BLACK BEACH WEEK NEWS EVENTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE - UPDATED EVERY DAYUPDATED MONDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2006 HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED AT SLIM TRAX IN JAMAICA Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/ Chester Francis-Jackson, Jamaica Gleaner Writer There's a new and very popular trend coming to the fore in world travel that in recent years has seen groups and/or companies booking entire resorts, and not only for sea, fun and frolic for a week or a weekend, but they also book international acts to provide top-drawer entertainment for their guests vacationing in the resorts! This trend has seen such fabulous performers as Eric Benet, India Arie, Macy Gray, plus a host of other celebs/entertainers giving 'command' performances and/or making exclusive appearances at a number of this here island's better resorts! FAB BRACO JAM Last week, those fabulously innovative people over there at the SuperClubs corporate headquarters came up with yet another of their creative packages that they offer to guests at their resorts, designed to maximise guest satisfaction and enjoyment. They offer a fine package where guests can actually stay at one resort and then party at another. It was all about Grand Lido Braco and Hedonism III, as the promoters of the weight loss supplement Slim Trax, came together with the ABC Radio Network for what they dubbed the Island Jam and when it was all over, fabulous had found a new and very exciting order! The week really belonged to Ron Droegmyer and his team at Braco as the majority of the hundreds of guests who jetted into the island for the week-long affairs stayed at the fabulous Braco, where the fare is always to-die-for. To complement in-house entertainment and activities, the sponsors of the Island Jam brought in such international talent as: The Whispers, Al B Sure, SWV, Black Street, Roots UnderGround, DNA, Teddy Riley, Ginuwine, Keisha Cole, KC1 and T Pain. They kept the resort rocking with some fabulous performances all week! Now, while the guests were lavishly entertained each night at Braco in Trelawny, when it came to really getting on down and partying, guests reserved this for Hedonism III in neighbouring St. Ann, where they partied like the Romans of yesteryear! Guests are still talking about the fab experiences that were the two nights of beach partying as the prude beach of Hedo III was host and home to two nights of spectacular beach-party and revelry that literally raised the bar on such indulgences! And if the bar was not high enough already, then it became that much higher last Saturday night when the partying took on the guise of a masquerade ball at Hedo III's always bubbling Octopussy Disco. What a night! Children, it was a costumed affair and maybe, just maybe, because of the costumes, it proved faultlessly wild! With guests dressed from your very tame over the mall counter 99 cent masks, to the very elaborate US$100 affair, it was clearly a night for the masked ones. MASKED ONES Y'all remember that song, The Freaks Come Out At Night, well honeys, don't know about the freaks, but the fabulously masked ones were definitely out! The party got under way just after midnight, but it was not until some time after 1:00 a.m. that the partying really got going and when it did, it nearly needed all the combined assistance of all the neighbouring fire-services, to put out the heat! Now, there's nothing like a very good dose of Jamaican dancehall music to either lift or lower the spirits at a party. Well, in the case of the masquerade ball, it was all systems go. With the disco packed and bursting at the seams, and with the Hedonism III resident DJ Phil Dawg spinning a wicked collection of popular dancehall arias, the Disco that was always one hot place 'buss-out' like the mother of all cantatas! From the mundane Pon-de-River, through to some of Lady Saw's more outrageous renditions, and ending with the 'dutty-wine', a dozen hail Marys could not contain the fire unleashed by guests to the music of their favourite Jamaican performers! And, my dears, as for the most recent addition to the ensemble of dancehall rich choreography, ah do declare, that until y'all have seen the ladies of the entertainment crew of Hedo III dance The dutty wine, then y'all have not seen a thing! We are talking nothing short of riotous! Oh, my word, and on the life of all that is fabulous, what a dance! Oh, precious angels, what a night! Oh honeys, the fabness of it all! The drama! The madness, bad to the bone and cooking like mother Liza's coal-fire! And as for those who were present, it was not that kind of a party. Suffice it to say, however, that at 4:00 a.m. when this here scribe exited the Octopussy Disco, among those we spotted sans mask were: Kevin and Cecile Levee; Dawn Young and her hot companion Patrick Reid; P Diddy's mom, the elegant Janice Coombs, plus hordes of other revellers, but what a faultless night! UPDATED MONDAY JUNE 5, 2006 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - I NEED YOUR OPINION Well...well ....well... Memorial Day Weekend was a blast for all the events. Im actually busy putting up the pictures for all the events during the past few months ....so during the next 4 weeks, I'm going to show you what you have been missing. I attended Cancun this time.....and let me tell you right now.....if you just went to that white party on Sunday night....it was worth the trip alone..... I believe that the White Party will probably be the staple of the event..and become LEGENDARY Make sure you book for next year... In the mean, time...I need to know what YOUthought about the event YOU attended. Did you go to Black Bike Week?...Urban Beach Week in Miami? What about the Cancun Jumpoff? How was Aruba? I know plenty of you went on the sold out Tom Joyner Cruise....or perhaps you went to the Dominican Republic?.......Please let us know .... Did you attend concerts, parties, meet celebrities, get a hook up with someone? If you played pro basketball....what was jail really like.in Miami...:-) Anyway...... If you loved it...tell us.. .if you hated it..tell us. We will post your response so that everyone can learn. I want to place your comments in the next newsletter next week. Please send all your comments to blackbeach2004@aol.com Here is a sample letter of what someone said about the Cancun Jumpoff --------------------------------------- "Hi my name is Tawana aka Pocahontas from BX NY and Cancun was a wonderful experience it was my first time their and I had a blast. I loved Dady'o and Slices and the Booze Cruise was awesome.........I have never had that much fun or have been to a club such as Dady'o in a long time the all white affair was HOT !!!!!! DJ Self kept everyone on their feet!!!!!!............. I think it is so amazing how people from all over the world come together as one and party their were a few altercations, but the MEXICAN police held it down. I stayed at The NH Krystal Hotel right on the strip which was close to all the spots (Dady'o, Slices etc) I stood for 6 days this trip was amazing O International knows how to throw a party and I recommend those that haven't been to Cancun for Memorial Weekend go next year ... it is worth the money. A reminder to get those wrist bands it is so worth it for those that love to drink...... The only thing I hated myself was the peso thing oh gosh i hated it, but it was all worth it b/c you got to learn the Mexican culture............ O International knows how to through a party I cant stress that enough!!!!!!!!!! i will definitely be attending next year ......." ---------------------------------------------- UPDATED SATURDAY JUNE 3, 2006 ARUBA WAS PACKED FOR THE SOUL BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL ON MEMORIAL DAY - HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED Source: Hazel Heyer of TravelwireNews.com Over 3500 tourists, mostly soul aficionados, descended upon the sunshiny island of Aruba on Memorial Day weekend. A huge wave of soul music lovers rushed to the shores of the Caribbean hot spot during the 6th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival from May 24th to May 29th at the capital. Voices from America's high-octane R&B artistes filtered the air all through the starry night at the open-air Havanna Beach Club Amphitheater. Nine-times Grammy-award winner Alicia Keys, Brian McKnight, Anthony Hamilton, Lenny Williams and Nina Sky capped 2 nights of spirit rhythm. Other music headliners graced the 5-day affair complete with beach parties, exclusive nightclub gigs hosted by US dee jays and top radio jocks and sizzling after-show bashes all around the capital, especially along Main Street and around the Oranjestad Harbour. Crowds packed the 'lower-box and ringside' sections for a closer look of their favorite hitmakers. Several partied on their own ultra-luxury yachts and million-dollar speedboats, approximately 25, anchored closest to shore and the cash bars in marquees. The Aruba Tourism Authority is a host sponsor of the music extravaganza. Minister of Tourism and Transport Edison Briesen said, "Aruba is proud to host the Soul Beach Music Festival for the sixth year as this year's line-up is remarkably talented." For years, his office has worked closely with American producer Mark Adkins, raking in sizeable returns for the island as well as tourism sales and marketing all across the US. "We are very proud that our island has fared well in 2005 in the wake of what was a challenging year for tourism," said Managing Director for the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) Myrna Jansen. The ATA reported a healthy 2005 with total numbers at 732,514 reflecting an increase of 4000 travelers over the year previous. From the US alone, some 532,352 arrived representing over 1000 (or .2 percent) additional guests over 2004 figures. The US market, the biggest for the island, represents 72.7 percent of the island's total market share. Repeat visitors have constantly registered a 40 percent rate. Memorial Day reported occupancies from 90-100 percen all across Aruba. In return, Adkins who was given the Ambassador of Goodwill plaque for his efforts in promoting Aruba, said: "Once again, Aruba has embraced the 6th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival by providing a remarkable venue, an attractive setting, as well as gathering place for new and old acquaintances to unite. Vacationers experience the best of what Aruba has to offer in the way of tourism and hospitality." Adkins engineered the entire four months of sales blitz across many states penetrating R&B markets via radio, print, TV (Black Enterprise SETAR and VH1 Soul) and live events from East to West Coast. Briesen added, "We have a lot of events. This is just one of the special events that generate general traffic. In the line of attracting diversified markets, this is one good and activity. We do receive guests from this event since launching it in the '90s." Soul Beach ups the tourism ante with results clearly reflected on the US market count. Traffic does not only come from North America but also from non-traditional markets where the event is not directly pitched to. Next on the calendar is the 5th Annual Aruba Music Festival on Columbus Day weekend, made electric by the world famous rock and roll bands. "It is encouraging to see this big number of tourists who have traveled here safely. Through the years since 1995 of doing this as the sort of Caribbean Music ambassador, I am happy to see that we inspire. Spirit of soul music is all about collective consciousness. At the time when the negativity has the microphone and speakers, soul music can show positivity will prevail over negativity. In the end, hope prevails over pessimism," enthused Adkins. On the airline scene, it was one of chaos. Couple Jess S. and Shawn B. from Miami had been separated on their flight from Florida as American Airlines operated full before, during and after the holiday. They split cabins just to get on-board and escape to Aruba this weekend. Ten US airliners serving Aruba daily don't seem enough to absorb traffic. But Ann Parker, resident of Trinidad and Tobago flew in specially to see her American idols. She said the trip's not only good value for money; the event is something she looks forward to and supports from year to year. New Yorker Sally Simpson, time-share owner at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino was on R&R when she heard about Soul Beach. She did not have to think twice before buying those concert tickets. "I just took off from the hotel the minute I heard Anthony Hamilton and Brian McKnight were performing." Both female visitors came unescorted to Aruba and the venue. Both solo travelers had fun music-tripping on the white sandy shores of Havanna Beach. Hazel Heyer thanks the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, the primary host hotel for the international media and the production crew. UPDATED THURSDAY MAY 18, 2006 THE SLIM TRAX ISLAND BEACH JAM SELLS OUT 6 WEEKS BEFORE EVENT TO START One of the hottest new ideas of the year for a beach party worked so well that it already sold out 6 weeks before the scheduled start. Slim Trax is a brand new event in Ocho Rios Jamaica that brings together 70's, 80's, 90's and present day artist for a 5 days of raw fun at three super resorts. The line up includes Jodeci, SWV, Guy, AL. B Sure, The Whispers, Genuwine, Keisha Cole, Teddy Riley and others. Make sure you join our newsletter to find out when the next Slim Trax festival will occur in June of 2007. UPDATED WEDNESDAY MAY 17, 2006 HOTEL ONLINE NAMES "MIAMI URBAN BEACH WEEK" AS TOP 5 VACATION FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2006 Hotel Hotline, a leading online travel destination for comparison hotel shopping, has announced the top five domestic and international travel destinations for Memorial Day Weekend 2006 in the world. 1. Orlando. It’s no surprise to Greg Hartnett, CEO of Hotel Hotline.com LLC, that the home of Mickey and Minnie becomes the home of many for Memorial Day weekend. “Disney World is the #1 vacation spot for families, hands down. Disney hotels and Orlando-area hoteliers have no reason to fear that high fuel costs will keep guests away,” he assures. 2. Miami. That’s right: Florida makes the top ten list not once but twice. If Cinderella’s Castle isn’t right for everyone, then the art deco digs of South Beach may be just what the doctor ordered. For hip, urban professionals who like an active nightlife balanced by long, lazy afternoons spent people-watching from the comfort of a hotel pool cabana, Miami is the choice. 3. New York City. Unlike Miami, travelers don’t choose Manhattan in May to work on their tans. Instead, New York City is a highly-ranked destination Memorial Day and every holiday weekend of the year for its museums, restaurants, iconic buildings, upscale boutiques, Broadway shows, music scene, exclusive nightclubs, hip hotel bars. . . the list goes on. 4. Las Vegas. “Vegas once was an adult-oriented destination, but development has been booming and these days, the city has something to offer to vacationers in every age group,” said Brian Prince, president of Hotel Hotline.com LLC. “The Vegas hotels cater to everyone from singles to newlyweds and from retirees to families with young children.” 5. Amsterdam. Have a few extra vacation days to tack onto your long weekend and a penchant for an international getaway? Thriving on the strength of the waterside city’s physical beauty, excellent museums, friendly natives, beautiful tulips and very adult nightlife, Amsterdam hotels can expect to see strong bookings this Memorial Day holiday. UPDATED TUESDAY MAY 16, 2006 ESSENCE FESTIVAL HITS HOUSTON AND WILL BE A SELL OUT...MAKE YOUR PLANS TO BE THERE Essence Festivals, LLC., recently announced that music mogul and pop culture icon Diddy will host Diddy and Friends at the Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival. Additionally, New Edition and Bobby Brown (featuring a rare reunion performance), Jaheim and Chris Brown will also perform at the Festival along with previously announced artists Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Cedric “The Entertainer,” Keyshia Cole, Earth Wind & Fire, Steve Harvey, LL Cool J, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Mo’Nique and Charlie Wilson for the “bigger party with a deeper purpose.” This year’s awe-inspiring celebration is set for July 1, 2, and 3 in Houston, Texas. The theme for the Empowerment Seminars will be “Now or Never! The ESSENCE Call To Action To Secure Our Children,” and will feature Magic Johnson, Jamie Foxx and Shemar Moore. UPDATED FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2006 MIAMI SPRINGFEST RETURNS IN MAY WITH YOUR NEW CELEBRITY HOST: JERMAINE DUPRIS For the past 3 years, the Springfest has been apart of the college spring break experience. The first two years, the spring break festival took place on the islands. Last year, the Springfest moved to Miami and was a huge success. Thousands of college students from all over the country will come together for a 3 day party full of concerts, activities, parties and more. Well guess what? There just ain't no party like a Miami party. This year, the event is being held in downtown Miami once again. The hotels book up fast for this annual event so make sure you book early. The entire event occurs from May 5-7,2006, however the actual Miami Springfest concert takes place on Saturday May 6, 2006 at the Bayfront Park in Miami. You can actually purchase tickets for around $25.00 Artist scheduled to perform include: For more details please click the button on your left that says Miami Springfest UPDATED FRIDAY MARCH 3,2006 IS IT TRUE THAT MANY WOMEN WHO GET INTO RELATIONSHIPS ARE DOING IT FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS......DO THEY REALLY WANT TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP OR DO THEY JUST HATE TO BE SINGLE? A strong opinion offered by frequent board member "Aristotle" _________________________________________________________ "Women do not care about their boyfriends as much as they say they care about their boyfriends. Women love the "idea" of being in a relationship and they hate the "idea" of being single. When women are in a relationship, they exhale. They feel relieved and validated. It's almost sad, but they no longer have to worry so much about their mothers, sisters, female friends, female co-workers, etc., looking at them as if to say "what are you doing wrong?" or "the fact that you can't get a man is an indication that something is wrong with you"... The sad thing is that women are often guilty of judging their worth and the next woman's worth simply by whether or not they are married or at least are with a man who wants to marry her. So this type of societal pressure causes women to dread, if not fear, being single. So the sad truth is that for so many women when it comes to relationships, nearly any man will do, because the most important thing is the relationship, not the man. So most women will settle for less than their ideal man just to be in something that qualifies as a relationship. The interesting thing is that these women are often so pleased to have found a relationship, that they don't even realize the degree to which they've settled... until they meet someone who they think they think has what it takes to be a better boyfriend. Luckily for women, most of them have romanticized their relationship to the point that most men don't have a chance at winning a comparison with a woman's current boyfriend. But unfortuneatley for women, since most of them "settled" for their boyfriend, there will inevitably be men who clearly and quickly remind her of her boyfriend's (hell, sometimes husband's) shortcomings and that there are some "can't live without" things that she is currently living without. Why is it important to establish this? Because it shows just how likely it is that a woman will cheat. It's not nearly as likely as it is that a man will cheat, but it's still way more likely than women will ever admit to. For example, men will be tempted to cheat if there is something "new" about some random girl. Obviously, "new" is pretty easy to satisfy, so men are constantly tempted to cheat... This happens all the time... However, I woman won't necessarily be tempted to cheat unless there's something "better" about some random guy. And by "better", I don't simply mean better looking, or a better dancer, instead I mean all things considered a better man, a better boyfriend in general, a better use of her years here on earth. It is rare that this happens, but when it does... SHE WILL F*CK HIM. It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens. And at a social event like any of the BBW events, the chance of being approached by a someone who has what it takes to make a girl temporarily forget about what's his name, goes up exponentially. To the point, where it's not going out on a limb to say that if she doesn't cheat, it's only because she didn't meet the right dude or she did but her nosey azz girls were around..." Do you agree or disagree with Aristotle? Join us to discuss this an other hot topics on our Black Beach Week discussion board. _______________________________________________________ UPDATED THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2006 BLACK BEACH WEEK NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBER TELLS US WHAT SHE LOVES ABOUT BLACK BEACH WEEK EVENTS Read a letter from just one of very happy subscribers: --------------------------------------------------------- Just wanted to tell you to keep the info coming because your updates keep me and my girls posted on all the hottest events. Every year during Memorial Day weekend we take our annual "sista gurl" trip and since I have been receiving your emails, we have been able to hit the hot spots rather than just taking a little road trip up the street (Houston-I am in San Antonio). We made it to Cancun twice (hott), Miami once (hotter) and we will be headed to Aruba this coming year. We are all grown ass women (30+) who look forward to leaving our careers, kids, and significant others (those tht have one) behind for those 4-5 days and having a good ass time, so keep hooking us up with all the hottest spots and we will keep using you as our personal travel agent (smile)..... Much Love, Ms Ree, representing SA-Town to the fullest... ----------------------------------------------------------- Thanks so much Ms Ree for your comments. If you would like to know about all the hottest black beach party events, then make sure you do 2 things: 1.) You save this website on your favorite's folder and check back once a day because because we update daily. 2.) You subscribe to our weekly Black Beach Week Newsletter where you will get information regarding VIP party passes, discount tickets, hotel choices and relive personal real experiences from all your favorite events from members just like you. Just place your email in the green and white box above and you are good 2 go! UPDATED WEDNESDAY MARCH 1, 2006 THE SUPER SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE ALUMNI CRUISE RETURNS FOR ANOTHER SUPER HUGE EVENT FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND The HBCU Network does it again! We're bringing you the Annual Black College Alumni Getaway; a 5-day, 4-night nostalgic cruise celebrating all that is the Black College Experience. Featuring live hip-hop music,Spoken Word Set, featuring Def Poetry Jam poets,professional Seminars,white linen party,dominoes tournament, beach olympics, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Dating Games "HBCU Idol" Talent Show. This time it's bigger with more activities, more games, more fun, more events, more parties and more everything. You are going to be on cruise that feels like paradise with new friends where everybody will have something in common with you. Calling all alumni and urban professionals.Are you ready for the super cruise event to kick off the summer? Cruise Highlights Include: UPDATED TUESDAY FEBRUARY 28,2006 YOU VOTED B.E.T THE #1 AWARDS SHOW AND PARTY SPOT FOR 2005 SO YOU KNOW THAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS HOW IT'S GOING TO GO DOWN IN 2006 Date: June 23-27,2006 (Actual Award Show Date June 27, 2006) Place: Hollywood, California Now come and celebrate with the pre-party and after parties of all the hottest stars on the planet. Viewership for last year's BET AWARDS show exploded to an amazing 5.7 million viewers, setting a new mark as the #1 telecast ever in BET's 25-year history. This year, it's going to get even bigger. Make sure you join our newsletter for the latest updates. UPDATED MONDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2006 THE SOUL BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO ARUBA ONCE AGAIN FOR MORE MUSIC, MORE FUN, MORE ACTIVITIES AND MORE ACTION The Soul Beach Music Festival, May 24 through May 29, 2006 in Aruba is the event that has everything you want -- great people, warm sun, beautiful beaches, hot parties, and outstanding performances by the best in comedy and soul music. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 Thursday, May 25, 2006 Friday, May 26, 2006 Saturday, May 27, 2006 Sunday, May 28, 2006 UPDATED FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2006 GET READY FOR A LAS VEGAS BOXING SUPER PARTY WEEKEND Who: Floyd Mayweather v.s Zab Judah When: April 7-9,2006 (Actual April 8) Where: Las Vegas, Nevada - Thomas & Mack Center As you already know, the only thing more exciting then watching a fight on TV is being there in person. Be apart of seeing not only a great rivalry but check out all casino action and hot parties that only Las Vegas can offer. On April 8, 2006, Las Vegas will be home of the most anticipated fight of the year and Floyd Mayweather takes on Zab Judah at the Thomas and Arena Tickets for "Sworn Enemies!" - Floyd Mayweather vs. Zab Judah - are priced at $700, $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50 UPDATED TUESDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2006 B.E.T ANNOUNCED SPRING BLING ARTIST IN NEW LOCATION For the first time ever, B.E.T has moves it's legendary event to sunny Haulover Beach, Florida for its signature spring break music special SPRING BLING '06. With this year's theme "GET WET", prepare to get drenched by the hottest performances, fashion shows, and competitions ever to hit one dynamic stage. All shows will be taped on March 24 - 26, 2006 and are guaranteed to blow the sand off the beach! For three days of non-stop fun, experience episodes of Revamp (segments showcasing the hottest dance acts across the country accompanied by live performances); Beach Towel Throwdown (BET's liveliest hip-hop concerts); Freestyle (rap competition with celebrity judges); and Rides, Rims, and Runway (featuring the most tricked out celebrity rides, sexy fashion models and sizzling performances) Artist scheduled to perform include: BET’s Spring Bling has moved to a NEW location, Haulover Beach in Miami, which is roughly 25 minutes from the airport. Haulover Beach has been ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the country. It’s only eight miles north of South Beach. Don’t miss the action. Want free tickets? Then check out the button on your left. UPDATED MONDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2006 N.B.A. ALL STAR IN HOUSTON WAS A SMASH HIT SUCCESS...... HERE IS WHAT YOU SAID. HOTT!!! Is the one word that I can use to describe the All Star weekend! Despite the cold weather, the weeken had so much to offer. The Nelly and Usher party at Hush was so fun. Not only did Nell and Usher grace the place but JD, Diddy, Jim Jones, and whole bunch of others show there faces not counting all the athletes. Me and my girl enjoyed the club even more because guys in Houston have very generous pockets. We didnt pay to get in or for drinks the entire night. The Galeria on Saturday was packed to maximum capacity all day with another A-list of celbrities and ballers. Saturday night was just as fun at Club Visions. We partied with Allen Iverson the entire night. Some how me and my girl end up in VIP without even trying. We a real drink night on Saturday. Once we left the club the party didnt stop there. Some how we end up in a hotel with a long list of NBA players. The only negative thing that I would have to say about the entire weekend is driving around because Houston's highway system is very confusin and traffic was a BEAST!!! Hoston Gets Five Stars for ALL STAR 06!! I am looking forward to Vegas 07!!! -Jerrica ------------------------- My girls and I are from Milwaukee, WI and we all had a ball. We've been to the Cancun Jump-off in Mexico, Black College Reunion in Daytona Beach and to Miami for Labor Day, but none of these places compared to the fun we all had in Houston. We drank, danced, partied and had a good time and were able to meet and greet a lot of celebrities and take pictures with them. This was the best trip ever and we can't wait to go back next year! Mamie ------------------------------- Hey Terrance! I'm just getting back from Houston, TX for the All Star Weekend 2006, where I had a ball the Galleria Mall was the place to be through out the entire weekend. I only made it to the mall and a few clubs. Sunday was the last and the best party. I never had so much fun and party with so many celebrities at once in my life. We party until 5:00 in the morning. Just to name a few because I know that I can't think of everybody I saw that night were: Lil Wayne(Weezy Baby), Nelly & The Lunatics, Jazzy Faze, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Clue, Larry Hughes, Jada Kiss & Styles P, Snoop Dogg, Slim Thug, Them Franchise Boys, Jermaine Dupree, D4L, Little Myles (Moesha little brother), Jaheim and the list goes on. Everybody that I name perform too The club was called Hush the biggest club in Houston. My question to you is would you know the dates for All Star Weekend next year in Vegas? The dates change every year. I'm going to Vegas in April and when I leave I plan on having my hotel and everything booked okay. -------------------------------------- Hello All, My name is Sheila from the "A" town (Atlanta,GA) and I attended the NBA All Star Weekend. 1st and foremost I drove and the drive was long, very long...a 13 hour drive. It was really depressing driving thru New Orleans, very devastating. I arrived in Houston early Thursday morning and had passes to only 3 events which was Allen Iverson Jeans and Stiletto party, NBA Jam Session, and a Yacht party in Kima, TX. There were many other parties I heard about like Puffy, TI, Mary J, other AI parties, and LL but I figured AI's party would be different because I had never seen him in person and in the "A" town, everybody is always here throwing a party so I wanted to see new faces. The Jam session I did not enjoy...at all...it was most likely for kids. I thought I would have seen more NBA players signing autographs but I guess I was wrong. The AI party was pack... so pack everybody could have fit in so he made the right decision on having it at the Grand Plaza Hotel. The only thing I did not like about this party is for 1. They had 2 VIP's which looked like stages they had set up. 2. I seen AI miles away....he was on stage, NOT VIP but another stage on the microphone talking ....for about 15 minutes (I got there around 12:30) which meant he didn't stayed for the whole party...and 3. the worst one of all..... THEY STOPPED SERVING LIQUOR AT 2AM....Not to mention you had to purchase drinking tickets and then stand in a long line at the bar which they only had 2 bars set up with 2 slow bartenders ..and they ran out of Grey Goose. I made sure I got all my drinks up front and it was very disappointing to see other people with tons of tickets in there hands standing in line at the last minute but was unable to get any drinks because 2 o'clock arrived and the bar shut down! That was hilarious. The yacht party on Sunday was the bomb! Out of all events I truly enjoyed myself here. It was given by a female named Aquarius. They had 3 yachts...once we got in the middle of the bay, all 3 boats connected...Ive never seen anything like it. On one boat a DJ played music, (which was the bomb) on the 2nd floor, the 1st floor was a seating area with tables and chairs. The 2nd boat had food and drinks, all you can eat and drink with TOP NOTCH drinks like grey goose, Hen dog, and the margarita's home girl hooked up was the BOMB! The 3rd boat was just a little seating area, very private and secluded. All though there were no celebs on board, I still enjoyed myself because I had a chance to net wort with some real people and it was really a perfect place to have partied... on the water (where Beyonce Knowles parents live). It was packed, but not to crowded which I enjoyed because I hate crowds. Sheia Lewis, Atlanta GA ------------------------------------------- Dear Black Beach Newsletter, I (april) just wanted to respond to your letter about AllStar weekend I was there just for a day and a half and it was wild. I had so much fun, I couldn't get into the clubs because I was to busy trying to get my fit together to go to the clubs but when I did get out about 10:32pm I had a ball just parking lot pimpin we went club to club. I got to catch a glimpse of Koby & his wife he was surrounded by suburbans w/ big african american men, plus houston police dept., I wuz willing to let some bills go to get into those parties I guess I should have just gotten dress a lil earlier or maybe in club restroom (lol) just being there was enough excitement for me, I would like to thank u for everything u r doing by keeping us posted maybe next time we could roll w/u since u got in the clubs, I live in the city where Hurricane Rita acted a fool at Lake Charles, La. So I'm just thankful to be here to catch these diamond studded events, so holla back at me Black Beach reader keep it real ------------------------------------------------------- UPDATED THURSDAY DECEMBER 22, 2005 MEN WHO SELL SEX TO WOMEN? THE UNTOLD STORY OF SEXUAL TOURISM WITH A UNIQUE TWIST Source: Jamaica Gleaner - http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com Article By: Tesi Johnson, Staff Reporter(Jamaica Gleaner Newspaper) ARE YOU a lonely and unhappy woman who desires some good company, or better yet, some good sex? Have you ever considered hiring an escort to wine and dine you, then 'wine' you in whole new way? If you answered in the affirmative to the former question, you might have answered the same to the latter - or not. Regardless, there are women who are willing to pay a man for his attention, love and 'loving', for an hour, a night or more, especially if they are unable to attain it otherwise. Now more than ever, women are aware of their sexuality and realise that they have as much right to sexual pleasure as any man does. Coupled with an increased economic power, women are now very assertive and aggressive in pursuing their desires. They are becoming more sexually liberated, the oldest profession known to for men who wish to offer their 'services' to to include openings for men who wish to offer their 'services' to women. This should not come as a surprise, as Jamaica is no stranger to the notion of heterosexual men in the sex industry. For many years female tourists have been visiting resort towns like Negril to be chased and romanced by the handsome, hard-bodied, well-endowed, sweet-mouthed Jamaican man. How else do you think the term 'Rent-a-Dread' was coined? However, this practice is not limited only to foreigners who seek 'chocolate boyfriends' but also, Jamaican women who are in tune with their desires and willing to actively seek to have them met. In essence, male prostitution is a little different from female prostitution, as being a gigolo is not only about giving sex. Women do not necessarily seek the same things that a man would. Many just want the nice dinner date and good company and may even consider the sex itself an added bonus, if they do go through with that part of the transaction. Besides, the female libido differs from the man's where stimulation is concerned, as it takes a lot more to get going. So a man who is attractive and debonair, who will make her feel sexy and desirable, will be the one being paid for his company. Of course, it goes without saying that he must be versed in the art of giving pleasure; otherwise it would be pointless. A few years ago, a local soap opera touched the issue of women having paid escorts. Two major characters in the drama each had their own 'chapsie' - an attractive and physically fit young man who would fulfill their sexual desires in return for fancy gifts and money. It is said that "art imitates life", so this is a clear indication of how the landscape of the sex industry is changing, as men's and women's roles are being reversed. WHERE ARE THEY? The question then arises, where do these women find such men? If you peruse the classifieds of one of Jamaica's newspapers or tabloids, you just might come across advertisements placed by men who offer 'sensual massages' to women only. As one such 'masseur' explained to Flair, "the massage can be as sensual as you are willing to pay". Hint hint! Though these advertisements are buried among many that advertise girls who give massages to men, if you look hard enough you will find them - they are there. The market is still small, but it is growing. UPDATED THURSDAY DECEMBER 1, 2005 A QUESTION REGARDING BET AWARD TICKETS FOR 2006 Do you have any idea the date the BET Awards will be taking place next year? I had planned on attending the awards this year, but by the time I'd received the update from you all the tickets were pretty much sold out. I would really love to attend the awards next year and Blackbeach always keep me updated on all the black events. I was hoping you new the inside scoop on this 2.) event, please e-mail me back. loyal subscriber, lawanda from Orlando ------------------------------------ ANSWER: BET Awards usually happen on Tuesday in June. I have been told that June 27, 2006 will probably be the show dat As far as getting tickets to the show. Tickets usually sell out in 20 minutes so it is tough to get them unless you get them the exact second they go on sale. Two things you can do regarding buying tickets to the award show: OR UPDATED WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2005 BLACK BEACH BRINGS BACK SPRING BREAK BRAZIL IN MARCH OF 2006 If You Are Looking To Have A Vacation Of A Lifetime And Not Your Average Spring Break, Rio Is The Place For You. It Is Definitely The Most Exotic And Sexiest Spring Break Destination On Earth. Black Beach Week has named Tours Gone Wild as the #1 travel company which specializes in spring break reservations and party packages for participants who want to visit Rio de Janeiro. Call 1-877-456-WILD or 1-305-861-0778 For Instant Travel Reservations To Brazil This beautiful beach is the playground for some of world's sexiest men and women on the planet. The beach is a one mile stretch of pristine white sand beach. It offers a countless array of shops and restaurants as well as a great environment. This is where you will find the party side of the beach, where the music will be blasting and will be full of beautiful young scantily clad bodies. If you want to party like a celebrity, you've certainly come to the right place! Rio de Janeiro's nightlife is one of the best in the world! Whether you are looking for a relaxing bar to have a couple of capirinhas, or want to get decked out and party with Rio's high society, Rio has a scene just for you! Rio's hottest clubs are spread all over the city and have beautiful Brazilian singles waiting to meet you! PLUS ....... Call 1-877-456-WILD or 1-305-861-0778 For Instant Travel Reservations To Brazil and mention Black Beach Week UPDATED MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 ECONOMIC PROFESSOR BREAKS DOWN HOW MUCH MONEY BLACK COLLEGE REUNION DELIVERS TO DAYTONA AND A PROFILE OF THE TYPICAL BLACK COLLEGE REUNION PARTICIPANT Place: Daytona Beach, Florida Date: March 29 - 31, 2006 Mark Soskin, an economics professor from Daytona, did an official study on special events in Daytona and in particular Black College Reunion and here are his official findings: Non-event tourists would have spent $32 million but BCR visitors spent $101 million.(An increase of nearly 70 million extra dollars) For more information regarding Black College Reunion in Daytona Beach, Florida in April, please see the button on your left. UPDATED MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 BLACK BIKE WEEK WILL BRING 350,000 BIKERS FOR THE ENTIRE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND..YOU HAVE TO BE THERE! Date: May 24-29, 2006 Place: Myrtle Beach, SC Here is what you really want to know. How are the women? If you can imagine 175,000 sexy women, in teeny tiny bikinis, "dropp'in it like it's hot" on the back of a bike, then you should have an idea. And What About The Men? Ladies an you imagine 175,000 men on the hottest bikes in the country ready to give YOU a ride? If you love men on bikes and love to have fun, you won't find a larger gathering of professional chocolate men ready to show you how their motor runs. Here Is Just What One Participant Had To Say From Last Year --------------------------------- TESTIMONIAL "We stayed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from Thursday until Tuesday. I went with 3 of my girls and we drove all the way from Massachusetts to go to Myrtle Beach. We had a great time! I have never had so much fun and I have never seen so many fine men in my life! There were people of all kinds there. They estimated on the radio that there were over 300,000 people there. It went smooth and I plan on going back next year. I also met some cool people from all over. I met a rapper from down south by the name of Lil Flip. Never heard of him until I met him. I met people from Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, D.C., Maryland, Jersey, etc. We had the most fun walking down the strip and seeing all the different bikes and people. I am also staying in contact with a guy I might there on my last night of vacation. The weekend overall was a blast and I will definitly do it again!!" For more information please check on the buttons to your left. UPDATED MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 BUILDING THE PERFECT BODY FOR THE BEACH AND THE SECRETS OF GETTING SIX PACKS ABS What good is it to go to a Black Beach Week event, relax on the beach and be too ashamed to to take off your T-shirt or wear that bikini. With spring and summer around the corner, you need to do something about that right now. Each week we will focus on diet, weight, loss, exercise and other fitness topics to make sure that you have the best body on the beach. See details on your left. UPDATED MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 WHERE WILL YOU BE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND? Date: May 24-29, 2006 Decisions...Decisions.... Every year, the selections gets wider and the decisions gets tougher as the #1 travel date approaches. Memorial Day Weekend takes place from May 24-29, 2006 and it promises to become the largest weekend ever for party seekers. Promotors have expanded and they offer a more diversified event selection. Here are just a few to choose from. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter for the latest details on all the hottest events UPDATED MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 ALL ABOUT HEDONISM IN JAMAICA - A REAL LIFE FANTASY ISLAND Whenever I tell people about a special resort in Jamaica called Hedonism, many have heard the the rumors but have often wondered if it were true. There are actually two resorts Hedonism II and Hedonism III Its' a non-stop, flat out party. When you get there, the first thing you notice is the waterfall, the pools, all the food you can eat, all the drinks you get drink, the massauge room.... and all the NEKKED bodies walking around you....( Male and Female) You will be in AWE. They have events every hour of the day that you are there. ... You know whats really funny? The have two sides of the resort.....The have a Prude Side ( for people who want to keep their clothes on) and a Nuuuude Side ( I dont have to explain) If you have clothes on..and go to the Nude Side...security will have you escorted off. Ive seen it happen... ...You have to be fully FREE to go on that side.... And they have this giant whirlpool where....everyone takes their clothes off and ummmm well....you can either soak and relax or get down with whatever.....with PEOPLE WATCHING... When you see if for the first time....you wont believe the freakiness that happens....Sometimes...I have seen 25 people in that pool.....doing OUTRAGEOUS things...I mean... If I had enough time...I could tell you more... For example... I had this one man asking me.....can I get down with his wife????....... ..WHAAAT????..You mean you want me to ....ummm (Your Wife)..... He was like...thats right!....This is why they come three times a year..... Whoaaaaa... Im still can't get use to some of the stuff I saw.... The pool isnt the only thing out there...there are TONS of activities...including *Street Ball* *Volley Ball* *Steam Rooms* And they have their own night club(built in to the resort) where the DJ plays nothing but pulsating Reggae, Dancehall and CRUNK Hip Hop Music..... Its a real life garden of Eden.... It has everything you ever wanted .... Cascading plunge pools, Waterslide, main pool and Jacuzzi, beachfront pool with pool table in the pool and swim-up bar, Jungle bridge connecting the main pool to the beach, Glass bottom Jacuzzi on the roof of the disco, Gaming lounge, Rock climbing wall, Spa, Enclosed air-conditioned fitness center, Sauna and Steam room, computer labs You have to visit Hedonism for once in your life to see just how things would happen on a real life fantasy island Get on our newsletter for more details on special Black Beach Week events planned for Hedonism < UPDATED FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2005 CANCUN TICKETS FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ARE READY TO BE PURCHASED For years, The Cancun Jumpoff has become a staple for mature minded people who want to party on a island where 20,000 participants come together and have fun for 5 full days. Once again its on.. The Cancun 2K5 Jumpoff (May 25-30) is anticipated to be one of the largest Memorial Day weekend celebrations ever. The Cancun Jumpoff is the largest urban event held outside of the United States. With more than 15 thousand expected, rooms on the island won’t last. Last year (2004) over 15 thousand people attended Cancun for the Memorial Day weekend celebration and over 11 thousand people attended Cancun 2K4 Jumpoff events. Each party was littered with celebrities. Lil John, Lebron James, Bone Crusher, Jermain Dupree, Carl Thomas, Drew Gooding, the Cash Money Millionaires, The Prince of New York DJ self and Atlanta’s Super Friends were part of the weekend celebration. With an all-star line-up of DJ’s and personalities slated for this event, the Cancun 2K5 Jumpoff promises to offer more than enough excitement. UPDATED THURSDAY MARCH 31, 2005 NEED TICKETS FOR SPRING BLING 2005? GET YOUR FREE PASS TO THE TAPED SHOW Spring Bling Tickets Free With College ID Advance Spring Bling tickets are available for a limited time via email. Send your full name, city and state. Type "SPRING BLING" in the subject line of your email and send it to Audience106@BET.com A BET representative will respond to you. Ticket Pick-Up Location: Hilton Adams Mark Hotel, Upstairs Lobby, 100 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Fla. Pick-up Schedule: Tickets will be given away at Club Fuel after 9 p.m. Thursday, April 14 - Saturday, April 16. 640 North Grandview Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 UPDATED WEDNESDAY MARCH 30, 2005 SPRING BLING B.E.T. 2005 ANNOUNCEMENT AND LINEUP BET heads back to sunny Daytona Beach, Florida for its signature spring break music special SPRING BLING '05. With this year's theme "GET WET", prepare to get drenched by the hottest performances, fashion shows, and competitions ever to hit one dynamic stage. For three days of non-stop fun, experience episodes of Revamp (segments showcasing the hottest dance acts across the country accompanied by live performances); Beach Towel Throwdown (BET's liveliest hip-hop concerts); Freestyle (rap competition with celebrity judges); and Rides, Rims, and Runway (featuring the most tricked out celebrity rides, sexy fashion models and sizzling performances). All shows will tape April 15-17 and are guaranteed to blow the sand off the beach! The SPRING BLING '05 show tapings are open to the public and will include contests and gift giveaways for event attendees. LOCATION: Daytona Beach, FL -- Ocean Front Band Shell (next to the Hilton Hotel) SHOW HOSTS: AJ & Free, BET's 106 & PARK PERFORMERS: SHOW TAPING SCHEDULE: Friday, April 15 at 1:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m, Saturday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. - Sunday, April 17 at 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets available April 15-17 at the Hilton Daytona Beach/Ocean Walk Village (formerly Adam's Mark Hotel); 100 North Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL UPDATED MONDAY MARCH 28, 2005 THE ESSENCE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL LINEUP FOR THE ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS, LOUSIANA EVENT Place: New Orleans, La Date: July 1-3, 2005 Have you booked your hotel? Have you bought your ticket. This is going to be a sold out event. More Performers are still being added. The scheduled evening performances include: Mainstage Line-up: Please visit the link on your left for more information. UPDATED THURSDAY MARCH 24,2005 CASTING CALLS FOR BET'S "SPRING BLING" IN DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA Are you headed to Daytona Beach for Spring Bling, April 15–17, 2005? Here are three ways to make sure you and your crew are all up in it. Plus, tune in April 28-30 to see yourself on BET. REVAMPED Can you bring it like Ciara to the dance floor? Do you have a 1,2,3,4 step? Prove it. BET is looking for dance teams to compete live on stage at Spring Bling. Show us your skills. Here’s How to Enter: If you are interested in participating in Spring Bling’s “Revamped,” please send an email to revamped@bet.com. We will quickly reply and provide you with the address to overnight a 1-minute VHS performance tape or a 1-minute performance DVD. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 30, 2005. Rules Eligibility ------------------------------------------------- FREESTYLE BATTLE Son, do you have sick flows? Do you have crazy turntable skills? Do you wanna battle? Then step into the ring on the Spring Bling stage in Daytona Beach. Here’s How to Enter: If you are interested in participating in Spring Bling’s “Freestyle Battle,” please send an e-mail to freestyle@bet.com. We will quickly reply and provide with you with the address to overnight a 1-minute VHS tape or DVD showcasing your skills. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 30, 2005. Rules: Eligibility All participants must be 18–30 years of age. Contestants must make their own arrangements to attend Spring Bling in Daytona Beach, Fla. UPDATED SUNDAY MARCH 20, 2005 ONLY A FEW WEEKS LEFT UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF ALL THE SPRING BREAK EVENTS MANY PEOPLE HAVE BOOKED THEIR AIRLINES, RESERVED THEIR HOTELS AND ARE READY TO GO...HAVE YOU? HERE ARE THE 3 MAJOR EVENTS For more information regarding each event, please check out the pages on your left. UPDATED SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2005 CONTROVERSY ERRUPTS AS NAACP FILES INJUNCTION TO HAVE MYRTLE BEACH TO STOP USING ONE WAY TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR BLACK BIKE WEEK Date: May 25 - May 30, 2005 Place: Myrtle Beach, S.C. Source:www.blackpressusa.com Civil rights organization says there is no justification for traffic pattern used only when majority of tourists are African American The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) today asked a U.S. District Court in South Carolina to stop the City of Myrtle Beach from using a restrictive one-way traffic pattern along a major City boulevard over Memorial Day weekend. This is the only weekend each year when the majority of tourists in the City are African American and the only weekend each year when the City implements a restrictive traffic plan requiring all traffic to travel one-way for 60 blocks. Each year, in May, two large motorcycle rallies are held in the Myrtle Beach area. In mid-May, thousands of predominately white motorcyclists and tourists come to Myrtle Beach for an event known as “Harley Week.” A week later, over Memorial Day weekend, a similar number of black tourists attend a similar motorcycle rally in the Myrtle Beach area, known as “Black Bike Week.” The treatment of the tourists for each event is starkly different. The white Harley Week tourists are wholeheartedly welcomed by the Myrtle Beach government, businesses, and community leaders. When the black tourists arrive, restaurants close, hotels implement special policies, and the City restricts travel along the main drag of Myrtle Beach—Ocean Boule-vard, which is converted into an oppressive one-way traffic pattern that restricts traffic with limited exit points. The City’s police department also deploys triple the number of police officers to enforce a one-time “zero tolerance” policy aimed at black tourists. The plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction is the latest court action taken by the Conway (S.C.) Branch of the NAACP and other African American tourists since filing the civil rights lawsuit against the City in 2003. In advance of Memorial Day Weekend in 2005, the motion for preliminary injunction focuses on the traffic pattern along Ocean Boulevard and asks the Court to stop the City from using this restrictive one-way traffic pattern for Memorial Day Weekend. Dennis Hayes, NAACP Interim President & CEO, said: “The NAACP has been fighting for public accommodation laws since the 1930’s and we’re going to continue to fight until we make democracy work for all under our constitution. The Rev. Kenneth Floyd, president, the Conway (S.C.) Branch NAACP, said: “The only thing that we are seeking is equal justice for all people regardless of race, creed or color. Closing the restaurants and certain parts of the streets when the majority of tourists in town are Black is simply wrong. That is racism at its worse and we will not tolerate it.” Angela Ciccolo, NAACP Interim General Council, said, “African American motorcyclists and tourists deserve the same rights accorded all citizens.” According to the memorandum in support of the motion for an injunction, “A number of direct statements made by city officials show that race played an illegal role in the city’s decision to deploy a one-way traffic pattern” during Black Bike Week. Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride testified during his deposition that the city “welcomes” white tourists during Harley Week, and tries to “discourage” the Black Bike Week tourists from visiting. McBride said he does not consider the African American tourists to be law-abiding. He testified: “They want to disregard the law and sit on the tops of their car and smoke dope and drink and do whatever they want to and disregard everything.” In contrast to the Black Bike Week tourists, McBride testified that “when you, you tell a group of white youth to behave or you’re going to jail, for the most part, they behave....” Last year, the NAACP also filed a federal civil rights class action lawsuit against four Myrtle Beach area restaurants accused of discriminating against African American tourists. According to the lawsuit, the restaurants closed Memorial Day weekend when a large number of African-Americans visited Myrtle Beach. UPDATED FRIDAY MARCH 4, 2005 MIAMI SPRINGFEST ANNOUNCES CONFIRMED ACTS Date: April 29 - May 1, 2005 Place: Downtown Miami, Florida A brand new spring break event hits downtown Miami. This is for college students and they are going all out to make it HOT! The third annual Springfest moves from Jamaica to Miami.Purchase your tickets and book your hotel rooms by hitting the button on your left. Here are the confirmed acts so far: UPDATED THURSDAY MARCH 3, 2005 THE B.E.T SPRING BLING WILL ONCE AGAIN RETURN TO BLACK COLLEGE REUNION IN DAYTONA UNDER THE BANDSHELL Date: April 15-17, 2005 Place: Daytona Beach, Florida Last year, B.E.T's annual "Spring Bling" event took place in a different location in Daytona at a nearby park. This year, the taped concerts and activities will make a return trip to the staged bandshell right behind the Ocean Walk Resort Hotel.(Thank Goodness) BET’s SPRING BLING blows the sand off the beach with its whirlwind of hip-hop performances from some of the biggest names in the music industry during spring break. Episodes of Rip the Runway (fashion shows highlighting the best in beachwear accompanied by live performances); Step Off (college step show competition with celebrity judges); Beach Towel Throwdown (BET’s livest hip-hop concerts); and Freestyle (rap competition with celebrity judges). Make sure you join our newsletter for special BET tickets. UPDATED WEDNESDAY MARCH 2, 2005 ECONOMIC PROFESSOR BREAKS DOWN HOW MUCH MONEY BLACK COLLEGE REUNION DELIVERS TO DAYTONA AND A PROFILE OF THE TYPICAL BLACK COLLEGE REUNION PARTICIPANT Place: Daytona Beach, Florida Date: April 15 - 17, 2005 Mark Soskin, an economics professor from Daytona, did an official study on special events in Daytona and in particular Black College Reunion and here are his official findings: Non-event tourists would have spent $32 million but BCR visitors spent $101 million.(An increase of nearly 70 million extra dollars) For more information regarding Black College Reunion in Daytona Beach, Florida in April, please see the button on your left. UPDATED MONDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2005 JANET JACKSON REVEALS HER "SECRET" FOR CREATING THOSE LEGENDARY SIX PACK ABS Before you get on the beach, you need to create the body.There are many celebrities who have bodies that many of us wish we could achieve. So which celebrities or entertainers have the best bodies and how can you obtain the same? When it comes to creating the sought after "flat stomach" or "elusive six pack", there is one name that comes to mind. Janet Jackson has been known for her music and entertainment but her third most known attribute has got to be her abs. For the first time, we reveal her exercises she uses to create her legendary waist line. Look on your left for details. UPDATED SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2005 BLACK BIKE WEEK WILL BRING 350,000 BIKERS FOR THE ENTIRE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND..YOU HAVE TO BE THERE! Date: May 25-30, 2005 Place: Myrtle Beach, SC Here is what you really want to know. How are the women? If you can imagine 175,000 sexy women, in teeny tiny bikinis, "dropp'in it like it's hot" on the back of a bike, then you should have an idea. And What About The Men? Ladies an you imagine 175,000 men on the hottest bikes in the country ready to give YOU a ride? If you love men on bikes and love to have fun, you won't find a larger gathering of professional chocolate men ready to show you how their motor runs. Here Is Just What One Participant Had To Say From Last Year --------------------------------- TESTIMONIAL "We stayed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from Thursday until Tuesday. I went with 3 of my girls and we drove all the way from Massachusetts to go to Myrtle Beach. We had a great time! I have never had so much fun and I have never seen so many fine men in my life! There were people of all kinds there. They estimated on the radio that there were over 300,000 people there. It went smooth and I plan on going back next year. I also met some cool people from all over. I met a rapper from down south by the name of Lil Flip. Never heard of him until I met him. I met people from Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, D.C., Maryland, Jersey, etc. We had the most fun walking down the strip and seeing all the different bikes and people. I am also staying in contact with a guy I might there on my last night of vacation. The weekend overall was a blast and I will definitly do it again!!" For more information please check on the buttons to your left. UPDATED FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2005 BUILDING THE PERFECT BODY FOR THE BEACH AND THE SECRETS OF GETTING SIX PACKS ABS What good is it to go to a Black Beach Week event, relax on the beach and be too ashamed to to take off your T-shirt or wear that bikini. With spring and summer around the corner, you need to do something about that right now. Each week we will focus on diet, weight, loss, exercise and other fitness topics to make sure that you have the best body on the beach. See details on your left. UPDATED WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2005 19TH ANNUAL SOUL TRAIN AWARDS TO TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 28,2005 - TICKETS SOLD OUT Place: Los Angeles, Ca Date: February 28, 2005 The 19th Annual Soul Train Music Awards will be videotaped on Monday, February 28 at Paramount Studios and will be broadcast in first run, national syndication on March 12 via Tribune Entertainment Company Distribution. An extraordinary quartet of superstar performers will serve as co-hosts of the 2005 Soul Train Music Awards including tall and talented Motown Records’ superstar Brian McKnight, 2004 American Idol Champion Fantasia Barrino, versatile film and hip-hop music star Nick Cannon, and “The Simple Life” co-star Nicole Richie. Hope you received your tickets because they are sold out. If you are on our exclusive Black Beach Week newsletter, then you got the notice first. UPDATED TUESDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2005 B.E.T AWARDS ARE SET FOR JUNE - ARE YOU READY TO ATTEND THE MOST TALKED ABOUT AWARD SHOW AND AFTER PARTIES? Place: Hollywood, Ca Date: June 27-28, 2005 (show date: June 28) For the past few years, the BET Awards has been rated the #1 award show by African American viewers. There are a number of performances, exciting highlights and if you have watched past shows on BET a number of surprises. What would happen if you could be there in person? What if you see your favorite entertainer on the red carpet? What if you could become one of the few audience members? Don't forget the pre-parties and after-parties. If you want to get into the action and tell your friends about the year you didnt just watch the BET awards on TV but actually attended then you had better get a hotel and a ticket right now. For more details, please click on the left side button labeled BET. UPDATED MONDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2005 NEW SPRING BREAK EVENT - SPRINGFEST 2005 MOVES FROM MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA TO MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA Place: Miami Beach, Florida Date: April 29-May 1, 2005 During the past two years, Radio-One has sponsored a full impact spring break event in Jamaica that brought thousands of college students for a weekend full of concerts from the biggest names in hip hop during spring break weeks. This year they have moved the event to the Miami downtown area. For more information, click the button on your left. UPDATED SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2005 WHERE WILL YOU BE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND? Date: May 25-30, 2005 Decisions...Decisions.... Every year, the selections gets wider and the decisions gets tougher as the #1 travel date approaches. Memorial Day Weekend takes place from May 25-30, 2005 and it promises to become the largest weekend ever for party seekers. Promotors have expanded and they offer a more diversified event selection. Here are just a few to choose from. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter for the latest details on all the hottest events UPDATED FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2005 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOOD GIRLS GO BAD? Place: Hedonism Ladies..... Are you tired of spring break, and the typical events...and want to explore something that caters towards the sexy grown folks.....and best of all.... you want nothing but the SEXIEST exotic island men feeding you grapes while they massauge your feet and have you feeling you just step into the ultimate pleasure zon? Then you have to visit Jamaica Hedonism on May 26-30, 2005 on Memorial Day Weekend. Visualize hot sizzling, muscular bodies moving to the rhythmic sounds of the pulsating dancehall beat, then make it a solid hard reality as hedo III brings you the most exotic and erotic male dancers to tantalize and evoke your inner sensuality -------------------------------- HOT 97 RADIO - VISITS HEDONISM The hot station out of New York brings the sexies ladies and fellas to experience Hedonism NEW YORK style May 19th - 23rd, 2005 ---------------------------------- CELEBRITY BEACH PARTY AT HEDONISM This is actually LORENZO'S Celebrity Birthday Bash June 9-12, 2005 The top athletes, actors and actress and musical artist come and visit Hedonism....... We cant reveal names(privacy issue)...but you see them on TV all the time...and now..they are going to get BUCK!! Ok we all agree this is the week to be at Hedonism III. If you want celebrity artist, performances and on over all great looking crowd of Hollywoodites New York’s finest and Miami’s hottest. There will be beach parties, pool parties and disco parties, so come on down summer has never been this good --------------------------------------- GOOD GIRLS GONE BAD PART 2 - FOR LADIES ONLY Want to see more of the sexiest Island Men compete in a Dance Off......You have to see what happens......bring your girls Hedonism July 28th - 31st Jamaican Male Review 2005 ----------------------------------------- GOOD GIRLS GONE BAD PART 3 - FOR LADIES ONLY You remember ..when we brought you the guys from Atlanta to perform at Hedonism "When the emcee opened with the words, 'if you look good, taste good, say hell yeah,' he also made a promise that the all female attendees would see things that they had never seen before. Eager to have their fantasies fulfilled, they responded by pulling their chairs closer to the stage.When he took off the first pieces of clothing, the hands of the women went up, provocatively controlling the muscles in his buttocks, he revealed a candy striped g-string, covering a manhood at least 10 inches long. He chose a timid looking woman from the audience, placed her on the floor and whipped her like a slave, placing his mouth between her jeans clothed legs, sending off a wild frenzy into the small crowd" ugust 24th - 29th Male Review from DC/Philly! UPDATED THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2005 ALL ABOUT HEDONISM IN JAMAICA - A REAL LIFE FANTASY ISLAND Whenever I tell people about a special resort in Jamaica called Hedonism, many have heard the the rumors but have often wondered if it were true. There are actually two resorts Hedonism II and Hedonism III Its' a non-stop, flat out party. When you get there, the first thing you notice is the waterfall, the pools, all the food you can eat, all the drinks you get drink, the massauge room.... and all the NEKKED bodies walking around you....( Male and Female) You will be in AWE. They have events every hour of the day that you are there. ... You know whats really funny? The have two sides of the resort.....The have a Prude Side ( for people who want to keep their clothes on) and a Nuuuude Side ( I dont have to explain) If you have clothes on..and go to the Nude Side...security will have you escorted off. Ive seen it happen... ...You have to be fully FREE to go on that side.... And they have this giant whirlpool where....everyone takes their clothes off and ummmm well....you can either soak and relax or get down with whatever.....with PEOPLE WATCHING... When you see if for the first time....you wont believe the freakiness that happens....Sometimes...I have seen 25 people in that pool.....doing OUTRAGEOUS things...I mean... If I had enough time...I could tell you more... For example... I had this one man asking me.....can I get down with his wife????....... ..WHAAAT????..You mean you want me to ....ummm (Your Wife)..... He was like...thats right!....This is why they come three times a year..... Whoaaaaa... Im still can't get use to some of the stuff I saw.... The pool isnt the only thing out there...there are TONS of activities...including *Street Ball* *Volley Ball* *Steam Rooms* And they have their own night club(built in to the resort) where the DJ plays nothing but pulsating Reggae, Dancehall and CRUNK Hip Hop Music..... Its a real life garden of Eden.... It has everything you ever wanted .... Cascading plunge pools, Waterslide, main pool and Jacuzzi, beachfront pool with pool table in the pool and swim-up bar, Jungle bridge connecting the main pool to the beach, Glass bottom Jacuzzi on the roof of the disco, Gaming lounge, Rock climbing wall, Spa, Enclosed air-conditioned fitness center, Sauna and Steam room, computer labs You have to visit Hedonism for once in your life to see just how things would happen on a real life fantasy island Get on our newsletter for more details on special Black Beach Week events planned for Hedonism UPDATED WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2005 THE CANCUN JUMPOFF IS SET TO GET HOT THIS YEAR. HERE ARE JUST A FEW TESTIMONIALS FROM LAST YEAR Date: May 25-30, 2005 Place: Cancun, Mexico TESTIMONIAL #1 The word indescribeable comes to mind as I reminisce on the past weekend.Never has a Memorial weekend been ever so pleasurable. I feel as if I had been plugged into the Matrix which consisted of sizzling hot days and even hotter nights. It is apparent that the sun does not need to shine over Mexico for it to be blazing hot. Even though I did not make it to all the events the parties at The City were just off the hook. The City on such a grand scale should be dubbed "The Emerald City". There I met Mario Winans, Juvenile and Kid Capri who all were cool. To my surprise sitting in Johnny Rockets was Anthony Hamilton who was just the coolest brother you would have want to sit and chat with. Most of my beautiful Ebony Kings and Queens did the thang right with all the fashion statements made in Mexico. Nevertheless there were some big disappointments by some of my sistas in there " stank you very much" outfits. But all in all it was a ball. Not to fear but we trucked back on down to the strip out front of Dady'Os and The City where we partied like it was 1999. Hopefully next year, I will make it on to the Hip Hop Booz Cruise until then be good. Portia ------------------------------------------------ TESTIMONIAL #2 What's up! This is Big Mike reppin Irvington, NJ. I jus got back from Cancun. That shi* was wild as hell. I did Miami South Beach twice in 99 and 03. They were both off da hook. Da booze cruise (CANCUN JUMPOFF 2004) was crazy at Fat Tuesdays. After we hit da island where da cruise went 2, chicks jus came all out their shi*!! Slices and Dady-O's were off da hook 2. At Dady-O's, $15 4 a wrist band and all u can drink!!! My last night in Cancun was Monday night. With dat band I had about $200 worth of drinks, not 2 mention, i bought down a few bottles of everclear and 151. I stayed at Casa Magna at da Marriot. My hotel was off da chain all weekend. Not dat I'm braggin but, I had a female jumpoff everynite i was there from Thursday 2 Monday nite. I'm definitely there next year. NO DOUBT! DA ONLY THING I WASN'T FEELIN WAS DAT PESO SHI*!! CABBIES AND VENDORS WERE REALLY TRYIN 2 GET OVER ON US. But i'm glad i went. --------------------------------------------------- TESTIMONIAL #3 My first time and not my last!!!!It was off the HOOK!!!Started with free drinks on my connecting flight to Mexico and it was all up hill from there. Partyed at Slices and Dady O's and it was off the CHAIN!!! Called my agent already to book for next year. Omar and his peeps made us feel like stars!!! Besides us stars, Lebron James showed and we actually saw him up close, Jermain Dupri was on the mike and turntables Sunday at Dady O's. Little Jon showed up Sunday and saw BoneCrusher at the airport on Monday w/Little Jon. UPDATED MONDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2005 10 DAYS BEFORE BLACK BIKE WEEK - HERE ARE 10 TIPS YOU MIGHT WANT TO FOLLOW Date: May 25-30, 2005 Place: Myrtle Beach, SC Here is a funny post ..that came from a discussion board member nicknamed "Big Nasty" In preparation of bike week this year, my personal trainer has given me a strict regiment for the next 10 days. I am going to share this information so that others may also benefit from being mentally, physically and spiritually ready for Memorial Day Weekend. May 15 - May 20: 1) Drink 1.5 - 2 gallons of water a day. Flush the kidneys preparing for upcoming toxens 2) Eliminate all white carbs (potatoes, pasta, white bread) 3) Replace white carbs with protien (chicken, fish, turkey, protien bars & shakes) Carb Depletion will help you rest up 4) Get 12 consectutive hours of sleep per day Don't plan on sleeping in the hotel 5) Obstain from all se**ual activities (including mas***bation)Fellas you don't want to come back with the BDR (Bad D*ck Report) May 21- May 23: 6) Wash all clothes 7) Wash your bike 8) Clean your house 9) Spark an argument with you significant other if applicable - You are more likely to have more fun if you've recently argued with you mate May 24 - Men: 10) Go to the bank and withdrawn $2000-$4500 for the ladies - 65% in large denominations & the rest in small denominations May 24 - Ladies: 10) Throw away any underwear that cannot be classified as "Thong or T-Back or V-String" If any that you were planning to bring would have been classified as "bloomers" please stay at home. Sorry? May 24- ALL if applicable: 11) Make up with your significant other - You don't want to have to worry about what they are at home doing. May 25: Get the hell out of town! Pack LOTION. Ocean water is salty. You will not get any love if you are ashy and glowing in the dark. For all the bruthas packing dem blue diamonds, remember to avoid all greasy food at least 3 days prior to using them. Greasy food will limit "the blue pills" ability to give you those prolonged "MAN-ness" that your looking for. So nothing fried. Fast food options - your best bet is Chick-fil-a. This also holds true for dem "brown diamonds" and the "weekenders". Ya'll can thank me later. UPDATED FRIDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2005 URBAN BEACH WEEK - WHATS IS IT REALLY LIKE? Date: May 25 - May 30, 2005 Place: Miami, Florida (South Beach) As you know ...one of the biggest Black Beach Week Events hit Miami... Urban Beach Week ..is the ultimate Beach Party.... Let me give you a typical breakdown ...on what happens.... You arrive on Thursday....around 12:00 Noon.. You check into your hotel..and you begin to see people already mingling...... Its hot..and so the ladies are out doing some midday shopping at boutique stores for some new shoes to go with that matching bikini that they want to wear during the weekend.... You can see the anticipation for the rest of the weekend is in "EXCITE" mode as people are checking in hotels...and getting their eat on... The road blocks, police and traffic signs are all over the place letting you know that..this is gonna be BIG... You stroll down ocean blvd...finding something to eat....and just enjoy the day......At night its still slightly peaceful...as the bulk of attendees wont arrive until Friday.... The clubs are only charging $20.00 today..so you better enjoy it......you get in the club and its thick as the party begins and the place is bouncing full of "delicious" looking women...and for women..the balla's are very good looking and you have a hard time choosing which one you want...the cash flows like a raging river around the entire town. Outside..there are a few cars going up and down the street.... You seen a few people...have a drink as its getting into the late hours around 3 am in the morning You get back to the hotel....and decide to chill for little bit and hit back friday... Friday.....is when things really start popping...The sun is out...the beach is getting full as you start to stroll down Collins and Washington Ave in South Beach..... You go by Wet Willies...and you are too late...its only 10:00 AM..and the place is already packed...you have to stand in line for 1 hours just to get a seat....so you just kind or watch people go up and down the street. You spot you favorite singer, actor..walking down the street and notice everyone trying to jock for a quick picture....you also notice that there is always 8 or 9 female and male groupies around them for no good reason but just to act like they are part of the singers entourage....but it's cool...everyone is having a good time. You check out the hip hop sounds from every resteraunt.....and then hit the latin clubs for something different..... You notice that the women here are extremlly sexy as if they stepped off a music video... As a matter a fact, you see that their are 3-4 music videos being shot throughout the weekend in smaller areas of the beach..... and the fellas dont half step either.... They have their shirts off....chiseled muscle to the bone..... You see that wierd old man on his bike with his decorated little dog on the handlebars..its part of the fun of watching people.... By now..its 3 pm...and it must be about 50,000 people out now..on all three south beach streets and on the beach...you get handed flyers about different parties every 47 seconds.... There are soooo many events.....you dont know which one is the HOTTEST ones...so you just kind of save a few of them for later.... You then watch the hottest rides go up and down the streets......there are so many fantasy cars that an ordinary Lexus car might as well be a bicycle ..because people come with cars you didnt even know existed .... Friday Night..you trying to decide.what club should you try out? .if you want to see RKelly, Nelly, PDiddy, JD, Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson..they all have different avenues where they will perform and mingle..... Get to the club before 10 pm...because the lines will be long...and they like to double charge you after 11 pm.... You notice that some of the sexiest women can usually get in for a small amount of change.and sometimes FREE..if ..they have the small tight top, tight pants and the pumps.... Fellas pay FULL price...being a male sucks at this time... The streets are alive with people...as the clubs are crammed full and people are out eating, roaming the streets....shopping...and everything else.....you get your club on, mingle on .....and go back to the room.... Saturday and Sunday...all three streets are packed......you cant hardly get to South Beach anymore if you drive from Miami..because the roads are THICK...and the atmosphere is ELECTRIC.... By night time...the rumble of that many people in one area begins to reach a fever pitch Urban Beach Week is in the 5th gear with peddle all the way to the floor. You now have 350,000 people on the streets...you can barely squeeze by people as you hit the vendor area, fashion shows, bikini shows...basketball tournament, food places, outdoor clubs, BIGSCREEN outdoor TV sets.... Its three times bigger than the superbowl YOU LOVE IT...so much to do and see...you now why this is the #1 place and event in the country.....Your Saturday and Sunday nights ...will always pale in comparison to whats happening..this weekend..... Once Monday ..things go back to some sort of laid back setting..as people just start leaving and the crowd becomes more family friendly for Memorial Day Monday... You cant wait to tell others about your experience with pictures and videos. You make plans to come back next year. UPDATED FRIDAY JANUARY 14, 2005 BATTLE OF THE BAND III TO TAKE PLACE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH Place: Atlanta, Georgia Date: January 28-29, 2005 Weekend (Actual Event: Sat, Jan. 29) While most colleges have halftime shows with marching bands...Historically Black Colleges and Universities have halftime shows that rival the game itself. In fact, most people will tell you they come to watch the bands more than anything else.. When the halftime show is ready, no one takes a break, no one goes to get popcorn, no one goes to get a soda. All eyes are on the field for some of the most electrofying displays of showmanship, sparkle, music and serious competitiveness in the country. As this year's college football season begins, the highly-anticipated Honda Battle of the Bands program also kicks into high gear. This isn't a football game anymore. This is serious. This for bragging rights on seeing who has the best showstopping college or university marching band in the world. For the third consecutive year, 41 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will participate in this one-of-a-kind program that highlights the historic spirit, pageantry and showmanship of the HBCU marching bands. UPDATED WEDNESDAY JANUARY 5, 2005 NEW EVENT FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND? TRY THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SOUL FESTIVAL Soul festival begins Memorial Day Weekend Here is what one female reader had to say I went to Puerto Plata Dominican Republic last year for Memorial Day weekend. It was off the hook. The average age was 25-35. These all ALL working, professional individuals. There are no butt naked contests, or strip shows. Just lots of parties, hanging out getting drunk and having fun. You can't be on Parole/Probation to go here, as US Customs will be checking for Passports ONLY. There are concerts, themed parties, shopping trips, parties at the water park. It was off the hook. SO ladies if you are tired of the ol'snatch and grab by the fellas; this is where you want to be. Fellas, if you are looking for a woman with good credit, and a career; this is where you want to be. There is no White T wearing, thugged out characters on this trip. The hotel that hosts the weekend is called the Sun Village, and packages are approx $1,000. Its all inclusive, air, hotel, transfers, all liquor, all food for 5 days straight. UPDATED TUESDAY JANUARY 4, 2005 GET EXCITED FOR 2005! HERE ARE JUST A FEW COMMENTS FROM PARTICPANTS WHO ATTENDED SOME OF LAST YEAR'S BLACK BEACH EVENTSM Now I went to Miami for the Memorial Day Weekend, and I must say it was off the chain. I stayed at the Royal Palm on Collins. I really didn't have to go anywhere because the party and people was staking in and on the front of our hotel. It was tight, and I mean it turned out to be so fun and I just love it when a lot of different cultures can come together and have a nice time and not act a fool. I seen people from Busta Rhynes, Webster (I know right), Alabesee from "Oz", Foxy Brown in her Lamborghini, AJ from 106 and Park (oops, use to be on there), Chingy, Frederick from Making the Band and many more. I mean it was crazy. And oh yeah, it was fine brothas out there, but the only thing I had a problem with was where was the TALL brothas at? Oh yeah, it was most definitely a shortage on that, but that's cool. Will I return there next year....OH HELL YEAH! and at the same hotel. Shouts out to the Royal Palm on 15th and Collins. Peace Out my people. ------------------------------------------------ The word indescribable comes to mind as I reminisce on the past weekend. Never has a Memorial weekend been ever so pleasurable. I feel as if I had been plugged into the Matrix which consisted of sizzling hot days and even hotter nights. It is apparent that the sun does not need to shine over Mexico for it to be blazing hot. Even though I did not make it to all the events the parties at The City were just off the hook. The City on such a grand scale should be dubbed "The Emerald City". There I met Mario Winans, Juvenile and Kid Capri who all were cool. To my surprise sitting in Johnny Rockets was Anthony Hamilton who was just the coolest brother you would have want to sit and chat with. Most of my beautiful Ebony Kings and Queens did the thang right with all the fashion statements made in Mexico. Nevertheless there were some big disappointments by some of my sistas in there " stank you very much" outfits. But all in all it was a ball. My last and final statement, the hip hop booz cruise or should I say lack there off. My girls and I never made it on the boat due to our fellow brethren looting the store and breaking things. My amigos at Fat Tuesday's had to call the Policia to come and break it up, thereby sending the rest of us waiting in line with anticipation off to another jump off location or back to our hotels. Not to fear but we trucked back on down to the strip out front of Dady'Os and The City where we partied like it was 1999. Hopefully next year, I will make it on to the Hip Hop Booz Cruise until then be good. ---------------------------------------------------------- What's up! This is Big Mike reppin Irvington, NJ. I jus got back from Cancun. That shi* was wild as hell. I did Miami South Beach twice in 99 and 03. They were both off da hook but after experiencing Cancun this weekend, If i go back 2 Miami, I'll be takin a step back. Da booze cruise (CANCUN JUMPOFF 2004) was crazy at Fat Tuesdays. After we hit da island where da cruise went 2, chicks jus came all out their shi*!! Slices and Dady-O's were off da hook 2. At Dady-O's, $15 4 a wrist band and all u can drink!!! My last night in Cancun was Monday night. With dat band I had about $200 worth of drinks, not 2 mention, i bought down a few bottles of everclear and 151. I stayed at Casa Magna at da Marriot. My hotel was off da chain all weekend. Not dat I'm braggin but, I had a female jumpoff everynite i was there from Thursday 2 Monday nite. I'm definitely there next year. --------------------------------------------- My first time and not my last!!!!It was off the HOOK!!!Started with free drinks on my connecting flight to Mexico and it was all up hill from there. Partyed at Slices and Dady O's and it was off the CHAIN!!! Called my agent already to book for next year. Omar and his peeps made us feel like stars!!! Besides us stars, Lebron James showed and we actually saw him up close, Jermain Dupri was on the mike and turntables Sunday at Dady O's. Little Jon showed up Sunday and saw BoneCrusher at the airport on Monday w/Little Jon. THE BEST VACATION I HAD IN A LONG TIME! UPDATED MONDAY JANUARY 3, 2005 BLACK BEACH WEEK FLASHBACK: THE DEATH OF FREAKNIK For many years, especially during the late 80's and early 90's, the Freaknik was considered THE hot spot that many either heard about or was frequently visited to by the hundreds of thousands of black college students (and others) every April. For many of those years, it lived up to it's name. It was Freak-Nik!!! There were the wild parties on the street, the dancing, the picture taking and of course the freaking. In fact so many came in 1992, Atlanta was almost shut down. It became an event that heard about through out the world as it was the home of CNN news. In an effort to tone down some of Freaknik ways, there were numerous attempts to change the nature of the event. They tried to change the name(Black Cultural Something or Freedom Festival...and a few others that didn't quite work out). There were even city sponsored job fairs and event organized block parties. It was a good effort..... However...... What the city organizers and others failed to realize was that people didn't come to Freaknik to look for jobs or even take on a political agenda. They came for a wild party. It was as simple as that. Much like the New Orleans Mardi-Gras ( an event that celebrates getting wild every year) People came to get away from school or work and have a great time. But things have changed... drastically. Soon after the Olympics in Atlanta....the event went down hill. The political figures in Atlanta wanted to call a halt to Freaknik. So they established ways to make the event frustrating. Road blocks through out the city made traffic a huge mess. You could not do anything or go anywhere without staying in traffic for hours. Then other events started to pop up. The Black College Reunion in Daytona and the Kappa Beach party in Galveston, Texas were now grabbing many of the Atlanta Freaknik participants. The 1999 Freaknik was considered the worst of all and put the final nail in the coffin. Although Freaknik has been long gone, there are other events that have even surpassed the 250,000 plus numbers that participated in this one spring break event each year. In the 90,s there were only 3 or 4 events which flourished during this period. However, today we have close to 50 events which brings that same party atmosphere. Even with that said, if you ask anyone 25 years or older what event was always the hottest event you had to attend during your college years, FREAKNIK will always remain #1. UPDATED SUNDAY JANUARY 2, 2005 MAKE PREPERATIONS FOR 2005 FOR THE HOTTEST BLACK BEACH WEEK EVENTS Every year, we have brought you some of the hottest events in the world for party participants. In 2005 it's going to get even bigger. We have brand new spring break events including Brazil and Jamaica. We will expand on creating more events for people who love going to music awards shows such as The B.E.T Awards, The Source Awards, Essence, Soul Train, MTV Awards and so many more. You cant leave out the exciting events that take place on the very popular Memorial Day weekend in Miami, Cancun, Dominican Republic and Aruba. Please make sure you tell all your friends about out exclusive 2005 calendar and prepare to have alot of fun in 2005 |