Party Responsively with “BeSwirl, inc”

The fact is….our teens and young adults are going to party. Hell, didn’t we? However, if you’re going to be in the club scene where men pick up women like it’s McDonalds I encourage all you young ladies to exercise EXTREME responsibility (after all I’m raising 3 young ladies myself)! Teenage pregnancy is up as well as the number of (25 and under) recorded cases of STD contractions. What about the unrecorded?

Mika Terry has her finger on the pulse of mainstream America when it comes to being responsible. She is one of the creators of BeSwirl, inc. which is a life style movement to live a better healthier life! BeSwirl stands for be a Better Educated Sexy World, Intent on Relative Living… One of its primary goals is to see One million “clubers” tested for the HIV/Aids virus as an act of living responsible. BeSwirl delivers its message creatively by recruiting “Swirl Girlz”. What is a Swirl Girl…you might ask? (I’m glad you asked) Swirl Girlz are attractive, vivacious women who love to have fun but love to enlighten others on the perils of un- safe sex even more. In other words, the Swirl it up!

You can catch the Swirl Girlz of BeSwirl this year in selected local clubs in the Metro-Atlanta area. Creatively, BeSwirl offers unique ways to get into clubs free by (sign-up for testing, pledges, Petitions and other clever commitments).

If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in the Swirl Movement, you can reach out to Mika Terry on Facebook or call (877) - B4Swirl. BeSwirl, inc is based out of Atlanta but functions as a vehicle to promote safe sex Nationally. Let’s be responsible …..ok?

Milano flascucci~

"Gatwick" Airport...under New Management!!

Normally, this would have been front page news for several months but ….I caught a glimpse of it on the CNN ticker? The UK’s second largest airport “Gatwick Airport” was purchased by Nigerian businessman Adebayo Ogunlesi! That’s probably why you haven’t heard of this powerful transaction….a Nigerian? Owning the second busiest airport in the entire UK? Who is Adebayo Ogunlesi? Well to be honest with you, prior to now I had no idea. As I researched, I discovered this acquisition was no accident…it was his destiny!

Bayo (as he’s called by his close friends) was educated 1^st at the prestigious Kings College in Nigeria, then at Oxford and finally he attended Harvard Law & Business where he graduated with honors from each. Mr. Ogunlesi was the 1^st of two Editors of African descent (the other was W. Randy Eaddy a Sr. Partner at Kilpatrick & Stockton, LLP) to serve on the Harvard Law Review. In many ways he was a trailblazer for our 44^th President Barack Obama! In his early days he served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (by the way he was the 1^st non American to clerk for the high Court).

So, at age 56 Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi positioned his company “Global Infrastructure Partners of NYC” (GIP) to purchase Gatwick Airport for 1.455 Billion British Pound Sterling (that approximately $2.25 Billion). I just love stories like this that get buried in most prime time media outlets or they become mere footnotes! Can you imagine the CNN, MSNBC and Fox chatter if say….Warren Buffett were to purchase this airport? (well maybe not Fox?!). At any rate, that’s why I’m here. Oh and to prove my point (mostly to myself), I called 10 friends randomly just to see if they knew of this business transaction….only 2 had heard of it and one of them was from Nigeria! LOL

This certainly beats buying rims on cars, owning clubs, having 5 cars parked in front of our apartment, or spending $1000 a month of weave (sad face). Hats off to Mr. Ogunlesi....job well done and I want to be like you when I grow up! Thanks for giving us an example "we" can see ourselves aspiring to. Thanks for raising the bar!

Milano Flascucci~

How Important is Your Brand~ Introducing Sheldon Sneed

The American Marketing Association defines a brand as a "name, term, sign, symbol or design intended to identify the goods and services you provide to the market place. Your "Brand" in many cases determines the level of success you will have with your company or product. Who creates your brand becomes the "father" of your BRAND. If you believe these 2 sentences then you must find a creator for your brand who can create what will drive your business. A great graphic artist can draw what you envisioned by listening to the little clues you impart. Sheldon Sneed of Sheldon Sneed Designs personifies living art (by using his creative mind). He is an innovator who consistently builds logos, and ads designed to move your business into the 21st Century.

Recently, I sat down with Mr. Sneed to find out what makes him unique in this crowded world of designers. Read a portion of what we talked about during our interview below...

1. we've been friends for a little over a quarter of a Century Sheldon, however this may be the 1st time our readers have heard of you. Can you tell them who you are?

A: I was born an artist. Ask my mom. She taught me to draw when I was a kid and I ended up taking that skill + a high-imaginative right-brain and making it a career.

2. There are so many good Graphic Artist out there, what makes you and your work unique?

A: It's original. There's a lot of GAs out there like you mention and "we" copy a lot of styles from each other. The thing that sets me apart is adding my own little "twist" design. Sometimes it just using the right colors to capture a "feeling" of design and sometimes it's just flat-out composition. Sometimes, I even hide designs WITHIN designs. LOL!

3. In business how important is it to have the best Graphic works to stay ahead of the herd?

A: My tagline is a very old saying, "Image is everything" I use it because it still rings true.
Every business should operate in the sense that you're going to be seen by thousands or millions of eyeballs every day. AND the first thing they see is your IMAGE. If your image is "low-end," they will view you as low-end. On the other hand, if it's "tight" and impressive, you can have TWO people on your staff but they will think your office is in a downtown high-rise. THAT'S how important your image (marketing materials) is.

4. What area should business owners focus on first if they are limited in the amount of money they can spend?

A: You HAVE to start with your Branding/Logo. That's very key. For instance, how many times have you passed a restaurant or business and didn't like logo on the sign out front? Did you stop?
Your BRAND is the first thing people see. Again, if it's poor quality or "hook-boogie," people will assume you are, too.

5. What should a Good logo Say to the open market?

A: People should "get" what your business is about in two seconds. They shouldn't have to guess. Whether you're using just typography or a symbol of sorts, people need to get it from the jump. That way, they can make an informed decision on using your business...or not.

6. You work for a Newspaper that's owned by a large company. Where do you see the state of the American News Paper?

A: Newspaper are taking a HUGE hit, right now. Mainly because the economy is down and back on a very slow rise. The other factor is the internet. "Papers" have not figured out, jointly, how to make the type money off their web sites like they USED to in print. That window has actually closed. However, for those who think that newspapers will die all together, guess again.
The internet has gathered a huge amount of bloggers and writers but their SOURCES come from...newspapers — with REAL journalists who know how to gather and confirm sources legitimately and ethically.

7. What's up new for Sheldon Sneed in 2011?

A: Expanding the business. In this economy you have to have more than "PLAN A." I've got "A-F." LOL! Participating in forums, like this, also helps. Thanks Klarque!

8. If my viewers would like to sit down with you for advice, counseling, or work where can they reach you?

A: They can shoot me an email at:
shelsneed@yahoo.com or search for me on Facebook by Sheldon Sneed or Sheldon Sneed Designs and they can visit my website www.sheldonsneeddesigns.com

Let's get serious in 2011 about your business. There has never been a more opportune time to create and grow a successful business by developing a superior marketing plan. The aegis of that plan is Sheldon Sneed Designs....if you don't believe me, ask your competitors!

Milano Flacucci~

The First Great Woman in History

Queen Hatshepsut ruled Egypt 1500 years before Christ was born in the Eighteenth Dynasty. I was just introduced to this all powerful woman and although she was certainly not the 1^st female ruler of Antiquity she was the most influential and Noble. She ruled with a firm but sensible hand for more than 20 years. Hatshepsut was unique as she challenged the supremacy of the male. During her times there was not even a word for “queen” or “empress”. She was the daughter of Thotmes I who was the conqueror of the known world but was stricken with Paralysis. She even had a prime minister “Nehusi” (which in Egyptian means “full blooded Negro”) that was positioned as second in command.

This great woman had built the first awe inspiring temple (Deir-el-Bahari) and Obelisks just to hail triumph over her detractors. She ruled over a time of great wealth and prosperity. Gold was so plentiful it was no longer weighed but measured by the bushel baskets. Hatshepsut controlled Egypt by announcing to all that she was really a “man”….to this no one disputed. Eventually through a nefarious act, she was most likely killed by her husband/half brother Thotmes III. Once out of the way (in an act of resentment) Thotmes had all traces of her removed from plain sight. So effective was he that she was forgotten for over 300 years. Nevertheless she was the only woman ruler buried in the Valley Of Kings.

What I love about this story is that it shows the power of women to fight oppression and male dominance. A woman of color was effectively the ruler of the then known civilized world. Her roots were from southern Egypt which was and still is very much mixed with the pure Negroes of the Sudan. So, the next time you see an African-American woman demeaning herself by not portraying the dignity of a Queen, remind her that she is a descendent of Hatshepsut’s rule…

Milano Flascucci~

Tax Cut Extensions...Good or Bad?

Wow, look at all the “Obamanites” jump off the boat! And for what? TAX CUT EXTENTIONS…for everyone!!! You heard me correct tax cuts not tax increases! Pres. Obama is in the fight of his life battling the GOP in a “lame duck” Congress (which is fruitless anyways). He’s placed in a terrible position because his Party just about lost every seat in Congress, yet he’s tasked with still defeating a very strong and united Republican Party. As we speak Mr. Pres. is negotiating the details of a framework agreement to extend the Bush Tax Cuts from the early 2000’s. It seems he must have reverse Roe vs Wade?! The Democrats, Pundits and just about everyone I know (on the left) are just about ready to make V.P. Biden the Pres.

Here’s one good ole boy’s opinion. None of us (and I do mean none) are as smart, insightful and strategic as Mr. Barack Hussein Obama. If you believe you are, I highly recommend you place your name in the hat for the 2012 elections because we surely need you!!! So, I suggest we all take a step back and allow the Pres. That was elected to do what he knows he must do. Let him finish the painting before we start saying “that doesn’t look like me”? I’m just glad someone is doing what’s best for us instead of what could get them brownie points for the upcoming election. Did anyone catch all the bologna rhetoric those Congressman were saying in order to get elected?!!

There’s no doubt in many folks minds that the Bush tax cuts for the rich are unjust. Yet, if they were not extended millions of Americans would have been minimized at a time when an extra $1000.00 could be the difference between barely making it and “HOMELESS”. It’s funny because many of you don’t even know what tax bracket you’re in anyways?! Let’s do some research shall we?

Bush Tax Cuts (circa 2001)

Everyone knows that Pres. Bush was a serial tax cutter. He helped establish 2 major tax bills that all had a sunset provision in them (they had a termination date).

1. E Economic Growth & Tax Relief Reconciliation Act

2. J Jobs & Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act

They cut taxes for earned income, long-term capital gains and dividends. They also expanded child tax credits, got rid of the marriage penalty and other changes to the tax code. Not that bad huh? The only problem most Dems have is that the underlined benefits are mostly for the “rich”. But hey isn’t everything in America?

Tax Brackets

The EGTRRA created 6 tax brackets: 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, & 35% based on income (If the extensions where to be canceled, we would revert back to the pre-2001 rates). The 10% would go away and everyone would jump up to 15% who is under $34,550. Then you would have…28%, 31%, 36% & 39.6%. EGAD!!

The $1000.00 per child tax credit would drop back down to $500.00. Currently, marriage couples can file together and receive deductions twice that of a single person (kiss that goodbye)!

Now, by agreeing to this compromise Pres. Obama secured 13 more months of unemployment benefits (which don’t seem like much unless it’s you that’s on unemployment). Currently there are more than 6 million folks who would be eligible for this assistance. Many have said we can’t continue to help people who are in need. To this I say first, we have no problem financing two… billion dollar wars; and second, if we still have 6 million Americans out of work in 2 years the last thing Pres. Obama will have to worry about will be Tax Extensions!!! There are also a few more compromises to this new extension….small business tax credits more we probably haven’t even heard about yet. Hell, of course it would have been great to kill the Tax Credits to the “Rich” (unless you are rich), but that’s not going to happen folks.

Who do you think controls America? Who do you think elects Presidents and Congressmen? If you’re so damn mad about the current state of things stop voting based on talking points and TV sound bites. The GOP is strong because they do a lot more than talk! They write their congressmen, they show up for rallies, they are united in a single goal and they fight! Remember this…everyone (even the Pres.) in Congress is “Rich”….why do you think you have a fair representation in Washington anyways?!

Milano flascucci~

Phoetically Speaking

If you haven’t heard by now….there’s a new movement coming! That movement is SK Dixon!!! Beginning with a mere daydream, during class at FAMU, in the spring of 1996, a photographer was conceived. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting SK back in our collegiate days and during our stint in the world famous Marching “100” (shouts out to my brothers!). Mr. Dixon has always had a camera draped around his neck and through years of dedication and determination he’s honed his craft to something I’ve not seen before! Now in the metro Atlanta area he has brought a refreshing viewpoint to photography. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with this amazing mind and query information about what makes him unique….ENJOY!!!

(below is an interview with SK Dixon…part 1 & 2)

Part 2 The Completion...

Tummy Touch, U.N.I., Nuance, Legacy & I AM are but a few Phoetical journeys! We are in the peek of the Holiday season. What better gift to give or possess than an original SK Dixon Portrait!!! Few photographers can capture the inner essence of whom and what you really are. It’s easy to take a photo, it’s something far more to see your inner self and paint a picture with a camera for all those to see.

For more information about the “Phoetic Movement” visit www.phoetic.com. For your free consultation email sk@phoetic.com or call 1-888-phoetic/ (888) 746-3842…

Milano Flascucci~

My William M. Raines

In 1965, more than ten years after the historic Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka (1954) decision intergration of the Public schools in Duval County had barely begun. Duval County largest high school (No. 165) opened in the Moncrief area of Jacksonville on January 25, 1965. The opening of the school brought about the reassignment of 1,305 black high school students in grades nine through twelve from Northwestern Junior-Senior High School to the new school. The 2000 student capacity high school was a $2 million project and duplicated the new Fletcher High School in the Beaches community. The school opened unnamed and was referred to simply as School No. 165.

Dr. Andrew A. Robinson was appointed principal of the new school. Robinson, a 35 year old African-American and Jacksonville native, held a Bachelor of Science degree from FAMU and a doctorate in education from Columbia U. One of the early black students at Raines, Darryl Wilson, linked Dr. Robinson and his “Ichiban” philosophy as he said:

It is sort of a saying [Ichiban]! There are expectations of things you can do as an individual and in society. You are a representative of society (From picking up a sheet of paper to putting your shirt tail in). The characteristics…if you are going to be number one. You have to behave like Ichiban!

In June of 1965, the school board adopted the name William M. Raines High School for the new school. William M. Raines was a prominent black educator who served as principal of Matthew Gilbert High School in Jacksonville from 1938 until his death in 1950. The students selected the Viking as their mascot and their colors red and grey. They also adopted the motto “Knowledge is Power” and so now School No. 165 had an identity of its own..

(Author D.K. Garrison speaks at the "Rainesmen" induction ceremony)

Congrats to this years inductees...Mr. Ian Tyler Mobley, Mr. Darius Young, Mr. Devron Lester, and Mr. Jerry Brown. Special thanks to Mr. J.C. St. Fleur and Mr. Willie Hall for inviting me to come back to Raines to share Survive365 concepts with its students. Finally, Hats off to Principal George Maxey and his Staff for the continued dedication they have committed to bring Raines back to its EXCELLENCE!!!

For more information on having Author D.K. Garrison speak at your school or organization please contact Kimberly Morrison at 866 642-9125 or email her at: kmorrison@survivethenext365.com

***Historical info provided by UNF professor

Milano Flascucci~