Wine Talk: Usher

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R&B singer talks about his new wine bar and the possibility of launching his own label

R&B singer Usher Raymond IV, 28, has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, and earned five Grammy awards. Last year, the Atlanta-based star made his Broadway debut as slick lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago. He’s appeared in dozens of TV shows, including 7th Heaven, Saturday Night Live and American Dreams, and such movies as She’s All That (1999) and Texas Rangers (2001). In 2005, he launched Usher’s New Look, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching children and teens about the business side of the sports and entertainment industries. The singer is also delving into the wine world. In December, Usher opened his own franchise of the Grape wine bar in Atlanta’s Inman Park neighborhood, and he’s hoping to open more in New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and overseas, in Tokyo, Shanghai and several South American cities. He’s also contemplating launching his own wine label. He’s currently recording his next album, due out in November………….read more

Marchers Surround Justice Department

art.march.crowd.cnn.jpgWASHINGTON (CNN) — Thousands of demonstrators encircled Justice Department headquarters in the nation’s capital on Friday to demand the government crack down harder on hate crimes.“We have so many people we surrounded the Justice Department and two blocks more,” the Rev. Al Sharpton told CNN as the orderly crowd marched around the building where newly sworn-in Attorney General Michael Mukasey was working.

“This is a real outcry, a real outrage from people around this country,” he said……..read more

The Benefits of Green Tea to Men’s Health

                        Green Tea is an ingredient that increasingly pops up
                        when discussing men’s health concerns. Although it’s
                        been utilized for hundreds of years for medicinal
                        purposes, it seems like new benefits are being revealed
                        all the time. According to numerous scientific studies,
                        the effects of green tea are currently being considered
                        for treatment of a number of health conditions, from
                        several forms of cancer to mental alertness to weight
                        loss to cholesterol maintenance.

                        To help you understand the importance of this
                        ingredient’s role in both skincare and nutritional
                        capacities, we’ve broken down the many benefits of this
                        ingredient:

                        Powerful Antioxidant: Green Tea contains high levels of
                        phenolic acids and catechin—antioxidants which play a
                        major role in protecting the body against free radical
                        damage. Free radicals can cause cellular oxidation and
                        damage, which contribute to health problems associated
                        with aging.

                        Goodbye Jitters: Because Green Tea contains tannin, it
                        produces an energized feeling and increased alertness
                        for extended periods of time. However, unlike caffeine
                        levels in coffee, tannin provides a gentle increase in
                        energy, without the jitteriness or rapid decline in
                        energy associated with this type of caffeinated
                        reaction.

                        Fat-Burner: Recent studies are being conducted on the
                        increased health benefits of Green Tea for men looking
                        to lose weight. Consuming Green Tea increases the
                        metabolic rate, causing greater fat oxidation and better
                        weight management. In fact, several studies reveal that
                        the potential weight-loss properties of Green Tea go
                        well beyond its ability to simply accelerate metabolism.
                        Clean & Complete: Green Tea has been utilized throughout
                        the world as a cleansing agent. For more than 5,000
                        years, Asian cultures have used Green Tea for its
                        healing and cleansing benefits, and Green Tea continues
                        to be a major ingredient in many treatments.

                        The Full Treatment: Green Tea is also being studied for
                        its potential role in the fight against cancers, heart,
                        joint and liver diseases.

                        Deidra Garcia is a freelance writer and communications
                        manager for MenScience Androceuticals, a men’s skincare,
                        grooming and nutritional company. You can find more
                        articles by Deidra, as well as further tips and advice,
                        at www.MenScience.com.
                        Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

17 Reasons Why Men Should Keep Low Body Fat

                        Men around the world are just as self conscious about
                        their body image as women. However, keeping low body fat
                        is not just for looks, it is also important for health.
                        Here are the 17 reasons why men need to keep low body
                        fat:

                        1) As you age your metabolism slows down drastically.
                        This ultimately causes your body to burn less fat.

                        2) Without exercising regularly, the average person will
                        lose about a pound of muscle each year.

                        3) After the age of 30, the average person in America
                        gains about one pound per year without exercise.

                        4) Two out of five people do not exercise at all.

                        5) Most people begin a weight loss program in order to
                        look more appealing.

                        6) Other motivational factors are the many health
                        benefits of proper nutrition and regular exercise.

                        7) Less excess body fat will help you reduce our risk of
                        developing a disease such as diabetes.

                        8) Excess body fat is connected to heart disease and
                        cancer.

                        9) Extra blood sugar stored in your liver and other
                        vital organs, is turned into body fat after a long
                        period of being unused.

                        10) Extra body fat is proven to cause erectile
                        dysfunction.

                        11) Your heart has to work about 10 times harder to pump
                        blood through the excess fat.

                        12) Your blood vessels will become very narrow and pump
                        less blood.

                        13) Losing excess body fat as early as possible plays a
                        vital role in maintaining good health.

                        14) The older you get, the harder it is for you to lose
                        the excess weight.

                        15) 80% of all deaths caused by obesity are due to the
                        individual’s lifestyle.

                        16) If you are highly overweight, your pancreas will
                        produce unnecessary insulin.

                        17) An active lifestyle and well balanced diet is proven
                        to fully stop diseases.

                        While you are busy keeping the body fat levels down, do
                        not forget to eat the proper foods and keep important
                        supplements in your body. Here are the 4 main
                        supplements needed for full body health:

                        1) Creatine

                        One particular study from the University of Wisconsin,
                        has shown that men who take creatine are able to do
                        heavier exercises. A few of these included squats, bench
                        presses, dumbbell lifts, and even pull ups with weights.
                        Studies in Australia have shown that creatine usage in
                        men has been linked to better memory and higher
                        intelligence scores. In order to get the maximum
                        results, it is recommended to mix 5 milligrams of
                        creatine with whey protein daily.

                        2) Boron

                        A high level of this mineral has been proven to help
                        reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer by up to 50%.
                        Men in the United States by far have some of the lowest
                        boron levels in comparison to other countries. Just 3
                        milligrams daily of Boron will help fight cancer and
                        improve concentration.

                        3) Calcium

                        Today many men are not getting their daily allowance of
                        1,000 milligrams. A cup of regular milk has only about
                        300 milligrams of calcium. One study has found that men
                        with high calcium levels weigh less than men with low
                        levels of calcium. It is recommended you take 1,200
                        milligrams of calcium per day. Also stay far away from
                        coral calcium. It has been shown to have many impurities
                        which can adversely affect your health.

                        4) Chromium

                        Chromium is mainly used to assist in muscle building.
                        Today’s research has shown that chromium can help
                        overweight people control their insulin levels. This
                        makes it better to keep your levels of blood sugar in
                        check. Overall, chromium can decrease your risk of
                        developing diabetes when used properly.

                        Donald Mckenzie Jr has over 5 years experience as a
                        health instructor. For access to more of his important
                        health articles and e-books, visit his website.
                        http://updated-health-news.blogspot.com Copyright 2007
                        Donald Mckenzie Jr
                        Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Seven Things You Should Consider Before Buying A Watch

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                        Purchasing a luxury watch these days isn’t as easy as it
                        once was. In fact, if you’re considering a luxury watch
                        purchase in the next few months, here are some things
                        you might want to think about.

                        1. Watch Case Size: With the extensive variety in
                        watches these days comes a number of different case
                        sizes to consider. From the larger cases offered by
                        names like Ulysse Nardin to the average sized cases like
                        Chronoswiss tends to produce, you should select a size
                        that meets your personal needs.

                        2. Your Personal Style: Who you are should be reflected
                        in what you wear. If you’re bold and progressive, wear
                        something that makes a statement like a Franck Muller.
                        If you love innovation, consider purchasing a Piaget.

                        3. Your Specific Purpose: Before you purchase a luxury
                        watch, consider your needs. If you simply need something
                        to wear to the office, perhaps a formal Patek Phillipe
                        will do the trick. If you need something for a day on
                        the yacht, a BlancPain Leman Perpetual Calendar would be
                        more efficient. Consider where you will be wearing the
                        watch before you make the purchase.

                        4. The Extras: Luxury watches come with GPS technology,
                        two way radios, and a variety of numbering systems.
                        Consider which added benefits might actually be useful
                        to you and be sure to look for a watch that has what you
                        want.

                        5. Your Personality: Only those in love with style
                        should purchase a Bvlgari. Similarly, only those who
                        want to be first should consider IWC. Think about what
                        you want to say with your timepiece, then make the
                        luxury watch purchase that best matches your needs.

                        6. The Brand: Brand names are everything in this
                        industry. Purchasing a watch from a discount store or a
                        knock-off luxury watch just won’t do it if you want to
                        make the right impression. Look for a brand that matches
                        your ideals as you shop.

                        7. The Exclusivity: Some watches are made for lots of
                        people, and some luxury watches, like those created by
                        Vacheron Constantin are just for the few. Consider
                        whether you’re looking for something with limited
                        production numbers or something many can afford.

                        Consider what you’re looking for from every aspect, and
                        the purchase of your next luxury watch should be much
                        smoother.

                        www.Vialuxe.com provides you with the largest selection
                        of the world’s most recognized luxury watch and jewelry
                        brands including Audemars Piguet, Baume Mercier, Bell &
                        Ross, Blancpain, Breguet, Cartier, Bulgari, Chopard,
                        David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Ebel, Girard Perregaux, IWC,
                        Jaeger LeCoultre, Omega and Tag Heuer.

                        Unlike Google or eBay, Vialuxe only display products
                        from authorized dealers which saves you, the customer,
                        the time and risk associated with using the internet to
                        purchase luxury goods.

                        http://www.done.com/shopping/buy-luxury-watch.html
                        Vialuxe Luxury Jewelry and Watches About Author:Ben
                        Padnos-You can reach him at DONE!SEO Services.
                        Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

How to Properly Apply Aftershave

                        Most people are aware of what aftershave is—a gel or
                        lotion used by men after shaving that helps by
                        preventing the skin from getting infected by cuts, as
                        well as perfuming and moisturizing the skin. Aftershave
                        is able to prevent infection because of the antiseptic
                        agents that are usually included in the list of
                        ingredients, namely alcohol.

                        What to Look for

                        Of course, before you can apply your aftershave, you
                        have to purchase it, and since there are so many
                        different brands and types to choose from, this process
                        can often be rather challenging. The most important
                        thing to remember here is that all of these aftershave
                        products are aiming to do the same thing, so you are
                        really just choosing from the different features and
                        ingredients that are offered with each product.

                        One of the most important aspects you have to consider
                        is that of how well the product is going to cooperate
                        with your skin. For instance, if you have sensitive
                        skin, you are going to want to stay away from any
                        aftershave products that contain a high amount of
                        unnecessary ingredients, especially perfumes. If you
                        have very dry skin, then you will want to find an
                        aftershave product that moisturizes as well. You can
                        also ask about aftershaves that have passed a
                        dermatological check for sensitive or dry skin.

                        You are also going to want to take your budget into
                        consideration, though for the most part, all aftershave
                        products are pretty affordable. You can take into
                        consideration how often you will be using this product.
                        If you are a daily wearer, then going with a
                        less-expensive brand will save you money, since you will
                        be purchasing the product more often than if you were
                        only a weekend wearer.

                        How to Apply

                        The process of applying aftershave is certainly simple;
                        however, the number of men who actually apply it
                        properly is quite surprising. This process is extremely
                        important to understand because most men shave at least
                        a few times a week and apply their aftershave just as
                        often. Not only that, but once you have shaven, you have
                        left the pores on the surface of your skin open,
                        vulnerable, and incredibly sensitive. Applying
                        aftershave incorrectly can not only be very
                        uncomfortable and even painful, but it can also cause
                        bumping and irritation.

                        The best method is to shave, and then rinse your face
                        off with cool water, as this will help to close up the
                        pores before you apply the aftershave. After this it
                        basically depends on the type of aftershave that you use
                        in terms of what sort of experience you are going to
                        have. If you choose an alcohol-based aftershave, then
                        you are going to have a rather shocking
                        experience—usually a sharp, stinging sensation, which
                        actually a lot of men do not mind because it makes them
                        feel awake and refreshed. However, if this is not what
                        you are after, then you do have the option of using a
                        lotion- or cream-based aftershave, which will not be as
                        harsh on your skin and will be more cooling than
                        anything.

                        The most important thing is that you find an aftershave
                        product that is easy to use, that you enjoy using, and
                        that makes you feel clean and refreshed afterwards. With
                        the abundance of aftershave products available to you
                        these days, there is no doubt that you will be able to
                        find an aftershave that suits you perfectly.

                        Ursula McLean is a IA and ITEC qualified beauty
                        therapist working with Feel Confident. Visit
                        www.feelconfident.co.uk for great deals on Eyesential .
                        Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Renting a Car 101

                        Does your next out of the country visit require you to
                        rent a car? Whether it is a plain and simple car or a
                        luxury car rental, hiring the right transportation is
                        never an easy task. You have to choose the right
                        vehicle, make reservations, get the right insurance
                        arrangements, and when it’s your first time, its double
                        the trouble. Here are some need-to-know tips you can use
                        when it comes to hiring the ideal mode of transportation:

                        First, look for the rental car company that will suit
                        your trip the best. Major rental companies are your best
                        choice for short trips, plus they usually come with
                        support services such as roadside assistance for when
                        you come upon an accident. When it’s a long trip
                        however, go with the local rental businesses, since
                        they’re rates are usually cheaper. Be warned though,
                        they might not have extra support services that big
                        rental companies have.

                        There are major rental companies that offer affordable
                        deals or a car rental discount. So don’t forget to
                        search the web to take advantage of their exclusive
                        promos. Also ask for current tie-ups or discount deals
                        with organizations you’re related to such as frequent
                        flier programs, hotels, and the like.

                        Second, think of what type of vehicle suits your needs
                        the best. If you’re traveling alone, a compact or a
                        midsized car is just what you need. If it’s a big trip
                        however and you’re taking the entire family with all
                        your kids and lots of extra baggage, opt for a large
                        sedan or an SUV. Whichever the case, if you’re looking
                        to save money on gas expenses and rental rates, ask for
                        the smallest and cheapest available model.

                        Having the wrong car on the road may cause a lot of
                        complications. Be aware of the car’s compatibility with
                        the terrain you’re going to come across with. Also take
                        note of the kind of transmission the car has, manual or
                        automatic, at which case; go with the one that is easier
                        for you. Don’t forget to ask the company if they offer
                        any additions to the car such as a GPS system or car
                        seats for the baby, these may come in handy, long trip
                        or not.

                        Before confirming your reservation, read the terms and
                        conditions carefully. Ask about the limitations,
                        additional rates, and if there are penalties for certain
                        situations that might occur during your trip. For
                        liability purposes this is VERY important. Always get a
                        reference number to your booking reservation.

                        Regarding insurance, if you’re covered by personal auto
                        insurance, you don’t have to avail of the car company’s
                        collision or loss damage waiver insurance. You can also
                        charge the rental car to your major credit card to save
                        up on this. Ask your insurance agent or credit card
                        company about this matter.

                        Inspect the car carefully before you drive it. This
                        would allow you to see any defects or parts not working
                        properly. Report these matters to the car company before
                        you take it for a drive to avoid later complications
                        within the trip. Familiarize yourself with the car
                        you’ll be driving. Remember the car’s features such as
                        the model, color, and plate so you know where to find it
                        when you lose it on a full parking lot. Know how to work
                        the headlights, wipers and signals, as well as which
                        side the gas tank is on.

                        When returning your vehicle, remember to gas up so
                        you’ll only be paying for the gas you actually use.
                        There may be late fees or early return fees so be on
                        time when returning the car. Also check the vehicle if
                        there are items you have forgotten to unload to avoid
                        property loss. Be present when the car company is
                        inspecting the vehicle for damages and when they are
                        crediting deposits in your account.

                        For more information, check out this site on luxury car
                        rentalservices.

                        Czarina Adams is a web copywriter for a web design
                        company associated with a luxury car rental service
                        company in Puerto Rico
                        Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

The Lens of Anthony Rivers

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Anthony Rivers (author, photograper)

Anthony Rivers is indeed a creative soul.  A traveler and author, Mr. Rivers captures life in its true essence.  He manages to see humanity at its very core.

In his novel, “My Life is All I Have”, we are given the wisdom of a sage -”Life is about decisions and no matter how big or small, each one can effect the outcome of others around you. 

Anthony is destined to impact change through his creative endeavors.  To view more of Anthony Rivers photos visit myspace.com/dreamstyle.

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Dressing Up Is Fashionable Again

 YouTube Video/Black Enterprise Magazine

Markell’s 5 Must Have Colognes

markellbrooks.jpg  Recommendations By Markell Brooks

                                  Summary Compliments of Macy’s Department Store

HYPNOSE BY LANCOME

Lancôme introduces a fragrance of charm, elegance and sensuality, Hypnôse Homme. The Hypnôse man embodies a certain hypnotic charm. With a flick of a smile and lift of a brow, he hints at mysteries. The juice is a seductive amber aromatic of spicy black cardamom, a heart of lavender and the warmth of amber and musk.

SEAN JOHN UNFORGIVABLE

A breathtaking fragrance expression that says ’sexy, rich, unique and passionate.’ Slightly dangerous, explosive yet cool. Hints of Sicilian lemon, champagne, Tuscan basil and smooth rum.

KENNETH COLE BLACK

Kenneth Cole BLACK is masculine and modern, as timeless as the color itself. The fragrance is a blend of fresh mint and mandarin, warmed with incense and surrounded by dark woods and sensuous musk. The result is an extraordinary new scent that is sexy and sophisticated, modern and timeless.

KENNETH COLE REACTION

Reaction For Men By Kenneth Cole Was Introduced In 2004 As A Masculine Aroma.

This Manly Scent Is Sharp And Refined.

This Scent Possesses A Blend Of Musk, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Green Apple And Watermelon.

The Eau De Toilette Spray fragrance is original and 100% authentic.

PARIS HILTON FOR ME BY PARIS HILTON

PARIS HILTON the cologne defines the new rules of attraction with a daring fragrance combined with ultra-masculine qualities. Top Notes are sky air, fig leaf and green mango. Middle Notes are white sage, juniper bud and hydroponic basil. Bottom Notes are moroccan cedarwood, cucumber and bare amber.

Men’s cologne

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