2008 GI Film Festival

Another WestPointer doing great things. Laura Law-Millett is the Co-Founder & Director of the GI Film Festival.

The GI Film Festival (GIFF), a 501 c(3) non-profit organization, is the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes and
sacrifices of the American military through the medium of film.

The GIFF will present films from new and established international and domestic filmmakers that honor the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces and the worldwide struggle for freedom and liberty. Some of the films screened will be fan favorites. Others will be screened for the first time. All will in some way express the courage and selflessness of our fighting men and women and the value of their work.

The GI Film Festival is open to filmmakers of every experience level, from first-timers to veteran directors and producers. Prizes will be awarded to winners of three main categories: feature, documentary, and film shorts.

In addition to presenting feature, documentary, and short film screenings, the GIFF will also present panel discussions, educational forums and special events, including:

Movie screenings by international and domestic filmmakers.

Awards presentation featuring a special celebrity major motion picture screening.

"War Stories" educational panel featuring untold personal stories of heroism from the front lines.

Kick-off cocktail party and VIP award ceremony

Press junket, exhibitions, Hollywood "meet and greets," and
more…

Wife Road Rage

Whenever Ron and I go somewhere together he always drives. I like it that way. Very chivalrous and manly thing to do, despite the fact that he generally drives slower than cold molasses and he likes to stay in the same lane behind the slowest car on an interstate (4 lane) highway. Sigh.

To keep the peace, I usually just look out the window at the scenery and/or fall asleep. However, there is one thing that my man does on our road trips that simply irks the ish outta me and always causes me to make my protest known...

...At the first sign of traffic he immediately reroutes like the GPS on my BB. He will go 30 miles out of his way, over the river, through the woods, and into another state to avoid one second of traffic. He would rather it take 4 hours of constant movement than to sit 15 min in the same spot or inch alomg for 30 min at 10 mph.

It absolutely makes me insane. Tonight there was a backup on 95. Ron immediately starts moving over so he can get off at the next exit ramp and "go thru the city". Ahhh hell. Now a 50 min trip will take 2 hours.

By the grace of God I was saved from the road trip from hell. As we pulled on the ramp, you could see that just 500 meters ahead, the traffic cleared. Everyone was just trying to get around a car stalled in the middle of the road. I made Ron do a u-turn and get back on 95.

Is it just a Ron - AKA - Killer of Joy thing, or is it a man phenomenon. Help me to understand.
The TravelDiva
Lisa Steptoe

Good Sport & Bikram Yoga

So....Ronnie Bear has been whining and complaining about his back, his knees, his lack of flexibiltiy and so on and so forth...to the point where he sounded like a man of 80 not of 43. Earlier this week he "did something" and his back was all flickted and he wanted to go to the chiro and get "adjusted". He was whining big time, so I tried a few yoga poses on him that I've learned from class....and ALAS, he was feeling better.

So today, he was limping around, sniveling and ish. I convinced him to come to my Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga) class this afternoon.

Imma just say - my man is a good sport and he gave it a good try. Really. Actually, he did really well for his first time. He didn't run screaming from the room and he actually attempted at least 40% of all the poses. The other 60% was spent just standing there looking at us like we was from Mars. There were some funny moments where I couldn't even hold my poses looking at him TRYING. HIL-UCKIN-LARIOUS.

Now, several hours later, he is saying he feels good and wants to give it another go. Uh Huh. We will see if I have another convert or just a johnny come lately.

Isn't She Lovely....

I recieved a package today with my AKA Centennial Barbie. She is very pretty and WILL NOT be coming out of the box. Cara immediately eyed her and was looking for some scissors. Oh, no you don't, playa.

Get yours now, while supplies last. It is a limited edition. Here is the write up from http://www.barbiecollectors.com/:

Alpha Kappa Alpha made history in 1908 when it was founded as the first sorority for Black women. In the following century, AKA has led social action initiatives and advocacy programs that have touched countless lives. Their overriding qualities of Energy, Sincerity, and Passion continue to empower this great Sisterhood to greater service, justice, and social good. In commemoration of a 100 year legacy of sisterhood and service, AKA Centennial Barbie® doll celebrates all the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., wearing a gown of chiffon layered over charmeuse in the sorority’s official colors of salmon pink and apple green. Sparkly accessories complete the look.

Prince Jordan - Who's Ya Goalie?

Prince Jordan's NCSA Scouting Report has been updated with Highlight Video from one of his tournaments this summer. So, Who's Ya Goalie?

Check out his scouting report in its entirety at: http://recruit-match.ncsasports.org/fasttrack/profile/profile.jsp?clientID=18507

Or just check out his video here.

Think About It...

As ya'll know, I went to a business conference last week. In addition to the over abundance of fun that I had with my peeps, there were a lot of great workshops and lectures. I take notes when I'm at these kind of events so that I can remember what was said, go back and review & reflect...so that I may grow professionally. You've always gotta be "Sharpening Your Saw". When you let your blade get dull, that's when you get passed over for that promotion, hit the ceiling, get poor reviews, get put on a performance plan....all the while standing there looking like a deer in headlights, wondering what had happened.

Here is some things that I jotted down in my "handy, dandy notebook". I'm not going to expound on them much (if at all). Most of them will speak for themselves. I hope you will take a moment and think about them, but application is what sharpens your saw:

• If you don't network, and you don't relate to people & share information/resources - then you just don't get it.
• Invest in Key Relationships - "Solo - Oh, No!", Watch who you spend your time with and what that relationship is doing to you.
• Navigate beyond obstacles, distractions and small thinking. Get out of the box you build for yourself.
• Watch who you share your vision with.
• Figure out the game and learn how to play it.
• Be Mentally Prepared, Be spiritually Prepared, Be visible
• Maximize your Brand - What's Your Brand
• Stop hanging around people who "glorify ignorance"
• Do a scathing self-inventory. - find out what your are doing to get in your own way.
• Your checkbook & calendar will tell on you. -Think about it. What you spend your money & time on will tell loads about you. Are you saying one thing and conducting yourself another.
• Monitor your Conversation - What does your conversation say about yourself.
• People who talk about people are smaller than people who talk about ideas.
• Performance is the great equalizer

Commit to Self - Improvement - Constant & Never Ending Improvement.

Welcome to Dallas, TX

Enjoy these pictures from the National Sales Network 12th Annual Conference in Dallas, TX. Tomorrow I'll compile some of the "Lessons Learned" & "Key Take-Aways" from this awesome conference.

Clutch N Pearls - Episode 2

gerber_daisies, originally uploaded by salesdiva.

Check out Episode 2 of "Clutch N Pearls" where we discuss Babs, Adrienne, Dimitri, fixing up guys, cooking, home training and evolved clubbing...among others. :)

Remember, this is a work in progress and we are still working on format, length, etc. Please tune in and let us know how we are doing.

What topics would you like us to clutch our pearls about?

http://web.me.com/creoleindc/Clutch_N_Pearls/Podcast/Entries/2008/8/18_Scattered_brains_-_Episode_2.html

UPDATE: Some Things Never Change

Email from Mom:
Guess Who Called.....?.......Right!!!! L. called at the office. She denies all knowledge of any apartment incidents and is supposedly calling me tonite for the name/phone number of the detective. And the beat goes on!!!!

Check in with mom on phone call....sis didn't call back.

Phone call from Daughter:
Ma! L's parole officer called and said that she has not been in to see him for 3 months and if she wasn't in today (Wed) then she would be violated back.

Sis has not checked in. A warrent is probably issued. If they can find her.

Some things never change....

Picture of the Week

You both will be missed.

Clutch N' Pearls Blog Talk Radio

I am reprinting the post from CreoleInDC right here on our new venture - Clutch N' Pearls Blog Talk Radio.....

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh...QUIET PLEASE! WE'RE TALKING!

Yesterday we did a run through of the topics we're going to be talking about on "Clutch N' Pearls," our blog talk radio channel during the next month. We hit each topic really quick to see what kinda chemistry we have before we introduce YOU to the fray.

That's right...I said YOU.

"Clutch N' Pearls" will have it's first on-air show Sunday, August 24th at 6:00 pm. We will take callers to get yall's opinion and...to get to know you better. You can join in if you'd like...or...just listen! There will be times when YOU will be asked to be a guest host or an expert on something.
Basically...it will be just like our blogs...only difference? You can hear us and we can hear you! LOL!

Again...this was just a@��
�����<���auge our chemistry with each other. After the program, the program will be available via podcast so you can subscribe and download it to your iTunes and upload it to your iPods.

It's coming folks...be very, VERY afraid!

"Clutch N' Pearls" Blog Talk Radio...Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...QUIET PLEASE! WE'RE TALKING! http://web.me.com/creoleindc/Clutch_N_Pearls/Podcast/Entries/2008/8/12_THE_BEGINNING_OF_THE_END!.html

(Note...if you have a slow server...it will take a while to load as it is a very large file.)

I had an awesome time with these ladies and look forward to future podcasts. I hope you will tune in to our rants and musings, but if you don't FINE! Get your glass of wine ready, pull up a chair and join us as we discuss a myriad of topics. Hope you can keep up.

Some Things Never Change

When will I ever learn....

I was getting my gear together this morning, preparing for my trip to Dallas when my cell rings. It was not even close to who I might have expected...It was Detective So&So; the detective who arrested my sister 2 1/2 years ago and handed me her 18th month old baby to take care of. It was the same detective who helped get a warrant for my arrest removed and switched to its rightful owner - my sister. Yes, (breath, Lisa) my sister was conducting her criminal enterprises in my name.

Guess what! The detective was calling to inform em that dear ole sis was up to her usual tricks. It seems she has been up to mischief at several apartment complexes in the area (unspecified mischief no less) and has been banned from stepping foot on these said properties. If she was caught, she ould be arrested...or rather if I was caught on these properties then I would be arrested.

You see, dear ole sis has been using my name and an old ID that she stole from me to conduct her enterprises in my name.

What happened to her job with the King? What happened to that managment training program she was alledgedlyt in? I would think that she would be too busy getting her life back together to do much damage. Uhhhhahhh - NOT SO MUCH.

She said she need some help financially to get herself back on her feet...I put her on a monthly stipend. I will not even rehash here all of the ish we (me, Ron, my mother, her eldest daughter, my grandmother) have done for her to "get her back on her feet" over the past 20+ years. What I will say (I know, I know - I've said it before - but she was FAMILY - Humph) is ENOUGH! I am pushing away from the table and saying "no more jello for me ma." I'm done. Ron is so done that I think the vein in his temple is gonna burst. And to think that she would put at risk the very family that has raised almost all of her children. Unmitigated Gall.

We have cut off her stipend. We are contacting her parole officer the minute I can figure out who that is. I am working with the police fraud department to see if there is anything else I can do. We are letting the die fall where they may for Ms. Sociopath.

Dear Sis -
Just cause you are family doesn't mean we have to keep letting you screw us over. We've been playing the suckers for so long...cause you was family. Guess what, sweetie. This village just ousted its idiots and you are on you eff'n own.

No more money. No, you can't come over anymore. No, I don't have any groceries for you. No you can't use my car. You are excommunicated from my life. Done. I will NOT be laying face down on the hood of a police car for some dumb azz ish you have done in my name. You have gone to far and have finally run up on the wrong one. Stupid heffa.

Let's see how long you can survive screwing your friends like you've done your family. Oh, and when you end up back in jail, I will NOT accept your collect phone calls, I will no send you commissary money, I will not order you supplies from the prison catalogs, I will not put money on your phone card, I won't even get you stamps. Jail is gonna really such with out outside benefactors, huh.

(Holding my 3 middle fingers up) - READ BETWEEN THESE LINES SISTER. Yeah, I done said it. Humph. You just couldn't do right, not even to the hand that feeds you. It's too bad - cause now I've lost a sister.

May God have mercy on your soul.

Just Do It: 2008 USA Men's Basketball Team

Nike has done it again with another kick azz commercial featuring Marvin Gaye and the 2008 USA Men's Basketball Team. This commercial gave me goose bumps. JUST DO IT. GO USA GO!

Stumbled Upon: Where in the World is Matt

This just made me smile...

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

NSN DC/Baltimore Chapter Pre-Conference Party

The DC/Baltimore Chapter of the National Sales Network hosted the 2nd Annual Pre-Conference Party last night complete with music, open bar, great eats, conference registration prizes and our chapter apparel. If you are and African-American in sales, marketing or own your own business that sells products & services, then you should check out National Sales Network.

How's your network? Do you actively work on it, cultivate it, develop it or do you just wait for things to happen and people/business to come to you? Are you looking for an environment where you can develop your business & sales skills among people that look like you? You've come to the right place.

Dig your well before you are thirsty. Network so you don't have to work.

Point of View: Network Marketing

I've been getting a lot of questions about my thoughts on and involvement in MultiLevel Marketing/Network Marketing - whatever you want to call it. I also get a lot of flack about it from people who don't know anything about it, never been involved, knew a friend of a friend, etc. and just want to "warn" me about the possibility of getting duped. I always find that mildly amusing, as I'm pretty dang smart. I know how to evaluate an opportunity and didn't get to this point of the journey getting snookered.

Instead on continually answering questions on an individual basis, I thought I'd interview someone who has not only built an MLM but has also built other traditional businesses and is pretty business savvy. Let me introduce you to my better half - Ronald Steptoe.

(This is going to be a long post)

Me: Hey Baby!

Ron: Morning. What ya got for me?

Me: Not what you think right now. How about some questions on the topic today - Network Marketing? You have over 15 yeas of experience in MLM. Tell me why you got involved.

Initially I got involved because I was looking for a way to start a business, while I was still in Corporate America. I was looking for a way to do this with a company/opportunity that has a system in place where I could learn about being an entrepreneur; learn about having my own business without risk associated with running my own business.

Why, in the economy we are in today, would someone want to consider getting involved in MLM?

I believe, based on this economy, that MLM is the lowest point of entry for the masses in terms of dollars invested when it comes to starting a business. For example, I started an International Commercial Real Estate Development business. In order to accomplish this, I had to put up millions of my own money/assets along with my partners in order to accomplish this. There is no guarantee that that money will come back; but in order to play in that game, to get the kind of yield we are looking at (generating millions/billions) - you have to put up millions. You know that old adage that it takes money to make money, well, it
certain instances that is in fact true. In MLM, it may cost a minimal amount to
get started. What you are leveraging is not your capital, but your relationships. You are still using an asset base, but it is not hard core dollars. The bottom line in this economy is you can hold onto your assets/cash and still build a business leveraging your other asset pool -your relationships, your intellect, your drive - to generate cash flow.

If someone is interested in network marketing, what should they be looking for; watching out for; how should they evaluate the opportunity?

That's a good question. Initially when I started, it wasn't that I was looking for MLM. I had a friend who knew I was looking for a business opportunity to generate some additional income, so, I kinda stumbled upon network marketing - I didn't go looking for it. I was fortunate to start with a large, international company with numerous product lines and was able to see the uptake on those items and different markets. It was almost like I did several MLM's due to the
diverse product line. Most companies only have one or a limited amount of products or services. I came back to network marketing (NM) with a little more of a jaundice or critical eye. So my question was not to get in NM just to get in it to have a business; my question was the industry right, compensation plan right, and was I getting paid for the efforts of what I did today not just about making future money.

I would think that today people would consider a company that is in a growth trend/industry. One that is going to improve peoples lives, bring economies of scale - saving time/money. Furthermore, I decided to get involved with this new opportunity no just for the innovative product(s) but because they also pay for helping them build the company, bringing to the table a leadership team of business leaders and training them to build effective networks. You not only get paid for the products/services that you market; but also for building and training an effective organization.

Talk about the Global Marketplace and how MLM can help a person be involved in a business that has a global presence.

If you want to start a business and participate in the global marketplace; the global economy - it is going to be complicated to start, especially if you don't have the capital and the contact to make that happen - along with the
difficulties of building a traditional business. With the right company/opportunity in NM, you can be involved in the global marketplace without have to worry about the politics, tariffs, taxes, capitalization and more. The company does that for you. All you have to do is bring your network to the table to be a player.

Now, in today's economy, if you are not making dollars, euros, sterling, pesos, rand, sheckles - I don't give a damn what you call it - you need to be making multiple currency streams - EXCUSE ME - I didn't say, multiple steams of income, I said multiple currency streams. That then, helps you deal with the issue of fluctuating currency. When one is going down, another is going up. You therefore insulate yourself, your family against a fluctuating economy.

Network Marketing can, and for many people is their entryway into the global marketplace without spending millions to play. Been there, did & am doing that.

What do you say to people who say they don't know anybody, they don't have a network, so why should I even get involved?

NM is about building teams and organizations. At the end of the day, its about bringing your network to the table to generate cash. Now, people sitting back saying they don't have a network, they don't know nobody - then why in the hell
were you talked to in the first place. That was a person who was not professional in talking to you. If you ain't got a network, then I don't talk to your azz...you can't help me, and I can't help you. Furthermore, if you don't have a network, then why da hell do you want to build a business? Who you going to sell products/services to? Who's gonna be your banker, accountant, lawyer? You don't know nobody. Stay home, stay at your job...cut the shyt.

Once a person has made their decision to go with a particular opportunity, what should be their next steps?

Deal with the corporate training, participate, become humble, stop acting like you know every damn thing. Sit back and see how the company is designed the system to work. You have to follow the system and humble yourself and learn how
to be successful in that opportunity. It is not a situation where you can be slack. It is going to become a lifestyle change, no different than if you are going to go back to school to get your masters or PhD. Changes are going to have to be made in order to study, go to class, etc. It is what it is. You can't think that you are going to build a MLM business or get your Masters and not have to make some lifestyle changes. Building a business takes work, effort and changes. Just like anything else you pursue - so, cut the crap.

What do you consider the major stumbling blocks, pitfalls that lead a person to not be "successful" (as defined by making a profit)?

Just because a person is in a business, doesn't mean that the business is in them or that they are a business person in general. Most people are in an opportunity and they wouldn't know what a profit is if you slapped them in the
azz with it. Look at the company compensation plan and figure out how you get paid. Do you get compensated for just moving product, for bringing people in and training them or some kind of combination of both. Once you determine how you get paid and where the money is made at, that is what you focus on. A lot of people run around just doing activities and they have no idea how they really get paid and they just spin their wheels.

Finally, people are running around thinking they are just going to do this one night or 2 hours a week. I'm telling you, if you want to knock your business off like you want it to, then you are going to have to get busy. I'm not even going to tell you how much time to put in; I don't know what that number is. All I can tell you is that I have talk to about 12-15 people a week and help train the rest of my organization and have already make 200-300% on my investment in less than 3 months. Well, if that kind of time is what it takes to make that kind of profit, then that's what it takes. If you don't want to do it, THEN DON'T...and shut up about your lack of success.

Speaking of making a profit, what are your thoughts on the adage that it takes most businesses 3-5 years to make a profit and how it relates to MLM?

It does take some business 3-5 years to make a profit. Period. I have millions of dollars/assets invested in my development company and I won't see a profit or return until we break ground and start selling units. So, that adage is true.

On the NM side, I didn't have to put a million dollars up...I didn't have to put 100K up...matter a fact, I put up less than $1K to get started. So, if you are really involved in a business and you put up less than $1000 to get started and you can't make $1001, then WHY are you doing a business? You need to stay home. This game ain't for everyone to get on the court. You're gonna hurt yourself. Some people shouldn't be on the court. If you invest $1000, and you can't make $1000....you could bake some damn cookies and sell them on the street corner and make $1000 damn dollars. So shut the eff up. Do the damn thing, treat your business as if you hocked your house and raided your 401K and you'll make a profit.

Why do you think people of color & other minority groups are tending to get more involved in MLM as a vehicle for starting a business.

Remember the adage that it takes money to make money? In certain traditional business that is correct, but you are risking that money. Many people of color have assets, but not the type of assets it takes to play at that higher level.
The question becomes, what can we bring to the table to allow us to participate and create a financial future that our kids can leverage and get us to the next level. To create the type of yield and financial stability we would like, MLM winds up being a great opportunity for people of color in that it doesn't require money - the type of capital that traditional businesses do. It requires a different type of asset - relationships.

Furthermore, people of color have a natural bridge to other ethnic communities that allow you to create a global business with minimal resources. You can create wealth, participate in the global economy without risking or having a lot of capital.

Do you find this to be more of the case with people of color who are immigrants to this country?

Now you gonna make me hurt somebodies feelings. Speaking of only African-Americans, I think we are generally lazy and then we want to cry about our lot in life and what is going on in the economy. People of color that come from other countries didn't come here to fail. They would have stayed home (in their country) if they wanted to fail. They didn't need to come all the way over here, be separated from their family for years at a time to fail. That kind of sacrifice is, for the most part, beyond our comprehension. I don't think most of us have that sort of drive. If it gets too bad, we start whining and complaining and looking for our government benefits. Or we just settle for the status quo, play with our 401K's, tinkle in investments, avoid risk and pray that they company we work for will still be there in 20 years.

People of color for other countries came here to make it happen. They don't know nothing about no welfare. If you didn't work, you didn't eat. Period. They come here with that kind of desire, that kind of understanding. Yeah, the get in these businesses and kick butt.

But you know what, I think the tide is turning a bit. I'm finding that a lot of African-Americans are starting to kick butt too. There are some who are willing to go out and do it to. They just want a chance. They find the MLM is a chance to make it happen for themselves. They are working it like no body's business and creating their own empires.

Let me wrap up by saying that if someone is saying to you that you are a failure because you have a job and that's all you do; you don't have your own business or are involved in MLM - THAT'S HORSESHYT. I don't care what you do as long as you are doing what you want to do, you are the best at, and you are taking care of your family. Different strokes for different folkes. Just remember, you are only going to make at your job what the person who owns it says you can make. If you need or want more than that, then you might need to get a side hustle/side business - whatever you want to call it - cause you gotta take care of momma, you gotta take care of RayRay, you gotta take care of a bunch of folks. Who is breaking out to break through to help bring others along? Or are you just gonna get yours (the house, the car, the stuff) and tell everybody "I hope you get yours too". Your a negro that I
need to kick in the azz. If your not reaching back, I don't care if it is monetarily - whatever - then God help you. I'm not saying it is right or it's wrong. Just don't go out there and give somebody who is trying to make it; build something a bunch of grief on something you know nothing about. MLM is this, its that - that's when I want to kick someone dead in their azz.

If you got a personal issue with it then call me, email me, whatever. Get your facts straight, play in your lane, worry about how you gonna make your money and stop counting everybody elses.

This interview was brought to you by....

Family Night Out

The family loaded up and went to the How.ard Cou.nt.y Fair tonight. Cara wanted to see the animals, I wanted a funnel cake, Ron wanted to do running commentary that is just ummm...well, I'm going to have to censor his nonsense - and it was a beautiful evening for a night out.

I love hanging with my family. They are funny, cool and just great to hang with. They make it all worth while. Thanks for a great evening.

Bikram Yoga

I was introduced to Bikram Yoga by a fellow female West Pointer a few months back. She caught me taking slick leave from work at the Mall and when I asked her what she was doing out in Columbia (she lives out in Upper Marlboro) she told me that her Hot Yoga Studio had closed near her and she came out to Columbia twice a week to take class. She asked me to come try it out with her, I did and have been hooked ever since.

What is it?

"Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class is a twenty-six posture series designed to scientifically warm and stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons, in the order in which they should be stretched. While the yoga gently guides the body into correct alignment, strengthens and tones the muscles, lubricates the joints, and promotes flexibility, it provides tremendous benefits on the organs, glands, and fluids of the body by aiding in the release of toxins.

Bikram Yoga's twenty-six posture sequence systematically moves fresh, oxygenated blood to one hundred percent of your body, building core strength while restoring all systems to healthy working order, just as Nature intended. Proper weight, muscle tone, vibrant good health, and a sense of well-being will automatically follow. The focus and intensity of the class help to build mental clarity and determination.

Bikram is practiced in a heated room about 105 degrees & 40% relative humidity for 90 minutes."

You will sweat a lot. You will either LOVE it or you will HATE it. There is no in between. Personally, I absolutely love it. It has helped me in the areas of focus, flexibility, strength, breathing (I have a greater deal of control of my breathing, especially during a run and keep my breathing regulated even when my heart is racing), digestion, and sleep.

You really have to give it a try for yourself to see. Don't knock it, till you try it. You'll be amazed OR you'll kill somebody before you would be dragged back in there.

Furthermore, I love the studio that I go to. Bikram Yoga Columbia. It is black owned, it is pretty, clean, well staffed & maintained. Every instructor seems to take a sincere interest in your practice and will help you with your postures. Kat and her studio were featured in the Nov 2007 issue of Ebony (see article below) and/or check her out on the Director's Page on her site.

I hope to see you in class. Namaste

FindArticles - Sizzling hot fall workout: warm the the mind, body and spirit with Bikram yoga
Ebony, Nov, 2007, by Lynette R. Holloway

All White Gala

I want to go on record with how proud I am of Ron. Let me tell you, this man is a hard working entrepreneur. No doubt about it. When he puts his mind to getting something done - it is. Along with that comes a no bullshyt policy when dealing with people he is business partners with. You are either gonna do what he tells you to do or you don't. But don't come crying later when you decided to go and do you own thing or do nothing, and you are not having much success. N E HOO....

A few months back, Ron and his business partner were looking for telecommunications options that they would be able to implement in the Caribbean at the resort project that would help reduce the cost of telephone and internet usage. It is horribly expensive to use cell phones, the internet and even make international calls. Any service that they could use in the resort to make it more enticing to clients was a must. They went to check out a VOIP company (5Linx) that also had video phones and wi-fi cellular among other things. Ron & Derek were obviously sold. In two months time, Ron is an Executive Director with 5Linx and will finish his qualification for National Director by the end of this month. Go Ron!

Last night we went to an All White Gala for 5Linx Enterprises - MD/DC Regional to celebrate recent achievements and the launch of the Wi-Fi Cellphone. It was awesome to see so many successful African-Americans in one room. The music was great (the drinks WAY overpriced) and the people were a blast.

Congratulations Ron and the entire J.E.L Marketing team. I am proud of you and look forward to helping you reap (& spend) the largess of your success.

My Best Friends Baby Shower

I hosted a Baby Shower for my BFF Valerie yesterday afternoon. All I can say is my girl was just beeeuuuteeeeful and radiant with her "knocked up" self (Wendy's terms). We had a blast - as usual. We must be the only group of women who come up with a "specialty drink" of the day for a baby shower. Apple Martini's & Pama Margaritas were the drinks of choice. Mom made another SLAMMIN' cake creation.

Val didn't want to play any games ("Let's just play it by ear") Yeah, Uh Huh. Who do you think your dealing with - an amateur. NOT. I searched high and low (gotta luv da google) for some non-traditional but highly entertaining games and came up with three that were a hit. We ended up not play "Blindfold Momma" cause most of the mothers in the room could diaper a baby on one knee in an airplane bathroom in the dark and not miss a beat - no competition. Wendy took the Baby Triathlon prize hands down with her ability to negotiate a contract on the phone while holding her baby and hanging clothes from the clothesline. She rocks.

Congratulations Val & Manny. We wish you many blessings on the arrival of Maia Athena Magoulakis.