Posts Tagged ‘Atlanta’

Plug Into The Scene: Red Restaurant, Along w/ Ciroc Opens At Phillips Arena!

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

I’ve been hearing about Ciroc’s new restaurant and bar area at the Phillips arena. Brand Ambassador Marc Bolden has been hard at work spreading awareness of the relatively new liquor that sweeping the nation. Rumor has it Ciroc is at nearly 2 million bottles sold, which in the game of spirits is VERY good.

While I haven’t yet had the chance to check out the venue, I’m hearing nothing but great things. ATL Bite life’s blog has in fact checked out the new facility and had this to say:

“..This approximately 10,000 sq ft space that seats about 250 people sits between the 203 and 205 section of arena and is probably the sexiest sports lounge you’ve ever been to.  Not only does it boast a full bar sponsored by Ciroc (with bottle service), a reasonably priced premium menu, and group seating that mirrors the sections you’d find at one of Alex Gidewon’s clubs, the view of the court (or whatever event is going on at the time) is still prime.

I had a chance to sample several items.  On the positive side, the Crispy Chicken Cheese Sliders were very Chick Fil A-ish so I was definitely pleased with those.  The Signature Creamy Mac n’ Cheddar Bites, which was basically fried mac & cheese bites, were very tasty.  The Shrimp and Super Lump Crab Cakes were DELICIOUS!!!  However, on the down side, the Margherita Pizza was just okay.  I’ve definitely had better.  The mixed green salad was kinda blah but whatever.  Finally, The Red Pepper Steak Burger might have been okay had it not been damn near RARE (ya’ll know black folks don’t do raw meat!!!).

Right now, RED is only operating before, during, and shortly after ticketed events.  However, I have it on good authority that they will be opening in the not too distant future just like any other full service restaurant for lunch and dinner on non-event days.  Not sure how that will work though.  I don’t know how many people will just want to grab food at Philips Arean on the average day.  But, hey, I was wrong once before.”

The Atlanta Ciroc market is being led by Brand Ambassador, Marc Bolden (Left) who’s working on many great Ciroc themed events in the city of Atlanta this summer, including some HUGE events he’s planning on having at the new CIROC BAR…. Stay tuned to his Twitter for updates and events @CIROCstarATL as he’s always out and about.

Is a partnership between Levy Restaurants, Philips Arena and CÎROC ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA/ DIAGEO. As of now, will be open on game and event days before, during and after events and will be open up till 2am.  There are 3 other Ciroc bar locations throughout the arena also, 2 on the Hawk Walk and one at the Club level entrance.

Nice restaurant area.

Executive VP of The Blue Flame Agency, Dia Simms speaks on the landmark partnership below.

Consumers turn to our brand when they want to elevate their night with friends and family. We enjoy bringing this ideal to life for our fans nationwide and are confident that Ciroc bar at Red is a great example of this experience.

Something tells that this venue is going to the talk of the town as the Summer kicks into high gear.

Popularity: 1% [?]

ATL Blog: @LudacrisFoundation Teams Up w/ Ryan Cameron For “Four Fathers” Contest!

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Shout out to all the fathers handling their business. And double shouts to Ludacris and the Ludacris Foundation. While the public persona of African-American men is oftentimes projected as deadbeat fathers continues, rapper-turned global brand- Ludacris is teaming up with that damn Ryan Cameron to honor the fathers in the game who are taking care of their children and excelling fatherhood.

Per The Ludacris Foundation website:

Enter The Ludacris Foundation’s Four Fathers Contest for a chance to win two tickets to Ryan Cameron’s 10th Annual Father Daughter Dance, “Tails and Tiaras” on June 17th, 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Georgia Aquarium!

Contest Rules:

* Fathers and daughters will create a video 60 seconds (or less) on the following question: “How has having your
daughter changed your life?”
* Upload the video for your contest entry to the Ludacris Foundation Facebook page.
* Deadline for posting the video to the Twitter and Facebook pages is May 10th.
* All Facebook fans of The Ludacris Foundation will also be able to “like” the videos and comment on the postings. The top 10 fathers with the most “likes”/votes on their video will be entered for a chance to win.
* Judging will be held by The Ludacris Foundation team and voting from Twitter followers and Facebook friends.
* Four winning fathers will be chosen and announced on May 16th.

Contest Eligibility:

* Fathers must have daughters 2 years old or older
* Fathers must reside in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area
* Fathers must submit and star in the video with their daughter
* Fathers will accept responsibility for providing daughters with “dress up” attire and escorting them to the dance
* By entering this contest, you agree to participate in this promotion including, but not limited to uploading the
video to Facebook, Twitter and The Ludacris Foundation website
* If selected, you also agree to participate in any photo opportunities, interviews and press related to this event

[Find out Contests Prizes Here]

Popularity: 1% [?]

Plug Into The Scene: @Itsgabrielleu, @EgyptSaidSo, @Terrencej, @IamSteveHarvey Talk #ThinkLikeAMan!

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

When word spread that Steve Harvey’s New York Time’s Best Seller “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” was being made into a movie it was immediately off-putting. Not that I have anything against the comedian-turned-relationship-guru, I just found his whole brand to be reminiscent of Bill Cosby’s often times contradictory ways.

While the 70-80′s comedian was projecting a “safe” brand filled with matrimony, blah blah blah, other comedians were coming forward to say that Mr. Cosby was quite the opposite of his personal persona. Fast-forward to 2012, and I kind of have the same spidey-sense as it relates to Mr. Harvey. And with that I intially wasn’t buying any advice being offered to ladies on the stress of figuring out the opposite sex, or the concept of “Think.”

However, after garnering an advanced screening of “Think Like A Man,” I have to say that my opinion on the concept of “Think..” is shifting. “Think Like A Man” is an ensemble cast of today’s most prominent black actors. From Gabrielle Union to Micheal Ealy, the well rounded cast was sheer perfection.

Synopsis:

Four men find their love lives shaken up after the women they’re pursuing buy Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Think Like a Man and start taking his advice to heart.

When the men realize they’ve been betrayed by a fellow man, they get together to use the book’s insider information to turn the tables on the women to teach them a lesson.

With Rob Hardy and Will Packer at the helm, “Think Like A Man” is a universal story that is relatable in every walk of life. The search for one’s significant other can be an exhausting search. And this highly anticipated film doesn’t disappoint as it explores love, relationships, dating and finding your “happily ever after.”

Checkout stars from the upcoming film, which hits theaters tomorrow (4/20), on the Atlanta red carpet.Trust me when I say you want to see this film. It’s gets a solid A+.

Props to Saptosa Foster and Phillip Hudson of 135th Street Agency.

And major shouts to the Gyantunplugged cameraman George Sharkness III.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Style Watch: Stylist To The Stars @4KwameWaters, 2012 Is Looking Better Than Ever!

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Fashion styling in Atlanta is as ubiquitous as entertainers. Many claim the title but very few can back it up with any sort of real talent. However one of Atlanta’s rising stars remains immune to all the posers by securing his talent and skill in the business to do some truly fantastic work.

With clients like Lisa Raye, Kandi, Perri “Pebbles” Reid, Macy’s, Bravo, Rachel Roy, Latoya Luckett(Destiny’s Child), Tiny, En Vogue, Essence Magazine, Heed Magazine, JET Magazine,Men’s Book, Hype Hair, Jezebel Magazine, Black Sophisticates Magazine, Rolling Out Magazine, Def Jam, Bad Boy Records, Tru Entertainment, Rebel Star Media, and Warner Bro’s Records, Kwame’s exclusive list keeps him a step above the rest. And now he’s got a new TV show on the horizon, the native New Yorker, by way of Manhattan is about to kick 2012 into high-gear.

Jennifer Brett of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a story last week on her AJC blog:

In case you missed it, the features Kandi as she uses her expertise and those of her “Kandi Factory” team in Atlanta to develop musical talent of a protégés with absolutely no musical experience and gives them the opportunity to shine.

I am so excited that Bravo has given me the opportunity to give ordinary people who love to sing the chance to become up-and-coming stars. Because of the success of the show I’ve decided to open up a full-time artist development facility in my hometown of Atlanta. It’s going to be a great summer! [Source]

With so much on the horizon for the extremely gifted, and humble, fashion-forward stylist to the stars, I find it only fitting to feature him as Gyantunplugged.com’s first “Style Watch” of 2012.

Find Out More On Kwame Waters on his [website]. And be sure to lookout for “The Kandi Factory” filming around ATL this Summer.

Popularity: 1% [?]

ATL Blog: Human Trafficking of Young Girls Inspires #100DaysforBeautiful Campaign!

Sunday, April 1st, 2012

As you all know today is April 1, 2012. Rather than fill up the blog with a bunch of jokes and hoaxes, I figured I would keep it real and honor those who are trying to make this world a better place. We all know that in this country, and much of the world, women are devalued and exploited. If I had a dime for every time I hear of a young girl being raped or sexually assaulted I’d have far too much money in my pockets at the hands of evil.

Atlanta — particularly the worlds busiest international airport, Hartsfield, is a well-known hub for trafficking young women for sex. And thanks to Mo Reily, I can share with you all a fascinating program, which kicks off today.

Per Mo:

Hi Gyant,

I hope this email finds you well. April 1st is fast approaching and that day signifies the kick-off for Living Water for Girls new #100DaysforBeautiful campaign.

On average, over 100 adolescent girls are raped and sexually exploited for money in Georgia on a typical night. Hartsfield International Airport is one of the largest hubs for commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of children & young adults in the U.S. Living Water for Girls’ mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and restore victims of CSE by providing safe refuge and holistic therapeutic services.

Now I know this information is pretty heavy…and possibly shocking – but most certainly deserving of mass media attention. One of the major issues with this epidemic is that it is so hard to reach the African America audience to make them aware and get them involved. Please take the time to read the attached press release.

Living Water for Girls (LWG) is embarking upon a very important journey in only a few days. On April 1st we will launch the 100 Days for Beautiful campaign. The Quest Foundation issued a match grant challenge for $40,000 to fund two critical staffing positions at the LWG home for girls who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. We have a goal of 100 days to match this donation, and we invite you to get involved. With your help, we will obtain our goal.

LWG’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and restore commercially sexually exploited girls by providing safe refuge and holistic
therapeutic services. The road to recovery is often long and difficult for girls who have experienced such horrendous physical and
psychological trauma and abuse. Our program is designed to give each girl a tremendous opportunity for healing and rehabilitation. A
team of professional and licensed staff provides both clinical and practical experience in the treatment and needs of CSE victims.

While we are thankful for federal and state laws that prosecute the perpetrators, we cannot stand by idly resting on the notion that this is
enough. We are bringing awareness to this problem and healing to the victims, as we focus on doing our part to prevent the industry’s
perpetuity. “For those who are rescued/found/arrested, [law] officials often grapple with how to help them. Living Water for Girls
presents law enforcement and officials with another option of how we can help address the critical needs and challenges of these
victimized children,” says Law Enforcement Official, Sgt. Britton.

Living Water for Girls needs your help to save these beautiful girls. Through community awareness and involvement we will not only
raise the funds needed to receive The Quest Foundation’s generous matching grant to keep the LWG home properly staffed, but
together we will have a lasting impact on the lives of young girls and continue our quest to end commercial sexual exploitation of
children.

Go To Living Water For Girls website for more information on how you can get involved.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Do You Know This Gun Totin’ Queen? Corwin C. Pledger Wanted In Salon Shootout [Reward Offered]

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

I don’t think there is anything worse than a hood queen in the game. You all know that GU.com doesn’t typically do Atlanta reality show news!  Though extremely popular in today’s time, the coonery is just too much. And, the lengths people go to be on television is sad to me.  But this recent story was so extremely ghetto that I had to stop (just for a second) and put you all onto this wild story. Get ready to to shake your head.

Per STFA:

Remember the pistol packin’ queen that bumrushed Derek J’s salon last week?

Atlanta police have identified the hairstylist being sought for allegedly shooting a gun into the floor of The J-Spot Buckhead salon last Wednesday as Corwin C. Pledger, 24 and he now faces aggravated assault and terroristic threat charges.

Pledger allegedly got angry when his client, Keyshia Cole’s sister/reality show star Neffeteria Pugh, went to Derek J.’s salon,  to have her hair redone after being unhappy with Pledger’s work.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 404-577-TIPS  (8477). Callers may remain anonymous and may receive a reward of up to $2,000, if they supply information leading to Pledger’s arrest.

Go ahead and collect your coins if you know where Corwin is. Gunshots over a damn bad weave job? My people! SMH.

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Trayvon Martin Screams & Is Heard Being Shot Dead By Neighborhood Watch Captain [Audio]

Friday, March 16th, 2012

The shocking news about teenager Travyon Marin, and his inexcusable execution that occurred last weekend continues to send waves of outrage throughout the black community. Moments ago a 911 tape was released which is very graphic and gives us an insight as to exactly what happened. [LISTEN HERE]

Per Orlando Sentinel:

The recordings were released after Trayvon’s family spent two hours with city officials, listening to the calls that documented the 17-year-old’s last moments alive.

“What you hear on that tape is shocking. It’s riveting,” Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon’s family, said after the group emerged from their meeting with officials late Friday.

Police had previously refused to release the calls. Zimmerman, a 28-year-old neighborhood crime watch volunteer, has not been arrested and is not charged with a crime. He claimed the Feb. 26 shooting was in self defense.

In one of the eight calls, screaming can be heard in the background as a woman tries to get help. That call is punctuated by two gunshots.

“You hear a shot, a clear shot, then you hear a 17-year-old boy begging for his life,” said Natalie Jackson, another family attorney. “Then you hear a second shot.”

It was the first time that anyone said two shots were fired that night.

But police on Friday told the Orlando Sentinel that they believe it was Zimmerman’s screams for help that could be heard on the recording.

Many people are calling for action against this obviously racially motivated crime. I am outraged!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Plug Into The Scene: Seagram’s Gin 2012 Calender Launch w/ @StarFireGroup, @KodakBoi @DeanWrite & More!

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

I’na and stylist to the stars Mychael Night.

Shouts to I’na at The Starfire Group for the invite to Segram’s Gin Calender Launch for 2012. The event, which was held at a new venue around the Atlantic Station area, was to introduce the new calender girl from the longstanding liquor company.

The lucky model’s name is Jennifer Anyl. She was personally styled by Bravo’s own Mychael Knight. And of course, the drinks were off the chain.

Check some imagery below.

[The winner of 2012 Seagram's Gin Calender Launch]

[Taiye and Seagram's Gin Calender model winner]

[Budding Singer/Songwriter Dean Write and myself.]

The homie Kodak from Vibe Vixen and friends.

[Thanks Seagrams Gin and I'na for the drinks.]

Photo Credit: Kee Images Photography

Popularity: 1% [?]

ATL Blog: Dorian Moragne And Christopher Cain Arrested In Gay Attack! [Mug Shots]

Saturday, February 18th, 2012

Two down and two more to go.

Two assailants in the now infamous Atlanta gay bashing attack have been captured. Dorian Moragne, top, turned himself in at 4PM on Friday with his attorney in toe. And Christopher Cain, bottom, was arrested and charged the week before.

Per WSBTV:

Channel 2′s Ryan Young learned family members convinced Moragne to turn himself in. Investigators are currently questioning Moragne in the beating of Brandon White, 20, in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Atlanta.

Moragne’s attorney, Jay Abt, said there is a whole different story behind the beating than what has been told so far.

“We discussed with APD prior to turning himself in that (Moragne) would be given the opportunity to do that, so that public safety, which is obviously the most paramount interest, was preserved, so it doesn’t put Dorian at risk, it doesn’t put anyone in law enforcement at risk, it doesn’t put our community at risk. And really, that’s the most important thing,” Abt said.

Abt said he doesn’t believe his client was involved in saying any of the gay slurs against White during the beating.

I know both these guys aren’t going to try and say their attack had nothing to do with White being gay when they clearly stated “no fags in Jack city,” before opening a can of whoop ass on an unsuspecting gayling.

SMH. You can’t blame them for trying, but they’re both going DOWN.

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Brandon White Speaks On Video Taped Attack! [Video]

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

 

All this week Gyantunplugged.com has been dedicated to putting as much attention on the unforuatate hate crime that took place in Atlanta last weekend. And as promised here is the video for the press conference held yesterday in which the victim, Brandon White, spoke out on the vicious attack.

Popularity: 1% [?]