12.26.2007
Christmas with friends from around the world
Omer, Lucas, Arthur, Nasim, Thomas, and Marie are International students at The North American Institute of Aviation (NAIA), a premiere aviation school located in Conway, South Carolina that offers the very best flight training for your money. The students are far from their homes and families during this holiday season and were invited to enjoy a Christmas dinner at the Smith's home in Conway.
9.25.2007
Brenda Thomas to release her latest book
Laying Down My Burdens - A Memoir
"It is truly my pleasure to introduce my long awaited memoir, Laying Down My Burdens. Sharing this very personal story of domestic violence allows me to shed the layers of my past. While revealing the truth of my journey has been cathartic for me, I also hope to inspire women and or men who may have experienced or are still living in these difficult circumstances. For this very special project I have chosen to return to self-publishing. It is a departure from the fiction my fans have come to expect, but I hope you will find it inspiring and thought-provoking. If fact is indeed stranger than fiction, it can undoubtedly be more unpredictable, erratic, surprising, moving, encouraging, and simply honest. In recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness month, I will be involved in several special events to raise funds and awareness for the cause, the first one being the launch of Laying Down My Burdens."
Brenda L. Thomas
Come out and join the book launch party:
Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at 6-9 p.m.
30th Street Station, South Hall, Philadelphia.
Charity: Luxury raffle items and 10% of book sales will be donated to Women Against Abuse. Please bring used cell phones for victims of domestic violence.
"It is truly my pleasure to introduce my long awaited memoir, Laying Down My Burdens. Sharing this very personal story of domestic violence allows me to shed the layers of my past. While revealing the truth of my journey has been cathartic for me, I also hope to inspire women and or men who may have experienced or are still living in these difficult circumstances. For this very special project I have chosen to return to self-publishing. It is a departure from the fiction my fans have come to expect, but I hope you will find it inspiring and thought-provoking. If fact is indeed stranger than fiction, it can undoubtedly be more unpredictable, erratic, surprising, moving, encouraging, and simply honest. In recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness month, I will be involved in several special events to raise funds and awareness for the cause, the first one being the launch of Laying Down My Burdens."
Brenda L. Thomas
Come out and join the book launch party:
Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at 6-9 p.m.
30th Street Station, South Hall, Philadelphia.
Charity: Luxury raffle items and 10% of book sales will be donated to Women Against Abuse. Please bring used cell phones for victims of domestic violence.
R U Notorious?
Check out the NOTORIOUS B.I.G audition videos submitted for the feature film of NOTORIOUS B.I.G! Rate performance, ability and talent. Discuss styles, mannerisms, swagger and techniques to help locate that person who will be cast as Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G.
Learn more about the feature film NOTORIOUS at www.foxsearchlight.com/notorious/
Learn more about the feature film NOTORIOUS at www.foxsearchlight.com/notorious/
6.06.2007
Author Nicole Seitz visits Conway Library
Author Nicole Seitz made an appearance at the Conway Library to discuss her first novel, The Spirit of Sweetgrass. She grew up on Hilton Head Island, a small town off the coast of South Carolina. As an author and artist, Seitz's work is deeply influenced by the mystique and charm of the area she grew up in. Seitz began writing fiction when she was expecting her first child, Olivia. An artist at heart, she enjoys painting pictures with words and bringing her characters to life through detail and dialect. Her first novel, The Spirit of Sweetgrass, was published in March 2007. This bio was taken from her website.
Black bikers and Harleys
This year Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson teamed with Redline Powersports and Colonial Mall to manage their vendor lots during the bikefest. To be honest, I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner. The first thought that comes to mind is the spending and buying power of the bikers and guests that come to the Atlantic Beach bikefest. I wondered how long it would take for Harley to realize that this was a demographic that cannot be ignored.
At the Colonial Mall location, bikers had the opportunity to experience, first-hand, the thrill of riding a Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle. Those who could not ride, ride another way. The Dog House on Hwy 17 also had attractions for the bikers including, the ECXFMX stuntriders and Rene Regimbal, The Wall of Death stunt rider. While many of the bikers during the Atlantic Beach bikefest rode supercharged, speed cycles, there were a few bikers that enjoyed the feel, look and roar of the Harleys. There may or may not have been a few buyers of Harleys and boats this year, but I think, after all of the expenditures and economic indicators and the relief of traffic congestion due to the expanded vendor locations, have been tallied for the 2007 Memorial Day weekend, there will be a new discussion on the table for next year's Memorial Day weekend.
4.18.2007
Talk To Me
Release: July 2007
Synopsis: The bond of friendship is explored between radio personality Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, an unsung hero and original gangsta of the Civil Rights Movement and his manager Dewey Hughes, the man who took a chance to hire him.
A film by Kasi Lemmons. Read more
Atlantic Beach, South Carolina
Tuesday April 17, 2007
Mayor Irene Armstrong and City Council held its State of the Town Address and Coffee with Council, followed by the swearing in of their new police chief, Juan Lopez. Chief Lopez was sworn in by Municipal Court Judge Levone Graves. Chief Lopez will take the control of the Atlantic Beach police department that was formerly under the leadership of Captain Randy Rizzo. The meeting addressed the town’s 2006 accomplishments, challenges and information regarding "where we are, what we have done, and what our future holds,” says Mayor Armstrong. “We have something to talk about.”
Tuesday April 17, 2007
Mayor Irene Armstrong and City Council held its State of the Town Address and Coffee with Council, followed by the swearing in of their new police chief, Juan Lopez. Chief Lopez was sworn in by Municipal Court Judge Levone Graves. Chief Lopez will take the control of the Atlantic Beach police department that was formerly under the leadership of Captain Randy Rizzo. The meeting addressed the town’s 2006 accomplishments, challenges and information regarding "where we are, what we have done, and what our future holds,” says Mayor Armstrong. “We have something to talk about.”
3.20.2007
Be A Dating Dahling
Confessions of a Princess: Q&A with Myrtle Beach Author Candace Mckenzie
Once upon a time there was a young princess who dreamed of meeting the perfect knight and ended up writing a book about how to meet him.
Candace Mckenzie came home to Myrtle Beach from the "real dating world" to promote her new book, “Be a Dating Dahling” at various locations around the Grand Strand. In her words, "If you have time to complain about dating, then you have time to do something about it!" The newly crowned "Dating Princess" has made appearances and provided relationship coaching in national radio, newspaper, and magazines. So let's take a few moments to learn more about the princess.
I like the fairy tale introduction, but when it comes to family getting involved in your relationship business, do you feel that sometimes they don't know what they are talking about?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I have learned the hard way that our Mothers are always right, but how they give advice to their kids can be a tough pill to swallow. Also, parents may not grasp that times have changed socially for women and men in the dating world. So, if you can't take it from your parents, go to a sibling instead who can give you some softer honesty.
Speaking of siblings, do you have a big family?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Just me, my brother, Dad, and Mom. We are known as "The Sheik" family.
Your family owns and operates a Johnny Rockets, an international retro diner chain, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Did you ever work there?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: My Father demanded I manage there for past summers. I was horrible at it. Now looking back I am so glad he made me. It gave me the utmost respect for all the staff. It's really hard work and they are all so good to my family! For now, I have been too busy promoting my book so I have hung up the Johnny Rockets' hat.
What was your job, besides being able to sneak away and work on your laptop?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Managing partner. I did like doing the fries though...it was a free facial! The cooks wouldn't let me near the grill!
I guess you didn't have to sing. Speaking of which, why singing waiters/waitresses?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Dancing is a must! The staff loves it and it is what Johnny Rockets is all about Entertainment! If you can sing even better! The staff is happy to break away from all the madness of a busy day or eve.
Do you plan to take the helm of Johnny Rockets in the future or will that be passed to your brother?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I am looking to expand with my brother, and our DOP at JR's. We are currently in the works with new locations.
What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I thought I’d go to LA and try acting, I ended up a Dating Coach. Ha!
So, you're an actress also. How is that career going?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I did acting for years and was lucky to get gigs in both TV and Film. Then.... it just wasn't fun anymore. Sitting for hours at a casting, prepping for a role, and then not booking it was just exhausting after awhile. I felt like I was beating my head against a wall. Now, I really have found better success at hosting. I love just being me and not pretending to be anyone else. Hosting just comes naturally, and I don't stress like I used to about how I look, or if I'm convincing enough. It just "is" for me.
Well, are there any projects that you have out now or in the horizon we should look for?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I am pitching a pilot called, "The Traveling Heart." It's about me traveling around the US helping lovelorn individuals in different cities while promoting local establishments to go on dates 1, 2, and 3. Remember, each city will have a specific dating issue.
Well we'll be on the lookout for that. About your book, how did you feel when you added the last word to “Be A Dating Dahling?”
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Unbelievably relieved. With someone who has ADD (attention deficit disorder), getting a book finished is like crossing the Nile River, jogging to Africa, and then somersaulting to India!
Well, if you didn't do any of that, what did you do to celebrate?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Turned on 80's music while going to see a really cheesy horror flick with my best friend Jen. Of course, we had a huge tub of popcorn and M and M's. Totally decadent!
Do you have another book in mind? If so, what do you think you'll write next?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: “Be a Dating Dude," and "Senior and Sexy."
That sounds interesting. Do you write often?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Most of my time is spent writing back to students who did not feel comfortable asking certain questions at a lecture I spoke at. I also get Q and A sent to me from trades as well. I like short and to the point writing. Also blogging is fun!
Where is your favorite place to write?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: 5:30am early, early morning in my La apt (it’s a total shoe box I promise) with a Venti Starbucks drip and Etta James in the background.
What do your folks say about Be A Dating Dahling?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: They think it’s hysterical! At first I think they just kindly scratched their heads and now they are so supportive!
You received your BFA degree in “If You Are A Loser Come Date Me Now,” what is your formal education?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Serial Dater at ECU
Your book sheds some new light on dating, especially online dating, so have you found Mr. Right/Prince Charming?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: No, but I certainly enjoy looking. For me, that George Clooney will be a bitter sweet find. Cultivating me is my number one priority now....all the rest will come later.
In regards to online dating, and I'm sure you've been asked this before, but isn't sitting in front of a computer screen with a camera kind of impersonal? Safe? Yes; but nonetheless, impersonal.
CANDACE MCKENZIE: If you’re referring to web dating then no. If the lighting is good and you are smart to not show where you live etc., then why not? It's live, in action, and real. Emails are not, phone calls are better.... but you still can't see their face. Put it this way, if web dating feels impersonal then just meet for a cup of coffee Monday-Thursday for 45mins tops. Sorry, not a fan of running any risks of a weekend 4 hour dinner.
When it all comes down to the money, the bottom line is (fill in the rest)
CANDACE MCKENZIE: It can't buy you love.
Last book you have read (not yours)
CANDACE MCKENZIE: The Secret
Last movie you've seen?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Running With Scissors
Three things you like, in general
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Coffee, chocolate, and stars in the sky.
Three things you dislike, in general
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Cell phone abuse, pens that give out, and rudeness to waiters.
Be a Dating Dahling: Confessions of a Princess And How She Left Fairyland for the Real Dating World by Candace Mckenzie
No matter what your age, or dilemma, you can learn how to safely and quickly find your mate with author and relationship coach, Candace Mckenzie, The Dating Dahling.For more information or to schedule lectures: www.TheDatingDahling.com
Once upon a time there was a young princess who dreamed of meeting the perfect knight and ended up writing a book about how to meet him.
Candace Mckenzie came home to Myrtle Beach from the "real dating world" to promote her new book, “Be a Dating Dahling” at various locations around the Grand Strand. In her words, "If you have time to complain about dating, then you have time to do something about it!" The newly crowned "Dating Princess" has made appearances and provided relationship coaching in national radio, newspaper, and magazines. So let's take a few moments to learn more about the princess.
I like the fairy tale introduction, but when it comes to family getting involved in your relationship business, do you feel that sometimes they don't know what they are talking about?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I have learned the hard way that our Mothers are always right, but how they give advice to their kids can be a tough pill to swallow. Also, parents may not grasp that times have changed socially for women and men in the dating world. So, if you can't take it from your parents, go to a sibling instead who can give you some softer honesty.
Speaking of siblings, do you have a big family?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Just me, my brother, Dad, and Mom. We are known as "The Sheik" family.
Your family owns and operates a Johnny Rockets, an international retro diner chain, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Did you ever work there?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: My Father demanded I manage there for past summers. I was horrible at it. Now looking back I am so glad he made me. It gave me the utmost respect for all the staff. It's really hard work and they are all so good to my family! For now, I have been too busy promoting my book so I have hung up the Johnny Rockets' hat.
What was your job, besides being able to sneak away and work on your laptop?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Managing partner. I did like doing the fries though...it was a free facial! The cooks wouldn't let me near the grill!
I guess you didn't have to sing. Speaking of which, why singing waiters/waitresses?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Dancing is a must! The staff loves it and it is what Johnny Rockets is all about Entertainment! If you can sing even better! The staff is happy to break away from all the madness of a busy day or eve.
Do you plan to take the helm of Johnny Rockets in the future or will that be passed to your brother?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I am looking to expand with my brother, and our DOP at JR's. We are currently in the works with new locations.
What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I thought I’d go to LA and try acting, I ended up a Dating Coach. Ha!
So, you're an actress also. How is that career going?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I did acting for years and was lucky to get gigs in both TV and Film. Then.... it just wasn't fun anymore. Sitting for hours at a casting, prepping for a role, and then not booking it was just exhausting after awhile. I felt like I was beating my head against a wall. Now, I really have found better success at hosting. I love just being me and not pretending to be anyone else. Hosting just comes naturally, and I don't stress like I used to about how I look, or if I'm convincing enough. It just "is" for me.
Well, are there any projects that you have out now or in the horizon we should look for?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I am pitching a pilot called, "The Traveling Heart." It's about me traveling around the US helping lovelorn individuals in different cities while promoting local establishments to go on dates 1, 2, and 3. Remember, each city will have a specific dating issue.
Well we'll be on the lookout for that. About your book, how did you feel when you added the last word to “Be A Dating Dahling?”
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Unbelievably relieved. With someone who has ADD (attention deficit disorder), getting a book finished is like crossing the Nile River, jogging to Africa, and then somersaulting to India!
Well, if you didn't do any of that, what did you do to celebrate?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Turned on 80's music while going to see a really cheesy horror flick with my best friend Jen. Of course, we had a huge tub of popcorn and M and M's. Totally decadent!
Do you have another book in mind? If so, what do you think you'll write next?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: “Be a Dating Dude," and "Senior and Sexy."
That sounds interesting. Do you write often?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Most of my time is spent writing back to students who did not feel comfortable asking certain questions at a lecture I spoke at. I also get Q and A sent to me from trades as well. I like short and to the point writing. Also blogging is fun!
Where is your favorite place to write?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: 5:30am early, early morning in my La apt (it’s a total shoe box I promise) with a Venti Starbucks drip and Etta James in the background.
What do your folks say about Be A Dating Dahling?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: They think it’s hysterical! At first I think they just kindly scratched their heads and now they are so supportive!
You received your BFA degree in “If You Are A Loser Come Date Me Now,” what is your formal education?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Serial Dater at ECU
Your book sheds some new light on dating, especially online dating, so have you found Mr. Right/Prince Charming?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: No, but I certainly enjoy looking. For me, that George Clooney will be a bitter sweet find. Cultivating me is my number one priority now....all the rest will come later.
In regards to online dating, and I'm sure you've been asked this before, but isn't sitting in front of a computer screen with a camera kind of impersonal? Safe? Yes; but nonetheless, impersonal.
CANDACE MCKENZIE: If you’re referring to web dating then no. If the lighting is good and you are smart to not show where you live etc., then why not? It's live, in action, and real. Emails are not, phone calls are better.... but you still can't see their face. Put it this way, if web dating feels impersonal then just meet for a cup of coffee Monday-Thursday for 45mins tops. Sorry, not a fan of running any risks of a weekend 4 hour dinner.
When it all comes down to the money, the bottom line is (fill in the rest)
CANDACE MCKENZIE: It can't buy you love.
Last book you have read (not yours)
CANDACE MCKENZIE: The Secret
Last movie you've seen?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Running With Scissors
Three things you like, in general
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Coffee, chocolate, and stars in the sky.
Three things you dislike, in general
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Cell phone abuse, pens that give out, and rudeness to waiters.
Be a Dating Dahling: Confessions of a Princess And How She Left Fairyland for the Real Dating World by Candace Mckenzie
No matter what your age, or dilemma, you can learn how to safely and quickly find your mate with author and relationship coach, Candace Mckenzie, The Dating Dahling.For more information or to schedule lectures: www.TheDatingDahling.com
Movie PRIDE is based on Jim Ellis
Jim Ellis founded the P.D.R. (Philadelphia Department of Recreation) Swim Team, based at the Marcus Foster Recreation Center in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia, in 1971. Today, it is the city's nationally recognized competitive swim team, the nation's best predominately African-American team, and has become a model for urban swim programs around the country. The soon to be released movie based on Jim Ellis, Pride, tells the story of how Ellis built a successful swimming program in one of Philly’s most impoverished neighborhoods. It is set in the early 1970s, when the lives of the young African-American teens on the P.D.R. swim team are full of hardship and prejudice.
Read the full Jim Ellis bio or visit the Keppler Speakers website
Visit the PRIDE movie website
Read the full Jim Ellis bio or visit the Keppler Speakers website
Visit the PRIDE movie website
2008 Olympic Dreams
Caltha Seymour's dream is to go to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Her event is the Hammer Throw.Read more
Artist and Writer Thomas J. Pyatt
The son of a Gullah chief of Annie Village on Sandy Island off the coast of South Carolina. Thomas Pyatt heeds the call to further document and record the growth, history and the journey of the Gullah People and provides a reflection of life in a small riverfront town. For more info: www.tjpyatt.com
Disney's new black princess
A musical set in the legendary birthplace of jazz – New Orleans -- "The Frog Princess" will introduce the newest Disney princess, Maddy, a young African-American girl living amid the charming elegance and grandeur of the fabled French Quarter. Read more
2.20.2007
The Pursuit of Happyness
The story of Christopher Gardner is a familiar one; from a humble beginning, Gardner was a hard-working man and his perseverance paid off with his meteoric rise to success. The story of Gardner's life was published as an autobiography by Amistad/Harper Collins on May 23, 2006. It is also a movie with the same title starring Will Smith as Gardner to be released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. Christopher Gardner is president and CEO of the Chicago-based brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co., which he founded in 1987. Prior to launching his own firm, Mr. Gardner worked for several prestigious Wall Street firms. Learn more
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)