamilton Princess has served royalty since 1885; provides both a saltwater and freshwater pool; has access to two 18-hole golf courses; and is a five-minute walk to downtown Hamilton to the Royal Navy Dockyard. Strongly consider rooming on the Fairmont Gold level for the full royal treatment, its own private lounge and concierge. Southampton—revered for its pink sand beach and 18hole par three golf course— also has the pampering Willow Stream Spa, a jumping Cellar nightclub, and one of the best restaurants on the island a few steps away— the Waterlot Inn steakhouse. You can’t lose at either hotel, because both are equally dedicated to catering to your every whim, but judge for yourself with Fairmont’s private ferry connecting them in 30 minutes. Oh, and you just may fall in love with the island’s claim to fashion fame, the Bermuda shorts. Don’t miss: Sipping Dark ‘n’ Stormies and Rum Swizzles at the Frog & Onion Pub and Swizzle Inn; Graham Foster’s amazing “Hall of History” mural at the Bermuda Maritime Museum; partying at the Horseshoe BeachFest, Emancipation Day and St. George’s Bermuda Cup Match where “Crown & Anchor” gambling is allowed solely during its duration. fairmont.com/bermuda

Fairmont Southhampton

Sofitel Hotel, Brussels, Belgium Chic, centrally located and a member of the fine line of Sofitel Hotels throughout leading Fairmont Princess cities worldwide, the Brussels location is one of the best. This boutique hotel flaunts modish furniture; guest rooms with Sofitel's signature dreaminducing "MyBed"; hi-tech amenities; and the hip Crystal Lounge for cocktails. To add, with the bustling Grand Place’s fine dining, stunning architecture, and upscale shopping at its front door, Sofitel leaves little to be desired. Besides the splendors of the capital city, try to arrange transportation to Belgium’s other locations rich with historical sites, museums, castles and numerous other attractions, including Bastogne (Mardasson Memorial), Florenville (Les Chocolats d’Edouard), Spa (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps), Waterloo (Battle of Waterloo reenactment), and Bouillon (Bouillon Castle). Don’t miss: Café and pub hopping throughout Brussels; indulging in some of the world’s best chocolate, waffles and beer; the spectacular Grand Place; shopping at Grand Sablon Square; the extraordinary Atomium; and impeccable cuisine at the La Roue D’Or and Orphyse Chaussette. www.sofitel.com

sofitel

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Coconut Bay resort and spa

Coconut Bay Resort and Spa, St. Lucia Even if you have to bring the kids on this trip, the all-inclusive Coconut Bay Resort based on St. Lucia’s southern oceanfront will still preserve the feeling that you got away by providing two resorts in one. The secluded Harmony side for adults is an oasis for singles, partners and parents to relax, mingle and escape everyday nuances with cabana beds, a private bar, swinging hammocks and the Kai-Mer Spa. On the Splash side, kids spend all of their energy at the Kidz Klub, and the island’s largest waterpark, Cocoland. Considering Coconut Bay’s themed family buffet dinners (check out “Country Western Night”), onsite gourmet restaurants (Calabash, Silk), nightclubs, lounges (Catz Meow) and so many other happenings, yes, it’s a vacation no matter who goes. Don’t miss: Zip lining in the rainforest; horseback riding on the beach; the world’s only live, drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs; a catered boat ride around the Piton Mountains; and the internationally known St. Lucia Jazz Festival in early May that has featured everyone from Herbie Hancock to Rihanna. www.cbayresort.com

Hilton Lac-Leamy, Gatineau-Ottawa, Quebec J’Adore is always proud to show love for Canada because this neighboring country has a number of wondrous destinations to explore, and we are happy to add the charming region of Gatineau to the list. Based just outside Canada’s capital, Ottawa, stay at the fabulous Hilton Lac-Leamy. After being welcomed by Dale Chihuly's world renowned blownglass artwork in the grandiose lobby, Hilton Lac-Leamy and casino du lac-leamy get keys to a guestroom brandishing a stunning lake view, Hilton Serenity Bed, and spalike Italian marble bathroom. For the evening, plan a night a hallway’s distance away at the Casino du Lac-Leamy and Théâtre du Casino; smoke a cigar at the Bacchus lounge; and indulge in one of six first class restaurants including Arôme Seafood and Grill. There’s no wonder why this hotel is a four-time winner of Hilton Conrad’s prestigious Connie Award. Don’t Miss: The natural beauty of Gatineau Park; an unforgettable night of food, libations and live music at Les Brasseurs du Temps; kicking back at the Café Aux 4 Jeudis; riding the Hull-Chelsea-Steam Train; and treating yourself in Nordic fashion at the one of the world’s best spas, the al fresco Le Nordik. 1.hilton.com J

Le Nordik spa

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life & leisure

Dish the

realitycookingshows A breakdown of some of the best reality words By: Andrea Janise cooking shows on TV. Grab your remote control, set your DVR and enjoy!

Foodies are getting more than a heaping helping of entertainment, action, drama and gossip from the groundswell of reality cooking shows that have hit the airwaves in the last few years. From head-to-head competition between the nation’s best chefs, to complete (and brutal) restaurant makeovers, reality cooking shows are becoming the new must-see TV. and hey, you might even learn some new culinary techniques while you are at it. Check out the line-up of some of our favorite series.

Bravo’s Chef Roblé & Co. Ever wonder what it’s like to run your own catering company? Chef Roblé gives viewers an inside look as we follow the burgeoning chef during his first year enduring the drama and success operating his own full-service catering company alongside his skilled older sister

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Jasmine. Classically trained, yet refreshingly creative, this hipster chef from New York infuses an element of cool into each event, but don’t let the smooth taste fool you; Chef Roblé’s laid back persona certainly kicks into high-gear when he’s in the kitchen, creating unforgettable meals for his high-profile clients.

Food Network’s Cupcake Wars Cupcake fans will certainly drool during each episode when four talented bakers compete to win the grand prize and the chance to display their cupcakes at a major event. For the first round, bakers are challenged to create a unique cupcake using sweet and savory ingredients. During the second round, bakers must wow the judges with both taste and presentation. The third and final round demands contestants to bake 1,000 more of their original cupcakes and design a unique display for that night’s event. The winner takes home $10,000 and, inevitably, a wave of new clients. Bravo’s Top Chef Arguably the best reality cooking show, Bravo’s Top Chef brings viewers the cream of the crop in culinary talent from around the nation to contend against each other for the ultimate title—Top Chef. There is nothing predictable about this show other than the cast of expert judges and fashionable hosts, including awardwinning chef and head judge Tom Colicchio; and former model and cookbook author, Padma Lakshmi. With skilled elimination challenges and special attention to the taste, technique and presentation of each dish, Top Chef contestants must exceed both the judges' and their guests’ expectations every time. The last chef standing after 12 grueling rounds of competition takes home more than $100,000, plus bragging rights. I mean, who wouldn’t want to own the prestigious designation of “Top Chef”? Fox’s Kitchen Nightmares Hell’s Kitchen’s fearless Gordon Ramsay is at it again, but this time his crude attitude, infamous yelling and brash behavior is not directed at future executive chefs. This time, this hellraiser is lighting a blazing fire under the entire kitchen staff and owners of failing restaurants. In an effort to turn things around and whip the whole crew into shape, Ramsay spends a week at each eatery revamping everything from the service and menu items, to the décor and overall ambiance of the establishment. Adding a much needed adrenaline shot to fledgling restaurants undoubtedly puts a smile on the business owner’s face and, occasionally, on Ramsay’s too. Food Network’s Rachel vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off Contenders go head-to-head each round trying to win over judges and escape elimination. Does this format sound familiar? Well here’s the twist: the contestants. This time around, Food Network pits culinary talented celebrities against each other for an entertaining ride. The star roster includes the 2011 Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella; movie stars Lou Diamond Phillips and Cheech Marin; Olympic gold medalist Summer Sanders; singers Taylor Dane, Aaron Carter, and Joey Fatone; and platinumselling rapper Coolio. Game on! J

life & leisure

hip sips to vodka rock ya! words By: Dennis Malcolm Byron

It seems that vodka is the safe bet when it comes to introducing new spirits to the consumer. Thanks to its clear appearance and clean, smooth taste, vodka serves as the perfect base to mix all kinds of wild, inventive flavors including everything from pepper to coconuts, berries and whipped cream! For celebrities particularly in the music biz, it’s the new gold rush to come out with a libation that emulates anything sweet. Here’s the proof (I couldn’t help myself).

Peach Cîroc Jokingly referring to himself as “Cîroc Obama,” Sean “Diddy” Combs is the high authority in the urban world of spirits. Singlehandedly making vodka the choice sipper thanks to his Cîroc brand of five-time distilled premium vodka, he continues to keep the cases shipping out of France with the mega hits Red Berry and Coconut Cîroc. Now there’s a new edition to the family that makes orange juice the best thing ever, Peach Cîroc, which is already flying off the shelves. I mean, hell, this marketing genius warned us that he won’t stop! He just didn’t say what industry it would be in. ciroc.com

ABSOLUT GRÄPEVINE and ABSOLUT MIAMI We have to show love to the pioneers who made vodka hip. With their memorable, tonguein-cheek print campaign over the years, ABSOLUT continues to keep their product line fresh. Check out their latest pair of limited edition, all-natural vodkas. First, boasting the tastes of orange blossom and passion fruit, there’s the citrusy homage to South Florida’s party capital, ABSOLUT MIAMI. And yes, you heard it right, the GRÄPEVINE infused with the essence of white grapes, papaya and dragon fruit will surely legitimize anyone’s VIP status in clubs and bars worldwide. So are the new ABSOLUT bottles fly and new flavors delicious? Absolutely. absolut.com

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Voli Vodka Ever heard of sipping adult libations guilt-free? Well Voli light vodka has found a new way to break into this lucrative market: coming out with vodkas that are low on the calorie side. In fact, platinumselling dance inducer Pitbull decided to join on as the brand’s ambassador due to its “smoothness and delicious taste” he applauds. Want more star appeal? The multi-talented Fergie just signed on in mid-January as a part-owner! Boasting 25-40 percent fewer calories than leading vodkas, Voli also proudly boasts being the only vodka containing electrolytes and a nutritional label on the back of the bottle. Taste all five flavors including Original Lyte, Lemon, Orange Vanilla, Espresso Vanilla and Raspberry Cocoa. This stuff is almost good for you! volispirits.com

Karlsson’s Gold Vodka Want to keep it simple? The award-winning Karlsson’s Gold Vodka takes pride in doing so. Trashing the whole “flavor” thing, Karlsson’s uses seven varieties of virgin potatoes from Cape Bjäre based in the southern region of Sweden. Heck, even their bottle is the shape of a potato. Oh, and they only distill it “meticulously” once and keep it unfiltered to flaunt the natural essence of pure, unadulterated vodka. Master Blender Börje Karlsson says, “If you don’t like it, don’t drink it!” Now that’s keeping it real! karlssonsvodka.com J

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hip & siAlepsSharpton' s

life & leisure

From barrel-aged whiskey to canned hangover prevention and strawberry beer, J’Adore has it all!

cold one ...01

words By: Dennis Malcolm Byron

High West Distillery 21 Year Old Rocky Mountain Rye Whiskey Take the High road.

The Winter Olympics, awesome skiing, lavish resorts and great beer (for real!) aren’t the only things coming out of Park City, Utah! The state’s first legal distillery since 1870, High West Distillery, delivers some of the best handcrafted whiskeys in the U.S. But don’t get it twisted; besides their award-winning line of spirit mastery including the extremely rare, used oakaged 21 Year Old Rocky Mountain Rye 21, High West makes a mean Vodka 7000 and Peach Vodka 7000 as well. And if you luck out and actually visit Park City, stop by their distillery for a tour and equally amazing food. highwest.com

Mercy Hangover Prevention Drink Lord, Have Mercy! If you’re a fan of feeling nauseous, having a throbbing headache and all of a sudden want to kiss the world goodbye after having a couple of drinks the night before, be sure to skip this drink. For the 99.9 percent of the rest of us who hate hangovers but love to party, we’re shown Mercy. Besides combatting that devilish toxin that is the root to hangovers— acetaldehyde—this Red Bull-shaped can of non-alcoholic, Orangina-tasting goodness gives us the perfect potion for hangover prevention, including vitamins B1 and C, N-acetylcysteine, L-carnitine, and glutamine, along with a bunch of other goodies minus the caffeine and guarana many consumers avoid. Just make sure to drink it while you party—or even make a cocktail with it! Just remember, it’s not a cure but a prevention drink, so it won’t do much good the day after, ya dig? Have Mercy! drinkmercy.com

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Ale Sharpton’s Cold One…01

Früli Strawberry Beer ‘Are you sure this is a beer, Ale?’ Yep!

From experience, fruity beers tend to be the ultimate segue to ease women and non-beer drinkers into my world of ales and lagers. Hence, don’t scare her off with a hoppy, high-gravity barley wine or imperial IPA, or else there's a good chance that she’ll continue hatin’ on the suds. Instead, blow her mind with an ale that’s sweet, full of fruity flavor and in my opinion, the perfect gateway to a more open mind to trying others. Therefore, Früli (“Frew-lee” is my best guess) to the rescue! This Belgian brew is a blend of white beer and real strawberry juice. At 4.1 percent alcohol by volume, it is similar to those citrusy, unfiltered wheat beers that are great for spring and summer drinking sessions, but with an explosion of strawberry goodness. frulibeer.com

Yes We Can! Canned beer is just as good as bottled suds. There is a big misconception that canned beer isn’t as good as bottled brew. Wrong! In fact, many beer aficionados say it is actually better poured out of the aluminum. Well, they are easier to tote, block light better to prevent spoilage, are airtight, and chill faster without the metallic taste thanks to a can liner. Be on the lookout for what I consider some of the best canned beer in the business: anything from Colorado’s Oskar Blues and Surly out of Minnesota, to Cali’s burgeoning 21st Amendment Brewery. Even the big guns—Belgian lager Stella Artois—made the leap to metal with their slick packaging. Just make sure you pour them in a glass for the full essence of taste and aroma. Besides, from afar, it could look like a can of Four Loko! oskarblues.com, 21st-amendment.com, surlybrewing.com, stellaartois.com

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life & leisure

h ea l t h y l i v i n g :

yoga's

stretch to popular culture words By: Sia Tiambi Barnes Photo by Drew Xeron

Yoga extends from pop culture to alternative medicine in record numbers

he resurgence of yoga in the Western mainstream materialized this holiday season as a naked practice on the reality television show, Kourtney & Kim Take New York, an #OccupyWallSt topic on hip-hop mogul, Russell Simmons’ Twitter timeline, and an integrative therapy at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for a program that Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation designed. According to Bloomberg TV, this constant nodding to the trend of treating today’s diseases with “new age” technology is partly why yoga is America's fastest growing fitness movement with reportedly more than 15 million practitioners; $6 billion in industry revenue; and growth among a myriad of populations including war veterans, prisoners, and professional athletes (LeBron James recently revealed that he practices yoga, too). And more importantly, it works. “The level of stress, the challenges, the chaos that we experience... is starting to manifest in so many different types of diseases,” said Faith Hunter, an international yoga teacher and founder of the Washington, DC-based studio and school, Embrace DC. “Yoga is one of those approaches that help us combat or even totally transform some of those diseased states.” The word, “yoga” is a Sanskrit word meaning “union” and refers to the connection of mental acuity and physical wellness. It is most commonly expressed via “asanas,” meaning “postures” or “poses,” which are so innate to the human experience that they can be seen everywhere from ancient Egyptian paintings to b-boy dance moves. The actual science of this oneness can be traced back more than 5,000 years ago to the Dravidian people who were situated in India. These days, Western medicine is articulating yoga’s value via studies proving its usefulness in the reduction of the stress hormone, Cortisol; the elimination of irregular heartbeats; and weight management, among many other health issues. Mostly, however, it’s one of those things that really only can be understood once it’s experienced –like Jay-Z and Gwyneth Paltrow performing “Song Cry” at London’s Royal Albert Hall. “People are really craving something different and a change in their own lives,” explained Faith of yoga’s popularity. “We crave to get in touch with nature and be one with ourselves; that’s our natural state.” J

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life & leisure

r u l e s

o f

l ove :

siggyflicker VH1’s Matchmaker

Siggy Flicker doesn’t need reality TV, reality TV needs Siggy Flicker.

words By: L. Raquel Peterson

A breath of fresh air among seemingly scripted reality shows full of dramatic hair pulling, fighting, and negativity, Siggy Flicker’s VH1 show Why Am I Still Single? focuses on helping real people solve real problems. Based around her matchmaking service, Flicker coaches people as they overcome personal challenges navigating through the dating scene. Although she admits that over-the-top clients casted in episodes enhances the dramatic appeal to her show, Flicker is strictly business when it comes to focusing on what’s important. Read on as Siggy gives her rules of love and helps those in need get one step closer to finding their own match made in heaven. Ladies: Chill and sit pretty. Men who want you will make their interest clear as day. “Older generations had unbelievable parents who taught ladies the basics: If a man wants you, he’ll come after you, don’t be so eager, and don’t be so available. Women today take the role of men and it’s becoming a problem. They don’t know how to relax and just be a woman. Let him come to you.” Love has nothing to do with money. Find someone you can build with. “Is money nice? Of course it is, but you can’t build your dating life around meeting [rich] men. I’ve coached plenty of women who marry millionaires and billionaires, and can’t bear going through life. They’re suicidal. When women choose men for money, they end up miserable because their marriage lacks emotional connection. It sucks the life out of them.” Keep your new relationship private from everyone—including your family— the first three to six months. “The first three to six months is your time to determine whether someone fits into your life. Friends and family are a big part of your life, but you owe it to yourself to draw a boundary. If they are worthwhile, everybody will meet him. Until then, keep it to yourself and keep it private. When I first started dating Michael [Flicker’s fiancé], it took two years for him to meet my kids. You don’t want—especially if you’re a divorced woman—to start introducing your kids and family to every single person you’re dating. Make sure there is a future with them.”

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His rejection is God’s protection. “People are scared of rejection. Time is of the essence. You don’t want someone taking six to eight months out of your life when they’re not focused on you and what you want. Change the negatives into a positive and don’t let anyone stop you because there is nothing more important in life than finding love.” Ladies: Your body is a temple. If you want great sex, get a vibrator. “I believe a woman’s body is a temple. I believe sex is a very, very private and beautiful thing. There’s nothing wrong with being a whore in the bedroom—once you’re in a relationship. Show him that you respect yourself, that you love your body, and that you value who you are. You don’t want to be the girl who everyone’s had. If you want sex for the sake of having good sex, go and buy yourself a vibrator! Why give yourself up so easily? He won’t be fooled and he won’t respect you.” Nothing is more important in life than love. “If you’ve given up on love, you’ve given up on life. Love is oxygen; you can’t live without it. It’s the best feeling in the world. You can’t give up on love because you’ve been burned once or twice. Fight for love up until your last breath!” For more tips from Siggy Flicker, go to jadoremag.com. Also visit her website at siggyflicker.com. J

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R ea l i t y T V v s . S i t c o m s :

thegood thebadand thedirty words By: Imani Pope-Johns

J’Adore recently caught up with BET producer Angel Elliot, a socially conscious journalist who produces online content and video for BET’s highly popular sitcom, The Game. For someone who keeps up with the pulse of both reality television and comedies, Elliot gives us the scoop on her favorite (and least favorite) shows, opens up about the cast of The Game, and tells us why she would never get in front of the reality TV camera. J’Adore: Since The Game has a lot of relationships on screen, what happens when the cameras are off? Angel Elliot: Every cast member of The Game is a consummate professional. The cast genuinely likes each other on and off the screen. When you mix friendship with professional respect, of course the on-screen chemistry is going to be great for viewers to watch. What is it like watching actors play a sexual role? Sometimes it can be funny, because you know the actors are genuine platonic friends outside of work. But in general, everyone is there to work and make magical TV. Playing a sexual role well is just a part of acting. Do you watch reality TV? I watch some reality TV, but I try to limit how much. Some shows can be mind-numbing. What shows do you like and what shows don't you watch? As far as reality shows go, I love Amazing Race and sometimes I catch myself watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta. I don't watch the Basketball Wives franchise or any For the Love of... because I feel like those shows negatively portray women of color. You have these beautiful, successful women that are supposed to represent Black excellence scrapping and acting like heathens. It's honestly embarrassing and disgraceful. [Speaking on] scripted shows that are airing right now, I love The New Girl, Revenge, Unforgettable and Boardwalk Empire. Have you ever considered doing a reality show? I’ve been asked and approached by casting directors, etc., but my answer is always the same: I’m way too private of a person for the details of my daily life to be exposed. Most of the people in my circle are in the same industry and we’re all about protecting our privacy. And, you know, so much footage ends up on the cutting room floor, so sometimes I feel bad for these reality ‘stars’ because I know only the extremes of their personality ends up on the silver screen. But hey, they signed up for it.

What do you think about the reality TV sex you hear or see on TV? I think, Wow! They’re brave, ballsy, or stupid. I could never in a million years imagine myself getting down on national television and neither can most Americans. But that’s why you almost have to applaud these casting directors. They find folks that have practically no inhibitions and are willing to put their dignity on the line for 15 minutes of fame. That’s why people are so fascinated with reality TV. It’s almost like watching your secret alter-ego fantasy play out in real life—well, almost real. Have you ever heard of some actors or TV stars doing the nasty, but it’s not staged? Ha! I haven’t heard of that happening, but hey, in Hollywood anything is possible. The views expressed herein do not represent the views of BET Networks. J

life & leisure

J'aDore

giftguide 1

1 Christian Louboutin cate Trash slingbacks

There is nothing trashy about this fashionable pair of Christian Louboutin foot candy, except for the fact that they are partly made from recycled material. Any lady will feel good and look fabulous when rocking these chic shoes. Now going green is so much more distinguished and stellar! (prices vary) neimanmarcus.com

for the ladies words by: Andrea Janise

Whether it’s Cupid’s Day, a birthday, or someone trying to get out of the doghouse, here are some gift items that will surely conquer the mission of putting a smile on your face. So when you are asked what you want, make it easy and just give him this list!

2 Michael Kors Bedford

Bowling Satchel

Bag it up, bag it up! You’ll be turning heads with this classic bowling-style bag from Michael Kors’ latest collection. The rich burnt orange tote will provide the perfect pop of color to any outfit, plus it’s large enough to hold your things, yet simple enough to wear regularly. ($398) michaelkors.com

3 Missoni for Target Silk Scarves

Become one with your inner fashionista in these colorful silk scarves by Missoni for Target, and you’ll surely have all of your friends asking where you got them. Whether you wear them on your head, around your waist or draped around your neck, these beautiful scarves are the perfect accessory all four seasons and prove you know how to work it with any outfit. ($19.99) target.com

4 Gorjana 18K Gold Stackable Rings

Live life like it’s golden with Gorjana custom jewelry. These textured stackable rings can become the perfect addition to an already fabulous wardrobe. Ideal for the woman who wants to add just a touch of extra flair, Gorjana's ultra-cute rings come in seven skinny 18-karat gold plated bands that collectively make a bold fashion statement. ($145) gorjana.com

5 Beyoncé Pulse: Summer Edition

Change up your signature scent with the newest fragrance from Beyoncé’s perfume line. Scheduled to be released later this year, the uniquely elegant bottle is the perfect vessel for the fruity floral scent with notes of mandarin, jasmine and pear. ($59) beyonceparfums.com

6 Range Rover Evoque

Okay, either somebody is really in hot water or straight-up balling, but whatever the case, if the new Range Rover Evoque is in your driveway with a bow on it, you’re truly loved— or all will be forgiven! Just introduced this year, the compact two-and four-door versions of arguably the most revered luxury line of SUVs in the world, the Evoque is turning heads wherever it goes. But don’t worry, the plush amenities, smooth drive and powerful engine are not compromised. You’ll have the same “Power of Presence,” just in a smaller package. (Starting at $43,995) landrover.com *Prices may vary.

for the gents words by: Dennis Malcolm Byron

1 Fanny Wang Headphones

Sure, everyone and their mama is coming out with headphones, but Fanny Wang’s 1000 On Ear Series, 2000 Over Ear DJ Series and 3000 Over Ear Noise Canceling Series (prices vary) give us the choice of customizing it down to the cord color with, get this, more than 1.4 million color combos to choose from online. And it’s not just looks, people. These babies actually bang out studio quality sound even Dr. Dre would yield to, thanks to 40mm titanium-plated matched drivers, active noise cancellation, rich leather ear cups, 3.5 mm input in case a friend wants to join in, plus magnetically shielded cables and circuitry. You want thump? The 2000 and 3000 series have a Bass Boost switch with three levels, topping off at 6dB. Trust us, you don’t need more than that unless you have mastered the art of sign language. fannywang.com, customs. fannywang.com

giftguide

J'aDore

We would designate our 2012 Gift Guide to Valentine’s Day or whatever, but why limit it to one day when you can bless us wonderful guys with an awesome gift we would actually dig any time of the year? Hook us up!

2 Tokyo Flash

Watches

4 Beer Bouquet

Techy nuts who love attention will kill for these eye-popping wrist gizmos straight from the land of the rising sun. Conceptualized by some of their fans in Kyrgyzstan, Tokyo Flash’s Kisai On Air ($189) is one of the more minimal designs out of the company’s Star Trek-esque products, but just as captivating. Want to really time travel? The Kisai Rogue Touch Pocket Watch ($169) is the perfect fusion of the past and future, flaunting an LCD display in four different colors with touch screen technology. Whatever you choose, everyone will undoubtedly say WTF? The “TF” standing for Tokyo Flash, of course. tokyoflash.com

3 Creed Royal-Oud Cologne

When a guy says he wants a “Bouquet,” he is not talking about tulips. Instead, it’s the Beer Bouquet ($49.99)—a brilliant idea conceptualized by a start-up company in Austin, Texas that combines what entrances fellas the most: beer and sports. First, pick the logo from a choice of 150-plus college and professional football, baseball, hockey and basketball teams to decorate a metal bucket. Second, fill it with a six of brews crafted by your choice of more than 20 breweries nationwide, and add a pack of fresh-roasted peanuts, a coozie, and a bottle opener. Trust me, he will be a fan of yours for life! beerbouquet.com

Revered by the most distinguished noses since 1790, CREED’s colognes and perfumes have been considered the most exotic and for good reason—they hand-select ingredients from remote locations throughout the world. Their newest edition to the prestigious brand, the Royal-Oud ($300, 2.5 ounces), boasts “oud”—an essential oil from Agarwood trees of India. Oud, which costs more per ounce than palladium, is fused with other elements that create aromas favoring pink berry, cedar, sandalwood, lemon, Tonkin musk and other notes. Used by royalty worldwide, both you and your man can smell like kings and queens, too. creedboutique.com

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Look for more awesome ideas for J’Adore’s 2012 Gift Guide online at jadoremag.com. *Prices may vary.

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life & leisure

beauty words by Beauty Editor: Alex LaMarsh Hair & Makeup: Alex LaMarsh Photo: Allen Chu Model Madeleine at Vision (Los Angeles)

Every woman wants to know how to do their brows, but most of us don't know where to start. Well fear not! The good gals at Benefit Cosmetics have bought us the beall-end-all guide to eyebrows in book form. Try and find the amazing book Raising Eyebrows online or at a Benefit Brow Bar near you! My tip to you is to pick up the book and the right shade of Brow Zings—a complete yet compact brow shaping kit—and start practicing! benefitcosmetics.com

2 If you are like me, you love lip color but hate the

stickiness of gloss and the drying effect of lipstick. Skip both of these issues while hydrating and looking fabulous. Clinique has the perfect item that is small enough for your purse: the Chubby Stick Moiturizing Lip Color Balm. It comes in eight shades, it’s silky smooth and simply aaaaamazing! clinique.com

3 To fight off dull, dry winter hair, there is a lot of buzz

about Argan oil going around and a lot of companies are charging way more than they should for it. Well Jeune d'Age Organics has come to save the day, providing the world the highest quality Argan oil available in its virgin form for a very affordable price. Both your hair and wallet will thank you for picking some up! tobetterskin.com

4 Cover FX is always at the top of their game, consistently

bringing us new products to save and preserve our faces. This time around, Cover FX delivers us Eyeprep FX, designed to reduce puffiness, irritation and dark circles, while tightening the skin area around the eyes. So show off your favorite new makeup for your beautiful peepers, but be sure to prep them properly first! coverfx.com

5 Let’s face it, dewy, shimmery, iridescent shine is not

for all ages or skin types. Plus, some of us just don't want to glisten! Thank goodness Purely Cosmetics came to the rescue with the miracle product Diamond Perfect Finish. Each jar contains a full carat of diamonds, no joke! This powder gives you a shine-free finish that leaves your skin baby soft, hides lines and pores, and leaves you looking younger than ever. Who in their right mind doesn't want that? purelycosmetics.com

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grooming words by Beauty Editor: Alex LaMarsh Grooming: Alex LaMarsh Photo: Mark Sacro Model: Jason Holmes Stylist: Juliet Vo

1 Bumble & Bumble has brought consumers yet another

amazing product. For you manly men with hair, I give you Sumotech. It’s a mid-weight molding compound that gives you the texture and control of wax, paste and cream all in one. As the folks at Bumble & Bumble say, it’s perfect for the "buttoned-up-by-day, funk-it-up-by-night" type of guy. bumbleandbumble.com

2 Looking for a great and uniquely scented body wash?

Well look no further! Molton Brown brings you a bestseller: Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash. The scent wakes you up and the black pepper gets your skin’s circulation going immediately upon application. This is a manly must to escape the musk! moltonbrown.com

3 Pretty much everyone sweats and some of us are a bit

more, shall we say, pronounced than others when we do it. So gents, do the rest of the world a favor and tone the odors down a bit, without the annoying unnatural smell and aluminum contents of mainstream of deodorants. Check out Malin+Goetz’s Eucalyptus Deodorant, which is alcohol and aluminum free with 24-hour protection. Perfect! malinandgoetz.com

4 Okay, so most men are afraid to put anything on that

looks or sounds remotely like makeup, but here’s a tip that I’ve given all of my leading athlete clients: To avoid being shiny and having giant unsightly pores while keeping your face extra smooth, Benefit Cosmetics brings you the Porefessional—a skin smoothing secret weapon to win over your significant other effortlessly! Be a professional, pick up a Porefessional and slap it on your face pronto! benefitcosmetics.com

5 So fellas, do you have a lot of body hair or just prefer

to keep it in check? Regardless of your answer, the Mangroomer has the perfect gizmo for you, especially if you have a special someone you are looking to impress. The Essential Private Body Shaver works wet or dry with long or short hair, and has a five-setting adjustable length comb for even the most bear-like gent. mangroomer.com

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fashion>>forward

heiress a vision of

Images: Allen Chu Hair/Makeup: Alex LaMarsh @Wilhelmina Denver Wardrobe: Juliet Vo Model: Alex Abercrombie @ Next LA

dress: Sherri Hill necklace: Marina B

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fur jacket: Kimchi Blue

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dress: Chargoury Couture earrings: Charlotte Lu shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti

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hat: Kitty Andrews Millinery dress: Chargoury Couture

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head band: Deepa Gurnani top: Jahaanara dress: Sherri Hill ring: Charlotte Lu

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hat: Kitty Andrews Millinery dress: Sherri Hill

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hat: Kitty Andrews Millinery blouse: Lena & Stevie Vintage jacket: H&M

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hat: Kitty Andrews Millinery blouse: H&M jacket: H&M brooch: stylist's own

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hat: Kitty Andrews Millinery blouse: H&M jacket: H&M

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fashion>>forward

for

Spring Fashion Trends

2012 words by: Fashion Editor, Juliet Vo

pring is right around the corner, and while you've just broken in your new favorite winter coat, you probably find yourself wondering what you'll be wearing in the upcoming months. Pulling from the anticipated trends from the most revered Spring 2012 runway shows, J’Adore has put together a list of styles to help inspire your future wardrobe.

This season, designers seemed to have found inspiration from a variety of sources. TV shows such as Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men influenced designers to yearn for a time when a night out was a bit more extravagant. Other designers displayed pieces with a strong resurgence of safari-ready designs, sporty athletic fashion, and even a revival of lounging pajama wear reborn with prints. Whether you’re feeling influenced by trends of yesteryear or discovering new angles to dress and impress, there will be something to fashionably experiment with when flowers bloom in 2012.

Lady Affairs We remember the ‘50s from shows like Happy Days and Grease, but Mad Men has shown us the sexier side of this era. Spring 2012 runways showed us an updated, vampy version of ladylike dressing. Sheer fabrics, pencil skirts, intricate embellishments and cinched waists will be back with a vengeance.

The Roaring ‘20s The spirit of the jazz age was captured this season in drop-waist dresses and art deco detailing. With edgy offerings from the likes of Gucci and Etro, to glamorous options at Oscar De La Renta and Ralph Lauren, there are plenty of choices for us all to embrace our inner flapper.

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Sports Authority Using fabrics normally reserved for utilitarian purposes, designers were able to bring a cool, sporty edge to the fashions on display this runway season. Translucent vinyl toppers and mesh were among popular fabrics that graced several shows. Athletic colorblocking was a great take on last season’s bold graphic trend as well.

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Pajama Day Concrete Jungle Thanks to designers like Michael Kors, safari-inspired fashion has always been a big trend. This season, designers gave it a fresh take by fusing the look with bold tropical prints, creating the perfect option for a day at the office as well as a weekend getaway.

A few seasons ago, Dolce & Gabbana took a high fashion approach to pajamas, creating sleepwear ironically meant for outside of the bedroom. Now, many designers embraced the concept matching top and bottom ideas with strong patterns, brazenly stating once and for all that the same print, head to toe, is okay! J

fashion>>forward

watchthis

Whether you’re preparing to go into the spring season with flair or you’re just looking to buy something for that special someone, rocking one of these stunning timepieces will let everyone know what time it is.

words By: Reese Harlan

As the flowers begin to bloom, the stage is set for the aficionados with the limited edition 2012 Audemars Piguet Openworked Royal Oak watch. This wrist candy is strictly for those with an eye for detail, an appreciation of craftsmanship and pockets deep enough to purchase perfection. Complete with a platinum case and bracelet, the slate grey color and skeleton face allow you to see the intricacies of this gravity defying Swiss-made, handcrafted masterpiece. Prepare for sticker shock: this pricey heirloom ranges from $300,000 to more than half a million bills. Chump change, right? The Louis Vuitton Tambour Black LV277 is one of the hottest upscale urban watches to add to your spring ensemble. Another Switzerland-born masterpiece, the Tambour is four times stronger than stainless steel and water resistant with glass made from reflection-proof Sapphire. A sophisticated addition to the Louis Vuitton Urban Casual line, the Tambour Black costs approximately $17,000. The Tambour Black is also available for the ladies as well, but it’s gonna cost another two grand, so go hard or go home. For those of you that plan to ball on a budget this year, Louis Vuitton’s Urban Casual line has some great alternatives for the ladies, including the dainty diamond-studded Tambour Bijou with the signature LV-embossed wrist band ($4,700). For men, Mr. Vuitton offers an understated, yet classy Tambour Automatic GMT with a chocolate alligator strap for $4,000. Don’t want to break the bank? Here’s a hot tip for the cash conscious baller: When it’s time to save, buy watches out of season to get the best styles at the lowest prices. Regardless of what you buy, do you. No matter how you decide to floss it, time will keep on ticking. J

1. 2012 Audemars Piguet Openworked Royal Oak 2. Louis Vuitton Tambour Black LV277 3. Tambour Automatic GMT 4. Tambour Bijou

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model citizen

crème de la crème

dedicated

Sarah Mitchell words By: L. Raquel Peterson Images: Mark Sacro Makeup: paloma alcantar Hair: Peter Felix Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow Wardrobe Asst: Juliet Vo

As a world renowned dancer and choreographer, Sarah Mitchell knows how to entertain. Since appearing as one of the regular dancers in the sexy star-studded film Burlesque, the beautiful Springfield, Massachusetts native went on to become a highly popular choreographer on Dance Your Ass Off.

“Dancing was 100 percent an escape for me, because it’s kind of all I had,” Sarah reveals in reference to her discovery of dance as a child. “Dancing was the one thing that I had and was good at. It gave me a sense of who I am and what I was going to do at a young age.” Sarah’s lifelong dedication led her to become one of the youngest cheerleaders hired for the New England Patriots and has danced for the New York Knicks as well. Noted for her dedication, flexibility and pizzazz, she clarifies her success is a result of discipline and passion. She also is an active participant of the Garden of Dreams program headed by the Make a Wish Foundation. Sarah emphasizes that her reality television appearances educate her as much as any other experience. She notes that the biggest challenges they present include dealing with the lack of control in terms of personal image and the potential psychological effects of becoming a reality character. “You can try to be your best self, but you can’t edit yourself forever and you get really comfortable,” she explains. “It’s kind of bizarre, like a warped reality. They give people tests to make sure they’re stable and actually able to do this. You have to be strong [to handle reality TV].” Sarah is currently working with Latin artist Pitbull and Christina Aguilera, but she is always auditioning. “I can’t dance forever, so I’m always trying to learn and do something bigger to expand my talents.” Now that’s dedication. Find out what Sarah is up to by following her on Twitter: @SarahMitchell__ (double underscore) J

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model citizen

movingon

Sammi Giancola from Jersey Shore has a new direction words By: By Evierobbie Images: Justin Hyte Makeup: Orlando Santiago Hair: Jacqui Davis Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow

With the new season fast approaching, Jersey Shore cast members are ready to get back to that which is familiar along the East Coast shoreline. Last season was one for the record books as everyone packed their bags for Italy. Brief rekindled romances, new in-house drama, and hospital visits were all a part of the make-up of this past season. Amidst it all was everyone’s favorite resident siren, Sammi Giancola, who is single, focused on her professional endeavors and every bit the sweetheart you could imagine.

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I’m not just putting my name on products. I want to represent something that I’m extremely proud of.

Discussing Italy, Sammi says, “I think everybody at first was like, ‘Cool! We’re in another country. This is awesome!’ But towards the end we missed home. We missed our everyday life. We missed our friends, our families, and everything we were accustomed to.” From the fact that cameras would be locked in on the volatile romance between her and cast member Ronnie, to Sammi noting that “all the streets were cobblestone” and having to leave her collection of 5-inch heels at home, Italy was definitely an adjustment period. Traveling to another country is difficult for many who don’t do it often. Trying to navigate that type of travel within the structure of a reality show makes life all the more challenging. “We have no cell phones, no computers, no TV, no nothing,” Sammi vents. “You are kind of forced to hang out with one another every single day. So, imagine living with your boyfriend or ex-boyfriend and having to go through the process of having your life on TV. It’s extremely difficult and I don’t think people understand.” She has a point. How many times have viewers of shows like Jersey Shore really taken a moment to dive into the background and “forced” interaction that goes into producing these types of reality shows? For viewers, it’s entertainment. For them, it’s their lives. Being filmed 24 hours a day, over the course of nearly two months, breaks down to an hour a week on television. When put into context, there is a lot missing. “I had an amazing time in Italy with Deena,” Sammi discloses. “We became great friends and we would go off and venture around Italy and really see what the country was all about. I wish they would show more sides like that.” There is a good chance viewers would like to see that side as well. Relationships and reality TV have a very short shelf life. Sammi and Ronnie gave their relationship together a number of tries—especially when the cameras were rolling—and Italy proved to be no different. Ending in clothes being thrown in the garbage and cast member Mike “The Situation” ending up in a hospital, it was needless to say that Sammi and Ronnie deserved a break. Sammi is very open about the fact that she is single and happy, but more importantly, she’s healed from the past. Going forth for Sammi, it’s about business and taking care of her own needs. Currently, her perfume called “Dangerous” has been her primary focus. “I really feel like this [perfume] represented myself,” Sammi said. “I don’t have anything else out there. I’m not just putting my name on products. I want to represent something that I’m extremely proud of.” As she should be. Sammi has grown from a Jersey girl broadcasting her life and love interests on television, into a self-sufficient entrepreneur who turned her fame into a foundation for not only her ventures, but for the rest of her life going forward. “Dangerous” is currently available dangerousperfume.com. J

model citizen

bad so good at being

Bad Girls Club’s Natalie Nunn leaves the drama on the set.

words By: Lala Shanturn Images: Mark Sacro Makeup: paloma alcantar Hair: Joyce Casteneda Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow Wardrobe Asst: Juliet Vo

You know who she is. She’s the Bad Girl you love to hate. Why? Because she is so good at it that you just can’t help yourself. And she’s proud of it.

The University of Southern California graduate and proud Bad Girls Club member, Natalie Nunn, linked up with J’Adore to disclose that she is not 100 percent the bad girl that is portrayed on the show. Regardless, she still had viewers riled up and still possesses that edge to get her ahead in 2012 and beyond. “I’m driven to compete with myself, so I’m content with how I want to live,” Natalie said. “It’s just me. I don’t have kids. I have my mom, dad and brother, but it’s really just me. I’m driven for myself at the end of the day.” And drama? “My home life isn’t full of drama,” she said. “[Regarding] whatever happens on TV—that stuff happens when I’m working or when I have to be around girls that maybe I don’t get along with—when I leave work, drama doesn’t come to my house.” Focusing on business, Natalie has begun building her own brand with the release of the Personixx Greetings iTunes app, which allows fans to create and send personalized, custom messages using her voice. It will also give fans an inside look to what she is doing, whether she is out snapping pictures with friends or on set being involved in some eye-gluing controversy, Natalie’s app will message subscribers with a day-to-day look at daily happenings. So what else is Natalie aspiring to do? “I want to work on my own projects, create my own show,” she answered with no hesitation. “I want to continue to give the drama that they want.” Just so it stays on the set. J

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I’m driven to compete with myself,

so I’m content with how I want to live.

✦ j’adore

jadoremag.com ✦

model citizen

bigger picture the

An interview with Jersey Shore’s Deena Cortese words By: By Evierobbie

Images: Justin Hyte | Makeup: Orlando Santiago | Hair: Jacqui Davis | Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow

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Jersey Shore’s own Deena Cortese has a personality fitting for a giant. Packed into a frame that barely reaches five feet tall, Deena possesses an electricity all her own that radiates both on and off the screen. Evidently, MTV knew exactly what they were doing when they casted Ms. Cortese for the hit show. During this past season, which took place in Italy, viewers gawked at her making out with girls, and professing some hardcore feelings for cast member Pauly D. No matter the situation, Deena was in the forefront, and definitely one to observe. Contrary to that formula, Deena walked into the studio pretty unassuming for her interview. Tiny, yes. Reserved even. My preconceived notions prepared me for someone who would bust through the doors ready for the flashing lights, so I was impressed and drawn into the calm she exuded. Observing her hair, make up, and perfectly fitted dress on her brick house frame, and Deena’s demeanor overall, what I found was that within her small frame was a bigger picture. Many viewers have to remember that Deena was not an original cast member of Jersey Shore. As we brace ourselves for the launch of Season 5, it’s hard to feel as though Deena wasn’t there all along. “At this point, everyone feels like I’ve been here since day one,” she says. “They forget that I came in late. I definitely came into my own. I came in there with energy and I made myself part of the family, and they made me part of the family, which is awesome.” Deena fits right into the organized chaos that serves as the base for the show; this is consistent in both their temporary home in Italy, as well as their permanent one in New Jersey. Heading back to their comfort zone at the Shore, Season 5 looks to tie up any dramatic loose ends that were dangling when the crew left Europe. Noted as an amazing experience for all the cast members, Deena still feels there were emotional challenges with a large population of the house being in relationships for the season. “I loved Italy,” she reflects. “I was a little homesick. I was mentally confusing myself. I felt alone as a lot of them had boyfriends. I was by myself, so I was kind of attaching my feelings for Pauly into something else. That was kind of embarrassing, but it was so much fun. Even though I danced my underwear off, I would not take any of that back.” Deena’s crush on Pauly was ever more apparent this past season, but there’s never a time when these scenarios don’t play out among the cast throughout Shore’s history. This seems to be the case for them all. The house set-up for the cast is extremely stringent. “We don’t take breaks from filming like other shows do, so from Italy to Jersey we were filming four months non-stop,” Deena reveals. “We can’t even talk without our microphones on. That’s how real our show is. We have no cell phones. We have no music. We have nothing in that house but each other—and alcohol. If anyone else was in our position, they’d do the same thing.” Bottom line, with them being isolated for a number of months throughout the year, the entertainment is not solely for us, but for the cast as well. These days, Deena is busy with the launch of her various products when not filming. She currently has an iPhone app where fans can interact with her personally through the “Word Supreme” game. She also recently partnered with Whisper hair products and promises the public can see more of that venture in 2012. Deena and her cast member Sammi also have a six-hour energy drink in the works, plus a jewelry line that can be seen on her site at deenanicole.com. Yes, Deena has her hands full, using Jersey Shore as merely a stepping stone into business opportunities of greater heights. My initial hunch was justified. There is a bigger picture. J

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I came in there with energy and I

made myself part of the family, and they made me part of the family, which is awesome.

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on the cover Giuliana Rancic:

realitycheck words by: Laura Turner

Images: Mark Sacro | Makeup: Catalina Su

| Hair: Eli Thomas | Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow | Wardrobe Asst: Juliet Vo

n camera she is gracious, poised, and full of class. She’s authentically funny and passionate about what she does. To gaze at her larger than life smile, you wouldn’t know she was in for the fight of her life. Giuliana Rancic, E! News host, wife, and fashion diva had a reality check like no other. Having a moment to sit down with the television celebrity, J’Adore took a real look at Giuliana’s faith and her plans on moving through life after her bilateral mastectomy. In an exclusive interview, Giuliana—the self-proclaimed “tough little Italian lady”—gets real, discussing everything from her life-altering situation to her future regarding family, her own clothing line, website, and living life to the fullest. After all, this is the J’Adore Reality Issue. Giuliana on How Breast Cancer Brings New Strengths

…On How Her Husband Bill is ‘That Guy’

The biggest change I’ve seen in myself is that I never realized how positive I was or that I could think in such a positive way. It’s amazing it took breast cancer to make me realize how great life is and how little things are in life. I’ve always tried to think, Ok, everything happens for a reason. Now I truly do believe there is a master plan. When I was going through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and I couldn’t get pregnant, I always wondered, Why can’t I get pregnant? Here I am with this wonderful husband, this tight-knit family and we’d give our baby all the love in the world. Yet, we can’t get pregnant. The big man above had his reasons. There was some master plan at work. It’s amazing, because now I know the real master plan was he didn’t want me to get pregnant. I would never have found the cancer. A miracle has already happened. The next miracle is that the baby I have one day will truly be the miracle.

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When we were first given the option of a mastectomy, one of the first things in my mind was the physical outcome that went along with a mastectomy. I just thought, Oh gosh, what will I look like? What am I going to think when I look at myself? Am I going to be disfigured? Is my husband going to still think I’m beautiful? It was really hard and I remember thinking it and it was as if Bill read my mind. He looked right at me and he said, ‘I just want you to know as far as the physical stuff, I could care less about that. I need you around for the next 50 years. You have to be here.’ It was so cute. He was like pleading with me. I broke down in tears and he was like, ‘Oh my God! I’m sorry! Why are you crying?’ I was crying because that’s love. That’s a real man. I love that he said it! I didn’t have to ask him, ‘Will you still love me?’ In my mind of course I knew Bill was that guy, but that verified it for me.

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The biggest change I’ve seen in myself is that I never

realized how positive I was or that I could think in such a positive way.

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…On Her Website, FabFitFun.Com

[Fabfitfun.com] is a really great website. I pick up so many great tips from celebrities and people in Hollywood who get to try all the greatest products first, and hear about all the best diets and workout regimens. So instead of tweeting it every time I hear something, I designed a website where people can get this information every day. You sign up on the website for a free daily email that goes out with a different topic on everything from fitness to beauty products, and 100-calorie snacks that are all natural; basically, anything having to do with wellness and wellbeing. People love it. We have big things coming up in 2012 with the website, so I’m really excited.

…On Fashion Creativity

It used to be magazines and it still is, but I love the Internet, too. There are a lot of great sites I go to. There are so many great bloggers out there now. For the time and effort they put into their blogs, I truly appreciate it and I love to support them. There’s one I always promote. She’s my make-up artist here at E!, but she’s an amazing blogger. Her name is Catalina Su and her website is catalinasumakeup.blogspot.com. That’s what it's all about these days, these incredible bloggers that have such great ideas and such great vision. That’s really where I draw a lot of my ideas.

…On the Golden Globes, the Academy Awards and Ryan Seacrest

I love these two events. You never know what’s going to happen because it’s live television. The excitement of that never goes away. This spring marks my 10th year with E! doing these events, which is incredible. It’s always exciting. There are always new stars every year, so you’re always meeting new people. It’s just really exciting and really great to work with Ryan [Seacrest]. He’s such a pro. Being good friends on and off camera, we work as a great team.

…On Celebs She Has Her Fashion Eye Out For

I think Jennifer Lopez has had the best year of her fashion life. She looks unbelievable since the split from Marc [Anthony]. The way she dresses, the way she looks… I will be very excited to see her at the Grammy’s and shows coming up. Other girls I think are so gorgeous are Gwyneth Paltrow and Zoe Saldana. I think [Zoe] wears clothes so well and so beautifully. She’s just all class.

…On Her New Clothing Line, G by Giuliana Rancic

I’m working on a clothing line which will come out in the spring that I’m very excited about. That will be fun. It’s called G by Giuliana Rancic so I’m really excited. It’s everyday, cool stuff we can throw on, feel pretty about ourselves, and look good and stylish. The big thing was keeping the prices down so everyone could afford it. So that will be out in the spring and I’ll definitely keep everyone posted on that. That’s it for upcoming projects aside from recovery, my website fabfitfun.com and being a good wife to the best guy in the world. Giuliana is hardly letting cancer define who she is. If anything, her life’s adversity has unleashed new strengths from within. The next chapter in Giuliana’s journey may be just beginning, but you can believe that with each step, she’s taking it with a smile and Bill right by her side. J

I’m working on a clothing line which will come out in the spring that I’m very

excited about.

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all

HavingIt

An interview with Ramona Singer of the Real Housewives of New York

words by: Evierobbie

Images: Justin Hyte | Makeup: Orlando Santiago | Hair: Jacqui Davis | Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow

eality television is known for its uncanny ability to turn regular people into stars. There are the famous rags-to-riches anecdotes, as well as those that started off in the limelight and decided realty TV was the route to magnify their lives and multiply their reach. Ramona Singer of the Real Housewives of New York is a made woman. Sculpted from her childhood, she took the leap to become an entrepreneur by the age of 29, eventually running her own empire, while commendably making it home to a husband and teenage daughter by seven o’clock for dinner. Ramona is a fusion; a fusion of old-school tradition and new-school ambition. Launching her True Faith jewelry line, rapidly expanding her Ramona wine brand, and being a staple personality on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York, she is a quintessential woman with the world at her fingertips. The difference between Ramona and others is that when her dreams were within reach, she grabbed them.

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After watching myself after the first season, I see how I came

across a little tough, and it came from my upbringing and background.

I did the show to show women you can get older and still be sexy.

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It may not be far-fetched to describe Ramona as a serial entrepreneur. Her motto and lesson she aims to show other women is that you can have it all. Being married for 20 years, decades-deep into launching a number of successful businesses, and noted as one of the stars of a hit reality television show, Ramona has her hands full. It didn’t begin with television, though. “I was an entrepreneur when I came on the show,” she recalls. “I already had my own business that I started when I was 29 years old. I came from nothing. I put myself through college. I had no connections. I think if you are just passionate about what you do in business, you’ll be successful. And of course, a little luck doesn’t hurt.” Ramona is the face of True Faith Jewelry line and is going on her third year with the Home Shopping Network. Unbeknownst to most, her relationship with HSN began with a cold call. She showed interest in working with them and in return, they forged a business relationship that has been rather lucrative for both parties. Today, her jewelry line consists of many affordable Art Deco pieces that speak to a fashionable, yet financially conscious shopper. In February of 2012, Ramona was slated to be featured during HSN’s New York Week in which they feature all New York-based designers. As seen on past episodes of The Real Housewives of New York, Ramona’s most recent endeavor has been entering the world of wine creation. Her self-named Pinot Grigio, Ramona, has been doing exceptionally well. During her interview, Ramona received a phone call from her team notifying her that they received a distribution deal with Target. “The Pinot Grigio retails for anywhere between 10 and 15 dollars,” she says. “It’s delicious, it’s light with no bite—as my husband says—smooth, and it even tastes good warm. I make sure that even at room temperature it tastes good. I’m now working on a red.” In addition to Ramona wine and the extension of the True Faith Jewelry line, she also found time to dive into skin care. “I like looking as young as possible for my age without doing anything radical. I’m in my fifties now and I feel just as good as I did in my thirties. Skin care is very important for women.” Ramona admits that it was her age and the sensitive transitions in her skin that led to her launching True Renewal Skin Care Line. Parabin free, and algae based, Ramona swears that it is like food for your skin. She uses it daily as an alternative to the more pricey options of plastic surgery. Then there is Ramona’s universe as a reality TV personality. She believes she has definitely grown with the seasons on the show. “As a personality, I think I’m not as tough,” she reveals. “I have more patience with people, so I think a part of me got softer. After watching myself after the first season, I see how I came across a little tough, and it came from my upbringing and background. So when I look at myself on TV, I feel like I’m showing more of my better parts.” The background Ramona was referring to included seeing her mother abused as a child. She was candid about this and how it shaped her mentality through adolescence. A sense of self-sufficiency and strength was necessary to deal with those scarring times of her life. In many ways, Ramona flipped the negatives to positives and applied those same traits to her business acumen. The relationships with the women on The Real Housewives of New York cast fluctuate with the day. This was similar to the relationships that Ramona had during last season, especially with Jill. “Last year it got a little murky,” she remembers. “I wasn’t sure about it. There were situations with other cast mates that got a little tough and sometimes it wasn’t fun, but as long as I keep having fun, I’m going to do it.” Ramona has no apologies for who she is. To her, there is a single bigger mission to why she initially agreed to do Real Housewives and why she continues to stay with the series. “I did the show to show women you can get older and still be sexy. You can have a great marriage. You can have a great child. You can have great businesses. You can have it all.” Only one question remains: Why not? J

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on the cover

OutofBounds: words by: L. Raquel Peterson

Images: Justin Hyte « Makeup: Orlando Santiago « Hair: Jacqui Davis « Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow

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What VH1 Never Told You About Basketball Wives’ Jennifer Williams Jennifer Williams knows what it’s like to have it all one minute, and lose it the next. Jennifer's rocky marriage to professional basketball player Eric Williams came to a screeching halt over several seasons of VH1’s hit series Basketball Wives, leaving her devastated and brokenhearted. Instead of wallowing in pain, Williams pushes it out of bounds, focused on rebuilding necessary aspects of her life to play by her own rules this time around. As she enters Season 4 of Basketball Wives, Jennifer reveals her innermost thoughts on life as a divorc�e and what they don’t tell you about when the cameras stop rolling.

I consider myself a very private person

and now I live my life under a microscope, which takes some getting used to.

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J’Adore: How has Basketball Wives changed your life? Jennifer Williams: I consider myself a very private person and now I live my life under a microscope, which takes some getting used to. I realize this is a short chapter of my life, so I handle it in stride and try to take advantage of the moment to set myself up for life after Basketball Wives. Reality TV is scandalous, both by nature and design. You're very laid-back and drama free, but you manage to make the cut every season. Why do so many people connect with you? I am definitely not a confrontational person. I don’t like drama at all. But the drama in my [marriage] played out on the show and I think people connect with that. I don’t know one woman that has not been in a bad relationship at some point in their life. True. There had to be moments where you're caught in the middle of something and you're like, ‘Damn! I wish they weren't filming this right now’ Yes, I’ve definitely had those ‘Oops’ moments and those moments when Eric and I [are caught] in a heated discussion. But I signed up for this, so I have to be true to myself. I am not perfect, so the camera is going to catch some moments where I am vulnerable, but in the end I think [these moments] just make me real. What don't people know—or at least understand— about filming a reality show and what happens behind the scenes? People think the show is scripted. Our show is far from scripted! Believe me, you can’t make this stuff up! Sometimes I say to myself, Did she just say that? or Did that just happen? Filming a show for four months or so is very time consuming, and doing it with six girls is bound to bring some drama! Critics claim Basketball Wives negatively portrays Black women as classless and uncouth. However, the ratings continue to climb. Your take? No one is perfect, but people love to see drama. I don’t think anyone would [watch Basketball Wives] if everyone got along. It is unfortunate, but drama sells. We aren’t pretending to be role models; the show is for entertainment purposes only. However, I do hope we show more of a balance during Season 4 because all of us are doing positive things outside of the show that I feel need to be highlighted more. If we cast you on another reality show, and you could put five other people on besides your current castmates—besides possibly Evelyn—who would you put on your show? What would it be about? I would have cast Mashonda Dean, NeNe Leakes, Joumana Kidd and probably two other famous divorcees. Our show would be all about moving on and starting over after a divorce, independence and diving back into the dating world after being married; sort of like a ‘Divorced Wives Club.’ Going through a divorce is draining, so it’s good to have a support system of people in the same situation. I think that would be a great show! Be sure to visit Jadoremag.com for Part 2 of the Jennifer Williams interview where she discloses everything from her guilty pleasures to her new book deal and sex toys! J

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on the cover

ComeClean:

The Real Life of Dirty Soap’s

Brandon Beemer

words by: Laura Turner

images: mark sacro Grooming: Danielle Huacuja Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow Wardrobe Asst: Juliet Vo

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f you’ve watched the infamous soap opera, Days of Our Lives, then you may have caught this piece of eye candy playing Sean Brady. Or maybe you’re a Bold and the Beautiful fan, drooling over hot new character Owen Knight? And if you’ve missed the soaps all together, you can catch this dream man in his latest jaunt into reality television with his lovely girlfriend, Nadia Bjorlin, on E!’s newest reality show, Dirty Soap. Whatever you do, you can’t deny heart throb Brandon Beemer. When you first look at Brandon, you might think he is arrogant and demanding. In actuality, he’s an avid sports fan and tech geek that loves his career and his girl. So how do you make a relationship in Los Angeles work when you live in the limelight and your girlfriend’s mother doesn’t think you are good enough to be considered family? Here’s a down and dirty look into the real life of Brandon Beemer and how he’s making his life a beautiful reality.

J’Adore: First thing’s first, how do you decide on the next character you are going to play? Brandon Beemer: Usually it’s something challenging, interesting, or something that has depth to it. I’d rather play a developed character rather than just simply being someone’s boyfriend, although sometimes you have to play that role. In soaps, the depth to the character is never-ending. You are related to so many people and there are many different relationships, which is kind of interesting. I went from Days of Our Lives where I was related to almost every person on the show, to The Bold and the Beautiful and being related to nobody. I’m like an island all by myself. Actually, I was looking forward to it and then I was like, hey, I’m not sure I like this. The grass is always greener on the other side.

I’d say with Dirty Soap, one of the things I find more rewarding

Which is more rewarding: Soaps or Dirty Soap? I’d say with Dirty Soap, one of the things I find more rewarding is that it’s like a crash course in psychology. It’s a crash course in analyzing your life. It’s having to face certain issues you don’t want to face; things you’ve been brushing under the rug going, Oh, that’s not a big deal. Then the show sees it and looks under the rug like, ‘Let’s talk about that.’ You are like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to talk about that. Oh, ok fine.’ Then all of a sudden it turns into this big thing.

is that it’s like a crash course in psychology.

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If you are on the same page, then you can go through any journey together.

How is dealing with personal issues in front of the camera working out for you? I think it's actually working out for the better. Through the course of taping the show, it got bad. I think it is just starting to turn. I’m hoping it will get better. With every relationship it gets better. You learn about people when the cameras are rolling and you hear things they say. You’re like, what? I’m not supposed to be hearing that, but I am. It makes you realize how much of a gauge of good character you are. Do you think the show has strengthened or hindered your relationships? It has strengthened the important ones. It’s shedding light on the ones that aren’t so important. The stronger relationships will usually be able to withstand the challenges of a daytime reality show. What about your relationship with your girlfriend’s mom, Fary? Oh, that’s a totally different situation. Like I said, baby steps. I like to think I’m kind of figuring it out. There is this weird little thing we need to get through first. There needs to be some forgiveness and healing, moving on and putting the past behind us, saying, ‘Let’s start new.’ She’s mad at me. I have no problem with her, but she is mad at me. So I don’t want to put her in a situation where I’m here in front of her and she doesn’t want me there. So we have to get past that weird little place where she’s okay again. What’s your best advice for dealing with the outside influences on relationships? Just two words: honesty and communication! Those are two key components when dealing with all of the outside elements that will try to break you in a relationship. Obviously when you have two people who are honest with each other and communicate with one another at the end of the day, they are on the same page. If you are on the same page, then you can go through any journey together, as opposed to going on separate journeys and then all of a sudden landing at a dead-end and you’re like, ‘Where do we go?’ What new projects do you have coming up? I’ve got a couple of things I’m thinking about, but I don’t want to jump the gun. The New Year is here, and it has got to get you excited. Time is flying and you might as well start doing it now and not procrastinating and putting it off. I just don’t want to jinx things. I am one of those people who believes in not speaking too prematurely. I just hope that I’m really busy. Otherwise, if I’m not busy, I’m crazy. J

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The Art of Dance words by: L. Raquel Peterson

Image: mark sacro Grooming: danielle huacaja Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow Wardrobe Asst: Juliet Vo

Tyce Diorio ✦ j’adore

Tyce Diorio not only loves dance, he lives and breathes it. “I love art,” he said. “I love watching people who are good at what they do, who are highly-skilled, highly passionate and humanly individual.” Diorio attended New York’s High School of Performing Arts, otherwise known as the FAME school. Safe to say, although many alumni would love to boast all of the famous people they knew in school, Diorio was more down to earth, solely mentioning that he sat next to Chaz Bono in math class back when he was known as Chastity Bono. Eventually, Diorio’s dedication to dance led him to become a leading choreographer whose resume flaunts top celebrity clients, including Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. His current mainstay is as an active choreographer on the primetime reality series So You Think You Can Dance. “So You Think You Can Dance showcases a high form of art,” he explained. “Sometimes reality shows have an element of drama to make people watch, but it’s art.” Overall, while the handsome Brooklyn boy has come a long way from his Bensonhurst roots, he’s not letting the glitz and glamour of Hollywood inflate his ego. Diorio stays humble and grounded to his values, including family, friends and love, instead of clinging to the intoxicating rush of fame and fortune. “Hollywood, fame, success and celebrity is what you make it. It is what you think it is. People [brag about their accomplishments], but I always ask, Who is going with you to these events? Who loves you? Who’s with you? “I’m the same person now that I was when I entered Hollywood,” Diorio concluded. “Success is when you can celebrate with the people who matter in life. If you don’t have anyone to experience life with you, you have nothing.” J

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Nadia the

aturally truth aked about words by: Laura Turner

Images: Mark Sacro Makeup: Liza Macawili Hair: danielle huacaja Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow Wardrobe Asst: Juliet Vo

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Nadia Bjorlin is so refreshingly honest that you just can’t help but fall in love with her. Dressed in comfy sweats and a hoody, she and her handsome beau joyfully saunter in for the interview as if the two had just been resting at a day spa. Face naturally naked and skin all aglow, Nadia’s smile beamed happiness, making me even more curious to get a glimpse into the life of this soap-turnedreality star. She has grown up on daytime television playing Chloe on NBC’s Days of Our Lives opposite her real life, live-in love, Brandon Beemer, who previously played Sean Brady on the show. The two have now teamed up for their own venture in reality television on the E! reality show, Dirty Soap. Nadia took a moment out of her busy schedule to dish the dirt on her life after soaps, a new reality show, and learning how to relax. I’m sure all of the Days of Our Lives fans want to know, will Chloe Return? Chloe is someone I grew up with essentially. She is so close to me and so dear to me, it would be sad to think that she would never live again on screen. I don’t know; you never know what the future holds. Have the characters you’ve played on screen helped you to grow as a person? I’ve grown up with Chloe on and off-screen. Even though I’m very different from Chloe, at the same time, there are so many aspects of her that I can relate to or that anyone can relate to. I think my characters have helped me to grow up and evolve. What’s it like working on the reality show Dirty Soap? Both Brandon and I were really hesitant about it. Neither one of us made it a huge point to talk or go on about our personal lives and ourselves. We’re comfortable playing characters. We’re not necessarily comfortable being on camera being ourselves, so I think we thought the idea was very strange. With Dirty Soap, we’re hoping to generate a new audience. Our fans can see how hard we work. We used to say that they should make a behind-the-scenes viewing of our show because all that goes on is more dramatic and incestuous. We spend so much time together that some people become lovers, some get married, some people become friends and some become enemies, so it is definitely a fascinating role. It was scary to agree to have that documented, that’s for sure! I was like, Ok, just be yourself. Just do what you would do. Live your life. I’m like, How is this interesting—me making breakfast or making a cup of coffee? Then I guess it became more fun. It’s been cathartic, even therapeutic. I think that Brandon and I sort of realized towards the end of our shooting that this has brought us together. We’ve also been forced to face things that we maybe wouldn’t have otherwise had to deal with, like the drama with my mama. She is a character! She just says whatever comes to mind, but she definitely means no real malice with what she says. She loves her kids so much, I think sometimes she’ll get worked up and says things because she really doesn’t know how else to communicate.

The show forced me to deal with it. Like, Maybe I really do need to stand up to her more and not be so passive. The communication has been working better, but only time will tell. We’ll see if there is a Season 2 for us to hash all this out. We heard that you are a workaholic, is that true or false? Yeah! It’s hard for me to relax. I’m not quite sure how to do that. Sometimes when I’m feeling overwhelmed I say, ‘I wish I had some time off.’ Then when I do or it starts to slow down, I’m really anxious about when I’m going to work again. I like staying busy. Staying busy is good, but what do you do to relax? What is relaxing? (Laughs.) I actually just re-discovered Yoga. I know I’m really late on that bandwagon. I did it years ago then I stopped doing it. Just recently, in the last few weeks, I started again. It’s fun and challenging. It’s still active, but it definitely helps me relax. The hard part for me is to slow my mind down. They say, ‘Take just one hour to not think of anything.’ In my mind I’m like, So what am I doing this afternoon? What’s happening this weekend? Okay, shut up! How about meditation? Have you tried it? [I did] years ago and I don’t think I’m ‘evolved’ enough as a human being to be able to really make that work for me yet. I envy someone who can do it. It’s a whole other level of discipline in really being able to slow down your mind enough and to calm yourself. Maybe that is the next step in my life. J

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I think that Brandon and I sort of realized

towards the end of our shooting that this has brought us together.

take cover

Laura Govan: on the ball

words by: Erica Rae Images: Mark Sacro Makeup: Paloma Alcantar Hair: danielle huacaja Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow Wardrobe Asst: Juliet Vo

It seems like reality shows have become the new soap operas of this generation. People are intrigued by the glitz and glam of celebrity living, and the drama that accompanies it. Meeting the demand, networks have allowed shows to magnify the lives of particularly the wives of professional athletes and the daily issues they endure. Recently, J’Adore got a chance to talk with Laura Govan of Basketball Wives LA as she addressed the nasty rumors surrounding the show, her supposedly dating Shaquille O’Neal, a fight she was in, as well as her “on-and-off” again relationship with another NBA baller, Gilbert Arenas. Laura doesn’t hold back as she takes us through a candid journey from her past to her present.

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J’Adore: How was life growing up in Oakland? Laura Govan: I have nine brothers and sisters and we grew up well; both parents had jobs, but we worked hard for things we wanted. My dad has always owned some type of club or jazz venue, and we worked there growing up. I’ve bartended, did janitorial work, I was a waitress as well as management, so I was a jack of all trades growing up and I come from a working family. Mentioning family, what is your current relationship status with Gilbert Arenas? I know that he’s your children’s father, but how did you two meet? We actually met when I was 22 years old. I was working as a camp counselor for the Golden State Warriors, and while I was coaching the kids, I would notice this guy sitting in the corner watching me. It was kind of spooky until one day one of my fellow counselors approached me and said that Gilbert wanted to talk to me. I was like, ‘Nah, no thanks. I’m cool,’ and I kept it moving, but after his persistence I finally gave in. I let him know that if he really wanted to date me that he had to go work at my father’s nightclub where I worked as a server, but I thought by telling him this story he would get turned off. To my surprise, two weeks later, he was taking tickets at the door. From there, we went on our first date and have been on and off ever since. Now when you say ‘on and off,’ what do you mean? What’s been the reason for the inconsistency? Well we love each other. Yes, we have our ups and downs, but we have four kids together and like I tell most people, we are doing better than most married couples. I knew the person before I knew the athlete. Whether he still plays ball or not, I’m still going to be married to the person that I fell in love with. Does your fiancé help out with the kids? Gilbert actually helps out a lot. We work together as a team. At times, I’ve been the single parent and you really have to be organized. You flashed your engagement ring on the reunion show. When do you plan to have your wedding? There is no wedding date yet. When we do, it will be small and intimate. We actually got engaged three years ago. That ring that everyone saw is three years old. If anything, he needs to upgrade that ring. We’ve been together for 10 years. I first heard your name mentioned in Season One of Basketball Wives produced by Shaunie O’Neal. At the time, there was a rumor that you had an affair with her former husband, Shaquille O’Neal. Is there any truth to that rumor and how is your relationship with Shaunie today? I don’t have a relationship with Shaunie and I never will. The information she was given about Shaq and I was false, and she took it and ran with it. I didn’t appreciate it at all and for that reason I will never speak to her again. I don’t have beef with her. If we see each other, I won’t chin check her, but that’s why I chose to do Basketball Wives LA. I wanted people to see exactly who I am opposed to what you heard on Season One: Miami. I mean, there were five grown women talking about me and they had no idea who I was. That was unfair, but it goes to show you where their mentality was.

Your sister Gloria defended you often on the first season, which sparked a feud with her and Shaunie, but Gloria is actually the star of the spin off show which takes place in LA. How did that come into play with all the turmoil between the two? Shaunie is not the creator of Basketball Wives LA; she had nothing to do with it—not even the pitch. It was actually me and my sister’s idea. Now Shaunie legally has the rights to Basketball Wives, that’s why we had to put the “LA” on the end of it. Okay, our readers are dying to know what happened to Kimsha Artest and Tonya Williams? We saw them on the first episode, but after the big brawl between you and Malaysia, we never saw them again. What happened to cause them not to be featured throughout the remainder of the season? They both are amazing women, but I feel as though Kimsha wasn’t feeling where the show was going or could go. She didn’t want to be a part of the drama and I understood where she was coming from. I think she’s a great person. I’m just sad that you guys didn’t get to see the person that she is. As far as Tonya, I don’t think she was feeling the show. She made her own decision and felt that the show wasn’t for her, and the producers were not feeling her either. Life goes on, and the producers didn’t care so they were like, ‘Bye.’ After watching the edited episodes, was there anything featured that you felt was false or didn’t portray you well? I didn’t like how they made me out to be a bully, and they didn’t show us doing a lot of fundraisers and foundation work. I think it’s because those moments are considered ‘boring’ and people really want to see drama, but the producers could have showed a little of that. They also made it seem like we talked about Draya a lot, but that wasn’t the case at all. We would film for four hours and out of that, we may have spoken of her for one minute and a half, but that was the part that they showed. It made me upset because they made it seem as if we just dogged the poor girl. Read how Laura doesn’t hold back on what else she has to say about Draya, along with her workout secrets and tips on being a good mother in the full interview online at Jadoremag.com. J

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take cover

beyond housewives:

Alex Simon McCord Van Kempen words by: Evierobbie

images: justin hyte makeup/grooming: orlando santiago hair: jacqui green wardrobe: betrice benbow

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For four seasons of The Real Housewives of New York, we’ve watched the marriage life of both Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen grow on our television screen. From simply being noted as New York City socialites to now being known for their entrepreneurial pursuits, the couple has continued to gain popularity, and is now applauded for being one of the few television relationships that have lasted through the limelight. In a world where divorce is nearly inevitable once a couple takes the plunge into TV, one has to wonder how they keep it together and have the ability to do something many others have failed at both on and off screen keeping a marriage together. Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen tell us how and talk about the one split they did recently announce: parting from Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York.

After years of living their life on the big screen, Alex and Simon are officially off of the Real Housewives of New York. “We are no longer on the show,” Alex reveals. “I have seen that when one door closes, about fifty thousand others open. We have been overwhelmed with the outreach from all sorts of different projects; from other reality programming to talk shows, there’s been so much talk.” While their loyal viewers wonder what the couple has planned next, Simon assures that this isn’t the last you’ve seen of them. “It’s been some weeks since we found out that Alex wasn’t going back for the fifth season. Like Alex said, now that we are free of Bravo holding us on that show, basically every other network has wanted to talk to us. So you might just see us on TV next year, just not on Housewives.” Alex and Simon have teamed up on various projects together, even outside of the show. Their bestselling book, Little Kids, Big City, continues to do well. Alex still pursues modeling, and the duo is very active in the world of social media. Yet, it’s their most recent venture into 100 percent Egyptian cotton bedding that has taken up most of their free time. The couple has been open to all the possibilities of life after Housewives just as they were open to the idea of doing the show to begin with. “We’re humbled, grateful, and excited,” Alex says regarding their new venture.

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When discussing their relationship, you get a sense that Alex and Simon understand that they are not the generic prototype. They made the conscious decision to put their relationship on television and to go at it together. That decision has proven to make their bond stronger than ever. Seemingly unusual to many, their relationship has been under fire for years, gathering a lot of scrutiny. The one thing that can’t be criticized is that they are still in it and still in love. “I think we were very lucky to have our relationship on the show because when you start off on Season One, which is the hardest season for anybody, we were both hated equally, but we were in it together,” Simon says. “I understood what she was going through and she understood what I was going through. I think if I wasn’t being criticized as hard as she was, it would have been really hard for me to understand.” “We’ve seen other couples go through the ‘why did you do that,’ ‘why did you say that,’” Alex chimes in. “I think that with reality television–particularly of this nature–with couples, it either draws you together or puts a wedge in between you. We’re very lucky that it’s actually made us closer. I think the reason is that we put each other first all the time. In our book Little Kids, Big City, we have a chapter called ‘We Were Here First’ before kids, before mortgages, all of that stuff; before reality TV, too.” Throughout history, fame has its way of pulling couples apart. “As these shows continue, there’ve been a number of [divorces] across the different franchises,” Simon explains. “When Simon and Tamra broke up from the Orange County Franchise, I sometimes wondered if that was sped up because Tamra had become a celebrity. A word I don’t like, but Tamra has become famous and her life kind of grew apart from Simon. So yeah, we’re in it together.” Fans of both the couple and show alike will be waiting with bated breath to see the next level of success for the Van Kempens. It will also be interesting to see how, and if, the dynamics of the show change due to the couple’s departure. One thing is for sure, with or without reality TV, Alex and Simon are still in it together. J

I think that with reality television– particularly of this nature– with couples, it either draws you together or puts a wedge in between you.

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take cover R ea l i t y a n d R ea l E s t a t e

Million Dollar Listing’s

Josh Altman words by: Laura Shands Images: Mark Sacro Grooming :Liza Macawili Wardrobe: Josh Altman styled by Betrice Benbow wardrobe asst: juliet vo

Starring as one of a trio of hot gents gracing Bravo’s high end real estate reality show, Million Dollar Listing, Josh Altman has it all. He’s got a job he’s addicted to and a newly purchased 1964 Shelby Cobra with a “smokin’ hot girlfriend”— whom he linked up with during the show—to ride shotgun with. Not to mention, Altman has plenty of money to burn and plenty of deals to replace it with. As a premier real estate agent in Beverly Hills and Hollywood, Altman was successful long before deciding to join the cast of Million Dollar Listing. With no idea what to expect once agreeing to the show, how long it would last or how it would affect his career, Altman sat down with J’Adore to give us his experience on life after the first season of living on reality television. “I think reality television is great,” Altman said. “I can confidently tell you that Million Dollar Listing is ‘real’ reality television. These are all real houses and real clients. You get a real look into mansions and homes that most people don’t ever get to walk into. I’ve always been a fan of reality TV.” Addressing his expectations going in, Altman

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answered, “I didn’t know what to expect. My main concern was not knowing how I was going to be portrayed. This is not a reality concept built up of contests. This is a reality show of my life and my business.” He added, “It’s been a wonderful first season. I think they portrayed me exactly as who I am. At the end of the day, you may or may not like me, but as long as you’re confident I’m one of the best real estate agents in this town, that’s all I care about.” Thriving as a land broker is not the only thing Altman cares about; being happy is also a high priority. “I think the most important thing is to be happy,” he said. “I deal with many clients that actually do have all the money in the world and they’ll tell you the same thing: It’s not all about money at the end of the day.” And what are Altman’s future business goals? “I will always represent clients for high-end real estate,” he assured. “But one of my goals is to develop major property and buildings, plus own buildings and units, and make money leasing them out.” Sounds like a blueprint for success. J

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take cover

words by: L. Raquel Peterson Images: Justin Hyte Makeup: Orlando Santiago Hair: Jacqui Davis Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow

Carla Facciolo appears courtesy of Matrix Public Relations

mobwives'

Carla Facciolo ✦ j’adore

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VH1’s Mob Wives has got to be the most exciting thing to happen to Staten Island since The Sopranos, and it’s back for a second season. The hit reality series continues to follow the drama concerning all of its New York cast members and even adds on two more. Original cast member Carla Facciolo was more or less reserved—even dubbed “the boring one” during the first season—but now she’s ready to set the record straight and prove that she’s not “boring,” she’s just not for the dramatic bullshit. In the following interview, Carla lays it all down the line. J’Adore: Would you consider yourself boring? Carla Facciolo: I wouldn’t call myself boring. I just call myself a drama-free girl. I don’t like all that crazy drama, so I escape it. That’s why people call me boring. People like to see a lot of craziness, fighting and petty cattiness on TV, which I don’t go for. Sometimes drama is gonna happen. You get in the heat of the moment. If you saw the [drama] with me and Renee, I said what I said and she said what she said. You get caught up, but try to make amends and move on. I look at the show and see silly things I do, and I always go ‘Oh my, why did I do that?’ I didn’t want to look like this crazy girl on TV. But what am I gonna do? I move on. Was Mob Wives ever meant to be an exposé on Staten Island’s Italian underworld? Honestly, the whole show is called Mob Wives of course, but really, we’re not “mob wives.” In relation to our history and family, we are [mob] associated. Everybody thinks we did this show to talk about the mob. We didn’t do the show to talk about the mob. We are four women showing our struggles in life when our [significant others] get caught up, go to jail and we’re struggling to pick up the pieces when the lifestyle is no longer there; it’s not glamorous anymore. I’m not a ‘mob wife’; I didn’t grow up or get married into that lifestyle. My uncle was in that world, and as a result I went through and knew a lot of stuff. I try not to put myself into that life at all. I try to back out of it. How do you protect the innocence of your children from the show and from the mob? My kids haven’t [been exposed to the mob]. I don’t want to expose them to that. I tell them that a mob is a group of people who are around each other, and there can be good ones or bad ones who get into trouble. My kids always wanna watch the show so they can see themselves, so I try to only let them see the parts where they’re on. I don’t want them to see everything. So what is it really like living in Staten Island? I came to Staten Island in my late 20s from Brooklyn. [My husband] Joe lived on Staten Island. Staten Island is really small, everybody knows everything and everybody knows your business. Staten Island people like to watch the show and say, ‘Oh, I eat there, I go there, I know where that is!’ How do you keep yourself together and survive the crazy periods in life? My kids are always kept well and I always kept myself well. I like to eat healthy, work out, keep my body in shape, and [I’ve seen] women in my situation let it all go. You can’t do that. You have to be strong for your kids. What can we look for from you in the second season of Mob Wives? In the second season, I want to continue to portray the style I’ve always had, and show that I am a classy woman and a good mother who loves and supports her kids. I was a little quieter and more reserved in the first season, but you’ll see more of me this season now that I’ve gotten used to things. Be sure to look for VH1’s Mob Wives. It promises to be even more addictive to watch than the first season! J

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take cover

jackie christie: incontrol words by: Erica Rae

Images: Mark Sacro Makeup: liza macawili Hair: reggie pomatong Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow Wardrobe Asst: Juliet Vo

What do you think of when you hear the term “athlete wife”? Many revert to stereotypes of flashy snobs who stay at home and simply spend money. Contrary to what the masses believe, Jackie Christie, the wife of former player Doug Christie, is the exact opposite of those stereotypes. She’s an author, fashion designer, record executive, producer, model, and motivational speaker, along with being a devoted wife and mother. J’Adore’s own Erica Rae got up close and personal with Christie as she shared her passion for fashion, becoming an U.G.L.Y girl, handling jealous cast mates from hit reality show Basketball Wives LA, and the real reason behind her annual weddings!

All the real NBA wives

have reached out to me and they know who I really am.

With producing your own fashion line, writing five books, being a wife and mother, and appearing on reality TV, how do you find balance? Jackie Christie: My faith is really important to me. I find my balance by putting family first, friends, then my fans. Everyone means so much to me and I hate it when anyone is upset with me, so I’m always trying to help others outside of taking care of my household. Even with my marriage, I put my career on hold to make sure I was there to support and travel with him. I never went because I was forced to. I went because I really enjoyed going. There are allegations of you being overbearing and controlling in your relationship. Are you bothered by the negative comments at all? I try to teach by example and show people that I am strong willed. I do have a voice in my marriage, but my husband is the king of our castle and I want to make sure his needs are met before my career. My family is the essence of me and it’s important that I’m not selfish, so if you are a wife, it’s important to make sure that whatever you do, you’re doing it for the right reasons. That’s why we are able to stay happy all these years. Why did you decide to do the reality show? My husband and I were actually in talks with producers to film our own show on BET, but then I was informed about the Basketball Wives spin off and I thought it would be a great idea. I really wanted to take the stigma off of what people portray athlete wives to be, and allow them to see me as a business woman and what I have going on. I’m always being written about and misunderstood. Even though Doug and I had a show previously, many may not have seen it, so I thought this was a great opportunity to clear up my reputation. Many of the cast mates feel as if you are in denial of your own actions. You feel as if they owe you an apology, but they feel that you should be apologizing. Why is that? It’s sad, I felt really sorry for them. They know that I’m very kind and giving. Even in some of their interviews they will slip up and admit that I’m not really that way, but it’s unfortunate because I think their pride won’t allow them to be honest about what really went down. All I can do is pray for them and continue being the kindhearted person that I am. They started it all, and I got dragged in the middle. All the real NBA wives have reached out to me and they know who I really am.

Draya mentioned that you didn’t want any woman around your husband. Is there any truth to that or is it a rumor? Thank you so much for asking me that! I cannot scream it enough that I don’t care who the woman is! It can be Ms. America, Halle Berry or whomever. Women are around Doug all the time; those are just rumors people started out of jealousy. He’s not whipped; he just respects his wife. My husband and Draya were actually good friends. She just wanted to be accepted, so she will say anything. I took her under my wing, but when it came time for me to defend her, everyone turned on me and it hurt to see that she followed behind the girls. She’s young and wants to fit in, but I know Draya’s heart and she knows I’m not here to hurt her. You are the face for a new cosmetic line. How did you get involved with that? Yes, it’s called U.G.L.Y. Girl (Undeniably Gorgeous, Lovely and Young) created by D’Andre Michael. His product is amazing and everyone is rocking it, including people like Mary J. Blige. I can’t wait for it to launch. Each year you plan a themed wedding in order to keep your relationship fresh. What do you have in the works for this coming year and why so many weddings? We have two choices this year: either Europe or a wedding that actually would involve another couple. We chose to wed every year because 16 years ago when he proposed, we initially had a very intimate, small wedding, but the following year we were able to invite all of our family and friends. We had such an amazing time that we decided to make it a family tradition and wed every year. Out of all your cast mates, who would you invite to your wedding this year? It would probably be Draya and Gloria. I’d have to see how they act first before inviting them. Laura and I actually just saw each other when we did the Tammie Roman special. We actually hugged and laughed, but it’s like when the girls get together in their pack they are totally different, but hey, I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Be sure to read the full interview with Jackie Christie online at Jadoremag.com. J

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take cover

brian friedman:

making moves words by: L. Raquel Peterson

â&#x153;Ś jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;adore

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image: mark sacro wardrobe: betrice benbow wardrobe asst: juliet vo

henever J. Lo or Janet Jackson need to wow the crowd in their upcoming music video, Brian Friedman is the first person they call. As a choreographer and director, Friedman’s routines aren’t just a simple 1-2 step; they’re fully sculpted to imprint the artists’ brands throughout their performances. What else would you expect from the man behind the ultra-popular moves seen in Britney Spears’ big comeback hit “Hold It Against Me” and the exercise instructional Freestyle? In an exclusive interview, the always innovative and intuitive Brian breaks it down. How long does it take you to choreograph a solid routine? Creating a routine for class can be a matter of hours; crafting a piece for a world tour may take days. I have to ensure that I am in love with every single breath of [the routine]. As a choreographer, I am my own best critic and worst enemy so to actually please myself is a rarity. When I am ecstatic about the results, that’s when I know a mountain has been moved!

Does dancing professionally require any crazy dieting? I don't think dieting is the way to go. I believe in a healthy lifestyle. If you put clean food into your body and stay fit, you will live a healthy, strong life. It's all about moderation as well. You can't binge on anything- that's where the problems always begin. I stay in the gym and I like to hike. I also eat well and juice.

What comes first: the music or the moves? I usually [interpret] what the music is saying and then bring [the message] to life. In some instances, I don't have the luxury of having the music to create to; those are the most difficult scenarios. Regardless, my process is always filled with pressure to out-do anything I have done before. This is a pressure that I put on myself.

Are there any rookie mistakes that new choreographers make? Young choreographers craft their routines based on what they think people want to see, rather than what they have inside of themselves. As a choreographer, you want to create your own brand so people know that the work is yours without having to ask or be told. If you are copying other choreographers’ work, you will never find your own voice.

You’ve stated that choreography and directing are similar. Choreography and directing go hand in hand. Choreography is the direction of all of the movement you are seeing. Once I realized this and started to take control of my scenes, the possibilities became endless. As far as intensity, which is more intense? Choreography. So much work goes into crafting steps; there is no limit to what can be done with movement. [Choreography] also involves physical strain, which can really take a toll on your body. Let’s reflect on your routine for ‘Hold It Against Me.’ [Britney] was always known for "full out" dancing, so I needed to bring back [that] style to Britney's brand, which was my goal when creating that choreography. As a dancer, performing that choreography is both a challenge and a release at the same time. I am very proud of that routine and even more proud that people around the world have taken it upon themselves to learn it.

What’s on the horizon? I am currently working with my company, IDentity UNKnown, on artist development and creating new platforms of entertainment, including TV shows, stage shows and music. On the side, I am still producing and doing creative direction for TV shows such as The X Factor and America’s Got Talent, as well as directing music videos. Choreography will always be a part of my life and I get to exercise that tool as the creative director on the international Pulse Tour. What’s your take on reality shows, especially after working on one? Reality shows are a whirlwind! You live inside a bubble where reality is very unreal. The second these shows end, you return back to your life and as quickly as it came, it disappears. While the show is going on, nothing else exists. You eat, sleep and breathe the show. You get to watch people go from having nothing to sometimes becoming the biggest stars on the planet. It's quite remarkable and has created some lifetime memories.

Where do you draw inspiration from? Like many others, the great performers that came before me hugely inspire me. Michael Jackson, Prince, Janet Jackson, Madonna and Bob Fosse all played huge roles in my development, as did my mother, who was my first dance teacher. Now the dancers I hire and my peers— directors, choreographers and producers—inspire me. Inspiration never dies. Who are you waiting to work with? Madonna is someone I’d love to work with; she still is on the top of my list. I would also like to work with Lady GaGa. She really is the truth and I admire her level of commitment to the arts.

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I know there are some fatally irritating mistakes dancers make during auditions. A huge pet peeve of mine is when dancers approach the table and freestyle directly in front of me. I don't like to be force fed when I am watching. I think it's a selfish step; it never comes across well. I like when they depend on their talent and inner light to shine through. The worst thing they could do is climb on the table!

Why do you feel choreography is highly underestimated? Choreographers have the hardest job out of anyone in the entertainment industry. To create something out of nothing is a miracle. Other artists have tools such as a paintbrush or musical instruments. Dancers have only their bodies and choreographers have only their imagination. To dip inside a choreographers mind is exhaustingly beautiful. I respect choreographers more than anyone out there! J

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tough

love Tough Love Miami reality star Claudia Lopez is more than meets the eye. words by: Modelisque Images: Justin Hyte | Makeup: Orlando Santiago | Hair: Moira “Fingaz” Frazier | Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow Claudia Lopez appears courtesy of Warren & Baram Management

VH1’s various reality shows have certainly had an effect on particularly female viewers. Some are enjoying them, while others may also be caught reminiscing on the past love affairs that were similar to the tragic ones the single ladies endure especially on Tough Love Miami. On the show, Steve Ward, the dating expert and host, helps a group of women from Miami understand their love issues and find new love interests. The voluminous and sexy Claudia Lopez—an executive producer, host and actress at Univision, the #1 Hispanic Television network—is one of those individuals, but she claims there is so much more than the outer shell. “Sexy is all they see and I am more than just looks,” Claudia said. Her biggest challenge is getting men to see past her beauty and genuinely get to know her. As J’Adore accompanied her in a restaurant for a glass of wine, Claudia disclosed that she is currently dating someone she met after filming Tough Love Miami. She said, “He is a nerd and I love that about him. It’s so cute.” But while reminiscing on her past lovers, Claudia explained that she didn’t know what type of man was the right one for her. “I used to date all of the wrong types of men, just all wrong,” she admitted. “They had issues; just the things that any women would strike off right away, I dealt with it. I dated those men and am glad I have moved on from it now, but I do want to thank Steve [Ward] for it.” Initially, getting on reality television was an immediate “no” for Claudia. She said, “My agent told me about it, and I turned it down. I didn’t think it was real since I have never watched the show. But I did some research and when

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they approached me again, I finally said yes. It looked like something I needed to encounter and it was a great way to branch into the American market.” Due to her experience in the business, joining reality TV was not a typical step for Claudia, but it became something she was eventually open to. During the 10-week taping of Tough Love Miami, Claudia didn’t connect with anyone, which explains why we didn’t see much of her dates in the first few episodes. However, she grew fond of the show’s host. “There wasn’t a spark, but I grew to have a crush on Steve,” she laughed, saying he looked like Jimmy Neutron, the animated film character. “I was crushing so bad and I think he knew because there were cameras everywhere, but the one episode when we get our makeovers, I was dreaming about him. When he walked into the room, I said, God, what is he still doing here?”

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Claudia was in good spirits about her infatuation with Steve, but came back down to earth, thought about her dating in the past, and how “fucked up” she was. “It took a man to get me in a hot seat, scream at me and make me cry for me to like him. I knew something was seriously wrong.” Then Claudia said in a taping that did not air that she wanted someone just like Steve. Not that she really wanted him, but that she needed a good man like him. Besides Claudia’s quest to find “the one,” she candidly discussed everything regarding the show, the people involved and her future. J’Adore: As far as the other girls from the show, are you still cool with them? Claudia Lopez: I live in Miami and there is another girl that lives in Miami, Jane, the crazy one. I am very honest with her and told her she grew on me. But I can’t handle her for too long. I said, ‘Honey, after a few hours, I can’t take you any longer.’ So, one day we went to the beach and paparazzi was taking pictures. It was funny because I’m used to it, but only in the Spanish market, so it is something to get used to. I’m very close to Avonte and Michelle as well. Were there any dates you kept in contact with after the show? We can’t exchange numbers while on the show, but there were a few men who found me on Facebook and apologized for the things they said about me on the show. I appreciated the apology, but I didn’t go further than that. [One guy] didn’t know how it was and once it aired, he watched it and felt bad. Is there anything you regret doing on the show? Yes! I would have burned those effing fishnets! The dress wasn’t mine; it was Avonte’s. [On the episode] I was wearing shorts and a top, but I didn’t want to argue with the British girl, so I wore the fishnet dress. I told myself, You wore it so take the heat, but I didn’t think it would be that bad of a feedback. They told us it was just a photo shoot and we didn’t expect the men. How do you see yourself before the show and after? In the past, present, future, I have always been misunderstood, where my inside [personality] doesn’t match my outside appearance. And I am quoting people: ‘Damn, her body is banging! She must be easy.’ I am completely different than what they see. I am a nerd. I love to read, I don’t go out to the club unless I am working an event. I love to cook and people don’t know that I am shy. During the show, did you notice something different about yourself that you fixed? I used to be over-the-top and va-va-voom when I went to shoots and interviews. I used to always take it as a red carpet event and I’ve learned from the show that I needed to tone it down a bit. More often—and like I used to do—I’m the type of girl who is usually wearing sneakers, glasses, and I’m relaxed and cute. Oh, and I love to wear Herve Leger. I wish I were skinny. The show doesn’t do you justice. You are skinnier than you think. I still would like to have those days back, but TV does put on false pounds. What advice would you give to women who are having a hard time dating? Date like you were choosing ‘the one.’ No man should get into the panties before three months; he either will or will not last that long. Just treat him like a potential husband. You know when they say ‘Treat every day like it was your last’? Date every guy like he was the one. J

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take cover

TracyDiMarco:

Jerseyliciousness words by: L. Raquel Peterson

Images: Justin Hyte | Makeup: Tracy DiMarco | Hair: Moira “Fingaz” Frazier | Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow

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Let’s face it. Jerseylicious fans love the self-proclaimed “Queen of Mean,” Tracy DiMarco. Her signature smile and fiery red hair are always on point and cameraready, allowing the “mean” euphemism to extend far beyond snarky comments. J’Adore sits down with the reality TV star to get the digs on her style, what she’s proud of and find out how her life changed since becoming a star. J’Adore: How has your life changed since becoming a reality star? Tracy DiMarco: I don't think I have changed at all. If anything, I became nicer through this whole experience. My life has changed dramatically, though. I'm constantly being stopped and asked for pictures and autographs by fans. Shopping is impossible and going out to eat is always a crowd, but I love each and every one of my fans who I call ‘angels.’ They are so supportive and accepting of me, and I am so thankful for their love and loyalty. Why do you think so many Jerseylicious fans fall in love with you? I am a very relatable girl! I’m just a Jersey girl who wants to have fun, be silly and smile. I can have a good time anywhere and I love to live my life. I am a curvy girl and I love my body; it's what a real woman should look like. What is all this ‘starving yourself’ crap about? Only a dog likes a bone! Real men love curves! Were you always a redhead? No! I am naturally a light brunette. I am a hairdresser, so I've been every color: blonde, brunette, jet black, bright red, and now violet-red. I love changing it up. My poor boyfriend never knows who he's coming home to because I change it so much. I feel like every day should be used as a different excuse to have fun, get dressed up and live your life. Wear make-up, do your hair and put on fun clothes. Life is a runway and there is no dress rehearsal! What’s the best tip you have for keeping colored hair fabulous? Condition, condition, condition! Color is great for the look but bad for the hair. It's damaging, but damn does it make you look hot! Pain is beauty, right?! What is the most embarrassing thing in your purse? I carry around spray tan! It’s so embarrassing, but you never know when you need a quick airbrush. I wouldn't wish [being] pale on my worst enemy. I'm all about being tan. You look and feel better when you've got that summer glow.

What’s something you wished more people understood about you? That I am not a bitchy person. Every girl has a little ‘bitch’ inside them and it’s healthy to let it out once in a while, but what you see on TV is not how I am all the time! That is the editing power of reality television. I don't see myself as bitchy, I see myself as determined. I have goals and I won't sleep until they are met. What are you most proud of? My morals and values. My parents have taught me to always stand up for what I believe in and to never back down or give into peer pressure. I never did. I am very strong in what I believe in and I stand by that. I have never done drugs or fallen into a bad crowd, thank God! How would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as being a role model to young girls, showing them that you don't have to be a size 2 to be beautiful! Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I hate stories about girls starving themselves or throwing up because some bully told them they are fat. I am a size 6/8 and proud of it! I wouldn't change it for the world! If you had the opportunity, who would you love to be on a reality show with? I would love to get my own reality show with my boyfriend [Corey Eps, who appears this season]. It would be about us getting engaged, moving in together, getting married and having kids. I like the name Jersey Ever After for it because our story is like a fairy tale and Corey is my Prince Charming! For any and all endorsement opportunities, celebrity booking appearances or private party appearances please contact Management at NC Entertainment 201-507-8935 ncentinc@aol.com www.ncentertainment.net J

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I don't see myself as bitchy, I see myself as determined.

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10 t o p

R ea l i t y S t ar s words by: Shawn Jackson

There’s no doubt about it. The world of reality television features stars that stand out and make us pause from their beauty and sex appeal. To give you a reference guide to the jaw droppers on the screen, J’Adore lists 10 of the sexiest reality stars on TV in no particular order. in addition, those featured in this Reality Issue were automatically ineligible to make the list.

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Melissa Gorga Real Housewives of New Jersey This Italian stay-at-home mom of three children is fit, feisty, and has a keen eye for fashion and design. Wherever she goes, men’s eyes follow, but this stunning package also comes with brains; did you know this housewife has dual degrees in education and psychology? Melissa put it all on the backburner for the dream she's always had: having a family. It just so happened that a popular reality series followed. Next up? A singing career. Get it girl!

Padma Lakshmi - Top Chef When we think of pretty women or high-end fashion models, we usually do not consider accomplished chefs. Meet Padma Lakshmi. She is a former supermodel, award-winning cookbook author, actress and host of Bravo TV’s Top Chef. If that wasn’t enough, being so accomplished (and a great cook) makes her even more beautiful all around. JWoww (Jenni Farley) Jersey Shore JWoww has been a cast mate on Jersey Shore since the beginning, but was a business owner with a graphic design company prior to the reality stardom. Since joining the show, she has become a successful author and will re-launch her clothing line later this year. Look for her on a spin-off show with Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi sometime next year.

Evelyn Lozada - Basketball Wives When watching Basketball Wives, you can’t help but be drawn to Evelyn. With classic beauty and charisma that knows no bounds, she commands your attention from the jump. Between her business (Dulceshoes.net) and her daughter, Evelyn is one busy woman, and now with her engagement to Chad Ocho Cinco, she is busier than ever!

Olivia Blois sharpe - Jerseylicious This former tomboy definitely upgraded her steez from sneakers and shorts, to stilettos and short skirts. Having worked for several established and successful salons, her work at The Gatsby has helped solidify her mark as a make-up artist. And what’s really cool, is most people don’t know that it’s her singing the theme song on the show. Cynthia Bailey Real Housewives of Atlanta This southern belle has traveled worldwide as a bonafide supermodel and appeared on the cover of Essence Magazine, and was featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair and Glamour, to name a few. Cynthia’s also been cast in various television shows such as New York Undercover, The Cosby Show, and many commercials. This mother of one epitomizes the word “hustle” and looks beautiful doing it! Kendra Wilkinson - Kendra This former tomboy has certainly blossomed thanks to an extraordinary life in the limelight. Besides being a star in the E! reality television series The Girls Next Door and Hugh Hefner’s girlfriend at one time, Kendra’s now the wife of NFL player Hank Baskett, a mother, a reality show star and author. She's also done guest appearances on numerous television shows and popped up in music videos by such artists as Nickelback and Akon. Ms. Wilkinson also has a fond love of hip-hop, evidenced during her MTV Celeb Rap Superstar performance where she came in at 2nd place. This petite, yet sultry beauty is a powerhouse of energy that’s still being uncoiled.

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Kim Kardashian Keeping up with the Kardashians Ever heard of her? Having co-created a successful clothing boutique, Kim was already a successful young businesswoman long before she stepped in front of the reality TV cameras. She has parlayed her fame into a lucrative hustle with modeling, club hosting and appearances, along with opening new Dash stores, launching her clothing line--the Kardashian Kollection-- and more. Drita D’avanzo - Mob Wives Look past the mobster she’s still married to and the tough schoolgirl upbringing of her youth. Now take a glance at this beauty’s model looks and ripped body, and you’ll see that this dedicated mother of two and make-up artist is a gorgeous woman coming into her own. This Albanian princess could make most of us an offer we couldn’t refuse. Lisa Vanderpump - The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Having grown up as an actress both in the States and abroad, Lisa aka Pinky—along with her husband Ken Todd—is an accomplished restaurant, club and bar designer with 26 existing establishments under her belt. Adding to her roster of establishments, Lisa has designed and opened two successful restaurants named SUR (West Hollywood) and Villa Blanca (Beverly Hills). Besides starring on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she is also a writer for Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine and has developed a skin care line with her partner Dr. Simon Ourian. Ahhh, the beauty of success! J

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Class

how to throw a party with

Celebrity Party Planner Warren A. Huntley gives J’Adore ‘5 Signature Tips’ intro by: Dennis Malcolm Byron

You want to throw an event, dinner party or something else extravagant for some very important people that will leave a lasting impression? No need to stress out. Simply follow the tip of one of the most prominent and sought after special events production company not only in Atlanta, but throughout the South and beyond—Warren A. Huntley—who has been doing this for more than 25 years. Warren, along with his Warren Huntley Presents brand, is hired by celebrities, politicians and the affluent to make sure their parties go on without a hitch. Before throwing an extravagant “Cirque du Mystere” bash for his 50th birthday in Downtown Atlanta’s swanky Venetian Room, Warren had no problem giving us “5 Signature Effortless Entertaining Tips” on how to throw down with class. Keep it Simple Sleek, clean and pristine is key for décor and ambience. Start with one fabulous color then add varying shades of that same color in your linens, flowers and even candles. How fantastic is a room all aglow with ivory candles, clusters of ivory roses and lilies, ivory linens, etc. with maybe just a touch or hint of gold! Pay attention to details. The attention is in the details; from what you present and how you present it, to where guests will park and their first impression of both you and your home when you open the door. From scented candles in the bathroom to the smell of evergreen in the bedrooms, even consider the color of your food choices and the impact your menu options will make when brought to the table. The wow factors of any celebration are the unexpected details that your guests walk away with. Be different. Add interest with shapes and textures in your place settings and food presentations. Even consider unusual food vessels from

champagne saucers filled with nuts on the bar and marinated olives in martini glasses on a side table, to gleaming tea lights in cocktail glasses in the stairwell and even tucking giftwrapped boxes in unexpected places like around a bed table, a random bench or dining room sideboard. Spice up the Holidays. Rather than a full bar, treat guests to a festive but unusual, signature holiday cocktail paying attention to such things as glass choice, the color of the actual drink and even the garnish. Try sprinkling edible 14kt gold flakes into the glass for an added touch of decadent elegance. Be hands-on. Turn your food presentations into an interactive experience such as chocolate fondue fountains or even build your own mini pasta, salad and potato bars. Guests are inevitably forced to mix, mingle and interact while experimenting with spectacular food and flavor combinations. Visit whpatlanta.com for more ideas and booking an incredible experience. J

nickbrown:

relentless words by: Evierobbie

Images By: Justin Hyte | Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow

From starring on MTV’s The Real World to starting his own music movement, Mr. Brown is making it happen. Now more than 25 seasons in, MTV’s The Real World has seen an endless crop of cast members rise and fall. Then there is the other prototype; it takes a certain type of character to transform their designated 15 minutes of fame into solid business development, creating a blueprint for their own empire. This is the relentless effort of Nick Brown. The Real World Hollywood’s 20th season aired nearly four years ago. Since then, the Jamaican-born Nick—who spent much of his life in New Rochelle, New York—went from being a replacement cast member to a familiar face on numerous Real World/Road Rules Challenges (including The Dual 2 and The Ruins). He was also producers Bunim and Murray’s go-to guy as the host of the 2011 MTV Spring Break. Nick was only 23 when he showed up on The Real World Hollywood. Fresh out of college, his choice was either becoming a business analyst or taking the chance that MTV offered to enter the entertainment world. When he got the call to replace a cast member that had been kicked off, Nick was the first one to admit that he didn’t know what he was in store for. “You don’t really know what to expect even when you think you do,” he said. “You feel like you’re constantly on stage because you’re being followed around with a camera. You get used to it after a while, though. I think the first part of it was stressful for me because you’re on stage and people act different on stage. You get caught up in saying the wrong things or not saying the right things. Then you just let go.” One of the more interesting facets of reality television stars is not just what they do while the cameras are rolling, but what they do afterwards. Nick explained, “Some people may not want anything to do with it. Then there’s people doing it for the wrong reasons who just want to be famous. They like having little girls chase them around the mall. I’m trying to leave something, not just take stuff from the world.” And indeed he did. Nick went on to form

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his own team complete with artists and a powerhouse of supporters behind his jump into hosting events and doing music full time. “I’m trying to find my path in entertainment and I think I’ve found it.” Nick decided to take the plunge into music production, executive producing an album alongside his “Relentless Team” —budding entertainers Victoria Persico, “I-Naz” and engineer Papa Asante aka ‘Time.” They currently have a song on iTunes going strong, called “Getting Dirty.” The album is expanding into the genre that Nick calls “Hip-Pop,” creating a hybrid of the two popular music genres hip-hop and pop. Judging from the sound, this is music that can certainly resonate within the halls of college dorms. “I’m gearing it towards college kids—especially Greek life, fraternity and sororities mostly—because college kids like to be up on the new shit before anybody else,” Nick said. “College kids like to tap their friend like, ‘Yo, check this out. Remember I’m the first one to tell you,’ and they spread the wealth. There is one lesson that really sums up Nick’s journey: finding out what you don’t want to do is just as important as finding out what you want to do. You never know what the opportunity will look like. Sometimes you simply have to jump in head first, trust it will all work out, and be relentless. Check out “Gettin’ Dirty” on Nick’s site at nickbrownonline.com and on facebook.com/nickbrownonline. J

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Super Bowl's g rea t e s t h i t s

The most memorable moments of the Big Game words by: Noah Barrett-Conroy

When it comes to the National Football League’s big dance, the Super Bowl, everything including the pre-game festivities, advertising, the halftime show and the actual contest itself has to be extra. Football fanatics watch it for the love of the game, while the casual viewers love to give their personal ratings on the million-dollar commercials around the water cooler at work the next day. And who can forget the live performances? Well here’s a refresher just in case: the top 10 Super Bowls of all time regarding entertainment, infamous instances, and spectacular plays that will forever be on the highlight reels. Keep in mind, the Super Bowl Halftime Show didn’t really become an extravaganza until the 1990s, so we are using this era as a starting point. Here’s the kickoff…

XXXIX- New England 24 Philadelphia 21, February 6, 2005 This was a great game, period. Tom Brady, Deion Branch and the Patriots beat Philly without wide receiver Terrell Owens by a late field goal from kicker Adam Veniteri. The halftime show in Jacksonville had to be a safe one, since it was the first Super Bowl of the “Safe Era” after the Janet Jackson “Nipplegate” the year before. Enter Paul McCartney. Luckily, there was no wardrobe malfunction with the former Beatles star. XXV- New York Giants 20 Buffalo Bills 19, January 27, 1991 Buffalo kicker Scott Norwood infamously misses the winning field goal by kicking the ball too far to the right. The halftime show in the stadium was New Kids on The Block, who were evidently a big deal at the time. I was only 2, but I remember my older sister having NKOTB pillowcases and posters, so I guess it made sense. However, the TV audience saw an ABC news report on the Gulf War, with the delayed halftime show following.

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XLIV- New Orleans Saints 31 Indianapolis Colts 17, February 7, 2010 This was a performance marred by controversy off the field. Tim Tebow, ManCrunch and E*Trade all came out with commercials that received a lot of backlash from the public. Tebow got it for being pro-life, ManCrunch for being a gay dating site, and E*Trade was sued by Lindsay Lohan for what she felt was a “subliminal diss.” On the field, besides the surprising onside kick of the second half, Saints’ QB Drew Brees won MVP in the shootout against future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. Remember Drew holding his baby Baylen who was rocking the noise reducers after? Classic! XXXII- Denver Broncos 31 Green Bay Packers 24, January 25, 1998 The Broncos’ QB John Elway rides off into the sunset with a Super Bowl ring in one of the NFL’s greatest games. For halftime, there was a 40th anniversary tribute to Motown, with Boyz II Men, Queen Latifah, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves and the Temptations doing their thing. Even a youngin’ like me can feel the impact Motown had on the music industry and everyone’s life.

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XXXIV- St Louis Rams 23 Tennessee Titans 16, January 30, 2000 Rapper Skee-Lo’s hit song “I Wish I Was A Little Bit Taller” became the unofficial anthem of Super Bowl XXXIV as Titan WR Kevin Dyson tried to grow a little in the final seconds by juuuuust missing the goaline by inches. To his dismay, he became the icon of the “One Yard Short” game. The halftime show featuring Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton and Enrique Iglesias was pretty good, but really, this should’ve been all about Mr. Lo.

XXVII- Dallas Cowboys 52 Buffalo Bills 17, January 31, 1993 Dallas destroyed Buffalo, so it’s all about the halftime show. Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl XXVII performance forever changed how every halftime show would be. He was the first one to ever perform the entire show solo, and did it in his usual grand fashion. After being catapulted onto the stage, he performed “Jam,” “Billie Jean” and “Black or White.” Had the game been closer, this easily would have been in my number one spot.

XLII- New York Giants 17 New England Patriots 14, February 3, 2008 New York denies Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Patriots from a perfect 19-0 season. The stakes, the stage, and the late game heroics make this the best Super Bowl game ever played in my humble opinion. Maybe because I was so into the actual contest itself, but I didn’t really feel the halftime show with Tom Petty. With a better, more stellar show in the middle, this game could’ve been a top 2 contender.

XLI Indianapolis Colts 29 Chicago Bears 17, February 4, 2007 It was a good game from Peyton Manning, but the real Most Valuable Player was Prince, who arguably put forth the greatest Super Bowl halftime show in history. Prince lit the stage on fire, performing 7 songs, including the hit “Purple Rain” and, of course, the heavens above added a little extra in the effects department by delivering an actual Miami downpour while he rocked it! Now, of course, Prince comes with controversy. Many were outraged with the “crude, phallic” shape of the guitar that he used, but damn! It’s Prince! By the way, this was the first game featuring two black head coaches, Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith, so this was indeed history, and justly in February! XXXVI New England Patriots 20 St Louis Rams 17, February 3, 2002 It seemed fitting that right after the September 11th attacks, an underdog team known as the Patriots would reign supreme. And even more fitting was the halftime show, which featured humanitarians, U2, performing three emotional songs while showing their respect for the victims in the background. All in all, the 2002 Super Bowl was just a heartstring-pulling spectacle, both with the game and the halftime show. XXXVIII New England Patriots 32 Carolina Panthers 29, February 1, 2004 This Super Bowl had everything: drama, controversy, competitiveness, comebacks, and, uhh, a nipple! The halftime show, infamously known for Justin Timberlake “accidently” exposing Janet Jackson’s breast, made it mandatory for future halftime shows to be shown on a delay. It was the “wardrobe malfunction” seen and heard around the world. Everyone and their moms know about this Super Bowl and the ramifications. A dynasty was formed, and a legion of Super Bowl censorship was born. Super Bowl XXXVIII goes down as the all-time, all-around, most memorable Super Bowl spectacle in history.

Any Super Bowl games you thought Noah Barrett-Conroy missed? Reach him on twitter, @NoahShowtimeNBL, and tell him the most memorable Super Bowl moment in your humble opinion. J

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b x j'adore book club

o u t s i d e

t h e

Business Guru Steve Stoute’s book and Web series shows words by: Sia Tiambi Barnes how Hip-Hop is changing the game. While millions of viewers were glued to Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011, Eminem appeared in the longest running commercial to ever air during a Super Bowl. Put in perspective, 30 seconds cost about an astounding $3 million during the year’s most watched sports event, so this was a historic moment. The pricey two minutes featured Eminem’s iconic “Lose Yourself”—the Oscarwinning single that peaked at No. 1 on 24 charts and was the first rap track to win Grammy’s Song of the Year. More than 100 companies had approached the prized Motor City representative to license the “8 Mile” audio according to AOL, but he refused until the ink dried on Chrysler’s “Imported From Detroit” campaign. The partnership boosted the automaker’s fledgling sales the same way the Run DMC deal did for Adidas in the 80’s. Both worked because of Hip-Hop’s genuine roots that possess the invaluable content to crossover effortlessly. Marketing executive Steve Stoute said, “The same authentic values that Hip-Hop comes from—about coming from nothing, but believing that anything’s possible—resonates with everybody around the world.” Stoute—who linked Jay-Z with Reebok, Justin Timberlake with McDonalds, and Gwen Stefani with Hewlett Packard—released his first book, The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture that Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy; and a series of webisodes that feature intimate interviews with the likes of Jay, Gwenyth Paltrow and Pharell Williams discussing pivotal

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moments in culture-mixing like Gwenyth rapping NWA’s “Gangasta Gangsta” on the UK’s “Graham Norton Show,” and Pharell’s sunglasses deal with Louis Vuitton. Stoute opens his book with the Run DMC Madison Square Garden performance of “My Adidas” that captivated the German shoemaker. He writes, “Cultural curiosity helped to get Run DMC an endorsement deal and that was sort of the tipping point for the recognition of the cultural impact that Hip-Hop has had.” Curiosity also fueled his own career. Stoute began as a paperboy in Queens, New York. He later went into real estate, and flipped some of that money— about $3,800—to produce for the iconic rap duo, Kid ‘n Play. He went on to manage Nas, Mary J. Blige and signed Will Smith to Sony for the “Men In Black” soundtrack. Stoute said it was then that, “I became very interested in the fact that Ray Ban sold 14 million pairs of those shades that he had on [in the movie] ... the curiosity of those shades is what eventually led me into the advertising business.” In 2004, Stoute founded Translation, an avante garde advertising firm that regularly designs campaigns combining particularly Hip-Hop artists and Fortune 500 companies. Hip-Hop, he said, is a “tutorial about how people live their lives, about how they understood aspiration.” Seated on a stage overlooked by depictions of Langston Hughes and Ghandi, Stoute peered intently at the book signing audience he’s been addressing and asked, “Are you doing what you’re really passionate about, or are you doing what you’re doing to make money?” It’s a rhetorical question, but he answers in his own fashion: He wears sneakers with his suits. J

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j'adore book club

write the

way

3. Lauren Conrad L.A. Candy Some of the most successful celebrity authors are usually so because of autobiographical books which readers gobble up by the millions. But The Hills star Lauren Conrad goes a slightly different route by fictionalizing her own path a bit to stardom. Part one of a three-book series, we follow Jane Roberts from newbie Hollywood transplant to reality show star.

Best Selling Reality TV Authors

words by: Shawn Jackson

Recently, it seems as if reality stars have jumped on the “author” bandwagon. NeNe Leaks, Teresa Giudice, Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen are just a few who have turned their reality star fame into profitable small businesses and franchises. Some have even landed on spots on the New York Times Bestsellers list including Lauren Conrad, Antonia “Toya” Wright (formerly Antonia Carter) and Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzie. Indeed, these stars are heavily influencing the younger generation to read and that is a feat within itself! At J’Adore, we want to recognize those individuals who use their “celebrity” for longevity. Below are our hot picks for Who Wrote it Best!

4. NeNe Leakes Never Make the Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way Has NeNe ever got you riled up after watching an episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta? Well, what if we told you that there’s more to Ms. Leakes than what meets the television pixels? We walk with her down memory lane, with all of its high ups and painful downs, and get a better understanding of who we are seeing on our television. In this book, she tackles the very things we’ve read or heard rumored about with candor and guts. You’ll never see Nene Leakes the same way again. 5. Teresa Giudice Fabulicious!: Teresa's Italian Family Cookbook “Who’s that Italian lady in my kitchen?” That might very well be the question a husband or wife asks after sampling the delicious authentic Italian dishes cooked by their significant other. Well, that Italian lady’s name is Teresa Giudice, one of the stars of the hit reality show The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Here, she offers up about 60 recipes that are sure to entice, engage and cause your spouse and family to boast how much they love your cooking.

1. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi Confessions of a Guidette Nicole Polizzi aka Snooki is one of the most popular members of the hit reality show Jersey Shore. From drunken rants to club hopping, she seems like the consummate party girl. But behind this pint-sized “guidette’s” outgoing stature and party girl persona is a sharp intellect which she’s gathered in this “confession” book. You get to see an intimate side of Snooki that’s rarely exposed.

6. Alex McCord & Simon Van Kempen Little Kids, Big City: Tales from a Real House in New York City (With Lessons on Life and Love for Your Own Concrete Jungle) The two former cast members, husband and wife team Simon and Alex have lived a unique and somewhat unconventional life together as partners, friends, lovers and parents. With all of this going on, there should be no surprise that they would come out with a book about their life together. However, what is a surprise is that it focuses on their experiences on raising two boys in arguably the greatest city on Earth, New York! With an honesty that is rarely seen from books of this type, it is a refreshing, joyful read. J

2. Antonia Carter Wright Priceless Inspirations We know her as the mother of one of Lil’ Wayne’s children, but how well can we say we actually know her? In this autobiographical tome is an extremely candid look into her life detailing the past, present and hopeful future. She imparts a wisdom that can only be gained through a lifetime of experiences and she shares them here with us through these pages.

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entertainMEnt

d ow n

l aw :

Randall E. McMillan words by: Dennis Malcolm Byron

Lil Wayne. Jay-Z. Rihanna. LL. Cool J. Kanye West. Sound familiar? One of the entertainment industry’s most powerful lawyers discusses the industry’s realities.

When your job involves handling tens of millions of dollars daily in the entertainment business, and ensuring business dealings with Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, LL Cool J, Mariah Carey, and get this, Elvis Presley, has no kinks, you are down by law…literally. Meet high profile attorney Randall E. McMillan, who makes sure the terms of mega deals, in especially the music industry, are properly met for today’s most influential performers and celebrities.

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After spending the last decade handling legal affairs for Def Jam Records, Island Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, Mercury Records, So So Def Records and the Russell Simmons Music Group, McMillan has recently become the founder and president of his own firm in New York City, McMillan Law, PLLC. While his workload has certainly increased, McMillan is realizing the dream of being in full control of every business matter he is involved in. But while handling an even more demanding workload including his hand in recently closing a prison memoir deal for Lil Wayne that is due out in November 2012, he was more than willing to sit with J’Adore and discuss the realities of the entertainment biz.

J’Adore: Can you talk about what you did for people like Jay-Z, Kanye West, LL Cool J, Rihanna and others? Randall E. McMillan: Well as in-house counsel at Island Def Jam, I had the opportunity to work with several of the most prominent names in music, and my responsibilities for them varied. For instance, Jay-Z, when he was president of Def Jam, might have been interested in signing a new artist. I would be called upon to negotiate a deal with that artist's representatives. I was also responsible for anything and everything legal at Def Jam regarding certain artists such as Kanye West, Rihanna, Ne-Yo and others. That meant that whenever there was a new video, I had to review it for any legal concerns before it went out the door; whenever there was a renegotiation with the artist, chances were I was in the trenches negotiating its terms and drafting the agreements. From musical samples used in records, to the use of music in films, to radio contests, to endorsements, every day was and continues to be different. Now that I have my own law practice, I have the opportunity to work with a broader clientele using my talents to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. What is it like working with artists like these and what are they like behind the limelight? They are human beings, just like the rest of us. They are just in a very, very public role in their professional lives that makes the general public very, very interested in their private lives as well. You would be surprised at how relieved they can be when they have moments of opportunity to just sit and connect with someone who is not star-struck. They also tend to be very hard workers, striving for perfection in whatever their talents may be in the field. They all want to be seen as someone who has the ability to create and present high quality work every time—a daunting task.

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Since this is the "Reality Issue," what are the misconceptions, realities and things law-wise people should know regarding the entertainment world? Okay, here we go. You can have a great professional life as a talented person who lives off of your talent and not be on television, or on the cover of Rolling Stone, Vibe or J’Adore for that matter. That is the ‘holy grail’ for far too many talented unknowns out there. They miss, overlook, ignore—whatever it is—the opportunity to create and perform for a living in pursuit of one thing: a record deal. That deal is only a long term opportunity for a scant five to ten percent—if even close to that—of those who ever attain it. Besides recently closing the deal for Lil Wayne’s prison memoir, Gone Till November, what are your current projects? I'm working on several things at the moment for a diverse group of clientele, including starting up a cosmetics company, negotiating a unique executive employment agreement for a VP at a major music company, negotiating a national product endorsement deal for a multi-platinum recording artist that will also contribute to the development of public recreational areas for kids in New Orleans, and consulting in a federal court case involving one of the biggest names in media. I also foresee introducing some new talent to the entertainment arena in the future. In fact, keep an eye on one of the J’Adore contributors, Ale Sharpton! For the full interview with Randall E. McMillan, go to jadoremag.com. Also, visit his firm’s website, randallmcmillanlaw.com, for inquiries and representation. J

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entertainMEnt

on the

reel Roll the reels! Here is what’s coming up for 2012 and beyond on the big screen.

words By: Loc Da’Borg

Chronicle - February 03 What happens when you attain incredible powers while in high school? This film attempts to find the answer in this seeming collision of Paranormal Activity and Heroes. Will they become heroes or villains? What will it cost their souls?

The Vow - February 10 What would you do for the one you love when they cannot remember who you are? Would you stay? Would you leave? Would you do anything in your power to see that they remember what you had? This movie asks that question. Starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams, this is such a story of a newlywed couple where the wife who, after a terrible car accident, cannot remember who they were. Can he help her to recover the memories of their love?

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Safe House - February 10 Denzel Washington teams up with Ryan Reynolds in this film about a rogue former CIA agent (Washington) whom, after a decade of hiding off the grid, resurfaces and is put into a safe house in South Africa headed by the CIA “housekeeper,” played by Reynolds. But what should be a relatively easy commitment is transformed into a run for survival after mercenaries attempt to kill the two, who must become allies in order to solve this mystery and live through the ordeal.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance - February 17 Ghost Rider (Nicolas Cage) is burning rubber again to save the world. While Johnny Blaze (Cage) is living the life of a hermit so that he can repress the curse of Ghost Rider, he learns that the Devil wants to take over his son’s body on his birthday. So he is recruited by a religious sect he eventually joins to take out the evil one once and for all.

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Tidbits: John Carter - March 9 Sci-fi is not new to the celluloid painting that we partake in theaters, but very rarely do we get an eminent story brought to the silver screen. When former captain John Carter is transported to the planet Barsoom (Mars), he is quickly swept up in an epic planet-wide conflict that only he can resolve. Based on the novel by celebrated author Edgar Rice Burroughs, John Carter is adapted here by Oscar-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton.

• Do you miss the television show 24? Well Jack Bauer is about to make his big screen debut! Filming is set to start in Spring of 2012 from a script by Mark Bomback. • If you attended Comic-Con last year, then you should know about the graphic novel Last Man Standing. Well, Paramount has hired David Leslie Johnson (Wrath of the Titans) to write the screenplay based on the book. The story is set 600 years in the future and tells the story of an invincible soldier whom, after helping Earth win the war against Mars, is framed for a crime he did not commit. After escaping prison, he seeks revenge. • Peter Weller (best known from Robocop) has been cast in an as-yet-unnamed role in J.J. Abrams Star Trek sequel. Filming is ongoing with a release date set for May 17, 2013.

21 Jump Street - March 16 This action-comedy adaptation of the popular 1980s television show sees Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum join the top secret Jump Street division of the police force and go deep undercover to a local high school to stop a dangerous drug ring. But can they survive teen angst, peer pressure and their own past in order to stop the drug runners? You be the judge. The film also features Ice Cube with cameos from some of the original TV stars.

Wrath of the Titans - March 30 Set a decade after he defeated the Kraken, Perseus is leading a quiet life raising his son Helius. But treachery lurks as Hades and Ares attempt to capture his father Zeus, and the Titans’ strength returns. Can Perseus save both his father Zeus and the world from the wrath of the Titans?

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• In an odd piece of news, Starship Troopers seems as though it will be making a comeback to the big screen in a reboot led by Producer Neal Moritz. No other details as of press time. • Doctor Who will be coming to a theater near you in 2013. Director David Yates will tell a brand new story that may or may not be a continuation of the BBC series that has returned to television after a long absence.

Caught on DVD: Recommended DVDs/Blu-Ray Paranormal Activity 3 Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain

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rave reviews

flawless v i c t o r y

words By: Loc Da'Borg

appy New Year, J’Adorians! Welcome back to another exciting installment of Flawless Victory. Following E3 – the Electronic Entertainment Expo, this past summer, many of you know about the new systems and games set to be unleashed upon us all this year. Let’s dive into the deep and see what’s coming over the horizon for the gamers.

Nintendo Wii U - Q3/Q4 Nintendo surprised everyone and no one with the unveiling of the Wii U, their next generation console that brings the Big N into the HD arena. So far we only know of a few things concerning the console’s innards, such as an IBM Power®-based multi-core microprocessor based on the Watson Supercomputer Power 7 chip with a 45nm die process with embedded DRAM, large RAM capacity, internal flash memory, expandable memory via USB external HDD drives (for DownLoadable Content) and 12-centimeter proprietary optical discs able to contain 25 Gigabytes of data which is equivalent to a single layer BluRay disc. It will also be able to feature resolutions up to 1080p with component, s-video and HDMI outputs as well as an AV Multi Out connector and six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI. That said, what we do know is exciting still. The innovative new controller looks like a tablet with traditional gamepad buttons, directional pad and two analog sliders (more refined versions of the ones found on the 3DS). In essence, the system streams content to the Wii U pad such as additional gaming info (item management, maps, etc.) or the entire game itself when the TV is being used for something else. The pad is a 6.2-inch, 16:9 resistive touchscreen complete with a stylus, and rechargeable battery. But Nintendo didn’t stop there as it also has a front-facing camera (for making video calls and as-yetunannounced gameplay features), microphone, gyroscope, accelerometer, stereo speakers, browser functionality for web surfing, and a sensor strip for IR. Think of it as an upgrade to the Wii-remote for the Wii, capable of the same functions (plus more), but with traditional buttons and a screen. The console will be backward compatible with all Wii games but not with GameCube games or controllers. The Wii U will support all Wii input devices like the Wii-remote and nunchuck, classic controller and balance board. Price is unknown at press time.

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PlayStation Vita (PS VITA) - Feb. 22 This next iteration of the PlayStation Portable is the one we should have been given from the start of Sony’s ambitions into the dedicated handheld gaming market. What is the difference between the PS VITA and the PSP? Mainly it’s the actual presence of dual analog sticks that the original PSP should have been designed with. However, this new system has all new tech underneath it with a quad-core ARM CPU and a quad-core GPU; front and rear cameras; 3 axis gyroscope; 3 axis accelerometer; 512 MB of system RAM; 128 MB of VRAM; Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; microphone; stereo speakers; and quite a bit more such as the screen being an OLED capacitive touch screen and the back also providing capacitive touch abilities for gameplay. There will be two versions of the system; one that is Wi-Fi only; and the other with 3G that is partnered with AT&T and pre-loaded with special software apps that take advantage of the alwayson ability of the system. Battery life will last from 3-9 hours depending on what you’re using the system for, which could range from gameplay (shortest life span at around 3 hours), video (medium life span at around 5 hours) to using it as a music device (longest life span at around 9 hours). The physical media is reminiscent of an SD card and will vary from 2GB to 4GB of space for games. Digital downloads will also be available. The price of the PS Vita will be $250 for the Wi-Fi model and $300 for the 3G enabled one.

Officially Announced PS VITA Games Hot Shots Golf Next LittleBigPlanet Vita Reality Fighters Uncharted: Golden Abyss WipEout 2048

3DS Resident Evil: Revelations: Feb. 7 Rated M (for Mature) In Revelations, we follow Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield on a stranded cruise ship as they investigate a deadly biological threat. Is the Umbrella Corporation behind this latest evil? Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D: March 13 Rating Pending Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima brings us a re-imagined version of one of the most acclaimed entries in the MGS series. Tekken 3D: Prime Edition: March 31 Rating Pending Play Tekken as you’ve never seen it before. This portable version of the King of Iron Fist Tournament is Tekken’s most realistic and dynamic yet. Game on!

Officially announced Wii U Games Dirt for Wii U Assassin’s Creed Ghost Recon Online Pikmin 3 Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge Tekken

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tech

the

side

Things to look forward to in 2012 words by: Loc Da'Borg

Ice Cream Sandwich Smartphones

Google’s Android mobile operating system has been a game changer since it debuted just a few short years ago. Last year, we saw two versions of it: one for mobile phones and one for tablets. But the release of Android 4.0, otherwise known as “Ice Cream Sandwich,” melds the two operating systems for a richer and more complete user experience. You’ll find enhanced speed, improved error correction for the keyboard, Face Unlock which uses facial recognition to unlock your device, better real-time speech to text dictation, automatic syncing of mobile browser to your desktop, built-in photo editor, and much more. Look for it in devices such as the Asus Transformer Prime or check with your carrier for information on which high-end phones have the system available now.

BBX

Taking a nod from Google and the Android platform, RIM has married the BlackBerry mobile phone operating system with their QNX PlayBook system, bringing us the much anticipated BBX this year. The new operating system, not too unlike Androids Ice Cream Sandwich OS update, will be a unified operating system across both the mobile phone and slate devices RIM has in store for us. With support for BlackBerry cloud services and an upgraded gaming engine, plus e-mail, BlackBerry Messenger, and NFC support from the current BlackBerry 7 operating system along with a new user interface called Cascade UI and BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps, RIM looks to have a worthy system to keep pace with Android and iOS.

windows 8

Microsoft is introducing Windows 8, a radically different approach to the desktop operating system with a fresh graphical user interface inspired by the mobile Windows Phone 7 system. But what makes Windows 8 different? Starting with the Windows store, Windows 8 has an online app marketplace, multiple monitors displaying their own customized taskbars, improved security with Windows Defender, and better resource management that takes up much less RAM.

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LTE Phones/Tablets

With wireless speed becoming more and more important to utilizing smartphones and tablets--especially when one is not near a Wi-Fi hotspot-the tail end of 2011 saw the rise of LTE (Long Term Evolution) towers and wireless devices hit retail shelves across the nation. With speeds far surpassing those of 3G and WiMax, we may be on our way to catching up to Europe and Asia finally!

Quad Core Phones/Tablets

Say it isn’t so! Just when you were getting used to that dual core smartphone or tablet, the tech companies throw you for another loop. The first tablet to utilize the quad-core Tegra 3 (also known as Kal-El) was the Asus Transformer Prime (wow! a second mention) which went on sale in December of last year. This year will see the release of more quad-core smartphones and tablets, one of which may be the HTC Edge smartphone sporting the Tegra 3 chip.

Glasses-free 3D displays

Just as with Nintendo’s own 3DS handheld console, more and more people who enjoy 3D in their entertainment offerings would appreciate the convenience of “glasses-free” 3D. Well, 2012 seems to have your back as LG, Sony, Samsung and more are experimenting; soon, they will also be releasing HD monitors and TVs capable of displaying 3D images without the need for glasses. LG is already selling one version called the LG-DX2500, which is available now in South Korea for $1,556.00 (U.S.), and will be available to the rest of the world very soon.

Look for more such offerings from the big tech giants all throughout this year, and look for coverage pages and website of J’Adore for more.

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J’Adore hits up the LA Auto Show and North American Auto Show

There’s no mystery that I, along with the rest of the J’Adore family, love to explore the world of automobiles, so we boosted our frequent flier miles and covered both the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, and Detroit, Michigan’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). These two highly revered automobile conventions annually showcase the newest innovations on four wheels that automakers worldwide plan to bless the roads with now and beyond. Here are some of the cars that had the mouths of thousands of automotive enthusiasts, media reps, businessmen and executives watering on the East and West Coast.

Toyota FUN-Vii

BMW i3 Concept

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photos and words by: Dennis Malcolm Byron

Falcon F7

Audi e-Tron Spyder

2013 Ford Fusion

Volvo YOU

The LA Auto Show Just a block away from the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Convention Center was buzzing November 18 through November 27, 2011, as thousands came to get their first look at what automobiles were in store for the New Year, while astounding concept cars simply teased show goers who were ready to whip out a check and buy some of these space age models on the spot. • General Motors, which includes Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick, always brings their A-game to the LA Auto Show. General Motors Vice President for Global Design Ed Welburn was more than happy to show us some of his latest toys that we pray go into production soon. The gorgeous Cadillac Ciel Concept has “player” written all over it, while the Cadillac Converj aka ELR Concept looks like it

Chevrolet MIRAY

will hit the roads by 2015. Yes! • Small and compact, this Mitsubishi I-MiEV Sport Air was an eye catcher. • This jaw-dropping Audi e-tron Spyder looked like it was going 200 mph standing still. According to the automaker, this diesel/electric hybrid can go more than 100 miles on one gallon and reach a top speed of 155 mph! • The Croatian robotic Unmanned Ground Vehicle maker DOK-ING, decided to go the human passenger route and boasted the brand new electric XD speedster series. This one on display was equipped with a single, centered driver’s seat and two back seats on its sides, allowing passengers to stretch out and chillax. The XD is planned for production this year. • Remember when Volvos were extra boxy? Well, within the past few years they got a lot more sleek, but this YOU concept is the most smoothed out vehicle I have ever seen come out of Scandinavia. The rounded front, extended roofline reaching the taillights and rear-hinged back doors for that Rolls-Royce Phantom appeal brought it over the top. I won’t even start on the technology!

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North American International Auto Show Yes, the LA Auto Show had my juices flowing, so the North American International Auto Show held at the COBO Center in Downtown Detroit from January 9-22, 2012 was the perfect follow up a couple months later. For more than a century, the NAIAS has been one of the largest auto events in American history. • This year’s NAIAS started with a bang— a hi-tech introduction of Ford’s handsome 2013 Fusion, which had media comparing its looks to the prestigious Aston Martin sedans. Trust me, that’s not a bad thing. Yep, Ford has certainly stepped their design game way up! • Speaking of Ford, family member Lincoln unveiled their MK-Z sedan. Whoa! • Okay, I’ve seen it all. The Toyota FUN-Vii concept changes colors at the touch of a tablet or phone. Adios car wrapping business! • Finally, be a soccer parent who is actually rolling something cool! Check out the Chrysler 700 C that just might make the production lines sooner than you think. • The design of the Chevrolet MIRAY concept car emulates the graceful, sea floor-cruising stingray. It stings me to know production of this beauty is not promised. • Yes, the $375,000 Lexus LFA is ridiculously powerful and was one hell of a ride when a driver took me for a spin in Las Vegas; it’s simply gangster. But the LF-LC 2+2 Hybrid Sport Coupe is the entire mafia and feds combined. It’s all that! No wonder it won the best concept car in the annual EyesOn Design Awards during this year’s NAIAS. • The BMW i8 Coupe made famous in Mission Impossible 4 gets cloned for a family version with the electric i3 model. • The brand new $250,000, handassembled Falcon F7 coming out of Holly, Michigan, hits the Toyota FCV-R streets this year. There are only a handful of them available, so get one because they’re going faster than their top speed of 200 mph! • Besides the abundance of hybrids and other auto models going “green,” how about this striking fuel-cell Toyota FCV-R that runs on hydrogen with a driving range around 435 miles? I loved that blue on both the body and the rims. With the “R” standing for Reality and Revolution, we could see this baby in 2015. • And the Acura NSX Concept was just plain awesome. A resurrection of their original NSX, this gas-electric hybrid is due in three years. I’m watching the clock. All in all, if you love cars, innovation and technology at its best, go to your nearest auto show if you can’t make the one in Tinseltown or the Motor City. It’s a life-changing experience. Be sure to visit the Street Lines section online at Jadoremag.com for more auto news, reviews and photos on what’s rolling and maybe soon, flying. - DMB J

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Cadillac Ciel Concept

Cadillac Converj aka ELR Concept

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Lexus LF-LC 2+2 Hybrid Sport Coupe

Chrysler 700 C 1

words by: Dennis Malcolm Byron

Mitsubishi I-MiEV Sport Air

DOK-ING XD

Lincoln MK-Z

Acura NSX Concept

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Honda P-NUT Personal-Neo Urban

life & times

money

business, career & banknotes

getting your

Financial Consultant and Entrepreneur Angela ‘A.D.’ Reed tells us how

right

words By: Dennis Malcolm Byron

Pay attention to all your bills. This often goes unnoticed. Individuals spend hundreds of dollars a year on excessive fees. Most companies have hidden fees such as reconnection and late fees. This is where companies make a good portion of their profits. Corporations prey on your delayed payments. Ways to defeat the traps include automatic draft from your account, or setting alerts on your phone to remind you when a bill is due.

Need some money tips, big spender? Well who better to ask than Angela “A.D.” Reed, one of the most revered financial consultants for everyone from entertainment industry moguls, to NBA players and multiplatinum rappers who have hired her to keep their bank accounts in the black. Co-founder and CEO of the Atlanta, Ga.-based firm, A Lucrative Life, Reed is an expert in accounting, lending, wealth management, financial planning and tax preparation to name a few. What she terms “providing total financial lifestyle protection” for more than 2000 clients, Reed was still more than happy to take time out of her demanding schedule and consult J’Adore readers free of charge. See, we are saving money already! ✦ j’adore

Become conscious of your spending habits. Track your spending. A way to do this is by writing down everything you spend for 30 days and then you can see in what areas excess spending may be occurring. Cut down on areas where you spend the most, but get the least back in return, such as dining out, clubbing, etc... After this is done, create a budget to manage your finances. Be healthy. Most people believe maintaining a healthy lifestyle is expensive, when in fact it is the other way around. Eating unhealthy food in particular is extremely expensive one way or another. What you don't spend up front will be added to the back end with higher medical costs and more visits to the doctor. DO NOT use credit cards or debit cards. If you cannot afford to pay in full, you don't need it. Instead, use credit cards for emergency purposes only. Credit cards have huge interest rates that are very costly on an annual basis. Debit cards make it very difficult to track what you spend. Sometimes, the banks will allow you to overdraw your account so that you can incur fees. Don't be fooled. Go to your bank’s ATM and withdraw funds. Mentally, it is harder to spend cash than it is to swipe a card. Pay down your debt. As the saying goes, "Trouble don't last always." Maintaining good credit is still very important. Instead of going to the mall this week, why not pay on that old college credit card with the high interest rate? This will help restore bad credit and increase your credit score. Now with such attention on the economy, more and more people are defaulting on their financial obligations. As a result, collection agencies are eager to settle. You can get a substantial reduction on past due bills for pennies on the dollar. Trick yourself into saving. If money burns your pocket, find ways to be more creative with your savings. Ways to accommodate this include opening bank accounts that have a savings component; opening a certificate of deposit where you would be penalized for early withdrawal; paying the maximum amount into your 401k or pension fund.; or taking out a term life insurance policy where you receive all of your premiums back plus interest. These are just a few ways to save without the feeling of saving! For more information on Angela “A.D.” Reed and her firm, A Lucrative Life, visit alucrativelife.com. J

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Flipping the script :

Reality TV stars turned

entertainers

See how these reality stars cleverly use their stardom to lucratively get ahead in life. words by: Erica Rae

“Out with the old, in with the new” seems to be the motto for entertainment. Pop culture’s leading celebrities have suddenly been replaced by a new wave of stars birthed from reality television. Reality stars are dominating the radio waves, magazines, blogs, award shows and big screens nationwide. These overnight pop sensations figured out exactly what it takes to climb the ladder of success and have even claimed spots on Billboard’s Top 100 list as well as Forbes Magazine. J’Adore compiled a list of crossover reality stars that took a chance and rode their 15 minutes of fame a little longer than most. Elisabeth Hasselbeck Elisabeth has turned her fame into fortune by landing a job as a host on the Emmy awardwinning talk show, The View. People may remember her as a contestant on the CBS hit show Survivor: The Australian Outback, but since then, she has claimed her fame due to her controversial debates and political views. Aside from marrying NFL athlete Tim Hasselbeck, she released a book, The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide, which has appeared on several best-seller lists.

Brooke Hogan Brooke made a name for herself as something other than wrestling legend Hulk Hogan's daughter on the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best. Exercising her vocal talent, this blonde bombshell topped Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Sales chart with "Everything to Me," which reached No. 1 in October 2004. Kelly Osbourne The ever evolving Kelly Osbourne, daughter of rock star Ozzy Osbourne, became famous at a young age co-starring in her family’s hit MTV reality series The Osbournes. After years of media bashing, drug abuse and depression, Kelly overcame her obstacles, lost weight and has created her own path. She has since appeared as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars and these days, you can hear her witty sarcasm as a fashion commentator on E!’s The Fashion Police with Joan Rivers.

Heidi Montag This co-star of The Hills released her debut single "More Is More," which landed on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart at number 50 (Billboard. com). After five weeks on the chart, it peaked at number 27. Since then, Montag has appeared in an episode of the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, had a cameo role in the feature film Just Go with It, and was on the cover of the September 2009 issue of Playboy Magazine.

Kim Kardashian Last but not least, reality star Kim Kardashian takes home the top spot as the highest earning reality star, raking in an estimated $35 million per year. According to several sources, Kim makes aproximately $40,000 per episode from her hit reality series Keeping Up With the Kardashians on E! Because of her success from the show, Kim has become entertainment’s leading lady by dabbling into numerous ventures and a plethora of endorsements. It is safe to say that Kim is the reality crossover queen of the year. J

Bethenny Frankel This New York Housewife sold her Skinnygirl cocktails to Beam Global for a whopping $100 million (according to Forbes), but that’s not all! This smart business woman grossed approximately $8.1 million from global retail purchases of the Skinnygirl cocktails.

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life & times

linda hogan: A Letter to J’Adore

words By: Linda Hogan Images: Mark Sacro Makeup :Liza Macawili Hair: Carolina Yasukawa Wardrobe: Betrice Benbow wardrobe asst: juliet vo

Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has become a household name, but it wasn’t until recently that we knew much about the Hogan family. That all changed in 2005, when they agreed to let cameras into their daily lives for the VH1 reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best. We all watched on as the famous family found their way through happy times, fun times and adversity. Despite the media rumors of unhappiness, infidelity and marital distress, what the Hogan family showed on camera was complete, unconditional, familial love with a closeness most families often aspire to have. Viewers and fans everywhere were shocked to learn that the cancellation of Hogan Knows Best in 2007 also marked the end of Terry Bollea's ( aka Hulk Hogan) 24-year-long marriage with Wife Linda. Was this due to the ever-so-present curse of reality TV on relationships? What was really going on behind closed doors when the cameras stopped rolling? These days, Linda is speaking out, answering questions, and telling us what life was like being married to Hulk. This personal recount directly from Linda discloses what life is like now after reality TV.

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Dear J’Adore, When we began filming back in 2003, my then husband asked all of us if this was something that we wanted to do, putting our family out in front lines, opening our home, giving up our privacy and letting the world see us as we really were. Brooke was a budding starlet and singer; she was spending a lot of time in Orlando in Lou Pearlman’s music boot camp, performing live on stage, recording, making videos. I was splitting myself in half trying to be the good mom to her, driving her back and forth every week, while Nick was still in grade school at sports. As Brooke hit the stage, her dad watched from back stage—not the normal procedure for Hulk Hogan—a guy who knew that stage better than anyone and who was now passing the torch to his daughter Brooke. VH1 caught wind of this and they offered us a show that would capture the Hulk, his wife, kids and everything that goes on behind the scenes, good or bad. Enter VH1 stage dad, Hogan Knows Best. We’ve all heard of the curses of reality TV and its impact on couples, families and even the networks—Bonaduce, Simpson, Bret Michaels, Gene Simmons, Ozzie and Sharon. I am not so sure that we were exactly like them, but I’m sure they all had their share of stuff that they had to deal with, with the careers and lifestyles of those kinds of guys. It seems like it just comes with the territory. I was one of them, but not because of reality TV. I guess we were hoping reality TV would only prove to be a vehicle that would boost or start new careers. Nick was a really independent kid with lots of friends and hobbies. Nick is always in a good mood and has such a quick wit and a dry sense of humor and with that he carved out a niche on the show as the mischievous little brother. He really wasn’t that way, but the network loved to put him in precarious situations and he always made the most of those situations. Brooke was this 15 year-old singing sensation, she played the piano, danced, she could perform in front of huge crowds, state fairs, at professional hockey games, the Hard Rock, Universal Studios and even the national anthem at NASCAR events, she was on her way. I think the network loved seeing Terry [Hulk] do all the dad stuff, a very different role than most had ever seen him in and as far as I was concerned, I would do what I always did, be the glue, the sounding board, the middle man, I could wear any hat I had to. I was usually portrayed as the loving, doting wife and mother who always sort of made it happen, whatever it was at the time. I kind of went with the flow, but my job was family and I loved that role on and off the screen. I guess that’s when America realized that the Hulkster even had a wife and kids. Our show was on early in the reality TV years and we had one of the hottest shows. Hogan Knows Best was the highest rated show in VH1 network history. For some reason everyone loved to tune in and there was a character in each one of us that everyone could relate to somehow, modern day, Leave it to Beaver, I guess? We had 30 people in the crew that showed up at our home faithfully every day for four years. Our house looked like a studio set on the national network, tint all over the windows, crew members quietly bustling about indoors, upstairs, outside and in the guest house, which I let them use as a production office. From 8:30 in the morning until 9:00 at night, we filmed episodes that

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Our show was on early in the reality TV years and we

were based on real life situations that we had to deal with, sometimes bringing tears, laughter, anger or solitude and the world couldn’t get enough. I ended up home schooling my kids because of production. They had to wait every day until the kids got out of school at 2:30p.m. to use them in the show, which made it about 10 o’clock at night before they could start their homework. Days were just too long; they eventually got their GED’s, but let me tell you about a crazy schedule. We eventually took the show to Miami thinking it would add a burst of freshness to the look of our show, but between a huge modern new house, decorating it and keeping up with everything else, it was just too much. By now, Brooke was recording her second album. Nick was doing drifting, which is a precision way of driving cars that appears to be sliding sideways, but is in complete control. He was sponsored by Dodge and Polaroid, hitting different driving courses around the country in the Dodge Viper and becoming one of the best in the sport. He eventually wanted to do stunt and precision driving for movies and commercials. Our schedule was crazy, two separate tours at the same time, a new house, pets, a TV show, and lots of pressure. I always tried to see the glass half full, even in times of trouble. The kids were always gone and busy. And between me and my husband, his mood and outlook had changed so drastically, becoming distant and aloof. I assumed I was spreading myself too thin and many times I wanted to just stop the ride and get off, but I couldn’t. We had contracts, Terry had become engrained in business deals and was often gone each evening, either for one of the kids or his own thing. If I wasn’t at the recording studio with Brooke, I was home at night, usually alone re-gearing for that next day, of the same old stuff. I figured we were all working towards the same goals in the end, so I never questioned anyone’s whereabouts. I guess I should have. After the fifth season of, Hogan Knows Best, we wrapped and sold the Miami house. It was then that we would all go our own ways, not realizing that it would end up staying that way. The turn of events that took place, to me, were unimaginable. I could go on to tell you more, but I think I said it best in my new book, my memoir called, Linda Hogan Wrestling the Hulk; My Life Against the Ropes. I believe that the TV show only kept us together longer than we would have without it. It was a family camaraderie and I miss it. I recently went back and did a new show on VH1, which will air March 2012 called Couples Therapy. I can’t give you all the details; you’ll have to see it. When you finish reading my memoir, the show will fill you in on the rest. What I can say is that it might have been the end of an era, but the beginning of a new me. As I look back, I am not sure if I would ever do it again, but I do know that instead of being afraid of change, I embrace it now. Happy New Year. Linda Hogan J

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had one of the hottest shows.

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life & times

Reality Television

suicides

Do reality stars also pay the dark price of fame? words By: L. Raquel Peterson image: mark sacro

Since the first season of MTV’s, The Real World, reality-based productions have transformed from fleeting social experiments to pop culture mainstays. Reality shows touch on just about every subject that you can imagine. Murder? Check out AETV’s The First 48. Dating a celebrity or athlete? VH1’s Basketball Wives or Love and Hip Hop. We can go on, but you get the picture. Voyeuristically, as viewers, we experience immense pleasure observing the trials and tribulations and successes that people go through in their “everyday lives.” After all, that’s exactly why they do it in the first place: to entertain us. Yet, there’s a dark price that celebrities make for the sake of our entertainment. Amidst the glitz and glamour of fame that comes with being a reality star, evidence of Hollywood taking its toll on once-everyday people has emerged with gruesome findings. It appears that not only is achieving fame addictive, but the price of being famous and living in the aftermath when the party’s over is deadly as well. Among brutal murders, drug addictions, bankruptcies and depressions, suicide rates of those linked to reality shows have become an eerily disturbing trend: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills castmate Taylor Armstrong’s husband, Russell, committed suicide after an ongoing series of conflicts about their marriage that had aired on the show. American Idol reject Paula Godspeed stalked judge Paula Abdul before committing suicide outside her home in the San Fernando Valley, Ca. Simon Foster appeared on Wife Swap England. After the episode aired, Foster’s marriage underwent serious issues. He died from drug overdose. Former American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino attempted suicide when her affair with a married man was revealed in the tabloids. Joseph Cerniglia, who appeared on Kitchen Nightmares, killed himself after his restaurant amassed debts larger than he felt he could afford. Bachelorette contestant Julien Hug committed suicide via a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He reportedly suffered depression prior to taking his own life. Ryan Jenkins appeared on Megan Wants a Millionaire. After the show filmed, Ryan murdered his wife and fled to Canada, where he hung himself to escape from authorities. The real question remains: Is reality TV responsible for these deaths? As recently as December 2011, it was revealed that yet another suicide related to a reality star occurred. Sgt. Wesley Durden, a contestant on TLC’s Next Great Baker, was

found dead from a self-inflicted gun shot wound, and MTV’s Teen Mom star Amber Portwood was placed on suicide watch after being jailed for parole violations. These tragically disheartening stories beg the question why. Why does the link between reality shows and suicide exist? Are people who notice the connection of unfortunate events surrounding reality show contestants and actors over-thinking it, or is there really something to these findings? Speculation suggests there is, but not directly. Mounting legal and financial issues prior to his suicide, for example, plagued The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills husband Russell Armstrong, including an impending divorce from his wife Taylor. His issues were so severe that his lawyer, Ronald Richards, was quoted saying even Armstrong’s “credit cards weren’t working” and that he had no assets to hand out, even if there was a will left behind. Driven by anger, anguish or frustration, the common denominator for suicide is intense isolation coupled by the sense of helplessness and hopelessness in one’s situations, according to Samantha Gholar, a Sebring, Florida, NewsSun reporter who profiled the taboo nature of suicide as a topic of concern in society. Reality shows usually have a lengthy screening process for contestants, meant to identify potential

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red flags of aspiring cast mates. Oxygen’s Dance Your Ass Off instructor Sarah Mitchell confirmed that, at least for her reality show, producers took careful considerations to ensure mental fortitude in contestants. “Hopelessness twists reason, making the irrational seem sane,” writes News-Sun’s Gholar. And Robert Yufit, president of the American Academy of Suicidology, indicated there’s a stronger case in blaming that appearing on the “[shows themselves] tripped off something else that was going on in [suicide victims’] lives” more than their appearance on screen. Suicide is a serious issue. If you’re coping with suicidal thoughts and/or issues, please reach out to someone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a confidential service for people in need. Call (800) 273 – TALK (8255) or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. J

Sources: www.newssun.com, www.ibtimes.com, www.examiner.com, www.realitytea.com

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pov can you really find

loveontelevision? words By: Mz. Aleigh

Somehow reality television makes you think you can find true love on a TV show, but what is the real outcome? Maybe we are so enamored with the idea of being in love that we’ve lost sight of what love really is. Let’s take a look into past relationships on reality TV and see how they truly measured up. Finding Love on Television

Bret Michaels got on the road during his Rock of Love show to find the woman of his dreams. In the end, he went back to the real love of his life and she was not a contestant on the show. Shayne Lamas and Matt Grant from The Bachelor tried their best to make their relationship work, only to announce to the world that they couldn’t. In the end, Lamas married and became a mom with no help from producers with cameras. The Bachelorette’s Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter seem to be the only shining example of a reality television relationship gone right. What about those who are already in love and take their relationship to the tube? Sadly, divorce.

Divorce After TV

There is always this viewer consensus that married couples who expose their relationships on television will not last. We can look to Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey as the first example of that, by divorcing after their show ironically titled Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. Linda and Hulk Hogan, who had been married for decades, divorced when family troubles escalated after their jump into reality television with Hogan Knows Best. The latest victims of relationship failure after starring in reality television would be Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries with their 72-day marriage debacle on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The point to finding love on television is that it is simply entertainment. Reality TV shows were not designed with the idea of creating lasting relationships between two people for the love they build with one another. Viewers often times become emotionally invested in these productions, not remembering that the drama is created for their viewing pleasure. Like all relationships, there are always going to be problems. The sad truth is that the adversity reality TV lovers endure is simply intensified by stressors of ratings and producer-induced drama for the camera. Had reality TV stuck to being real, there may be less relationship carnage in Hollywood. Then again, if that happened, it would no longer be entertainment. J

image: mark sacro

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life & times

grand Finale

Red Tails: The Real Tale J’Adore flies with original Tuskegee Airman Cyril “Billy” Byron words by: Dennis Malcolm Byron images by: jeff byron and pete souza

When the visual genius behind the Star Wars legacy and executive producer extraordinaire George Lucas decided to develop the film project honoring the Tuskegee Airmen more than two decades ago, it finally saw its release in 2012. Defying the odds of a film featuring primarily an allBlack cast receiving global distribution and major studio support, Red Tails garnered the attention of President Barack Obama, who invited the original Tuskegee Airmen to join him to watch the film at the White House. The blood, sweat and tears these African-American soldiers endured to break the color barriers of being equals as pilots during World War II has finally been viewed on hundreds of theater screens worldwide. As the executive editor of J’Adore Magazine, it’s beautiful to have connections in the entertainment industry to discuss films, but when one of the original Tuskegee Airmen is my grandfather’s older brother, Cyril “Billy” Byron, it’s truly a blessing. A member of the original 99th Squadron, Officer Byron, 91, was based in both Ramitelli and Foggia, Italy during the 1944 and ‘45 battles when the glory days of the Airmen transpired, and he was more than happy to share with J’Adore readers his true life experiences. So here you have it: an interview with a real-life Tuskegee Airman, which includes the recount of his visit to the White House to watch Red Tails with President Obama and First Lady Michelle. J’Adore: To start things off, what is your affiliation with the Tuskegee Airmen? Cyril “Billy” Byron: I was an armorer and became an Administrative Sargent Major in the original 99th Squadron. We went from North Africa into the cities of Italy, where pretty much all the things you see happened. What was it like when you got the call to go to the White House? Well the director for our East Coast chapter of the original Tuskegee Airmen called everyone in the region and that’s how we were notified. Oh, man, it was something! We all called each other to make sure it was true. Since I live in

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Baltimore, I drove to Bolling Air Force Base with a fellow Airman, Lt. Lemuel Lewie Jr., we all met there, and then we went by bus to the White House. Now the second President Bush gave me a Congressional Medal in 2007 at the Congressional Building, but the White House? Wow! And when you got there, Was the security crazy? Security was all over the place. We had to give everything from our full name, to driver’s license numbers, social security numbers… and when you pulled up to the gate, we got thoroughly checked again. They came on to the bus and everything.

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Okay, so what was it like when you went in? Fantastic! It was such a huge place with all of its wings and everything. You didn’t have to do anything. Everyone waited on us, fed us hors d'oeuvres of all kinds—seafood, beef, chicken, coconut shrimp, vegetables, sushi… Plus they had champagne, and these donkey shaped cookies that had red, white, and blue frosting on them. Ha! Politics never stop. Okay, let’s go to the theater. Were you a little in awe when President Obama and First Lady Michelle came in? Oh man, that was the highlight! After we finished eating, they took us into the theater that could seat about 40 people and they had two rows of us. The President had the room painted red like the color of our jackets, and the seats were soft, plush leather. There were about 10 or 15 photographers flashing away all over the place. After a while the door opened, I looked down a long hall and a whole crowd came in. It was the President and his entourage. They announced, ‘This is President Obama.’ Man, we all stood up and

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then the First Lady came in and I got a hug. They were most gracious. And then the President got around to me and shook my hand, and in his hand was a medallion with his presidential seal, the White House and his autograph on it. It was a little bigger than a half-dollar coin and we all got one. To be in his presence... it was awesome. And he was as cordial as can be. Did he stay for the whole movie? After an hour or so, he had to go. He is the President, you know. But that was such a great experience. Okay, what did you think about the film? How accurate was it? Very real. The scenery, the fighting sequences... there were a lot of pilots there with me of course, and this movie brought back such fine memories. The ways the pilots communicated with each other in the movie was real, the firing of the guns, the smoke… I loaded the guns—especially the .50 caliber guns— on the planes and even that was done legitimately. Is there anything that was inconsistent? Well, the other [Airmen] who were present discussed it with me and the only thing that we found was the soldiers should have been more bearing— anyone in the military knows what that means. They were a little too loose with authority at times, but we all agreed that their demeanor in the film was for the younger audience, so we all understood. So you were happy overall? Oh, it was fantastic. And necessary. George Lucas showed me a lot by making this happen. Proud of you, Uncle B. You are a legend not only to me, but to Tuskegee Airman Cyril America as well. “Billy” Byron [Laughing] Proud of you too, bro. I love this magazine and your whole staff’s effort shows! Please send me a copy. I will show it off to my fellow Tuskegee brothers! J

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