Emeka Okafor Meets with Charlotte Media!!!

On July 31, the Bobcats re-signed forward/center Emeka Okafor to a long-term contract. An original member of the Bobcats organization, Okafor along with Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins, met with the local media to discuss the deal and what impact it has on the Bobcats as they look toward the 2008-09 season.



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Bobcats Forward/Center Emeka Okafor
(On re-signing with the Bobcats)
I’ve had a great four years here in Charlotte and it’s very nice to know that my career will be extended here. I’m looking forward to putting on the Bobcats hat and helping the team make great runs. I’d like to thank Bob (Johnson), MJ (Michael Jordan) and the Bobcats organization for showing me the commitment and giving me the opportunity to extend my career here.

(On how important it is to keep the Bobcats core group together)
The longer you can keep a core group together, the better they play. You learn the ins and outs of each other and your strengths and your weaknesses. I think history has shown that whenever you can keep a core group together, they just play better.

(On if he was confident he would remain in Charlotte)
I was hopeful. Basketball has a business side and in the business side, things need to be evaluated and things don’t always end up the way you want. Fortunately in this case it did. It ended up exactly how I wanted it. I was very fortunate in that regard.

(On having Larry Brown as the head coach of the Bobcats)
Larry Brown, he brings a certain dynamic and insight to the game that would make most teams better. I think he’s a perfect fit for us. Our team is young. We are hard working and he can give us that discipline and give us those little insights to the game that can take us to the next level. When I heard that Larry Brown was going to be the new head coach, I was very excited. I thought it was very positive that the organization was making great steps to try to make the team better. I’m just very excited to get the thing going.

(On if this will be a continuation of what he learned while playing for Larry Brown during the Olympics)
I definitely think so. The Olympics are a little bit different in that the coaches come in and they know that the players aren’t necessarily theirs. There is only so much they can impart. That being said, Larry Brown, he still gave us a lot. I’m just excited to have the opportunity to learn more. I think that just the way the organization has been progressing, he’s just going to help just push us along further.

(On if he had any frustrations about not getting a lot of playing time during the Olympics)
I was a college player. I knew I wasn’t going to see the light of day. I was just happy to be there and get a nice welcome to the NBA. I was around Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, a young Dwyane Wade, a young Carmelo (Anthony) and a young LeBron (James), so I was able to come in and just get insight into what league life was about and how things would be conducted.

(On if the contract negotiations were a distraction)
Not at all. Like I said earlier, basketball has a business side, so I was prepared for that. My focus was just to workout and prepare myself for the season. In the back of my mind, I wanted to be a Bobcat, and like I said earlier, sometimes things don’t work out the way you want, but in this case it did. Worrying about the contract negotiations would have just been extra stress that I didn’t need to have.

(On if he ever felt like it wasn’t going to work out in Charlotte)
Not really. I started here and I had a strong inclination that I was going to remain here. That’s also why I wasn’t really worrying too much about it. Like I said, basketball has a business side and you almost have to learn to separate the two. Me understanding that, I knew that things would work out.

(On what he can do to improve his game)
Everybody can use improvement. I’m sure between my list and Larry’s list, Larry’s list will be bigger. (I can just improve) my all-around game, offensively and defensively. I’m just really looking forward to learning from Larry and just soaking up what all he has to offer.

(On if thought about accepting the qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer)
That wasn’t in the best interest for anybody. I really wanted to remain a Bobcat and I felt that Bobcats wanted me to remain a Bobcat. Again, I keep eluding to this ugly business side of basketball, but it’s a reality. Sometimes the business side has to be addressed and issues like that pop up. I wouldn’t have liked that.

(On his contract)
It’s a substantial commitment that the Bobcats showed. I don’t think it’s quite hit me. I’m a humble person, so I tend to downplay a lot of things, but it’s kind of hard to downplay the generosity they showed. I’m thankful for it and I’m looking forward to showing how I’m committed once the season starts.

(On what he’s worked on this summer)
I’ve worked on just basic mobility and also to be more effective away from the basket. I’m just trying to expand my game. Once I get more of a feel for Larry Brown’s system and what he has in store, I think my game will get a little more shape as well.

(On if the coaching change had any influence on his decision)
You had to take notice of Larry Brown being hired. Larry Brown, he is a great, great coach, a championship coach. He’s taken multiple teams to the championship level. Like I said earlier, when the Bobcats hired him, it showed me that they were committed to making the franchise better. Hiring Larry Brown, an elite coach such as him, you have to take notice of that.

(On what he thinks Larry Brown will ask as a coach)
I think that Larry is a very defensive-oriented coach. He’s very particular in what he wants. He knows the game, so I think number one he will want us to work hard and be attentive and just to lay it all out there. Of me, I think that he will ask a lot of me defensively and he’ll want me to anchor the defense and shot-block and all that fun stuff. All the other details I guess will be sorted out later.

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Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins
(On if there were any variables in the free agent market that had the Bobcats concerned about their ability to re-sign Okafor)
Not really. We knew we wanted to get a deal done. We held to our strategy and we said we have to get our best player, our best big man, back. Obviously Bob (Johnson), Michael (Jordan), Larry (Brown) and myself all wanted Emeka back. Once the negotiation process, as Emeka said, took care of itself, we were able to come to a resolution that we are all happy with.

(On how happy he is to have Emeka Okafor signed to contract)
I was telling Emeka that he might not have been nervous, but I’m sure we were in a lot of ways, me included personally. When you go through that process, you hope you can come out with a good conclusion and we know how much he means to us in terms of our improvement. Once we got a chance to show him that in terms of a contract, I think everything now is just moving forward and becoming the best basketball team we can become. He’s a huge piece to that.

OZONE MAGAZINE STAR STUDDED LINE UP SURE TO TURN HEADS

Aug 05, 2008
OZONE MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES STAR STUDDED LINE UP OF PERFORMERS FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL OZONE AWARDS
Bun B to Honor Pimp C with Tribute Performance

ATLANTA (August 5, 2008) – OZONE Magazine (www.ozonemag.com) today announced the presenters and performances for its 3rd annual Ozone Awards. T-Pain and Rick Ross will help headline the show's chart-topping musical talent. Other performers will include The Game, Plies, Bun B, Lil Boosie, DJ Khaled and Trick Daddy.

Presenters for the awards include Flo Rida, Young Buck, Soulja Boy, Pitbull, Bow Wow, Trina, David Banner, Ray J, Lloyd, C-Murder, Mya, Paul Wall and Chamillionaire. They will be handing out awards in over 25 categories including "Best Rap Album"; "Breakthrough Artist"; "Best Rap Group"; Best Video"; "DJ of The Year"; and the newest "Pimp C Award (TRILLEST ARTIST)." A full list of nominees can be found by logging on to www.ozonemag.com/toa_voting.

Topping this year's performances will be a Pimp C tribute set, orchestrated by fellow UGK member Bun B. The set includes Big Boi, Webbie & Boosie, Too Short, 8Ball & MJG, David Banner, and other special surprise guests.

The OZONE Awards is the grand finale of TJ'S DJ'S Tastemakers Only Music Conference (www.tjsdjs.com), a weekend long celebration of the top artists, executives, DJs and tastemakers in the music business and southern hip hop. Heavyweights such as Nelly, Lil Wayne, T.I., and Young Jeezy will all celebrate during the weekend with private events. Conference registrants and DJs will have access to these private functions, which will be filmed for MTV Jams and BET Rap City.

The event begins on Friday August 8th with the UGK Pool tournament, Nelly's Bowling Challenge, and the Rap-A-Lot/Cash Money Kickoff party. Producer, artist, and DJ panels featuring the biggest names in the music industry take place on Saturday and Sunday. T.I. and Grand Hustle host the OZONE Awards pre-party on Sunday night, and Young Jeezy hosts the Island Def Jam BBQ in the Park on Monday leading into the OZONE Awards red carpet. For a full list of events during the weekend please log onto www.ozoneawards.com.

About OZONE Magazine
Founded by Julia Beverly in 2002, OZONE Magazine represents the best in Southern rap music and is now internationally distributed at many major retail outlets and newsstands. The OZONE Awards are OZONE Magazine's annual star studded award ceremony honoring the biggest names in Southern Hip Hop. The event honors Southern artists in over 20 different categories. Past participants include Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, UGK, Pitbull, David Banner, Trina, DJ Khaled, and DJ Drama. For more information, please visit www.ozonemag.com

About TJ's DJ's Tastemakers Only Music Conference
TJ's DJ's was established in 1994 as an opportunity for thirsty DJs in North Florida and Southern Georgia to receive the best music first while providing powerful feedback that fuels the crucial decisions made by labels. Over the years, TJ's DJ's has evolved to an organization that builds bridges with the quarterly Tastemakers Only/DJ Music Conferences including the annual partnership with OZONE Magazine's OZONE Awards, takes advantage of technology by being the first urban pool to service CDs, incorporating mp3s to break music, utilizing the music traders on the message boards at www.TJsDJs.com to generate over 20 million hits per month, and provide first class promotions and consulting on how to navigate the dangerous waters of the music industry. For more information, please visit www.tjsdjs.com

C- Webb Third Annual Bada Bling! Celebrity Weekend

Chris Webber's Las Vegas Photo Gallery: A Celebrity Bash for Charity

Chris Webber: Paying It Forward
The former NBA star teams with friends, family and supporters to help America’s disadvantaged youth
By Cori M. Murray

(LAS VEGAS)—Not even sweltering 100-plus-degree heat could keep the stars away from the third annual C-Webb’s Bada Bling! Celebrity Weekend at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The three-day event, a fund-raiser for the Chris Webber Foundation, which serves literacy programs for underserved youth, was a who’s who of Hollywood, the music industry and, of course, professional sports. Among the boldface names in attendance were Idris Elba, Tichina Arnold, Jill Marie Jones, Laz Alonso, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Terry Crews and his wife, Rebecca, Los Angeles Laker Derek Fisher, Doug Christie and his wife, Jackie, Clifton Davis, Mark Curry, Elise Neal, Clifton Powell, DJ D-Nice, Lil' Mo, and our own ESSENCE columnist Finesse Mitchell.

Webber welcomes guests to the Saturday Night Soiree!, which took place on July 26.

Article pulled from Essence.com

Diddy not showing in FASHION WEEK??!

Diddy's New Pres

Sean John appoints Dawn Robertson; celebrates 10th anniversary

Monday, August 04, 2008

(NEW YORK) Sean "Diddy" Combs has become a champion for the electoral process with his Vote or Die campaign. But today his menswear brand announced the appointment of its own president-- Dawn Robertson--effective immediately. Robertson will work directly with Combs, founder and chief executive officer. She was most recently president of Old Navy. Previously, Robertson was managing director of Australian department store Myer; prior to that she was president and chief merchandising officer of Federated Direct, a division of Federated Department Stores. "We are very excited to have Dawn join the Sean John team on the eve of our 10 year anniversary," said Combs. "As the new president, she will help continue the dynamic growth and expansion of our brand."

Sean John will celebrate its diamond anniversary this month. In lieu of debuting the Spring/Summer 2009 collection at MAGIC in Las Vegas, Combs will be hosting an editor preview mid-August at his home base in the Sean John building at 1710 Broadway. And front rowers looking forward to a fashion week extravaganza won't get their fix this season--come September, there will be no Sean John runway show.

NOLA WEINSTEIN
from Fashionweekdaily.com

CHRIS PAUL CELEBRATES---AND IT'S FOR CHARITY! IN WINSTON SALEM!

CHRIS PAUL CELEBRATES---AND IT'S FOR CHARITY! IN WINSTON SALEM!

Chris Paul's PBA Celebrity Invitational
by Copperhead on Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:13 pm

to be televised by ESPN on 10/19.

--- AND IT'S FOR CHARITY ---

Hornets All-NBA point guard Chris Paul will lead a group of players against professional bowlers in a special made-for-TV fundraising event this fall.

The first Chris Paul PBA Celebrity Invitational will be televised on ESPN. It will be taped for broadcast at the AMF Major League Lanes in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Sept. 20 and will air Oct. 19 to kick off the 50th Anniversary of Denny's PBA Tour season. The Invitational also marks the first time professional athletes from other sports will partner with professional bowlers for a bowling event with a dedicated telecast.

The event will be held in conjunction with the third annual Chris Paul's Winston-Salem Weekend, the signature fundraising event of the CP3 Foundation. Proceeds will benefit charities and programs in Winston-Salem and New Orleans.

"I am thrilled to have a PBA event be a major part of my charity weekend and bring some of the best bowlers in the world to Winston-Salem," Paul said. "I always tell people that I am a bowler first and a basketball player second, so I know this event will be an ultimate test of my bowling skills. There will certainly be a lot of bragging rights at stake among the NBA players who attend."

Paul will head up a field of five NBA stars who will team up with five PBA bowling stars to form five doubles teams consisting of one NBA celebrity and one pro bowler.

The NBA players are yet to be announced, but previous participants in Paul's charity weekend bowling event have included fellow All-Stars and Team USA members LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard.

The Bowlers include current Player of the Year Chris Barnes. Tommy Jones, Jason Couch, Doug Kent and Mitch Beasley.

http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.s ... xml&coll=1

http://www.pba.com/news/feature.asp?ID=822

Sirius And XM Satellite Radio Finalize Long-Delayed Merger

After more than 17 months of government scrutiny, the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio — home to shock-jock Howard Stern — and rival XM Satellite Radio — the exclusive carrier of Major League Baseball — was finalized!!


Tuesday (July 29). The news comes four months after the U.S. Justice Department approved the union and follows on the heels of last week's move by the Federal Communications Commission to give the deal its final blessing.

Prior to the merger's approval, the two companies agreed to set aside 8 percent of their combined channels for public-interest and minority programming, and instituted a three-year price cap. The new company will also offer "à la carte" pricing within three months of the deal's closure.

Now that the red tape has been cut, the newly formed company announced that going forward, it will use the moniker Sirius XM Radio. In a press release, the firm revealed that it is kicking off day one with more than 18.5 million subscribers, making Sirius XM the second-largest radio company in the U.S.

"I am delighted to announce the completion of this exciting merger between Sirius and XM," CEO Mel Karmazin said in a statement. "We have worked diligently to close this transaction, and we look forward to integrating our best-in-class management teams and operations so we can begin delivering on our promise of more choices and lower prices for subscribers."

The deal's main opposition had come from the National Association of Broadcasters, the trade group that represents free radio stations, which waged a lobbying campaign in Congress and at the FCC to stop the merger, arguing that it would create a pay-radio monopoly. But in March the Justice Department's Antitrust Division ruled that the merger would not harm consumers because there are enough other "competitive alternative services" to satellite radio.

As promised when the merger was first announced, existing Sirius and XM radios will continue to work as they have, and subscribers have the option of maintaining their current service package. As first proposed, Sirius and XM subscribers — who had been paying about $13 a month for the service — might end up paying as little as $6.99 with the proposed tiered pricing. In addition, the combined company plans to eliminate duplicative programming, including a number of music channels.

The merger was first proposed as a way of stemming billions in losses incurred in attracting on-air talent, sports deals and subscribers. Sirius said that the deal is expected to save the company about $400 million in 2009, and earn $300 million before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.


This report is provided by MTV News

PICTURE IS WORTH 1000 Words!

Charlotte Benefit Concert Raises $25,000 For Family In Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Charlotte Benefit Concert Raises $25,000 For Family In Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

POSTED: 11:15 pm EDT July 30, 2008
UPDATED: 11:28 pm EDT July 30, 2008

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Hundreds of people withstood a steamy Wednesday night in South Park to attend a benefit concert at Symphony Park to raise money for a local family chosen by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

The show's producers said the concert raised about $25,000 for the King family.

Jennifer Wojten, of Charlotte, wrote a check for $50 while at the concert.

"This family is definitely deserving of it and helps out anyway they can so we should help out anyway we can," she said.

Peyton Savage, another supporter, agreed.

"It's always nice to be able to come out and do anything for somebody whether or not you know them," said Savage.

Anyone who donated during the concert received a Extreme Makeover Home Edition t-shirt.

Everyone from former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker to cast members from the show turned out to help the King family.

Many believe the large crowd tonight shows just how generous folks in the Queen City are.

"People in charlotte have huge hearts and they always want to help out anyway they can," said Wojten.

"So this community will pull together and bond together to help out."

Kim Sipes, a volunteer, said she didn't think twice about being a part of it as she and several others made their way through the crowd Wednesday with buckets accepting donations.

"People have been great. They're so friendly," said Sipes. "They're yelling for me if I can't see them. They're waving me down!"

All the money raised from the concert will go to the King's building fund and scholarships for the family's children.
Copyright 2008 by WSOCTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Let the Kids Grow Day,' a Back to School Program Created by Master P, Romeo, Jim Finkl, Gee Gee the Giraffe, and Heal the Hood Organization

'Let the Kids Grow Day,' a Back to School Program Created by Master P, Romeo, Jim Finkl, Gee Gee the Giraffe, and Heal the Hood Organization
Provides Free School Supplies and Resources to Inner-City Kids

MEMPHIS, TN--(Marketwire - July 30, 2008) - Master P and Romeo are known for their ongoing commitment to giving back to communities through their education and sports programs: P.Miller Youth Centers and Basketball Camps, as well as Gee Gee the Giraffe cartoon, toys, and books. In collaboration with Jim Finkl and Heal the Hood Organization, Master P and Romeo have created the First Annual 'Let the Kids Grow Day,' which will kick off at Mud Island River Park in downtown Memphis, Tennessee on August 1, 2008. Similar events are planned for Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and California.

This positive, fun-filled, and free event, sponsored by P.Miller Clothing, Jim Finkl Enterprises, and Wal-Mart, will provide free school supplies for less fortunate kids. Master P and Romeo are once again happy to work with Wal-Mart since with the slumping economy and gas prices on the rise, they have worked hard to take the cost out of high fashion by bringing their affordable P.Miller clothing line to Wal-Mart.

This event will also serve as a platform to educate kids in saying 'no' to drugs, staying out of gangs, as well as teaching the importance of respect, education, reading, and music. There will be teachers, counselors, nurses, and doctors in attendance, teaching kids about health, nutrition, childhood obesity as well as the ever-growing importance of saving our planet through recycling and conserving energy.

One of the event's main goals is to prepare minority inner-city kids today for high school and college and start them on a path to better careers for tomorrow. This is something that Master P can relate to, stating "I'm grateful to change my life because it's important to catch up now than having to catch up later."

As an incentive to broaden and further their education, the organization encourages children ages 6-16 to submit an essay addressing the issue: "Why Education Is Important." Ten essay winners will be chosen to each receive a $500 shopping spree.

The event will also have live music entertainment as well as motivational speakers by positive role models in the community such as City Mayor Willie Herenton, County Mayor A.C. Wharton, and newly elected School Board Superintendent, Dr. Kriner Cash.

Accompanying Master P & Romeo will be Gee Gee the Magical Giraffe. Romeo created the character Gee Gee the Giraffe in order to connect with the youth, make learning fun, as well as provide a positive role model that they can relate to. Gee Gee the Giraffe is reminiscent of other children's characters such as Barney and Dora the Explorer.

"If you reach kids with a positive message and instill the importance of education when they're young, they'll have that mentality for the rest of their life," said Romeo. "Gee Gee is going to be a true role model and teach kids through music, books, song, dance, live action, and animation." For more information, visit geegeegiraffe.com

"We will be able to take care of 5,000 kids on our own for this event," continued Master P. "Hopefully with the help of corporate sponsors, we'll be able to do even more next year. This is only the beginning."

Volunteers and donors can make a difference by joining the Let the Kids Grow Foundation. With the support of our community we can truly make a difference in developing more positive young minds and starting them on a track for a better future.

Full Story from previous posting! Recording Superstars to Remake Iconic Doublemint, Juicy Fruit and Big Red Gum Jingles

Recording Superstars to Remake Iconic Doublemint, Juicy Fruit and Big Red Gum Jingles Chris Brown, Julianne Hough and Ne-Yo deliver fresh twists to Wrigley's Brands!!!!

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (NYSE:WWY), the world’s No. 1 maker of chewing gum, today announced it will partner with pop sensation Chris Brown, rising country star and reality dance show champion Julianne Hough and hip-hop artist Ne-Yo to re-record three of the Wrigley’s Brands well-known jingles: the unforgettable Doublemint “Double Your Pleasure” (1960); the famous Juicy Fruit “Taste is Gonna Move Ya” (1983); and the Big Red “Kiss a Little Longer” (1979), respectively.

“We are thrilled to be rolling out these musical makeovers for some of America’s favorite chewing gums,” said Paul Chibe, Wrigley’s Vice President of North American Gum Marketing. “Chris, Julianne and Ne-Yo are three diverse, multi-talented performers who were able to bring their individuals styles and interpretations to the re-released Doublemint, Juicy Fruit and Big Red jingles.”

To celebrate the relationship, Doublemint gum hosted an invite-only concert for 1,000 guests at Times Square’s Nokia Theater where Brown performed selections from his latest album Exclusive: The Forever Edition along with his first live rendition of the remade jingle. Wrigley’s offered fans the opportunity to attend the exclusive concert via radio giveaways with New York’s Hot 97, Power 105 and Z100. In addition, consumers were also invited to line-up at three pre-determined New York landmarks as well as outside the Nokia Theater to gain entrance into the exclusive event on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The updated jingles are part of Wrigley’s new television and radio advertising campaign that launches in August and follow the spring introduction of the new Slim Pack™ envelope across all the Wrigley’s™ Brands– Big Red, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, Winterfresh® and Wrigley’s Spearmint®. The summer release of Brown’s smash hit, Forever, which featured the unmistakable Doublemint gum jingle lyrics, kicked-off the creative partnership between Brown and Doublemint gum. Wrigley consulted with Translation Advertising (NY) to conceptualize and identify the artists behind the jingle remakes.

About Wrigley
The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, lollipops, and chocolate. The Company has global sales of $5.4 billion and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Three of these brands – Wrigley's Spearmint®, Juicy Fruit®, and Altoids® – have heritages stretching back more than a century. Other well-loved brands include Doublemint®, Life Savers®, Big Red®, Boomer®, Pim Pom®, Winterfresh®, Extra®, Freedent®, Hubba Bubba®, Orbit®, Excel®, Creme Savers®, Eclipse®, Airwaves®, Solano®, Sugus®, P.K.®, Cool Air® and 5™.

SUSAN TAYLOR ENGAGES HONEY SHINE GIRLS OF SOUTH FLORIDA

SUSAN TAYLOR ENGAGES HONEY SHINE GIRLS OF SOUTH FLORIDA MENTORING
PROGRAM IN POSITIVE DIALOGUE

Successful African-American Mentor and Philanthropist Joins Young Girls of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program and Overtown Youth Center in Miami

Via press release: A select group of young girls in South Florida had the opportunity of a lifetime last week, when Susan Taylor, former editorial director of ESSENCE magazine and active leader of numerous charitable and political organizations across the nation, took time out of her busy schedule to share life lessons and words of encouragement. One hundred girls from the Honey Shine Mentoring Program and Overtown Youth Center gathered to hear Taylor speak on Friday, July 25th, 2008 at the Overtown Youth Center in Miami, Florida.

Tracy Wilson Mourning with Susan TaylorTaylor enlightened the young girls by sharing her life lessons in hopes that they would be able to incorporate her teachings into their own lives. She reiterated the importance of being an individual and the power of being in charge of your own destiny. Taylor reinforced the need for mentors to help them along the way. As a mentor herself to girls across the country, Taylor encouraged each to be resourceful. Mentors can be found anywhere - a teacher, coach, minister, parents, relatives, and especially within the Honey Shine Mentoring Program family.“This was an amazing opportunity for our girls to interact with a leader in the African-American community whose initiatives are aligned with the core of what we do,” said Tracy Wilson Mourning, Founder of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program. “
Honey Shine strives to continuously deliver positive reinforcements, such as Susan and her uplifting speech, which are tools the girls can use to make the right decisions in life.”

Nelly's New Underwear!

Sean John Underwear taps internationally renowned recording artist, Nelly, as their new spokesmodel. The first campaign features the rapper donning the Fall collection of underwear basics and loungewear.

The campaign was shot by Randee St. Nicholas and showcases Nelly in both interior and exterior shots at a modern home overlooking Los Angeles.
Sean “Diddy” Combs on picking Nelly for the new campaign:

“I have known Nelly for many years and I really admire his work. To me, Nelly is the quintessential definition of the Sean John man. He has the attitude, the swagger, and most of all the physique that our customers can both aspire and relate to. And let’s be honest, all of the ladies out there are going to be thanking us for this campaign. The images are so strong; they speak for themselves. We are truly excited to welcome Nelly into the Sean John family.”

Nelly on the campaign:

“I have been a big fan of Diddy and the Sean John clothing line for years. So, when they asked me to work with them, it was a real honor. I hope my fans will enjoy this campaign as much as I did shooting it.”

Chris Brown and Neyo at Wrigley’s Gum Event

Chris Brown, Julianne Hough and Ne-Yo have all partnered with Wrigley’s gum to update the traditional Wrigley’s “jingles” for Doublemint®, Juicy Fruit® and Big Red®. They went to the event in NYC on Tuesday night. Chris Brown is re-doing the Doublemint jingle. Ne-Yo is re-doing the Big Red “kiss a little longer” and Julianne Hough is re-doing the Juicy Fruit jingle. Its about time, they haven’t been changed in forever and these young guys will definitely give the jingles a fresh perspective.

Kristi Yamaguchi- Live Life Give Love Foundation

Live Life Give Love Concert- Aug. 21st

Written by Administrator

Everyone that met him liked him. Everyone that knew him loved him. Patrick Christopher Brandt was a son, a brother, an adoring husband, devoted father, and best friend to all. He wore his heart on his sleeve and shared it with the world. In the fall of 99' Pat was diagnosed with brain cancer. Though he didn't know it at the time, he would be embarking on a journey that would touch the lives of thousands, and inspire all that knew him to live out the rest of there lives with passion and meaning.

Thru countless bouts of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries Pat never lost his smile. Pat didn't run from his cancer, he embraced it. Pat was a strong promoter of the White Bear Lake relay for life, and the American Cancer Society. He was called upon as keynote speaker, and shared his story to all. His employer Lexis Nexis was so moved by his story that they had him speak to hundreds of co-workers at one of their sales conventions. Though married with kids, and carrying a heavy work load Pat always found time to council other cancer survivors, and listen to their story.

On March 2nd 2008 at the age of 37 our dear friend Pat lost his battle with cancer. Pat left behind a wife Jessica, and two beautiful boys Wesley and Charlie ages five and two. In his passing Pat left us with many precious memories, and life lessons learned. Pat passed the torch and now it is our turn to continue his legacy of survival, living life to its fullest, and giving love.

The Patrick Brandt "Live Life Give Love" Celebration Benefit will Take place August 21st at the Myth Nightclub in Maplewood, Minnesota. The event is hosted by one of his best friends; NHL hockey player Bret Hedican and His wife, Olympic Gold Medalist and 2008 Dancing with the Stars Champion, Kristi Yamaguchi along with a number of Patrick's close friends and family members.

Kristi Yamaguchi and her Dancing With The Stars Dance Partner, Mark Ballas will perform for the first time since winning the show in May. They will be performing to the live singing of Franc D'Ambrosio, Phantom of The Opera. Franc is best known as the longest running phantom, having performed over 3000 times. He also played Anthony Corleone in the Godfather III.

Almost Amy, an up and coming Los Angeles band featuring Mark Ballas and fellow Dancing With The Stars performer Derek Hough will be performing live after the dancing. Their music is a unique combination of blues, rock and pop with funky base lines, very melodic and great vocals.
The headliner for the evening is Rob Thomas, as the driving force of matchbox twenty, Rob Thomas is widely acknowledged as one of the most distinctive vocalists and gifted songwriters in contemporary music. Since making their debut in 1996, matchbox has evolved into one of the most admired and consistently successful rock bands in recent history, with over 25 million albums sold worldwide.

As matchbox twenty's primary composer, Thomas has penned a remarkable string of chart-topping hits, including "Push," "3AM," "If You're Gone," "Bent," "Real World," "Back 2 Good," "Mad Season," "Disease," "Unwell," and "Bright Lights." matchbox has earned the distinction of having had more #1 hits and spending more weeks at #1 on both the national Modern AC and Adult Top 40 charts than any other artist in history.

Rob's growing reputation as an exceptional songwriter has led to invitations to collaborate with a select list of artists – most notably Santana, for whom he wrote and sang the smash single, "Smooth," which earned Thomas three Grammy Awards. He has also worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, Marc Anthony, Mick Jagger, and Bernie Taupin. Combining all of his projects, Thomas has contributed to the sales of over 75 million records. He has earned 13 BMI Awards, including both songwriter and song of the year, and he was named Billboard's Songwriter of the Year two years in a row.

In June 2004, the Songwriters Hall of Fame presented Thomas with its first-ever "Starlight Award" – created to recognize a songwriter in the early years of his or her career who is already making a lasting impact. Rob's composing talent has also been acknowledged with cover stories in American Songwriter (which named him songwriter of the year) and Performing Songwriter.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 June 2008 10:57 )

Copyright © 2008 Bret Hedican's Whatever It Takes Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Yaw Gives for China Schools

YAWMINGFOUNDATION.COM

Yaw Ming Foundation

YAO MING ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF FOUNDATION
-- Yao Ming announces major initiative to help rebuild schools in China --

June 10, 2008 (HOUSTON) – Houston Rockets center Yao Ming announced the launch of “The Yao Ming Foundation” at a press conference today at Toyota Center. The foundation, under the auspices of The Giving Back Fund, will help raise funds and awareness of children’s wellness and welfare issues in China and the United States.

May 12, 2008 will forever be a date to remember, as China’s Sichuan and Gansu provinces fell victim to the devastation of a deadly earthquake. The Yao Ming Foundation will respond to this tragedy as its first initiative by creating a call to action and inviting others to follow. The foundation’s primary earthquake relief efforts will focus on rebuilding earthquake-resistant, high-quality schools.

“It is very hard to put into words how difficult it is to see this kind of destruction,” said Yao. “My thoughts and actions are now focused on helping to rebuild the schools that were destroyed in this tragedy and I hope that others around the world will join in our efforts.”

Yao begins the relief efforts by making an initial, personal commitment of two million US dollars.

“Yao Ming is fully committed to helping the people of China recover from this tragedy,” said Houston Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander. “I am pleased to assist him with his goal of rebuilding the schools that were destroyed and I commend him on his quick response to this terrible event.”

Alexander presented The Yao Ming Foundation with a gift of $100,000 through the team’s charitable organization, The Clutch City Foundation. Cold Stone Creamery pledged a minimum donation of $100,000 to be raised through an in-store promotion in China, where a percentage of sales will go to The Yao Ming Foundation. Fellow NBA players Steve Nash, Baron Davis, Greg Oden, Raymond Felton, Andris Biedrins, Marko Jaric and Marcus Williams along with WNBA player Diana Taurasi also donated to the foundation. Houston Mayor Bill White presented The Yao Ming Foundation with over $100,000 in donations from Houston companies and private contributors.

“Houston has shown it has a big heart, and helping to build new schools for people so devastated by the earthquake in China demonstrates it again,” said Mayor White. “We’re proud to work with Yao Ming and generous contributors to make it happen.”

More than 8,000 schoolrooms and 185 schools were destroyed during the 8.0 earthquake in China. A donation of $100,000 will rebuild a permanent school for approximately 300 students while a gift of $3,500 will provide one prefabricated classroom for 50 students, including desks and chairs. Yao will support all of the foundation’s administrative costs. A full 100% of all contributions from the public will go directly to earthquake relief. To partner with Yao in helping to rebuild China and to learn more about The Yao Ming Foundation, visit http://www.theyaomingfoundation.org.

The Giving Back Fund (www.givingback.org) is a national nonprofit organization established in 1997 to provide professional philanthropic consulting, mentoring and management to athletes, entertainers and other high profile individuals. With offices in Boston and Los Angeles, The Giving Back Fund has worked successfully with more than 75 professional athletes, entertainers, and business entrepreneurs, helping them achieve their philanthropic goals. While The Giving Back Fund has developed special expertise in providing philanthropic consulting to athletes and entertainers, its services are available to anyone committed to increasing the impact of their philanthropy.

G2 taking over.... is that MJ! YEP!

Past ART FOR LIFE video

"CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST PRESENT: HOMECOMING"

Jul 21, 2008
MTV'S CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST GIVE BACK TO IRAQ WAR VETERANS WITH THE POWERFUL MTV NEWS DOCUMENTARY
"CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST PRESENT: HOMECOMING"

MONDAY, JULY 28TH AT 10PM ET/PT

New York, NY (July 21, 2008) – In this next installment of "Choose or Lose," MTV's ongoing campaign to bring awareness to young veterans issues, MTV News and Kanye West have teamed up to tell the stories of returning veterans in the powerful documentary "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" set to air on Monday, July 28 at 10pm ET/PT. In this one hour special, Kanye West, along with MTV's Sway Calloway, give recently returned Iraq war veterans the surprise of their lives by unexpectedly visiting their homes. Viewers will see first-hand the d if ficult and often painful challenges young vets face when they return home. In order to make sure that the stories are heard Sway and Kanye traveled to the homes of veterans, heard their stories and expressed gratitude for their service. But it didn't end there…On behalf of MTV and the Dr. Donda West Foundation, Sway and Kanye gave each veteran a life changing gift. Debts were paid off, rents were taken care of and tuitions were funded.

"There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks. They make the ultimate sacr if ices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about" said Kanye West. "I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people but you can always do more. I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories. I went to their homes to listen and get their first hand experiences. I wanted to hear their stories."

"The stories of the veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are important and worth telling." said Dave Sirulnick, Executive Vice President for MTV News and Production. "In conversations with veterans over the last year, it became clear that Kanye's music is used by soldiers in Iraq as a way of connecting to home. Once these veterans return home, their stories are so moving that you can't help but want to do the right thing and help them out."

The "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" special will shine the spotlight on three Iraq war veterans, representing the diverse cross-section of America 's returning armed forces. The issues faced by these three young veterans are emblematic of the issues that will be faced by the more than 1.7 million young people who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan . The documentary will also highlight how viewers can help through extensive resources available through Chooseorlose.com and the Dr. Donda West Foundation.

Viewers can go to Chooseorlose.com and interact with the show and the veterans, find ways to take action on these issues and share their own thoughts on the subject. They can also get more information on the veterans featured by clicking on the following profile links also available on chooseorlose.com: Tirann Lewis, Shameeka Gray and Lorenzo Zarate.

Recent MTV research revealed that nearly 70 percent of young people 18-29 personally know someone who has fought in Iraq . Through this special news presentation, Choose or Lose hopes to elevate the issues of young, new veterans; ensure Presidential candidates address these issues; and mobilize millions of young people to understand and take action in ways to help their peers who have served, who with the greatest honor, ensure that they register and vote.

The "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" special will also be available on MTV Mobile through all of its wireless carrier distribution partners. To receive regular alerts on their mobile phone, viewers will be able to text ST to 84465 from MTV's 51 "Street Team '08" members, specially-recruited citizen journalists, one in each state and Washington , D.C. , covering the 2008 elections from a youth perspective. There will also be weekly MTV News stories on issues that affect young veterans. Online viewers will be able to get a sneak peek of the special on Friday, July 25th when the first act will be featured on the home page of AOL and within AOL Music's The Boombox (http://www.theboombox.com/) and PopEater (http://www.popeater.com/) sections, as well as AOL Video (http://video.aol.com/) and AOL News (http://news.aol.com/entertainment).

"Choose or Lose '08" (http://www.ChooseorLose.com) is MTV's Emmy-Award winning campaign to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. First launched in 1992, the campaign has helped fuel several of the largest youth voter turnouts in US history, including in 2004, when it helped inspire nearly 22 million 18-30 year olds to register and vote. Other elements of "Choose or Lose '08" include the pioneering MTV / MySpace Presidential Dialogue Series, which has featured Senators McCain, Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Governor Huckabee and Representative Paul taking unfiltered questions – in person and online, in real time – from youth nationwide; "Choose or Lose Presents Clinton & Obama Answer Young Veterans"; and MTV "Street Team '08," 51 specially-recruited citizen journalists, one in each state and Washington, D.C., covering the 2008 elections from a youth perspective. "Street Team" members file weekly multi-media reports, tailor their coverage for mobile devices and focus on the political issues that most impact young people in their respective states. On July 4th Choose or Lose presented exclusive 60-second video messages on MTV2 from presumptive Presidential candidates, republican Senator John McCain and Democratic Senator Barack Obama. These messages paid tribute to the young men and women who have served in the nation's armed forces. All "Choose or Lose" content – plus more information on the candidates, issues, registering to vote and a spirited debate – can be found on http://www.ChooseorLose.com.

Think MTV (Think.MTV.com) is dynamic, multimedia-driven and enables youth to easily learn more about the issues that matter to them most, share their opinions – via uploaded online videos, podcasts and blogs – and connect with others to make a d if ference. The site is one of the only to reward members for positive actions taken online or off, serving up chances to hang out with socially conscious celebs, access to exclusive MTV events, exposure on MTV and other national media outlets, as well as grants, scholarships and more. For more information or to build a profile and become involved, visit Think.MTV.com.

About The Dr. Donda West Foundation

The mission of the Dr. Donda West Foundation, formerly known as the Kanye West Foundation, is to help combat the severe dropout problem in schools across the United States by partnering with community organizations to provide underserved youth access to music production programs that will enable them to unleash their creative ability and reach their full potential. Kanye's vision, and thus the vision of the Dr. Donda West Foundation, is its inaugural program, "Loop Dreams", a music production program designed to motivate students to stay in school and graduate. Students study hip-hop culture along with its historical roots, positive impacts and negative influences, write music and positive song lyrics, learn to operate music studio equipment, and produce demonstration recordings through an interactive, fully engaging curriculum. Additionally, the young people receive academic support and enrichment so that they stay on track for graduation and future academic success. Dr. Donda West Foundation is committed to providing high quality programs in partnership with community organizations such as Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Central Los Angeles, California where Loop Dreams is currently implemented.

About MTV

MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries—giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched 15 dynamic online communities and eight new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space – delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in… http://www.mtvpress.com.

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