J'Adore Anniversary Issue by Sherman Studios

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J’adore Pictured this page: Melyssa Ford, 80

(pronounced Jah-Door)

contents

2nd anniversary issue

Features 80

MELYSSA FORD

The Original

The ‘original urban supermodel,’ steel magnolia and current Lady of Hennessey presses ‘pause’ on music videos, continues to exude confidence and proves just why less is more on the road to female empowerment.

ESTHER BAXTER

The Real Superwoman The dedicated mother and legendary vixen epitomizes sex appeal, grace, style, class and talent, while still trailblazing for aspiring models.

Cover

The Alpha Male

Move over Tyson, new male model sensation Kinyumba is kicking down the door with overpowering determination and swagger.

IMAN

The Somali Queen, fashion icon and “ageless wonder” continues to inspire, motivate and set new trends via her new handbag and shoe line Global Chic.

GLOBAL BEAUTY INTRODUCES GLOBAL CHIC!!

KINYUMBA ‘KYMANI’ MUTAKABBIR

Ten years into the game, the Puerto Rican beauty and Video Vixen’ pioneer expands her indelible mark on the world of urban modeling.

CASEY REINHARDT

Blonde Ambition

The star of MTV’s Laguna Beach Season 2 and aspiring actress shares insight into her evolution as a woman of her own.

94 iman cover image BY: Troy Word Courtesy of IMAN Cosmetics melyssa ford cover image BY: Derek Blanks

GLORIA VELEZ

Gloria Hallelujah!

Fonzworth Bentley The Originator of Swagger From writing a book to producing a hit reality show on MTV, Mr. Bentley is the perfect Gent.

CHRISETTE MICHELE

Epiphany

Def Jam’s R&B darling and immensely talented songbird shares a heartfelt Epiphany with J’Adore.

gloria velez & esther baxter cover image BY: Derek Blanks

Artists of the issue:

Gentleman Jack's Art, Beats + Lyrics

87 'Kymani' Kinyumba

Mutakabbir The Alpha Male

contents

2nd anniversary Issue

image BY: Kenny Sweeny

Departments 13

Real Life

13 On The Web 14 The British Invasion – Rasta Style 16 The New School 18 Harrods 20 Professir X 22 The Fly Guy Chronicles 24 Diamonds 101 26 Budget Luxury 28 Saving Our Daughters

100

106

life & style

30 Health & Fitness: Sharif Reeves 32 Escapism: Aruba 34 The Dish: Mind Your Manners 35 Keshia Knight Pulliam: Chocolate Bombshell 36 The Grapevine 38 Hip Sips 40 Cold One…01 42 Gifts For Your Special Lady 43 Smell Goods 44 Beauty & Grooming

mODEL CITIZENS

46 Candice Stevenson: She Got Her Own 48 Debra & Joyce Glenn: Déjà Vu 50 Dawn Montgomery: The Progressive 52 Bria Myles: Built For Success 54 Tiara Harris: The Natural 56 Temeca Freeman: The Heart of Dixie 58 Crème De La Crème: Tresha Armstrong 60 The Casting Couch starring Roger M. Bobb 62 A Taste of Honey: Death of the Urban Celebrity Model Part II: Angels & Demons

entertainment

64 Ginuwine: Ginuwine Thoughts 66 Demetria McKinney: The Jill of All Trades 68 Leilene Stuecklin: Making ‘Reality’ A Reality 70 Ebony “Risky” Jones: Risky Business 72 Baron Von Alias: Time Traveling 73 Did You Know? 74 On The Reel/Caught On DVD 75 Guess That Landmark

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HAUTE FASHION 100 Fashion How To 101 Watch This 102 Roof Story 104 Go With The Flow 106 Rock (It) Fuel

x-tras

108 Guys & Gadgets 110 The Tech Side 112 Hugging The Road 114 Music Reviews 116 Book Reviews: Feministry 101 118 The Last Page: David Carradine, End of A Spiritual Journey

Makeup/Hair/Grooming: Alex LaMarsh  Models: Nikou, Amanda @ Industry Models LA, Lee @ Vision Models LA  Stylist: Alicya Blake

J’adore

her own she got

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J’adore

staff

CEO & PUBLISHER Courtney Francis & Taneish Leslie President Leon Minott Vice President David Gilmore EDITORIAL Executive Editor - Dennis Malcolm Byron Editorial Director - Jasana Alleyne Editor At Large - Jay Glover Deputy Editor - Shawn Jackson Associate Editor - Lauryn Boone Fashion Director - Linh Nguyen Beauty Director - Alex LaMarsh STAFF & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dawn Alicia Montgomery, Evita Robinson, Lakeisha Williams, DeWayne Rogers, Montayne Farrar, Kathy Harris, Simeon Gant, D. Kevin McNeir, Angela P. Moore-Thorpe, Ginger Halliwell, Tera Thomas, Ty Reynolds, Laura Turner, Robert Littal, Robert J Mair, Tashir J. Lee, Ale Sharpton, Andrea Janise marketing/ADVERTISING Dante Simpson, DSA MEDIA GROUP dsimpson@dsamediaonline.com, 646.417.8198 ext. 704 ARCHITECtS Creative Directors - Taneish Leslie, Jasana Alleyne & Elese Patterson Executive Assistant -Michol “Nikkie Santoro” Gardner Art Director - Fran Sherman Graphic Designer - Byron Harris Photo Editor - Alex LaMarsh PHOTOGRAPHERS Anne Park, Mark Sacro, Paul Lawson, Milkman, Anthony Amadeo, Ricardo Louis, Dennis Malcolm Byron, Mike Cooke, Mykeon Smith, Earl Randolph, Maicol, Reggie Bates, Kid A, Kenny Seeney, Derek Blanks PRODUCTION DIRECTORS Taneish Leslie & Alex LaMarsh promotions Elese Patterson, Rohan Sutherland of Genesis Marketing & Promotions (561) 859-7552 PUBLIC RELATIONS Nakia Hicks Vision Media Management, LLC, (347) 423-2692 JADOREMAG.COM Web Designer - Laura Turner Webmaster - Digital Images NEWSSTAND SPECIALIST John Blassingame (609)655-3667

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 - 2008 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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Publisher's Letter Bonjour! Happy Anniversary and congratulations to the J'Adore staff for producing excellent work over the last two years. We are truly blessed to be celebrating yet another great year and I only ask that God continues to bless us so that we can maintain and produce amazing work for you, the people that inspire us. There is no mystery to the fact that the media industry, along with virtually all business genres, are being economically challenged. However, we continue to defy the odds and have grown in circulation and exposure, so I welcome our loyal fans and supporters to share this monumental moment with us. It is with great pleasure that I introduce the latest installment of J'Adore, our dual-themed "Live from London/Fashion Issue." With each Anniversary, we will continue our tradition of featuring a region abroad and exploring some of the people, places and attractions that make it shine. Since we are receiving an overwhelming amount of support from the United Kingdom, it was only right for us to return the love. From music to fascinating landmarks, J'Adore opens the door to particularly the great city of London and its surroundings. To read articles pertaining to this city and the rest of the U.K., just look for the flag in the upper right corner and enjoy! Regarding our co-starring theme, Fashion, I decided to feature icons and pioneers who are responsible for the beauty cameras of many world-renowned photographers capture. No stranger to the most elite magazine covers, it is with great honor to have arguably the most influential pioneer in the world of modeling, IMAN, grace our first of three covers. A philanthropist and successful entrepreneur with women of color in mind, IMAN continues to touch millions of lives. In fact, she has helped pave the way for the beautiful and talented Melyssa Ford and Esther Baxter who are featured on covers two and three. As a woman of color and dedicated fashion enthusiast with experience in the industry, I realize how difficult it is for afrocentric, curvy models of color to progress; on a broader scope, we do not fit the standard body frame for the runway and most major fashion publications. The neglect of models of color has been an issue for years, but we have broken barriers by emphasizing multi-ethnicity. Since J'Adore pledges to continue blazing trails, I decided to personally select some of the top urban models who remain dedicated to their craft and created a bridge they can hopefully utilize to cross over into the more mainstream Fashion arena where more opportunities of greater exposure reside. I wish them much success! By the way, although there is major focus on Fashion and the U.K., J'Adore does not boast "The Best of All Worlds" in vain. We take you on an exotic getaway to the beautiful, yet eccentric island of Aruba; actress Keshia Knight Pulliam shows off her culinary skills; and the always fun beer writer Ale Sharpton continues to profess in his popular column, Cold One...O1. To add, celebrities including Nia Long and Boris Kodjoe speak out against female abuse; get tips on how to spend within your means and still live luxuriously; learn how to "taste wine" in The Grapevine; check out the latest tech toys and much more. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. I would like to personally thank my amazing team and I dedicate this issue to them. Blessings to you, Taneish Leslie Publisher J'Adore Magazine

In the second anniversary of J'Adore Magazine, we will continue our tradition of featuring a country and exploring some of the people, places and attractions that make it shine. Since we are receiving an overwhelming amount of support from the United Kingdom, it was only right for us to show love back. From the influential reggae artists that broadened the fanbase worldwide, to the legendary shopper's paradise, Harrods, J'Adore opens the door to the great city of London and its fascinating surroundings. Just look for the flag of the United Kingdom and enjoy!

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on the web

Here are some sneak peeks of what we have on J’Adore’s website, www.jadoremag.com.

Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline

J’Adore TV

Critically acclaimed comic book series featuring a black hero is relaunched By Robert Jeffrey II From their earliest inception, comics rarely featured minorities and when they did, virtually all of them were stereotypical archetypes. However, genuine representation in film, music and print was more prevalent through the independent realm particularly during the early 1990’s. One group at the forefront of this surge included the creators of Big City Comics, who filled the void of intelligent characters of color in the comic book industry. From the minds of brothers Dawud Anyabwile, Guy Sims and Jason Sims, Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline was born. This successful comic series is based on the story of Antonio Valor, an altruistic public attorney for the fictional city of Big City who dons the guise of “Brotherman” by night. Through both personas, Valor’s mission is to serve the common people and combat whatever ills may plague them. In an exclusive interview with J’Adore Magazine, Dawud, who currently handles animation work for the Atlanta-based Cartoon Network, expounded more on the creation of Brotherman and the recent relaunch of the title. Read more online...

Outspoken Word

J’Adore’s African Americans Must Set Clear Expectations for Obama An Opinion piece written by Frederick Alexander Meade In recent times, much discussion has spawned regarding President Barack Obama’s general performance throughout his first few months in office. Not only have the President’s acts been measured within this context, but also his efforts in addressing the concerns of the African-American community. While the Obama administration has primarily had to contend with our nation’s economic crisis, some African Americans have still found cause to level criticism towards the President, asserting that he has essentially ignored many of the communities’ issues and to some degree, blacks in general. Read more online...

J’Adore goes shopping with the Atlanta Hawks’ center and fashion authority, ZaZa Puchulia. Remembered for getting in the face of Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett during a spirited NBA playoffs series in 2008, Puchulia had another impressive season as an intimidating force in the paint. Now that the 2009 season is over, the 6’-11” baller found time to shop and tell Ale Sharpton the rules on wearing the right clothes. Read more online...

Plus…

Suite Spots, Ale Sharpton’s beer dinner reviews, Andrea Janise’s dining destinations, Wine Down with Chris, drink recipes, product reviews, model photo shoots on video, the latest news and more!

real life

the british invasion:

a t s a r By: Robert J. Mair

style Reggae enthusiast Robert J. Mair explores the extraordinary reggae roots in the United Kingdom.

ever trailing the cutting edge in music, the British embraced

R asta vibe that blossomed in the 70’s and 80’s. The UK has always served as a natural breeding ground for reggae due to its Jamaican population (Jamaica was a British colony until 1962) and the allegiance with the British punk scene. Even Bob Marley’s success blossomed after a meeting in producer Chris Blackwell’s London office (see J'adore’s Sex & Rock N’ Roll issue). In fact, some of Marley’s most famous live performance recordings resulted from his London concerts such as the famous version of “No Woman No Cry” from the Live album recorded at the Lyceum ballroom in 1975. Always keeping our loyal music enthusiasts in the loop, J’Adore spotlights a few mustand promoted the reggae

have UK reggae releases that helped define the genre.

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UB40

Steel Pulse

The extremely popular British reggae band, UB40, formed in 1978 in Birmingham. Named after an Unemployment Benefit (UB) Form, this group has had more than 50 singles on the UK charts as well as phenomenal international success.

Formed in 1975, this Grammy Award winning group from Birmingham, England continues to exert themselves as one of the best reggae groups of all time. Handsworth Revolution (1978) Steel Pulse solidified their position in the reggae world when they released their sophomore project Handsworth Revolution in 1978. This solid LP contains classics such as “Soldiers,” “Prodigal Son,” “Ku Klux Klan,” “Prediction” and the title track. The politically charged lyrics are still relevant today while the musicianship is excellent. True Democracy (1982) While Handsworth Revolution was a significant win for the band, True Democracy would be a fully mature Steel Pulse. In an analogous reference, many could compare Marley’s Rastaman Vibration to Exodus in the same way. Released in 1982, this LP is a must-have with the uplifting “Chant a Psalm a Day,” “Ravers,” “Worth His Weight in Gold (Rally Round)” and the phenomenal “Blues Dance Raid.”

The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000 If you could only have one UB40 album, this is it (sort of like the Bob Marley Legend album). The Very Best has all their big hits including “Red Red Wine,” “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” and their many well-done cover versions in addition to some original material mostly popular in the UK.

maxi priest Born in Lewisham, London, Priest is the nephew of the great reggae icon Jacob “Killer” Miller. Born Max Elliott, this melodic crooner was known for his smooth lyrics and infectious chart-topping singles such as his duet with Roberta Flack “Set the Night to Music” and collaboration with Shabba Ranks on the dancehall club hit “House Call.”

aswad Aswad is another great British reggae band that emerged in the mid-70’s and is still active today. They have garnered a lot of fans and press for adding R& B influenced vocals to their sound, however not quite as much as the Jamaican band Third World. A New Chapter in Dub (1982) Plain and simple, A New Chapter in Dub (1982) is essential for any reggae music collection, featuring the “Dub Fire” rhythm used by Dennis Brown for his hit “Promised Land.” Live and Direct (1983) This 1983 release recorded at the Notting Hill Carnival included many Aswad favorites as well as an inspired “Rockers Medley” featuring many of the hot rhythms of the time. Distant Thunder (1988) Sure, Distant Thunder was considered a crossover album for Aswad, but it was a very good one yielding the mega-hit “Don’t Turn Around.” Some other good tracks are “The Message,” “Set Them Free” (an anti-apartheid song performed at the Nelson Mandela concert at Wembley Stadium), “Smokey Blues” and “I Can’t Get Over You.”

papa levi Papa Levi, aka Phillip Williams is a sound system DJ/Rapper who rose to prominence in South London in the early 80’s. Look for Mi God Mi King – the 1984 12” single on Island Records displayed Levi’s talents as the first UK MC to have a number one record in Jamaica. This tune blew people’s minds when Levi dropped the “fast style” in the latter part of the record. Maxi Priest co-produced this tune.

linton kwesi johnson (lkj) Linton Kwesi Johnson is a British-based dub poet who focused on primarily political themes. His Forces of Victory (1979) release on Island Records featured the classic tune “Sonny’s Lettah,” which dealt with the violence that ensued when two brothers were stopped by the police for “suspicion.” His Bonafide 1990 album release contained the hit single “Close to You,” which reached number one on the American Billboard charts. Other excellent tunes included “Just a Little Bit Longer” and “Temptress.”

These are just a few of the numerous soulful artists that served as the creative, yet necessary musical links to Jamaica, the United Kingdom and the U.S. Do yourself a favor and look them up! J

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New

school

The

real life

From clothes to music, individuals take

creative avenues to educate the masses outside of the box

By: Sia Tiambi Barnes

An ancient Chinese proverb postulates that if a butterfly flaps its wings in Asia, it causes a hurricane in another part of the world. We have witnessed the legacies of

martyrs like Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. resonate worldwide for generations, and they all started with the common goal to make a positive difference globally. Here are some current movements that utilize different methods to creatively school the masses and make this world a better place. Broccoli City: Organic & Fly The Dirty South’s “fresh and clean” steez has evolved into “organic and fly” thanks to organic streetwear company Broccoli City. In 2007, a few friends decided to make money selling t-shirts with the moniker “Broccoli City,” a nickname for their hometown, Greensboro, NC. After being asked several times just how “green” their Greensboro shirts were, the BC fellas switched production to organic cotton and water-based inks, and by doing so, tapped into the fastest growing segment of the global economy – the “green” movement. However, the change did not come without a significant price. “Going green” caused BC co-founder Marcus Allen to realize that there is a major discrepancy between what is marketed in the mainstream and what actually reaches the ‘hood. “Most markets in an urban environment don’t even sell organic products in terms of food and things of that nature... I think it’s important for us to step in and do something about it.” Now, Broccoli City is a nationwide educational mission. Starting in their hometown, they planted an organic garden with children at Bessler Elementary. Further south in Atlanta, BC celebrated the launch of New Era’s innovative recycled cap during an Earth Day special event called “Project Green” that they co-hosted with nightlife company, Premium Selective Affairs. And out West they hit Venice Beach to make a mini-documentary asking folks to define “organic” for their BCTV video-blog. “You know, you don’t have to be cool and stupid; you can be cool and knowledgeable,” said Allen. www.broccolicity.com

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‘Spiritually, a lot of us have lost our souls to capitalism and materialism. When

Rasi Caprice: Let Freedom Ring This past Presidential election inspired a good amount of mainstream hip-hop to start serving as the ‘hood’s CNN once again. Will.i.am, Jeezy and Jay-Z (as well as his first lady) all got a hit off the political buzz. However, this generation has yet to see its music truly make significant policy change. Washington, D.C. native Rasi Caprice hopes his debut Taxation Without Representation will do otherwise. This Independent Music Award-winning LP is dedicated to one of the nation capital’s oldest and most controversial political issues, achieving statehood, and Rasi, the self-proclaimed 1st Rap President promises to be the voice of his people. For more than the 200 years that Washington, D.C. has been in existence, its citizens are not represented by a voting delegate in Congress. The suffering that comes with Congressional rule over D.C. laws and budget has left the more than half a million citizens struggling with unemployment, poverty, illiteracy and HIV/AIDS rates higher than the national average. The U.S. is the only democratized country whose capital citizens are disenfranchised. In fact, in 2006 the United Nations found this injustice a violation of international human rights law. “They build stadiums, make tax payers pay for them/But repairments for our schools, we got to wait for them,” Rasi raps in his single, “Free DC,” a song he’s been delivering before councilmembers, Senators and hip-hop peers. In April, he performed on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building along with other local D.C. artists Tabi Bonney and Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kyonte. It was the first major attempt at mainstreaming the movement to grant D.C. full voting representation among this new generation of voters. www.myspace.com/caprice202

you don’t have a lot of material things, you’re much more grateful for what you have.’ —HaWah

HawaH: All I Need is One Love Multimedia artist HawaH has a stimulus plan that will truly revitalize America. Still a young adult, he’s traveled to more than 20 countries, published several books, and co-founded a nonprofit organization, One Common Unity, to aid others in realizing peace through an arts-based education. Now, experienced by all his journeys, he’s advocating that we proactively choose a “less is more” (less violence, more balance) lifestyle. “Spiritually, a lot of us have lost our souls to capitalism and materialism,” HawaH said. “When you don’t have a lot of material things, you’re much more grateful for what you have.” Being thankful for our present is particularly a necessity in this time of a worldwide recession, as is having an outlet for any emotional buildup that may be occurring. That’s why HawaH and One Common Unity developed programs like the Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project that grants young women the opportunity to experience the ancient communal tradition of drumming circles, and festivals like the Community of Peace Gathering that offer a stage for the healing arts of yoga and meditation. For his own release, HawaH has another book in the works and a sophomore spoken word album. “I try to live my life in a way that embodies what I perceive as freedom and joy, and I think that’s the greatest way to really encourage other people to really find their own freedom and joy.” Everlutionary.net; OneCommonUnity.org J

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real life

Harrods

Sustaining excellence for more than 175 years and counting By: Mz. Limitless

Several years ago, I remember my best friend coming back from a trip to the United Kingdom. All she could talk about was visiting the most amazing department store she had ever been to in her life. She said it was so huge that after a full day of shopping, she and her mother only made it through a quarter of the departments. I just couldn’t believe there was a shopping venue so vast. It sounded as if she was over-exaggerating when she described the 4.5-acre area that made up one single department store. She mentioned the restaurants, the elegantly designed specialty departments and how you could even buy fresh fish there.

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Years later, I found out that this department store was called Harrods and was purchased by Mohamed Al Fayed, father of Dodi Fayed–the late Princess Diana of Wales’ boyfriend. Sustaining a standard of excellence, the Fayed family continued to uphold the long-standing Harrods brand for locals and travelers alike. Harrods’ reputation as an astonishing attraction is the very reason why it should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting the U.K. Harrods was founded by the late Charles Henry Harrod

deliveries and ended up reaping a record profit in the process; the building was rebuilt a year later. In 1905, Charles William Stephens redesigned Harrods and his architectural work remains standing today. The store’s interior is filled with the most exquisite interior designs and concepts that were unprecedented in a department store. The current Egyptian theme found throughout this shopper’s paradise may be tied to the heritage of the store’s current owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. In 2007, Harrods even hired an Egyptian

Ground Floor: Menswear, beauty, more food halls, fashion and accessories, Harrods Arcade, the cigar shop, safe deposit, 13 additional restaurants and other services. First Floor: Women’s shoes, women’s wear and personal shopping services. Second Floor: Home decoration, bed and bath, kitchen wear, home accessories, wedding services, concierge and three restaurants. Third Floor: Furniture, home entertainment, accessories, the interior design

Andrew Zimmerman, where he hit the food halls tasting raw scallops, jellied eels and zungenwurst (beef tongue with head fat and blood). With the limited edition silver Bulgari “Save the Children” ring on display, the King and Queen of Malaysia open exhibit, and the highly touted Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea tradition, Harrods easily maintains its upscale grandeur through high quality products, services and events. So the next time you take a trip “across the pond,” make sure you have your walking

in 1834 on London’s East End. Harrods moved to Brompton Road in Knightsbridge in 1849 to escape a Cholera epidemic. What began as a wholesale grocery store specializing in tea in a one-room building with two assistants and a messenger boy ballooned into a major retail operation. Harrod’s son, Charles Digby Harrod, took over the store in 1861 and expanded their merchandise to include machines, perfume, stationary, fresh fruit, vegetables and more. This expansion led them to purchase the adjoining buildings on the block and business flourished to the point that by 1880, the store employed more than 100 people. Sadly, in 1883 the department store burnt down to the ground. However, despite the fire, Harrods was able to make all of their Christmas

cobra as additional security for the launch of a $120,000 pair of ruby, sapphire and diamondencrusted sandals by shoe designer Rene Caovilla. The immense area that makes up Harrods is made up of 330 departments that fill over one million square feet of shopping space. The motto of the store is: Omnia Omnibus Ubique – All Things for All People Everywhere. The seven floors that this mega store contains make it easy to live up to this grandiose motto. Here is what you can expect to find when you visit Harrods:

studio and the Harrods Creperie. Fourth Floor: Children’s fashion and accessories, toys, the Pet Kingdom, women’s fashion, outdoor gear and five additional restaurants. Fifth Floor: Sports and leisure, beauty, Harrods Financial Services, Rewards Card Servicing, Tax-Free Shopping and two additional restaurants.

shoes, a pocket full of pounds and Euros, and an empty stomach when you visit Harrods. Strolling through its vast departments can easily be chalked up as an entire day of fun and adventure. And ladies, to this day, Harrods is the only store in the entire U.K. where you can purchase products made with real fur. From the food halls serving up fresh fruits, veggies, seafood and meats to the interior design center ready to furnish your pad, you can find virtually anything at Harrods. For more shopping bliss, details and information, visit the Harrods website at www.harrods.com. J

Lower Ground Floor: Menswear, food halls, Harrods souvenirs, fashion accessories, stationary, gifts and three restaurants and cafes.

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Harrods has had the most celebrity studded sale openings ever seen in the department store world. Some of the past ribbon cutters include Eva Longoria-Parker, Sarah Michelle Geller and Katherine Jenkins. In fact, even the department store itself is a star of the screen; Harrods was recently featured on the Travel Channels’ Bizarre Eats with

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real life

RL Professir X:

The real man with superpowers in a chair A tragic shooting makes Richard 'Professir X' Gaskin prove there is life after paralysis.

By: Laura Turner

ife is a series of events compiled together to teach you lessons. The trials and tribulations that we go through in life are merely tests of strength, focus, patience, understanding, diligence and other facets. To be able to take a bad situation and

turn it into something great is a symbol of having faith in their abilities to achieve greatness. Journey with J’Adore as we see how Richard “Professir X” Gaskin has turned a life-altering accident of paralysis into the foundation of his new life’s purpose: to prove through his website (www.professirx.com), self-made documentaries (A City Called Heaven), music, initiatives (I Believe, Inc.) and advocacy of Stem Cell Research that the there is an exciting, productive life that can break out of the confines of a wheelchair.

Growing up in Queens in the late ‘80’s, Richard Gaskin was pretty much the typical inner-city kid. He liked to live life and have fun. That meant girls, parties and deejaying under the name DJ Hung Gar. And then tragedy struck when he was shot in the neck and instantly paralyzed because, according to Gaskin, he simply received a phone number from a woman.

What were you goals and your aspirations growing up? I wanted to be a DJ. I wanted to be a DJ for a celebrity, actually. What did you do to keep yourself from becoming a product of your environment? Having fun and music! Music is what kept me distracted from the negativity. Like some other kids, Gaskin was the kid that got bullied. Unlike some other kids, Richard had someone looking out for him. He met a man named Clarence who took him under his wing and taught him how to fight. How did you become interested in Hung Gar Kung-Fu? I don’t know if I should say this because you know people don’t like to get punked when they’re kids. I got a little bullied when I was a kid. There was this guy that practiced Hung Gar Kung-Fu and he took me under his wing. He looked out for me when I got into high school. I moved out from the Bronx and when I got to Queens, I

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didn’t know anybody. So this guy named Clarence looked out for me and taught me how to fight. It’s one of those Karate Kid type of stories. I started watching all the Shaw Brother Kung Fu movies. I took the name Hung Gar and the deejaying, and called myself DJ Hung Gar. Although Richard Gaskin [speaking in third person] knew how to protect himself in a physical altercation, it wasn’t enough to prepare him for what was to change his life forever. He was working at radio station 105.5, where he connected with hip-hop veteran MC Search. DJ Hung Gar, as he was then known as, began to make a name for himself. Although he did what he could to stay out of trouble and focus on building his career in the industry as a DJ, he became entangled in what he fought so hard to stay out of.

and mine went the other, which led to jealously. So what happened was he had this boy that used to hang around him and basically he didn’t like me because his girlfriend liked me. His girlfriend left him and she gave me her number. I think he shot me because of that. What happened to that person and are you in contact with him in any form? He wasn’t charged. He told one story that he tried to stop me from playing with the gun. I just left it in God’s hands. He didn’t get into any trouble. The person who was my friend, it was his gun. This was like a made-for-TV-type situation the way I looked at it. It was bound to happen–I was going to get hurt some type of way because I had some fake friends. Did you forgive him and has he apologized for what he’s done to you? I forgave him. When I got shot, I told him when he came to my hospital room back in ’87 that I forgave him. Like I said, I put it in God’s hands and I’ve moved on. So I haven’t seen him since like ’88 or ’89.

1987 is when your entire life changed forever. Can you describe the events that led up to the altercation and ultimately your life-changing injury? It really wasn’t a fight or nothing. It was a friend of mine. We used to be cool. He was like my bodyguard-type friend at parties and what not, and then drugs, cocaine and all that stuff started getting in the mix. His life went one way

rest of your life. How would you handle a situation like that? Richard decided to use this tragic turn of events as his new crusade. This began the transformation from being DJ Hung Gar to becoming Professir X. Where did the name ‘Professir X’ come from? The X-Men. I just figured it was the symbolism. He’s in a wheelchair and uses his mind and I do the same thing. That’s actually good symbolism–especially with the ‘Professir’ moniker–as you are a teacher to an extent. Have you decided to sit down and write a script about it? I would love to see something put together like that. That would be kind of fun to see. How did the idea of forming I Believe, Inc. come about? When Christopher Reeve died, I wrote a song for him and I put it on the Internet. I was then invited to Washington D.C. to perform the song at a rally. At the rally, there were all these celebrities there including Dana Reeve, his wife. From that day forward, when I saw her cry on stage while I’m singing the song I wrote for her husband, I knew I had a purpose. So I just turned everything I did to creating this community organization that also helps people in my situation to improve their life and be inspired to not give up.

What is life like for you now since your injury? It’s difficult, you know. When you’re paralyzed, the bodily functions get harder to maintain, like the bowels and bladder, so there are major things I’ve got to deal with that create issues. I get reoccurring urine infections that make me have night sweats and getting sick, Richard “Professir X” Gaskin is the you know, stuff like that I have to deal epitome of “never giving up.” Through I with. Being weak is another one. Imagine for Believe, Inc., he is creating videos that one second that are currently being aired on public access television. The video series is foyou go Elvis from Presley walking down cused on educating the community on the street and what life is like for people with Spinal driving a car, to Cord Injuries (SCIs). Through his music never walking and films, Professir X brings awareagain. Not just ness to the public about the day-to-day the fact that you struggles and successes of someone can’t walk; you with a SCI. Sadly, most individuals with can’t bathe your- SCIs are thought to have a lower qualself. You are unable to dress yourself. ity of life. The public often discriminates When you want to become ‘intimate,’ against them unintentionally by asyou have to have someone to position suming they can’t do things that people you in the bed. That is just what hap- without SCIs can do. Since the appointment of U.S. pened to Richard [Gaskin]. It wasn’t a matter of two dudes out there fighting in President Barack Obama, new legislathe streets over a chain. There was no tion has been passed allowing research ‘drug beef.’ Richard lost his life as he studies to be conducted on cord blood, knew it over a female. This is truly an a major accomplishment for those sufexperience that shows how the smallest fering with a SCI. People affected by decisions we make in our lives, like tak- paralysis have been waiting for more ing a girl’s phone number, can alter the than 20 years to get to a point where

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they could begin clinical trials. This highly anticipated day has arrived and new hope for better, more effective treatments for SCIs has surfaced. There are still major obstacles that have to conquered, nevertheless. With the television industry going digital, TV producers have to upgrade their equipment to stay in line with the new standards. This hurts the independent, small budget producers who are creating for public access television. Professir X and I Believe, Inc. have been working persistently to encourage the public to get involved, learn more and do more regarding SCI awareness. Just when the message is spreading, the sign of the times threatens to deter significant progress of the series. The difficulty with raising money to continue shooting videos to be aired on public access television comes from people being uninformed about SCI’s. So while he works hard creating videos, recording albums and representing for people with SCI’s worldwide, Professir X’s ability to continue without upgrading to the new digital television format is compromised. Never losing hope, however, he pushes forward through all obstacles hoping for donations and a degree of confidence that will collectively lay the groundwork for success. Shepard Center, a Catastrophic Care Hospital, says that, “Over 11,000 people each year incur SCI’s.” With the passing of Christopher Reeve and his never fleeting pursuit of shedding light on SCI’s, Professir X has maintained the momentum of the campaign. The ability to take a life changing situation and turn it into a positive is an amazing feat and a great sense of fulfillment. After learning about the numerous accomplishments and acts of courage he has displayed since his tragic shooting years ago, it is evident that Richard “Professor X” Gaskin experiences this sensation every second of his life. J

To learn more about Richard “Professor X” Gaskin and I Believe, Inc., and The National Spinal Cord Injury Association, please visit: Professir X: www.professirx.com I Believe Inc.: www.ibelieveinc.org Shepard Center: www.shepherd.org/ resources/spinal.asp The National Spinal Cord Injury Association: www.spinalcord.org

real life

flyguy chronicles

k eys to sustaining your

By: The Fly Guy

relationship

Relationship expert Fly Guy discloses the secrets to maintaining Happiness with your partner. Pop quiz. What’s the safest way to ensure a healthy, happy relationship? While I can’t audibly hear your response, I’m 98.7 percent sure that your answer includes suggestions like developing trust and promoting open lines of communication. (The other 1.3 percent of me doesn’t really care what you think as I'm currently focused on the “Diff’rent Strokes” marathon on TV Land.) But my nostalgic distractions aside, the rest of me feels compelled to offer an alternative to your relationship philosophy. While I can’t disagree with the importance of your points, my personal experiences have led me to adopt three essential keys which have proven vital in any attempt to sustain a healthy relationship. They are: strength, courage and wisdom. (Who knew that I would ever be inspired by India Arie?) Strength I was recently speaking to a group of friends, and over the course of our conversation, I began to share my threefold approach to sustaining a healthy relationship. As I delved into the particulars, many within the group loudly objected to strength sitting at the top of my list. “What does strength have to do with anything?” they loudly slurred while signaling the bartender to bring a fourth round of drinks. “Why aren’t you discussing the real issues that tear a relationship apart, like a lack of trust or miscommunication?” What they didn’t understand was that a person’s individual strength plays a key role in dictating the direction of the relationship. Is a person strong enough to avoid losing their individualism for the sake of pleasing the other person? And do they possess enough strength to resist the temptations that can come from the outside world and encourage cardinal sins like infidelity? These and other questions should be asked when assessing the level of your own strength as it pertains to your relationship. Courage Despite the perpetual happiness of Rebecca and Uncle Jesse on “Full House” from TGIF’s of yesteryear, adversity knocks on every couple’s door—whether it’s overcoming infidelity, ignoring the increasingly loud voice of disapproving family members, or facing financial troubles capable of sapping the life out of any couple. When dealing with these types of adversity, couples are faced with a choice: You can either have the courage to stay the course and fight for the relationship that you believe in, or you can do like most people and bail at the first sign of trouble. (This could help to explain our alarming national divorce rate.)

I personally long for the days when more brave souls are willing to stand up and say, “Despite everything that we are currently going through, I love you and I’m willing to stick with it to figure things out.” But that takes real courage … something that is sorely lacking nowadays. Wisdom Wisdom within the context of a relationship can have many faces. For starters, it takes a considerable amount of wisdom to understand and appreciate the undeniable fact that throughout the course of a relationship, each person is bound to grow, mature and ultimately evolve. But many people (myself included) have used the idea of growth as a primary reason to move on to something new. (Be honest, how many of you have cited “growing apart” as the reason that you left your relationship?) A wise man (or woman) understands that change is inevitable, that growth is necessary and that evolution is a way of life. They also understand that in order to account for those changes, both people have to be willing to adapt as the situation calls for it. Traditional dinner and movie dates are bound to get old. Anniversary outings to the Cheesecake Factory are destined to lose their luster. And an overall stubbornness to accept the change within a person is the first step leading to a couple’s demise. It’s a good thing that wisdom serves as a capable antidote to the relational ills prompted by an indisposition to change. The Fly Guy Moral: Relationships take work. If you aren’t ready to roll up your sleeves, and exercise a little strength, courage and wisdom, then you’ll never be able to fully realize the true potential of your relationship. Your thoughts?

DeWayne Rogers is the author of The Fly Guy Chronicles, your in-depth guide to love, relationships and everything hazy in between. Love advice may never be the same. www.flyguychronicles.com

Thursday - Sunday Doors open at 10pm

For reservations 702.770.3375 3 1 3 1

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real life

diamonds

11

New York City diamond retailer Dalyah Duek-Flaks coaches J’Adore on the ‘ice’ game

by Dennis Malcolm Byron

iamonds was always said to be a girl’s best friend, but numerous male celebrities, professional athletes and musicians beg to differ. Regardless of the gender, everyone should be schooled on what to look for in a diamond, the misconceptions and why they come in so many colors. Seriously, do you know what the “Four C’s” are? So many people are getting jerked and just spending money on “ice” because they can, but ignorance is not always bliss. Thanks to Dalyah Duek-Flaks, Diamond 101 is in session. After working with her family-owned, 30year business, Protea Diamonds, Dalyah migrated from South Africa to New York City in 2007. In March of 2009, Dalyah's passion coupled with Protea Diamond's global reputation launched Dalyah, a retail store on Madison Avenue specializing in uniquely designed pieces using conflict-free diamonds ranging from $2,000 to $100,000. Evidently, Dalyah knows the jewelry business and is happy to school J’Adore readers on the essentials.

J’A dore: What do people need to look for when buying diamonds? Dalyah: When looking for a diamond, a potential buyer needs to keep in mind what is called ‘The 4 C’s’ of diamonds: cut, clarity, carat and color. These four elements are what define each stone. Each person has unique tastes, preferences and budgetary constraints, and these have an impact on the type of diamond they select. It is comparable to buying a car; a potential buyer looks at all the features that are important to them because there are different options in each price category. There is really no right and wrong. What are some misconceptions about diamonds? There are many misconceptions out there, including everyone thinking that diamonds are so hard that they are unbreakable. Although only diamonds can cut diamonds, they can still chip or break under intense force. People also have a perception that if there is a flaw in a diamond, it is not valuable. In reality, most diamonds have some form of flaw and remain exceptionally valuable based on their other characteristics.

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How do companies make certain they are not ‘blood diamonds’? ‘Blood diamonds’ are diamonds from some African countries that were used in the illegal funding of wars, or ‘conflicts.’ Those conflicts are generally a thing of the past. As a result of what happened previously, the trade in diamonds has become subject to stringent laws and licensing that govern the diamond trade and ensure the trade of non-conflict diamonds. Okay,

let’s get into styles.

see the

popularity of ‘canary diamonds’ and black diamonds–especially with celebrities and professional athletes.

Why

are they

so desirable?

Canary diamonds are the extreme end of the color spectrum of diamonds, making them incredibly rare and very expensive, hence, they are most desired. On the other hand, black diamonds are more of a fashion statement and they set-up beautifully in stark contrast to white diamonds in jewelry pieces. Please talk about your love for diamonds. I am passionate about diamonds and I draw inspiration in the uniqueness of designing each piece. Even after having been in this industry for many years, I still get an absolute buzz when I see a newly completed piece. I also am very fulfilled when a client gets that same sense of excitement when wearing a piece from my collection. J

Dalyah’s lesson of the day: ‘It was once believed that diamonds were fragments of stars and teardrops from the Gods and possessed magical qualities. They then became a symbol of strength for kings, being the hardest gemstone known on earth. South Africa introduced the practice of “dry-digging” for diamonds after they were first discovered in 1867 on a farm near the Orange River. Diamond mines began to erupt all over South Africa, leading the country to become the third largest producer of valuable diamonds. Though they can be found in other parts of the world, 49 percent of diamonds are found in central and southern Africa. Dalyah brings these diamonds directly to you in a stunningly crafted collection of jewelry.’

Dalyah is located on 625 Madison Avenue at 58th Street in New York City. Visit www.Dalyah.com for more information.

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real life

Luxury

budget

How to Live Large for Less

BY: Ashley L. Brazzel

Everyone’s looking for ways to cut back and save these days, but it doesn’t mean your life can't have style. With a little financial finesse, you can live like a baller on a peasant’s salary. Here’s how.

travel

For some, globetrotting is the ultimate luxury. Nothing beats jet setting, plush hotels and trips to exotic destinations. Of course, not many regular people can do it like the rich, but there's still a way to get it done. A benefit of the bad economy is that travel is crazily cheap right now. It’s not unusual to find swanky hotel suites for $99 a night, last minute roundtrip airfare for under $300, and peakseason cruise deals for much less than what you’d pay for a Louis Vuitton suitcase. To snag the best deals, you need to do a little research — check comparison Web sites and call the hotel directly. TripAdvisor.com and Expedia.com are a couple sites you should check first when making plans. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, try bidding for airfare, hotel rooms and rental cars on Priceline.com or Hotwire.com. It’s also a good idea to check with the destination’s local convention and visitor’s bureau (CVB). They usually know of the best hotel rates and other discounts to be had around the city.

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Entertainment/Culture

It can get expensive to see and be seen every week, but there’s several ways to frugally navigate your city’s happenings. If art is your thing, check out local newspapers and city Web sites. Their events calendars will list upcoming events a month or so in advance. Also, a lot of communities host free art strolls and street festivals; and some pricey museums even offer free days. If you can’t live without music, concerts in nightclubs or the park are often free or much cheaper than in arenas. You also can catch great live music at trendy restaurants, most times for the price of drinks and meal. If you’re always first in line for new box office releases, a movie club membership might be a good fit for you. Regal and AMC theaters both offer special perks like free movies and snacks with their member cards. If every night is a

Blockbuster night for you, check out Netflix.com and Blockbuster.com. Their movie rental clubs are cheap and convenient, and also let you watch flicks online. For bookworms and radio heads, buy books on Amazon.com and music on iTunes. It saves you tax and usually a couple dollars off the retail price. Amazon.com regularly offers free shipping, too.

Home

Pimping your pad á la MTV cribs-style is not an easy feat. But with a little creativity, you can have camera-worthy digs at a much cheaper price. Start out with a theme and look at home magazines for inspiration. Develop a color scheme and choose shades in that family when shopping for décor. Don’t be afraid of wall color. A good paint job can add instant glamour to any room. Your local home improvement store can give expert advice on mixing colors and tips for flawless walls. If you’re low on furniture, a minimalist vibe is

Dining

Eating out everyday can break a budget fast. Instead, amp up your culinary skills and create your own restaurant-style menus. Make a list of your favorite meals and do a Google search to find the recipes. Both Epicurious. com and MyRecipes.com feature recipes from well-known chefs and cooking magazines. Another idea is to host dinner parties with your friends. Pick a theme and have everyone bring a dish. For added flair, design menu cards listing the evening’s fare, and go all out with table settings and candles just like your favorite posh eatery. If cooking isn't your thing, however, or you just can't resist the urge to eat out, scale it down to once a week. Your wallet will thank you.

Fashion

the way to go. Don’t focus on filling your place with expensive pieces; rather go for sleek and comfy options (i.e., chairs, large floor cushions, etc.). If your current furnishings are a little tattered, use slipcovers and faux-fur throw blankets in vibrant colors to jazz them up. For décor, stacked hardbound books, vases filled with stones and candles are inexpensive styling options. If you really want the magic to happen in the bedroom, say bye-bye to those college dorm room comforters and stuffed beanbag chairs. Opt for a nice duvet cover, a good set of sheets and a bed skirt. Pillows are a quick way to add drama to the bed. The bigger the bed, the more pillows you should have; they also do double-duty as a headboard. Curtains in a great color with a sturdy decorative rod can add richness to any window, and a large framed mirror is an easy way to make a classy statement. Overstock.com, Ikea, TJ Maxx-Home Goods and American Signature Home all offer great finds at low prices.

It’s possible to hang onto your passion for fashion without finding yourself in the food stamps line. Just remember, when dealing with a budget, the key is moderation, not excessiveness. If your pockets can’t afford to splurge, don’t do it. Instead of highend boutiques and expensive department stores, shop premium outlet stores for big-name designer labels at a small price. And depending on your area, stores like Saks off Fifth, an outlet of Saks Fifth Avenue, can be found in the mall. If you have a lust for pricey labels, sample sales are a good option. Also, membership sites like Gilt.com and Hautelook.com offer one-day sales (kind of like an online sample sale) of designer brands for up to 70 percent off. To get the most for your fashion “cents,” think quality over quantity. The reason most luxurious items come with such a high price tag is because they’re put together well. So, instead of buying several cheap items, look for statement pieces. Not only are they well-made, they’ll be the pieces you’ll get those most wear (and compliments) out of. When sprucing up your closet by season, take stock of what you already have and look for ways to recycle your wardrobe. You can easily stay current by adding trendy accessories and a few new items in different colors to mix in with last year’s purchases.

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Now that you know that luxury on a budget is possible, go ahead and live it up, enjoy your new luxe life for less. Just remember to always keep a little something-something to the side from every paycheck, because a nice cushion of savings is the ultimate luxury. J

real life

RL Saving Our

Daughters Celebrities stand behind the campaign to support young women

by: Nina Hemphill Reeder

any predicted the short lifespan of reality television, yet, years and countless shows later, fan favorites like

American Idol

Dancing with the Stars pull in top ratings for both the general and A frican-A merican market, according to Nielsen Media R esearch. A nd for VH1—a music-video-channel-turned-reality-television-Mecca—the season finale of For the Love of Ray J had the network’s largest viewing to date with 4.2 million watchers. While reality shows such as R ay J’s, E!’s Candy Girls and Oxygen’s Bad Girls Club certainly bring in the viewers, they also bring in a young, impressionable audience. Activist and author Curtis Benjamin believes the danger arises when these and other female portraits on “reality” TV lead young girls to question their very own reality. and

Benjamin, author of Saving Our Daughters Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, sees this as a huge problem, which is why he initiated a celebrity-driven campaign to help challenge these images and promote better self-esteem in adolescent girls by tackling heavy subjects like color, weight, the idea of beauty and healthy relationships. And studies show his concern is warranted. According to a September 2008 study in the Psychology of Women Quarterly, the exposure to portrayals of black women as sexual objects contribute to how young African-American girls view themselves and their worth. Furthermore, the suicide rate for black teens—who have historically had significantly lower rates than whites—have alarmingly increased over the years, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. If you correlate the rise in the number of these “superficial” images to the increasing number of teens who struggle with self-esteem, then you draw a path in a bad direction.

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“I have two daughters,” Benjamin says. “When we have these disturbing images of women and of young teens doing whatever, it’s time for us to step out and discuss these problems that we are having. We can’t make excuses anymore.” Benjamin has actually been a long time advocate for youth enlightenment. He created the successful nonprofit It’s Cool to be Smart, which through the help of celebrities like T.I., Lil Jon and Keke Palmer, has been educating and mentoring teens to become future leaders since the year 2000. After witnessing its impact, Benjamin decided the best way to tackle the new issue that plagued his conscience was to bring in celebrities again to make a stand. “It’s just the world that we live in where entertainment is the voice,” Benjamin explains. “It’s very important for some of these artists to come out and say this is what you should be doing. I tell agents that you need to get your artists on some type of campaign or movement that will help the community. The [celebrities] that don’t, shame on them. The ones that don’t have time to, shame on them.” Rockmond Dunbar of Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys heard the call and was thrilled to be a part of it. “I think that there are a lot of issues that are important to me,” the Prison Break star says. “But when it was announced to me that I could be a part of such a movement [as] saving our daughters—of becoming a person that young women can look up to and be there and offer support— how can I pass up an opportunity like that? For me, it’s simple. You get out and give up and you support as much as you can.” Along with Dunbar, entertainers including Nia Long, Idris Elba, Jill Scott, Boris Kodjoe, Sanaa Lathan and the members of Day26 have also hopped on board to testify through their own experiences about the importance of building selfesteem in young women.

Singer and songwriter Keri Hilson, praised as much—if not more—for her talent as a wordsmith as her for looks, is just another celebrity that stresses the importance for young girls to find their strength and beauty from within. “It should be more of a compliment for people to tell you that you are smart or talented than for them to tell you anything about your physical appearance,” said Hilson in an excerpt from Saving Our Daughters Vol.2. “Don’t let someone undermine your worth and understand that you hold the power. It is such a mistake that so many young girls rely on their looks. Young women—we are beautiful in our own ways. We must fight not to be one dimensional.” With more star-studded involvement, Benjamin hopes the celebrity-endorsed campaign will not only spark a change in young women, but, in turn, encourage other adults, parents, role models and even more celebrities to take issue with media pressures for young women. “This is more than a book. It is basically a movement that I’m trying to create,” he says, sending out a call for the community to join in on saving our daughters. “You have to believe that I am affecting someone else’s life because we all do, and we have a responsibility [to be an influence on young lives]—some of us just never really take it,” Dunbar adds. “I think that it’s really important to say which side you stand on. I want to be in the forefront.” J

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Boris Kodjoe

Columbus Short

Nia Long

Life & style

ls Sharif Reeves images By: Faith Ambrose, SweetFX Studio

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AND

Health Fitness B

orn and raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Sharif Reeves’ name appeared in virtually every community newspaper for outstanding athletic achievements in basketball, track & field, and as an all-state quarterback during his high school years. However, like many focused teens at the time, academics were just as important to him as the athletics and he strived to be outstanding in both arenas. While working his way through college, Sharif obtained a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Public Administration. After mastering the books, he became one of the most highly sought personal trainers for the past eight years promoting fitness and physical wellness to his numerous clients. He has trained many including a list of celebrities of various age groups within a boot-camp setting and on a one-on-one basis. While successful in the health field, Jesse stays busy by pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a New Jersey State Trooper “so that I can be able to reach out and help others,” he says. “This is one of my reasons for majoring in Criminal Justice. In doing so, I feel that I could become a spokesperson to the community for the benefit of a clean, healthy and physically fit lifestyle.” J

Seated Cable Row

• Sit slightly forward on platform and grasp cable attachment. Slide back on the platform, back knees with slight a bend. • Pull cable attachment to your waist while straightening lower back. Pull shoulders back and push chest forward while arching back. Return until arms are extended, shoulders are stretched forward, and lower back is flexed forward. (3 Sets of 12-15 Reps).

Lat Pulldown

• Grasp cable bar with a wide grip, then sit on bench with thighs under support pads • Pull down cable bar to upper chest. While fully extending arms and shoulders, return the bar to the starting position. (3 Sets of 12-15 Reps).

Stiff Leg Deadlift

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Bend over and grasp bar with a shoulder width, overhand grip. Make sure to keep your back straight and head up. • While holding the bar, extend your hips and and slowly go into an upright position • Bend at the hips with your back straight and knees slightly bent. Lower the bar while keeping it as close to your body as possible. Lower the bar until you feel a stretch in your lower back. Repeat (3 Sets , 15 Reps)

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Life & style

e s c a

Aruba Words and Images by: Dennis Malcolm Byron

An island like no other

Past installments of J’Adore’s popular Escapism travel section have included an in-depth description of various destinations around the world complete with breathtaking photography. In this edition, travel photojournalist Dennis Malcolm Byron will let his photography speak for itself regarding the eccentric island of Aruba.

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p i s m When I tried to get a brief description of what Aruba was like prior to my visit, a fellow photojournalist gave me the best answer: “You will just have to see for yourself.” At first, I thought she was just short on time, but once stepping off the plane in this mystical country that is set in the heart of the southern Caribbean, I instantly knew that there was something eerily and excitingly different with this island. Located 15 miles away from the coast of Venezuela and just east of its remaining two “ABC Island” members—Bonaire and Curaçao—Aruba’s 70 square-mile land mass is a mere 19.6 miles long and six miles wide. In a matter of hours, a highly recommended jeep tour can explore virtually all the wonders of Aruba in a matter of hours. Even though small in size and predominately flat, except for a few cliffs and the 617-foot Mount Jamanota, there is still no wonder why so many celebrities have homes in Aruba. Its white sand beaches possess unbelievably clear waters that rival any island I have visited including my native land of Jamaica. The year-round average temperature of 84ºF; a world-renowned golf course; casinos; numerous nightclubs balanced with an easy going vibe; and friendly Dutch and Papiamento-speaking natives (as well as English) make this getaway one of the world’s most revered destinations particularly for couples who simply want to get away. Aruba could be characterized as a “desert island”—a living paradox—complete with cacti,

yet moderate rainfall, which collectively create a remarkable visual contrast to its picturesque reflections of the sun off the island’s coastlines. To add, bottled H2O is an afterthought, with Aruba having arguably the most pure and delicious tap water in the world, thanks to its colossal and necessary saltwater desalination plants. Since Aruba is riverless, the island draws its water resources from the surrounding Caribbean Sea. Discovered by the South American Caquetios Indians from the Arawak tribe back in 1000 A.D, and then ruled by numerous European countries up to its affiliation today with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba still proudly remains an independently governed island with an eclectic personality. The architecture, language and cuisine make this island a remarkable cultural melting pot blessed with topographical wonders that its numerous cruises, jeep tours and scuba excursions can only begin to embrace. So when asked what Aruba is like, I will provide this article and photos, along with the simple answer, “You will just have to see for yourself.” Visit www.aruba.com for more information on tours, lodging, nightlife, exchange rates, travel packages and other information. J

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Life & style

Dish the

Mind Your Manners Dining out? Etiquette tips everyone should know.

By: Andrea Janise

et’s face it: We have all been out to eat with someone who has had the worst table manners. Whether it’s slurping their soup, eating with their hands or using a neighbor’s glass by mistake, J’Adore is certain our readers know people who need to, quite frankly, step their “eating game” up! And hey, even if that person is staring at you in the mirror, you will now get the basic tips needed to confidently dine in any environment. After interviewing a few five-star restaurant owners, servers and food connoisseurs, J’Adore Food Writer Andrea Janise lists a few essential dining etiquette tips that everyone should know:

• Once seated, place your napkin in your lap even before you begin to eat. When getting up, place your napkin either on your seat or on the back of your chair. Do not place it on the table. At an upscale restaurant, the wait staff will come by and re-fold it for you before you return. • Keep your cell phone on vibrate, or place it in your pocket or purse while dining. Never take a call at the table. If you must answer your phone, excuse yourself from the table and make it brief; you do not want to leave your guest alone at the table for long. • If you are chewing gum, politely place it on the side of your plate (bread plate if you have one). Do not spit it out in a cloth napkin or place it underneath your dinner plate, therefore, once they remove the plate, the gum is history as well. • When deciding which utensils to use with each course, always start from the outside in. If they are different sizes, remember that the smaller pieces are used for salads and appetizers while the bigger utensils are for the main course. Dessert spoons are usually set above the plate or brought out with the dessert.

• It is customary to wait for everyone at the table to be served before indulging in your meal. You should also try to maintain a similar pace as the rest of the diners at the table, unless they are wolfing it down like The Klumps! • When food is served family-style with large bowls and a spoon to serve yourself, always pass to your right. • If someone asks you to pass the salt, always pass the salt and pepper together as a set. • Practice the “no double-dipping” rule by always placing the amount of sauce you want on your plate first before dipping. This way, you can dip as often as you like from your own plate. • Similar to the double-dip avoidance, always take your portion of butter and transfer it to your plate before buttering your bread. Also, when you butter your bread (or muffin, etc.), break a piece off and then butter that piece. Do not spread the butter over the entire serving at one time. • Once you use a utensil, place it on the side of your plate to rest. Do not place used silverware directly on the table.

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• If you have to spit something out, discretely pull it out of your mouth using your fingers or your fork and place it on the side of your plate. If you have a paper napkin, put it in the napkin and to the side. • Once you have finished your meal, place your silverware across your plate (creating an “x” with your knife and fork) to indicate to the server that you are done. Be sure to leave plates right where they are for removal. Do not stack plates or move them to the side. Now that you know dining etiquette involves more than just chewing with your mouth closed, keeping elbows off the table and tipping the wait staff at least 15 percent of the bill (not a dollar, people), you can school others and close that business lunch successfully! Andrea Janise is also the founder of Foodsessions.com. J

chocolate bombshell

Keshia Knight Pulliam

By: Andrea Janise

The rumors are true: Keshia Knight Pulliam is officially a 'foodie.' J’Adore’s Food Writer Andrea Janise joins the star actress at the posh Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta as she shows off her culinary skills and discusses her love for food. Most of us know Keshia Knight Pulliam for her long-standing role as “Rudy Huxtable” on the Cosby Show and her recent buzz-worthy appearance in the Tyler Perry movie, Madea Goes to Jail, but what you don’t know is that she is a bona fide foodie! Ms. Pulliam recently showcased her dessert making skills at the Four Seasons’ annual Chocolate Buffet in her hometown of Atlanta alongside world renowned Pastry Chef Christopher Jennings of Park 75. In Chocolate Buffet’s 2009 installment, celebrity guests had the chance to select and prepare their favorite chocolate pastries to be displayed as their signature dessert accompanied by more than 15 other delectable creations, including chocolate lollipops, chocolate walnut caramel cubes and chocolate crème brule. All of these devilish selections were made from gourmet chocolate exclusively imported from a different region throughout the world each week. Looking fabulous in her skinny jeans and custom-made chef jacket boasting her embroidered signature, Keshia proved that she was no stranger in the kitchen by making her favorite dessert for the event – a rich, dark chocolate Molten Lava Cake. “I love chocolate and I love cooking, so they approached me and asked me if I would be interested in

doing this, and I said ‘Yes!’” recalled the stunning 30-year-old. Following the veteran guidance of her cohost and native Philadelphian, Chef Jennings, it was obvious Keisha was no stranger to the kitchen. As if she was a star of her own cooking show, the youngest actress to ever be nominated for an Emmy talked while skillfully applying a rich, made from scratch whipped cream on the top of the night’s dessert specialty. “Molten Chocolate Lava Cake is my favorite dessert. This is actually my recipe and I make these at home.” She added later on during a sit down, “I love food in general. I am a foodie! I make everything from that Molten Cake to pound cake to pork chops.” With Atlanta being such a diverse city when it comes to restaurants and styles of cuisine, Keshia had to get into deep thought-mode when asked what her favorite dining spots were around town. “Hmmmm… I can’t just pick one; my mom’s house and or my house for sure. Outside of those, restaurant-wise, La Fonda and their fish tacos is a favorite and I love the scallops at Nordstrom’s Café along with their pear and blue cheese salad, which is absolutely wonderful. For Thai food, I love Surin.” Laughing at her list of answers, she confirmed, “See, I can go on and on when it comes to food!”

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Finding time in-between regular appearances in the highly successful Tyler Perry sitcom, House of Payne, and new, up-and-coming projects including the creation of her own production company, to share her favorite recipes with the Four Seasons, Ms. Pulliam proves that she definitely knows how to enjoy the sweet side of life. J images By: Cliff Robinson

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Life & style

ls Want to step up your wine knowledge? Read it through…

Grapevine the

By: Dennis Malcolm Byron images by: Dennis Malcolm Byron

Wine Sommelier John Mayfield schools J’Adore on how to 'taste' wine.

ine is refreshing, delicious, varies in taste by the thousands and has been the choice drink of sophistication for centuries worldwide, but how much do we really know about the whites and reds? In J’Adore’s new section called The Grapevine, we will feature a wine expert who will ensure our readers can confidently toast and talk about the vino on any occasion. Ladies and gents, meet Wine Sommelier John Mayfield.

Besides specializing as the BLT Steak Atlanta sommelier for Georgia capital’s new, upscale steakhouse, Mayfield has won first place at the Super Regional Level finals of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier Competition that recently took place in Orlando, Florida. Since that impressive honor, he has been preparing for The National Finals that are patterned after the Court of Master Sommeliers examinations that include scrupulous judging on everything from attire to contestant’s wine service performance through theory, practical skills and blind taste tests. Basically, you have to be no joke to earn high marks. Well, even with the mounting pressure of making the grade in Wine Country, Mr. Mayfield still found the time to contentedly be the inaugural Grapevine’s special guest. The first installment is simple: How to taste wine. Cheers!

J’Adore: What are the basics on how to taste wine? John Mayfield: Interestingly enough, one can go their entire life drinking wine and never truly

taste it. In the Court of Master Sommeliers, one of the most important skills that you learn is how to “blind taste” in order to ascertain quality of a wine any bias. 1) First, look at the wine. Color can tell you a lot: green means young in white wines; purple in reds, the same. If there is a variation in the color from the rim to the center of the glass, this could mean oak was used, or it is an older wine. 2) Next, smell the wine. Appreciate the many facets of the aromas. They are almost magical in how they emote with exacting detail the memories of fresh fruits, cut grass, black licorice, or even new leather. Change the distance of the glass to your nose and smell it at different levels… you’ll discover a rainbow of aromas. 3) Finally, taste the wine. Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and let the wine cascade down it. If the acidity is bright and vibrant, the sides of your tongue will tingle, letting you know this comes from a cooler climate. Slowly draw air into the wine by puckering your lips, and the aromas will rush in to your nose from behind and let you smell and taste at the same time (the biggest difference between the terms “flavor” and “taste”). After swallowing the wine, rest for a while and see how long the flavor sticks around. The finish of the wine is directly proportional to its quality. Look for future editions of The Grapevine. Also, J’Adore features more wine expertise on the Web including wine columnist and educator Christila Milner in the Hip Sips section of www.jadoremag.com. For more information on BLT Restaurants, visit www.bltrestaurants.com. J

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Life & style

hip sips

Now you know J‘Adore has to keep our loyal and prized readers up to date with what’s new at the bar, right? From “going green” to providing

scholarship funding while simultaneously giving props to President Obama, here are some Hip Sips that you should definitely consider to wet the palate. By: Dennis Malcolm Byron

VeeV Açaí Spirit Going green is “in” and there is no better way to show a conscious effort to preserve the earth than to sip its way back to a healthy status. VeeV encourages this and evidently does a lot more regarding earth-friendly initiatives. Besides boasting as the world's first Açaí spirit–the extremely healthy Brazilian berry with reportedly 57 percent more antioxidants than pomegranates and 30 times the heart benefits of red wine–they also give a $1 a bottle to protect the Brazilian Rainforest. Although it has the mouthfeel and clarity of vodka, this 100 percent all-natural sipper is not as harsh (60 proof), a tad sweet, refreshing and get this, good for you and the planet! www.VeeVlife.com

‘VeeV-a-la Green’ Embracing the VeeV trend, select posh lounges from Gerber Group (including Whiskey Park, Whiskey Blue and Living Room lounges located in W Hotels) featured their “VeeV-a-la Green” martini with some of the proceeds donated to Global Green USA–the American Arm of Green Cross International. The cause was noble, sure enough, but the literally green cocktail consisting of Veev Açaí Spirit, fresh basil, cucumber, lemon and simple syrup was so good that J’Adore had to get the recipe!

VeeV-a-la Green’

Muddle in Shaker: 3 Basil Leaves 2 Cucumber Slices ¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice ½ oz. Simple Syrup Add Ice and: 2 oz. VeeV Served in a Martini Glass Garnish with a floating Cucumber For more info on Global Green USA, visit www.globalgreen.org.

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Hennessy 44 ‘Hen-Rock’ shows President Obama and HBCUs love Here is a toast to President Barack Obama like no other! Hennessy Cognac has put 180,000 collector’s edition, individually numbered bottles on the shelves to celebrate the 44th President and dishes out some greenbacks to a worthy cause while they’re at it. With a percentage of proceeds being donated to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, students attending Historically Black Colleges will get a boost in scholarship funds. Evidently, Barack is influencing change in all facets of the game, eh? Limited to Washington, D.C., Maryland, Illinois, New York City and Georgia, if they are sold out, get your E-Bay on!

The Bacardi Classic Cocktail Raspberry Mojito Bacardi gets ‘berry’ clever In 1862, Don Facundo Bacardi knew he was on to something when he began producing the world’s first light-bodied rum in the city of Santiago de Cuba. Jumping in the time machine to 2009, Bacardi now boasts the second installment of their ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio–the Bacardi Classic Cocktail Raspberry Mojito. Since everyone is ordering raspberry mojitos in bars and nightclubs throughout the nation, this rum king simply made it readily accessible everywhere. At 30 proof potency, this bottled Bacardi Superior Rum, lime, mint and raspberry concoction will make anyone the star mixologist, so simply get a bottle, a mint garnish and front like one! www.bacardi.com.

If there are more Hip Sips out there you would like to see covered, email Dennis@jadoremag.com. Cheers!

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Life & style

anniversary!

Beer Writer Ale Sharpton features beers where the hippity hops don’t stop

cold one...01

By: Ale Sharpton

H ' oppy'

Celebrating J’Adore Magazine’s anniversary is certainly a big deal and deserves a toast, so let’s raise our glasses filled with some great brew that’s perfect of such an occasion. In this edition of Cold One…01, we’ll show some sud love to a couple of breweries celebrating another year of accomplishments along with a few other notable additions worthy of beer writer Ale Sharpton’s attention. Enjoy! 'bama rocks the house!

For some reason, there are still some states that continue to hate on the wondrous brews that exceed a 6 percent alcohol by volume, but will sell the hell out of liquor that’s 80 proof and higher. Residing in Georgia, I almost cried tears of joy when they finally lifted that blasted ban on beers with some kick back in 2004, so I know how Alabama’s beer geeks felt on May 22, 2009. High regards to both the grassroots advocacy group Free the Hops–the persistent gourmet beer lobbyists for years, and Alabama Governor Bob Riley, who signed House Bill 373 and opened the floodgates for brewskies that max 13.9 percent by volume. That means an extensive variety of some of the best ales and lagers in the world will legally be on the shelves of stores statewide.

Happy Brew Year!

Quite frankly, beer is blowing up nationwide and with breweries meticulously working to create the most innovative and downright lip-licking concoctions, there are evidently no signs of slowing down. Here are a few ales that were exclusively crafted by Guinness, Stone Brewery and the Boulder Beer Company to celebrate another year of their beer-making bliss! Hoppy Anniversary!

Guinness 250 Dublin, Ireland 5% ABV In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for his St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. As the legend goes, Guinness’ faith that his brewery would one day be the world’s largest fueled his spirited defense to ward off city officials with a pickaxe who threatened to cut off his water

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supply from a nearby channel and compromise his original formula. He was right. Since the first day he opened its doors a mind-boggling 250 years ago, reportedly ten million servings of Guinness are currently hoisted daily worldwide. To celebrate its two and a half century reign, Guinness master brewer Fergal Murray concocted the Guinness 250–a carbonated, two-malt, triple-hopped version of the more subtle Draught. However, even with more pep, a crisp mouthfeel and tad more alcohol at 5 percent, Fergal still did a nice job of not dramatically altering the recipe and disappoint Guinness loyalists. With only a six-month term of availability, you might want to cop a six of the Guinness 250 and make one a keepsake. Besides, another 250 years is a long time! www.guinness.com Stone 13th Anniversary Ale San Diego, California 9.5% ABV When Stone Brewery says that their 13th Anniversary Ale is the hoppiest beer they have ever brewed, feeble taste buds on the backs of tongues better run for shelter. As you should know by this point, the hops provide the bitter elements of beer and serve as natural preservatives. With Stone being notorious for taking hopping to the extreme with their Ruination IPA exceeding 100 International Bitterness Units (IBUs), this birthday special is more intimidating than their menacing gargoyle mascot. Amazingly, this Imperial/ Double Red style monster is still well-balanced with pale, crystal, amber and chocolate malt variations. Compete with a 9.5% alcohol punch, hopheads throughout the nation will continue to eagerly await many more Stone Anniversary exclusives! www.stonebrew.com

Boulder Beer Company Flashback Anniversary Ale Boulder Colorado 6.8% ABV Boulder Beer Company’s trippy packaging is complimented by their experimental, yet consistently solid brewing. Three decades in the game, Boulder proposes a toast to their ongoing legend as Colorado’s first microbrewery with their Flashback Anniversary Ale–the 9th release from their prized Looking Glass Series of specialty beers. Since 1979, Boulder continues to defy the norm with this tasty hybrid categorized as an India-Brown Ale due to its hoppy notes coupled with the dark, roasted characteristics of a brown ale. At 6.8%, it’s a potent, crisp sipper that proves Boulder Beer Co., 30-yearsold and all, has not dulled their edge in crafty brewing. www.boulderbeer.com

What’s 'hoppening'…

Samuel Adams Imperial Series The process of brewing beer to the extreme in strength and flavor is catching on throughout the nation, and domestic powerhouse Samuel Adams is taking advantage of it. Since the launch of their flagship brew in 1985, the Boston Lager, the Adams Family has added three Imperial “Big Beers” to beef up their 20-something roster of lager and ale varieties. From newcomers to devoted fans of the largest American-owned brewery, curious minds are flocking to stores nationwide to experience Samuel Adams’ Imperial Series which includes the heavily malted, robust Double Bock (9.5% ABV); the smoky, intense Imperial Stout (9.2%); and the spicy and deceptively strong witbier, Imperial White (10.3%). Collectively, these Imperials are thick, syrupy (sugar boosts the alcohol level), heady and sit well, so they are highly recommended to be savored to fully appreciate their individuality. Served in four packs year-round, take some time and live the regal life with this trio of hard-hitting heavyweights. Now where’s the Imperial IPA, Sammy? I’ll be looking for it! www.samueladams.com/ imperialseries

For more beer news, visit www.jadoremag.com. Got something you want to know or see? Feel free to email Ale Sharpton at alesharpton@gmail.com for any questions, comments or brew news. Cheers! J

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Life & style

g ispecialf ladyt s

for your

By: Lakeisha Williams

o you want to keep that special woman in your life happy? Here are five ingredients that make up the perfect formula.

1) Get a subscription of J'Adore Magazine Being that you're smart and hip enough to read the pages of J'Adore regularly, share the magic by signing your lady up for a year’s subscription with the hottest magazine on the stands. It'll be a great gift idea that you both can enjoy. Go online to get a killer deal at www.jadoremag.com.

2) Plan a perfect picnic Going out to a fancy restaurant is classic, but organizing a romantic picnic at a quiet park just for the two of you takes dining together to the next level. Make sure you pack all of her favorite goodies and throw in something sweet for dessert.

3) Reading is fundamental The special lady in your life doesn't necessarily have to be a significant other. If you have a younger family member or friend who's close to your heart, it's a must that she reads Letters To A Young Sister by Hill Harper. It's an essential and thoughtful token read that is bound to inspire her life in a positive way.

4) A rosy situation Whether or not the love of your life is a rose fanatic, she's guaranteed to be grateful for this next present. Pick three days out of the week (make sure to stretch them out from Monday to Friday). On the first day, send a bouquet of red roses to her place of employment to symbolize your fondness and appreciation. On the following day, repeat the same process with yellow roses to signify your friendship with her. On the last day, show up in person with a beautiful bouquet of pink roses that epitomize the admiration you have for her. If she has a pulse, your lady will certainly be impressed that you've taken time to study the meaning behind the different colors of roses and what they signify.

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5. Keep it real We're all living in a recession and let's be honest, money can be tight. One of the best gifts you can ever give to a loved one is to just talk. Be the man that you've worked hard to become, treat her with the utmost respect, encourage honesty at all times and be loyal. Since the beginning of time, this is one tribute that never loses its appeal.

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smellgoods

By: Robert J. Mair

UK’s Floris and House of Creed maintain their ‘old world’ brilliance in today’s fragrance industry

Jadore’s love for the United Kingdom could not have been more timely because it grants the opportunity to focus on two of the world’s oldest perfume houses. Floris and the House of Creed represent adherence to old world values and quality in a time of mass production techniques in the fragrance industry. Creed Another UK staple in the world of fragrance, Creed was founded by James Henry Creed in 1760. Originally housed in London, the business moved to Paris in 1854. However, Creed is still considered an English business operating in France and has a distribution location, The Orange Square Co., in London. Like Floris, Creed is now run by a direct descendant of its founder. The current director, Olivier Creed, is a sixth generation perfumier and is schooling his son to maintain the illustrious tradition. Creed’s faithful have included world leaders such as King George, Queen Victoria, Prince Charles and Winston Churchill, to celebrities in the music and film industry including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Humphrey Bogart, David Bowie and Elvis Presley. What distinguishes Creed from the mass market competition is the use of natural essences like Italian Jasmine, Tuberose from India and a truly unique ingredient, ambergris aka “whale vomit” instead of synthetic scents. Use of extraordinary products like these increases the cost of production significantly, but their loyal following continues to reward Creed for its inventiveness. My favorite (along with Pierce Brosnan, Robert Redford and George Clooney’s) is Green Irish Tweed. This fragrance, with its floral, green and woody notes, is widely recognized as the greatest fragrance ever created. I also like Erolfa, the “oceanic” fragrance that’s regarded David Beckham’s choice before he created his own fragrance line. Check out the Creed website (www.creedfragrances.co.uk) to see how eccentric this fragrance brand really is. If you are an individual who desires quality and luxury, sample a few of the fragrances from these renowned perfumeries. You may have to look a little harder to find these scents, but the result will set you apart from the crowd.

Floris Floris, founded by Juan Famenias Floris in 1730, is still housed at its original premises at 89 Jermyn Street. What started as a barber and comb-maker business eventually became a perfumery after Juan Floris gained a reputation for blending fragrances for customers on an individual basis. Since then, Floris’ customers have included a wide array of public figures ranging from Ian Fleming and his fictional James Bond character to various members of the European royal families. Mentioning film, in a well-known scene from the film Scent of a Woman, Al Pacino’s blind character refers to the Floris perfume a young woman is wearing. Evidently, this fragrance empire has had the right formula for centuries because Floris is now run by the eighth generation descendants of its founder. Floris for Men includes a full range of fragrances and grooming products for the gents. Among my favorite scents, try the JF, a masculine citrus blend with a musky base, or the No.89, a citrusy cologne with spicy, woody notes. The No.89 fragrance, introduced in 1951, takes its name from the address of the historic Floris shop. Recently, I have been using the JF Conditioning Shaving Cream. (To reduce those annoying shaving bumps on the neck, try applying the cream with a badger hair brush which brings out those ingrown hairs.) Altogether, Floris continues to set the standard for excellence. www.florislondon.com.

Visit www.jadoremag.com for more updates on today’s fragrances. J

Newsworthy Scents: Rocawear Gold 9IX Limited Edition Rocawear, founded by Jay-Z and former partner Damon Dash in 1999, releases the bold and sexy Limited Edition Rocawear Gold 9IX in celebration of its 10th anniversary, hence the “9IX” designation. Rocawear describes this fragrance as a “fresh, woody, aromatic scent.” This cologne

does indeed possess the outdoor and masculine qualities from the Timber Wood and Musk used in the base. To add, when the fragrance dried down, I distinctly noticed the essence of cantaloupe and Suede Accord which promotes the sensualnature of this j’adore fragrance.

Want to add some “bling” to your bedroom décor? The unique brushed metal look of the original 9IX container has been taken to a new level with a rich golden finish. This ensures that the fragrance will be a standout on the body as well asjadoremag.com the dresser. 

Picking this one up just in time for Father’s Day makes perfect scents, but don’t wait too long. As a limited edition, the Gold version of the 9IX will not last. For more product information, go to www.Rocawear.com.—Robert J. Mair

Life & style

ls beauty Summer Skin Care

Did you know that our years spent searching for the perfect sun-baked tan is actually a path towards cancer? A tan is actually your skin’s reaction to damage and there are more than a million new skin cancer cases in the United States each year. Typically, the percentage of African Americans with skin cancer is lower than that of Caucasians, but consequently, the mortality rate of African Americans with skin cancer is higher, so no matter what your skin color is, taking your skin’s health for granted should be a thing of the past. Many cosmetic companies specialize in bronzers or sunless tanners to help you maintain a summer glow throughout the year, but if it’s the real sunshine that you crave, there are some great products that you can use to help protect your skin from damage in the summer sun, including: < Tarte Glam Bronzing leg Stick - tartecosmetics.com - $30

< Tarte Reduce, Reuse and Recycle 24/7 Lip Sheers with SPF 15 Set tartecosmetics. com - $3

Make-up, Hair & Beauty Section: Alex LaMarsh - www.alexlamarsh.com images by: Richard Cocke Models: Amanda Viola & Kent Davis @ NEXT Models LA

^ Tarte Sunburst Beaded Bronzing Facial Moisturizer tartecosmetics.com - $28

v BePlatinum Waterproof Automatic Eyebrow Pencil - beplatinumcosmetics.com - $9.99

Pow Wow Brows

Let’s talk eyebrows, ladies! Brows frame your face and help relay your mood and personality. Here is one of the four tips I listed on www.jadoremag.com to help you in your quest for the perfect brows: Tip 1: The placement of your arch is very important. You can take a pen or a pencil to measure it; here’s how: look straight into the mirror, place the end of the pen to the tip of your nose, angle it past the pupil of your eye and where it lands along your brow is where the arch should be.

< Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place ShadowCremes and Pencils – esteelauder. com - $17.50 & $19

Bold Eye Colors

There are so many bright and bold eye shadow colors to choose from this season. Colorful eyes are really going to make you stand out this summer, so ditch the neutrals and have fun with vibrant, shimmery colors and pigments. Don’t miss out on these additional products that will help you look better and feel better this summer. For more detailed reviews of the products listed along with application tips, log onto www.jadoremag.com and check out the Beauty and Grooming blog.

grooming James Bond is considered “the man every girl wants,” so J’Adore has taken the time to research some items to make you achieve your own 007. Try these handy little tricks that will help you stay healthy, happy and looking great. Taking care of yourself can be simple and easy, it’s just a matter of knowing the “how” and the “why.” This summer, begin to take better care of yourself … you deserve it and so do your women!

Handy advice

Do or ‘fry’

Caucasians are 20 times more at risk of skin cancer then those with darker skin. That does not mean men with darker skin aren’t at risk. Whatever your shade, you must take protecting it seriously. Consider using at least an SPF 15 in your daily moisturizer; these days, there are plenty of great oil-free choices. Also, you don’t have to look greasy to be protected any longer. And for head shavers, this is especially important for you: before you leave the house, be sure to slather some SPF on that noggin!

As the weather gets warmer, our skin tends to get dryer. Unfortunately, hands can get the worst of it. Since manicures are more often perceived as a women’s beauty ritual rather than something men should get regularly, not all guys think about it. Well guess again, boys. Women actually feel and look at your hands. So the next time you go to grab your lady, be sure your hands are ready for it. Remember, no one likes rough sandpaper hands with long fingernails stabbing them, seriously! Take 15 minutes every week to take care of your paws. If we can do it for you, you can do it for us.

Outward, not inward

Most men have this issue, however, African-American men have it worse than others: ingrown hairs. Seems like a small issue right? Wrong! Ingrown hairs can often cause pain, infection and scarring. So here is what you do to combat the issue: use a polishing scrub or a glycolic facial cleanser before you shave. This will help you quite a bit.

shaving products

There are a number of wonderful products out there, so try out some of the highly recommended products listed below, or cruise down your local cosmetics aisle and decide which one is best for you. ^ For Men Maca Root Shave Cream thebodyshop-usa.com - $16

Neck

< African Male by MenEssentials Smooth Face Scrub - menessentials.com - $18

> 212 Sexy Men by Carolina Herrera sephora.com - $69

^ Anthony Logistics for Men Glycolic Facial Cleanser - anthony.com - $20

hair

nails

< Dr. Miracle’s Styling Foam - drmiracles.com - $7.99

< Dovo Deluxe Mens Manicure Set groominglounge.com - $110

face < Sharps Daily Prep Oil Free Lotion SPF 15 sharpsusa.com - $21

> Urth Face Wash with White Tea and Ginseng geturth.com - $29

head ^ Headblade Headlube in glossy or matte headblade.com - $8.97

For more detailed reviews of the listed products, please check out the Beauty and Grooming blog at www.jadoremag.com

model citizen

Candice Stevenson

her own she got

By: Jay Glover Images BY: Derek Blanks

STYLING: Betrice Benbow  MAKE-UP: Tierra Burrell  HAIR: J'Tasaki Candice Stevenson appears courtesy of Glam Modeling Agency, glammodelingagency@gmail.com clothing: Charles Lynch; Jewelry - Divalee Designs, divaleedesigns.com gency@gmail.com

When searching for the quintessential example of an ambitious, strong and independent woman, one should look no further than the very talented, dynamic model, keen businesswoman and Atlanta native Candice Stevenson. Not only

is the eight-year modeling veteran a respected figure in Atlanta’s burgeoning entertainment and fashion community, Candice is quickly on the rise to becoming one of the ATL’s brightest “Power 30 Under 30.”  j’adore

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As CEO of Glam Modeling Agency, Ms. Stevenson is leading the way and setting the prime example for models and talent she represents. She’s empowering them to be more than just the pretty face and hardbodies that men love and the industry exploits. She is guiding them toward independence and control of their future via the vehicle of entrepreneurship. And, as a licensed real estate agent, she helps individuals achieve life long dreams of home ownership that leads to a foundation of wealth. Combine these endeavors with her 5’7”, 34C-24-40 frame, exotic appeal, acute business savvy and maturity years beyond models her age and Ms. Stevenson personifies the caliber of young women we seek to feature within each issue of J’Adore. Undoubtedly, Candice’s resume is solid. She has appeared in music videos for today’s top artists such as Nelly, DJ Drama, R. Kelly, Young Jeezy and graced the pages of several publications including Jet, Smooth and Black Men. She’s also blessed campaigns for apparel lines such as Akon’s Konvict Clothing and T.I.’s Akoo Clothing. Where she differs from her counterparts, however, is in her ambitions to not solely build a career in entertainment, but also a career as a respected and prosperous business owner. Within the genre of urban modeling, such ambitions are often easier said than done. Candice understands this and explains, “Current and future urban models will have to provide that edge, sex appeal and uniqueness, but with a twist of sleek, polished sophistication. If you have a strong branded look, realistic goals and a solid plan to reach those goals, mainstream audiences can only respect you.” She encourages models to not only look into marketing their hot look, but be sure that they create a brand. People, companies and conglomerates buy into viable brands. Glam Modeling and Talent Agency is an extension of the brand Candice has created. Via Glam, she continually seeks to help young women make their dreams a reality by making “you” a business. Part of this process begins with taking small steps toward the ultimate goal. For aspiring models, first realize first that you are a product and in order for someone to buy “you,” one must have the proper tools to showcase the quality you offer including professional quality images from seasoned photographers. Candice incubates this mindset by creating healthy competition within Glam’s talent, including herself, which breeds confidence, competitive spirit, drive and the desire to be the best. As a woman of black and white ethnicity, Candice looks no further for inspiration than her mother who serves as a major influence in defining her overall drive and sex appeal. “The definition of a sexy, sensual woman is one that knows who she is, where she’s going and does everything with class and honor,” exhorts Stevenson. She feels that a woman’s sex appeal is

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matched by a man whose overall aura conveys a delicate balance of confidence, style and knowledge without being overbearing or cocky. Candice’s style is her and hers alone. Whether it be in one of her trademark business suits on her way to broker a real estate deal or getting her “sexy on” in a swimsuit shoot for her long awaited calendar, she is comfortable being that natural woman who works hard to maintain balance and purpose in her life. Candice schools, “I learned a long time ago that the wealthiest people live as if they only have $5 in their account. I believe in having luxurious things, but it’s sad when a young lady chooses to buy the latest Louis Vuitton bag over paying her rent. You must have your priorities straight and being comfortable with yourself establishes that.”

The definition of a sexy, sensual woman is one that knows who she is, where she’s going and does everything with class and honor. The road to independence that Ms. Stevenson has trekked is slowly, but surely beginning to form over the horizon. With the influx of more African-American designers within the world of fashion, more opportunities are opening up for curvy, ethnic women who may not fit the strict size requirements of institutional high fashion and runway modeling. Furthermore, publications such as Italian Vogue and J’Adore are providing opportunity for urban models to show that they are much more than skin models; they are viable and realistic muses for today’s hottest fashion houses. “Whatever your ambition, pursue it to the best of your ability!” Candice encourages. “Never sell yourself short. If you think it, you can make it happen.” With her current pursuits focusing on the worlds of acting and high fashion simultaneously, the architect behind Glam is definitely leading the way to personal and professional growth, wealth, prosperity, continued freedom and a glorious “Independence Day” for not only herself, but urban models worldwide. Please visit www.glammodelingagenncy.com for more information. J

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model citizen

Debra & Joyce Glenn

By definition, déjà vu is an occurrence that evokes feelings of something already seen, witnessed or previously experienced. Urban modeling sensations Debra and Joyce Glenn not only invoke this sensation because they are twins, but also because they are the ideal throwback to a classic time when beauty, style and fashion were cherished components in society. One look at these young ladies affectionately known throughout the industry as The Glenn Twins, and you will immediately flashback to the flowering of African-American cultural and intellectual life during the 1920s and 1930s. The Harlem Renaissance redefined how America, and the world, viewed blacks and respected their artistry, thanks to Josephine Baker, Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, the Dandridge sisters and others whose varying splendor, power and talent epitomized what African-American women possessed. Not only have Debra and Joyce carried on this tradition, they’ve sustained the legacy in a current climate that gives women of color minimal credit for their talents and continues to provide inadequate and unequal opportunities for ethnic talent to shine.

By: Jay Glover Images BY: Derek Blanks

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Since the young ages of 16, Joyce and Debra Glenn have typified the hope that exudes in millions of young women today. Their road, like many, started out a volatile one with an agency that didn’t exactly have their best interests at heart, but they used that experience to clearly define the brand and product that represents them. Today, “Brand Glenn Twins” is a mix of class, style, sophistication and talent rarely seen in young, African-American women. Their lives as military children allowed them to experience many world cultures and perspectives that, coupled with the discipline, enhanced their understanding and professional approach toward the modeling industry. Now, the wonder twins who made the world gawk in videos for Bow Wow, Lil Wayne, R. Kelly, Jagged Edge, Jim Jones; flip through their layouts in magazines such as J’Adore, King, XXL, Black Men SSX, Jet, Smooth, Jet; and follow them monthly in calendars for Atlanta Dymes and Ethnicity Models are set to maintain “The Renaissance.” “We think the best way for urban models to gain respect from the mainstream begins with booking mainstream work,” expresses Debra and Joyce regarding the changes need in the arena of urban modeling. “In

order to book such work, urban models will have to develop looks that are more classic and timeless. Mainstream audiences won’t really be aware of who an urban model is unless she transitions successfully into that industry.” And such changes are definitely needed as the outlets for urban models has taken a sharp decline in recent years due to saturation, talent misrepresentation and an unforgiving recession which has caused monumental struggle in the music and publishing industry–key outlets for urban model bookings. As with their counterparts featured throughout this J’Adore Anniversary issue, effective branding has been a key vehicle in establishing continued relevance for these sightly ladies in today’s stagnant industry. The twins explain, “After our resume became extensive enough, we designed and launched our website, www.glenntwins.com. The site is a compilation of all of our work together which helps our fans identify us with what we’ve done. This helps people place a name with the face they see on magazines, print ads and TV which, in turn, strengthens the brand.” As eight-year veterans in the world of urban modeling, Debra and Joyce have seen their share of the good, bad and ugly that the industry brings. They’ve witnessed dreams fulfilled and shattered all because of small oversights that every serious, aspiring model should understand before becoming a player in the game. They advise, “Be sure that you have a true passion for the industry. At times, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, so make sure your intentions are in the right place. Pursue modeling only if you feel you can bring a unique, special perspective and really want to inspire people. Also, have a stable contingency plan and education because most modeling careers don’t last more than ten years.” Therein lays the beauty in The Glenn Twins success. Just as the lineage of classic, beautiful African-American women from yesteryear paved the way for today’s generation, trendsetting urban models such as Joyce and Debra are showing that inward and outward beauty are still important assets to possess. Success is not always measured in the bright lights and big cities that serve as the glamorous backdrops to a models life. To remain a strong woman and highly sought-after talent, being physically fit and maintaining a healthy diet is essential. Be sexy, but classy. Seek out education and work hard to

STYLING: Betrice Benbow  MAKE-UP: Tierra Burrell  HAIR: Gena Sullivan Debra & Joyce Glenn Appear Courtesy of HD, The Agency, jayg@hatkaentertainment.com

ensure financial independence. And, most importantly, maintain spirituality and value relationships with friends and family. The Glenn Twins are leading the way for such real women that will always respect and empower other women. In today’s world, it’s refreshing to witness the growth of two beautiful African-American women who are identical in look, separate in personality and one in their mission to bring respect and notoriety back to women of color. As they so eloquently state, “Beauty comes in every shade and women should start determining for themselves what ‘beauty’ is and stop allowing people to make them feel insecure or inadequate based on someone else’s standards.” Evidently, the world has witnessed this before during the fight for Civil Rights when strong African-American women such as Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Lena Horne and Ruby D led the way for equality. Déjà vu strikes again with two strong sisters leading the way for ethnic women to gain a fair and equal consideration in today’s urban modeling arena. The Renaissance continues. J

clothing: multi colored dress and pants set - Evelyn Lambert; yellow dresses - Charles Lynch; jewelry - Divalee Designs, divaleedesigns.com

model citizen

Dawn montgomery:

the progressive

BY: L. Raquel Peterson

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Images By: Derek Blanks (Beige dress) and Paul Lawson (Red dress)

n an era where the average urban model’s career goals begin and end between glossy skin mags and your favorite rapper’s video, Dawn Montgomery has set out to break the mold one hustle after the next, progressively pushing herself into higher places and breaking the status quo.

Although her face has been increasingly recognized as one of 2008 and 2009’s top MVPs in the industry, Mississippi native Dawn Montgomery is no overnight celebrity. In fact, Montgomery, a 5’8” caramel toned vixen, insists that she’d been working the urban scene on and off since 2004, developing her career through trial and error as well as conducting in-depth research before she truly began to make headway into the industry. Admitting that she took a break to handle life changes, Dawn says her reentry into the business in 2007 proved to be an excellent move, as it propelled her to become one of the game’s most valuable players, snagging roles in top videos such as Ludacris and T-Pain’s “One More Drink” and calendar features with Jet Magazine.

In the same breath, however, Montgomery adds that things have gotten “a bit worse” since her hiatus. Eager and desperate faces have watered down the talent pool, hindering the financial opportunity for serious professionals. “There is no exclusivity to women in the industry anymore; it’s been watered down due to women allowing non-paying projects to thrive off their images,” the ambitious femme states. When asked if the urban industry’s glory can be recaptured, Montgomery responds in the affirmative, adding that one has to know what their role is in the industry and how “your actions affect the next model that comes after you.” Despite the “dime a dozen” influx of wannabes in the urban business, Miss Montgomery is not concerned about staying relevant.

STYLING: Betrice Benbow MAKE-UP: Tierra Burrell (Beige dress) and Clarence Hiley (Red dress) HAIR: Gena Sullivan clothing: Charles Lynch (Beige dress); NOIRSOUL (Red dress) Jewelry - Divalee Designs, divaleedesigns.com Model courtesey of HD, The Agency

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Maintaining that she treats the business as just that, she upholds standards for herself and assignments. “I don’t accept any project without talking to my agent, Jay Glover (of HD, the Agency)” she says, adding that a model can be successful if they pursue their modeling career with serious professionalism. “I respect people that I work with, and I dream big. If I have any issues with anything, I speak up politely and I ask for criticism. This is why I am requested for certain projects.” When it comes to handling competition and booking work, Montgomery states that “in order to stand out in this industry, [a model] must have something that is different from the next woman, a sense of improvement and true growth with each project she takes.” Dawn’s unique merits

include her candid ability to talk about her life struggles, a sparkling personality and the fact that she’s “hilariously funny.” Although she’s not one to judge, Dawn doesn’t condone the extremes models will go to in order to seek attention–especially in terms of body modification. Montgomery has no problem with anyone changing their body for their own satisfaction, but she draws the line against anyone who does as a means to further their modeling career. She also finds persistent use of sexual favors and “the casting couch” distasteful, likening the models who employ such tactics to the equivalent of porn stars. “You have real women that work hard–I mean sweat and tears–for what they want to accomplish in this industry the right way, and then you have the women who are two steps from Playboy. Do your thing; if that’s what you want to do, then model your career like that. If you are going to do all of that, go into the porn industry. Don’t bring that shit [to urban modeling].” While big hair, flawless makeup and unlimited sex appeal work well for the Southern maven while on set, the versatile beauty (who stays in shape with Pilates, yoga, portion control and prayer) is the opposite of a style princess on her days off the set. Divulging that she’s “simple as hell” when it comes to her personal style, Dawn has a penchant for “jeans, t-shirts and shoes” in conjunction with a love for “cardigans and pea coats.” Highlighting that she doesn’t care about what others think of her effortless fashion sense, Dawn indulges that her one fashion necessity is makeup. “I won’t step out unless I have my ‘game face’ on!” When it comes to male fashion, Dawn “[has] this big fetish for a man in a tailored suit. If I see a man in a suit or a buttoned shirt with nice slacks, I will go out of my way to speak. It is not your normal look on a guy now-a-days,” Dawn enthusiastically confesses. Additionally, she finds supportiveness and chivalry equally attractive. “If a man opens a door, actually listens to what you say, takes the time to ask you what you want, and really does things that empower you to be better and give him more, then that is some SEXY SHIT!” At the end of the day, Montgomery knows exactly who she is, and keeps life, both in and out of the business, in perspective. “I

have truly built something for myself [so strong], that if [anything were to happen] tomorrow, I wouldn’t be upset about it.” As 2009 roars through, Montgomery is committed to remaining poised and focused on breaking out of the stagnant urban model status quo. Working to advance her career by any respectable means that are available, Dawn works media events, writes for J’Adore, CTP and various newspapers, and diligently networks to increase exposure to the right personalities. She’s also Miss April in the 2009 Seagram’s Gin calendar, an astounding feat for any model to accomplish, especially one who lives for opportunity. “You want to seize every opportunity,” Dawn gushes enthusiastically, “I did; now look at me!” J

model citizen

Success Built for

By: Kathy Harris images By: Kenny Sweeney Male Model: Style Diovanni MAKE-UP/hair: Crystal Maria styling: Betrice Benbos

Straight from the hip, model/actress Bria Myles is a brick house with a to-die-for silhouette reminiscent of a Salvador Dali masterpiece.

She’s the epitome of eye candy, the sexy “girl next door” that tortured your heart. She’s the chocolatedipped version of Jessica Rabbit that’s more than meets the eye. Hailing from the City of Angels, this ridiculously sexy 24-year-old Los Angeles, CA, native knows exactly what she wants in life. Discovered in 2005 following her appearance in the Kanye West/Rhymefest music video “Brand New,” Ms. Myles hit the world of modeling running and hasn’t looked back since. She appeared in music videos for some of music’s biggest artists such as Twista, Trey Songs, Pharrell, The Clipse and Nelly Furtado as well as numerous magazines including Black Men, XXL, King, Smooth, Show, Hip-Hop Weekly and now J’Adore. With the world seemingly at her fingertips, her true desires in this world have yet to be fulfilled. Join J’Adore as Bria shares her opinions on today’s urban models, what makes a man sexy and her future endeavors.

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Daily, there are aspiring models everywhere constantly scrambling to achieve just a portion of what Bria has achieved. Young women enter the world of urban modeling with individual aspirations dictated by their own circumstances. Some step into the industry with dreams of fame and fortune, while others seek greater opportunities incorporating acting, writing, producing, directing or entrepreneurship. Bria’s plans are surprisingly a lot simpler. “Modeling is just a hobby,” Bria frankly admits with a smile. “Everything has been done. I don’t want to be the next ‘It’ girl. I just want to make money, get married, and have a family. I really just want to be a kindergarten teacher. I want a normal life. I don’t want to be 30-year-old at the club. That’s not cool.” Bria implores people to recognize that just because aspiring models appear in music videos, the immediate classification as a “video ho” or a “groupie” is totally unfair. She expounds, “We do the same thing that women in pop, rock videos or Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues do. It’s only because of our ethnicity and strong sexuality that we are automatically classified as ho’s.” The glass ceiling in the realm of urban modeling has definitely lowered. While many young models of color would love to be the “chosen one” of music’s most prized artists, Bria chooses education over fame. The flashing lights are not her addiction. While virtually any man would be out of his mind to not be attracted to a woman like Bria who flaunts a 34-26-45 physique, they must be informed that her expectations are lofty. She advises, “My ideal man would have to be very debonair like Denzel Washington. His presence must be amazing.” Gentlemen, simply put, come strong or don’t come at all. Fame is a dangerous drug and possibly the most addictive in American society. One does not encounter too many individuals during their lifetime that dodges the flashing lights, extravagant parties and lavish lifestyles associated with the elite. Bria Myles is the exception. She has shown that it is possible to be exposed to the high life and remain grounded. Fame is not for everyone. Fifteen minutes is a short time. What do you do when the 16th minute strikes? Your chocolate dream next door has found her answer on the road less traveled…the road of normalcy. J

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model citizen

mc Tiara Harris:

Natural The

By: L. Raquel Peterson Images by: Kenny Sweeny

MAKE-UP/hair: Crystal Maria  stylist: Penelope Pattee

Tiara “Xclusive” Harris’ career is a paradoxical wild card. Completely unaffected by the

modeling industry’s ability to prey on its workers before chewing them up and spitting them out, Tiara doesn’t fight to remain relevant; she just is. Nor does she worry about what photo shoots to do or looks to capture; she just does what feels right. Harris’ unique concepts not only work for her, but they’ve drawn up enough of a response that the sultry looker actually spends more time relaxing than working the business that typically sheds blood, sweat and tears to conquer.

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“Honestly, I don’t really keep up with what’s going on in the modeling world. I don’t watch that much TV, follow magazines or anything like that,” the laidback California native reveals, “So I can’t really tell you too much about what and who is going on at the present moment. I just appreciate that I make a living off of my site and enough people appreciate and support me.” Prior to modeling, Tiara worked for corporate America until she realized that it didn’t make her happy, citing big business politics, legalistic work environments and even restrictions on her clothing. “I was excited to begin working a new job and went shopping for several nice outfits and suits, only to receive complaints and warnings that my attire was inappropriate.” Dedicated to the personal pursuit of happiness, Harris left the conservative environment behind in search of work ringing true to her passions. Confessing that she always loved taking pictures of herself, Tiara placed photos on social sites for her own enjoyment. A spark ignited within when she realized others not only wanted to see her pictures, they were also willing to pay for them. Seeking an opportunity to monetarily compensated for what she loves to do, the legendary amazon launched websites Tiara4ever and TiaraXclusive in 1999 (the two are now merged into the latter site). To date, the photogenic babe has thousands of sets on her members-only site, and even more stored away in a vault, revealed here and there as Harris chooses. Tiara admits one of the better perks of her self-directed gig is that it provides her ultimate control over her image. While it is no secret that models are paid to embody the creative concepts of others, Tiara reveals following orders was never really her style. “I’m more into TiaraXclusive than ‘real entertainment.’ I’m a bit of a control freak and very independent. I don’t like to have to rely on anybody to do anything for me, so I like to ‘know how’ to do things that pertain to me personally. I choose how I look and develop my own concepts. I also don’t have to deal with having to put up with any bull to achieve the end result.” Tiara also insists she doesn’t brand herself any particular way; everything flows naturally. “I’ve never really focused on branding myself or looking to make a name,” she presses. “I just like to do me, and by a fluke, found out other people like how I do me… So those who like what they see stick around and I just keep doing me.” Self-described as a spiritual being, Harris believes that everything comes from within, and what you put out is what you receive, especially when dealing with others in the vitriolic modeling and entertainment industries. An advocate of self-awareness and love, Tiara radiates high levels of self-appreciation: love, confidence, esteem, and respect. Powerfully setting standards for how she will be treated, sending a powerful message to would-be business predators, Harris believes those urban models struggling for respect should learn to do the same as well, especially when they’re their own product. “Self confidence will make anyone stand out. Self love is intoxicating and its energy draws people in. Respect comes from within; the more people respect themselves, the more they can garner the respect of others. I respect and love myself to the fullest, and it shows in my photos.” Even still, with all the changes in the industry, Tiara hesitates to say that the evolution of urban modeling has progressed in a more negative fashion. “To me, all changes ultimately in life are for the better, even if it seems negative in essence,” she states matter-of-factly, adding that the industry has broadened the perceptions of mainstream beauty during her tenure. Harris advises serious models to manage themselves well in the industry by “doing what you feel comfortable doing [and] not allowing yourself to be pressured into those things which you don’t want to do.” Stating that her personal experiences as a model have allowed her to grow as a woman, Tiara confirms that she’s learned the importance of individuality and to always follow her passion, whatever it is. “If it’s not your passion, don’t do it. Trust, believe and have faith in yourself.” When the camera stops flashing and personal style takes over, Tiara admittedly isn’t big on fashion. “Shoes are always too small for my feet and my body

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is not easy to fit,” she explains. Her favorite article of clothing being a pair of jeans she distressed herself, Tiara states “I can dress them up or down and they’re super comfy.” Tiara admits underneath all the makeup and hair is an all- natural, nature loving soul “sistah” who looks at enhancements as simply that: beautifying accessories. She also acknowledges that while she loves to switch up her looks, she prefers not to get involved with anything that would permanently alter her appearance. That means no tattoos, piercings or surgical enhancements. On the other hand, she doesn’t view those who would use those same enhancements as going to extremes. Rather, she presents quite the libertine viewpoint. “It may be a little unfair to associate [the urban demographic] as the people who go through extremes to get something or somewhere in life. People have been doing any and everything for ages to get in where they fit in at in all different aspects of life: the entertainment industry, corporate America, sports, etc. That ‘whatever it takes mentality’ runs through a lot of people. In the end, every experience people go through is an opportunity for them to grow as a person one way or the other, so people do get something out of those types of situations; they will ultimately be beneficial to them in their journey.” J

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model citizen

By: Dawn Alicia Montgomery Images BY: Derek Blanks

Temeca Freeman the heart of STYLING: Betrice Benbow  MAKE-UP: Tierra Burrell  HAIR: J'Tasaki & Gena Sullivan Temeca Freeman Appears Courtesy of South Models LLC, www.smodelsinc.com. clothing: Charles Lynch; jewelry - Divalee Designs, divaleedesigns.com

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The Southern United States is historically known and forever linked to its turbulent racial history, great cooking, southern hospitality, and rich lineage of beautiful, curvaceous women of various ethnicities. Many of today’s urban models have roots or ties to the South that have played a significant role in defining their brand as a model. There’s no question that the historical relationships of the South between various ethnic pools injected a genetic shot within future generations that resulted in the creation of some of God’s most beautiful creations. Birmingham’s Temeca Freeman is one such Southern belle that has taken the world of urban modeling by storm.

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Known worldwide for her curvaceous 34C-24-42 frame that rocked her infamous SHOW Magazine feature and once again as cover girl of Show Magazine’s first Black Lingerie Edition, Temeca’s more than just the “booty” men lose rational over. She’s one of today’s new “it” girls—a total package with looks, a humbling personality and most importantly, a big heart that is currently catapulting to new plateaus in the world of urban modeling. And, unlike many aspiring urban models of today who have chosen body altering procedures to obtain notoriety, Temeca credits her 100 percent “real” attributes solely to her southern heritage and upbringing. She shares, “I think the extreme that some young women go through in order to advance their career is absurd. Everyone is different. Be thankful for the body God blessed you with and work it to your advantage.” Even though her physique continues to gain her recognition within today’s entertainment industry—especially the urban sector—Temeca does not rely solely on her body to define her success. She understands that remaining in one lane is not a viable option for longevity and success in the industry. Versatility is vital to not only her progress as a model, but the progress of all urban models. Temeca’s past three years within the industry have been drama filled for the better. They taught her that you must be able to adapt and overcome in order to tread down a less dramatic and more positive path. She advises, “Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve, don’t be naïve, learn to accept criticism and do not put your trust into many people.” The urban industry praises women for their big butts, small waist, ample breasts and infectious smiles. Temeca’s key to combating such imagery is quite simple: build your brand with a positive team, stay positive, and learn to take criticism and flip it into a positive. Disparagement is at the heart of the modeling business. It will always exist, so use it not as a detractor but as a motivator. The Southern Belle recognizes pioneering urban models such as Buffie the Body and Esther Baxter. They each played a major part in not only bringing recognition to women with large assets, but they also showed the human side to the models frequently displayed on the covers of magazines such as Show, Black Men, and Smooth. Urban models breathe, eat and sleep like everyone else. They have families, careers, good and bad times. Temeca believes that humanization begins with attitude. “You can be the most beautiful woman in the world, but if your attitude isn’t in order, your looks go beyond recognition,” she states. She adds, “Urban models tend to limit themselves. If back shots are all you want to depict in your pictures, then don’t expect to be considered for high fashion, runway, or other forms of lucrative, respected modeling.” For the men out there who have followed Ms. Freeman since her 2006 debut and are seeking info on how they can acquire a taste of her southern cooking, she shares, “A man’s aura makes him sexy. I love men who are leaders and strong-minded.” Gentlemen, take notes. She is a romantic at heart and does not like telling a man what to do in order to turn her on. She appreciates the simple qualities of a gentleman. Temeca Freeman has a true passion for life and all that it encompasses. Despite all of the odds set against her and other beautiful, talented urban models, she is a driven woman that understands her right to be respected as a beautiful black female in today’s society. With blinding beauty both outside and inside beyond reproach, and an overall appreciation of her heritage, Ms. Freeman not only flutters the hearts of fans worldwide, she leads the way as the “Heart of Dixie.” J

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Everyone is different. Be thankful for the body God blessed you with and work it to your advantage.

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model citizen

assion is defined as an intense, irresistible feeling that motivates something to action. Everyone experiences passion for different things at some point in life, but not everyone is blessed to experience this degree of emotion in the workplace. Passion is defined as an intense, irresistible feeling that motivates something to action. Everyone experiences passion for different things at some point in life, but not everyone is blessed to experience this degree of emotion in the workplace. As it pertains to film production, Roger M. Bobb is the epitome of passion in motion. A working advocate of promoting positive images to reflect and inspire the black community, Bobb’s hand is most notably recognized in Tyler Perry’s highly successful Madea franchise. “It’s important to me for the films [I produce] to have a socially redeeming quality to it,” he explains. “I feel showing black intelligent, articulate African Americans is prevalent in addition to the universal messages in the films. Despite whether you like [Tyler Perry films] or not, you can’t argue with themes of love, redemption, family and forgiveness.”

Roger M. Bobb: Passion in Motion

casting

couch

By: L. Raquel PetersonWritten images By: Paul Lawson Styling: Betrice Benbow

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A Brooklyn, New York native, Bobb hails from a strong middle class family in Flatbush who raised their children to hustle and persevere. “My parents created a home environment for us where we felt nothing was impossible and we can do anything. My parents instilled a ‘can do’ attitude. You’ve got to get your hustle on and street smarts about you or life will pass you by.” Admitting there wasn’t any particular action plan for his career, just “hard work, dedication, luck and prayer,” Bobb asserts that it was more than happenstance that propelled him to his current position. “I was just a young black kid in Brooklyn with a desire to work in film or television in some sort of capacity. I didn’t have a set goal; I had a passion for it. I’m a living testament that if you have passion mixed with hard work, strong faith in yourself and a higher power, you will be successful with anything you do in life.” Bobb hooked up with Tyler Perry and Reuben Cannon in 2005 to help turn the stage hit Diary of a Mad Black Woman into a film. The three shared a strong passion for portraying African Americans positively in film, something rarely seen and even less rejoiced by most media. Diary, which cost $5.5 million to make, grossed an incredible $21,905,089 ($14,771 per screen) and over $100-million dollars in theatrical and DVD sales to date. Since then, the trio has produced more than seven blockbuster hits and added TV series House of Payne (which currently runs on TBS and Fox) to the

up the slack and it translates from preproduction to post-production. Our process is finely tuned so that there is shorthand available that allows us to complete five years of work in one year, which is unheard of in Hollywood. TBS [also] gives Perry complete creative control from pen to paper. What you see on the screen has already been approved by Perry. Other shows have lots of other people involved, watering down the product and manipulating the end result.” When asked how the end results maintain such authenticity without becoming too raw or cheesy for the targeted audience, Bobb again reminds us of the trust factor between Perry and the co-producers as well as Perry’s personal experience as an actor as it helps him relate to other performers. “Tyler comes from a successful stage background, so he has a natural, trusting relationship with the performers due to his experience. This allows him to get the most out of others while the cameras are rolling.” Aside from the Madea franchise, Bobb announces an exciting new direction taken by the company that is making its way on to the silver screen. “We now have 34th Street films, which Perry owns. These films, which we will produce by acquisition or through filming, are not under the Madea franchise, but fall under the tenets of which we find ideal to our values and will resonate with them.” 34th Street’s first scheduled release (due out in Fall 2009) is PUSH, a big screen adaptation of Sapphire’s novel concerning

Each film undergoes a six-week prep period, a five-week filming period and an even quicker editing period.

mix. “Our films have had an incredible run,” states Bobb, poignantly. “Our seventh film, Madea Goes to Jail, released this past February, opened at number one at the box office. It grossed over $41 million its first weekend, and is our highest grossing opening to date! We’re also getting ready to produce our eighth film, I Can Do Bad All by Myself.” Bobb also informed of an 80-episode pickup of Meet the Browns on the way. Tyler Perry Studios moves quickly, pushing several episodes of House of Payne per week while filming movies simultaneously. As arduous as the studio’s schedule appears, Bobb and crew have sharpeneded their skills in the filming process, increasing the quantity of work produced while maintaining consistent brand quality. Bobb explains that it has been a procedure that they’ve learned to appreciate. Each film undergoes a six-week prep period, a five-week filming period and an even quicker editing period. “I think even the most seasoned personnel are surprised at how fast we move. We have streamlined our method to an exact science. We’re working with the same people, so we’re like a family, doing the films fast, efficiently and effectively,” Bobb keenly clarifies, emphasizing the need for trust. “When you work like us, you have to have people you trust. Mr. Perry is a very busy man, so he’s not as hands-on as he would like. Yet, he has such a trust in us [as producers] that we are able to pick

the brutalized reality of a young, obese, HIV-positive adolescent whose own parents have done the unthinkable. Directed by Lee Daniels (Monster’s Ball, Tennessee), PUSH was constructed in conjunction with Oprah’s HARPO productions and the ubiquitous Lions Gate franchise. “PUSH is a modern day Color Purple,” Bobb proudly professes. “Monique gives a powerful performance in this film. She will win an Oscar.” The star studded cast will include Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, and Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe as Precious (the protagonist). Even with such fervor and excitement behind his work, one can only wonder if Bobb ever tires of his position. “Never,” asserts the workhorse. “The entire process [for production] is a lot of work, but a lot of fun,” he states, emphasizing that the strong bonds between staff and Christian beliefs have fully assisted in fortifying the company’s results. “I love what I do, so it never feels like work.” Before his departure, Bobb blesses readers with another secret of their success, which is, not surprisingly, spiritual. “We pray every day before getting started. Our run for the past five to six years is due to what I feel is Mr. Perry’s anointing and God’s work. It would be disrespectful if we didn’t have Him in acknowledgement.” J

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On passion for the film business and gaining experience: “Nothing can prepare you for this; you just have to do it. It’s helpful to have an education in film and television, but if you want to produce, you have to be good with numbers and know how to forge relationships with actors, vendors and unions. It’s almost administrative in a way. School for a producer can teach the nuts and bolts, the basic tasks, but creatively, you just have to do it. I really want to say that the major successful actors and majority of producers and directors have not gone to school. The key thing about this business is to have a passion for it, whether you go to school or not. Passion is the key factor that drives the successful people in this industry.” On Obama and his influence on the studio: “He's raised the bar for us. Doing what I do in film, I want to show off the best of myself I can. We’ve coined the phrases ‘WWOD: What would Oprah /Obama do?’ When something good happens in our circle, we say Obama as an affirmation/exclamation, because that’s how pivotal he is. He's got a commitment to excellence that we desire to emulate. We’re all proud of him and his accomplishments on top of his accomplishments, and that he's an articulate black man who loves his family and is a family man. He openly loves his wife and kids–he is an example of what a responsible man does for his family. Mr. Perry's an example of that as well.” On the differences between working to produce a movie as opposed to an episode of an ongoing series: “In film, there is more time with the project, so there can be more detail to the piece. The difference is really in time; you have more time for a better film than you do TV. The budgets are considerably less and you have a certain amount of minutes to tell a story. In a film, you can develop characters better.”

model citizen

honey a taste of

Advice, Insight and Historical Perspective for Aspiring Models and Talent

Death of the Urban Celebrity Model

Part II: Angels and Demons By: Jay Glover images by: Franklin Thompson Model: Sarah Blessing @ Ford

s we continue our previous overview of the current, debilitated state of urban celebrity modeling, we turn our attention to a very divisive force within the genre; many acknowledge as a serious problem, but few are willing to confront head on. The resistance to address this aggressive illness has ultimately become a cancer. This “cancer” I speak of is the ever growing, incessant battle between what I refer to as the “Angels and Demons” of the industry. Vast philosophical differences serve as the battleground in this epic war and the side that you choose is subject to individual personality, values, beliefs, and goals. The most important lesson to learn from this struggle is that there are immediate and future consequences that will not only affect your career as a model, but also the perspective of ethnic women as a whole. To help you understand the dynamics of the ongoing conflict between the “Angels and Demons” of the industry, let’s first define the roles and positions of both.

The Angels The “Angels” of the world of modeling are models that are perceived as “professional.” Whatever their beginnings or area of concentration may be–urban, commercial, fashion or runway–they take modeling seriously and educate, position and equip themselves with the proper tools to succeed. They may not always be the most likable individuals, nor will all agree of their methods. Remember, modeling is not a popularity contest. The Angel’s focus and understanding of the essence of modeling and becoming a viable, respectable talent with longevity is real. Angels understand that their brand is important to their careers and the efforts of those that partner with them to enhance their brand including reputable agencies, agents, managers, public relations and clients. Angels obtain the most talented photographers, team up with the best fitness, grooming and styling professionals, network in circles complimentary to their goals and grind the pavement daily for that major break. They eat, drink, sleep and breathe modeling. They develop the constant need to enhance their product and demand entrance through the ‘front door’ to becoming a highly sought talent in the industry. Angels respect the history and art of modeling and all that it encompasses. And, even though all models are in the business to ultimately improve their quality of life and financial status, Angels understand that sacrifice, patience, knowledge, ambition and proper planning are a must in order to achieve their goals. Angels are strategic divas, female hustlers who play within the system, but on their own terms. Prime examples of Angels within the industry range from supermodels such as Naomi Campbell, Jessica White, and Gisele Bundchen to popular urban models such as Melyssa Ford, Toccara Jones and Eva Pigford.

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The Demons “Demons” on the other hand, are aspiring or so-called models within the industry that we refer to as the “ultimate hustlers.” Their ambitions are centered on improving quality of life and financial status by any means necessary. Many have the same long-term ambitions as Angels, but it’s their methodology that comes into question and often causes great divide. Demons are not overly concerned with–nor do they respect–the proper protocol practiced by Angels. The traditional resources used by professional models are not their preference. They are their own team. Patience is not their virtue. They exude a “now” mentality that is motivated by an immediate want of fame and fortune, and will gladly walk through the ‘back door’ to achieve success. And, to their credit, some have achieved a level of fame and fortune equal or exceeding that of industry Angels. The Demons’ innate hustler mentality is often born from humble beginnings that instilled within them a nature to survive and use their “assets” to achieve monetary gain. By industry standards and by their own practices, they are not viewed or respected as professional models. Demons use non-traditional methods to achieve success and they often use the oldest, guaranteed branding vehicle to gain it…sex. They have danced, shaked, popped, clapped and digitally frolicked their way into positions of relevance. Prime examples of Demons can be seen in some of history’s more controversial music videos such as Nelly and the St. Lunatics’ “Tip Drill,” DTP’s “Pussy Poppin,” and Cameron’s latest offering “Cookies & Apple Juice.” They have also graced the pages of today’s popular men’s magazines. Names synonymous with industry Demons are Karrine “Superhead” Steffens, Buffie the Body and newcomer Cubana Lust.

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Currently, the battle between industry Angels and Demons over the last decade is strongly anchored within the aforementioned philosophical differences. Fueled by a sex-crazed entertainment industry, many Demons have developed a taste for the glitz and glamour once exclusively available to Angels, and they have used their often superior physical qualities to infiltrate and assume control of many opportunities once given solely to Angels. The competitive nature of the battle is really not of major concern as each holds advantages over the other in certain arenas. The argument lies solely in the ultimate long-term effects that the methods and actions of Demons will have on ethnic models as a whole. This edition of ATOH is not designed to knock anyone’s hustle or lifestyle, but we have to be realistic about the current climate of urban modeling and the effects it’s having on ethnic models worldwide. Just as mankind’s pollution of the earth has created a hole in the atmosphere that threatens our future, the imagery that Demons have instilled within the psyche of the modeling industry has birthed negative perceptions of ethnic models across all fronts. Viable avenues in print, TV, and film once available to ethnic talent are now being heavily policed because of the actions of a few pseudo models from the digital world, adult entertainment or young ladies with great physiques with no pure understanding of what it truly means to model. In an industry where it’s already very difficult for ethnic talent to gain acceptance, the continued depiction of beautiful, curvaceous ethnic women as sex objects and pin-ups has created a stigma that may soon become too large to overcome. Instead of utilizing practices to overcome this threat, Demons have enhanced and used it to the fullest. The ongoing consequences of this battle are that Angels must fight even harder today to maintain their brands, viability and worth in the industry. Unknowingly, their professional efforts to develop a sought-after brand are being undermined by individuals who, in their own way, have good intentions, but simply don’t understand the professional way to “play the game.” Demons are simply capitalizing on a demand that’s existed since the time of Adam and Eve. They are blinded to the effects their actions are having on ethnic women as a whole. Many may convey that they don’t care how their actions affect the entire modeling arena and that it is their prerogative. We respect that. Just understand this: the young women that comprise the factions of Angels and Demons within the industry consist of mothers, daughters, future lawyers, doctors, media moguls, politicians and yes, First Ladies. To all aspiring models, you are our tomorrow and with the future in your hands, at some point, you must evaluate your self-worth, and promote images of positive, strong, proud, independent and truly talented women of ethnicity. This can only be achieved by taking accountability for your actions and working together, not against one another, to merge the divide between the beautiful Angels and Demons in the world of modeling today. J

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Music is the key to everything. By: Kathy Harris images by: Kenny Sweeny grooming: Alex LaMarsh grooming assistant: Casey Campbell styling: Penelope Pattee

Ginuwine There are several stars in the music world who consistently radiate light. They become the envy of the men and rule the hearts of women. Multi-platinum R&B crooner

Elgin Baylor aka Ginuwine is one such individual. The 33-year-old heartthrob is an

absolute personification of his name and has returned to win over the hearts of fans once again. His sultry sex appeal is best remembered on Billboard hits such as “Pony,” “Differences,” and “In Those Jeans.” Four years have passed since Ginuwine released his last full length project, 2005’s Back II Da Basics. His latest single “Last Chance” from his recently released new album, A Man’s Thoughts, marks the return to the familiar sound his fans have grown to love. As he confidently relays on the stellar new track, “If I only got one shot to win you, then call me Jordan, 4th quarter in ‘92,” he re-asserts that his persuasive vocals are indeed still on point. On a picturesque afternoon in Los Angeles, Ginuwine shares thoughts on his new album, the state of music today and why he needed to take a hiatus from the industry.

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“Music is the key to everything,” Ginuwine says with a smile. “I saw Michael Jackson on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever Special in 1983 and the reaction he received inspired me to move people in the same way.” The Washington D.C. native would use that motivation to later become an impressionist of the King of Pop and perform in local talent shows with a group by the name Physical Wonder. After graduating from Forestville High School in 1993, he went on to earn a paralegal associate’s degree from Prince George’s Community College just in case his pursuits in music did not work out. However, Ginuwine was never worried; he knew he had a special gift. “I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try,” he explains. Shortly after graduation, Ginuwine would be discovered by Jodeci member, songwriter and producer, Devante Swing and become a part of Devante’s Swing Mob Collective. He reflects, “Devante took me in and through him, I met Missy Elliot and Timbaland (Timothy Mosely). He gave me my first opportunity and I ran with it.” Believing in the saying, “When opportunity knocks, kick down the door,” Ginuwine would take the strategy to

become a force to be reckoned with. In 1999, Ginuwine release his second album, 100% Ginuwine, also produced by Timbaland. The album debuted at number five on the charts, becoming his second platinum album and certifying Ginuwine as a bona fide sex symbol. 100% would also make Timbaland one of the most sought-after producers in music. Unfortunately, as a result of schedule conflicts and the natural growth of stars in the music biz, the duo would go their own ways by the release of 2001’s The Life. “We both started off when we were not the men or artists that we have become today,” Ginuwine reflects. “I am happy to be a part of his legacy.” Although the two did not collaborate on The Life, the album would still reach platinum status upon the strength of Ginuwine’s only Billboard Hot 100 Top Five single “Differences.” Following the release of his fifth studio album Back II Da Basics in 2005, Ginuwine decided to take a hiatus from making music. For an artist who consistently topped the charts from 1995 to 2006, many questioned why he would take a break from such consistent success? He explains, “I just needed a break. After working hard for almost ten years, you deserve

what the public has grown to know and love about him. Through his memorable, infectious and heartfelt songs, his fans and music advocates in general understand and identify with his views on sex, dating and relationships. Now, with his new album A Man’s Thoughts, Ginuwine’s mission is to quench the thirst of his loyal fans and develop a new fan base with his

become a megastar. Soon after meeting Timbaland and Missy, Elgin Baylor adopted the stage name “Ginuwine” and grew wings from there. As the synergy developed between Timbaland, Ginuwine would continue to belt out unforgetable R&B hits such the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart number one hit “Pony” from his debut album, Ginuwine…the Bachelor. Between his mesmerizing vocals and Timbaland’s provocative, revolutionary beats, the two would immediately make an impact and

a break. I just wanted to do family things and spend time at home.” Today, he remains a very happily married man and father of two young ladies. “Fatherhood is so important. Whatever it takes to be a good father you have to do it,” Ginuwine says with passion. One of the greatest traits about Ginuwine has always been his humanity. His “genuine” nature is

unadulterated skills and dedication to the craft. He conveys, “I want this new album to reflect me; the way I am now and how I live. It definitely reflects a more mature me and how I do things.” His new single “Last Chance” is produced by Brian Michael Cox and is certainly an ode to this notion. Thoughts features an impressive collective of industry vets from various music genres including Missy Elliott, Brandy and Bun B backed by the production from several of today’s most revered hitmakers such as the

aforementioned Cox, Johnta Austin, Polow Da Don and The Runners. At times, it’s hard for the public to differentiate the person from their profession–especially when it comes to the world of entertainment. Ginuwine makes the separation rather easy by providing the most affective vehicle for fans and the world to learn about him and his life: through music. His success and longevity is

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seldom heard of and truly extraordinary in an era where established artists are facing increasingly difficult obstacles to sell albums while most newcomers fail to even see the booth to record sophomore projects. Not Ginuwine, who continues to artistically express his Thoughts, and light up the stage and charts with the star power he always knew he possessed. J

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e I am in love with music and have a passionate affair with acting.

Images: Paul Lawson Makeup: Clarence Hiley Hair: Gena Sullivan Styling: Betrice Benbow

clothing: Charles Lynch; jewelry - Divalee Designs, divaleedesigns.com

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Demetria McKinney

The JILL of All Trades:

By: Evierobbie

Demetria McKinney is chameleon-like. This

young woman can be found on television, in stage plays, singing and dancing. She is a student

of many art forms and a master in acting. With a spoken eloquence and mature style, Demetria McKinney has effortlessly morphed her character on House of Payne–Janine Payne–from a woman we loved into one we loved to hate, and back. As an actress, she flawlessly connects with the human condition. She can tug on her viewers’ heartstrings as fast as her characters pull on their last nerves. That talent is what Tyler Perry saw in Ms. McKinney and what the nation eventually got to witness in her work. Yet, one cannot deny the fact that Ms. McKinney is multi-faceted. McKinney starred in earlier stage plays such as Meet the Browns and Why Did I Get Married? She was also a part of the cast in Perry’s Madea’s Christmas. It only seemed fitting that she received the call from the entertainment mogul to portray Janine when House of Payne went into its pilot season. McKinney remembers, “I’ve worked with Perry for the last five years. One day, I had an unknown caller on my phone. I normally don’t answer those calls. Something told me to this time. I answered it and it was him (Tyler Perry). I read for the part of Janine and I got it.” Evidently, McKinney is on her way. Through Janine Payne, we see the talented, bright spirit behind the controversial character. Janine was portrayed as a seemingly responsible woman, only to be exposed as a drug addict. Her home and family are dismantled behind her actions and it takes the strongest part of her to enter rehab and focus on making better choices in her life. Janine goes through rehabilitation, unplanned pregnancies, marriage and divorce. Comparing her complex character to her own life, Demetria says “Janine comes from a well-to-do family. I relate in

knowing that there are still steps we need to take in order to get where we ultimately want to go. I realize that with one choice, I could be her. We don’t have a lot of specific similarities, but I understand the process of making the right choices in my life. It was ironic because when I was a crack head on the show, I’d get stopped by fans that hated me. I though to myself, ‘I am the Susan Lucci of House of Payne.’ No one is supposed to like you in that role.” She adds, “I think she personifies what a woman is. She’s a multi-dimensional character, a catalyst for change and growth.” To further elaborate on her passions in life, Demetria emphasizes that she has a love for the arts on numerous planes. “I am in love with music and have a passionate affair with acting,” she explains. “In school, I had friends in Drama and made fun of them, but I happened to be in a play in Alabama and Mr. Perry was there. It wasn’t my choice, but I’m glad it chose me. Since the House of Payne, Ms. McKinney evidently cannot sit still. “I’ve been reading through scripts. I’ve been working with the Atlanta-based designer, Maria Harper, on a high fashion line suitable for everyone. I’ve worn her work on the red carpet.” And to confirm how multi-talented she is, besides “a movie or two,” Demetria concluded, “The music–I’d love to get an album out and for it to be successful. I plan to be working extensively with charities. Also, I will be starting an organization that helps homeless people through teaching them agriculture. With these skills, they can learn how to provide for themselves.” Keep an eye out for the gifted Demetria McKinney as she makes her name stand out in numerous genres of entertainment and within the community nationwide. J

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reality making 'reality' a

By: Dawn Alicia Montgomery images by: Derek Blanks

Leilene Stuecklin

eality television fans may believe they know everything about their favorite reality show personalities just by tuning in week after week, but do they really know? After all, it is television. Does the term “reality” change the perception of the fiction that TV portrays? Is it really “reality” or are characters still being created, promoted and exploited by network politics? The truth is, Reality TV itself is an enigma and so are some of the more popular individuals from our favorite series, such as Leilene Ondrade Stuecklin–the sweet, sexy, somewhat love-stoned and often misunderstood former exotic dancer from VH1’s infamous reality series Flavor of Love, Charm School, and I Love Money 2. Born in Toronto, the former Page3.Com “Sunshine Girl” and beauty pageant contestant is far from the intellectually challenged young lady portrayed on the aforementioned programs. Remember, what you see is not always what you get. The young lady that was introduced  j’adore

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Make-up: J'Tasaki  Hair: J'Tasaki  Styling: Betrice Benbow  clothing: Charles Lynch; jewelry - Divalee Designs, divaleedesigns.com

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to the world as “Smiley” in a show based on Flavor Flav’s attempt to find a wife is building a media empire based on the foundation and brand she created from her wild chase of love and money. Leilene originally pursued modeling and acting for fun and never imagined that it would become a growing passion. Her appearances on WWE’s Raw Is War and ESPN’s short lived series, Playmakers, provided her with an initial fan base, but VH1’s The Flavor of Love – Season 1 would take her star power to the new level, which was a pleasant surprise considering that landing a spot on the show was somewhat of a joke. “My best friend Sandy submitted me as a prank to ‘punk’ me,’” Leilene laughs. “She took a picture of me on her camera phone, downloaded it and sent it in.” This playful prank resulted in a spot on one of the highest-rated reality shows in history. Ultimately, she used these stints as a vehicle to learn many aspects of the industry and developed a great knowledge and talent for production. Without a doubt, Leilene understands her brand, and through hard work and perseverance, is creating a growing media career. Her first official film production tentatively titled In Storage is set for international distribution. In

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the meantime, Leilene continues to perfect and avidly pursue her craft. She’s currently studying film production at the L.A. Feature Film Academy and has a second untitled film in production. Now equipped with a more acute knowledge of the entertainment industry, Leilene feels that she should have become a media mogul a lot sooner. “If I had to do it all over again, I would have started publishing, producing and conceptualizing my vision much earlier without any fear whatsoever,” she adamantly states. At this moment in her life, modeling has taken a backseat to Leilene’s ambitions as a film producer. She explains, “I notice, follow and emulate women like Oprah, Tyra Banks, and Kimora Lee Simmons for the historical work they are doing as female entrepreneurs.” Ms. Stuecklin is definitely focused on the more lucrative avenues that working behind the camera can create, although she still plans to capitalize on the fact that the camera still loves her exotic look and vulnerability by booking recurring appearances at red carpet events and, yes, newly developed reality shows. Through it all, Leilene’s life does not generate a number of questions regarding validity like the current television fad. In fact, regarding her dreams and aspirations, they are undoubtedly becoming a reality in the truest sense. J

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'risky' business

ebony ‘Risky’ Jones

By: L. Raquel Peterson Images by: Paul Lawson

Hair: Gena Sullivan Make-up: Clarence Hiley Styling: Betrice Benbow

ove is a battlefield; to win, one must employ strategic risks as necessary, especially when you’re in competition with 20 other women. When it came

to effectively cutting down ranks for a chance at romance, Ebony Jones played hard and took no prisoners. Jones appeared as a potential love interest on VH1’s Real Chance of Love, where she earned the moniker “Risky,” a name she thoroughly lived up to.

Risky’s character was a shock to those viewers who judged a book by its cover. While it was heavily assumed Risky would be the clichéd “ghetto, angry, always ready to fight black girl,” she defied the status quo. Instead, the caramel toned, pierced and tatted Atlanta native offered a perfect blend of hood couture style, infectious charm and a sense of authenticity–a combination which made her a viewer favorite.

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clothing: Charles Lynch-(black dress); NOIRSOUL-(two piece skirt with split)

Ebony is

a very loyal,

smart hardworking, down-to-earth woman. Risky is more Ebony's alter ego. Grateful for the friendships and connections she’s made, Risky promises she doesn’t regret the experience for anything in the world. Referring to it as a big career move, Jones’ reality appearance has now given this ambitious beauty an all-access pass into the entertainment industry; once dismissive doors have now opened for her, including her current gig on VH1’s Charm School 3, hosted by none other than retired talk show diva Ricki Lake, and deans La La Vazquez and Stryker. Charm School 3 stars a mélange of beauties from both Rock of Love and A Real Chance of Love, including So Hood, Brittanya, Ashley, K.O. and Ki Ki. Reflecting on her drive to be on top and make her aspirations a reality, Ebony smiles and says, “I now have the ability to travel the world and go to places I’ve never been, and I get paid to party!” Visit www.jadoremag.com to really get to know Ebony “Risky” Jones, including the type of man she desires and her thoughts on trading sex for work. J Declaring that Risky accurately reflects who she is, Ebony confirms there are distinctions. “Ebony is a very loyal, smart hardworking, down-to-earth woman. Risky is more Ebony's alter ego. The name speaks for itself: she’s more ‘risky’ than Ebony; she's more outgoing and outspoken. I’ve found out she's also money hungry, too!” Jones explains, laughing as she continues. “Ebony is the more sophisticated side, the one that my family, close friends and those who meet me in person know. Risky is who fans and haters know. Ebony possesses more patience than Risky. Both Ebony and Risky are two sides to a sweet, caring person who is sometimes misunderstood.” Despite her seemingly effortless rise through the series, Jones and final co-competitor, Cali, were both eliminated on the season finale, as Chance decided he wasn’t in love with either party. Jones admits that she was completely thrown by the swift curveball, but holds no grudges. “[Cali and I] were both shocked and hurt, but now he’s filming season 2 and it’s cool, but it was all part of the plan though. There’s someone out there willing to take a ‘risk’ for me,” she optimistically affronts. Not always so upbeat about defeat, prior to VH1, Jones invested thousands of dollars in John Casablanca Modeling School at 16. Despite graduating, Jones found her initial steps into the industry blocked by the limited scope of looks clients wanted, as well as difficulty confronting the business’ challenges. Hence, Ebony put modeling on temporary hold while she pursued other interests and states that the move has actually placed her in a better position. “I have changed a lot. I’m more persistent and outgoing, I’m more confident and less shy, and I’m more serious about the business this time,” she promises. “I also understand that I am not right for every job. I will not be chosen every time and many doors will be closed in my face, but I can’t let that discourage me; I have to keep trying. This mode of thought has made me who I am today.”

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entertainment

e Baron Von Alias: Time Traveling U.K. lyricist collaborates with Detroit’s finest on his debut album, Timepiece. by Eric Roberts

ow, a burgeoning hip-hop artist is bringing his own original style, collaborating with some of the hottest MCs in the game and is doing this with a modesty unheard of in the culture. Impressive. To add, he is a native of Newcastle, England, who was “born” in the 1800’s no less. Word? There are a lot of solid hip-hop artists in the U.K., but Baron’s artistry and eccentric old school wardrobe make him stand out from the rest. Don’t get it twisted, there are no gimmicks here. In the very scrutinizing society of “real rap,” Baron’s tracks confirm that he has flow. Passing the mic with Motor City assassins including T-3 from Slum Village, Frank n Dank, and hip-hop’s grittiest sensation, Guilty Simpson, Alias proves time and time again that he can hang with the best of them. Baron’s creative debut album Timepiece fuses elements of yesteryear with his crafty, British-flavored lyricism of 2009. Prepare yourself for history in the making. Let’s chat with “the man from the past” who has time-warped to the present to show off his microphone handling skills. Shall we begin?

J’A dore: How did you get so involved with the hip-hop scene? Baron Von Alias: It all started off with the Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication album. I passed through it by a friend and sort of got into hip-hop. Then I started checking everything else out and finding the kind of stuff I liked. Basically, I got inspired by all the true hip-hop that started it off–American hip-hop like Run DMC, Slick Rick, Beastie and Tribe Called Quest. A hhhh, the Golden Years. When did you start rhyming and get your music out? Well I liked Madlib and J-Dilla’s sounds and the Detroit scene. I actually contacted a lot of people through MySpace. This is how I got a lot of connections, messaging back and forth and building a friendship with different people. Like the Madlib thing. I rhymed over his Beat Konducta beats and did a mixtape. From there, we started communicating. I just was trying to get myself in the scene and get recognized. I’ve gotten a friendship with all of them now and they all know who I am and respect what I’m doing. If it wasn’t for MySpace, I never would have had this chance. You never think it’s possible to work with people you used to purchase and listen to all the time. Then all the sudden you’re talking to them. It’s dope. What was it like pairing up with Guilty Simpson? It was really good. I had a few beats in mind because his voice has such an impact. I was looking for some hard-hitting beats to choose from. Basically, he picked one and I sort of gave him an idea or concept about time travel and he just came with his verse. It’s like working with people you never expect to work with. To do work with J-Dilla when he was the next big thing is unbelievable.

Staying consistent with Eric Roberts’ Jadoremag.com column that covers the most slept-on MCs in the rap game, 5 O’Clock on the Wake-Up, Baron’s Fab Five include Median, Elzhi, MF Doom, Murs and Phonte

How do you compare the U.K. scene and the A merican scene? Well, I’m from Newcastle, which is on the outskirts and kind of quiet, actually. London’s probably the center of it all for U.K. hip-hop. But overall, it’s more grimy and violent. Very dark and sinister. Not all of it is like that though. There are a lot of really good artists as well, but obviously, with that sort of content, it’s not really reaching the mainstream. I’m just trying to do what I do really which is doing music I like. What’s being played out there? The more commercial side of things; you can hear the Flo-Rida and Busta Rhymes records. The hits of the time stuff. Ok, your gear. You seem to have a real unique fashion sense. (Laughing) Well, being from the 80’s, that’s what we wore back in the day. It’s clothes worn back in the day with a modern day twist. Like the sunglasses and the converse trainers. Yeah, and the mustache… Yeah! And the timepiece as well–the little pocket watch on my waistcoat. You definitely stand out in a crowd, that’s for sure! I don’t think they’ll forget it. Baron Von Alias has released his debut album, Timepiece that is also available on iTunes. With tales of time travel and boom bap oriented beats, this project is proof that coal isn’t the only valuable product being manufactured and distributed out of Newcastle since the 1800’s. On YouTube and throughout the Net, check out tracks like “Silence Masks,” “I Don’t Dream,” and “What Is Love” for starters. Then move on to “Timepiece” for the main course. It’s a guaranteed banger! J

Did you know? BY: Jasaña Alleyne

What do you know about London other than the Buckingham Palace is where the Queen of England resides? Did you know that London is made up of two ancient cities¬–the city of London and the city of Westminster– which are now joined together? Test your knowledge in our “Live from London” anniversary issue, Did You Know?

• London was the first city in the world to have an underground railway, known as the “Tube.” • The peak hour for tube suicides is 11 a.m. • Of all the regions in England and Wales, London has the highest level of recorded crime at 124 offenses per 1,000 people. • London is easily the largest city in Europe. • 51 percent of children in inner London live in income poverty, compared with 29 percent in England. • 13 percent of men and 5 percent of women in London admit to “binge” drinking; this is the lowest level of binge drinking of any region in England, apart from the south east. • At 22 percent, London has the lowest proportion of adult smokers of any region in England. The English region with the highest proportion is the northwest, where 29 percent of adults smoke • London has over 11,000 restaurants, cafés and takeaways. • There are more languages spoken in London than in any other city in the world. • Greater London has over 600 square miles of roads, with more than 50 streets named High! Unfortunately, the traffic in Central London moves at the same average speed as it did in 1911.

Sources: http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/regions/london.htm http://www.aviewoncities.com/london/londonfacts.htm http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/londonfacts/keyfacts/default.htm http://solo2.abac.com/themole/tubefacts.html

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Caught On

DVD

COMING SOON! Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen – June 24

By: Shawn Jackson Terminator 2: Skynet Edition – Available Now

Do you remember the day that the T-1000 came into your life? The day it walked through prison bars, morphed into John Connor’s aunt or took a bullet to the head and then closed the hole while looking at you menacingly? Well, it’s time to relive that vulnerable feeling in glorious Blu-ray as the DVD gods have seen fit to bless us with a more defined version of T2. The Skynet Edition includes the Director’s Cut of the film; audio in 6.1 DTS-HD; a storyboard mod3; BD-Live support; audio commentary from James Cameron and over twenty cast and crew members; and D-Box support for those armchair gamers who have D-Box capable motion chairs. If you’ve only had the previous theatrical release of T2 on video cassette or DVD, then this Blu-ray edition may be a worthy purchase and addition to your movie collection.

Fracture – June 16

When is ego too much? Anthony Hopkins answers this in his role as a structural engineer who is a fracture mechanics specialist named Ted Crawford. Crawford commits a violent act against his wife, leaving her comatose, and he is put on trial for attempted murder. An ambitious district attorney by the name of Willy Beachum (played by Ryan Gosling) is given the task of prosecuting the engineer in what seems like an open-and-shut case until it becomes a game of “find the missing clue” as Crawford lists and analyzes the “cracks” in the state’s case against him. A suspenseful story of the seasoned and analytical versus the young and ambitious proves to regale the intellect of the watcher. Presented in widescreen HD and in DTS Surround Sound, will you be able to shed your ego to see all sides to the story and finally render a verdict?

Perry Mason Season 4: Vol. 1 – June 9 Ghostbusters 1 & 2 – June 16 Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music (Ultimate Collector’s Edition) – July 28

“Autobots transform and roll out!” This familiar phrase of the legendary Autobot leader, Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen), calls us to the theaters to bear witness to the sequel of one of the biggest summer box office hits of 2007. Two years have passed and StarScream has returned to Cybertron to take command of the Decepticons and to kidnap Sam Witwicky as he has knowledge of the Transformer’s origin. Transformers 2 features the return of Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving) and one of the first thirteen Transformers, The Fallen. It looks to be quite the visual spectacle of a ride. Oh yeah! The Constructicons make their debut and combine together to create Devastator! Diehard Transformer fans will love this. Returning cast members including Tyrese Gibson, Megan Fox, John Turturo and Shia LeBeauf promise to help make this even better than the first.

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra – August 7

Make no mistake about it, this is not your father’s G. I. Joe with the Kung-Fu Grip! Yes there’s Duke, Hawk, Snake Eyes, Destro and Cobra Commander. What sets this G. I. Joe apart from the cartoon and comic series is that G. I. Joe is no longer an American hero but now an international military force created to bring down the uprising Cobra Organization which seems intent on plunging the world into chaos. The movie will take us on a globe-trotting adventure, filled with action from the polar ice caps to the blazing Egyptian desert. Starring Marlon Wayans (Roadblock), Dennis Quaid (General Hawk), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Heavy Duty), Sienna Miller (The Baroness), Channing Tatum (Duke) and Joseph-Gordon Levitt as Cobra Commander, a new G.I. Joe has arrived.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – July 19 (1997)

This sixth installment of the Harry Potter franchise nears the final chapter and we find Hogwarts once again in peril from the Dark Lord himself, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). The forces of evil are on the hunt, but so are the forces of good. Additionally, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) is preparing Harry to face his mortal enemy, all while Harry and the rest of the wizarding academy is battling raging hormones. Coming in to help is Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), Dumbledore’s old friend who may hold the key to exploiting Voldemort’s defenses. The cast largely returns with Alan Rickman as Prof. Snape, Daniel Radcliffe playing Harry Potter, Rupert Glint as Ron Weasley, Emma Watson portraying Hermione Granger, and Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall. Are you prepared to take flight on this ride? Say it with me, “Wingardium Leviosa!”

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The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 – June 12

We all love a good suspense movie; one that revitalizes the senses and energizes the mind to think past this explosion, that gunshot or a stray bomb. In this film, Denzel Washington’s Walter Garber is an ordinary NYC subway dispatcher who is about to have the unluckiest day of all as he must not only go up against a crew of highly trained and armed hijackers, but also time. Ryder (played by John Travolta) is the mastermind behind this hijacking and is threatening to execute the subway passengers unless his demands of a large ransom are met. The city has an hour to pay up or else. Can a lone dispatcher with intimate knowledge of the city’s subway system outwit and outsmart Ryder and his team of hijackers, or is this one story where innocent passengers of the iron worms take the last ride of their lives?

Public Enemies – July 1

How many of you know your history when it comes to organized crime or the infamous crime wave that stretched from the 1920s to the 1940s? The time when criminals were on the same status as the biggest stars on Broadway or Hollywood? Enter John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), the leader of the Dillinger Gang and the hero of the downtrodden during Depression Era America. Well, J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) and Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), the agents of the nation’s new crime fighting force, the FBI, decided that it was time for the unlawful to pay the piper . Following a losing battle with Dillinger and his gang of thieves including Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham), Purvis and his agents change tactics and brand the Dillinger Gang as “Public Enemy # 1.” Framing betrayals upon betrayals, they finally get close to busting their nemesis, but do they ultimately win? Public Enemies also stars Giovanni Ribisi as Alvin Karpis.

tidbits • A Riddick sequel seems to be in the pipeline according to Riddick himself, Vin Diesel. According to Diesel, David Twohy, the screenwriter for both previous films, is hard at work on a script. There is no further news at press time such as casting, release dates or storyline. • Ridley Scott is re-imagining the Legend of Robin Hood. Planned for a May 14, 2010 release, it will star Russell Crowe as the title hero, Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian, Scott Grimes as Will Scarlett and Kevin Durand as Little John. • It seems that Justice League of America is still on, but years away. In an interview with MTV, George Miller stated that he was still attached to the film, but that it would be a while until it’s made because Warner Bros. (the owners of DC comics) wants to follow the Marvel template in making films for each character that compiles the planned Avengers movie set for release in 2011. Look for a new Superman film to be produced sometime in the future. • The Expendables is garnering a lot of attention and for good reason. Set to star Sylvester Stallone, Mickey Roarke, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Forrest Whitaker and Ben Kingsly (with a cameo from Arnold Schwarzenegger), this action epic will hit theaters next year.

guess that

landmark

Can you name London’s famous monuments and landmarks? Its time to find out in J’Adore’s London edition of Guess That? 1) This landmark was originally built as the entrance of the Buckingham Palace but was never used. 2) In 1881, this became the first theater to be lit by electricity. 3) This famous monument is the home to the world’s second largest dome. 4) This is now the longest riverside walk in Europe. 5) This building, also known as the Old Bailey, has a roster of some of the world’s most stirring crime stories. 6) This was built to commemorate the location of the “Great Fire” that erupted in 1666. 7) This famous building is the home of the Royal Family. 8) This is the most famous prehistoric monument in Britain. 9) This landmark has hosted numerous notorious executions and imprisonments. 10) This is the world’s largest Ferris wheel

answers 1) The Marble Arch 2) The Savoy Theater 3) St. Paul’s Cathedral 4) Thames Path 5) The Central Criminal Court

6) The Monument 7) Buckingham Palace 8) Stonehenge 9) The Tower or Bloody Tower 10) The London Eye

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BY: Jasaña Alleyne

features

iman

Global beauty introduces

Global Chic IMAN.

Very few tastemakers and celebrities have the power to be one-name icons that withstand the test of time and look good doing it.

IMAN is one of the pioneers responsible for women of color to diversify the runways and photo shoots for elite fashion designers throughout the world since her firs gig with Vogue in 1976.

by: Dennis Malcolm Byron Interview by: Lauryn Peterson

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This Somali queen has dominated the fashion industry for decades, starred in movie and television roles and continues to prove why she is often labeled an “ageless wonder.” Besides spending time with her children and famous British music legend of a husband, David Bowie, IMAN remains industrious by managing her successful brands, IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare & Fragrances, and the recently launched Global Chic–exclusively designed handbags and shoes inspired by the international fashionista on HSN. With so much to discuss and share, IMAN decided that J’Adore would be the ideal publication to discuss her enterprising business ventures, candid thoughts on fashion and personal views on everything from her greatest accomplishment to having faith in seeing a cure for AIDS in her lifetime.

IMAN on business

How long has Global Chic been in development

before making its debut to the public?

Global Chic debuted on HSN in December of 2007. Before that, I worked with Joy Mangano, the president of Ingenious Designs, for close to a year to make sure each piece was exactly what I envisioned. However, I always dreamed of having my own collection and found the perfect outlet with HSN. What inspired Global Chic? I wanted my fans and HSN consumers to be able to bring home an unparalleled collection of accessories, fashions and jewelry inspired by my many travels throughout the world. From the bold, sophisticated colors of Africa to the glamour of the Hollywood Hills and the fashionably chic streets of London, Paris, Milan and New York, my collection gives you that jetset style you’ve been looking for. Each piece is on trend, but classic. Some are even inspired by pieces I have been given as gifts and picked up around the world myself. What sets Global Chic and IMAN Cosmetics apart from other brands?

Both Global Chic and IMAN Cosmetics are designer quality with an affordable price tag. What are your favorite products from your Global Chic and IMAN cosmetics lines? I, of course, love all of my products. I stand behind them 100 percent. Right now, I love the Miami Beach Beaded Tote from Global Chic, and the Global Chic Black and Gold Signature Circle Pendant with the 28” chain remains a favorite! From IMAN Cosmetics, I like the IMAN Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Afterglow. It works on all skin tones. It’s a trio of rose and terracotta shades, so you can blend them to make the

bronze color somewhat light or deep. I also use the terracotta powder as an eye shadow and the rosy shade as blush. The compact makes doing your makeup so easy and effortless. With the IMAN Second To None Cover Cream, if you apply this concealer on dark circles and spots, you don’t need to wear foundation—that’s how good the coverage is. Plus, it’s creamy, so it doesn’t cake or settle into lines. What can interested parties expect to see from Global Chic and will you expand into an actual fashion line at any point or include shoes?

Each time I appear on HSN, I always add new pieces to my collection. Currently, I have several fashion pieces such as my Global Chic Caftans, South Beach Flare Sleeve Sweater, Soho Sparkle V-neck Tank and Sandals, too!

IMAN on fashion

What are your basic rules of fashion? In a world full of trends, I remain a classic. How can women learn what truly looks best on them when it comes to clothing, makeup and

accessories?

In fashion, most women know what looks good on them and I don’t mean those who are stuck in their ‘high school years’ look–you know who you are! Most women want to follow the

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c up-to-the-minute trends and that is when they get into trouble. You are supposed to make trends work for you and not make you a fashion victim. For example, I don’t think I have great legs so I don’t wear very short dresses. Also, I am 53 years old! I will rock a tight kneelength Dolce and Gabbana, though, and show all my best assets: my waist, bust, hips and derrière. I have stayed away from being too short for my comfort zone and this gives me sexy confidence, so I can strut my stuff without feeling conscious of my shortcomings, so to speak. A nd accessories? In accessories, I feel most of the time women don’t understand that it is all about the ACCESSORIES! That is the star in my closet because I can wear that Dolce and Gabbana dress year after year, but I can update it with my bag, my shoes and jewelry to make it au courant! In makeup, I find most of the time women, especially women of color, don’t experiment with color. I know you think, ‘Eeeewww! Blue and green eyeshadows?’ But today’s blues and greens are not your grandmother’s blues and greens. Try IMAN Cosmetics’ color eyeshadows and eyeliners. They are sublime and you should think of these colors for the summer. Have you ever had any fashion or makeup faux pas? What were they?

(Laughing) Honey, I have had several fashion faux pas, but thank God there was no TMZ and fashion police to keep it on file! I can only say it was an overload of everything! Do you feel being beautifully made starts from being beautiful within?

No amount of makeup and designer clothes can make you feel beautiful if you don’t feel beautiful from the inside.

How do you think fashion and beauty trends will transform as we look into the future and what will remain classic?

Style will remain at the top of the list–personal style, mixing high and low fashions and putting your own stamp on it. Trench coats, black cashmere sweaters, ballet flats and sunglasses…all of these classics will never go away.

IMAN on life

What three items must you have readily available on a day-to-day basis? A prayer, kisses and hugs from my husband and daughter, and a moisturizer with SPF.

Of all your accomplishments, what are you most proud of and why? In my book, I Am IMAN (Rizzoli 2000), there is a photo that is titled ‘IMAN’s Tribe of Beauties’ and it is the first ever–and I think probably the only one ever–of a group shot of 15 top black models, including me, that was photographed exclusively for my book by Annie Liebowitz. I am so grateful to all those models who flew at a short notice from all over the world to be a part of this historic shoot, and I am very proud to be the orchestrator and mastermind behind this. It is in a very important display in my office. You have paved the path for models of color for decades. Compared to what you’ve experienced throughout your career, and what you observe in the fashion and beauty industry today, how do you think things have changed? What do you feel about these changes?

As much as things didn’t change, I also have to say things have changed. There has been so much talk about the lack of diversity on the runway and I have to say there has been considerable change not only on the runway, but also in magazines across the board. This is really the handiwork of my dearest and closest friend, Bethann Hardison, who brought this conversation to the foreground. What else are you currently working on? A fragrance is something I have always wanted to create, so maybe I will create one! Yes, I can! What current social issues and events are currently on your radar? What would you fix, if possible, and what would you do?

I am the Global Ambassador of Keep A Child Alive (www.keepachildalive.org), an organization that provides ARV drugs to children and families who are affected with AIDS in Africa. I have spearheaded the campaign, I AM AFRICAN, so I am staying on course to make the work that we started a reality to more Africans. All I want for Africans is what is possible for the West, which is AIDS no longer being a death sentence, but a manageable disease as long as you can take your medication. I want that for Africans. I am not a scientist, but I wish we can find a cure for AIDS in my lifetime.

More on IMAN …

IMAN, born on July 25, 1955, was the proud product of Marian and Mohamed Abdulmajid, an African diplomat, who assisted in her nurturing to appreciate the numerous ethnicities and cultures that existed outside of her Somali homeland. By the time she was a political science student at Nairobi University, IMAN had lived in Egypt and Kenya, and was fluent in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Italian and Somali.

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By the time she was 20-years-old, IMAN was destined to change the world of modeling, thanks to the recruitment of world-renowned American photographer Peter Beard in 1975. Staying true to the English definition of her name, “Faith,” IMAN relocated to New York to pursue her calling. From there, she received her first of many modeling assignments by blessing the cover of Vogue in 1976. A tremendous feat for a woman of color, it was the starting point of IMAN’s flourishing career as one of the world’s most revered models; Essence, Elle, Ebony and Bazzar were just a few of numerous magazine covers and spreads that populated her portfolio. In the world of fashion, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Versace and Donna Karan also flaunted IMAN’s natural beauty. IMAN’s courage and strong will led to her advocacy for ethnic diversity in the modeling and fashion industry throughout the world, opening doors for especially black women and paving the way for the successful modeling careers of Tyra Banks, Alex Wek, Chanel Iman and Naomi Campbell to name a few. Determined to not stay within the confines of a beautiful face coupled with a perfect modeling frame, IMAN retired from the runway in 1989 to become one of the most enterprising businesswomen in the cosmetic industry. IMAN launched the IMAN Cosmetics and Skincare collection in 1994 that focused on the underserved market who did not have cosmetics to compliment their various skin tones. From African-American, to Hispanic, Asian and Native American, IMAN has consistently expressed her appreciation for all ethnicities via her products (I-IMAN Makeup, Global Chic), books (I Am IMAN, The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color), and numerous initiatives (Keep A Child Alive, Children’s Defense Fund, For All Kids Foundation, I AM AFRICAN and Action Against Hunger). Truly a global ambassador, J’Adore was honored to have IMAN be on the cover of our second anniversary issue while she continues to make history as one of the most influential and philanthropic icons of our time.

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For more information on IMAN, her business ventures and charities, visit www. imancosmetics.com, www. hsn.com and keepachildalive.org. J

Did you know…

 IMAN’s full name is Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid.  IMAN acted in numerous televisions shows and films including Miami Vice, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and the film Out of Africa, which won an Oscar.  IMAN’s husband, crooner David Bowie, has sold more than 135 million albums. "Fame," "Let's Dance," "China Girl" and "Modern Love" were just a few of his mega hits.  IMAN and David had a daughter in 2000 named Alexandria Zahra "Lexi" Jones.  She has also made star appearances in the reality circuit, including Project Runway and America's Next Top Model as one of the weekly mentors.  Iman stays busy, currently hosting Project Runway Canada on the Global network.

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original

Melyssa Ford: the By: L. Raquel Peterson images By: Kenny Sweeny

Male Model: Andrew Jake Miller @ Ford MOdels LA hair: Crystal Maria  grooming: Alex LaMarsh  styling: Penelope Pattee

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Before her, there were none. Said to be “the original urban supermodel,” Melyssa Savannah Ford is one of the most recognized brand names of the urban modeling industry. With her ethereal beauty a force to be reckoned with, Ford possesses angelic, versatile facial features, elegant poise and posture, dazzling pearly whites and a perfectly sculpted 34D-22-36 hourglass figure covered in buttery caramel skin. The gorgeous Bajan/Russian/Norwegian’s videography includes 112’s “Anywhere,” Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin’,” Sisqo’s “Thong Song Remix,” Alicia Key’s “You Don’t Know My Name,” Mystikal’s “Shake Ya Ass,” Jadakiss’ “Knock Yourself Out” and Usher’s “Yeah,” which was her final video appearance more than half a decade ago. While many were sad to witness Ford’s permanent departure from music video hustle, she candidly admits that she never set out to make a career of video work. School was the Canadian native’s first priority (she attended York for Forensic Psychology); videos were simply a form of leverage for to help her open doors to get to the next level in the entertainment world while she supplemented her income. Ford was able to expand her resume from video work to co-hosting shows on BET, writing as a sex columnist for Smooth Magazine, modeling for Apple Bottom Jeans, hosting a Sirius satellite show, and snagging several feature roles on the big and small screens.

‘I take the shininess off of the business’ Ironically, despite her ability to finesse her experience into different opportunities, Ford is open enough to admit she no longer endorses the idea of aspiring thespians and models following the video route to succeed. While the majority protest this assertion to be hypocritical, Ford simply believes that she’s been there, done that and is not afraid to reveal the darker side of the industry. “I take the shininess off of the business. Everything has changed,” Ford clarifies, further emphasizing that the industry is now “oversaturated with too many girls wanting to do the same

thing,” which make the opportunities for success “really slim to none.” According to the 5’4” diva, whose refined beauty has graced pages of several publications from the aforementioned Smooth to Maxim, things aren’t what they used to be. During Ford’s era, videos possessed larger budgets upwards of $1 million or more and were more like mini-movies, where “it was realistic to get a part that was part of a storyline and was more entertaining.” Nowadays, Ford considers current roles offered are demeaning and relegate the women to be no more than glammed up sex objects, both on and off camera. “When I started doing videos, things were different than they are now,” Ford explains. “I came in when there was no such thing as a ‘video hoe’ and most girls were not aspiring to just be video girls. There was no stigma attached to the profession so it was no big deal. Over time, I noticed certain songs, mainly from down south, which had lyrical content I just didn’t agree with.”

'Steel Magnolias’ In order to maintain uniformity to her personal and professional beliefs, Ford turned down roles she did not support and maintains she was very vocal about her limits on projects in which incorporated her name. “I was very

involved in how I was portrayed and my role in the process. I was not afraid to say ‘I’m not wearing that,’ ‘I’m not going to kiss him,’ ‘I’m not going to do this,’ and ‘I will not do that!’” The firm boundaries Ms. Ford set have led to her being labeled by some as a diva and “difficult” to work with, but as the strong-minded business woman she is, Ford insists that she’s not a “bitch”; she’s just driven. Describing her attitude and presentation as “steel magnolias,” Ford explains, “It’s about respect. I was making my way through this male-dominated business with my partner and manager, Daniella Cobb, and we would be in meetings where we would wrap up a meeting with whomever, and the ensuing question would be, ‘So when are we going to fuck?’ It was frustrating; my reaction was like, ‘Were you present in this meeting!? Do you understand that that’s not why we’re here?!’ Women have to walk a fine line in this business. You’ve got to act like steel magnolias. You’ve got to be firm and ladylike, and know exactly what you want in order to make it in this business and what you’re talking about. As a woman, you have to take what you want by force, but analyze how that force has to be used.”

LESS is More While men love all she has to offer, Mel says interactions with women vary from one end of the spectrum to the other, with them either idolizing Ford’s career and looks, or breaking her apart with criticism and inconsolable hatred. “There are so many women who can’t stand me,” the sultry Scorpio candidly reveals. “They think that I’m the lowest common denominator of what a woman could stand for: a woman who uses her body to gain popularity and is nothing more than that. At the other end of the spectrum, I also come across girls who thought I was the epitome of perfection and wanted to do what I did.” Addressing misconceptions, she adds, “When I come across the opportunity to talk, people are kind of surprised that I have some degree of intelligence.”

Despite the negativity, Ford, an advocate helping others, seeks to help fellow women of color come into their own and has recently taken further steps to jumpstart her non-profit, LESS is More. LESS, an acronym for Literacy through Education, Etiquette through Example, Strength through Perseverance, and Self through Confidence, was conjured up in a dream. “LESS is More is something I’m placing a lot of effort toward,” Ford articulates with a subtle rise of enthusiasm in her tone as she explains the significance of the foundation. “Female empowerment is a passion of mine and something we need more of.” Further explaining the concept of her foundation, Mel continues, “Literacy leads to thoughts on education. Daniella and I would not have succeeded without ours. In the industry, education was not held up as a badge of honor, which I thought was the sexiest thing about us. It leads to so many things. As time progressed, the propositions at meetings became less and less as it was clear we had our goals laid out.” Ford also stresses the importance of etiquette, stating, “The presentation of a woman is a powerful indicator of how she should be treated. Proper etiquette allows people to pick up subtle things about you that are pulled together, allows you to be noticed without profane language and abrasive actions.” (For the record, the one rule of etiquette Mel experiences difficulty with is foul language. “I’m going to start cursing in international languages instead!” she quips jovially.) Finally, the last two pillars of the foundation, strength and self, are long overdue for attention by many women of color. “’Strength’ and ‘self’ are related to everything that relates to having strength in oneself. LESS seeks to strengthen and uplift women’s self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth–all of those things women possess which take a beating every day, whether you’re beautiful or not. We’re finding ways to increase strength of self in various means other than the sole focus of beauty. At this point in my life, I truly and completely embody self-love and wish for other women to feel the same.”

‘Nothing’s sexier than confidence!’ Style-wise, Mel describes herself as a “minimalist,” preferring fashions which are simple, elegant and versatile. She recommends that every woman should own a high-waisted pencil skirt and cream blouse, both of which are highly versatile pieces that are timeless. She also lists clothing that enhances her strong points, which explains her high regard for Christian Dior dresses because they emphasize her “neck, shoulders and back.” During the summer, Ford’s key look is comprised of feminine summer dresses that are “the epitome of lady like” and flat sandals which don’t involve “a lot of time or effort.” Ford’s biggest Achilles heel, however, is literally her footwork. “My shoes are like my boyfriends,” Mel avows. “I’m totally like Carrie from Sex and the City when it comes to shoes, except I’m not into Manolos. I’m totally into designers like Brian Atwood and Christian Dior. You can have on a $5 tank and $30 jeans, but if your shoe and your bag game are on point, then nothing else matters! That’s my number one rule of fashion!” Male style, however, requires something that goes beyond looks to turn this lovely lady’s head. Mel openly proclaims that a man needs confidence more than anything. “There’s nothing sexier than confidence; it never goes out of style! His confidence will allow him to wear what suits him as an individual the best. You can wear a tux or a well tailored suit, easygoing linen pants and shirt, jeans and Tims... It can be a myriad of different things, but it’s his

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confidence that must be worn just as well as he wears his clothes.”

Handling business. It’s been a long road for Ford, but the focused entrepreneur is just getting started. “I’ve handled my brand so strongly and I’m venturing out into different things,” she informs. Currently taking classes to improve her acting, the new Los Angeles transplant is the First Lady of Hennessy and has even developed some of their marketing campaigns as well. Furthermore, Ford is in the process of writing her asyet-untitled autobiography, confessing she finds the process intimidating (“It’s scary to write your most personal thoughts and feelings!”). She is also developing her own screenplay. “I’m following manuals and tutorials from experienced writers. While I do know the chance of getting made is a long shot, I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself,” Ford declares. “I refuse to be what the haters want me to be: just another video hoe!”

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“I was very involved in how I was portrayed and my role in the process. I was not afraid to say ‘I’m not wearing that.’"

With this much drive and insight, nobody could ever mistake her as such.

Never before revealed: Mel’s most embarrassing moment! “When I first moved to the States in 2000, I met an immigration lawyer who invited me to go to a judges association conference party. It was an upscale black tie affair… and I was in this long, black halter-style dress looking for an opportunity to

network. We’re standing, taking photos with judges and lawyers. I don’t know how this happened, but the moment that the camera flashed, my outfit came undone and my boob fell out! I caught it, but I don’t think I caught it in time! I gasped! The guy who was sitting in front of me, this judge, looked at me and said ‘Thanks!’ I don’t think he saw it, but I was mortified. I found the humor in it, but I had to leave immediately! I have repressed that memory!” J

esther baxter

the

real

Super Woman By: Jay Glover images By: Derek Blanks (Purple & Blue) and Paul Lawson(Red & Brown)

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Styling: Betrice Benbow  Makeup: Tierra Burrell (Purple & Blue) and Clarence Hiley (Red & Brown)  Hair: Jasmine Tasaki (Purple & Blue) and Gena Sullivan (Red & Brown)  Agency/Agent/Manager: Van Silk for Titanium Girlz clothing: purple dress - Charles Lynch; turquoise lace dress - Shirlene Burks; burgundy hot shorts set and hooded swimsuit - NOIRSOUL

features

Dedication and faith are her weapons of choice

amidst the shark-infested waters of urban entertainment.

hen a person watches today’s music videos, certain expectations must be met.

Often times, many are tuning in to view half naked women or their favorite video vixen gyrating to the hottest tracks and autotuned voices. One seldom expects to see a woman that radiates sexiness, grace, class style and talent simultaneously. In today’s industry where women are nipping, tucking, and injecting their way to the nearest video set or pages of today’s racy publications, it’s refreshing to meet a “real” beauty. Esther Baxter is an essential mix of exquisiteness, brains and professionalism that’s sorely missed today among young, aspiring urban models. She’s more than a voluptuous 34DDD-24-40 figure, enchanting eyes and killer smile. Dedication and faith are her weapons of choice amidst the shark-infested waters of urban entertainment. A nd as a result, no one can deny her. The stunning, 24-year-old Miami vixen recently sat down with J’Adore to discuss her budding acting career, the future of urban models in the world of entertainment, and her most important job, motherhood.

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Esther ascended to the fore front of urban modeling in 2004 after her unforgettable feature in Petey Pablo’s “Freek-A-Leek.” She immediately became a household name within urban media and communities nationwide. Having advanced her success into numerous music video appearances, covers and features for publications such as Vibe, Black Men, Smooth, King, XXL and this evolutionary look within J’Adore, Esther is recognized as one of the most prominent “video vixens” of all time. Her run from 2004 to 2007 as one of the most sought urban models in the game is legendary. Well, her surprising retirement from the industry in 2007 was short-lived; 2009 marks the return of the super woman men fell in love with and women aspired to be. And just as she did in 2004, Esther has returned to change the game and level the playing field for women of ethnicity. Evidently, Esther is not your average beautiful girl with a perfect body. She graduated from college at the young age of 18 with a degree in business marketing and real estate. If ever any model defined what the total package is, Esther is certainly the poster child. She’s the educated, independent, driven, and positive woman that has her own. She’s the dedicated and loving mother who took a two-year hiatus to stay home and raise her son. Esther states, “For the first year of his life I did only one magazine, but I’ve always been completely focused on him first.” Her nurturing nature and respect for privacy leads her to be very protective about whom she’s dating, but she does share that a man’s “swag, personality, security and confidence is what makes him attractive.” Combine all of these qualities together and you get a young woman who has maintained her aura of mystery and as a result, a brand that is very natural, whole, welcoming and sincere. So, what’s next for this southern belle as she re-launches her ascent to stardom? A new direction has been established and Esther is taking the acting world quite seriously. She has just wrapped her first feature film Speed Dating, directed by Joseph A. Elmore Jr. and starring Wesley Jonathan that is scheduled for release this fall. She was also recently featured on MTV’s G’s To Gents 2. Regarding her appearance on this popularity reality show, Esther shares, “I was really nervous. I wore an earpiece and the producers spoke to me the entire time, but overall, I think I did well.” For Ms. Baxter, the sky is indeed the limit and her true destiny as a mother, model, actress and inspirational force has truly begun. There is nothing sexier than a woman who knows exactly what she wants, goes after it and ultimately makes it a reality. For those that seek to capture legendary images of Ms. Baxter, we advise you to step your game up as a new standard has been set. Esther states, “J’Adore is hands-down the best shoot I’ve ever done. Its tastefulness made me feel so good and it personifies the direction that I’m going in now with my career.” Point well taken. Women, particularly urban/ethnic models, are so much more than assets. Esther Baxter is a prime example. J

Her run from 2004 to 2007

as one of the most sought urban models in the game is legendary.

The Alpha Male

Styling: Betrice Benbow  clothing: Carl Bowen

Kymani: Mutakabbir

By: Dawn Alicia Montgomery | IMAGES BY: Derek Blanks

Kinyumba

Today’s fashion industry grossly suffers from a lack of male African-American models on runways and print advertisements worldwide. Fortunately, for these so called “Alpha Males,” a new influx of talent is sweeping through the modeling industry. Leading the way is the highly sought New York born, Atlanta raised and current L.A. resident Kinymba Mutakabbir, or ‘Kymani’ as many affectionately know him. With only two years of modeling experience, Kymani has already created quite a stir as a hot, new face on the scene. He has appeared in layouts for T.I.’s Akoo Clothing, been a recurring face within the pages of J’Adore Magazine and appeared in Keri Hilson’s music video for her hit “Turnin Me On” featuring Lil Wayne. He is definitely putting in the necessary work that is critical in the young stages of a model’s career. “I have built my brand by being memorable,” Kymani says. “I’ve worked hard at maintaining contact and developing relationships with everyone I meet at shoots, Go-Sees, and fashion shows. I’ve also taken acting and voice-over classes, and attended workshops to continue to expand my skill sets and ambibuild my craft,” tions of Exuding a powerful image, Kymani stands out a soon-towith an explosive sex appeal and presence that be household is felt through photos and the television name and he has screen. His budding modeling portno plans of stopping. folio further substantiates his “There are many wonstrengths. As one of the derful male models that are few thriving black blazing new trails in the indusmodels, he truly try right now,” he confirms. This exemplifies statement brings to light the renowned t he African-American supermodel and host of Make Me a Supermodel, Tyson Beckford. Widely regarded as the first black male supermodel, Beckford has opened a lot of doors. Kymani has embraced the hard work put in by the pioneer, capitalized on it and established a fresh swagger of his own within the industry. Kymani says, “From what I’ve seen, there are too many people trying to be something they are not. Your natural swagger stands out and gains the respect. I really believe that great models are able to be and feel natural in anything they wear.” Kymani feels that your network is your “Net Worth.” He emphasizes that if you do not know how to build relationships with people in the industry that are involved in projects you are looking to be a part of, then you are doomed from the start. The aspiring model must demand recognition as a viable talent, request casting and job notifications, build a portfolio and eventually reach new heights. Kymani’s hegemonic masculinity personifies this aggressive and self-reliant approach. These qualities are what serve him best when pursuing various opportunities that will enhance his versatility. “This industry is dangerous for people with low self-esteem and a lack of personal pride,” he says. “People should embrace who they are because that’s the only way to survive and be successful.” For African-American males, prominence is perceived in landing that premier look on the catwalk or within a high fashion layout. Kymani adds, “Since a majority of the designers in high fashion do not cater to the urban scene, there will always be a number of urban models excluded.” Because of this disposition, it is imperative that today’s Alpha Males demand a presence no matter the situation. They must convey a sense of superiority and know that they deserve a place within the elitist world of fashion. In regards to his own signature style, Kymani’s a simple guy that knows a t-shirt, jeans, boxer briefs and a fresh pair of kicks will never go out of style. With his good taste in causal wear, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Calvin Klein or Sean John gave him a ring to enhance their line with his strong look and undeniable, Diddyesque swagger. With his focus on modeling and acting, coupled with his vast skills at relationship building and development of his net worth, Kymani is well-equipped to attack the glitz and glamour that L.A. generates regularly. By taking a chance and venturing out to pursue his dreams, he’s enabling his counterparts to feel confident in making the same sacrifice and commitment. Aspiring models are putting up a good fight to gain recognition in the fashion industry, but Kymani’s passion and drive has him unanimously winning round after round on his way to supermodel status. J

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features

f By: Jay Glover images by: Derek Blanks

'Gloria'

styling: Betrice Benbow make-up: Tierra Burrell hair: J'Tasaki Gloria Velez appears courtesy of Celebrity Models Booking, Vansilk:

clothing these two pages: black jockey blouse - Evelyn Lambert; black skirt - Couture Statis; gold gown - Charles Lynch

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“Glory hallelujah!” is an exclamation often used by

those mystified and thankful for the many blessings the Most High has bestowed upon this sphere we call Earth. His creations

are, at times, so awe inspiring that they leave indelible marks and historic impressions on the mind. Ten years ago, during the hot and crazy summer of 1999, God reminded us once again of His omnipotent ability to create wonders by way of one Gloria Velez.

HALLELUJAH! Introduced to the world as the sexy, blonde Brazilian goddess featured in the music video for Ja Rule’s breakout 1999 hit “Holla, Holla,” the New York-born, Puerto Rican beauty initiated the “video vixen” era and continued to be the driving force behind it. Music videos would never be the same. Gloria became the face of the foreign, exotic dreamgirls featured in the visual representations of the world’s favorite music artists. Not only has she graced videos

for celebrated lyricists such as Jay-Z, Ghostface Killah, Jagged Edge, DMX, Sisqo, The Game, and DJ Khaled, but the publishing world has embraced her radiance as well including Playboy, Black Men, Black Men SSX, King, Lowrider, Ryde, Titanium Girlz and now J’Adore. Now at the grown and sexy age of 30, the decade-deep industry veteran and single mother sits high atop the pantheon of urban celebrity modeling not only as one of the originals on

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television, but also as one of the best to have ever done it. Truth be told, she continues to be one of the most revered faces in the game, setting the bar high for all aspiring models. However, in order for any type of success to be gained by young, aspiring models in today’s recession-riddled economy, an awakening has to occur and Ms. Velez is the alarm clock. “You have to bring respect and knowledge of those who paved the way for you,” states Gloria when asked

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how aspiring ethnic/urban models can go about achieving a greater sense of respect from mainstream audiences. “Every aspiring model wants to book print ads without understanding that they do not fit the criteria for most mainstream projects. Then you have MySpace models that have done nothing but take photos and call themselves ‘models.’” To combat such misguidance, Gloria advises aspiring models that you must make a concerted effort to understand that modeling is a business first and foremost. With any business, you must invest in yourself. This is especially important in today’s economic environment where the once $5K to $10K projects have given way to $500 paydays. Quality images and presentation are keys to booking well paid work. If there needs to be an example, look no further than the brand Gloria Velez has developed. She continues to work diligently, adding versatility to her portfolio over the decade span in the form of enhanced photography that reflects her current focus, print ads and acting training that improve her viability as a multidimensional talent. But despite all of the maneuvers a model can take to avoid the numerous pitfalls awaiting them, one significant reality must always be faced: modeling is not for everyone. As Ms. Velez can surely

attest, the business is very unforgiving and at times, downright brutal. An aspiring model’s survival will hinge on building a quality product, being confident and surrounding herself by people she can trust believe in her not only as a pretty face or a client, but first and foremost as a woman. Many today still ask, “Why Gloria?” Of all the sexy, mind blowing Latina women, why did she become the sexy vixen everyone adored? Gloria simply answers, “My definition of sexy is simply being you and not trying to be something or somebody else. You have to feel good about yourself. A lot of young ladies have low self-esteem and have been degraded in life. Others have been mentally and physically abused. Because of this, they feel that they have to alter themselves to be accepted.” True to her word, Velez enhanced her brand by simply remaining persistent and consistent. As a result, she is still a viable and sought-after force today. Via new ventures with culturally uplifting and trendsetting vehicles such as J’Adore or her burgeoning pursuits as a female pop artist, she is serving notice and showing by example that time has come for urban models to change the game. Velez concludes, “I’m still the best of the best. I’ve placed myself in situations to work with great people who I trust and keep me grounded. Honesty and humbleness is the best policy in this business.” Glory hallelujah! J

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features

f By: Evierobbie images by: Mark Sacro

make-up/hair: Alex LaMarsh styling: Leilani Lacson

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Casey Reinhardt has all the physical characteristics of a Laguna Beach raised beauty. Yes, she fits snug into the profile of a “California girl” stereotype. That is until you hold a conversation with her. No stranger to being judged, before leaving her mark on MTV’s Laguna Beach: Season Two, Casey was a beauty pageant regular. Luckily, her beautiful face was accompanied by thick skin. This trait would come to use during her reign on MTV’s footage tapes. The young blonde that was portrayed as just that, without dimension or depth, is actually an activist for youth, a Pepperdine student and upcoming actress. There’s more than what meets Casey Reinhardt’s piercing eyes. There’s the evolution of a woman coming into her own.

blonde ambition:

Casey Reinhardt

J’Adore: Tell us about the CASEY Foundation. Casey Reinhardt: The CASEY foundation stands for Children’s Alliance for the Success and Education of Youth. It’s a nonprofit that I started in my sophomore year of high school. I use it to get out and speak to teens on the importance of staying in school. We also get to use the organization to speak to teen mothers. We give gifts to kids on big holidays like Easter and Christmas. In high school, a lot of my friends would do their charity work through the organization.

How is life as a student at Pepperdine? It’s cool going to school with my brother. Last semester we had classes together. I’m a double major in Public Relations and Screenwriting and I’m going into my senior year. My freshman year was tough after being on the show. I decided to really lay low and I wound up getting a good group of friends around me.

Tell us about your upcoming film, Lure. It’s produced by Frank Yablans and Tom Wright. It’s along the thriller and horror genre. It’s about four high school girls that are at a rave and wind up kidnapped. I play the role of Brooke. She’s a strong character. Overall, it was just a fun experience. It was crazy shooting from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. some nights. It was my first real movie and I loved it. It’s in post-production for 2009 and then it’s being sent to all the film festivals.

What was your experience like on Laguna Beach? How did you get approached to be on the show? Well, I grew up with my family in Laguna Beach. I went to a Catholic high school in Orange County, so I’ve always been in the area. MTV approached Doug about the first season and asked me too. I said no for the first season. They came back and asked again for season two and I decided to say yes. So the first thing I had to do was transfer from my current high school to Laguna Beach high school. It was hard.

What do you feel about your portrayal on the show? Have you received backlash? I do feel that there was lots of editing done. I don’t think they completely portrayed who I am. They didn’t show any of my charity work and I came across as a dumb rich girl. They definitely blew a few things out of proportion, like the fight with Alex. I feel like I spent the whole season fighting off these girls, but I’m stronger for it. I’m glad I went through it. In reality, it hurt. Every episode, it showed that I was the new girl. Casey is continuing with her charity work and making her own mark in life without the limelight of her brother or the MTV cameras. Her moves are documented, but not for their edits. Casey’s just signed with a new manager and has her sights towards acting for this approaching pilot season. J

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f The originator of swagger

Fonzworth Bentley:

features

by: Laura Turner

From writing the book AdvanceYour Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence and Style to Get Ahead, to producing a MTV reality show that is shown in 40 countries, Mr. Bentley continuesto shine. ith a presence reminiscent of what you would find from the

Harlem Renaissance or early Hollywood glamour period, Derek Watkins exudes exemplary class and style. Looking up to men such as Fred A staire, Duke Ellington, Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. to craft a swagger that is uniquely his own, Mr. Watkins aka Fonzworth Bentley aka Mr. Bentley says his sense of style originates from his great grandfather, Daddy Emmett. Fonzworth’s impeccable manners, self-confidence and desire to use all of the above to get ahead were the foundation for his book Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence and Style to Get Ahead. The lessons and teachings of his book have become the basis for the MTV reality show From G’s to Gents. J’Adore sits down and talks with the man with the plan, Mr. Fonzworth Bentley, to truly see how things are done in the world fashion, etiquette and show biz.

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J’A dore: What made you decide to write your book Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence and Style to Get Ahead? Fonzworth Bentley: Basically, how it came about is Random House was looking to do some more urban books. There was a gentleman pitching ideas to a Random House executive. He had pitched Kanye West and Lauryn Hill. Random House was like, ‘Yeah that’s cool, but can you get us Fonzworth Bentley?’ This was one of the first times I really began to realize my brand was really starting to resonate. This was a high-ranking executive; folks were starting to get it. They wanted me to do a book about taking yourself to the next level and making it a more personal book, but I wasn’t interested in doing a book about myself. What I felt was needed was a book on etiquette. I was quoted as saying, ‘I truly believe we are living in the Golden Age of Disrespect.’ The reasons I’ve been able to move forward at all in my career have a lot to do with these three standards: Manners, Confidence and Style. I wanted to redefine etiquette and make it different and redefine swagger. The term ‘swagger’ used to not be thrown around as it is today. I had turned in the title a while ago. This is a big, major publishing house and I was looking for a word that Random House won’t get, but the urban people would understand. I believe that the book has made an incredible impact. The types of emails that I get on the different social networks from people who have purchased it or gone to the library and read it have been phenomenal. Basically, we used the teachings of the book as a building block to create From G’s to Gents.

is a point of view and an idea that I’ve been very consistent with and committed to. I knew that if none of these guys were successful and really had truthful information with this show, there would be so many guys at home that would say, ‘I don’t need to give it a shot.’ So I was in prayer. I think now we’ve definitely gotten into a stride. I think the show has been transformational for the gentlemen of From G’s to Gents.

Speaking of from G’s to Gents, I had the pleasure of watching Season 2 and will admit that it was one of my favorite reality shows to follow. How has the show and the gentlemen on the show changed your life? It has been one of the most humbling experiences. I mean, you think about it, I’m not much older than these guys. In those last interviews, to hear Blue and to hear Teddy say things like, ‘Mr. Bentley changed my life and I look up to him as a father figure,’ says a lot about the times, the importance of a father figure and the impact that the experience has had on them. So it’s been really humbling because I gotta tell you quite frankly, the first season was extremely stressful. People asked me all the time what was it like. It was really quite stressful because this

What changes can we expect to see in Season 3? That is still kind of in the air. I just got off the phone with one of the producers just now. We’ve got a meeting this week. My pitch for this season is I want to go to the murder capital of the nation, Washington DC. There is a debate on skewing the show to a younger group of gentlemen. I think that going to the murder capital of the nation and moving the Gentlemen’s Club there would make a huge impact–especially being in the backyard of such a quintessential gentleman named President Barack Obama. I think it would be very cool.

What else can we expect to see from Mr. Bentley in 2009? The album on Good Music entitled Cool Outrageous Lovers of Uniquely Raw Style with Mr. Kanye West. The first single, which is the soundtrack for The Movement, is entitled ‘Greener.’ The first single expands the idea of being green. I think it needed to be expanded on, so different people could find their way to the lifestyle. Let’s keep it 100, the 1960’s was the first time folks like us got a chance to vote or get a regular job and ultimately, we wanted some of the regular stuff. We wanted the house, we wanted the car and I think because of that, the idea of recycling and taking care of the environment is just not something that is really a part of our DNA. I wanted to expand the idea of green into Greener. It’s about having a greener diet. It’s about having a better relationship than the last one; just being ‘greener.’ Like when you refresh your computer or just being fresh is greener. If you were to ask me, ‘Bentley, what is your goal?’ My goal is to change ‘cool.’ I think that cool is one of the most powerful things that we really don’t talk about in the world today. Cool will ultimately have something to do with you wanting to be in journalism and working with a magazine, the purse you got, the lip-gloss you got on, the sneakers he got on, the school he or she attended. Cool had a lot to do with those decisions. I think that different things are cool. I think that having faith in God is cool. I think going to college is cool. Getting an education in general is cool. Just because you didn’t go to college doesn’t mean that you still can’t get educated. I think that being a lady and a gentleman is cool. I don’t think profanity is cool. It’s like I said, being in the age that we’re in, you’ve got to get people on several touch points because people’s attention spans just aren’t that long. The show is in over 40 countries now and is being extremely effective in showing the importance of the teachings and displaying those real and true transformations.

The reasons I’ve been able to move forward at all in my career have a lot to do with these three standards: Manners, Confidence and Style. Guys at home can see themselves in a lot of these gentlemen. To know all of these lessons, they’re like, ‘Instead of me judging these individuals, why don’t I speak something into his or her life? Why don’t I drop a gem into his or her life?’ There’s an opportunity there to have a teachable moment. We have to get back to the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ President Obama has been very vocal about just that, so it’s been transformational for me and it’s made me even step up my level of obedience to the next level. I’m representing a lifestyle that has a specific value system, a specific point of view, specific goals and a level of expectation. Because of that, I want to continue to push myself so that others will continue to step up to the plate as well.

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Now that’s cool. For more on Mr. Fonzworth Bentley including the entire interview and some of his fashion tips, visit www.jadoremag.com. J

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features

Epiphany C hrisette M ichele : By: Alyssa Anne

An epiphany is an awakening–a sudden, intuitive

perception or gained insight into the reality of a lesson learned.  j’adore

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or the many stars in the music industry, the repetitiveness of press interviews is often the main source for monotonous answers, but not Chrisette Michele. While promoting her new sophomore album, Epiphany on Def Jam, Michele’s hybrid of genuineness and professionalism shines through with the Grammy Award-winning songstress: she’s serious one moment and giggly as if conversing with an old friend the next.

The depth and subject matter of her music makes it hard for anyone to imagine that she is still a relatively young songbird, but she is, and doesn’t mind making fun of herself. “Because my voice is so raspy and I got this waist and these thighs, all of a sudden people wanna call me Sistah Souljah, so yes, I’m an old soul but I am sooo silly,” she says. “I remember one time I went parasailing and I wanted to do a trick and I ended up landing on my head in the water. It was so fun that I did it twice! I like to go out with my girls and play at the beach. I am just 26, ya know!” But with a resounding voice like hers, who would have ever guessed? Chrisette, a native Central Islip, New Yorker who was raised by parents who were church deacons, utilized her strong gospel roots to ultimately become one of the most revered singers in the industry. Her signature sound initially garnered respect in the hip-hop scene after blessing tracks like “Can’t Forget About You” and “Lost Ones” for rap royalty Nas and Jay-Z respectively. Eventually, Chrisette’s 2007 debut album I Am went gold in a time when newcomers were excited to even go copper, thanks to her

multi-generational and compelling songwriting to complement her soulful vocals. Now, in 2009, her album continues to move the crowd. An epiphany is an awakening–a sudden, intuitive perception or gained insight into the reality of a lesson learned. On her sophomore release, a newly enlightened Chrisette seems to want to shout to all of us, “It’s okay to break up.” After leaving a tumultuous relationship, Chrisette sat down to write material with label mate, singer and songwriter Ne-Yo for the Epiphany album, resulting in the beautifully laced title track. “The inspiration behind this album was a break-up,” Chrisette explains. “Ne-Yo said he’s felt vulnerable before so why not me? And I actually loved the release that I got to have on this album. You know, I feel really empowered by this album, not just for myself, but for anyone that’s been through a tough break-up; this is their moment, their time to have an epiphany.” Gaining a rep for quality music was undoubtedly accomplished on I Am with the chick anthem “Be OK” and the softer, more vulnerable single “If I Have My Way.” Regarding Epiphany, the self-described old soul (complete with a black and white cover photo of her seemingly honoring the classic jazz divas of yesteryear) is going for an edgier sound with surefire hits like the dance-inducing “Our Song” featuring Ne-Yo. So is the MTV crowd the new target audience? “I just want to broaden my horizons,” Chrisette replies. “My favorite place to be is on the stage. When I’m writing my music, I always think about how

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it’s going to translate onto the stage, so I did more up-tempos this time around because I wanted to move a little bit more.” Although she’s gearing up to have more fun, Chrisette is very serious about her craft and stays focused while she weathers pressuring comparisons to legends including the late, great Billie Holiday and current hesaid-she-said nonsense that tends to surface in the music world. Ever the lady, Chrisette shies away from the high pedestal and resists the urge to single out any artist deemed undeserving of accolades. “I try to stay as positive as possible because there’s so much negativity and I just don’t want any part of it, but I will say this: Every artist has something incredible about them and if they are in the limelight, it’s for a reason. I try to find something to appreciate because hey, I don’t know everything.” Wisdom-infused lyrics? Check. Singing and songwriting prowess? Got it. Stage presence and pleasing to the eye? No doubt. Chrisette is so on point that she deserves a second coming out party with her Epiphany. She’s had hers, now it’s time to get yours. J

features

artists issue

of the

Gentleman Jack’s Art, Beats + Lyrics: Get on the bus and tour with the illest Hip-Hop art show to hit the U.S. and soon, globally.

By: Ale Sharpton | Images by: Dennis Malcolm Byron, Hannibal Matthews and

Tabia Parker

he integrity and overall realness of particularly Hip-Hop art has been undoubtedly watered down, abused and saturated since greedy hands found ways to make enormous profit off of it by any means necessary. Since its birth decades ago, the word “Hip-Hop” has been pimped to the point where cliques, websites and low-budgeted ventures are some of the only avenues to truly expose the world to its unadulterated purity. No one dances anymore at clubs, lyrics of substance are practically barred from mainstream vehicles, photography is limited to hard-tofind trade publications, vibrant graffiti is whitewashed and paintings embracing the culture are hard to find…until Gentleman Jack’s Art, Beats + Lyrics kicked in the door and sprayed up the place. While residing in Atlanta, Arts, Beats + Lyrics founder Jabari Graham had a decision

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to make after leaving his position as a creative marketing/media buyer. Seizing the opportunity to finally have the time to feed his hunger for real Hip-Hop, the ATL visionary used his unemployment checks and limited savings to establish an art exhibit for urban artists who deserved the spotlight for their virtually unrecognized talents from various mediums. “AB+L was conceptualized from me being laid off,” Jabari, 29, reflects as he adjusts his signature eyewear. “At the time, I was going to the unemployment office and while waiting, they always played Les Brown’s inspirational tapes. One thing I took from him was it was either ‘look for a job or create a job,’ so since I had nothing to lose, I decided to take a risk and create a job.” He adds, “I felt that there was a void missing, especially for the South. I knew that there were dope artists out there, but not a really good outlet or platform where they could shine, so I thought it out, put it in writing and acted on it.” In 2004, Jabari chose Atlanta’s answer to New York City’s eclectic Greenwich Village, Little Five Points, as the base and launched an art show that filled to capacity in a matter of minutes. Discovering the great demand for such artistry, Jabari joined forces with one of the iconic figures in the arena of Hip-Hop art–painter and illustrator Dwayne

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“Dubelyoo” Wright. World-renowned for his paintings blessing numerous magazine covers, contributions to various advertising campaigns, mind-blowing custom sneakers and his own extravagant art shows, Dubelyoo had an extensive network of deserving artists and photographers throughout Georgia’s capital and abroad who shared a mutual passion to prove urban art still had a strong pulse. “I feel the current state of Hip-Hop art is ready for the wow factor to be brought back,” Dubelyoo professes. “Over time, the bar has been lowered to some degree and I feel people accept it due to the lack of a readily available option. It’s our mission to bring our brand of excitement to the art show concept while exposing people to artists, dancers and musicians that they probably wouldn’t have seen.” C o l l e c t i v e l y, Jabari and Dubelyoo selected submitted work from artists that flooded in by the hundreds, partnered with whiskey kingpin Jack Daniels via the IMAGES USA advertising agency and branded the show Jack Daniels’ Art, Beats + Lyrics (now featuring the Gentleman Jack premium whiskey). Ultimately, the Southern Hip-Hop scene got the adrenaline shot it needed. Since the initial launch of AB+L, Jabari and Dubelyoo, along with a solid supporting cast, have made their venture a traveling art extravaganza, filling spacious venues

throughout the East Coast and Midwest bi-monthly, including Charlotte, St. Louis, Baltimore, Birmingham and, of course, Atlanta. Exhibiting true class and appreciation for these destinations, AB+L makes it imperative to invite and feature the work of local artists as well as those who accompany them on charter busses from Georgia’s capital. With free admission and complimentary concoctions of Jack Daniels’ Gentleman Jack to set the mood for soul-stirring live music, photography, graffiti, breakdancing, motion graphics fused with deejaying and paintings, AB+L has no plans of slowing their roll. To experience the true essence of what Art, Beats+Lyrics represents, yours truly got on the bus Spike Lee-style and joined Jabari, Dubelyoo and about 40 of their artists as they toured to Baltimore, Birmingham and Charlotte during the first half of 2009. For one night in each town, thousands packed the historic Hippodrome, Work Play and Blake Hotel’s posh exhibit hall respectively for unforgettable times, refreshing libations, soulful sounds, good vibes and most importantly, real Hip-Hop. According to Jabari, he has plans to not only take AB+L globally, but also preserve the state of Hip-Hop as a whole. “I hope to take AB+L to NYC, Miami and LA,” he says confidently. “I’ve received a lot of requests in those cities and then the next step is abroad. Hopefully, after that, I’d like to somehow form a non-profit for AB+L to get kids involved. We need to take time to teach kids as well as the B-Boys, DJs, MC's and knowledgeable cultivators of the Hip-Hop community. The youth should have a better outlet.” Well, wherever Gentleman Jack’s Art, Beats + Lyrics goes, J’Adore will be there front and center as this publication continues to feature those with the courage and passion to swim against the tides of the mainstream. Cheers to real Hip-Hop.

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Participating artists, DJs, performers, photographers and organizers include: Wak, Flux, Goldie, Occasional Superstar, Michi, Never, Shannon McCollum, Gilbert Young, Lord Yatta, Adrian Franks, Sean Kernick, Brandi Pettijohn, MadClout, Kevin Williams and KRJ Productions, Tindel, John Crooms, City Of Ink, Mr. Soul, Miya Bailey, Kevin Okeith, Dan The Man, Tamara Natalie Madden, Hebru Brantley, Janay Everett, Shabach, Lonnie Ollivierre, Monica Singer, Sydney James, Toya Elaine, Tabia Parker, Maurice Evans, Theda Sandiford, Drew Phillips, Blink, Baser, Carolyn Grady, Hannibal Matthews, Justin Tolentino, Peat Wollaeger, Scott Allen, Dubelyoo, Soupy Jones, Kat Goduco, Saxon Hutchins, Jen Ferris, DJ Applejack, DJ Princess Cut, DJ Rasta Root, DJ Lord, DJ Jamad, DJ Wreckineyez, Doug, The Jaspects, ALIen, Jay Force, Hustle Simmons, The Common Ground Collective, Fray, Black Spade, Tahir, Ravi Windom, Margaret Karbo, Kid Kaos and a gang of others.

While these photographs have captured some memorable times and an eclectic mix of Hip-Hop enthusiasts at each destination, log on to AB+L’s website at www.artbeatsandlyrics.com and find the next date where you can witness how entertaining, enlightening and necessary this event is. Also, be sure to visit www.jadoremag.com for an exclusive interview with Jabari Graham, along with links to Art, Beats+Lyrics artwork including videos, photographs and websites from participating artists. J

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fashion haute fashion

Classic

This young lady is the epitome of representing the traditional vintage look. The pearls and bold statement of solid black and white pairing offset the ensemble.

Emo Glam

She treads a close call between the emoesque line, but dazzles it up with transparent electric blue neon tights and shimmer pumps.

Eclectic

Who knew such different textures and colors mixed with gaudy jewelry could be put together so well without coming off as careless and frumpy? Her appearance screams a balance of high-end threads mixed with a “reccessionista” swag.

Urban Swank

His suave demeanor flows effortlessly with the unique, yet comfortable style. The pink accents in the shoes and jeans somehow mesh flawlessly against the masculinity of the “wife beater,” shades and classic French beret.

Ultra Preppy

Burberry scarf, bow tie, purple fitted vest, camel-colored blazer and casual jeans put this gentleman in a league of his own. This looks is highly sophisticated, yet understated all in one.

Skater Steez

At first glance, he's the prototypical skater boy rocking bright colors and splashy glasses, but the oxford-style shoes and classic navy blue shorts set the look into a cool, clean category of his own.

how-to

In ode to the theme of the second anniversary issue, J’Adore decided to shine the light on six people who define the term, "London street style." The beautiful thing about their fashion sense is the fact that everyone seems to possess a creative individuality that sets themselves apart from the next. The following are some varieties of flavor London flaunts in today’s world of fashion.

Watch this

By: Robert J. Mair

ince J’Adore is honoring the U.K., this installment of Watch This could time with a reliable not be complete without mentioning Big Ben, the world’s largest fourCitizen Miyota Quartz faced chiming clock. Big Ben is actually a nickname generally used Movement and you can for the tower, clock and bell, although this moniker specifically refers order this timepiece to the massive 13-ton bell inside the clock. The tower is actually the Palace of right now as a comWestminster Clock Tower and is indeed one of the most memorative edition with popular backdrops for visitor photos in London. “The 44th President of The colossal bell was made by the Whitechapel the United States Barack Bell Foundry that’s also known for creating H. Obama” engraved on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and more the case’s back. Keeping recently, the Bell of Hope, which was given it on your wrist is a black to New York on the first anniversary of the buffalo leather strap. September 11, 2001 attacks. Famous in ‘Nuff said. films such as Harry Potter and the Order Now for the amazof the Phoenix, the clock and tower have ingly unobtainable survived 150 years of history including watch of the issue, try The Oyster heavy German bombing during The Blitz finding a Concord C1 on May 10, 1941. The 150th anniversary celQuantumGravity. This ebration of the tower, clock and bell actually began in April, 2008 as the bell mind-blowing futuriswas cast on April 10, 1858, but continues into 2009 as the tower was tic watch is 48.5mm in not complete until 1859. Hey, any excuse to keep the party going. diameter and 22mm in The British are no strangers to the love affair with the depth (trust me, this is wristwatch. As mentioned in The Hollywood Issue of J’Adore, huge), but is wearable due to its titanium case and aluminum wristwatches were not considered masculine accessories components. With too many unique features to list, let’s just long ago. This all changed when soldiers began wearing them say there is a glowing green liquid containing phosphorescent in combat. The invention of the wristwatch allowed British nanoparticles to display the power reserve. Go to www.c1-quantroops the ability to synchronize their attacks, helping them tum.ch to see the making of this watch. win the Anglo-Boer War. These early wristwatches had glass casOh, it’s available in a limited edition of es, requiring silver covers to protect them during combat. By the end ten by the way, so good luck finding one Concord C1 of World War I, due to the increased demand for wristwatches, the de- QuantumGravity outside of a museum. sign of the cases progressed greatly. The result? Rolex led the way in innovation as the first waterproof watch, The Oyster, which was introduced in 1926; this same famed watchmaker later invented the Auto Rotor in 1931, marking the introduc- What to Watch for… tion of the self-winding watch. From time to time, Watch This will feaForward to 2009. The wristwatch ture new watch designers in the marketplace. passport to buy is the Jorg Gray 6500 Series Garlason Group International, founded in 2001, Chronograph. Why? Simple. This is is utilizing simplistic elegance in its line of wrist President Obama’s watch of choice and wear. Check out the Passport line of watches for around $350 you can literally for the look of a world traveler and the Grand own a piece of history. The watch Automatic with its classic rectangular lines was given to the president as for a refined look. There is also a ladies vera 46th birthday present by sion of the Passport watch you might want to his secret service detail has pick up if you don’t want your significant been worn by the President other stealing yours. Check them out at ever since. The watch keeps www.ggitime.com. J Grand Jorg Gray 6500 Series Chronograph

Automatic

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haute fashion

roof story

 Suit: Z Zenga  Sweater/Shirt: H&M  Tie: Tommy Hilfiger  Pocket Square: Tommy Hilfiger  Gloves: LaCrasia  Glasses: Ray-Ban

images by: Brian Heller Fashion Editor: Andre Austin grooming: Andre Austin Model: Pawel@Red

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 Suit: Ted Baker/London  Shirt/Tie: Ralph Lauren  Pocket Square: Valentino  Gloves: LaCrasia

 Blazer: H&M  Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger  Tie: Filippa K  Pocket Square: D&G

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hf images by: David Matthew Walters Fashion Editor: Andre Austin Hair/Makeup: Darvell Freeman Model: Leslie@BasicModelManagement

go with the

flow

haute fashion

 Dress: Marchesa  Ring: Kloset

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 Dress: Catherine Malandrino  Stockings: Wolford  Bracelets: Ben Amun  Shoes: Michael Antonio

 Dress: Jean Paul Gauthier  Bracelets: Alexis Bittar

 Dress: Chris Han  Earrings: H&M  Ring: Kloset

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 Dress/Coat/Shoes: D&G  Gloves: LaCrasia

haute fashion

Rock (it) fuel Photographer: David Matthew Walters

Fashion Editor: Andre Austin Hair: Rodnei Ferby Models: Cameron @Click, Pawel@Red

v Pawel:  Suit:D&G  Gloves: LaCrasia  Boots: John Varvatos

> Pawel:  Leather Jacket: D&G

v Cameron:  Tuxedo: D&G  Pocket Square: D&G

< Pawel:  Jacket/Shirt/Bow-tie: D&G

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x-tras

guys and

gadgets

2009 is far from over!

t’s very difficult to chart the direction the videogame industry is heading, but there are clear signs of upcoming technology and trends that various companies are going to do their best to capitalize off of. Thanks to Flawless Victory, we will not only list some of the upcoming games that you had no idea were coming your way, but also cover the most innovative hardware and software. Evidently, with titles such as Dead Space: Extraction and mind-blowing concepts like Dante’s Inferno, 2009 is nowhere close to finished yet.

flawless v i c t o r y

By Shawn Jackson

Dead Space Extraction

Availability: Q4 2009 | Formats: Wii If you scream in space, will you be heard? In this Wii exclusive prequel to the Xbox 360/PS3 survival horror game, this on-rails light gun shooter seems to take the gameplay in a new direction while simultaneously providing a new perspective on the events that led up to the first game. Electronic Arts is pushing the Wii to new heights in the graphics and sound, as well as content and “replayability.” Experiencing the game in the first-person perspective will certainly give the player a better sense of the scares that Dead Space has in store. Look for EA to continue making the USG Ishimura its horror breeding ground.

Lost Planet 2

Availability: TBA | Formats: Xbox 360 So you think you know everything there is to know about Lost Planet, right? Think again. This sequel to the popular Xbox 360 game continues ten years after the original left off. Utilizing “terraforming,” the process that alters a planet’s atmosphere to the point life can be sustained, E.D.N. III is now shown to have lush vegetation instead of the barren terrain it used to be. You control a group of customizable characters either alone or with three friends thanks to online multiplayer capabilities (co-op is a possibility in the online features). This third-person shooter looks to outshine the original Lost Planet in not only gameplay variety, but also regarding graphics as Capcom’s own MT Framework engine is being utilized. No release date has been set, but this looks to be one to keep an eye out for.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

Availability: Q3 2009 | Formats: PS3, Xbox 360 Ever wanted a new 2-D fighter that wasn’t based on the same ol’, same ol’? The mission is accomplished with BlazBlue, an original effort from developer Arc System Works and publisher Aksys Games. As the “spiritual successor” to the popular Guilty Gear franchise, 12 unique weapon-based fighters offline and online are trading blows to a rocking soundtrack composed by GG creator Daisuke Ishiwatari. Gameplay-wise, you have a plethora of offensive and defensive skills at your disposal such as Distortion Drives, Astral Heat and Rapid Cancels. And the kicker is that the game is displayed in full HD brandishing hand-drawn characters enhanced with astounding animation and 3-D backgrounds. If there was a 2D alternative to Street Fighter, this would meet the demand perfectly.

tidbits: Dante’s Inferno

Availability: TBA 2010 | Formats: PS3, Xbox 360 Based loosely on the epic poem by Dante Aligieri, A Divine Comedy, this action game by Electronic Arts will take you directly into Hell, and we’re not talking about Hell, Michigan. It’s more the Hell with the demons and nine circles of greed, lust, envy, anger, heresy, gluttony, limbo, violence, fraud and treachery. Using an allegorical poem to be the basis of the storyline, EA is helping to bring variety to the action genre. Our hero is, of course, Dante and he’s on a quest to free his love, Beatrice, from Hell by traversing the Gates and the Nine Levels of Hell and then ultimately face the first fallen angel, Lucifer. Dante is not without some form of weaponry; he not only acquires Death’s scythe (yes, that Death), but will acquire some Holy artillery as well. Boasting a multilayered story written by an Academy Award-nominated writer, lines spoken from the epic poem by the game’s characters and captivating visuals that will make your eyes pop, Dante’s Inferno is blazing!

Need for Speed: Shift

Availability: Q3 2009 | Formats: PS3, Xbox 360 EA’s Need for Speed franchise is well known to many gamers and has been around for more than a dozen years. This iteration of the game is aiming for something a little more realistic and not as arcade-influenced as past versions. Here, you race in the more pure form of track racing, although the gameplay is not as demanding as something like Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo. The online component will utilize the usual suspects in terms of features, but the main meat and potatoes is the offline game–and thankfully so–as it seems developer Slightly Mad Studios (creators of the GTR PC games series) is taking great pains to receive an “A” for effort. Not only are the graphics and sound taking the videogame racing experience to new levels, but the gameplay is said to be tight, yet forgiving. Shift is worth making the trip for.

Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles

Availability: Q4 2009 | Formats: Wii

It’s no mystery that gamers wanted a Resident Evil 4 or 5 version brought over to the popular consoles, but it looks we’ll be getting something a little different. Enter the second Resident Evil on-rails shooter. Reportedly still in the works as of press time, the on-rails survival horror shooter is set during Resident Evil 2’s Raccoon City and stars fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield. Capcom, the game’s developer, states that it is not a RE2 remake, but will feature scenarios from that game as well as from others set during that time period. While it is an on-rails shooter, Capcom insists it is not a direct sequel. Additionally, the Umbrella Corporation is not the main enemy of this game, which explains why it is not being called RE: Umbrella Chronicles 2. Expect the familiar difficulty system presented in RE4 and recently released RE5, as well as nifty visual effects and the implementation of the Havoc physics engine.

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Army of Two: The 40th Day was announced in March, 2009 as being in development for PS3, Xbox 360 and PSP. A tentative release date of Q4 2009 was issued, but that could change. The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will be presented at the Los Angeles Convention Center by the time this issue hits thestands. Look for an exclusive feature on our website following the Expo ends.

tech side

the

x-tras

By Shawn Jackson

Sony Walkman

Lenovo IdeaCentre A600

All-in-one PCs have not exactly lit the world on fire, but like Apple’s all-inone Macs, the idea is still sound and attractive. Enter Lenovo’s IdeaCenter A600, a thin PC with all the accoutrements of its larger cousins. Of course, what’s a new computer without some innovations thrown in for good measure? It comes with a thin LCD monitor sporting full 1080p HD resolutions as well as options galore such as an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM, an ATI Radeon graphics card, a digital TV tuner that’s Windows Vista Media Center compatible, 1TB of HDD space, six USB 2.0 ports, one firewire port, a touchpad keyboard and a 2MP webcam. Now where the innovation shines is the unique Lenovo Motion Drive Remote. This remote is innovative because it not only performs the normal function of a TV remote, but it also acts as VoIP handset and an “air mouse” (moves the cursor on screen much the same way you use Nintendo’s Wiimote to handle point & click for the browser). One other cool feature is the Veriface facial recognition technology which allows you to sign into your account with your face as your password. Now this should get a fire going!

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Who says that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks? Sony’s new styled MP3 player brings the Walkman into the 21st Century. Boasting a 3-inch 432 x 240 native resolution OLED display, WMA, AAC, MPEG-4, H.264 and WMV support, you almost cannot go wrong with this little portable box of music and video. And what is a portable music player without FM Tuning? Yep, you get that too! To make this box even more of a value, you can also browse the net with the on-board 802.11g/b WiFi and check out even more music or videos on Youtube. What can’t this little wonder do? Well it can’t cook your dinner, but you can look up recipes over the Net with it. Talk about going back to the future!

Samsung TL320

Samsung is not one to let us down with their constant innovation in the world of technology. Now, Samsung introduces us to a new camera called the TL320 (the WB100 across the pond), a 12 MP point-and-shoot camera that should be available now. Featuring a 3-inch AMOLED display which consumes less power while producing darker black levels, higher contrast ratio and more vibrant colors, the image or video can be viewed from any angle without a loss in viewable image or color quality. If that’s not enough, the TL320 features a 24mm ultra-wide angle focal length Schneider lens with 5x optical zoom, Optical and Digital Image Stabilization, Blink Detection (fires two consecutive shots if the subject of your photo is caught blinking in the first), Smart Auto Mode (chooses from its 11 different picture modes based on the image in front of it), and the unique Beauty Mode which automatically evens skin tone and removes blemishes. There’s this and much more in this new breakthrough from Samsung. The future is now.

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Tidbits:

Verizon Wireless Hub

Yes, cell phones are ubiquitous and have almost replaced the need for home phones, but Verizon has come up with something that may entice those weary of having to recharge their home phone, losing a signal or not getting an important message because their phone was off. Enter the Hub, Verizon’s answer to those who would like a home phone with all the features of a cell phone plus much more. The Hub is a “hub” in the purest sense of the word, as you can not only receive text and video messages from your Verizon cell phone (each phone must be added to the hub), but also preview trailers for movies playing at the local theater, find the number of a mechanic or restaurant, send driving directions to a Verizon cell phone, get updated on a new location for an event and even check local traffic and weather. Also, applications such as VZ Navigator and Chaperone® can also be connected into the Hub. VCast content is also available. And all you have to do is connect it to a broadband (compatible with most broadband services), Verizon FiOS internet or DSL connection. Pricing is under $200 and the subscription fee is $35 for unlimited texting and unlimited anytime minutes. The Hub can be bought at any Verizon store or online.

Nokia N97 Smartphone

Nokia’s N97 is one smart phone you might want to take a look at. With a 3.5-inch screen showcasing the visuals in 640 x 360 at a 16:9 aspect ratio while shooting video and taking pictures with its 5 MP camera recording at 30 fps. With 32 GB of internal flash drive space, this phone is already shaping up to be the prize it looks like it will be. Like others in this line, it has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard that provides that tactile feeling of actually inputting text and numbers. The actual phone features is also very impressive. Featuring 3.5G (aka HSDPA) connectivity, Wi-Fi, A-GPS (Assisted GPS) and Bluetooth, this 5.23 oz, 2/3 of an inch-thick phone is perfect for those who like the hybrid of simplicity and advancement. Look for this one soon.

LG LH90

LG offers yet another new and exciting HDTV to get our Hi-Def fix from with the LH90. Debuting earlier this year at CES 2009, the LH90 comes in 42-, 47- and 55-inch sizes. Sporting a slim design that measures less than 1-inch thick at its thinnest point, this LED backlit television displays deeper blacks, a wider array of colors, smooth motion and 240Hz performance. With this set, you get full 1080p video through natively uncompressed wireless transmission, a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 2,000,000:1, an Intelligent Sensor, four HDMI v. 1.3 with Deep Color outputs, a USB 2.0 connection for viewing photos or listening to music, LG SimpLink (HDMI-CEC) and Smart Energy Saving Plus.

• Wouldn’t it be nice if that scratch on your MP3 player or cell phone could just go away? Well if it were up to two researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi, Biswait Ghosh and Marek Urban, those scratches would be a thing of the past. Utilizing scratch-resistant polyurethane, OXE and CHI, when a cut appears on the surface, OXE (an unstable chemical component) forces it to bleed out and exposure to UV light causes the OXE and CHI to bond together and fill in the artificial valley. • This is something that deserves to be in these pages: BigBelly, the public trash can. Not only can BigBelly compacts trash to stem the frequency of emptying it daily, but it also draws its power from the sun via a solar panel on its top. Not only that, but it can save cities much needed money and it requires little upkeep. In fact, it’s already on some street corners in the good ole U.S. of A including Philadelphia, which has an astounding 500! Let’s hope it catches on. • In what may be the newest idea (ok, not really) in search engines comes Wolfram Alpha, the brainchild from British scientist Stephen Wolfram. With Wolfram Alpha (www. wolframalpha.com), all you have to do is type in your request as if you were asking a regular person a question and the results should be closer to your answer than the lists upon lists of search results you’re used to getting. Fancy that, a search engine that answers questions like a human would. • In what could be a breakthrough not only in the automotive industry, but for all industries (and the consumers who utilize their products) that rely on Lithium-Ion batteries, MIT has developed a method that not only allows the popular battery to charge in mere seconds but they become more powerful and can handle the strain of an electric or hybrid car. This is achieved by creating tunnels through the surface, in effect, creating the equivalent of warp speed for storing and releasing energy. While some prototypes have been made, expect to see these new batteries in cars and products within three years. • Free TV? Well not exactly, but the ZillionTV is endeavoring to help you get rid of your existing cable TV service by offering ad-supported HDTV via its set top box (the “Z-Bar”) enabling you to view television to your heart’s content with the option to buy ad-free shows or movies. ZillionTV is in the beta testing phase now, but when it’s available at the end of the year, you’ll be watching shows and movies from such studios and stations as Disney, 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal and Sony Pictures. And all you need is $50 for the installation and a broadband connection.

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hugging the road:

Across the Pond

By: Shawn Jackson

What sets one car apart from the rest, other than nationality, engineering and parts used? It’s the style and the spirit of the design put into it. It’s the labor of love in detailing its every curve and the creativity implemented for the standards of safety, entertainment, performance and numerous aesthetics. In this Anniversary issue of J’Adore, we are showcasing elegance and the most stylistically daring in the world of automobiles. From the UK’s Jaguar XKR and America’s Chevrolet Camaro to Germany’s Mercedes -Benz E-Class and breathtaking Aston Martin V12 Vantage, jaws should drop at first glance of these four-wheeled works of art.

2010 Jaguar XKR & XK Portfolio Arriving this summer, Jaguar debuts two stunning lightweight, yet strong 2-door sports cars that bring forth advances in features and performance that car enthusiasts will excitedly embrace. While the models may electronically limit their maximum speed to 155 mph, the 0-60 speeds have actually fallen from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds or a comparative 4.9 to 4.6 for the supercharged XKR. These speeds are achieved because the XKR houses a 5.0-liter supercharged 510 hp V8 engine that outputs 461 lb.-ft of torque (23 MPG), while the XK Portfolio houses a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated 385 hp, V8 engine that pushes 380 lb.ft of torque (25 MPG). The new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines deliver efficiency and help in fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions with a state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission; the XKR also utilizes an electronic differential to optimize traction and performance. New features for these models include the JaguarDrive Selector, Bixenon automatic headlamps with power wash, Advanced Emergency Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Jaguar’s Adaptive Restraint Technology System, among others. With accessories and enhancements like these, the world will hear the Jaguar’s roar for years to come.

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2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage The V12 Vantage will be the epitome of performance when it unveils its 6.0-liter V12 engine that outputs 510 hp at 420 lb.-ft. of torque and tops out at 190 mph, going from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. Besides the astounding engine revving up to 6500 rpm, the unique ‘Sport’ button on the dashboard gives you a choice between two powertrain modes. The “Normal” mode is more suited to everyday tasks such as driving through neighborhoods or traffic, while the “Sport” mode is suited for times where the peak performance of the Vantage is desired. For weight distribution, the six-speed manual transmission vehicle utilizes a transaxle configuration which puts 85 percent of the car’s weight between the front and rear axles. The Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes provide the necessary safety and stopping power for such a performance-driven masterpiece from the prestigious Aston Martin brand.

2010 Lotus Exige S Derived from the Spanish word “Exigir” meaning “to demand,” the new 2010 Exige model boasts a 420 hp engine that outputs 170 lb.-ft of torque at 5500 rpm. To add, this two-seater sports car has a composite rear wing that is based on the Exige GT3 concept car shown in 2007. Its restyled front end possesses a a morenangular air intake mouth that funnels more air through the radiator that helps improve engine efficiency. Speaking on the interior, the instrument

panel not only displays fuel level, speed and distance traveled, but also has a High Definition LCD message panel with scrolling text to accurately inform the diver of all functions. The Exige also utilizes an alarm/immobilizer system which acts with the ignition key to lock doors and set the alarm. The Exige S has three separate packages available: the Touring (full leather or microfiber suede interior, iPod-connected sound system, sound insulation kit, full carpets embroidered with the Lotus logo and other amenities); the “Sport” (featuring Bilstein sports dampers, Traction control, adjustable front anti-roll bar, T45 roll bar with integrated harness mounts and more); and the Performance (variable slip traction control and a full-length upsized roof scoop). Evidently, Lotus means business…and fun!

2009 Dodge Circuit EV Concept Once more, we come to a crossroads where innovation meets demand. Dodge’s new concept in clean driving, the EV, is an electric sports car that’s set to impress. Utilizing an electric ENVI drivetrain, the Circuit EV can accelerate from 0-60 in less than five seconds, can travel ¼ of a mile in 13 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph. This car utilizes only three powertrain components which are the 268 hp electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery system and a controller that manages energy flow. The lithium-ion battery is advanced enough that it allows the car to have a driving range of 150 – 200 miles between charges and the battery can be recharged with either a 110-volt household outlet or a 220-volt household appliance outlet (which cuts recharge time in half). The design of the vehicle position both the passenger and driver centered in the middle of the wheelbase and in the interior, the dashboard features two analog-face gauges and a digital display which delivers

information on the electric-drive system. All of this is encased in a leathercovered instrument panel. And let’s not forget the premium leather seats and center console. You shouldn’t dodge this one if you are looking for a premium electric automobile.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro How would you like your very own Transformer? Well, while the new Camaro looks like “Bumblebee” from the blockbuster film, it doesn’t convert into a 20-foot tall robot. However, what is not science fiction is the 26 estimated hwy mpg, two V6 models (LS and LT)

and a V8 SS model that all feature a six-speed transmission. The SS model boasts one of three available engines: a 6.2-liter V8 engine with either an automatic or manual TR6060 sixspeed transmission outputting 422 hp at 408 lb.-ft of torque, while the LS and LT both house a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine which revs 300 hp at 273 lb.-ft of torque with a HydraMatic 6L50 six-speed manual transmission coming standard. Regarding safety, the Camaro contains driver and front-passenger dual-stage airbags; front seat safety belt load limiters and pre-tensioners; a Front Passenger Detection System that adjusts and suppresses air bag deployment when smaller adults or children are seated; standard OnStar service and highstrength steel within specific areas of the car to help keep the safety cage around the passengers solid. The Camaro is back with a vengeance! Now if only Chevrolet would make the whole “transforming” thing and option…

2010 Mercedes Benz E-class The E-class series of sedans from Mercedes-Benz has a longrunning reputation of not only reliability and comfort, but also performance and engineering. Coming in two models, the E350 and E550, the E-class should bring pampering comfort, innovation and power to the road. For the E350, expect a 268 hp V6 engine and for the E550, the 382 hp V8 engine gives drivers that extra power to satisfy speed demon urges. Both models will arrive with rear-wheel drive or have the optional 4MATIC allwheel drive mated with a seven-speed automatic transmission during the fall of 2009. Further evolving into a class of its own, the E-class will be the first auto with traffic-adaptable headlamps that will respond automatically to the given situation. This will be a part of the Premium 2 package (along with bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights). Additionally, the

new standard Attention Assist function utilizes highly sensitive sensors that monitor driving behavior to alert a drowsy driver to attention. With safety features like this, you can’t sleep on this vehicle literally!

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By: Montayne Farrar

Flo Rida – R.O.O.T.S    

Flo Rida returns with his sophomore project, R.O.O.T.S. (Route Of Overcoming The Struggle). With R.O.O.T.S, Flo Rida combines the best elements of hip-hop and pop, and delivers it in his own signature style. The rock-infused first single “Right Round” featuring Kesha re-introduces Generation Y to the classic Dead or Alive single “You Spin Me Around (Like A Record)” and establishes itself as Rida’s second number one hit. The project’s first promo single “Shone” quickly convinced FloRida’s devought fans that the sophomore slump was out the window. “Sweat” featuring Chris Brown unfortunately may not appear on the album due to Brown’s recent legal woes, however, a remix featuring Omarion or Ray J could quickly remedy this problem. For the clubhoppers, R.O.O.T.S tracks are phenomenal. “Available” featuring Akon is young, fly and flashy with the golden duo chanting, “First is money, second is me, in the VIP full of guarantees.” “Touch Me” once again flaunts newcomer Kesha and embellishes on the overused robotic voice imploring you to “touch me, touch me, touch me,” but it is sure to pack dancefloors worldwide. This is definitely shaping up to be a breakout year for Flo Rida, and for fans of high-energy tempos and infectious hooks, R.O.O.T.S is definitely a must-buy.

Toni Redd – N” the Key of Redd     

When I first heard Toni Redd, I was instantly engulfed with the sounds of the British acid jazz band Incognito and former lead singer Maysa. Redd’s style and voice are very reminiscent of Maysa, which will definitely attract fans from the English acid jazz movement. “N” the Key of Redd breathes a late 80’s feel and harkens back to a time when music was live, natural and relaxed. Tracks such as “Can’t Stop Thinking About You” flashbacks to a time when listening to FM radio was a must in everyday life. Redd exhales that fresh air of yesterday with phenomenal lyricism in “Anytime of Day” and “Sailing.” On “Missing You” and “We Should Care,” she melodically pays homage to the late and talented Phyllis Hyman. “N” the Key of Redd is a welcomed blast from the past and truly a blessing to your music collection.

Kevin Borg – The Beginning   

Maltese pop singer and 2008 Sweden Idol winner Kevin Borg’s debut CD, The Beginning, is receiving little to no attention following its spring release. This could be a direct effect of Kevin’s move to Sweden one year prior to Idol 2008 where he became the first contestant born outside of Sweden to win. The Beginning’s first single “Street Life” is a solidly produced pop song, similar to previous releases by Idol winners. At times, Borg personifies a male version of Kelly Clarkston, especially on the track “When Sunlight Freezes” and he does suffer a setback via his foray into techno on “More Than I Do Now” and “Beating Me Up.” The Beginning is pure pop, so for those who enjoy the “pop life” with a well-balanced sound, The Beginning could be your fix.

Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World    

After years behind the scenes as an award-winning songwriter for some of today’s biggest artists, the talented “Get It Girl” has emerged as the next rhythm and blues starlet on the scene. Busting down the door on one of 2008’s biggest singles, Timbaland’s “The Way I Are,” Hilson announced to the world that she had indeed arrived and was more than prepared for her debut release. She teased audiences with the promo single “Energy,” a mid-tempo ballad that was taken over the top with its official music video. She followed with “Return the Favor” featuring Timbaland, a track that follows the blueprint of Nelly Furtado’s “Promiscuous” which was also produced by the native Virginian hitmaker. The first official single from In A Perfect World was “Turning Me On” featuring Lil Wayne and has since become a certified ladies anthem. Another stellar track from the album is “Tell Him the Truth,” where we find Keri channeling the “hurt and abused” Mary J. Blige. We find this stark honesty again with “Make Love” produced by Polow Da Don. In A Perfect World is filled with catchy songs and memorable lyrics, but overall, Hilson doesn’t really break new ground. Too much throughout this project, you hear glimpses of artists Hilson has written for, especially on “Slow Dance” and “How Does it Feel” which provide strong visualizations of Ciara. Maybe a bit of exploration outside of her current production team will provide a better understanding of who Keri Hilson really is in future projects. In the end, this album is still worthy of purchase.

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Chris Cornell – Scream    

Former Soundgarden and Audioslave front man Chris Cornell has reinvented himself once again on his third solo effort Scream. Via Scream, Cornell integrates a stronger R&B, hip-hop-infused sound credited to super producer Timbaland. Cornell still delivers his signature raw vocals which work well on tracks like “Sweet Revenge,” while opening up on “Part of Me,” an energetic song about a twisted fling reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” lyrics. Cornell’s new sound does backfire a bit, though. “Take Me Alive” takes a page out of Justin Timberlake’s manual, which is not very surprising considering that the track was co-written by Mr. JT and features his background vocals. The unfavorable result proves that some artists can’t write for others when individuality is the focus. “Get Up” has an Akon feel production-wise, but Cornell’s voice quickly re-affirms who owns the song. When listening to Scream, one must remember that Chris is a writer first and his lyrics contain imagery that may require multiple listens. This aspect could serve as a gift or a curse with critics. What is certain is Timbaland’s golden touch of solid production pulls Scream together to make a above par project, which is a scarcity in today’s musical landscape.

Teriyaki Boyz – Serious Japanese    

The Teriyaki Boys are “hot” to the tenth power. From start to finish, their second release, Serious Japanese, features straight club bangers one track after another, inducing heads worldwide to bob to the Teriyaki Boyz’ sound. On this sophomore effort, we find members Ilmari, Ryo-Z, Wise, Verbal and Nigo partying hard. Nigo, founder of clothing empire Bathing Ape, utilized his success and star power to pull in hip-hop’s top producers to truly bang it out. On “Zock On” featuring Busta Rhymes and Pharrell, they incessantly ask “Who want that, they want that,” to an incredulous Neptunes track. Kanye West lends a verse on the African-inspired soundscape “Teriyaking” featuring Big Sean. On “I Still Love H.E.R,” the Boyz recite their love for hip-hop similar to Common’s classic, “I Used To Love H.E.R.” They continue their injection of old school hip-hop with the Beastie Boys’ Ad Rock on “Can’t Bake That Fape” featuring Takagikan. Even Mr. So So Def himself, Jermaine Dupri, makes the passage overseas with his label’s new artist, Dondria, to bless the Boyz with the chilled out love song “Sweet Girl.” The major flaw with Serious Japanese is the increasingly overused autotuner featured on the album, an overused voice effect that should have been left in the Land of the free. Last, the Teriyaki Boyz are at their absolute best without the presence of special guests as evident on the title track and “Itsumo It’s More,” proving that hip-hop excellence reaches far beyond the shores of the U.S.

Seven – Like A Rocket    

Seven returns once again with his fifth release, Like A Rocket, and from the looks of things, it appears something good is brewing in Sweden. On Like A Rocket, Seven has enlisted a rare group of artists to craft a sound that will give artists like Robin Thicke a run for their money. West Coast rapper AMG blesses the title track and produces a song that should bring that “old thing back” to the veteran producer’s career. Rocket features a plethora of guests that all deliver impressive performances, but never outshine Seven. This is somewhat shocking, especially when Seven teams up with the UK’s Omar on “Wish of A Fool” and Beverly Knight on “Jail.” On “Wish of A Fool,” Seven delivers a laid back track that screams Maxwell while Omar gives a magnificent performance. “My Song,” an inspirational love ballad, is sure to cause a stir in the world of neo-soul upon its release. With vocals that melt into the track and lyrics such as, “You need to do me, you need to repre-sent, I want it to make me close my eyes,” Seven ensures that every base is covered on this single. On “Lisa” and “Let Me Be,” Seven rides the waves of mellow acid jazz and scores again. He also blesses the ear with the stellar “One Day” and steamy ballad “Born & Raised.” Like A Rocket is definitely making the world take notice of the cultured music being produced in the European land of the blue and gold.

Cesar Comanche – Die In Your Lap    

Cesar has the unique and dubious honor of being the first emcee from the Justus League to lace a track by renowned producer 9th Wonder. With Die In Your Lap, Mr. Wonder and Cesar teamed up to produce real hip-hop music. Truthfully, Cesar’s lyrical style is an acquired taste that’s not overly flashy, but lyrical and quick-witted for the thinking man’s ear. The title track “Die In Your Lap” packs a powerful sample that compliments Cesar’s laidback flow very well. The Marvelous Beats produced the heavily layered track “Everything” that embraces the lyricist’s syrupy verses and mellows listeners into a trancelike state. While Die In Your Lap boasts many talented producers, 9th Wonder shines above the rest with “What’s Wrong,” “Hands High,” and “Choose”; justly, Cesar rides the sensational production like the Lone Ranger. On “Shame,” Cesar rocks a slowed down West Coast boogie track and resurrects Tha Alkaholiks’ 1997 beat from “Feel Da Real” on “Ghetto World,” which really prove his versatility on the mic. It’s safe to say that Die In Your Lap is a gem.

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B ook

Jessica Watkins

Feministry101

By: L. Raquel Peterson images by: tregan Colston

“I

never meant to teach anyone a lesson from my books,” explains Jessica Watkins, self-published author of the Femistry Press Epitome of Femistry series. “I just enjoyed telling good stories. It touches me when readers feel a deeper impact from the books.” Inspired by her love of storytelling, the young author’s current series is loosely based upon the lives of her and friends in Chicago, serving as a productive release from the realities of teenage motherhood. The scandalously juicy series covers topics on everything from young love to bisexuality and incest. With the first three books of the series readily available in bookstores and online nationwide, Watkins’ most recent release, Love Sick, is prepared to take the series to a whole new level in terms of scandal, excitement and adventure. J’Adore speaks with the accomplished author about the series as well as the grind of self-publishing.

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J’Adore: What does Femistry stand for? Jessica Watkins: Femistry exemplifies the characters in The Epitome of Femistry Series so well. I define Femistry as the chemistry occurring in a woman’s body that allows her to cry, laugh, love, comfort and fight differently than her male counterpart. It is the femininity that I am passionate about illustrating in my writing. School us on the Epitome of Femistry series. Set in the city of Chicago, The Epitome of Femistry series is your literary drama-filled and sexy sitcom. I like to describe it as a literary mix of Girlfriends, Sex in the City and Soul Food. This series follows the lives of the three main characters, Lyric, Tricey and Victoria, as they travel the Windy City and encounter the road blocks that every young, urban, established adult woman can relate to. The novels of this series are told in the first-person narrative from the perceptive of three street smart, sassy and ambitious women. Jane Doe, Thou Shall Not Keep Me Wondering, and Just thrust the reader into the heart broken and dishonored, yet humorous and heartfelt worlds of Lyric, Tricey and Victoria. The Epitome of Femistry series starts off as a heart wrenching reflection of life through the eyes of the urban teenager but, with the following editions of the series, quickly turns into a contagious and erotic cycle of suspense, humor, sex, lies, infidelity and deceit all bundled up in an entertaining package of sexy diva deliciousness! These fastpaced, well plotted and entertaining chronicles never give readers the typical Hollywood ending and are a must read for literary fans who desire realism over irrelevant fiction.

"I enjoy writing so much that simply seeing my published book on my bookshelf at home or being able to show my family was good enough for me." What will occur in the fourth installment of the series? In the latest edition of the Epitome of Femistry series, Latrice, Victoria and Lyric are once again lost in Chicago’s love diversions. Victoria seems to have a handle on her recent break up with long-term beau, Taij. Rather than crying into her pillow every night, she’s in the arms of one new piece after the next, turning her rage into sexual expression that finds her with constant potential and no-strings attached. Victoria’s new control of her heart terribly clashes with Vince’s undeniable interest in being more than her next booty call. However, Victoria’s refusal to commit does not keep Vince from trying desperately to blow up the wall that she has restructured around her heart. As Victoria runs from Vince’s attempts to woo her, Latrice has done the unthinkable: fell in love with the booty-call. After the unfortunate conclusion of her affairs with Damion and Tunde, Amiel was the perfect replacement; except for the pregnant wife and kid. Now she’s ready for him to man up; to show whether he truly loves her by giving her the commitment and relationship that she needs or move on. While Latrice dreams of commitment and marriage to the unavailable Amiel, Lyric and Bradley are preparing for the real deal. As Bradley and Lyric begin their happily ever after in Blue Island, Illinois, Bradley is under the impression that he has chosen the perfect wife-to-be. Lyric struggles with this label as she figures out a way to quietly end the on-going love affair between her and Veronica; an affair that she has successfully perpetrated to her fiancé as a simple platonic friendship.

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This madness entitled Love Sick is only the beginning of this erotic tale. A sea of characters add their own two cents and drama, and also donate to the shocking and heartrending end of cycles of affairs, obsession, and despair. With insertions of erotic spoken word by Chicago’s own Strawberri Taylor, Love Sick is your ideal entertaining, emotive and erotic daily retreat. How long is the writing process for each book? What steps are involved? The length of the writing process depends on the free time that I am allotted. If I am given the time, I can usually complete a novel in about two months. Before starting a novel, I draft an outline of the main events I want to happen; particularly the beginning, a dramatic middle to keep the reader interested, and a dramatic finish. Then I just write and fill in the gaps with humor, mystery, a bit of erotica and realism. What are the challenges of writing and self-publishing? The biggest challenge for me is selfpublishing. Writing itself is something that I love to do and have a passion for, so it provides no challenges. Selfpublishing is as challenging as another realm of the entertainment business. You have to find your way to the top. Self-publishers have it even harder because we have no company to back our promotional or marketing efforts. Our book sales are solely based on the effort we put into our business. This is the aspect of the business that I am still learning.

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When did you first begin seriously looking into publishing? When I’d written my third book and realized that I had three novels just sitting on my shelf at home. Initially I began submitting to publishing companies and during my search on the Internet, I ran across many self-publishing companies. After some research, I felt as if self-publishing was for me. I enjoy writing so much that simply seeing my published book on my bookshelf at home or being able to show my family was good enough for me. You have a talent for deeply entrenching readers with your writing. How can you convey such raw situations realistically? I have read a lot of urban fiction that, while really good novels and very entertaining, only shows the lives of drug cartels, gold diggers, fly young divas, and cheating spouses; all of which live in places that I can’t afford to live and/or wear labels that I cannot afford. I wanted my writing to relate to the women that I know. Though many of us may know drug dealers, divas, and have cheating spouses, I wanted to convey the realism behind those characteristics and how those situations occur in reality. For more information, visit www.femistrypress.com. J

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End of a Spiritual Journey

he one thespian who made Kung Fu a more spiritual journey and way of life than just flying kicks and chestcaving punches, David Carradine was one of the very few who was a favorite television star for an ethnically

diverse audience of millions. His various film work is just as diverse as his audience from Heaven with a Gun (1969) to Kill Bill 2 (2004). He leaves behind 2 children and a plethora of fans who shall miss his presence. Respectfully, we just want to wish a peaceful rest. Thank you for the memories. One of Mr. Carradine's quotes is certainly poignant at this time:

"If you cannot be a poet, be the poem."

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