He’s Back: Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E Debuts at #1

By: Ebony L. McCline

It’s been years since I’ve walked into a store to buy an actual album. With internet radio, the shift to buying music online with iTunes, and the fact that music is no longer what it use to be, I just haven’t been excited about “New Music Tuesday” in a very long time, but last week was different. After a long day at the office, I rushed to Target to purchase Chris Brown’s much-anticipated F.A.M.E album. 

As a music lover, it’s quite easy for me to separate the music from the person. For this reason, I was intrigued to see what F.A.M.E had to offer. Prior to the release date, the uproar on Twitter played a huge role in my decision to contribute to Chris’ album sales. The excitement that “Team Breezy” exhibited, somehow had an affect on me; I was in. 

I got in my car, popped in the CD, and I was instantly satisfied. I was already familiar with a number of the tracks, because they were previously released as singles. "Deuces," "No BS," "Yeah 3x," and "Look At Me Now" were already hits in my eyes, but there were a few other ballads that took my heart. In "Up 2 You," he sings about how he’s learned from the mistakes of his past relationships and he won’t mess up the new one. While "All Back," which happens to be my favorite, hits a home run as he sings about wanting a relationship back after a break up; I’m sure a lot of us can relate. F.A.M.E is not just an album filled with sappy love songs; in fact, a majority of the tracks have crazy beats that make you want to stop what you’re doing to dance. 

Whether you want to call it Fans Are My Everything or Forgiving All of My Enemies, F.A.M.E is a must-have. After selling 270,000 copies in its first week, followed by an exceptional performance on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, it’s safe to say that Chris is letting his music speak for itself. 

Azealia Banks: A Breath of Fresh Air

By: Isis Nicole

I’m always anxious to find something musically refreshing. Luckily, Bronx-native Azealia Banks is my most recent addition, quenching my thirst. Her boldness is contagious, her sound is authentic, and her cool, calm demeanor is bad, in a good way. As you know, talented female rappers are hard to find, but there is no doubt that Azealia Banks is a jewel. She makes spitting over tracks sound effortless, delving into multiple genres in just three minutes. How can someone so beautiful be so gangster with lyrics….seriously?! I’m hoping to hear much more from her and other independent label artists. For now, I'm patiently awaiting Azealia's much anticipated debut album on XL Recordings. Goodbye phonies, hello Hip Hop!

Spring Cleaning: Your Trash Can Be Someone’s Treasure

By: Ebony L. McCline

When I was younger, my grandmother and I would clean the house every Sunday. She would wake up super early, turn on some old school R&B, and we would have ourselves a good old time. I cherish those memories now and luckily, those days have followed me into adulthood. I still clean like crazy at least once a week.

So, when people say that it’s time for Spring cleaning, it’s just another week for me. However, for those who need to clear the clutter, it’s that time of year again. A change in the season somehow inspires people to get rid of unwanted items, but while packing up all the things that are no longer any use to you, don’t throw them in the trash, give them away. Remember, one persons trash is another person’s treasure.

There are many options if you're trying to give your belongings a new home. For starters, you could give your old items to someone you know: friends, family, or friends of friends. You could donate the items to the Salvation Army or a local thrift store, and most of the time, you can write the donation off on your taxes. Lastly, you could trade your old clothing for cash at places like Plato’s Closet.

So, within these upcoming weeks, find some time to enlist some help, turn on your favorite music, and kill two birds with one stone: a clean start plus some bonding time!

Naturally Beautiful

By: Isis Nicole

At the start of the semester, I typically take part in the business of "creamy crack and tracks." It’s just a guilty pleasure, perm and weave! To be completely honest, this choice is not a need, it is a want. I want to manage my hair and remain fabulous. It’s so hard not to use it when all you have to do is unwrap your hair and go. However, I do make a turnaround come early signs of Spring. The weather is less harsh, the mood is just right, and my hair deserves to be free. With that said, I thought it would be a great idea to share three of my favorite blogs dedicated to natural hair and beauty. Here, you can find ways to create natural hairstyles for those moments when you just want to be you. 

Afroniquely You 

If natural hair were a religion, Afroniquely You would be its sacred manual.  Admirable for its enthusiasm on natural hair, this is the one-stop shop for encouragement on what makes women of color unique. Funky or fierce, Afroniquely You is quite the place to learn more about the progression of natural hair of any texture. You can even learn how to turn a head or two. 

AfroBella 

If you have questions that need to be answered, Afrobella is where you should go. Even  if you happen to be more advanced in your natural hair experience, this can be good for you, too. It’s the place you want to go to stay on top of new styles and hair products. Don’t be afraid to experiment! 

Black Girl With Long Hair

Black Girl With Long Hair is pretty much as straight forward as its title. Open to black, Latina and multi-racial women who embrace natural hair, this is one of the most appealing websites for natural hair photos and interviews! I also love their commitment to discussing various realities of natural hair and the interaction with readers. 

The Appeal of St. Patty’s Day!

By: Ebony L. McCline

You would have to be living underneath a rock if you have not realized that today is St. Patrick’s Day. For most people, it means wearing green, being proud to be Irish and everyone’s favorite part, drinking! While this holiday is celebrated nationwide with parades, I would go out on a limb to say that most people who celebrate it, have the slightest clue about it's history.

In Chicago, there’s a parade each year, tons of people wear green and the Chicago River is dyed green just for the fun of it (I wonder how they get it back to it’s original color). This year, in particular, is even more special considering the above average temperatures we are experiencing in the area. In Chicago, warm weather is it’s own reason to celebrate! 

St. Patty’s Day’s popularity is even more surprising, especially when you consider at least half of the people who celebrate it don't have an ounce of Irish blood in their systems. However, I guess you get a pass if you know someone who’s Irish, right? I’m sure that’s a good enough reason for anyone to have an excuse to drink, in public at that! 

It seems that this is the one holiday that brings all ethnicities, all ages and all religions together through a common love for celebrating. For one day, we can all party in one place, hopefully in peace, and have fun! 

Oh yeah, the Irish holiday is celebrated on March 17 and is considered a religious feast day. Irish families attend church, wear green, dance, drink and feast. 

A Reality Check: Some Entertainers Bringing in More Cash Than Teachers

By: Songine' Clarke

In elementary school, I remember reading an article about the millions of dollars celebrities and professional athletes make each year. All I could think was: if I could dribble or throw a ball or make one hit record, I could make a million dollars, instantly becoming successful.  

Ironically, that same day, I was in my fourth grade class with one of my favorite teachers, who happens to still be my favorite, but somehow, it never crossed my mind how much he was getting paid for changing children’s futures in a great way. 

According to Forbes.com, Lady Gaga will make $100 million in 2011, which is unfortunately a salary that a teacher probably will never see. According to the Chicago Public Schools website, with a bachelor’s degree, the starting salary for a teacher is $50,577. Of course, when you think about it, celebrities and entertainers get their money from their supporters and endorsements, whereas teachers get their money from the state. Unfortunately, this is a reality check and quite often, it’s something that we tend not to think about. Why are teachers, who are in many ways responsible for creating doctors, lawyers, entertainers, and some athletes, making significantly less than the people we adore so much? 

Welcome to the March/April 2011 GMO Blog!

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Welcome to the March/April 2011 issue of GlossMagazineOnline.com! It's Spring time, when things are fresh and new––just like this issue of the online magazine writtenBY you and FOR you. 

Once again, we thank you for continuing to turn to GMO for the latest news, hot topics, and creative pieces written by young, up-and-coming talents just like you!  So, go ahead and flip through the virtual pages of YOUR online magazine!


In This Issue:

• An Interview with Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas 
• Coverage of Steve Harvey's Disney's Dreamers Academy 
• An Interview with Singer/Actor Terrell Carter 
• She’s Got a Big Ego: Meet Dancer Kimberly Gipson
• Get to Know Cory Hardrict of "Battle: Los Angeles" 
• Why She Won't Commit to You
• A Look at Barbie and Her Influence on Black Women 

and so much more! 

Have Comments on the issue? Leave them below, simple tell us the article you are commenting on and go for it––Get Glossy! 

Video: Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey D. Powell on "The Steve Harvey Morning Show"

Here, Executive Champion Tracey D. Powell tells Disney Dreamers Academy parents, and the listening audience, about the academy. 

The Fourth Annual Disney Dreamers Academy welcomed over 100 high-school students from across the country to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fl.

Video: Raven-Symone at the Disney Dreamers Academy

"Be specific in your dreams. You have to make sure that what you want to do is something that we need in the world." -Raven-Symone 

Video: Gospel Superstar Yolanda Adams on Dreams and the Disney Dreamers Academy

"Just something that one of those people said could make a difference in whether a child says, ‘my dream is not possible’ or ‘I can do this.’ That’s why it was important for me to be here. " -Yolanda Adams, March 6, 2011

TV: It's Just Not the Same

By: Ebony L. McCline

Nowadays, everyone claims to be busy, having crazy schedules that leave minimal time for fun or even sleep. Between work, school, family, and friends, there is little to no time for the simple pleasures, like sitting in front of the TV to watch your favorite show. Most people watch online or record the show to watch at a later date; Hardly anyone has the time to watch an episode when it originally airs. Furthermore, it seems like people are just not watching as much TV, if at all. I’m left wondering if this can be attributed to busy schedules or the lack of quality scripted shows.

It’s no secret that reality TV has taken over the airwaves, as well as most of our lives. If you miss an episode of your favorite one, you most likely avoid any and all conversation regarding that episode until you’ve had time to watch it. Let’s face it, for some odd reason, these shows engulf us, whether it’s by choice or by force. The events that occur in each episode are the topic on the phone, via social networking sites, and at the dinner table. Unfortunately, if you don’t watch a particular show, you tend to feel left out, which might lead to you watching a marathon of a show that you claimed you’d only watch over your dead body.

The question is: are we watching reality TV because more times than not it’s our only option? Gone are the days of quality scripted shows like Fresh Prince, Martin, My Wife & Kids, Cosby Show, A Different World, and One on One. While we have shows like The Game, Are We There Yet, and House of Payne, they pale in comparison to the amount of reality TV shows that exist.

Now, I have no clue what this means for the future of television, but luckily we can relive those shows that we love so much by purchasing DVD box sets or watching reruns online over and over again. Thank you technology!

Dr. Steve Perry at Disney's Dreamers Academy

Dr. Steve Perry, educator, author, motivational speaker and founder of Capital Prep talks about why the Disney Dreamers Academy is so important, as well as misconceptions in education.

New issue of GlossMagazineOnline.com coming soon! 

Fashion Take-Off

By: Songine’ Clarke
   
On the night of March 4, 2011, Columbia College Chicago’s Fashion Elite Modeling Organization (F.E.M.O) held its first fashion show called “Fashion Take-Off”. The sold-out show went well with nine scenes and one performance by Alya James, who sung two songs. There was a mix of both Chicago-based designers and designers who are students at Columbia, as well. Boyett by Terrell Golston (Jewelry by Sabrina), YELL by Danyell Hopson and Bianca Ashley, Star Studded by Mickey Ellis, Lashe’ Boutique by Lasheena Marand, Columbia Student Collection by Shelby, Halley, and Nina, Styling by BET Stylist Sam Desalu, Adnanam Femme by Maranda Gresham, Fame and Fortune by Brandon, and Calleea’ Vatein by F.E.M.O’s president Lenese Griffin (Jewelry by Oapre Golden) were all of the show's participants. F.E.M.O is a production and modeling team that puts on various fashion related events at Columbia College Chicago. F.E.M.O also equips aspiring models with the proper tools and training to be successful in the fashion industry.

GlossMagazineOnline at Disney's Dreamers Academy

Steve Harvey welcomed over 100 high school students selected to participate in Disney's Dreamers Academy March 3 - 6, 2011 at Walt Disney World Resort 

Full GMO coverage of the academy is in the March/April issue of GlossMagazineOnline.com 

Check out some extra images from the inspiring event! 

Inside Cinderella's Castle - Dreams do come true!

Welcome Dreamers! 

The Stage is Set!

"Dex" - The Disney Imagineer

THE Castle!

Micky & Tracey 

Mikki Taylor! - Essence Magazine 

GMO in the building!

Steve Harvey welcomes the students!

Tracey D. Powell, Exec. Champion, DDA 

Yolanda Adams stopped by to offer some inspiration! 

Brandon Jacobs, running back of the New Giants with a Disney Dreamer. Photo by Matt Stroshane

Carolina Panthers Running Back DeAngelo Williams with a Dreamer. Photo By Matt Stroshane

  Motivational speaker Jonathan Sprinkles, Karli Harvey, Brandi Harvey, CNN commentator Dr. Steve Perry, Essence Magazine's Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor, gospel singer Yolanda Adams and Essence Communications, Inc. President Michelle Ebanks. Photo by Todd Anderson

The American Idol Experience 

Chef Jeff Henderson gets interviewed by some aspiring journalists.

Actor Chris Massey (Zoey 10) and Tamera Mowry (Sister, Sister) answers Dreamer's questions about the entertainment business. 

A couple fashion designer dreamers share their vision with a beauty & fashion editor icon -- 

Mikki Taylor.

Pose! 

It just so happened to also be ESPN Weekend at Hollywood Studios. Dreamers sat in on a special edition of "Inside the Huddle" - Running Back Edition w/Colin Cowherd, DeAngelo Williams, Brandon Jacobs and LaDainian Tomlinson. 

An aspiring journalist shows us the media package the Jour Dreamers produced during the weekend. 

Dreamers posing in support of Disney Dreamers Academy sponsor Coca-Cola. 

Tracey D. Powell, executive champion, Disney's Dreamers Academy, asks Lawrence Smith, director of finance, Disney Vacation Club, and former Dreamer, 18-year-old Tevyn Cole, owner of "School Me" Clothing, to define success. 

“I want an internationally recognized clothing brand. I want ‘School Me’ to be the next biggest trend. My goal with School Me is to make it cool to be smart,” said Tevyn Cole.  

American Idol Alum Kimberley Locke chats it up with a few Disney Dreamers. 

Little journalist in training. 

Uh oh Glossy Staff, he's coming for our jobs! 

Gas Prices: We'll Keep Complaining, but We'll Keep Paying

 By: Ebony L. McCline

Within the past week, gas prices have risen more than 20 cents in most places nationwide. Now, this isn't a revelation that only I have witnessed, but since it seems to be the topic of almost every conversation that I’ve had lately, it’s only right to address it.

When most people see the rising cost of gas, while passing the local gas station, the immediate reaction is “what in the world is going on?” I highly doubt people delve into the real reason behind us paying more at the pump each week.

The sudden hike is no doubt attributed to the rise of crude oil’s price, which happens to be the highest it’s been in the previous three years. How does more than $100 a barrel sound? Not good!

Of course gas prices are different depending on where you live, but places like California and Hawaii are already on the brink of $4.00 per gallon, while Montana and Wyoming are closer to $3.00 per gallon. Most of us are somewhere in between, but I’m sure we can agree that when $3.00 per gallon seems appealing, something is truly wrong. Whatever it is, I hope it gets fixed soon!

Many driver’s are left complaining, because in reality, what’s the other options? Public transportation? Car pooling? Minimize driving? While these all sound good, for most people, these options aren’t realistic. So, even though we complain, we’ll continue to pay, no matter how high it gets.

Women of Colour in the Media

By: Isis Nicole

"Given the legacy of images created of black women, it is an especially complex task for contemporary black women to define their own image, one that necessarily both incorporates and subverts the stereotypes, myths, facts, and fantasies that have preceded them."- Carla Williams


When it comes to my thoughts on the portrayal of black women in the media, I take a minute to reflect and decide that it all depends on what's in front of me. If I happen to see a program on TV, it just so happens that women of colour usually come off as fierce, self-sufficient, passionate about their careers, and respected. But if I happen to see a video on something like World Star Hip-Hop, those women blatantly hold themselves to two things: sex and money. There’s nothing provocative or groundbreaking about my opinion, but I do think that it’s important to question why, on the subject of media, is there a standard only applicable for two types of coloured women─ the first being the strong, educated, independent who refuses support from anyone that isn’t herself also known as the caretaker. Or the second, being the woman who is a ride-or-die type chick, the idealized female desire who denies her intelligence and dignity in exchange for masculine dominance. I also feel that it’s important to address why so many women accommodate to being possessions of sexual satisfaction without any respect? Don’t get me twisted, there ain’t nothing wrong with feeling sexy, being sexy, and showing off your sexy. Now, I do mean sexy NOT skanky, but what about earning respect? Is this okay? Although my categorizations (self-sufficient versus sexual fantasy) give separate definitions to each type of woman, both encompass a sense of sacrifice of a coloured woman’s mind, body, and soul that is quite sad and lonely. Someone has got to make a difference.