Allstarz Dodge Us CarClub: World Class Interest, Community Driven

"Sometime in your life, hope that you might see one starved man, the look on his face when the bread finally arrives. Hope that you might have baked it or bought or even kneaded it yourself. For that look on his face, for your meeting his eyes across a piece of bread, you might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot, or die a little, even." ~Daniel Berrigan

Community service is when someone performs an action which benefits his or her community. It is altruistic, and it is a vital part of many small communities. Getting involved in your community makes it healthier and livelier, and numerous organizations around the world support community service activities. Meeting the eyes of the starved across a piece of bread, we all suffer a lot. You have to know what its like to be hungry, to be without, it is then that you are able give unselfishly. Many of us is aware of the pandemics that plague our country, state, and city. However, because of our own struggles we find it difficult to recognize and relate to that of others. Its time for us a community to get together for something other than partying. Its time for us all to do something, instead of sitting around talking about it. Its time for us to serve, as the Heavens has provided for us, so that we all provide for others. There are several organizations around Houston that are serving the community. Allstarz DUCC is one of those organizations.

Allstarz Dodge Us CarClub is an organization that has come to the realization that a difference can be made. Allstarz DUCC's purpose is, "As one we stand to serve where need is found." They strive to encourage growth, strength and unity within the Community. It was soon evident that a spirit of altruism began to dominate any love of pleasure or selfish desire for personal gain among these members. This strength and courage has been a dominating force in the Club’s leadership during these past months of vast change and growth. Unlike single-issue organizations, The Dodge Us Car Club structure allows Club members to address the emerging needs of the city, county and state and to respond quickly to calls for help. The Club offers a diverse chance for "hands-on" service in the community as well as for personal growth.…” we began to realize that perhaps we needed to “improve our skills, expand our rights and apply our abilities and special sensitivity to our society’s needs.” These are people committed to the betterment of themselves and their community. Allstarz DUCC early activities has included Toy Drive, AIDS Foundation Houston, Haiti t-shirt drives and recently Andrea’s hope feeding the hunger of Houston. Each member is encouraged to participate as little or as often as her schedule permits. Diversity in ages, interests and experiences unite these women through a common dedication to community improvement through volunteer service.

Allstarz DUCC continues to serve the community. Every third Saturday of the month, Allstarz DUCC fulfills their Feed the Hungry project at 2009 Congress. Each month the car club feeds at least 150 citizens of the community. Hungry has no face, and therefore everyone is welcomed to partake in Allstarz DUCC's mission. The latest mission fulfilled was Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. Being apart of this organization and mission, I found that serving, continues to be my purpose. Sharing and interacting with those that are down on their luck, renewed in me, the desire to want to do better, the desire to do more to encourage, strengthen, restore hope in a hopeless world. I believe that a society cannot be truly successful with a mentality that every individual should only worry about themselves and in the end things will work out for the best. Community service is about building a stronger community whether on campus, in your neighborhood, city, state, or any other type of community. Its a pleasure to be outside the box!!

To find out more about AllStarz DUCC, to seek assistance with your community service event, or to offer sponsorships and/or donations visit http://www.dodgeus.weebly.com/

Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS: Community Efforts

February 7, 2011 was National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day! This is monumental due to the startling increase of HIV/AIDS in our community. There are many organizations and community leaders that are doing what they can to spread awareness to this issue that affects us. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD),  is one of those organizations. NBHAAD, a national HIV/AIDS testing and treatment community mobilization initiative designed to encourage Blacks across the United States and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated around HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities.


In 2008, an estimated 18,328 Blacks received an AIDS diagnosis, a number that has remained relatively stable since 2005. By the end of 2007, an estimated 233,624 Blacks with a diagnosis of AIDS had died in the US and 5 dependent areas. In 2006, HIV was the ninth leading cause of death for all Blacks and the third leading cause of death for both Black men and Black women aged 35–44. Unfortunately, many of those who are infected with HIV are unaware of their status and may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. It’s time to mobilize and talk about this devastating disease so we can make a difference… and there’s no better time than February 7th! On this commemorative day, Blacks are encouraged to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated around HIV/AIDS. Special events such as press conferences, town hall meetings, church services, community marches and rallies, candlelight vigils, and free HIV testing will be held throughout the nation.

“We have to challenge the mindset and notion that Black people are disposable based on their sexual orientation, drug addiction or behavior, we didn’t have that option on the slave ships or plantations – so why now? We can turn this epidemic around if we act now.” says LaMont “Montee” Evans, of Healthy Black Communities, Inc, NBHAAD 2011 Annual Chairperson and a member of the NBHAAD Strategic Leadership Council.


While Blacks represent approximately 13% of the U.S. population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the group accounts for almost half of the nation’s AIDS cases.

In its eleventh year, NBHAAD organizers remain focused on all cities where Black communities are disproportionately impacted and the epidemic is not slowing. Some of these cities include Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Newark, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco, Trenton and Washington, D.C.

Several Black celebrities and community leaders have served as the face and voice of this huge effort while encouraging thousands of Black communities to mobilize and do something that will be long-lasting in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Past spokespersons include: Congressman Elijah E. Cummings; Tony Dungy; Idris Elba; Kimberly Elise; Lance Gross; Hill Harper; Taraji P. Henson; Tom Joyner; Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Ludacris; Master P; Tangi Miller; Patrik-Ian Polk; General Colin Powell; Sheryl Lee Ralph; Gloria Reuben; Romeo; Rev. Edwin Sanders; Tavis Smiley; and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Currently, NBHAAD is directed, planned and organized by a group known as the Strategic Leadership Council who partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to mobilize communities and address specific issues in regards to local epidemics.


For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit www.blackaidsday.org.
_-Source: NBHAAD Media Source, www.blackaidsday.org


Joining the initiative in their own right is Dodge Us Car Club (DUCC), a community service organization. For more information about DUCC visit www.DodgeUs.weebly.com Dodge Us Car Club is currently raising money, as walkers and volunteers with AIDS Walk Houston. AIDS Walk Houston is an exciting, non-competitive event that increases community awareness and educates Houstonians about HIV/AIDS. Incredible progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but a cure has not been found. Individuals continue to contract HIV at an alarming rate right here in our city. You can assist by joining us as volunteers or donating. The walk will take place AIDS Walk Houston 2011 Sunday, March 13, 2011 8:00 am Sam Houston Park (downtown) 1100 Bagby Street. Proceeds from AIDS Walk Houston benefit AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc as well as several other Houston-area HIV/AIDS service organizations. The funds that participants raise supports education and pediatric programs, provides housing, food, medical care, counseling, and job training to more than 100,000 Houstonians each year. Join in the fun!
To find out more information or donate Click here to visit my personal page. http://www.aidshelp.org/site/TR?px=1426729&pg=personal&fr_id=1120&et=K8W1CkNcVhIsUrfTwyb9sw..&s_tafId=20274


Click here to view the team page for Allstar D.U.C.C. http://www.aidshelp.org/site/TR?team_id=19090&pg=team&fr_id=1120&et=tVciNiClXttSwc3m8iYADA..&s_tafId=20274

-MsNightLyfe

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Support: Do We Really?

According to Merriam-Webster, the word 'support' has many meanings and functions in the English language. As a verb (something that one does, action), support is (1) : to promote the interests or cause of (2) : to uphold or defend as valid or right : advocate (3) : to argue or vote for ... It is this function I wish to discuss. Many of us often say, I support you, your business, your cause, your decision, etc. Sure, most genuinely mean what they say. However, I once heard and now believe a funky pair of lips can say anything. I am more interested in the actions of your hands, not the lips.
As an educator, I know that support is imperative on many levels. As a mother, I know that the presence of support is just as critical as the air we breath. As a Lesbian, support has kept make true to who I am and wish to become. As an author/blogger, it is my mission to provide as much support as possible. Social media, and all of its glory, is an extra outlet for the true hustlers of the world to get that supplemental yet simultaneous support from fans, family, and friends. But do the hundreds and thousands of friends really DO, that thing, you know... SUPPORT? Its hard to say. There is a cornucopia of groups, organizations, and businesses with social media presence, and just as many followers, friends and fans; however, if judging on their actions (posts) its ambiguous if there is actual support.
Community support is what any business owner, hustler, and entrepreneur need, yet support often comes from outside the community until its a large enough buzz, on the outside. My community consists of everywhere I am, have been and will go. The lives I touch and those that touch mine. The books, blogs, and online newsletters that I read. The events I attend and sponsor. THAT is my community. Having said that, it is these places and people that I want to see thrive. Being able to go out and satisfy a need because of someone else's idea, dream and action is an inspiration and motivating and in some strange way, for that moment you become a part of one another's lives. After a bad day, going out and listening or sharing at poetry piece, helping a friend celebrate, getting lost in the words of an author, buying unique designs from the lady with the daring outfit on, that is SUPPORT!  Re-posting, promoting and broadcasting things you genuinely enjoy is SUPPORT! Often times our friends will comment on a post of negative innuendo, share the latest heart break, or break down. And while mainstream media makes millions off of these same things, local communities, organizations, businesses and causes can counteract this by supporting. Its amazing the number of views that I receive on my blog each day, yet, there are no comments added. SAY SOMETHING! Community Support, comes by Communicating! Word of Mouth or to stay abreast the times, Words typed is still a powerful tool. This is the basis, foundation of Sweet Tooth Media.
I would like to share a list of sites and social network outlets that I support genuinely. It is my hopes that you check them out, share them, like them, comment on them.
This list isn't comprehensive and is in No particular order:
1. http://www.clublezlife.com/ A lesbian website that allows you to post events for free and search for events in your area, or an area you may frequent.
2. http://www.thefabfemme.com/ A fellow lesbian blogger, that captures news that affect the LGBT community.
3. http://www.keshapride.com/ Author of Taking a Chance At Love
4. http://www.areyoufam.com/ A lesbian blog site that shines the spotlight on LGBT trendsetters.
5. http://www.glotvnetwork.com/ The Only Urban LGBT TV network
6. http://www.desirehostilitydelusion.com/ An urban film about lesbian love and scandal by film maker Lyndonne Payne
7. http://www.rainbowdepot.com/ An online site for LGBT merchandise.
8. http://www.amuseboucheent.com/ The one stop shop for entertainment.
9. http://www.claritycheck.webs.com/ The Underground Network for Artist
10. http://dodgeus.weebly.com/ Lesbian Car Club that provides support in the community.
11. http://www.getmusictracks.com/ An online Radio show, that plays the music of underground artists.
12. http://www.vanitycreation.com/ Handmade jewelry, designs, and wardrobe consulting.
13. http://www.fionazedde.com/ Lesbian Author/Extrordinaire

That is all folks. No pictures, no punch lines, just thoughts, my truth, just words. SUPPORT, Do YOU REALLY? If not here's your chance. Show love with Integrity! Its free and we really do appreciate it!

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Clarity Check Concert Series Part 2 Featuring Mista Shano

We all know that Hip Hop is a very controversial topic, more so than its cultural roots. One thing I love about Hip Hop culture is the Underground Hip Hop Scene. The respect reaches much farther than the music as it spills over in the community. Many of the Underground Hip Hop artists speak about their upbringing, their hoods, the trials and tribulation that  have often inspired them to write in the first place. I believe that the best way to redirect anger and control emotions is through the pen and pad. This juxtaposed irony is what captures our youth, not always killing them, rather this is what saves them. Young children learn quickly the shock value of Hip Hop, yet we often don't encourage them to examine the process of Hip Hop. The focus should be on how it all begins, the intention and motivation determines how it will end. Clarity Check Concert Series presented by Lady Hennyssi and Go DJ DreamKast aspires to show Hip Hop artist that process through artist development. This is what sets Clarity Check in a league of its own. Both dedicated veterans have been immersed and simmered in the juices of Hip Hop, creating cloths of knowledge, experience, and success. The mission of Clarity Check is simple…"Setting Trends. They are putting the scope on the premium undiscovered talent that exists underground, while staying devoted to allowing these artists to be seen and heard while at the same time being seen as potential instead of being labeled as underground. Update your swag to Clarity and get your V.V.S. stamp of Grade “A” says Lady Hennyssi.  The founders also have committed themselves to taking the concert series much farther with each production. Their vision has been affixed on providing the artists with quality that they deserve by making available more resources, a grand stage and creative guidance. Each concert in the series features local artist from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and the like to headline. Go DJ DreamKast provides an outlet for the artist to broadcast their music at www.GetMusicTracks.Com 90.3 The Underground HitList and give artist development guidance along the way. Attend any one of these concerts and you Clarity will be Checked with a VVS stamp of Grade "A". 


My Clarity was certainly Checked after listening to artists such as Khalil Famous, QMane, Mixxed Foe Reason, B.A.B.S Squad and of course the Headliner Mista Shano. Before the concert begin I got a chance to sit down with Mista Shano and found that he is a very humble down to earth young man, hungry for what the music industry has for him. Mista Shano said that it all started for him with the desire to do something constructive and the decision to put it all together. His video for "Rep Yo Hood/Hi Hata!" shows just how well he put it all together. There you will find Houston's southern beats, rhythmic, repetitive and catchy phrases and that "bob" your head type of lyrical trigger.  Growing up in South Park and on Long Dr., there is a strong connection with Wesley Square, an extension of South Park. This along with being raised in a family oriented home with lots of love has influenced his lyrics and determination to strive. He affirms that he was no neighborhood hardhead, but did get into typical mischief that halos over any young boy's head. Mista Shano is musically influenced by DMX and Master P in that they showed him musically to just be yourself, and create your own sound. He has covered alot of ground in his career as an artist. He has worked with Krazeo of 713 Label, Element the Rapper, and Lil Kee of Major League Entertainment. He plans to collaborate Lil KeKe and Lil Flip both of whom he attended school with (Jones and Fondren Middle, respectively). When I asked Mista Shano what it meant to him being the Headliner of Clarity Check Concert Series 2. He said that it "means a great deal" because he had stopped performing to take care of his family and when he heard of the opportunity, he jumped on it. "God put me in a position one more time and I took it..." Since re-emerging on the Underground scene, he has become his own CEO. He heads Major League Entertainment Studios located at 6400 Benmar in Historic Greenspoint. He is currently working on his release album entitled L.I.F.E. Living In Fast Environments and states he has a Wes Connect sound. Mista Shano is an ambitious, diligent, artist setting his own limits and doing his own thing. You can follow Mista Shano on:


Facebook at facebook.com/unrealsoundproductions 
YouTube at www.YouTube.com/MistaShano 
Twitter @MrIGotEm 
You can also find his music at http://bln.kr 


Visit http://ClarityCheck.webs.com to learn more about the series or to register as an artist. 

                             L to R Mixxed Foe Reason, QMane, and B.E.Z
                                                

                                           GoDJ DreamKast

                            Hosted by GoDJ Fiya of BET's Comic View
                                                          

                                                   Mista Shano
                                                                  

                            
                "Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Project Runway: New Years Eve Edition 2011

Ahhh, 2011! A New Year, a fresh and new start! Its the time for resolutions, commitments and promises of Life Changes. Its also a time of retrospect and reflection. The most important thing about New Year's isnt just the opportunity to change, but for certain, the chance to PARTY!!!! Promoters and party goers alike search for and advertise the biggest parties of the year. Some offer ball drops, champagne, and great music, and while all that is great, year after year it has to get a little mundane. We all crave for something different, change within change. Well this New Years' Eve, I experienced my alternative...And let me just tell you, I partied HARD!!!!


Project Runway, NYE Edition, powered by NishaDaDiva Productions, Ashton Ent., and Eskay Entertainment was held at Xclusive Lounge on the Southwest side of Houston. The event was hosted by SynCity with a performance by Houston's own ItsJusBrittany. Ladies and Gentleman, immediately, I was drawn in. I am not certain if it was the host, showing me to VIP swagged up in a classic, yet modern blazer, with his fedora perfectly fitting his head or if it was the atmosphere. Whatever it was, it had me tight and refused to let me go. The club was the traditional dark with blue lighting, its upstairs Miami style lighting and VIP area, and what I like to call "Lady Cage"; set the mood right! Guests came dressed to impress, closing 2010 out with a fashion bang. The bar was flooded with patrons and the $4 dollar you call its, had us all feeling good. Aside from this posh atmosphere, and anticipation of New Years, we were all there for something more: Project Runway 2011 NYE Edition.

The fashion show featured Tina Marie Fashions and Designs, Torrid Fashions and TMills. Each designer brought their eclectic collections and showed the audience their fashion forwardness for 2011. Tina Marie's designs inspired by California style included, the corset and ruffles. TMills, brought us Brooklyn , NY and designs are military-inspired, vintage style gear. Finally, Torrid Fashions brought in something for the Thick and Lovely Ladies of the world. Her designs included club wear, Sassy office wear and halters inspired by the Preps. The models for each designer represented well and brought their A-Game to the runway. These designers clearly weren't preparing for merely a Project Runway show, they are more than ready for International runways. Hats off to these Trend-Setting Trail Blazers.

If you missed this, which, I am certain ALL of Houston was in attendance, you missed 1 HELL OF A SHOW!

                                         The Lady Cage

                                       Wall to Wall Coverage

 Happy New Year!!!!!

                        DeCarmen and The $4 You Call Its were working OT

                                                   Trinidad

ItsJusBrittany

                                            I had 1 too many drinks!!!

                                     Lori of Sweet Loraine's Fabulous Fun

                                                    MsNightLyfe

                                                      TrendSetter

                                              Bringing It Back!?!

                                             They had a Goooood Time!

BuzzWorthy

NishaDaDiva and MsNightLyfe

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"