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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

New Year's Eve parties

Hey party people! Hope everybody has a great New Year's Eve. If you need plans, here are some local nightlife highlights:

H2O, 6499 Veterans Parkway, hosts a performance by DJ Roonie G. The nationally recognized entertainer hails from Columbus, but has performed in places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

Belloo’s, 900 Front Ave., has a New Year’s Eve Champagne Party featuring dance music from Auburn band The Good Doctor. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. A $5 cover charge includes complimentary champagne as well as snacks and party favors.

Eighty-Five, which sits below Belloo’s on Front Avenue, hosts an end of the decade dance party. Expect ’80s and indie dance tunes, and then live music from Spy for Hire. A $5 cover starts at 9 p.m.

The Dawg House, 5140 Warm Springs Road, has DJ music and a balloon drop with prizes. Action starts at 8 p.m. No cover.

Players, 1500 54th Street, offers a party beginning at 10 p.m. It’s $19.95 per couple, which includes four hours of pool time, karaoke, champagne at midnight and a complimentary breakfast.

Pop-A-Top, 210 32nd Street, has live music beginning at 9 p.m. You can also expect free food at midnight, party favors and a team dart tournament. No cover.

The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, entertains guests with DJ music, Advance $10 tickets are available at the bar until 8 p.m. tonight. After that, tickets are $15. Cover charge includes a mini bottle of champagne and party favors.

SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, hosts a Vegas-style party and will serve black-eyed peas for good luck, collard greens for prosperity and ham and cornbread because they taste good. The M&M Band will play dance party covers. A $10 cover includes food, midnight champagne and party favors.

The Loft, 1032 Broadway, hosts a masquerade party to “unmask” the new restaurant below the nightclub. Action starts at 5 p.m. on both floors. Big Woody & The Splinters perform beginning at 9 p.m. Cover is $10.

Expect giveaways every hour. At midnight, there’s a grand prize of a $300 gift certificate for The Loft or the restaurant. Free masks and party favors, drink specials, a champagne toast at midnight and a free breakfast buffet beginning at 12:30 a.m.

The restaurant will serve a $20 buffet with items like lasagna, chicken marsala, broccoli florentine, pastas, desserts and more.

The Oasis, 1107 Broadway, has live music from local band Haywire. It’s $15 singles, $20 couples. Expect drink specials and specials for military guests. A $5 breakfast buffet begins at 1 a.m. and includes items like eggs, sausage and coffee.

Flip Flops, 1111 Broadway, offers a masquerade party with music by Jasper Drive. Best getup wins $100. A $5 cover includes midnight champagne toast.

Pregnant pauses

One of my valued achievements this decade? Mastering the art of talking to new parents.

It's a lesson I learned almost immediately after college, when many of my friends quickly transitioned from "where's the keg party?" to "where's the diaper party?"

Initial immersion was a bit jarring.

You can't necessarily prepare for a conversation about the different colors of a newborn's poop. And if you're unmarried and childless, you look a little silly offering a compassionate "I totally understand."

When I hung out with some new parents over Christmas, I realized how far my conversation skills have come.

The discussion -- which included colored poop, of course -- didn't prompt me to enter a bitter tirade about how I'm never having kids. It also didn't make me vomit, or engage in a heartfelt conversation with my biological clock.

Sure, things get a little awkward when you throw pacifiers into the mix. But at their core, your friends are likely still the same engaging people with whom you initially connected.

Those keg conversations were getting a little old, anyway.

And hey: If your conversation skills still leave a little to be desired, check out this handy list of 10 things to never say to pregnant women.

Monday, December 28, 2009

New Year's Eve kiss

It's billed as one of the most romantic events of your life...but it usually transforms into nothing but another glittery, butterscotch-flavored bloodbath.

The New Year's Eve kiss.

Excitement. Anxiety. Slobber. All those words apply to the moment, which is largely defined by inflated expectations.

Nonetheless, if Smoochville is your goal, it's good to be prepared.

Check out this New Year's kiss refresher course, courtesy of relationship goddesses Em and Lo. Here's my favorite piece of advice:

We know it’s a festive New Year’s party, but three coats of red lipstick or thick sticky goo make you about as kissable as a bulldog with gum disease.

Also, coupled partiers: Please remember that the New Year's Eve embrace is accompanied by a kiss and ONLY a kiss.

Few things curse an innocent bystander more than starting a new year next to a gag-inducing PDA.

What makes someone a good kisser?

Boo Camp

Hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas. I enjoyed my weekend of bonding in Huntsville, Ala.

As I suggested in the previous post, it's always difficult to retain the Christmas spirit once the holiday has ended. One day you're expressing undying gratitude, the next day you're back to nagging your boyfriend about his incessant snoring.

Where does a good-intentioned 20-something find help?

Let me introduce you to Boo Camp.

That is not a typo. I don't mean "boot camp." My version -- "boo camp" -- refers to "boo," an endearing/annoying term many people use while referring to their significant other.

Alan recently devised the brilliant concept: a week-long focus on making your boyfriend/girlfriend happy. No outhouses required.

The idea isn't entirely in jest. Every relationship can benefit from a conscious effort to fix problem areas, especially with the focus on change and renewal that comes with a new year.

Boo Camp, my friends, is a state of mind as well as a way of action.

It focuses on appreciating the small stuff, ignoring the insignificant stuff and -- if you're really adventurous -- surrendering the remote control.

Who's in?

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone has a great holiday -- whether your day is spent opening presents, chilling with the fam or crying over sappy diamond commercials. (Been there, done that.)

I've always been somebody who doesn't get truly excited about Christmas until the day of the holiday.

I usually spend the time prior to Dec. 25 stressing, complaining and wondering if the gift-giving debt I incurred will force me to take up a side job at a local strip club. (Just kidding, Mom.)

But then -- sometimes even if you're spending the holiday alone -- you hit a moment on Christmas when you realize the human capacity for excellence.

And you vow to take that sense of awe, move it beyond its seasonal confines, and make it a part of your daily life.

Thanks, everyone, for the support and constructive criticism -- two of the best gifts I've ever received.

Oh, and don't forget about the ugly sweater contest Saturday at The Oasis, 1107 Broadway.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Mary J. Blige's "Misunderstanding" with Hubby


Word has it that Mary J. and her hubby, Kendu Issacs, had a heated altercation at her album release party. Needless to say, this resulted in Mary socking her hubby in the face. Party guests state that Mary accused Kendu of flirting with another woman. Mary's publicist, Karynne Tencer, states the whole incident was a "misunderstanding". Peep the article here for the story!

Hope that all goes well in the Blige-Issacs home for the Christmas season.

Your Black News: Today's Black News Headlines

Christmas party spots

A lot of you have asked me if bars will be open on Christmas night. Don't worry: You have a variety of options.

Here's a roundup of some local hangouts for Christmas night:

The Oasis, 1107 Broadway: The local rockers from Ophir Drive perform beginning at 10 p.m.

SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road: Enjoy a cocktail while listening to music from Stereomonster and BPM.

Gray’s Bar, 1698 South Lumpkin Road: Expand your nightlife horizons and party at this South Columbus hot spot, which opens its doors at 9 a.m. on Christmas.

Flip Flops, 1111 Broadway: Bar opens at 9 p.m. with a variety of drink specials. Dance tunes all night.

The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway: The nightclub hosts Rock 103’s Christmas Chaos Jingle Ball with music from The Grayhill Conspiracy and an appearance by Ambre Lake from “Rock of Love 2.”

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sex and the City 2 trailer




Go ahead, say "I told you so."

After watching the new trailer for "Sex and the City 2," I'm actually excited about the movie. Yes, I am very aware that this contradicts my recent ambivalence.

Oh well. Consider me hooked.

I'll be making cosmos and hosting a shoe party before you know it.

Thoughts on the trailer?

Tacky sweater party tonight!

Tonight, Flip Flops hosts a Tacky Christmas Sweater Contest with a $100 cash prize. Organizers say matching tacky pants will earn you bonus points.

Action starts at 9 p.m. There's also 32 oz. well drinks for $5. No cover charge.

Expect music from J Mac and David Carr.

Flip Flops is at 1111 Broadway in Columbus.

Get in the ugly sweater spirit by clicking here.

TI Released From Prison

Rapper T.I. got an early Christmas present Tuesday after authorities released him from a federal prison in Arkansas nearly seven months into a 366-day term.

His attorney, Steve Sadow, told the website xxlmag.com that T.I. would report to a halfway house in the Atlanta area later in the day to begin a stay of two or three months.

T.I., 28, was arrested after trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers from undercover federal agents in 2007. That came after the rapper's best friend was killed following a party in Cincinnati in 2006. The rapper has said the bullets that killed his friend were meant for him.

 

Click to read.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tiger’s Popularity Plummets

A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey reveals a split along racial lines on how people view Tiger Woods now.

The popularity of golfer Tiger Woods has plummeted in the weeks since his now-infamous car crash and infidelity admission, according to a new poll.

In the survey conducted December 16-20, Woods' favorable rating dropped to 34 percent. That compares to a rating of 60 percent in early December, days after Woods' crash.

In 2005, the star golfer's favorable rating was at 85 percent.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Tuesday indicated the drop in Woods' popularity was not as dramatic among African-Americans.

About two-thirds of blacks still held a favorable view of Woods, while only 28 percent of whites felt the same way.

 

Click to read.

"I don't want anything."

Word of advice, guys: Take this sentence seriously and you will be in trouble this Christmas:

"I don't want anything."

Your girlfriend utters the line and you breathe a sigh of relief. Phew. One less set of gifts to buy during crunch time.

Too bad she's lying.

No, she told me she has everything she needs, you say.

I'm sure she said that. In fact, I've pulled out the same line.

We say it partially for altruistic purposes. We fear you'll spend too much money on us, that you'll throw away your life savings while shopping under an aggressive jewelry saleswoman's powers of persuasion.

But yes, sometimes there is a selfish motive as well. We want to see how you fare without a specified gift list. We want the romantic aspect of Christmas, the kind that comes with getting the gift of your dreams when you've asked for nothing.

Because, you know, all men are mind-readers.

So resist taking the easy way out when your significant other says, "I don't want anything."

You don't have to perform some grand gesture, but one wrapped gift would be nice.

Trust me, she'll agree -- especially when she's the only one who's empty-handed on Christmas morning.

(For more seasonal tips, check out the Ledger's Holiday Survival Guide blog here.)

What's going on tonight?

Partiers ready to hit the town have a variety of Tuesday options. Here are some of tonight's highlights:

*Belloo's, 900 Front Ave., has a Ladies Night menu featuring $5 martinis. The deal is available from 7 p.m. until closing time. 706-494-1584.

*The Shanty Shack hosts a performance by its house band, DixieMafiaa. The Muscle Shoals, Ala.-based band performs a variety of party tunes. Show starts at 7 p.m. No cover. The bar is at 4475 Warm Springs Road. 706-507-3418.

*The local rockers from Poanna entertain at SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Music starts at 9 p.m. No cover. 706-568-3316.

All events are open to guests 21 and older.

Monday, December 21, 2009

The Latest on Hip Hop Wired – 12/21/09

Update: Asher Roth Denies Being Gay

NEWSTweet Update:  Asher Roth Denies Being Gay

» By Michael "Ice-Blue" Harris   Dec 21 2009, 21:59 Pm

Permanent Link to Update:  Asher Roth Denies Being Gay

In the wake of all the hoopla surrounding the “Gay Rapper” and Asher Roth possibly being the poster boy for the cause and coming out the closet, the Pennsylvania MC has put the brakes on the speculation. Asher released the following statement putting an end to the rumors:

“I hate to disappoint and take away the entertainment of it all but I am straight, not gay. It's disheartening to know such "news" on someone's personal life can be portrayed as fact with no viable source. This, to me, is an opportunity to expose our vulnerability to lies and manipulation through unprofessional and irresponsible news outlets, in which people consider TRUTH. Further, someone's sexual orientation should NEVER be big news, as it delivers a troubling message to children that they can't be themselves without fear of judgment.

Race, creed, and sexual persuasion should not just be tolerated but understood and accepted. It's extremelyMore

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags asher roth, eminem, gay rapper, i love college

Master P's Daughter Lands Deal With Nickelodeon

NEWSTweet Master P's Daughter Lands Deal With Nickelodeon

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 19:46 Pm

Permanent Link to Master P's Daughter Lands Deal With Nickelodeon

While Percy Miller continues to expand his philanthropic efforts and his son Romeo pursues a rap career, the youngest member of their family is stepping into the limelight.

Master P's daughter, 13-year-old Cymphonique Miller, is an actor/singer/dancer and has inked a substantial talent development deal with Nickelodeon to develop a  series for her.

In addition to her television series, More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags Cymphonique, Cymphonique Miller,Cymphonique On Nickelodeon, Master P's Daughter, Master P's Daughter Gets Television Show, Percy Miller, romeo

Timbaland Kicks Off 'Shock Value II' Tour

NEWSTweet Timbaland Kicks Off 'Shock Value II' Tour

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 18:02 Pm

Permanent Link to Timbaland Kicks Off 'Shock Value II' Tour

Although Timbaland's decided to turn his back on Hip-Hop, the Grammy award winning producer is still preparing to hit the road for a 13 city tour.

As previously reported, Timbo confirmed in an interview that he was “off that"  Hip-Hop production lane and delving deeper into pop records. Now with his Shock Value II album in stores, he's More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags shock value II, timbaland, Timbaland And Drake Say Something, Timbaland Shock Value, Timbaland Tour

DJ Kay Slay Sued

NEWSTweet DJ Kay Slay Sued

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 17:16 Pm

Permanent Link to DJ Kay Slay Sued

DJ Kay Slay is the latest in Hip-Hop to be hit with a lawsuit. The Drama King, real name Keith Grayson, is being taken to court for copyright infringement for his song “Angels Around Me” featuring 50 Cent and G Unit. The song which appeared on his Street Sweeper Volume 2: The Pain From The Game album is said to be More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags dj kay slay, DJ Kay Slay More Than Just A DJ, Kay Slay Angels Around Me, kay slay def jam, Kay Slay Sued, The Drama King

Nike and Hip Hop Team Up for Christmas [Video Included]

NEWSTweet Nike and Hip Hop Team Up for Christmas [Video Included]

» By Justin Stewart   Dec 21 2009, 16:24 Pm

Permanent Link to Nike and Hip Hop Team Up for Christmas [Video Included]

What would the holidays be without some Christmas cheer?  Lupe Fiasco and KRS-One decided to become more animated by featuring themselves in the Nike puppet commercials with NBA superstars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

With Christmas a few days away, Lupe played the role of Blitzen the Reindeer as he took on Kobe, LeBron and Santa, played by KRS.

A lyrical battle between the two couldn't stop the outcome of a basketball game between Santa and his Reindeer.

Peep the video for the battle/game here:

The Challenge:

The Outcome: More

Comment Comments 1 Tags Tags basketball, christmas, kobe bryant, krs-one, lebron james, lupe fiasco, nba, nike, santa clause

Flo Rida's 'Low' Named Digital Song of The Decade

NEWSTweet Flo Rida's 'Low' Named Digital Song of The Decade

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 16:17 Pm

Permanent Link to Flo Rida's 'Low' Named Digital Song of The Decade

As Flo Rida prepares for the Grammy's where he'll take on Eminem, Mos Def, Q Tip and Common for ‘Best Rap Album', he's garnering praise for his hit single “Low.”

The single has broken a new record and been named the top-selling digital song of the decade. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the T Pain laced record scoured over More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags "Low", Flo Rida Nominated For Grammy,Flo Rida R.O.O.T.S., Flo Rida Right Round, flo-rida, Grammys Best Rap Album, R.O.O.T.S.

WIRED Links

NEWSTweet WIRED Links

» By Michael "Ice-Blue" Harris   Dec 21 2009, 16:11 Pm

Permanent Link to WIRED Links

Complex: "The Weakest Link: Who Should Get Kicked Out Of Young Money" Read Here

Black Voices: "Bill Cosby Talks positive Hip-Hop & Healing Black Relationships" Read Here

Your Black World: "The Secret Rules Of Athlete Mistresses" Read Here

F-Listed: "Lady Gaga Gets Naked With Kanye" Read Here

Bossip: Chris Brown Is Mean To Riri, But Nice To Skrippers" Read Here

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags bill cosby, chris brown, kanye west, lady gaga, tiger woods

HHW Exclusive: B.O.B. Reacts to Rising Career

FEATURES, NEWSTweet HHW Exclusive: B.O.B. Reacts to Rising Career

» By Justin Stewart   Dec 21 2009, 15:41 Pm

Permanent Link to HHW Exclusive: B.O.B. Reacts to Rising Career

As the 90s roster of rap continues to age, there has been an opening for the new generation to showcase their own particular talents and present a shift in the Hip Hop industry.

Taking notes from legends of the past, the new school desires to keep the momentum alive for rap, but find a way to throw their own little flavor to usher something new for a changing crowd of listeners.

Atlanta's own B.O.B., also known as Bobby Ray, is one that has stepped in to shake the foundation.  A jack of all trades, Ray is a rapper, but also holds talents in being More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags b.o.b., Bobby Ray, freshman class,generation lost, musician, new generation of music, nothin on you, the adventures of bobby ray

Ludacris To Perform At The Apollo Theater

NEWSTweet Ludacris To Perform At The Apollo Theater

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 15:06 Pm

Permanent Link to Ludacris To Perform At The Apollo Theater

Ludacris is ending out 2009 on a high note and taking the stage at a legendary music hall just before the New Year.

Luda is set to take the stage at the Apollo Theater for the Heineken New Legends Series, a special holiday concert series. According to a press release, More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags Christopher Bridges, Heineken Legends Series, ludacris, Ludacris Heineken Legends, Ludacris Performs At Apollo

Asher Roth is the Gay Rapper?!?!

NEWSTweet Asher Roth is the Gay Rapper?!?!

» By Justin Stewart   Dec 21 2009, 14:06 Pm

Permanent Link to Asher Roth is the Gay Rapper?!?!

The rapper that first came out saying that he loved college and loved women may be playing to a new tune as of late as Asher Roth has come out of the closet.

Speculation has been running rampant for the past few months with allegations of the Gay Rapper in Hip Hop, but now the mystery has reportedly been solved.

Roth will appear on E!News during the Christmas Holiday celebration to talk about his recent “coming out of the closet”. Asher was recently in attendance at a Gay More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags asher roth, asleep in the bread aisle, clay aiken, E! News, gay rapper, gay rights parade, hiding in hip hop: confession of a down low brother in the entertainment industry, lady gaga, New York, terrance dean

Beanie Sigel Injured In Car Accident

NEWSTweet Beanie Sigel Injured In Car Accident

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 2:18 Am

Permanent Link to Beanie Sigel Injured In Car Accident

Representatives for Beanie Sigel are confirming that he was involved in a car accident Saturday night. While full details have yet to be released, reports show that the Philadelphia rapper More

Comment Comments 2 Tags Tags beanie sigel, Beanie Sigel Car Accident,Beanie Sigel Injured In Car Crash, jay-z and beanie sigel

Lupe Fiasco Cancels Mixtape

NEWSTweet Lupe Fiasco Cancels Mixtape

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 20 2009, 15:21 Pm

Permanent Link to Lupe Fiasco Cancels Mixtape

Just days before Lupe Fiasco was scheduled to drop a mixtape in time for Christmas, the Chicago lyricist has officially decided to can the idea. As previously reported, Lupe revealed details on his forthcoming studio projectLasers, stating that it would not hit stores this year and will not be his last album.

Now with that release in the works and his Enemy Of The Statemixtape online, Lupe's changing his focus from More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags Enemy Of The State Lupe Fiasco, Friend Of The People mixtape, lupe fiasco, lupe fiasco lasers, Lupe Kilimanjaro,Summit on the Summit, We Are Lasers

Update: No Charges Filed Against Lil Wayne

NEWSTweet Update: No Charges Filed Against Lil Wayne

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 20 2009, 13:58 Pm

Permanent Link to Update: No Charges Filed Against Lil Wayne

The world was abuzz Saturday when news hit the net that Lil Wayne had been detained by Texas border patrol just months before his scheduled stint in prison. Although many were expecting the worst after drug sniffing dogs detected marijuana on his tour bus More

Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags cash money, lil wayne, Lil Wayne Arrested, Lil Wayne concert, lil wayne detained, young money

This Just In! Lil Wayne Detained at Texas Border!

NEWSTweet This Just In! Lil Wayne Detained at Texas Border!

» By Jason Weintraub   Dec 19 2009, 15:21 Pm

Permanent Link to This Just In! Lil Wayne Detained at Texas Border!

Although details are still developing, according to the Texas border patrol, Lil Wayne has been detained at an interior border checkpoint. The incident is rumored to be drug related as Wayne and 11 other members who were on the tour bus are being held in Falfurrias, Texas. The southern Texas city which is about 100 miles from the boarder of Mexico, uses its B.P checkpoint for most people passing. More

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